Chapter 1432 Face-off Between an Old And a Young Dragon

"Yes, I own Phantom Dragon Funds since day one," Iris said. "And also yes, I set it up primarily to win the majority shareholder rights at Long Industries. Of course, now that my investment company is running well, no matter what the outcome in my battle at Long Industries, I intend to let Phantom Dragon Funds continue investing in various businesses in different sectors and also continue helping out promising entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams."

She looked at Long Tengfei straight in the eye. "I want you to remember this, President Long Tengfei. I want Long Industries, but I don't necessarily need it. After all, I'm still a businesswoman who already owns multiple successful companies."

She made sure to emphasize the word "successful".

Long Tengfei immediately understood the point she made.

He asked, "Does it have to be this way?"

The smile disappeared from Iris' face. "No, it doesn't have to be this way."

His heart did a hopeful skip. "Then."

But before he could finish his sentence, Iris interrupted him. "But if Long Hui becomes the next head of Long Industries and the clan, then it will have to be this way. I already told you this so many times before. I won't allow him to succeed after all the things he did. I know that you had been grooming him since he was a child to be your successor, but I want you to look clearly at his abilities without any bias. Do you think that he'll be a good leader?"

He didn't answer.

He couldn't.

Iris continued, "Fine, I admit that his business sense is not terrible. But it's nothing extraordinary either. Big Sister Jinjing is so much more skilled than him. Oh, and before you get any ideas about her, I'm not giving her to your company, so don't even think about it, President Long. She belongs to my Orchidia."

Long Tengfei scowled, not sure whether to laugh or cry. "I didn't say that I'm trying to poach your sister away from you."

"Even if you try poaching her, she won't be tempted anyway." She shrugged. "The benefits of all my companies are so much better than Long Industries. So unless you threaten her with filial piety, she won't be moved to leave my company to work for you."

He became speechless. Her daughter's tone was polite, yet her words were extremely savage. It was clear that she was criticizing his company and making it sound like it couldn't compare to her own companies.

Before he could even have the chance to retort, she added, "Even Big Brother Jian is a much better leader than Long Hui. His performance and the results of his projects are much more commendable than your eldest son's who have everything handed to him on a silver platter."

Once again, he couldn't out-argue her.

"And lastly, me." She pointed at herself. "Is there any need to question my abilities at this point? Even if you subtract my husband's power and influence from me, I have still built several successful businesses with stable foundations with my ability. Now tell me, President Long, I'm gonna ask you this for the last time because I don't want to keep repeating myself to you, which one among us siblings do you think is the best choice to become the next head of your company? Be honest and judge it according to your criteria as a wise businessman with decades-long experience and not as a biased parent."

Silence filled the conference room.

Phantom Dragon Funds' CEO and Cai Guang dared not breathe too loudly as they watched the tense confrontation between the father and daughter.

They could imagine an old, n.o.ble dragon facing off against and bold, fearless young dragon.

The sparks between the two almost singed the hairs off their heads.

Long Tengfei was the first one to break the tense silence.

"Youare indeed my daughter."

Iris raised an eyebrow. What did he mean by saying that? Was he praising or criticizing her?

He sighed again. He didn't know how many times he had sighed today. This sigh, however, seemed to be the heaviest.

"Alright, Xiulan," he said. "Based on what I can see, you are indeed the best choice to succeed as the next head of Long Industries."

Her bright smile returned.

His tired look was replaced by seriousness. "I can make it official and publicly announce you as my successor, if that's what you want. But that won't silence the detractors against you. Despite everything that happened to your eldest brother, he's still my firstborn and the one expected to inherit my mantle as the next head of Long Industries."

"I know," she replied.

"Using this," he gestured at her office, "Phantom Dragon Funds of yours to forcefully s.n.a.t.c.h the majority stake of Long Industries will indeed aid your plans, but it will also leave your rule extremely unstable. Since you're so proud of your current businesses that you built with stable foundations, then you must also prioritize stabilizing your position at Long Industries if you want to become the next head. I might have already chosen you, but it's useless if the rest of the company refuses to acknowledge you."

"Challenge accepted," she said with a smile.

"There is one way to allow the rest of the company to accept you more easily, that is, if you're willing to do it."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, feeling intrigued.

"Reveal that you're an active student at Cross Academy and provide proof of your admittance."

She didn't respond right away.

"Once people learn that you're affiliated with such a renowned world-cla.s.s educational inst.i.tution, then it's easier for them to accept you as my successor and not doubt you too much."

"Because I'll be labelled as a genius and not just as a product of nepotism, is what you mean," she said.

"Exactly."

She tilted her head to the side and pondered about it. "I'll eventually reveal my connection to Cross Academy. I'll think about when."

"Suit yourself," he could only say.