Catherine had faked self-harm due to a supposed illness to deceive Song Lijun. To make the act convincing, she slept for two days straight at home.
"Linlin, how are you feeling?" Song Lijun looked at her now with only worry in her eyes.
Catherine, however, feigned ignorance. "Mom, what happened to me? I don't remember anything."
Song Lijun didn't think much of it, assuming Catherine's memory loss was a side effect of her episode. "You had an episode earlier, but thankfully, you're all right now."
Catherine nodded. "Mom, I'm sorry for causing you trouble again."
Song Lijun sighed. "You're my daughter, how can you be trouble?"
Although Song Lijun was still wary of past events, Wei Yumeng hadn't bothered them in days. This even led Song Lijun to believe Wei Yumeng might have been mistaken. Reluctantly, she told Catherine, "You should avoid contacting Yumeng for now. After what happened, even if you didn't do it, it would still arouse suspicion. For your own sake, don't push your luck, understand?"
Catherine nodded. "Mom, I understand. I didn't interact with her much before. I didn't expect her to be so petty and blame everything on me."
Song Lijun hugged Catherine. "Linlin, just believe that no matter what happens, Mom is on your side, alright?"
"Mhm, I understand." Catherine's tone was somewhat perfunctory. She noticed the time. "Mom, I need to go to the company. Today is the shareholder meeting, and I've taken over a project. I need to go check on it."
Song Lijun was still concerned. "You're still recovering, and you're rushing back to work? Won't you rest a bit longer?"
How could Catherine rest? Today was the shareholder meeting, which meant it was the perfect opportunity for the three shareholders to propose her as president. She couldn't possibly miss it. She had already done so much; how could she let this chance slip away? No matter what, she had to achieve her goal.
Watching Catherine rush out, Song Lijun could only sigh, wishing for everything to be peaceful.
Catherine arrived at the conference room just as the meeting began. Feng Zhenhua glanced at her but said nothing.
"Actually, the main topic of today's meeting was proposed by me," said Zhao Li, glancing at Catherine as if to signal her. "I would like to recommend a new candidate to become our new executive president."
As he spoke, the other shareholders exchanged glances, wondering who Zhao Li would recommend. "The person I recommend is Ms. Catherine."
Hearing this, Feng Zhenhua seemed unsurprised. He merely stated, "Linlin has only recently started working. I'm afraid she's not ready to take on this position directly."
At Feng Zhenhua's words, Catherine clenched her fists under the table, feeling indignant. "Dad is right. I'm afraid I really can't do it, so I ask Mr. Zhao to withdraw his suggestion."
But Zhao Li countered, "On the contrary, I believe you've already secured the cooperation with Mr. Gu. I imagine everyone is aware of your capabilities. That project was something many of us had been discussing for a long time without success. Now, with the catering collaboration project, it marks the beginning of our company venturing into new territories. Isn't that significant enough?"
Catherine secretly rejoiced. She hadn't expected Zhao Li to elevate her project to such a level. As expected, the faction that always supported Zhao Li nodded in agreement.
"I think Mr. Zhao makes a valid point."
"Indeed, it's time to hand over the company management to the younger generation."
"With her abilities, she might really secure more projects for us."
Feng Zhenhua frowned. He hadn't expected Catherine to gain so many supporters so quickly. What else had Catherine done that he didn't know about? Although he had formed an opinion of Catherine long ago, he hadn't expected her to go to such lengths for the presidency. He wondered if it was a good thing or a bad thing. If Catherine truly wanted to achieve great things as president, he wouldn't object. However, based on his understanding, he still maintained his original opinion: the current Catherine was not suitable for the position.
Du Wen said with a smirk, "It seems everyone has their own opinions. I'll go with the majority. Miss Catherine appears quite capable."
Du Wen's participation undoubtedly spurred more responses. Feng Zhenhua looked at Du Wen and then at Catherine, surprised that even Du Wen supported Catherine. He knew for a fact that Catherine and Du Wen had no opportunities to interact on a regular basis.
Qian Yuhua looked at Feng Zhenhua, noticing his furrowed brow, and then spoke. "Zhenhua, I also think this is a good suggestion. Catherine is no longer young, and the company will eventually be hers. It's better to give her more opportunities to train now. Besides, if any problems arise, you and I can still help her. Isn't that perfect?"
Feng Zhenhua sighed. "Why do you think so too?"
"I don't mean anything else. I just genuinely believe this could be a good thing."
Feng Zhenhua finally nodded. "Very well. What you say has some merit. We can still supervise for now. Even if mistakes are made, we can handle them. Letting her gain experience by sitting in the position is fine." Beyond this, Feng Zhenhua naturally considered Catherine's current health. Since she had finally recovered, he would indulge her for now. After all, as long as he was here, he could always maintain control.
Feng Zhenhua's nod undoubtedly led to the final conclusion of the shareholder meeting. Catherine wanted to smirk triumphantly; her goal had finally been achieved. However, she still feigned shyness and stood up. "Thank you all, uncles, for your support. I will do my utmost to make the company even better." Her words were met with thunderous applause.
But at that moment, a commotion arose outside the conference room.
"Mrs. Zhan, you can't go in. If you have something important, you can wait until Mr. Feng finishes his meeting."
However, Wei Yumeng pushed past the guards and stormed into the conference room. While stalling the guards outside, she had overheard Catherine's confident pronouncements. How could she let Catherine succeed?
Feng Zhenhua looked at Wei Yumeng with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Wei Yumeng, showing no fear in front of these high-ranking officials, announced generously, "I apologize for the interruption, gentlemen, but I must come here now to show you all the true face of your future president."