chapter 23 Successor of the Su Family

"Dad, don't worry. Later, I'll find a way to use connections and talk to the Li family. I'll have them send someone to treat your illness," Dave assured. Dave naturally thought the same way, and he had been waiting for this day for a long time. However, he didn't show his inner joy on his face. Instead, he expressed concern for Richard's health. The Li family he mentioned was a prominent medical family in the Long Country. The head of the Li family, Eric Li, was a towering figure in the medical world, not only in the Long Country but globally, often hailed as a contemporary miracle worker! "We can talk about the treatment later," Richard looked deeply at Dave as if seeing through Dave's facade. It wasn't until Dave felt a bit uncomfortable that he continued, "Because of my poor health, I've decided to step down from the position of Chairman of Su Group!" Upon hearing Richard's words again, even though Dave was quite composed, a hint of joy appeared on his face. This time, he didn't say anything. Not just him, Hannah, Carter, and Olivia were all wearing happy expressions. Among them, Carter and Olivia, brother and sister, looked at Nick with smirks. It seemed like they were telling Nick: If you're smart, you'd leave now, so my dad won't have to kick you out! However— In the next moment, the smiles on the faces of Dave's family of four froze. "I've decided to have Mia take over, as the Chairman of Su Group!" Richard spoke again. His voice wasn't loud, but it struck like a bolt from the blue, resounding in everyone's ears. "Uh..." David was dumbfounded. He had even prepared to flatter Dave just now! Clark was also dumbfounded. Although he was a man who sought no power or wealth, he hadn't expected that Mia would be the one to succeed Richard! And if even they were like this, what about Dave's family of four? At this moment, there was no trace of happiness on the faces of Dave's family. Instead, there was only disbelief! They widened their eyes, staring at Richard as if they had seen a ghost. It was as if they were asking: How could you possibly let Mia take over? "Mia majored in finance in college. After graduation, she returned to Guishan and started working in the Liu family's company. Later, she took charge of the operation of all of the Liu family's businesses, halting their decline and displaying exceptional business talent. She accumulated extensive experience in company management and operations. If not for the retaliation from the Zhen family, Mia would have brought the Liu family's business to new heights." Richard took in everyone's expressions and then spoke again, "I believe Mia can serve as the Chairman of Su Group." "Dad, the Liu family's business can't even compare to Su Group. She's so young, how can she be the Chairman?" Hannah couldn't hold back and was the first to question. "Grandpa, I oppose your decision—what qualifications does Mia have to be the Chairman of Su Group?" Carter also spoke up, openly opposing. "Yeah, Dad, sister-in-law is right. Mia is too young, and she doesn't even understand Su Group's operations. She's simply not suitable to take over as Chairman," David chimed in, staunchly supporting Dave. "On the other hand, Big Brother, who has been the General Manager for years, knows the company inside and out. He has abundant resources in various aspects. He is the most suitable candidate to succeed you." Clark and Sophia, as usual, maintained their silence. "Dad, I think it's unreasonable for you to have Mia take over. It will only bring disaster to Su Group," Dave also spoke up. He didn't mention himself and instead directly criticized Mia. "Everyone knows that Su Group is currently facing difficulties. All our partners have terminated cooperation and are even suing us. The company's market value has plummeted by 80 percent. In this situation, how can Mia as Chairman turn things around? Can she make those partners continue to work with us? Can she make the stock price rise?" "Can you?" Richard turned his gaze to Dave, asking in return. "..." Dave was left speechless. Su Group had encountered one trouble after another, and besides Richard using his connections and seeking help from others, Dave had also tried to use his resources to solve the problems. However, neither of them has resolved Su Group's issues up to now! "Dave, I've given you the opportunity, but you haven't helped Su Group solve its problems," Richard said in a deep voice. "I..." Dave couldn't refute and could only change his statement, "Dad, even with your reputation in the group, your connections in the industry, rich life experience, and extensive experience in company management, you haven't been able to solve the problems. Mia has nothing. How could she possibly handle it?" This time, Richard remained silent. Because, deep down, he also felt that Mia was almost impossible to solve the problems Su Group was currently facing, and lead Su Group out of the crisis. He simply believed that entrusting Su Group to Mia was more reliable than handing it over to any of his other three sons. Even if there was a decline, it would be slower. "Dad, I strongly oppose your proposal. But it's not because I want to be the Chairman of Su Group myself, it's for the sake of the Su family and the greater good of Su Group!" Seeing Richard's silence, Dave's confidence suddenly surged. "Of course, if Mia can get the company's stock price to rise back to fifty percent of what it was before the incident, or if she can keep our partners working with us, then I support her as Chairman!" Richard frowned. After Su Group encountered problems, he went to those pharmaceutical companies. Whether it was using his influence or compromising on profits, they still insisted on terminating the cooperation and filing lawsuits. In this situation, how could Mia possibly change their minds? And if those pharmaceutical companies insisted on terminating cooperation and suing Su Group, the stock price of Su Group was even less likely to rise, let alone recover to fifty percent of its peak value! "My sister can do it!" Suddenly, just when Richard fell silent, Nick spoke up. The sudden voice startled everyone, including Richard and Mia. Whoosh... Immediately, everyone turned their gaze to Mia, their expressions filled with disbelief! Richard's heart stirred, and he asked with anticipation, "Mia, can you do it?" "Grandpa, I'll give it 120% effort, striving not to disappoint you!" Although Mia had no confidence whatsoever, feeling Richard's expectant gaze, she plucked up the courage to speak. "Mia, it's not a matter of giving your best. You have to accomplish at least one of the two things for all of us to agree to you being the Chairman of Su Group!" Dave stated his position firmly. He couldn't easily give up the opportunity for succession. "Big brother is right." David quickly chimed in. "Grandpa, if Mia can't accomplish one of the two things my dad mentioned, and you still want her to be the Chairman of Su Group, then I'll leave the Su family and cut all ties with them!" Carter directly spoke, his tone resolute. "Carter, you..." Richard's face changed, he was angry and worried. Carter had the strength of a Fifth Rank Warrior, and now he served in the Sujiang City Armed Forces, being the pride of the Su family and their future pillar! If Carter left the Su family, it would be a huge loss for them! "Carter, what if my sister succeeds?" While Richard was angry and worried, Nick squinted at Carter. "Uh..." Upon hearing Nick's words, everyone was momentarily stunned. Including Richard, everyone's gaze once again focused on Mia's face. It was as if they were asking: What could she possibly do to accomplish those two things? Under the scrutiny of everyone, Mia felt uneasy and looked at Nick, struggling to find her words. In order not to disappoint Richard, she was willing to give her all to try. But deep down, she had no confidence! "If Mia can do it, we all agree to her being the Chairman of Su Group!" Carter spoke, following his father Dave's wishes, then added, "If she can't, not only can she not be the Chairman of Su Group, but you must also get out of the Su family!" "Carter, you're being too much!" Mia's temper flared. She could accept not becoming the Chairman of the Su Group, but she couldn't allow Carter to force Nick out of the Su family. "Alright." As Mia's voice fell, Nick also spoke up, "But if my sister succeeds, there's an additional condition: you roll up your bedding and get out. That's a fair bet." "Fine!" Carter sneered as if he could already see Nick being kicked out of the Su family. "That's settled then!" Sensing Mia's unease, Dave was afraid that Mia might change her mind, or that Richard might stop this, so he preemptively spoke. He didn't believe that Mia could accomplish those two things! And he wasn't alone! Even Mia herself felt that her hopes were slim! "Sis, you've got this," Nick sensed Mia's worries and encouraged her with a smile.