Chapter 129: Are You Threatening Me?
For the next two days, Lin Mu clocked in at the company as usual.
There were many unresolved issues, most of which required his personal signature to handle.
Having already demonstrated his capabilities, Lin Mu had firmly secured his position in the company. Thus, although he rarely spoke, his decisions went mostly unchallenged. Even if some were unhappy, they could only grit their teeth and bear it.
That day, Chen Cheng came to find Lin Mu. He explained that due to Yang Ye’s departure, several research projects had come to a standstill.
However, most of the data was in Yang Ye’s possession. To continue those projects, the company not only needed to retrieve the data but also secure follow-up funding.
In short, Chen Cheng was there to ask for money.
Seeing Chen Cheng’s flushed face and his visibly anxious expression, Lin Mu found it rather amusing.
"Manager Chen, what are your thoughts?"
Lin Mu put down the report and looked at Chen Cheng.
According to the document, some projects had been suspended, some had not yet begun development, and others were merely fronts Yang Ye had used to embezzle funds.
Chen Cheng habitually adjusted his glasses and said, "Actually, I think that aside from the third project concerning a new antibiotic, the rest can be scrapped."
"Oh?" Lin Mu prompted, "Tell me more."
As if encouraged, Chen Cheng took a deep breath and said, "President Lin, I graduated from Medical University, and my specialty is new drug development, so I know this field well. In both modern medicine and clinical trials, antibiotics are indispensable. The key features of new antibiotics are their low cost, high efficacy, and minimal side effects. Instead of pouring more manpower, material, and financial resources into developing other drugs, we should focus our efforts on antibiotics."
After saying so much in one go, Chen Cheng took a sip of tea before continuing, "Of course, for the company to grow, we need a flagship product to our name, it’s just..." He trailed off, looking a bit embarrassed. "I just haven’t figured out what that should be yet."
Lin Mu laughed, tossing the report back to Chen Cheng. "This is a minor matter. As the manager of the R&D department, you figure it out. Do what you think is best, but I have one requirement."
Lin Mu’s tone grew serious. "Product quality!"
Sensing the gravity in Lin Mu’s voice, Chen Cheng sat up straight and pledged, "Rest assured, President Lin. I will personally oversee this and guarantee there are no slip-ups!"
Drug development’s biggest fear was substandard quality that caused problems when patients used the medication.
Lin Mu could accept making less money, or even no money at all, but he would never earn it by sacrificing his conscience. That was his bottom line.
"Alright, you can go now. If anything comes up in the future, report directly to President Su," Lin Mu said with a wave of his hand, dismissing Chen Cheng.
After Chen Cheng left, Lin Mu began to wonder. Should I contact Ning Xian? We might be able to collaborate on something.
KNOCK, KNOCK.
The sound of knocking interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Tang Feng, the manager of the HR department, walked in with a faint smile.
"Hello, President Lin." Tang Feng took two steps forward to greet him.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, Manager Tang?" Lin Mu watched him intently, not offering him a seat.
"It’s like this."
Tang Feng was about to sit down on his own, but he noticed Lin Mu’s unwelcoming gaze. He gave an awkward laugh instead. "Since Liu Hong was fired, the Sales Department is currently rudderless. I was hoping to recommend someone to you, President Lin."
"Oh?" Lin Mu raised an eyebrow. "For Manager Tang to personally make a recommendation, I must admit, I’m quite curious as to who it is."
Tang Feng looked slightly embarrassed. "It’s all for the good of the company. I’m recommending Manager Huang Qi from the Sales Department."
Lin Mu said with a wry smile, "If I recall correctly, Manager Huang is... your wife, isn’t she, Manager Tang?"
Tang Feng said, looking a little awkward, "We aren’t married yet. She’s just my fiancée."
"Oh? Is there a difference?"
Tang Feng immediately straightened his posture and said loudly, "President Lin, as the HR Manager, I’m well aware that nepotism is a major taboo in personnel appointments. However, if Manager Huang weren’t capable, I would never dare to bring this up with you."
Lin Mu nodded. "Hmm, I’m aware of your character, Manager Tang. And I trust that Manager Huang’s capabilities are, as you say, plain for all to see."
"So, does that mean you agree, President Lin?" A look of joy spread across Tang Feng’s face, a hint of pride in his eyes.
Tang Feng was in his early thirties, handsome, and a graduate of a prestigious university. He had also studied abroad and came from a family with some money. As a result, almost everyone in the company showed him a degree of deference.
Therefore, he approached Lin Mu with the intention of promoting Huang Qi to Sales Department Manager, a move driven largely by his own self-interest. Besides, Lin Mu is new here. Whether it’s to balance the middle management or to win over his staff, he’ll surely agree to this small proposal of mine.
But...
"Who said I agreed?"
Lin Mu looked at Tang Feng, a smile still on his face.
The smile on Tang Feng’s face froze. "President Lin, I..."
Lin Mu said flatly, "I have my own arrangements for the Sales Department, so you needn’t worry about it, Manager Tang. Please focus on your own duties."
"Are you rejecting my proposal, President Lin?" Tang Feng’s expression darkened with displeasure.
"What’s this? Are you threatening me, Manager Tang? Or are you suggesting that... as the manager of the company’s HR department, you have the authority to decide on appointments at the manager level?" Lin Mu’s smile didn’t waver, but his tone grew heavy.
A strange sense of panic seized Tang Feng. "I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare! You’re reading too much into it, President Lin."
Lin Mu said nothing.
"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave then." This guy is not easy to fool, Tang Feng thought, finally remembering who he was dealing with. The moment he arrived, he took down two managers with thunderous methods. He’s probably still holding evidence of wrongdoing over the heads of key personnel like us.
"Manager Tang is a busy man. I won’t keep you," Lin Mu said.
The moment Tang Feng was out of the office, the smile vanished from his face, replaced by a gloomy scowl.
"How did it go? Did President Lin agree?" a woman in her late twenties walked over and asked nervously.
"We’ll talk in my office."
The two entered his office. Tang Feng slammed the door shut and snorted coldly. "Hmph! He was given a chance and he spat on it. That bastard is asking for it! Outrageous!"
The woman’s expression changed instantly. "What? He refused? Who the hell does he think he is?"
This woman was, of course, Huang Qi, Tang Feng’s fiancée.
"Tang Feng, we had a deal! That sales department manager position must be mine, or else..."
Huang Qi was beautiful, but her thin lips made her look rather sharp-tongued. There wasn’t a trace of respect for Lin Mu in her voice.
"Darling, don’t worry," Tang Feng said, grabbing her hands. "That sales department manager position is yours. No one can take it away!"
He continued, "I’ll call my dad right now and have him step in personally."
Huang Qi’s anger melted into delight. She sat on Tang Feng’s lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and cooed, "I knew you were the best to me."
Tang Feng took out his phone, dialed a number, and explained the situation.
After hanging up, he let out a cold laugh.
Trying to compete with me? You’re still far too green!