Chapter 696: Chapter Eighty-Three: It Turns Out They Collided _3
"Really?" Jiang Xueyin felt a bit skeptical.
"Really." Li Yan nodded seriously, secretly thinking: Xueyin, maybe in a while, I won’t be your brother-in-law anymore...
"Then why is my cousin unhappy? What’s bothering her?"
"Well... you don’t need to know. Just take her to try some new restaurants, dishes, or even desserts at lunchtime. It’s all good." Li Yan, although finding it inconvenient to see Yurong now or even call her, felt it would be awkward. Therefore, he used Jiang Xueyin as a proxy to express his concern. It’s said that when people are in a bad mood, eating desserts can cheer them up.
"Hey! Aren’t you her husband? If there’s any trouble, can’t you help solve it? Or maybe it’s your problem to begin with?"
Faced with Jiang Xueyin’s curiosity, Li Yan tried his best to smile: "Alright, let’s work, notify everyone for a meeting!"
...
The focus of the meeting naturally revolved around the progress of the film "Springtime Leaked." Then they mentioned that they had received more than a dozen project proposals last week. Some were brought in by small producers trying their luck, but after selection, none were deemed suitable for the company’s investment.
Initially, Heavenly Film needed to expedite its investments, but with "Springtime Leaked" set to premiere on February 14, Valentine’s Day, there was no rush. They could adjust their investment strategy based on the results after its release. After the release, regardless of the box office performance, it won’t recover the funds immediately. However, the box office results can indicate whether the company’s investment direction is correct. This trial run will test everyone’s abilities, and the market needs to evaluate these aspects.
After the meeting, Li Yan found an excuse to step out.
He went to Jie Rui Security Company because Huang Ying had quickly completed her resignation formalities and was starting work there today, so he went to check on her.
Huang Ying naturally found it difficult to adapt to her new job, but fortunately, Li Jie’s requirements weren’t very high. The management team was newly formed and in a period of adjustment, so they didn’t put much pressure on her.
Previously, Li Yan mentioned he would be a consultant for the company. Li Jie didn’t take it as a joke and had already confirmed it. Seeing him now, she directly pulled him to sign a contract, making him an honorary consultant for the Jie Rui Security Guard Company.
After signing the contract, Li Jie formally introduced Li Yan to the company’s currently employed manager.
"This is the current general manager of Jie Rui, Mr. Zhao Chengyao. This is the general manager of Heavenly Film under Paradise Group and also someone I’ve asked to be an honorary consultant." Li Jie introduced them to each other.
People who understand each other don’t need to say much. Zhao Chengyao could immediately tell they had a good rapport and knew Huang Ying was recommended by Li Yan. Now hearing about his background with Paradise Group, Zhao didn’t find it an issue and understood that this background and identity could bring good clients to the company.
He enthusiastically shook hands with Li Yan and handed over his business card.
"Mr. Zhao, how’s the situation with Jie Rui now? Frankly, this reform was proposed by Ms. Li and me, but the specific results still depend on professionals like you." Li Yan directly asked.
From this statement, Zhao Chengyao understood even more about Li Yan’s influence on Li Jie and her team, promptly responding earnestly: "We’ve already overcome the toughest period, and most issues have been resolved. Last time, some people were looking for Ms. Li, but with your help, we sorted it out. Afterward, we dismissed that group of people. It’s mostly stabilized now, but people are still unconvinced inwardly. Going forward, we’ll need to show our results."
"Does Mr. Zhao have any recent projects that could boost everyone’s confidence?" Li Yan casually asked. Zhao Chengyao, as the newly hired manager, had already made good initial progress in the reforms, so expecting more achievements was unreasonable.
Zhao Chengyao looked at Li Jie, seeing she had no intention of stopping him, realizing that in front of Li Yan, there would be no secrets. He then said, "We are already in talks with some companies and properties. However, we’re aiming to improve, and low-performance clients who are nearing contract expiration will be gradually let go. Only by raising the client level can we receive more funds, give better benefits to our employees, and let them execute arrangements more effectively."
"Makes sense."
"Moreover, I’ve secured a project through my contacts. It’s a temporary project with a short duration, but the rewards are substantial. We will select a group of elite personnel to execute it, which will boost confidence through this case study." Zhao Chengyao explained.
"Oh? What kind of project?" Li Yan became interested. Unexpectedly, Zhao Chengyao seemed to have good connections and was more useful than anticipated.
"At the end of the month, there will be a large antique auction held in S City. Since those antiques are all valuable, and after antique dealers and collectors transport them there, the auction house is responsible for security. As the auction house doesn’t have constant business, they don’t maintain a large security team. Now that there’s a need, they’re hiring a security team to protect the antiques. I’ve secured this project and signed the contract with them. This week, I will continue to follow up, understand the map and environment, and select suitable personnel internally. By next week, our team will officially be stationed, and the antiques will start to arrive. Our protection duty lasts until the auction ends, and once all antiques are taken away by dealers and collectors, our task is complete. The time span is just about two weeks, and the commission is quite good."
Zhao Chengyao explained in detail, showing some confidence on his face.
After listening, Li Yan wasn’t very pleased; instead, he had a wry smile. Why did it have to be this project? This was precisely what "Rose" had their eyes on! Even with just two members, Rocana "Rose" was extremely dangerous, and they likely had more comrades. Without strong firepower support, even ensuring their own safety would be difficult!
"What’s wrong? Consultant Li, do you find this project unsuitable?" Zhao Chengyao noticed the change in his expression.
Li Jie also quickly asked, "Is it really not good?"
"No, it’s good. This project is indeed worth doing; it’s very interesting. It doesn’t require much time and pays well. Those playing with antiques are usually wealthy. The auction house only needs to give us a small cut of their commission. It’s a flexible project that doesn’t need a large team stationed for long periods."
"Indeed. We can draw some elites from each guard team, allowing others to work in shifts. Afterward, they can return to their previous posts. That harvest and their examples can influence all of our teams. This isn’t just a business benefit; it greatly helps stabilize our teams!" Zhao Chengyao spoke in a professional tone.
"Then what are your concerns?" Li Jie sensed that Li Yan had something to say.
Li Yan hesitated for a moment, "Perhaps I’m being too cautious! I keep thinking... if the antique auction is of great value, would it attract a lot of robbers? If aggressive robbers with heavy firepower try to steal this batch of antiques, our team’s safety would be a major issue. And if the antiques are lost, our responsibility would be severe. Currently, Jie Rui... can’t afford it!"
This statement brought silence to both Li Jie and Zhao Chengyao. A notable commission that also stabilized the team was a win-win situation for them, so they were very excited but intentionally overlooked the consequences of failure.
Now Li Yan just put forth the unwanted results directly, making them confront it.
"I’ve examined it, and this batch of antiques should be quite valuable, but... I checked recent years’ antique and jewelry exhibitions and auctions and found they’ve been safe. I believe there shouldn’t be any issues. Consultant Li’s caution is warranted, but statistically, our mission’s success rate is high." Zhao Chengyao responded with a bit more caution.
