Chapter 1273 – Phantom Dragon

Despite all the rumours swirling around Iris Long's health, she was unaffected and remained focused on her main priorities.

LXC Studio released an official statement about the issue on behalf of her to reassure all her fans that she was safe and in good health. 

The statement, however, was very short and quite vague. It didn't satisfy everyone. They pressed LXC Studio for more details but the company re-focused the attention on Jin Chonglin's latest projects instead.

By this time, Iris was back to working at Eve Holdings. There were paparazzi wandering around all of her companies but she was able to slip past them thanks to her highly professional security team.

She was currently meeting the newly hired staff for her newest company, Phantom Dragon Funds.

Her financial manager, Qiao Yu, was also present to help with all the initial funding aspects of the new investment company.

"Phantom Dragon," he muttered under his breath. "Young Madam—President, how about we change the company name into something that is, er, less domineering?"

Iris raised an eyebrow. "If you think that the name sounds domineering, then that's exactly what I want. We'll stick to this name. It's perfect."

Qiao Yu opened his mouth, planning to persuade her to change her mind, but closed it again after seeing the all too familiar stubborn light in her eyes. He sighed and resigned himself.

"Phantom Dragon, huh. Investment applicants might think that we aren't legitimate investors but loan sharks instead after hearing our name."

Iris chuckled. "You've grown quite funny recently, Mr. Qiao."

The financial manager's mouth twitched before quickly smoothing his expression into his usual sternness. 

"Alright, let's begin," she said, nodding at everyone.

As per Iris' style of not wasting any precious time, the meeting was short yet intensive.

The new staff of Phantom Dragon Funds basically didn't have any time to slowly adjust to their new jobs before Iris threw them several important tasks. 

Their main priority, however, was to aggressively buy as much Long Industries shares as they could as soon as possible. 

This wasn't a big problem to them, though. Most of the new staff weren't greenhorns. In fact, they were some of Qiao Yu's acquaintances. He vouched for their characters, but of course, Iris still performed due diligence when personally hiring them. After all, the investment company would handle large amounts of money on the get-go before it could expect to turn in any profits. Just like any other investments, the possibility of losing money existed as well.

After everyone left, Qiao Yu stayed and looked hesitant to leave.

"Is there anything else, Mr. Qiao?" Iris asked.

He said, "Young Madam, forgive me if what I'm about to say might sound presumptuous."

"What is it?"

"If you really do this, you are more or less effectively declaring an open war against your eldest brother. You'll really fall out with him and everyone in his camp."

"I know already." Iris leaned back on her seat and looked at Qiao Yu straight in the eyes. "But I've already fallen out with Long Hui for a while now."

"But your father, President Long, he…."

"I'm aware that Father still insists on protecting his eldest son."

Qiao Yu was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Please don't misunderstand. I'm not siding with anyone but you or defending any of them. But I still have deep respect and gratitude for your father. He's my former boss after all, the one who hired me to protect your finances while you were still a minor. President Long might seem uncaring but he actually cares a lot about you, his children. He—"

Iris raised a hand to stop him. "I know, Mr. Qiao. Thank you."

The usually stern financial manager looked torn. 

"Mr. Qiao."

"Yes?"

"Do you think that Father wants the best for Long Industries?"

"Of course, Young Madam. President Long has always dedicated himself for the company's development. It's due to your father that Long Industries ventured into the international shipping industry and became what it is now."

She nodded. "Then among us four siblings, who do you think should become the next head of Long Industries?"

Qiao Yu paused but his gaze on Iris was firm. Then he sighed. "It's Young Madam, of course."

Iris smiled, nodding. There was no arrogance in her expression. She was just accepting a fact.

As for Qiao Yu, he wasn't only saying this to flatter his young boss. He had been Iris' financial manager for a long time. Ever since she had changed after waking up from coma and successfully poached him to work exclusively for her, he now knew how amazing she was when it came to finance and business. Most importantly, she had the legendary Sir Lu Jianhong as her business mentor, not to mention that she was also secretly a Cross Academy student. Just based on these alone, she was the most qualified among her siblings to manage a business.

"I know that I'm the best choice," Iris said. "The second is Big Sister Jinjing but she's already happy working at Orchidia Beauty. She has no intention of joining the battle of succession at the Longs. The third option…well, let's just say that it's not Long Hui."

Qiao Yu nodded. Even without her saying it, he knew that she had already acknowledged her other brother, Long Jian. He was aware of their temporary alliance. 

In the end, Qiao Yu could only resign himself to follow his young boss' aggressive plans after seeing her determination. He couldn't stop her even if he wanted to anyway. Even her husband, CEO Jin, didn't always have the power to stop her if she really wanted to do something.

"I understand, Young Madam." He stood up and prepared to leave. Just as he reached the door, he paused and turned back to tell her, "Please rest assured that I still haven't forgotten my remaining task to help make you into a global billionaire."

Iris grinned. "Good."

"I, Qiao Yu, have already made it my career mission to make Young Madam richer than CEO Jin."

The financial manager left the office amidst Iris' delighted laughter.

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