Chapter 635: “Chapter 37: What Is There to Ask?”
Chapter 37: What’s There to Ask
Although Jie Rui Security Company is involved in both bodyguard and security services, the number of bodyguards is relatively fewer, and their quality needs to be much higher because they’ve protected various individuals. With broader perspectives, they are generally more communicative about decisions regarding reforms.
Especially in the case of bodyguard services, they are often needed only temporarily compared to security services. Many people hire them on a short-term basis, such as when Li Jie used to protect Yu Xiaodi and Nian Yufei. Thus, their income is calculated differently. They anticipate that as Jie Rui’s reputation grows, attracting more high-level clients, their income will also increase.
Security personnel, having relatively lower income, can be impacted even by a few hundred less per month. So most of them, like Yang Dalong, have some resentment but accept it since leaving wouldn’t necessarily be better.
Regarding Huang Ying, Li Jie only asked a few relevant questions, without being too strict in evaluating her abilities, mainly trusting Li Yan’s assurance that Huang Ying was trustworthy.
As she urgently needed staff, after the questions, they directly discussed compensation. Li Yan didn’t want her to feel any barriers, so he briefly introduced Huang Ying’s situation, saying she worked in the business department of Paradise Group as a clerk, while also taking financial accounting courses.
"Miss Huang, I’ll offer you a bit more in salary than you’re getting now. However, in terms of other benefits, we can’t compare with Paradise Group. Of course, once Jie Rui grows, everyone’s compensation will be better."
Upon Li Jie’s straightforwardness, Huang Ying contemplated. Although her current position at Paradise Group offers stable benefits, there is limited room for advancement. Coming here might be a step down, but since she isn’t a graduate from a specialized finance and accounting program and lacks experience, working at Jie Rui would entail costs and risks. She is in no position to demand much.
"Miss Li, I have no issues. Actually, this is also an opportunity for my development. I will definitely work hard and meet your expectations."
"Great, let’s collaborate and progress together!"
The two shook hands again, and Li Yan jovially placed his hand over theirs to enfold them both. "Haha, don’t forget about me. I could be an honorary advisor without the salary."
The outcome somewhat surprised Huang Ying. Although she came for an interview, it proceeded so swiftly that she now had to handle issues related to resigning from Paradise Group.
"You need to supervise your current team well. Without rules, there’s no order. That manager must first improve all kinds of systems. Additionally, every staff member must sign formal contracts. Once various contracts are drafted, I will introduce you to a law firm and let professional lawyers review them to avoid legal issues. Removing those few today will definitely cause some disturbance. Some might leave with them, but don’t panic. Those who can’t be retained are better off leaving for the overall good. Quickly get the others to sign formal contracts, and from then on, operate by contract."
Regarding Li Yan’s words, Li Jie nodded silently. Having embarked on the path of reform, only by doing so could the company proceed smoothly. However, deeply influenced by Li Chengfeng, she couldn’t help but reflect that in the future, things would be different: "In the past, we were like friends, but in the future, it won’t be like that..."
Li Yan gave a comforting remark: "It’s only temporary. Relying on friendships and emotions to maintain a company isn’t solid, as seen by the strong reactions today. Any large company must be regulated. Of course, being regulated doesn’t mean losing human touch. During festivals, you can issue bonuses under the name of you and your father as holiday benefits. Once everything is on track and profits are made, relationships with the staff will likely revert to what they were."
"I understand, there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests."
"You can’t expect everyone to be your friend, nor can you expect all friendships to remain unchanged. With time, everyone changes, and so will you, as will the company." Li Yan sighed with emotion.
"By the way, Yang Dalong mentioned that after your conversation, he understood and even helped persuade others. You’re quite persuasive; perhaps I and my father shouldn’t have stepped out, and let you, the savvy advisor, handle it." Li Jie’s eyes showed a hint of laughter.
Li Yan gave a bitter smile: "Yang Dalong has dealt with me, so communication is easier. It’s different with others."
...
Since Huang Ying needed time to consider her resignation from Paradise Group, and with many tasks requiring Li Jie’s attention, Li Yan offered to drive Huang Ying home. On the way, Huang Ying voiced her concerns, and Li Yan summarized that she was mainly apprehensive about the new environment. He assured her that he also was an advisor at Jie Rui and that for greater development, she must leave the current comfort zone.
Once downstairs, Li Yan didn’t go up but drove himself home. On the road, he called Zheng Yixuan.
Upon answering the call, before Li Yan could state his purpose, Zheng Yixuan already complimented: "I told you, Paradise Group has the capability to manage things well. No need to reach out. The results over these few days are quite good!"
Li Yan, slightly embarrassed, said: "Actually, I did mention asking for your help, but she didn’t believe I could associate with a lawyer of your stature. She questioned how we met, finding it hard to believe that someone as ordinary as I am could have a friend as outstanding as you."
"Oh? What did you say?" Zheng Yixuan asked with a smile, knowing Li Yan wouldn’t tell the truth and curious about what story he concocted.
"Given that the recently problematic Zhou Shiru was our company lawyer, you suddenly appeared, a more renowned lawyer connected to me. Don’t you think Zhang Yurong would be suspicious?"
"She suspects I was bought off by Changhe Group to approach and compromise her through you?" Zheng Yixuan chuckled, aware that with his law firm’s earnings, buying him wasn’t easy.
"So I could only say we’ve known each other for a long time, but then she speculated if we met at a bar..."
"..." Zheng Yixuan was speechless.
"My reputation wasn’t great back then, often going out to have fun. So I concocted a ’normal’ reason: we met at a nightclub, almost fought over a popular hostess. Later, seeing you were older and that life is short, I interceded with gentlemanly grace, giving that popular hostess to you, sending you a few bottles of wine. Thus, you were moved by my generosity, befriended me, and often invited me for drinks, without making me pay. That’s why, despite low earnings, I always have drinks..."
Li Yan recounted the lie, leaving Zheng Yixuan unsettled: "For someone as upright as me, you turned me into someone fighting over hostesses in nightclubs! Your wife isn’t just any woman. If she spreads this scandal through her social circles, it’d go viral... Hmph! Don’t ask me for help in the future!"
"Third Brother, don’t be like that! I had no choice, just making up a reasonable excuse. Trust me, Yurong won’t gossip. At most, she’d think you’re a seemingly honorable old lecher... yet wouldn’t dare ask for your help, afraid of your entanglements with her..."
A seemingly honorable old lecher entangled with his wife! Zheng Yixuan was utterly bewildered by this portrayal.
Dealing with Li Yan proved challenging, even trying to maintain a stern demeanor was impossible. He could only give a cold hum: "I’m hanging up now!"
"Wait, even though Yurong doesn’t trust your character, I still take care of your business. I have a Jie Rui Security Company, where I serve as an honorary advisor. They need legal assistance, so I’ll refer them to you..."
"Hmph! You’re quite the enthusiast, but my law firm’s business is thriving; no need for your referrals." Zheng Yixuan surely understood his intention.
"Hehe, Third Brother, consider it a favor to me, though I wouldn’t bother you as the big name. Just assign a junior lawyer to assist."
"Uh... there is someone, oh right, Yun Dandan! That young lady left a good impression. You can entrust her with some tasks."
"Get lost, get lost, don’t lay your hands on our young ladies."
"So you’ll agree then."
Without agreeing, Zheng Yixuan hung up directly.
Of course, Li Yan knew he would definitely arrange something regardless. He called Li Jie back, telling her to visit Zheng Yixuan’s law firm and look for Yun Dandan.
...
Upon returning home, he saw Yue Yao in the living room. She smiled at him, "Drinking till the afternoon, let’s see how you’ll explain that!"
Li Yan felt sweaty and sat down beside her, "It’s my day off, just having some fun. Is Yurong in the office?"
"Yes, you should go see her. You didn’t come back or call, even if she doesn’t say it, she’s probably worried."
Li Yan grasped her hand and, before she could react, quickly kissed her cheek and dashed upstairs.
Upon opening the office door, Li Yan greeted with a smile, "Yurong, how’s it going? No unexpected incidents today, right?"
"You’re back? Just in time." Yurong looked up briefly, then returned to her computer.
"Aren’t you going to ask why I only returned now?"
"What’s there to ask, you’re not a child."
Seeing her calm demeanor, Li Yan sat on the sofa, smiling, "What did you mean by ’just in time’?"
"I have a dinner tonight and might drink. Since you’re back, you can pick me up later!"
"Sure."
"How come you’re not asking me what I did with Yu Xiaodi last night?" Zhang Yurong glanced at him.
"Uh, what’s there to ask, you both aren’t children." Li Yan echoed her earlier words.
Zhang Yurong asked again, "Aren’t you curious about tonight’s dinner?" (To be continued, for more updates, visit www.qidian.com, support the author and read authorized texts!)
