Struggle Session at the Lu Family Old House (Continued)

Lu Mingshi's words immediately resonated with Third Uncle Lu Mingde and Fourth Uncle Lu Minggong.

"That's right, Chenyuan. Second Brother makes a valid point. Last time, I recommended that procurement manager—so capable—yet you rejected him outright just because he wasn't one of your people."

"And what about my project? It had such promising prospects, but you dismissed it outright, calling it too risky. It’s clear you don’t want us elders meddling in the company’s affairs!"

In no time, the uncles took turns voicing their grievances, launching a verbal "siege" against Lu Chenyuan.

Unable to directly challenge Lu Chengsi’s decisions, they instead poured all their frustrations onto Lu Chenyuan, the so-called "proxy."

Lu Chenyuan listened quietly, his expression unreadable, as if the tyrannical figure they described bore no relation to him.

Only when their voices gradually died down did he finally speak, his tone measured yet cutting through the silence:

"Third Uncle, the procurement manager you recommended had a record of taking kickbacks at his previous company. Someone like that—I dare not employ."

"Fourth Uncle, I reviewed the report for your project. The return rate was a mere 5%, but the potential policy and environmental risks were astronomical. One misstep could plunge the entire group into legal turmoil. That’s a gamble I can’t take."

His gaze swept across each uncle’s face, his voice calm yet razor-sharp:

"As president of Lu Corporation, my primary duty is to the shareholders and to the future of the Lu family. Every decision I make is based on data and risk assessment."

"If any of you believe my judgment is flawed, you’re welcome to submit a formal proposal to the board—per company protocol—rather than using a family gathering to pressure me like this."

The uncles were left speechless, their faces alternating between pale and flushed.

They knew better than anyone the shady dealings behind their so-called "promising projects" and "talented candidates."

They had hoped to use this family gathering to rally the patriarch to their side, only for Lu Chenyuan to publicly strip away their thin veneer of respectability.

Watching his younger brothers flounder, Lu Mingshi’s eyes flashed with malice.

He knew these petty grievances wouldn’t shake Lu Chenyuan—he needed to play his real trump card.

"Fine! Well said!" Lu Mingshi slammed the table and stood, jabbing a finger at Lu Chenyuan.

"If we’re talking strictly business, then explain this: What’s your deal with Sheng Tian Real Estate?"

"You mobilized the group’s resources, teamed up with the media, and relentlessly pursued their so-called ‘labor violations.’ You even sicced the legal team on them, driving them into the ground!"

"Do you even realize I have investments in Sheng Tian? Your baseless crackdown has cost me a fortune! Is this a personal vendetta or an abuse of power? You’re dragging the Lu name through the mud! What will people think of us? That we bully the weak?"

Lu Mingshi played the part of the righteous, aggrieved victim, conveniently omitting Sheng Tian’s heinous crimes.

At this, Lu Qianqian, who had remained silent until now, abruptly lifted her head.

Her clear eyes burned with fury.

So Second Uncle was tied to Sheng Tian Real Estate too!

His dismissive "so-called labor violations" were actual human lives—shattered families!

He lost money, but those workers lost their health, their futures, their lives!

Trembling with anger, she was about to stand and refute him when a steady glance from Lu Chenyuan stopped her.

Lu Chenyuan regarded his raving uncle with icy detachment.

Instead of addressing Lu Mingshi directly, he turned his gaze to Lu Chengsi at the head of the table.

"Second Uncle, are you sure you want me to elaborate on Sheng Tian’s affairs? Are you certain Sheng Tian hasn’t broken any laws?"

Before Lu Mingshi could respond, Lu Chenyuan’s piercing stare returned.

Under that frigid gaze, Lu Mingshi felt an unsettling certainty—his nephew already knew everything.

"You—you’re slandering me!" Lu Mingshi blustered, his bravado faltering.

"The evidence will speak for itself," Lu Chenyuan replied coolly.

"As for your personal losses..." A faint smirk curled at the corner of his lips.

"Investments carry risks. You should know that by now."

His words landed like a hammer.

The hall fell deathly silent.

Lu Chenyan and Lu Chenjin gaped at their elder brother, stunned by his unyielding demeanor.

Even Lu Chenxiao’s eyes flickered with something unreadable.

Lu Qianqian, meanwhile, gazed at Lu Chenyuan with pure admiration.

This was her brother—principled, unshakable, a true pillar of strength!

Lu Mingye opened his mouth as if to speak, but ultimately stayed silent.

All eyes turned to Lu Chengsi.

One word from him would dictate the outcome of this clash.

Lu Chengsi’s expression was grim.

Deep down, he knew Lu Chenyuan was right—even exemplary.

Protecting the family’s interests was precisely why he had chosen Lu Chenyuan.

Yet... seeing his sons humiliated and pale, his iron resolve wavered once more.

With a heavy sigh, he rapped the table and declared in a tone brooking no argument:

"Enough! Have you no shame?"

He first glared at Lu Mingshi and the others:

"Chenyuan is the president. His decisions are sound in principle. As for you lot—cut back on your reckless outside investments and focus on the group’s legitimate business!"

Then, softening his tone, he turned to Lu Chenyuan:

"But Chenyuan, you must also consider your approach. They are your elders. Matters should be discussed privately, as a family. Don’t let things escalate like this—it only invites ridicule."

"Above all, harmony is what matters most in a family."

Harmony.

Hearing those words, the last ember of hope in Lu Chenyuan’s heart extinguished.

He understood now.

His grandfather had grown old. He still had the lion’s authority, but not its claws. In his quest to preserve unity, he had chosen the fatal path of compromise.

As long as the patriarch remained this way, his uncles’ ambitions would never die, and Lu Corporation would be dragged into endless infighting, slowly sinking into ruin.

This was the root of the Lu family’s downfall in the original timeline.

"I understand, Grandfather."

Lu Chenyuan nodded calmly, offering no further argument.

His mind was already made up.

After the strained family dinner ended, Lu Chenyuan's resolve to break away from the Lu family and establish his own path had never been firmer.

He no longer intended to patch up this sinking ship.

What he planned to do was to abandon it before it went under—taking everyone willing to follow him—and board a sturdier, more advanced vessel, sailing toward broader horizons.