Meeting Cao Hai’s gaze, Cao Chuan let out a scornful snort. “My brother’s thinking is certainly mature, but his vision is far too limited.”
As soon as he said this, Cao Hai’s expression stiffened, and Cao Chuanzhi immediately turned to look over.
Cao Chuanzhi appeared slightly surprised. “Xiaochuan, you have a different opinion?”
Cao Chuan stood up and spoke confidently, “The current macroeconomic environment is indeed poor. According to the economic wave theory in Kondratiev cycles, we are currently in a recession phase.”
“Under normal circumstances, reducing investments would be the correct approach—cutting costs, improving efficiency, and waiting out the economic winter.”
“But right now, beyond being in a recession, we also stand at the cusp of a massive historic opportunity.”
“Oh?” Cao Chuanzhi’s surprise deepened. “Go on.”
“Aging population,” Cao Chuan went straight to the point.
“At present, we’re experiencing a rare economic downturn that comes once in several decades. But at the same time, our nation is also facing an unprecedented demographic shift—rapid population aging.”
“An aging population brings great pressure on society and the nation. But on the other hand, it also creates an immense emerging market.”
“For example, elderly-related industries: healthcare, wellness, senior products, funeral services… these are all clearly foreseeable trends driven by demographic aging.”
“So I believe we should broaden our scope—while optimizing costs and improving efficiency within the group, we should also proactively invest in and lay out strategic plans in industries related to the elderly.”
“Aging population? Elderly-related industries?” Cao Hai clearly couldn’t process it, repeating the terms with a blank expression.
“How could this be happening?” Lin Wanrong’s face turned a little pale—she hadn’t expected the investment discussion to extend into such a far-sighted vision.
Only Cao Chuanzhi, after contemplating for a moment, quickly took out his phone to look up data and statistics.
He studied several reports and industry analyses for a few seconds before bursting into laughter and clapping his hands. “Good! What a bold and forward-looking vision!”
“Xiaochuan, you’ve truly surprised me this time!”
“Elderly industries—what an excellent idea. It’s given me major inspiration!”
Cao Chuan simply smiled and sat back down. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
Cao Chuanzhi, clearly pleased, glanced again at the data on his phone, then continued, “In that case, the preliminary decision for the Cao family heir will go to you.”
“As for the elderly industry investment direction, I’ll pass the idea to the group’s think tank and have them conduct a detailed research analysis and put together a complete plan.”
“When the time comes, you’ll participate as well—let’s see if you can generate more innovative ideas.”
“Yes, Father,” Cao Chuan nodded in agreement.
Cao Hai’s face turned increasingly unpleasant. He quickly looked to Lin Wanrong for help.
This family meeting was originally planned as his stage—where he would trample on Cao Chuan and shine brilliantly, winning the heir title in one stroke.
But now, Cao Chuan had inexplicably reversed everything, suppressing them from start to finish, and had even shocked Cao Chuanzhi with his unexpected proposal about elderly industry investments—completely derailing their original plan.
With the outcome nearly finalized, Cao Hai was helpless and could only look to Lin Wanrong.
Lin Wanrong finally snapped out of it and, hearing that Cao Chuanzhi was naming Cao Chuan the heir, quickly interrupted, “Brother-in-law, when it comes to investment, results should speak louder than words.”
“The Cao family’s fortune is no small matter. Choosing an heir is a huge decision—relying on theoretical talk alone isn’t enough to convince everyone.”
“Why not reconsider more carefully?”
“What’s there to reconsider?” Cao Chuanzhi shook his head. “Didn’t I just say? After this assessment, the heir position will be preliminarily given to Xiaochuan. I said preliminarily.”
“Next, beyond this theoretical assessment, there will be a practical test.”
Lin Wanrong finally breathed a sigh of relief and flattered him a bit, “Brother-in-law, you’ve thought of everything. We were overthinking.”
Cao Chuanzhi smiled slightly at her before turning to look at both Cao Chuan and Cao Hai. “This is also the second item I wanted to bring up today.”
“In addition to the theoretical assessment, I’ve allocated 1 billion yuan each to both of you. The goal is to test your real-world investment capabilities.”
“The rules are simple: you’ll have one month. After that month, whoever earns the higher return on investment with that 1 billion starting fund will become the final heir of the Cao family.” This story is hosted at novelping(.)com.
“Well? Do either of you have any objections?”
“No!” Cao Hai was overjoyed and immediately shook his head vigorously.
Cao Chuan, already familiar with the original plot, knew Cao Chuanzhi had something else planned. He wasn’t surprised and calmly followed suit. “None at all.”
“Good. Then today’s meeting ends here.” Cao Chuanzhi smiled again at the two of them and began to rise using his cane.
“I’m a bit tired, so I won’t sit and chat with you any longer.”
“I’ll have the finance department of Cao Corporation deposit the 1 billion yuan into your accounts by the end of today.”
“Dad (Brother-in-law)!” Cao Hai and Lin Wanrong immediately rushed to his side to escort him to the elevator.
Cao Chuan stood and watched their figures disappear into the elevator. Only once the doors closed did he turn his eyes to Hong Sanguai, who had stayed silent the entire time.
“Housekeeper Hong, you heard everything my father just said, didn’t you?”
“I did,” Hong Sanguai quickly lowered her head, her face turning grim.
“Since you understand, then you should be clear about how you’re supposed to treat me going forward?” Cao Chuan raised his brow.
“Yes… understood.” Hong Sanguai still kept her head down, but her tone had clearly grown much more respectful.
She would never forget the sight of Cao Chuan crushing Cao Hai and being appointed the Cao family heir in front of Cao Chuanzhi.
And she would certainly never forget how, when Cao Chuanzhi asked about the earlier commotion, Cao Hai hadn’t dared to say a word on her behalf.
On one side was the newly favored heir with a limitless future; on the other, the second young master she had flattered for years—who didn’t even dare defend her when she was being humiliated.
Even a fool would know whom to follow.
“From now on, I will follow Young Master’s lead alone.”
As she spoke, Hong Sanguai bowed deeply to Cao Chuan.
“Smart.” Cao Chuan smiled faintly at her gesture, then turned toward the still-stunned Song Keran. “Let’s go. Follow me to Cao Corporation.”