“Miss Qin, this comparison is a little unfair though,” a man with a fox like eyes said. “South America’s economy is not like ours. The competition is different. I don’t think this is a good example. In my opinion, we still need to study the area further before deciding whether it would be profitable to develop a residential area.”
“True. Which is why, I already made a study about this. Please check the file…”
“With all due respect President Qin, I believe this is a very big project for you. With the current standing of our company there is no way that this will help our shareholders,” the man interrupted Lily, “I know you are successful in Europe but what works in Europe and in South America for the matter, might not work here. Our country is very different. We have different cultures and traditions. I suggest that we hire a consultant to help us.”
“I recommend getting help from our previous CEO, Mr. Liam Arison. He is very experienced in the Hong Kong market. We could hire him as a consultant and seek his unbiased opinion about these projects,” the man added, brimming with confidence. The acquisition of A.R Mall and Boutique was an example of a hostile takeover, where the company was forcibly taken without the agreement of the board. The board was only informed after Chairman Arison had already signed the documents for the buyout.
Because of this, many shareholders were not satisfied and wanted to pull out their stocks. But they immediately calmed down when Liam assured them that he would be around to help and guide Lily along the way. He said that he would make sure that this acquisition goes smoothly not just for the sake of the shareholders but also for the employees.
Who would have thought that news of their failed engagement would immediately follow after Liam talked to them?
This was an extremely difficult time for A.R Mall and Boutique and having a hostile takeover might not necessarily mean that the company could be saved. This was the reason why a majority of the directors in the room right now were adamant about having Liam stand alongside the new owner of the company, to help her get familiarized with the ins and outs of the company.
“Hmmm…” Lily propped her face on her palm as she looked at the man calmly. “Continue… Mr. Xi is it?”
“Well that… that is all,” Mr. Xi answered.
“Alright. Now… South America’s economy is not as good as this country. But your profits is not even half of what my retail company in South America is earning. Don’t you feel ashamed?” She gave Mr. Xi a smirk. “I called for this meeting with the intention of getting to know everyone. And now I know why A.R Mall and Boutique is on the brink of bankruptcy for the last two years now.”
“President Qin… this is…” Mr. Xi wanted to retort.
“As a board of directors, I understand that you want to protect the interest of the shareholders of this company. Trust me… that is what I want too. I thought that there would be some hope for you all but then you all had to suggest that I work with Liam. Then I realized… you cannot be save.” Lily leaned back in her seat and started playing with her pen. Her actions were relaxed, that most of the people inside the room became irritated.
“Because of this, I am taking charge.” Lily beamed and everyone couldn’t help but feel nervous. “I will dissolve A.R Mall and Boutique and rebrand the mall as the new Harmony Isle. And as for all of you… well since most of you here are internal directors… I guess, this is your last day of work in this company.” This made everyone in the room uncomfortable. Was she firing them?
“You can’t do this… We can sue…”
“True.” Lily interrupted the speaker. “Which is why I am planning to hold every director accountable to the misappropriation of funds that you happily approved last year.”
“You- Are you threatening us?” Mr. Lu rose from his seat, anger apparent in his eyes.
“No.” Lily said. “I don’t do well with threats.”
Another board member rose from his seat and was about to say something when the door of the board room was suddenly opened, revealing Liam in a suit. He gave everyone a smile and frowned at Lily. “This was the reason why I originally wanted my father to stop going through with this buyout. I always knew that you are ruthless and will not value the board of directors. I know that you are just using A.R Mall and Boutique as a stepping stone into the Hong Kong market.”
“Why am I not surprised to see you here?” Lily smiled, baffling the directors in the room. Lily had received so much hostility from them and yet, she didn’t crumble in fear. Any normal woman in her twenties would have already panicked in fear already alright? Could she be faking her confidence?
“Please leave us… I am planning to talk to President Qin alone,” Liam said. At Liam’s request, the board of directors immediately rose from their seats and walked out of the room, without a question. This just showed how much they respected the man.
Something that they did not feel towards Lily.
“You really should learn to be a little submissive. Your strong attitude in the west wouldn’t work on the people in the east.” Liam took a seat opposite Lily.
“Liam, I was actually surprised that you are still alive.”
“Lily, this is not the time to be feisty. The board of directors is hostile towards you. You need to change your attitude towards them or else you will receive their ire. This would mean trouble for you and the company.”
“So… you wanted me to submit to them?” Lily asked while checking her red fingernails.
“Of course. I know you are a strong woman but you have to adapt to the situation. Showing your dominance will only work if they are already afraid of you. But it will not work in a case where they don’t even recognize your past achievements. In their eyes, you are just a woman and women in this part of the world are only good at warming their beds.”
…
Editor: Swaning
