Stolen Freedom

The air was heavy with tension in the Yi mansion as the family gathered around the grand dining table. Yi Yong Zheng, sat at the head, his sharp gaze surveying the room. Beside him was his wife, Zhao Lin, ever composed in her elegant silk cheongsam. Yi Chen sat quietly, his expression unreadable, while his older brother, Yi Tai Sun, exuded a self-assured aura. Completing the group were Yi Zi Hao, Yi Ru Xuan, and their aunt, Lei Xian, whose presence always carried an air of quiet authority.

Yi Ru Xuan spoke up, her voice soft but clear. "Father, my flight to Germany is at 10 PM tonight."

Her father, Yi Yong Zheng, added, "Yes, Ru Xuan, remember your family's expectations. Medicine is a noble field. You have our full support."

She turned to her grandfather, Chairman Yi, seated at the far end of the table. "Grandfather, I'll keep you updated on my studies. Please take care of yourself."

The chairman smiled faintly. "Do well, Ru Xuan. The Yi name carries weight, but your success will add to its legacy."

Yi Yong Zheng nodded approvingly. "We're proud of you, Ru Xuan. Make us even prouder."

As the conversation shifted, Yi Yong Zheng cleared his throat. "Father, I've made an important decision regarding the company. "I've decided to propose Tai Sun as the next CEO of Yi Enterprises. He's proven himself capable and has the vision to take our company to greater heights. I will arrange a stakeholders' meeting next week to formalize the decision."

Yi Ru Xuan and Yi Zi Hao congratulated Tai Sun warmly. "Brother, congratulations!"

Tai Sun's chest puffed with pride, his chin slightly raised. He cast a smug glance toward Yi Chen, His expression was smug, his eyes saying, I've won. But when he met Yi Chen's gaze, his confidence wavered.

Yi Chen was smiling—a dangerous, unnerving smile that sent a chill down Tai Sun's spine. Why is he smiling? Shouldn't he be angry? Tai Sun thought, his unease growing.

The tension was broken when Lei Xian abruptly stood up, her chair scraping against the floor.

"Father," she announced, "I'm moving to my villa today."

Yi Yong Zheng's eyes narrowed as he studied his sister. He knew Lei Xian too well; she was never one to act without purpose. What is she planning? What does she want this time?

****

Chairman Yi was resting in his private study, the warm glow of a table lamp illuminating the room. He sat on a plush armchair, sipping his favorite jasmine tea, when a knock interrupted his solitude.

"Come in," he called, expecting one of the staff.

To his surprise, it was Yi Chen. The chairman's brows raised slightly. It was rare for his second grandson to visit him.

"Yi Chen," he said, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "Sit. Is everything alright? Your health?"

Their relationship had always been formal, almost distant. Politeness masked the awkwardness between them.

Yi Chen sat down gracefully, his posture as impeccable as his suit. "Grandfather, I'm fine. I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Chairman Yi leaned forward, intrigued. It wasn't like Yi Chen to ask for favors. "Go on."

After a pause, Yi Chen's calm voice filled the room. "I need a favor from you."

Chairman Yi's eyes widened slightly. "You're asking me for a favor? "

Yi Chen's gaze was steady. "Yes, and it's about the future of our family and the company."

****

Three weeks later, the Yi Enterprises stakeholders' meeting was underway.

The grand conference room buzzed with anticipation. Every stakeholder, major shareholder, and media outlet in the city was present. This was no ordinary meeting; the next CEO of Yi Enterprises would be announced.

Yi Yong Zheng and Tai Sun sat at the head of the table, their confidence evident. The majority of stakeholders had already expressed their support for Tai Sun, making his victory seem inevitable. Across the room, Yi Chen sat silently, his demeanor calm and composed.

The doors opened, and the room fell silent as Chairman Yi entered. Despite his age, his presence commanded respect. With his cane in hand, he walked to the main seat, his old friend and fellow shareholder, Chairman Bai, following closely.

The meeting began with the usual formalities. Stakeholders voiced their support for Tai Sun, praising his capabilities. As the voting progressed, Tai Sun's confidence grew, though he couldn't help but glance at Yi Chen, who remained unsettlingly composed.

Finally, it was time for the two major shareholders—Chairman Yi and Chairman Bai—to cast their votes. The tension in the room was palpable as the file was passed to Chairman Bai, who signed it and handed it to Chairman Yi.

Yi Yong Zheng leaned forward, his voice firm. "Father, you have to vote for Tai Sun. He's the right choice."

Chairman Yi's eyes met his son's, but he said nothing. Instead, he signed the file and passed it back.

The announcer stepped forward, holding the final results. "Ladies and gentlemen, the votes have been tallied. The new CEO of Yi Enterprises, with the backing of the majority shareholders, is… Yi Chen."

The room erupted in shock. Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire.

Yi Yong Zheng shot to his feet. "What? Are you out of your mind? Who voted against Tai Sun?"

The announcer's voice remained steady. "The opposing votes came from Chairman Yi and Chairman Bai."

Stakeholders whispered among themselves. "He voted against his own grandson?" "What does this mean?"

Chairman Yi stood, his voice cutting through the noise. "As the founder of this company, my duty is to its future, not personal favoritism. After careful consideration, I believe Yi Chen is the most suitable candidate to lead Yi Enterprises."

All eyes turned to Yi Chen, who finally stood. His expression remained composed, though a faint smirk played on his lips as he glanced at Tai Sun.

Tai Sun's face turned red with anger. He clenched his fists under the table, his nails digging into his palms. Unable to contain himself, he stormed out of the room, ignoring his father's calls.

Chairman Yi addressed the media. "The official announcement will be made soon. For now, let it be known that Yi Chen will lead Yi Enterprises into the future."

Reporters bombarded Yi Chen with questions, but he maintained his calm demeanor. "I'll answer your questions at the appropriate time," he said, before leaving the room with Chairman Yi and his assistant.