Chapter 634: Chapter 36: Decision
Chapter 36 Decision
Seeing them so agitated, Li Jie realized she had to calm things down, otherwise there would be no peaceful resolution today. Her earlier opposition was only formal, a matter of attitude, but now Li Yan’s words had pushed them to a point where coexistence was difficult. A little more provocation, and they might really quit or cause a major uproar.
There were just a dozen or so people here; if they left, it wouldn’t affect the big picture. But now they came to challenge her, not as individuals, but as representatives of popular sentiment. They knew a lot of people, and if they spread the word, it would influence many. Even if not everyone left, morale would be shaken. Especially since some of them were veteran guards who had served for years, their departure would be disheartening.
Because the guard who came out earlier was still clutching his groin in pain from being handled by Li Yan, wanting to move forward to exact revenge but in too much pain and fearing he couldn’t win. The others had seen his lesson but weren’t afraid because they outnumbered Li Yan, who had only sneak-attacked, and even with Li Jie, they wouldn’t be a match. So, when they angrily pointed at Li Yan, they also stepped forward a bit.
"Everyone, calm down!" Li Jie still crossed her arms but had moved in front of Li Yan to block any impulsive moves from them.
"Calm, my ass! Who is he? He’s not a Jie Rui person; how can you let an outsider take charge?"
"He’s insulting us! Damn it, I’ll kill him!"
Their angry curses and desire to fight made Li Jie frown. She was just about to say whoever dared to make a move, they’d have to get past her first... When Li Yan continued to speak: "The earlier situation could illustrate other stories as well."
Li Jie couldn’t help but roll her eyes at him, thinking can’t you stop talking? If this keeps escalating, it’ll be even harder to resolve.
His words caused them to laugh coldly even more.
"Beat the hell out of him!" The guard from before had slightly recovered, and seeing Li Yan continue to be cocky, he couldn’t help but rush over and grabbed Li Yan from behind.
The others, already angered by Li Yan, heard this and saw him make the first move, immediately swarmed towards Li Yan, bypassing Li Jie.
"Stop it!"
It actually turned into a fight. Li Jie couldn’t worry about anything else and, while shouting, reached out to pull away those going after Li Yan.
Li Jie originally held a lot of authority, but lately, because of the reform, many people were discontent with her. Those who came today were representatives of that discontent, so once the scene got out of control, they naturally wouldn’t listen to her anymore.
And Li Yan, seeing them make a move, didn’t hold back. He grabbed the guard who held him and used him as a weapon, swinging him into the crowd, immediately knocking several down. He quickly broke forward, using kicks to control distance so the crowd couldn’t completely surround him, while those close were ruthlessly beaten down one by one.
Li Jie had only managed to pull a few away, but then saw the rest falling down in heaps. In just a short moment, except for the ones she pulled away, the others were all on the ground.
"I certainly won’t overstep my bounds. Matters of Jie Rui will still be handled by Li Jie with you all. But I’ve agreed to become a consultant for Jie Rui, so there are some things I’ll still say directly."
Li Yan stood by Li Jie’s side, seeing she wasn’t saying anything, understood her concerns. Although it wasn’t his place to take over, he had to play the bad guy: "Since the cards are on the table, continuing to work together would be pointless. If you’re firmly against Jie Rui’s reform, then just leave! Anyway, you’re skilled and won’t fear not being accepted by other security companies. If Jie Rui develops well in the future and proves the current promises, I believe Li Jie won’t refuse if you want to come back."
His words shocked everyone. Li Jie hadn’t expected him to directly tell them to leave, and the guards hadn’t expected Li Yan to be some consultant but guessed he was the one inciting Li Jie to reform and hadn’t expected him to dare to say such things.
"Li Jie! Do his words represent your opinion?"
"Does your opinion represent Li Chengfeng’s?"
The few whom Li Jie had pulled away uninjured were solemnly questioning. The others, getting up and also waiting for an answer, dared to come as they weren’t afraid of losing their jobs, just wanted an explanation.
Li Jie gave Li Yan a deep look, wanting everyone to calm down and have a better discussion. But this reform was encouraged by Li Yan, and if he acted this way, it must be for good, not to sabotage it. Despite their differing relationships, even if Li Yan’s actions might be wrong, she’d certainly support him more.
"Since you all think staying at the company is pointless and feel the policy infringes on your rights, just as he said, seek employment elsewhere first! When Jie Rui develops well, you can apply again. Go back, and come tomorrow to handle the procedures."
Li Jie’s view was expressed coldly. To her, this was already quite tactful.
The showdown had been with Li Yan, but now that Li Jie spoke directly, there was no room for maneuver, yet there were still some who were discontent.
"Hmph! Truth is harsh! You just want to sweep us out as obstacles to you tinkering with Jie Rui!"
"Jie Rui’s reform has already begun. If it fails, you can mock me. My decision now is the company’s decision!"
Li Jie’s words were indeed true. Jie Rui’s business model was originally familial. Li Chengfeng, the founder and boss, attracted many with his reputation and credibility. But in official business, the manager’s position had already been given to Li Jie. However, in everyone’s hearts, they saw Li Jie as the manager and Li Chengfeng as the boss.
Originally, management was quite loose, with them both involved in big and small matters. So without Li Chengfeng’s opposition, her decision equated to the company’s. The current reform was to formalize and institutionalize Jie Rui, rather than being person-driven.
For these people, why were they the fiercest opposers? It wasn’t for justice—ultimately, it came down to interest. Their interests were being infringed upon, and as jumping ship wouldn’t bring greater benefits, they stepped forward to protect their original interests.
If they could easily find better treatment by leaving, they wouldn’t stay at Jie Rui—they’d have left already. Three weeks had passed, and it was basically confirmed; they also knew they couldn’t resist the reform. Today’s "trouble" wasn’t for its own sake, nor to impede, but hoped Li Jie would compromise a little on commissions and such. In other words, faced with unchangeable circumstances, minimize the damage.
They believed the company wouldn’t dare fire them, fearing more would leave and cause a shake-up, leaving Jie Rui’s security force stretched thin. Unexpectedly, she listened to this unknown consultant and directly fired everyone!
"We want to see Old Li!" After a moment of silence, someone made this request.
Earlier, they were indignant, vitriolic towards Li Jie. Now, of course, they couldn’t face change and make amends. Facing losing their job, they wanted to fight a bit more. With Li Chengfeng’s usual kindness, he wouldn’t allow Li Jie to act this way. They believed that by seeing Li Chengfeng and presenting their constructive criticism for Jie Rui, things would be fine.
Li Jie had already faced their fervent opposition, and now in the face of silent protest, she wouldn’t be bothered either. Since the decision was made, there would be no hesitation. Just like when deciding on the reform, she threw herself into it. To their words, she shook her head: "My opinion represents my father’s. He won’t see you anymore!"
They fell silent again, then someone began cursing: "Damn it, who cares? Such a broken company will collapse sooner or later! Let’s go!"
"Let’s go, Old Li just wants to transform into a capitalist. Why should we care, talk about loyalty? Let’s go, drink!"
They each left, still glaring angrily at Li Yan. Concerned they might harm Huang Ying outside, Li Yan followed them out.
However, these guards were only a radical and violent subset, not bad people. Though they knew Huang Ying was with Li Yan, they didn’t harass her.
Li Jie also followed, and soon they all left.
Even during her time at Paradise Group, Huang Ying hadn’t dealt with guards. Just now their ferocious appearance had worried her. Seeing only Li Yan and Li Jie now, she was relieved.
"This is Li Jie, the manager and owner of Jie Rui Security Company." Li Yan introduced them: "She’s Huang Ying, the trustworthy finance person I recommended to you."
They shook hands and exchanged greetings. Despite Li Jie’s cool demeanor, Huang Ying wasn’t intimidated, thinking it wasn’t easy to manage so many guards, requiring a certain authority. Seeing Li Jie, not much older than her, having such capability, she was quite impressed.
After the niceties, Li Jie invited them to sit and then introduced the ongoing changes. They were assembling an administrative team with Li Jie having promised to leave the finance position open for someone trustworthy, per her agreement with Li Yan, which was still vacant.
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