Standing Next To You-Chapter 322: Sitting among the tigers

Inside the presidential floor of the twenty-story building, a solemn meeting was taking place.

All the core members of the company, from the directors to the shareholders, sat around the conference table. Their bearing was outstanding. It was evident from their aura that they had been experts in this industry for a long time.

However, amidst this middle-aged group was a young man who was still wearing his high school uniform shirt under his business coat. His young face looked out of place. It seemed as if someone had brought their son to witness a meeting between adults.

But despite being the youngest in the room, he did not look awkward or uncomfortable. His composed appearance made the middle-aged men around him think twice about him. He made it seem as if he were sitting among his peers.

The vice-chairman stood at the front and presented detailed reports through a PowerPoint. When he finished, everyone in the room applauded.

The chairman in the center nodded. Then he turned to the person on his right. "Mr. Fei, what do you think of our proposal?"

Everyone’s eyes turned to the young man who could be their own son.

Despite his age, no one dared to look down on him. He was, after all, the representative of the biggest shareholder in the company. Although they didn’t understand why a young man appeared in this place or why that person chose him as his representative, they still maintained their politeness.

"There is a possibility that my client might agree with this," Fei Chuan said.

The chairman understood the hint in his words. "...Possibility? How much are you talking?"

"...About 49 percent."

The chairman: "...."

This kid... was stingy.

"Then what can we do to achieve 100 percent approval from Mr. James?"

The chairman’s question caused everyone to take a deep breath.

Why was the chairman asking such an important matter from the kid? What does the kid know?

Although these people did not dare to belittle Fei Chuan because of the person behind him, they still had doubts about whether he had the ability to attend this meeting.

"Mr. Chairman, should we ask for another meeting with Mr. James?" one of the directors suggested.

It was better to postpone this matter and ask the big person personally than putting such a huge decision on this kid.

But Mr. Chairman gave him a warning glare.

"Mr. James sent him as his representative. His words are Mr. James’s words."

"My words are not necessarily his. However, my client has given me the power to make a decision on his behalf." Fei Chuan wasn’t offended by the doubts thrown at him. He faced their hesitant gazes with confidence. "The only way for my client to invest in this proposal is to have me work on this project. I see a huge potential in it. I hope I can work together with you." frёeweɓηovel.coɱ

Everyone fell silent at his words.

Work with a high schooler? What could he do besides printing papers and fetching coffee?

"What do you mean exactly by working with us? Do you mean you want to be on-site while the project is ongoing?"

Fei Chuan looked at them, a bit of impatience showing on his brow. "Let me clarify. My client will agree only if I take charge of this project."

Their eyes widened at Fei Chuan’s answer.

The shareholders looked at each other and saw the obvious doubts in their eyes.

"Mr. Fei, we don’t want to judge you because you are young. But we have dedicated experts in this field. Every one of them has more experience than you. The leader of this project, Mr. Zhiang, has been in the industry for three decades. I am pretty sure we can rely on him more than you."

The other shareholders nodded and expressed their agreement as well.

What can a high schooler do? If he takes charge, he might ruin this project instead.

Fei Chuan turned to the chairman, who remained silent. "Is Mr. Zhiang here? Since he is in charge of the project, I would like to speak with him."

There was no point in listening to their doubts. Fei Chuan only wanted one person’s opinion in this meeting.

The chairman was surprisingly amenable and called Mr. Zhiang in.

A meek man in his mid forties entered. Suddenly being in a room of businessmen with imposing auras, Mr. Zhiang, who was always in his lab, found it difficult to stand.

"I saw the software project you developed. I have plenty of ideas to add to the programming. I believe that by working together, we can create a new era."

Mr. Zhiang was stunned by the young man who was seated among the tigers. He was speechless for a moment.

Fei Chuan thought Mr. Zhiang was contemplating. He glanced at his watch. He had no time for this.

He took a flash drive from his pocket and handed it to Mr. Zhiang. "Some of my work is here. They are just simple drafts, but they will give you an idea of how I work. You can take your time. I hope you make a good decision."

Mr. Zhiang bowed respectfully, but then he paused. Why was he bowing to someone who was almost thirty years younger than him?

Fei Chuan’s suggestion of giving time and handing the decision to Mr. Zhiang, the expert, softened everyone’s stance, especially the shareholders. They would be the investors in this project, so having an expert verify the ability of this young man relieved them a lot.

The meeting was dismissed, and everyone started to leave the conference room. Just as Fei Chuan was about to exit, the chairman spoke to him.

"Mr. Fei, may I have a word with you?"

The people who hadn’t left the room yet paused in their tracks.

The chairman was always busy, and they only saw him once a month during meetings. When the chairman invited someone to talk, it typically meant a crucial task or an important event was involved. Either way, it was a sign of favor from the chairman.

The directors looked at Fei Chuan with envy. Such a fortunate young man. He had immediately caught the chairman’s favor.

"How long will it take?"

Fei Chuan’s question stunned everyone, including the chairman.

The chairman, who was accustomed to receiving a swift ’Yes,’ did not expect such a response.

"...About an hour, maybe."

An hour?!

The directors looked at each other in shock. A brief conversation usually included a short praise, a given task, or an invitation. A ten-minute talk often came with the above plus some guidance. An hour-long conversation included all of the above, plus the chairman’s guidance, future oversight of the company, and important information like stock market trends.

The longer the talk, the more benefits it entailed.

But Fei Chuan frowned.

"That’s too long. Let’s talk next time."

The chairman: "..."

The directors: !!

Fei Chuan did not wait for a response. He bowed politely and left.

---

In the presidential office, the chairman was left alone, gazing at the skyscrapers through the floor-to-ceiling window. Suddenly, a call disturbed the silence.

"How is it?" A playful voice sounded on the phone.

The chairman chuckled, recalling the events from earlier. "I now understand why you took a fancy to that young lad. He sure has guts."

"Of course. He has guts because he is talented. Anyway, I hope you take care of him. Introduce him to some people."

"I was about to do just that. But he seemed to be in a hurry."

"Just let him be. He won’t disappoint you."

The chairman raised his brow. "You sound very confident in this young lad. Is he really that talented?"

"Yeah. If he is properly trained for a few months, he can surpass you in a year. He might even surpass me if he’s given a few more years."

The chairman, knowing the speaker’s identity, was stunned.

For this person to say that, the young lad must be truly extraordinary.

Well, he could understand his awe. In the meeting earlier, the young lad wasn’t even fazed by the intimidating aura of the people around him. He handled the situation calmly and dominated the meeting. Even he, the chairman had faded into the background because the young lad commanded the deal.

If that kind of person were properly trained in the right environment, he might become an influential figure who could change the industry with just a wave of his hand.

"Alright. I’ll see how amazing he can turn out to be."

---

Fei Chuan walked out of the elevator in a hurry. He glanced at his watch. Despite his efforts to shorten the meeting, it still lasted for two hours.

He felt guilty. He had said the meeting would last an hour, but it took two. Those middle-aged men had a lot of doubts and tested him at every opportunity.

If he had known this would happen, he should have convinced Bei Sangyun to leave first. She must have been tired waiting for him for so long.

Bei Sangyun was at the coffee shop across the street. As soon as Fei Chuan exited the building, he ran towards the shop.

Fei Chuan opened the door of the coffee shop, the smell of coffee beans permeating the air. He looked around and found Bei Sangyun in the corner.

However, she wasn’t alone.

Across from her was Jang Shin.

Fei Chuan paused. His gaze darkened.

What is that guy doing here?