chapter 22 A man has gold at his knees

"Yes, Mr. Dong." Ava Liu immediately took out her phone and tagged everyone in the workgroup to attend the meeting. Just as Allen Chen returned to his workplace, Fred and the members of Team Three approached him. "Brother Allen, that bitch Ava Liu called us all for a meeting. Could it have something to do with you going to the office earlier?" "Is that so?" Allen Chen checked his phone and shook his head. "She tagged the members of Team One specifically. It seems like something happened with Team One." "But Team One has always been our best-performing team. Henry has been a salesman for more than ten years. He is experienced and has many connections. What could have gone wrong?" Fred asked. His team members were also puzzled. Allen Chen's eyes flickered a few times. "Let's go take a look and talk about it later." Soon, except for those on business trips or on scheduled leaves, all employees gathered in the meeting room. Team One members had always held their heads high and had a sense of superiority. However, their Team Leader, Henry Fen, now had a bitter expression, rubbing his rough face and scratching his thinning hair, looking rather downcast. Seeing more people coming in, his mood worsened. "Mr. Dong, I know I messed up this time, but I did my best." "Hmph, you messed up the whole thing!" Ben Dong said coldly. "Henry Fen, I trusted you to handle the project with Tiantong Group." "But what did you do? After years of continuous cooperation, you can't even renew the contract this year?" "Mr. Dong, I genuinely offered Tiantong Group the best terms I had available," Henry Fen said ruefully. "When I called you last time, you said we couldn't offer more." "Are you implying it's my fault?" Ben Dong smirked. Henry Fen dared not. "I didn't mean that. I..." "That's what you meant!" Ben Dong pointed his finger at Henry Fen. "Everyone, take note of this and learn from it!" "The project was in your hands, and you should have been the one to make the judgment. My input was just a reference! If you don't understand this, what are you doing as Team Leader?" "Yes, Mr. Dong, I was wrong," Henry Fen lowered his head, feeling a little dissatisfied. He was a Team Leader, and Ben Dong was the Vice President! Without his approval, how could a Team Leader make a higher offer? Before the problem arose, it was his credit, but when things go wrong, it's my fault! However, he dared not speak these words. "In the future, I will definitely make more flexible judgments, and I promise to ensure that such things won't happen again. Please forgive me, Mr. Dong." "No need. Now, go to the finance office to settle the final payment. Ava Liu will take over Team One from now on," Ben Dong said coldly. Everyone in the conference room was shocked. Henry Fen's eyes widened in disbelief. "Mr. Dong, are you firing me?" "This incident should have made you bear a significant responsibility. However, considering your sincere attitude towards admitting your mistake, I won't hold you fully accountable," Ben Dong said. "Security, escort him out." "Mr. Dong!" Henry Fen burst into tears. "I can't lose this job! My wife just gave birth to our second child this year, and we still have a car loan and mortgage. If you fire me, my whole family will suffer!" "Why is that my concern?" Ben Dong stared at him cruelly. "Please, Mr. Dong! Give me a chance! I can work as a regular employee!" "Individuals like you are common. You become careless when given a chance, and you seek sympathy when facing consequences," Ben Dong said coldly. "I'm telling you, I won't fall for your act." "Security, drag him out!" "No, Mr. Dong, I beg you..." Henry Fen began to cry and was about to kneel down. Many people in the room were red-eyed, but there was nothing they could do. Small individuals could only be bystanders, and no matter how great the injustice in their hearts, it couldn't change the reality of the situation. But at this moment, a hand grabbed Henry Fen's shoulder and pulled him up. "Henry, a man may have gold under his knees. Kneeling to parents, ancestors, or even a wife isn't embarrassing." "But if you kneel here, I won't be pleased to see it." "Allen Chen?" Henry Fen was stunned for a moment. The person who pulled him up was Allen Chen, "Remember my words, don't kneel, sit down." "But…” "Allen Chen, what are you doing?" Ben Dong was infuriated. Allen Chen said, "Is there a chance to salvage the Tiantong Group contract?" "Hmph, what do you want to do next?" Ben Dong snorted, making plans in his mind. "Mr. Cui said if we can provide a satisfactory response within three days, he's willing to give us the contract." "But can you manage it?" "I can." Allen Chen declared, "When it comes to business, it's all about human effort. I'll take this contract!" "But I have one condition." "You can have as many conditions as you want if you can really secure this contract," Ben Dong sneered in his heart. The purpose of firing Henry Fen was, firstly, to find a scapegoat for the loss of Tiantong Group, and second, to maintain his personal relationship with Mr. Cui, allowing him to continue benefiting from it. The last reason was to keep Team One under his control. It was like killing three birds with one stone! Now, Allen Chen dared to take on this seemingly impossible contract, achieving four goals with one move. There was no reason for Ben Dong to refuse. "Allen Chen, anyone can make empty threats. What if you can't secure this contract?" "If I can't, I will resign immediately and never appear in front of you again," Allen Chen said. "But if I succeed, Henry Fen remains as Team Leader, and I want Ava Liu's position!" "You're dreaming!" Ava Liu's face turned pale. However, Ben Dong pressed his hand on her shoulder and said, "Agreed. If you can really do it, such treatment is well-deserved." "Mr. Dong!" Ava Liu was anxious. Ben Dong spoke in a low voice, "Why the hurry? Don't you consider the terms Wansheng Group is offering? They're twice as good as ours! Even if this kid smashes his head, when faced with concrete benefits, it won't change the outcome." "Mr. Dong, you're so wise." A smirk appeared on Ava Liu's face as she glanced disdainfully at Allen Chen. But the next moment, she couldn't laugh anymore. Allen Chen smiled and said, "I have one more condition." "Allen Chen, don't push it too far," Ben Dong furrowed his brows. Allen Chen said, "Mr. Dong, for this meeting with Tiantong Group, it's clear that one person won't be enough to handle it. So, I hope that Ms. Liu can accompany me." "I refuse," Ava Liu immediately rejected the idea. Allen Chen sighed, "Ms. Liu, this contract involves several million. Are you sure you want to be stubborn?" "You…" "Ava Liu, it's really difficult for Allen Chen to go alone. So, help him out," Ben Dong said. Ava Liu looked at him in disbelief. "But I also have work to do at the company." When two people go out for business, let alone stay in a hotel, they will definitely spend a long time in the car. She was alone, and what would Allen Chen do to her if the place was remote?