Chapter 633: Chapter 35 - Tell a Story" Third Update
Chapter 35: A Story
(Thanks to brother [dongmin806] for being promoted to Elder, adding extra thanks!)
After Li Yan called Li Jie, it wasn’t long before he got here, which means their dispute must have occurred during this time. As for the root of the problem, there’s no need to guess; it’s definitely because these people are extremely opposed to the current reforms, so they took advantage of their time off to come here and cause a commotion.
As he opened the door, everyone inside turned their attention towards them, all eyes on the two of them at the entrance.
Seeing Li Yan, Li Jie coolly nodded, "You’re here? Wait outside, I’ll finish things here and come out!"
Then she continued to stare down the other security personnel, "Are you determined to cause trouble? The company’s reform and development naturally follows the company’s needs, and the necessary explanations have been given to you, promises have been made. If you find it unacceptable, you can terminate your contract and leave!"
Originally, it seemed like everyone was still restraining themselves, but now that Li Yan had arrived and Li Jie wanted to resolve things quickly, she laid the problem bare, mentioning the option of resignation. This inflamed their resentment, and the security personnel immediately started shouting:
"You want reform, you want development, that’s your business. How dare you use our money for your reforms? What reforms can you afford without money?"
"Exactly! If it wasn’t for your dad, what skills do you have? All talk and no action!"
"The company has been developing for all these years, it’s not just yours. Do you think now that you’re grown up, you can deny all your dad’s policies? Considering Jie Rui’s scale, why do you think so many of us have followed for so long? It’s all for Old Li’s sake! You’re young and instead of inheriting your father’s business, you’re thinking of kicking out the old employees, you want to ruin Jie Rui!"
"Do you really consider yourself the successor now? Back when Jie Rui was being built, we contributed too, and you didn’t even know where to wipe your nose!"
...
Li Jie crossed her arms and coldly watched the outraged security personnel. She was never one to speak much, and now, facing such accusations, she wasn’t inclined to argue with them.
Seeing her defiant stance against the criticism, Huang Ying felt a bit nervous. What kind of company is this? If she came to work here in the future, would she have to face such a life?
Li Yan patted Huang Ying’s shoulder and softly said, "Go sit outside and wait, I’ll watch here, it’s alright."
"Okay." Huang Ying obediently stepped back.
Li Yan closed the door and then walked over to Li Jie, facing the still murmuring security personnel, and started to applaud.
His action surprised everyone, and they quieted down, all eyes now on him. They didn’t know Li Yan, but since Li Jie had greeted him, it was clear he was her friend. Why was her friend applauding in agreement with them?
Li Jie knew him better and figured he was there to "stir things up" once again, so she continued to watch with her arms crossed, without commenting.
Having observed for just a bit and listened to their complaints, Li Yan had already grasped the situation. Since Li Jie’s return, she had been working on reform, which had been ongoing for about three weeks here. Surely, everyone knew, and some had already tried to bargain. Just like Yang Dalong had complained to him a few days ago, most people were undoubtedly dissatisfied or outwardly compliant without truly accepting it. Still, some looked further ahead, some considered changing companies and found it feasible, some worried about not finding a job immediately, so even if they were discontent, most were likely to reluctantly accept the reform.
They just hoped someone would stand up for them when they felt resigned to their fate. And those who could represent them were the security team leaders and senior security staff who were more familiar with Li Chengfeng and Li Jie. Although the security team leader had been communicated with by Li Chengfeng and Li Jie and recognized the situation despite grievances, those present here to challenge authority included both veteran security personnel and a few more aggressive, impulsive individuals.
Aggressive and impulsive individuals, in any team, are like a flame; without a fuse, they might be harmless, but once ignited, they become a ticking time bomb!
Veteran employees are undoubtedly a valuable asset, the foundation of a company. Since they are familiar with everything about the company and have a deep sense of belonging. But veteran employees also come in two types: one considers the company their home and work responsibly without any ambition, and the boss usually won’t dismiss them unless they fail to meet the company’s needs. The other type relies on their seniority, not respecting superiors or even the boss, which makes them unstable factors.
The two types of individuals present today, in Li Yan’s view, must be addressed, otherwise, they’ll continue to bring potential issues to Jie Rui Company!
He originally didn’t want to directly interfere in Li Jie’s internal affairs. After all, he was just an outsider who could offer strategic advice, but direct intervention was improper. However, he was concerned that Li Jie, considering Li Chengfeng and the undercurrent of potential backlash, wouldn’t actually dismiss them, forcing him to step in.
...
"I’m clapping because I find everyone’s logic quite remarkable. Before I express my point, I’d like to tell you a story..."
Before Li Yan could speak further, someone suddenly rushed forward, grabbed his clothes, and shouted angrily, "Who the hell are you? What’s your business with our company’s matters? In our important internal meeting, who is this outsider to come and babble a story!"
Li Jie frowned and was about to get angry, but seeing Li Yan motion to her to hold off, and knowing his strength, she felt assured he wouldn’t get hurt and continued to watch coldly.
Li Yan reached out, grabbed the hand clutching his clothes, and effortlessly pulled it aside.
The man tried to hold tight but simply couldn’t manage; it felt like his hand was clamped by an iron grip, which secretly startled him, regretting his rashness.
"Nonsense story, nonsense issue, if you want to say something, you’ll have your chance later. Now, listen to me!" Li Yan spoke without loosening his hold, pulling the man to the side.
The man was both furious and embarrassed; he was the first to rush out, meant to intimidate Li Yan and attack Li Jie by confronting her friend. However, unexpectedly, he was left held by Li Yan on display in front of everyone!
Without another word, he turned his hand to twist Li Yan’s arm, hoping to use the grappling techniques he learned to handle ordinary people, no matter if they’re a bit stronger.
But Li Yan grabbed his joint with one hand, and pressed his elbow into his chest with the other, preventing his successful grab. Throughout the skirmish and counterattack, Li Yan’s mouth didn’t stop as he continued telling the story!
"There used to be a beggar at the corner, and whenever I passed, I’d give him ten bucks to ensure he had a meal whether or not others gave him money. At first, he was grateful, but later he got used to it and felt I was obligated to give it..."
Having been subdued, the man struggled a few more times but couldn’t loosen Li Yan’s grip, so he kicked at Li Yan to trip and throw him to the ground.
Li Yan casually threw a punch downward, targeting the security guard’s groin. The closeness of their struggle made the strike accurate, quickly sapping his energy, so he no longer attempted to throw Li Yan and stood aside clutching his lower body.
Seeing the security guard’s actions, everyone laughed, expecting to see Li Yan thrown to the ground and awaiting more of his story. But the situation changed in an instant, and the result was immediate. Although they didn’t see how Li Yan made his move due to their bodies blocking the view, seeing where the guard was clutching, they understood what had just happened!
Even Li Jie broke into a sweat... she’s not a man, yet even she felt a chill below!
However... seeing the guard’s miserable state reminded her of Kawada’s earlier appearance, and how Li Yan nonchalantly executed his move, which intrigued Li Jie. It seemed this technique, though underhanded, was indeed very effective!
Not only was she eager to try it, but her body also couldn’t help but think: Every time I fight with Li Yan, I lose. If next time we spar, using this technique turned back against him, what would his reaction be?
Li Yan didn’t stop and continued telling his story, oddly sensing a chilly wind coming from Li Jie’s direction, bewildering him.
"...Once, I only had ten bucks left. I opened my wallet to show him, saying: I’m sorry, I haven’t brought any money today, and I need these ten bucks to buy a pack of cigarettes. The beggar immediately got angry: ’You want to smoke? That’s your business. How dare you spend my money for cigarettes? Buying what nonsense cigarettes when you have no money?’ "
Li Yan, while effortlessly dealing with the security guard’s struggle, narratively adapted an old story to the current setting, exuding a certain graceful flair, painting an effortless picture.
But those who could appreciate it were just Li Jie; the others glared at him angrily.
"Damn you! Are you calling us beggars? I’ll beat you!"
"Damn it! Our hard-earned wages have become your charity?"
"Get Li Chengfeng out here! Let me see if he dares speak such words!"
For Li Jie, Li Yan’s story was a relief. Previously, they worked with almost no commission, redistributing all the earned money to everyone. Now that they simply adhered to industry norms, and others couldn’t bear it, it was truly infuriating. However, she also understood that such a sudden change in a routine manner, though rationally justifiable, was emotionally tough for anyone to accept. So continuous explanations were necessary, but now Li Yan’s allegorical story turned into sarcasm, directly pushing them into an uncompromising confrontation! (To be continued. To see how the story develops, please visit www.qidian.com, more Chapters are available, support the author, support legal reading!)
