"....."
Nifuji was also overwhelmed, but he also knew that his position in the company had changed, especially since he owned 19% shares of the company. Even if the founder of the company had less than that after the company went on the IPO, the shares owned by the founder were even less and less, being divided, sold, and bought by others on the market, so without a doubt, his act to suddenly acquire 19% shares, stunned everyone, and made everyone who was wary, as it would shake away the powers of people within the company.
As he had said before, a company in this country was like a small country, and everyone did their best to rise in their positions.
Still, unlike the shareholders, those superiors who knew Nifuji quickly grouped up with him, as they knew that it was the fastest way to grow higher.
He also didn't refuse them, as he knew more or less about them, and with them, it gave them a strength to control the company to a certain extent.
After all, in some cases, many founders lost control over their companies due to the powerful executives or the game of power between the shareholders.
Regardless, Nifuji, who just wanted to have a peaceful and easy life, had to sigh, thinking that in this world, there was no truly easy life, as everyone had to fight, whether they wanted to or not.
The modern world might have erased the bloody war, but the shape of the war has changed into something more complex and intricate.
If one couldn't adapt, one would perish and die alone.
Still, Nifuji hoped that they wouldn't greet him at the entrance, but he knew well that this was also an announcement for everyone, telling them that his status had changed, and probably, he became the domineering CEO in the Korean drama, or the type of novels that women sought the most.
"Go to your place first."
Nifuji patted Eri's back slightly.
"U-Um!"
"Good."
As he left with everyone, Eri never thought that she would be the heroine, who was being fawned and loved by the CEO, but she had a wrong thought that while the CEO might be the one with the highest position in the office, it was still a servant for the board of directors.
As the individual with the highest number of shares, Nifuji naturally became a director, and because of that, the board meeting was held directly in the early morning, right after he arrived.
Everyone already knew the news of his ownership of shareholders during the weekend, but regardless, they were all curious about him, and tried to search for his information, especially about how he could get his wealth, yet it was quite hard as the trace led them to the offshore company in Singapore.
"My name is Nifuji Hirotaka. I am pleased to announce that I will be part of the board of directors from now on."
There were many people who felt it was complex for someone so young as Nifuji to be able to sit among them, yet what could they do?
Age might be the reason for the hierarchy, but for the truly strong, it was the power one could exert, and Nifuji's 19% shares gave him that power, as his voice alone meant one-fourth, which meant that if the future decisions of the company were to be agreed upon, his voice was needed.
"Thank you. Let us welcome Hirataka-kun as part of us."
Along with those words, everyone clapped their hands together, but regardless, without a doubt, they were glad to know that Nifuji had worked for the company for several years, so he wasn't someone who was unfamiliar, but many were still wary, especially the founder, who thought that Nifuji wanted to take over the control over this company, but frankly, Nifuji didn't care at all as being the lead was so troublesome.
Still, as he had become part of the board of directors, he should have his own freedom to manage his working hours since, in some companies, he had heard that some CEOs would only work for four hours and three days a week for the company, which was something that he should follow since one's life shouldn't revolve around work.
With his shares, he should be able to live well on dividends, and he should be able to get a salary without working, too, receiving all the benefits as a member of the board of directors.
Only—
"Now, as everyone is here, let's talk about the future of our company."
"...." Nifuji.
Oh, god.
Even if Nifuji was new, he was directly exposed to what kind of focus this company would take in the future, yet this also troubled him, as he knew well how troublesome this situation was.
No one loved to make a decision, since to make a decision meant that they would be responsible for it, and he also could see that everyone's eyes twitched, hoping for stability, and never changing.
Yet, it was a rare time for everyone to gather, so they had to discuss the future of their company, Gakken.
So, what kind of a future did they have?
The sales of the books of their company grew lower as no one would buy books anymore, moving into a digital format since a digital format wouldn't take up much space, and frankly, it was much cheaper. Yet, even so, it still gave a lot of money to the company. In many cases, some people didn't agree to change the format as it took a lot of money, and instead of focusing on the publishing business, which was risky despite their stable choice on the education focus, but with the lower birthrate, and all other factors, everyone felt that the elderly care business was promising as it was stable, and everyone on this country grew older, which made this business a sure way to generate a profit, but—
"It costs too much money! How much do you think we need to build those facilities?! Also, the profit is too low!"
"Yours are the same! Digital is too risky! It also won't generate any money any time soon! What if your plan ends up in a failure?!"
"If we do nothing, our publishing business will die!"
"Instead of focusing on a single area, we should diversify our position! Stability is the key!"
"As I have told you before, the profit is too low, and to create the facility, it costs too much!"
"But, it's stable!"
"...." Nifuji.
As expected, he thought.
Even if everyone dressed like a noble or successful businessman, when they were in an argument, everyone was crazy, and it wasn't much different from the yakuza, fierce and brutal, as they were on the verge of fighting despite their old ages.
Yet, probably, this was the reason why they could all stand up and become wealthy, as everyone was selfish, and to get what they wanted, they would do anything!
Still, as the chairman was silent, Nifuji also didn't say anything and just looked at the clock, wondering when it would be over until—
"Hirotaka-kun, what do you think?"
At that moment, everyone became quiet, as they stopped their argument and stared at Nifuji, who let out a helpless sigh inwardly, knowing that he had to join this useless banter.
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Sorry, only one chapter today!