189: Chapter 189 Back and Forth Pulling

Cheng He nodded while replying, “That’s right, you absolutely should be angry, but... we are, after all, in a cooperative relationship. I hope we can first eliminate some unnecessary hidden dangers before cooperating.”

“From the start, I wasn't very satisfied with the salary your company set for our Research Team. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have negotiated with your company for a month.”

“Now that another company has taken an interest in our Research Team and wants to poach us with a high salary, I think it’s only natural that we’re tempted.”

Chen Ling said nothing.

In her eyes, no matter how eloquently Cheng He phrased it, he was still a greedy and shameless villain.

Cheng He was unaware that Chen Ling had already judged his character. He was still trying his best to persuade her.

“I think competitive bidding between two parties is quite normal in the business world. Now, one company has already raised the price to 120 million. If your company truly values our Research Team, I think you could appropriately increase it a bit more.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Ling said to Cheng He, “I can add a bit more to your offer, but I expect you to sign the contract in my office immediately after I make the final adjustment.”

Her thinking was simple.

There was no better Research Team on the market right now.

This Research Team was the best she could find in the market.

She didn't want to give up on this team over a funding issue.

Even if this Research Team was a bit too greedy, she didn't want to just hand them over to Shen Yan.

“This... this might not be possible.”

Chen Ling hadn't expected Cheng He to refuse her.

She was stunned for a moment before asking Cheng He, “Why? Didn’t I already say I would increase the price for you?”

Cheng He cleared his throat and replied, “It’s true that your company is raising the price for me, but I also don't know if the other company will give me another price increase out of respect for your company.”

Treating this cooperation like an auction house?!

Chen Ling almost lost control of her temper and wanted to throw the teacup in front of her in Cheng He’s face.

After forcing herself to take several deep breaths,

Chen Ling finally suppressed the impatience inside her. Gritting her teeth, she forced a strained smile and replied to Cheng He, “Fine, we’ll do as you say. You asked for one day, right? Then I’ll give you one day too.”

Cheng He’s eyes lit up, and he asked, “Then what price is your company offering us?”

Chen Ling stated decisively, “Didn’t they just offer you a ten million increase? Then I will also increase the offer by ten million.”

130 million!

Cheng He used all his strength to suppress the upward curve of his lips.

Even if Shen Yan and the others didn't continue to raise the price, this price far exceeded the market rate for them.

Having achieved his goal, Cheng He didn't linger in Chen Ling's office.

He stood up, politely bid farewell to Chen Ling, then turned and walked out of the office.

As soon as he left, Chen Ling could no longer contain her rage and immediately cursed Cheng He out loud in the office.

Because she already knew what kind of temper their boss had, the secretary wisely chose not to enter the office after Cheng He left, opting instead to listen to the beeping telegram machine from the doorway.

...

Four o’clock in the afternoon, Fuchen Enterprise.

“Damn it! Why were you also called in for a talk?”

“I don’t know. As soon as I walked into the office, the HR Staff said I was being laid off, and then told me the severance pay would be compensated, asking me to leave today...”

“Ahhh! What should we do? I feel like I’m going to be laid off too!”

“This new CEO Shen is too decisive! He’s only been in office for a few days and is already using iron-fisted methods to lay off a large number of Employees...”

“What’s the use of talking about this now? We should hurry up and worry about ourselves. Who knows when we’ll be the next batch to be laid off.”

“Stop talking. I’m already browsing recruitment websites...”

“What the heck, why are you browsing ‘Prosperous Appointment’? Don’t you know this recruitment software was also developed by our current CEO Shen?”

“What? Heaven is going to destroy me!”

Just as the Employees’ discussion faded, another dejected Employee walked out of the HR Department office.

Those who recognized the Employee immediately stepped forward and asked him quietly, “What did the HR Manager tell you? Is he going to lay you off?”

That Employee nodded, took off the ID badge around his neck, placed it on the desk, and returned to his workstation to start packing his things.

Seeing that he wasn't speaking, the other Employees lost the mood to gossip.

They returned to their respective seats and began worrying about their future prospects.

Upstairs, inside Shen Yan’s office,

“Smack!”

A thick stack of documents was heavily placed on Shen Yan’s desk.

Chen Guangke asked breathlessly, “Old Shen, are you sure we need to finish this layoff matter in two or three days? I actually think we still have time...”

Seeing how tired he was, Shen Yan quickly walked over and poured him a cup of tea.

“Alright, stop talking for now. Take a sip of water to catch your breath.”

Chen Guangke didn't bother being polite and directly took the cup from Shen Yan’s hand, downing the tea in one gulp.

After finishing it, he felt as if he had been reborn.

“My goodness!”

“Do you know how much time it took me to organize these documents? A whole night plus an entire morning!”

“I feel like I don’t have much time left to live!”

Just as he finished speaking, Wu Ya walked into the office wearing two heavy dark circles under her eyes.

“I have already totaled up all the severance pay taken by every Employee according to your requirements. The total amount is now out: 2.85 million.”

Originally, this task should have been handled by the Finance Department, but because the Finance Department was assigned other tasks by him, this matter could only fall to Wu Ya.

Seeing how exhausted both of them were from being run ragged by him, Shen Yan nervously touched his nose.

“Sorry, sorry. I just wanted to properly reorganize the company during this time.”

Saying that, he walked over, threw one arm around Chen Guangke’s shoulder, and placed the other hand on Wu Ya’s head.

“Thank you for your hard work, both of you. I promise that once we finish this hectic work in the next couple of days, I will immediately treat you two to a big meal. No, not just a big meal—I’ll treat you to food, drink, and fun. In short, do whatever you want, and I’ll pay!”

Chen Guangke put down the teacup, shrugged off Shen Yan’s arm from his shoulder, and then fiercely pinched Shen Yan’s web between his thumb and index finger.

“Ouch!”

Hearing Shen Yan’s scream, Chen Guangke let go with a sly, smug smile on his face.

“After all, Wu Ya and I don’t lack food and drink, so forget about treating us to a meal.”