Double evil in the business district

Chapter 220: Art Exhibition Aftermath: Undercurrents Before the Reform

The bright lights, the guests clinking glasses, the champagne bubbles sparkling in the crystal glasses, all of this was incompatible with Xiao Yue's mood at the moment.

Shen Ting's proposal should have been the brightest star of the night, but after those few whispers in her ear, it was overshadowed.

The call from the family elders was like an invisible rope, pulling her back to reality from the clouds.

The atmosphere in the lounge next to the banquet hall was solemn.

Several family elders sat around the table, their faces showing no joy but rather scrutiny and questioning.

"The art exhibition is well done," a gray-haired elder said slowly, his tone lacking any admiration. "But what comes next is the real test."

Xiao Yue's heart sank as he knew what this so-called "test" referred to - the upcoming restructuring plan of Xiao Enterprises.

She took a deep breath and tried to remain calm: "I understand. I'm ready."

"Prepared?" Another elder sneered, "You're just a little girl who just took over the family affairs. What makes you think you're capable of this? The success of the art exhibition was just luck."

This sentence was like a sharp thorn, piercing Xiao Yue's self-esteem.

She suppressed her anger and said firmly, "Luck? Uncle, every detail of this art exhibition, from the selection of the venue to the invitation of the artists, from the publicity and promotion to the security measures, was personally taken care of, step by step. I admit that I lack experience, but I want Xiao's company to grow and develop more than anyone else. I am willing to give everything!"

"That's nice," the elder who had spoken earlier interrupted her, "but anyone can say those empty words. Reforming the system is no joke. The slightest mistake can lead to total failure. What do you think you're relying on to win over the people?"

"Because my last name is Xiao!" Xiao Yue's voice was resounding, "Because I know better than anyone where the future of the Xiao family lies!"

The atmosphere in the lounge was tense. Xiao Yue's insistence on reasoning did not completely dispel the elders' doubts, but instead aroused stronger opposition.

At this moment, the door of the lounge was pushed open...

Shen Ting pushed the door open and walked in. A chill enveloping his tall figure instantly diluted the tense atmosphere in the room.

He walked straight towards Xiao Yue with a barely perceptible worry in his eyes.

Seeing Xiao Yue's clenched fists and slightly red eyes, he walked to her side, gently held her hand, and whispered in her ear: "Don't be afraid, I'm here." These four short words were like a warm current that injected into Xiao Yue's cold heart.

She looked up at Shen Ting, drawing strength from his deep gaze, and her originally panicked heartbeat gradually calmed down.

"Second uncle, and all the elders, since everyone has doubts about my abilities, why not hold a family meeting so that I can have the opportunity to explain my reform plan in detail to everyone." Xiao Yue's voice no longer trembled, but instead carried an unquestionable firmness.

This sudden action stunned everyone present.

The docile and well-behaved Xiao Yue seemed to have transformed into a powerful female warrior at this moment.

Several elders exchanged glances, their faces filled with surprise.

The uncle, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up: "Hold a family meeting? Are you sure?"

Xiao Yue nodded without hesitation: "Yes, I'm sure. Instead of arguing here, why not lay out all the issues and explain them clearly. I believe my proposal will convince everyone."

Second Uncle snorted coldly: "What a big tone! I want to see if you have what it takes to convince us!"

Shen Ting still held Xiao Yue's hand, giving her silent support.

He knew Xiao Yue's abilities well and believed that she could handle this challenge.

"Then we'll meet in the conference room tomorrow morning at ten o'clock." Xiao Yue's tone was calm, yet filled with unquestionable authority. His gaze swept across every elder present, finally stopping on his second uncle's face. "Second uncle, you must be on time."

The second uncle's face turned pale, and he was about to open his mouth to refute, but the eldest uncle raised his hand to stop him.

"Then it's settled." Uncle said slowly, his eyes flashing with complex light, "I hope you won't let us down."

Xiao Yue raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a confident smile: "No."

She turned to look at Shen Ting, her eyes full of gratitude and determination.

Shen Ting responded with an encouraging smile and gently squeezed her hand.

At this moment, Xiao Yue's cell phone suddenly vibrated. She glanced at the caller ID and her face instantly became serious.

"Manager Chen..." She answered the phone in a low voice, "What did you say? ...I understand. I'll be right there."

Xiao Yue hung up the phone and looked at Shen Ting with a serious expression: "Something happened at the exhibition hall..."

When Xiao Yue arrived at the exhibition hall, a chill hit him, not just the cool night breeze, but also a solemn atmosphere.

Venue Manager Chen's face turned pale. He pointed to an empty booth in the center of the exhibition hall and said tremblingly, "Mr. Xiao, that... that painting 'Starry Sky' by Artist Zhang... is gone!"

"Starry Sky" is the finale of this exhibition and is priceless.

Its theft was undoubtedly a bombshell.

Officer Wang has arrived with his men and is investigating the scene and setting up a cordon.

The whispers around were like a group of buzzing flies, disturbing Xiao Yue and making him feel upset.

"Where is the surveillance?" Xiao Yue asked calmly.

Manager Chen wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "The surveillance... the surveillance is broken."

"Broken?" Xiao Yue keenly noticed something strange. "When did it break?"

"Just...just this afternoon..." Manager Chen's eyes flickered and he didn't dare to look directly at Xiao Yue.

Xiao Yue sneered in his heart, it was obvious that someone did this on purpose!

She took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down.

Now is not the time to blame anyone; the most urgent task is to get "Starry Sky" back.

Shen Ting arrived shortly afterwards, bringing not only comfort but also the powerful resources of the Shen family.

He mobilized his security team to assist the police in their investigation.

At the same time, he also secretly contacted well-known art detectives in the industry, hoping to find clues as soon as possible.

At the family meeting, Xiao Yue displayed an aura that was completely different from that at the art exhibition.

She explained the reform plan in a clear and organized manner, with detailed data and rigorous logic, and every link was carefully considered.

The younger family members expressed their support, their eyes sparkling with longing and hope for the future.

This sudden support caught the conservative family elders off guard. They had originally thought they could easily reject Xiao Yue's plan, but now they had to re-examine this young descendant.

However, the voices of support were not overwhelming.

Most family members are still taking a wait-and-see attitude. They are worried that the restructuring will affect their own interests, and they are also worried that Xiao Yue's youth and inexperience will put the family business in danger.

Xiao Yue was not discouraged. She had already anticipated that this reform would not be smooth sailing.

She decided to start with internal research, gradually advance the reform plan, prove her ability with practical actions, and win the trust of more people.

The research process was more complicated than expected.

Xiao Yue went deep into various departments of the company, communicated with employees face to face, and collected their opinions and suggestions.

She found that employees were full of concerns about the reform. They were afraid of losing their jobs and afraid of changing the status quo.

What shocked Xiao Yue even more was that she found some unusual numbers in the financial statements.

Huge sums of funds flow to unknown destinations, hidden behind complex accounts, like a beast lurking in the dark, which may devour the entire Xiao Group at any time.

She closed the folder gently, and the office was silent, with only her rapid breathing echoing in the air.

"Shen Ting..." She picked up the phone, her voice low and solemn.