Chapter 111: What Is There to Fear About Living Off a Woman?

“The bigger picture comes first?” Was the bigger picture really so irreconcilable with personal dignity?

The meeting was not even halfway over when the expressions of a small number of people changed several times. They had all realized that Yang was a wolf who must not be provoked. Once he sank his teeth into you, he would never let go. People like him could never be offended, no matter where they went. To provoke them was to invite trouble.

Only the vice president in charge of logistics was still struggling. He shouted that, even if he had received no credit, he had certainly endured hardships, and accused Chen Aijia of purging the company’s old guard. Such actions, he claimed, would break the hearts of the company veterans.

Wake up. The true veterans had retired long ago. The company had made excellent arrangements for them. They were already free from worries about food and clothing, and still received benefits every year. Of the men who had ventured into the world alongside the group’s first-generation owner, which one of them was not now worth more than the owner of a small company?

Veterans?

They had merely worked at the company for a period of time and happened to witness the former chairman hand it over to the current owner. They actually thought the company belonged to them.

Chen Aijia was not angry. People like this were the sort who valued money above their own lives. Letting them lose on both fronts was the best punishment.

As a company vice president, he earned several million a year and still wanted to line his pockets. He could hardly blame the company for showing no mercy.

Chen Aijia felt that Yang Changfeng’s suggestion was somewhat ruthless, but it was clearly the most effective approach.

Having corrupt officials who had already fallen from power—and no longer dared to resist—deal with other corrupt officials naturally produced extraordinary results.

To avoid being sent to prison, the vice president could only do everything in his power to recover the money that had been embezzled from the company.

No one had realized the extent of it until the accounts were calculated, and then Chen Aijia was given a terrible shock. Since she had taken over the company, these leaders, large and small, had taken nearly the equivalent of an entire year’s profits from it. If people like that could still be tolerated, the company could hardly complain that it had failed to expand its market.

They had to make up their minds and take drastic action to resolve these problems.

Chen Aijia turned to An Ya and said, “After the meeting, have the administrative office contact all the relevant parties. They have three days. If the embezzled money cannot be recovered, we will ask the police to take action.”

The vice president knew there was no room left for resistance. To his credit, he was decisive. The first person he targeted was the vice president in charge of logistics. That man was greedy and seemed willing to do anything for money, but he knew how to recover every last cent.

Some of the antiques and other valuables in that family’s collection were worth a fortune now.

If he could obtain a promise, he would be able to squeeze every last drop from all those leaders who had ever taken bribes or embezzled funds.

“I can refrain from prosecuting you, but I want to see results. If your performance is satisfactory, not only will you be exempted from prosecution, you may also remain with the company. Your rank will be lowered by two levels, and you will start as a deputy supervisor.” Chen Aijia offered him generous terms.

The vice president understood at once and readily agreed, but he demanded the company’s cooperation. Otherwise, if those people fled with their valuables, there was no way he could handle them alone.

Vice President Su promised that the legal department would assist him, but shortened the deadline to one week.

Half a month?

They did not have that much time. One week was already more than generous.

Chen Aijia added, “The security department must cooperate fully as well. If any problems arise, communicate with the lawyers’ team. I don’t care how you do it. I only want results.”

Yang Changfeng’s mind was filled with Ma Siwei’s invitation. When he saw the meeting room fall silent again, he quickly opened WeChat and found her reply:

“It really is something very useful. If Mr. Yang is busy, I can mail it to you. That’s perfectly fine.”

What did she mean by that?

After thinking it over, Yang Changfeng understood. She must have assumed that because he had not immediately agreed, he did not want to meet her.

Still, seeing a beautiful woman was not a bad thing. He might as well go. What did he have to fear from a young woman?

Yang Changfeng immediately replied, “I understand. Find somewhere and send me the details. I’m in a meeting right now, but I’ll be there shortly.”

Before he could even close WeChat, Ma Siwei replied, “The Tea People’s Teahouse. The atmosphere is excellent.”

Did this female celebrity really love tea that much?

Yang Changfeng saw no reason to object and replied, “Please get me something to eat first.”

After that, Ma Siwei did not send another message. Apparently, she had no intention of saying anything more to him.

Yang Changfeng put away his phone and checked the time. It was almost noon.

The meeting still had to continue, but seeing that Yang Changfeng was beginning to fidget, Chen Aijia said, “Let’s adjourn the morning session here and continue this afternoon. Also, the decisions made this morning must be put into action immediately. In addition, this afternoon’s meeting must determine the company’s future direction.”

Vice President Su was extremely surprised. Why had the meeting suddenly been called off?

After the meeting, Chen Aijia summoned Yang Changfeng to her office and asked whether he had something on his mind.

He was simply hungry. He had nothing else on his mind.

Yang Changfeng said, “I’m going to meet someone and provide him with some information. As for recruiting security guards this afternoon, let Zhang Baode handle it. Also, do I really need to attend meetings like this in the future?”

Chen Aijia stared at him in astonishment. “Why not?”

Those who attended meetings were the company’s core members. Since this man did not want to draw attention to himself, attending meetings should still have been acceptable. Why did he not even want to attend them?

Yang Changfeng said, “Large meetings, small meetings—they’re all a waste of time. Besides, I’m not familiar with Jiangzhou at all. Once the company has been put in order over the next few days, I want to go out and look around.”

There was simply no way to discuss serious matters with him.

Chen Aijia snapped, “Do you believe I’ll demote you to nothing more than a personal driver?”

“That would be great too. Driving people around doesn’t take much time. I’d have plenty left over to enjoy myself.” Yang Changfeng was delighted.

Chen Aijia was nearly sickened by him. What could anyone do with a man who had no ambition whatsoever?

Pointing a small finger at him, Chen Aijia shouted, “If I can’t find you in the office from now on, I—I’ll call your aunt!”

Yang Changfeng immediately surrendered.

Forget it. She was not someone he could afford to provoke.

But he could not neglect to fight for the benefits he deserved.

“I really need to become familiar with Jiangzhou. Otherwise, if something happens, I won’t even know which way to drive when I need to make a getaway,” Yang Changfeng argued.

Chen Aijia did not believe him. Wang Hu had already been sent to prison. Who would be reckless enough to risk his life by going up against her, when she now controlled a hugely influential group?

Yang Changfeng became solemn. “Do you think Wang Hu had that much power? Did he have the ability to control Jiangzhou’s underground drug market? Taking Wang Hu down is equivalent to cutting off the income of the real mastermind behind him. Why wouldn’t they come after you with everything they have? Enough. I’ll handle this matter. You just need to pay my salary. Make sure the business runs well.”

At least that sounded like a reasonable thing to say.

Chen Aijia handed him a card.

What was this? Was she planning to keep him?

“You’ll be dealing with people, including both female celebrities and female bosses. Do you really think it will look good if you can’t pay the bill?” Chen Aijia said irritably. “There’s only a little over a million in here, so spend it carefully. Also, about your car…”

“Don’t worry. I won’t take it out unless I have to. It’s too flashy.” Yang Changfeng was very pleased. Even though Ma Siwei would certainly pay for meals when they went out—such as the one today—it was still comforting to have a card with more than a million in savings on it.