Upon hearing President Luo's words, everyone froze in shock.
President Luo was the general manager, the highest-ranking leader in the branch company. The only person he would address in such a manner was the chairman of the group.
Realizing that he had almost resorted to violence earlier, Captain Zhang's face turned ashen.
With a "thud," he knelt at Yang Chen's feet, pleading desperately, "Chairman, I was blind and foolish. Please, be magnanimous and spare me this once!"
President Luo, unaware of what had transpired, had rushed over upon hearing that the chairman was visiting the company. To his surprise, Yang Chen was already at the company entrance, seemingly having some sort of altercation with his subordinates.
"What's going on?" President Luo demanded angrily.
Becoming the general manager had required immense effort, and now, with the branch company just established, his subordinates had already offended the chairman. He was furious.
Yang Chen's face was cold. "Magnanimous? If I don't forgive you, does that make me petty?"
Hearing this, Captain Zhang was terrified, nearly crying. "Chairman, that's not what I meant. I truly know I was wrong. Please give me another chance."
Yang Chen coldly snapped, "Get out!"
After five years of military service, Yang Chen had learned one thing: mistakes must be punished.
Given his status, he didn't need to bother with a security captain. But Yan Chen Group was the only thing his mother had left in this world, and no one could tarnish its image.
Captain Zhang wanted to plead further, but President Luo kicked him to the ground, shouting, "Get him out of here!"
Luo Bin's attitude was extremely humble. He had heard some rumors about Yang Chen.
The two entered the company, one after the other, leaving everyone in shock. The highly respected President Luo was now slightly bowing, closely following Yang Chen.
They had heard that the chairman of Yan Chen Group was visiting the company. Seeing Luo Bin's cautious demeanor, Yang Chen's identity was unmistakable.
"President Luo just arrived in Jiangzhou, and countless elite families have visited him. Yet now he's following a young man. This is unbelievable."
"Of course, with President Luo's status, even the richest man in Jiangzhou wouldn't receive such treatment. This young man must be the chairman!"
"The chairman is so young? My heart is fluttering."
Yang Chen's appearance caused a sensation.
"Yiyi, look! Is that Yang Chen following President Luo?"
After completing the interview process and entering the lobby, Sun Tian saw Yang Chen's back and was instantly surprised.
By the time Qin Yi looked over, Yang Chen had already disappeared down the corridor.
"You said it yourself, it's President Luo following someone. Do you think it could be that useless good-for-nothing?" Qin Yi said with a laugh.
Sun Tian slapped her forehead. "I'm sosilly. Anyone who can make President Luo behave like that must be the chairman visiting the company today."
On the top floor of the company, in a luxurious office.
Yang Chen sat on a comfortable sofa, eyes closed, silent.
Luo Bin stood cautiously nearby. "Chairman, your presence must mean you have important instructions. Please, tell me. I won't let you down."
"Wait!"
Yang Chen coldly responded with two words and said no more, still with his eyes closed.
Time passed, and Yang Chen remained silent, eyes closed. This demeanor put immense pressure on Luo Bin, who began to sweat nervously. What was the chairman waiting for? Was he waiting for someone? Had the chairman uncovered some wrongdoing?
Just as Luo Bin was anxiously speculating, the office door was pushed open. He was about to scold the intruder when he saw the person walk up to Yang Chen and hand him a document. "Brother Chen, here's what you asked for."
Only then did Yang Chen open his eyes. He flipped through the document, his expression growing darker.
Luo Bin's heart raced, his eyes never leaving the document. A sense of foreboding rose within him.
"Slap!"
Yang Chen threw the document at Luo Bin. "Read it out loud!"
Seeing Yang Chen's sudden rage, Luo Bin trembled and quickly picked up the document from the floor.
"June 5th, Jinshiyuan Hotel, accepted bribes..."
Luo Bin stopped after reading just one line, too terrified to continue.
The document contained all his misdeeds since becoming general manager less than a month ago. What terrified him most was that every detail, including the time and place of each offense, was meticulously recorded, leaving no room for denial.
Yang Chen roared, "Keep reading!"
Luo Bin shuddered, "thud" kneeling before Yang Chen. "Chairman, I was wrong. I'll never do it again. Please give me another chance..."
Tears streamed down Luo Bin's face. He had worked his way up from a low-level employee to his current position, a journey that had taken immense effort. In his over ten years with the company, he had always followed the rules, never accepting a single bribe. But after being appointed general manager of the Jiangzhou branch, countless local elites had approached him with offers, and he had succumbed to temptation, accepting many gifts in private.
"Brother Chen, should we kill him?"
Just as Luo Bin was worrying whether he could keep his position, Ma Chao's question nearly made him faint.
Ma Chao wasn't joking. He knew exactly what Yan Chen Group meant to Yang Chen. Luo Bin's acceptance of bribes meant he had compromised the company's interests for personal gain, a brazen act of betrayal.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Yang Chen didn't respond, his fingers lightly tapping on the tea table like a death knell.
Luo Bin was already limp, too weak to even beg for mercy.
"Considering it's your first offense, I'll give you one chance. But remember, only one. If it happens again, the bribes you took will be considered payment for your life." Yang Chen said coldly, then stood up and left.
Luo Bin's face lit up with relief, quickly assuring Yang Chen's retreating figure, "Thank you, Chairman. I promise, there won't be a next time."
He had thought he would be sent to prison, but Yang Chen had given him a second chance. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he silently vowed to work diligently for Yang Chen.
Following Yang Chen outside the company, Ma Chao asked puzzledly, "Brother Chen, why did you let him stay?"
"I've just returned and don't have many capable people under me. It's easy to remove him, but finding a general manager familiar with Yan Chen Group's operations is difficult."
Yang Chen responded, then added, "Yan Chen Group has been controlled by the Yu family for many years. The senior management was cultivated by the Yu family. Unless I replace everyone, which would ruin the company, I can't make drastic changes now. This matter can't be rushed."
"I see. Brother Chen plans to cultivate his own trusted team and, when the time is right, completely overhaul the headquarters."
Though Ma Chao was skilled in martial arts, he wasn't reckless and quickly understood Yang Chen's intentions. "Brother Chen already had evidence of Luo Bin's wrongdoing. Just as he was about tofall apart, you gave him another chance. He'll be grateful and work hard for the company."
"If Luo Bin behaves and proves capable, Brother Chen will surely give him a bigger stage."
Yang Chen looked at Ma Chao with a complex expression, then sighed softly. "With your abilities, staying in the Northern Frontier would have offered you limitless prospects. It's a pity you're following me."
Ma Chao instinctively stood straight, speaking earnestly, "To the Northern Frontier, Brother Chen is a god. Without you, I would have died countless times. Being by your side is an honor!"
Yang Chen said no more. After walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped and said, "Investigate something for me. Five years ago, who exactly framed me and Qin Xi?"
Suddenly, a terrifying aura erupted from Yang Chen, his eyes filled with cold fury.