"Since this matter was stirred up by this Li Ming, let him pay some interest first. As for Zhang Tianxing, we'll find an opportunity to do it again." Chen Zhilong became interested. He liked people like Zhang Tianxing; defeating them too easily gave him no sense of accomplishment.
"Alright, Brother Long, just you listen. I'll handle this perfectly, and you'll be a hundred and twenty percent satisfied." Chen Sancang patted his chest and immediately declared his resolve to Chen Zhilong.
Chen Zhilong was very pleased. "Sancang, I trust you with my affairs. You know my character. I never mistreat my brothers, but if they betray me, they must face severe consequences. This line cannot be crossed; our team still needs to abide by rules."
Upon hearing Chen Zhilong's words, Chen Sancang lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "Brother Long, don't worry, I will definitely make this Li Ming pay the price he deserves. As for Zhang Tianxing, we'll settle accounts with him next time. We'll play it by ear and see what happens!"
"Alright, you may go. Handle it swiftly and don't let others make a mockery of us," Chen Zhilong said, having lost the mood for further conversation. No matter how much he talked, failing to achieve the desired outcome this time left Chen Zhilong very disappointed. He had never felt so humiliated.
Chen Sancang glanced at the displeased Chen Zhilong and, without another word, retreated.
...
Fuzhou Machinery Conference Room.
Li Ming was delivering a passionate and fiery speech, "Now that we've reached this point today, what can we do to make Fuzhou Machinery better? Everyone, share your thoughts."
Li Ming looked around. He felt a pang of sadness. Fuzhou Machinery was still Fuzhou Machinery, but with these two announcements, its reputation among shareholders had likely been ruined.
Never had a listed company shown such an ugly face.
Vice Director Li Yu glanced at Li Ming. "Chairman, what do you mean by that? Fuzhou Machinery's current predicament is entirely thanks to you, sir. If not for your brilliant leadership and effective command, we wouldn't be in this situation."
Hearing Li Yu's barbed words, Li Ming's old face flushed. "Vice Chairman Li Yu, now is not the time to discuss who is responsible. We are discussing how to proceed and how to make Fuzhou Machinery better. When people do things, they make mistakes. We can't throw the baby out with the bathwater, can we?"
Li Ming picked up his cup, took a sip of water, and continued, "We must allow for learning as we go, wading across the river stone by stone. Growing pains during reform are inevitable and permissible."
After listening to Li Ming's high-sounding rhetoric, Li Yu fell into thought. Regardless of anything else, Li Ming could no longer be allowed to lead the company. Otherwise, delisting would be imminent.
"I have a proposal. Due to a strategic miscalculation, I made an inappropriate announcement, specifically the one about reducing company shares." Li Ming's old face flushed at this point. Fortunately, Li Yu didn't jump out and accuse him at this moment.
"This will undoubtedly cause fluctuations in the company's stock price. My intention is for you all to consider increasing your holdings, or for the company to buy back shares, to salvage our stock," Li Ming was genuinely distressed and didn't know what to do.
Li Yu nodded. "I can agree to this, but we have a condition. We hope the Chairman can agree. Otherwise, you can play by yourself."
Although Li Yu's words were unpleasant, Li Ming breathed a sigh of relief. "We can discuss matters. State your conditions, and I will agree." As long as there were conditions, it was negotiable. It would likely just involve him promising a certain amount of profit, which was not a big deal.
"I want you to resign as Chairman. That is my only condition. Do you agree?" Li Yu stated calmly.
He had long been unhappy with Li Ming. Li Ming sat in the chairman's seat, lacking ambition, and had turned a winning hand into this mess.
The main culprit was Li Ming. It was he who initiated the collaboration with the Chen family, yet the workers gained nothing.
It only led to unnecessary overtime, making working day and night the norm.
In other companies, workers were not treated this way. This was all Li Ming's doing.
Upon hearing Li Yu's words, Li Ming's expression changed instantly. He couldn't help but let out a wry smile. "Li Yu, you are still young. Listen to my advice. This world is not as simple as you think. I can step down as Chairman, but if you drive me out, it won't benefit you."
Li Yu remained silent. At that moment, three men entered from outside.
The leader, wearing sunglasses, looked around and walked directly towards Li Ming. "Chairman Li, it's been a while. I am Officer Li from the Securities Regulatory Commission. There are some matters, and we would like Chairman Li Ming to accompany us. We need your cooperation on some work."
At this moment, Li Ming's body went limp, as if devoid of bones. He couldn't stand up. He had never dreamed he would fall into the hands of the Securities Regulatory Commission. He knew his own actions clearly, and it seemed he wouldn't get off easily this time.
It must be Chen Zhilong. Li Ming cursed inwardly. He had been careless and hadn't expected Chen Zhilong to act so quickly. Just as his defeat was evident but not yet solidified, Chen Zhilong had already sent someone to act.
It seemed that in Chen Zhilong's eyes, he was merely a small pawn.
"Hahaha, I refuse! What right do you have to take me away? I was just doing what a businessman should do! Why don't you investigate those high-ranking officials and nobles? What's the point of causing trouble for us ordinary citizens?" Li Ming shouted hysterically. He was still young and didn't want to give up everything he had.
Officer Li frowned, waved his hand, and the two men stepped forward, grabbed Li Ming, and began to escort him out. Officer Li then looked at Li Yu and Gao Lili. "You continue. I'll be leaving now."
Li Yu and Gao Lili hurried forward to see Officer Li off. They couldn't afford to offend the people from the Securities Regulatory Commission.
After everyone had left, Li Yu and Gao Lili exchanged glances and breathed a sigh of relief. This was the perfect opportunity to reorganize the company and see how much its stock price could recover.
If the company's stock didn't perform soon, it would quickly fall below its issue price.