Chapter 293: Kindness Does Not Command Armies
Li Tang didn't take Hu Shitan's words seriously at all, simply turning and heading back to his office.
His current office was on the top floor—a spacious area over a hundred square meters, equipped with a large executive desk, luxurious sofas, projection equipment, and dotted with greenery. It all looked quite upscale.
Yet, after sitting in this spacious, empty office for just a short while, he started feeling rather lonely, so he decided to stroll around the adjoining offices.
The main departments like finance, human resources, investment, and inspection were all located on this top floor.
Next to the General Manager's office was the CEO's office, though it remained empty, with no staff recruited yet.
Lin Xiaoshu, Dai Yingchi, and others were all in their offices. Seeing Li Tang pass by the door without entering, they merely continued busying themselves with their tasks.
Li Tang made his rounds, eventually taking the stairs down to the next floor, where the technical department was situated.
The technical department was the core of the company, essentially its foundation, and also had the largest number of employees, making up nearly two-thirds of the total workforce.
Occupying an entire floor meant that the space was sufficient, and even with around a hundred people, it did not feel crowded.
Aside from the general offices for regular employees, there were also offices for the department head and deputy.
The door to the Deputy General Manager and Department Head's office was tightly closed. He Runqi was still in Pibala, in the state of Ao, leading villagers in frontline activities, and hadn't returned to the company for a long while.
Li Tang wandered to the Deputy Minister's office and noticed this door was also closed.
He glanced at his watch; it was nearly lunchtime, so logically, they should all be at work now.
Perhaps Yang Kaile was out handling some matters.
He stepped into the large communal office beside it. Many employees here had been recruited by He Runqi or Dai Yingchi later on, and hadn't interacted much with Li Tang personally.
However, there were still some older employees who recognized him immediately and stood up hastily to greet him, "Hello, Mr. Li!"
"You're Lei Pingjin, right?" Li Tang still remembered the veteran employees, especially those who had left the Wukuang Geological Exploration Company with him and He Runqi to start this new venture.
"Mr. Li, you still remember me," Lei Pingjin seemed a little awkward, even slightly stammering. Yet, he was visibly moved to be remembered.
"Of course I remember you. We worked together on the Gongcun Copper-Gold Project and spent so much time together," Li Tang walked over to Lei Pingjin's desk, noticing a book lying open, densely filled with text and some rough hand-drawn geological cross-sections.
Without looking at the cover, he immediately recognized it as a geological reference book.
"Reading?" Li Tang smiled lightly.
"The Gongcun Copper-Gold Project basically hasn't been active this year, and since the project's on pause, there's not much to do, so I'm just reading," Lei Pingjin said nervously, suspecting Li Tang might criticize him for not doing proper work.
"That's good," Li Tang actually appreciated this reserved man.
When entering earlier, he had noticed that some employees were flipping through magazines, others playing video games, and a small group was cheerfully playing cards together.
These leisure activities weren't necessarily bad.
Given the nature of geological work—extended months out in desolate areas, under tough conditions—employees certainly deserved relaxation when back at the office with no immediate tasks.
Work required a balance of tension and relaxation.
Yet, employees who immersed themselves quietly in professional books like Lei Pingjin were rare.
Seeing Lei Pingjin's nervousness, Li Tang took an empty seat beside him, smiling warmly, "Don't be nervous, sit down and let's chat."
Lei Pingjin nervously sat down, asking, "Mr. Li, is something wrong?"
"No, nothing at all. Just came by to chat," Li Tang laughed cheerfully. "With the project over, rest well. New projects will come soon, and we'll need everyone in good shape."
"It's really not tiring for me. My family is from the countryside, so compared to farm labor in my childhood, geological work feels easy."
"Which rural area are you from?"
"Sangxiang Province."
"Ah, your place is famous for spicy food!" Li Tang immediately laughed, "We in Qianzhou Province also love spicy food. This year, I'll ask Minister Dai to add an activity in team building—each person cooks their hometown dish. I want to see how spicy your cuisine really is!"
"I'm actually pretty good at cooking," Lei Pingjin also laughed along.
After some casual talk, Li Tang asked, "I remember you worked with Yang Kaile on the Gongcun Copper-Gold project. You're all here at the office, but where's Deputy Minister Yang?"
Hearing this, Lei Pingjin suddenly became more tongue-tied, stammering for a while without clearly answering.
It seemed everyone already knew Yang Kaile hadn't shown up that morning.
These employees had been in the workplace for some years, and naturally, there were certain things they were reluctant to speak openly about.
"I just passed by his office. It was closed, and nobody answered when I knocked. Just casually asking. No worries," Li Tang reassured, yet still inquired further. "So your team handling Gongcun hasn't had much to do for the last month or two?"
Lei Pingjin nodded, "Yes, this year we've hardly done anything substantial. Went to Tubo Province two or three times to check the site briefly, then came straight back."
"The main ore body there has already been clearly mapped, so further extensive work isn't necessary," Li Tang stood up, waved briefly to everyone, but did not reprimand those playing cards.
Losing the urge to explore further downstairs, he directly returned to the HR department upstairs.
Before even sitting, he asked bluntly, "Deputy Minister Yang Kaile of the technical department didn't come in today. Did he request leave?"
According to company regulations, employees must request leave through their immediate supervisors. With He Runqi away, Yang Kaile should've reported to Dai Yingchi.
"No leave request," Dai Yingchi shook his head. Seeing Li Tang's displeased look, he stopped what he was doing, sighing, "To be honest, Yang Kaile has frequently missed work in recent months. When he does come, it's just for half a day."
"This won't do," Li Tang looked extremely serious. "He's part of management. Such slackness sets a terrible example. I just saw employees downstairs loudly playing poker during office hours!"
"Really? Every time I patrol, everyone behaves properly," Dai Yingchi said, puzzled.
"They recognize you, not me. When you're around, they behave carefully," Li Tang recalled employees' reactions. Except for old employees, many barely knew him. Those playing cards hadn't noticed him until Lei Pingjin greeted him, then hastily put their cards away.
This relaxed attitude was problematic.
The root cause was leadership. Good conduct flows downward; without proper leadership, discipline inevitably erodes.
Previously, with the diligent and responsible He Runqi present, everyone followed suit. But now, with Yang Kaile frequently absent, the negative impact was clear.
"It's my oversight," Dai Yingchi admitted, embarrassed.
"It's not entirely your fault. Sit down," Li Tang was upset but reasonable. This situation seemed confined mostly to the Gongcun project office.
"I'll call Yang Kaile immediately," Dai Yingchi said, dialing with speakerphone on.
"Minister Dai?" Yang Kaile answered lazily.
"Did you come to work today?" Dai Yingchi's voice carried a tone of anger.
"Sorry, something urgent came up. I'll come this afternoon."
"Come immediately!"
"I really can't right now."
"Now!" Dai Yingchi ordered harshly.
"I said no!" Yang Kaile retorted angrily, "You're not even head of the technical department; don't boss me around. Hanging up."
The line cut abruptly.
Dai Yingchi froze, visibly infuriated.
"Is he always this rude to you?" Li Tang asked, alarmed.
"Not the first time," Dai Yingchi said bitterly, explaining Yang's frequent absences, mentioning his bar-singing career for extra income.
"Then let him resign," Li Tang decided firmly. "His heart isn't here."
"But he has a management position and company shares; he might hesitate," Dai Yingchi replied, somewhat concerned about harsh measures.
"Demote him and withdraw his share options!" Li Tang commanded.
Shortly after hearing this news, Yang Kaile stormed into Dai Yingchi's office, shouting indignantly, "Dai Yingchi, you're going too far!"
Calmly, Dai Yingchi presented the formal dismissal document, "Due to repeated absences, you're demoted, and your share rewards are suspended."
"What right do you have to demote me? I'm a founding member!" Yang angrily protested, questioning Dai's authority.
"If you disagree, talk to Mr. Li directly. Our procedures are clear," Dai Yingchi responded firmly, not intimidated.
"You've crossed the line! Seriously, if you push me into a corner, you won't get away with it either!"
Yang Kaile clenched his fists, looking as if he was ready to physically fight Dai Yingchi.
Dai Yingchi stood up. With his towering 1.9-meter frame and muscular build, he was like a mountain, exuding an imposing aura that instantly suppressed Yang Kaile's aggressive intent.
Yang Kaile backed down, his momentum visibly diminishing. "We both work for the same company—why must you treat me like this?"
"'Work for?'" Dai Yingchi clearly disagreed with this description.
"Besides, you don't even have the authority to dismiss me!" Realizing threats wouldn't work, Yang Kaile shifted to a softer approach.
"This isn't my decision—it's Mr. Li's."
"Mr. Li?" Yang Kaile trembled slightly, suddenly aware that his recent behavior hadn't only reached Dai Yingchi but also Li Tang himself.
After some hesitation, he turned around and went directly upstairs to the General Manager's office, eventually entering after a moment of indecision.
Li Tang was busy reviewing a draft cooperation agreement that Qin Jianshe had just sent over. Hearing the knock at the door, he looked up and saw Yang Kaile standing there—a handsome young man, clearly tired, with noticeable dark circles under his eyes.
"You're here?" Li Tang put down the documents.
"Mr. Li," Yang Kaile said nervously as he approached Li Tang.
"You were among the earliest employees who joined this company—back then, apart from He Runqi and me, only seven of you dared to leave Wukuang Exploration and venture out on our own. I haven't forgotten your past contributions."
Li Tang stared thoughtfully at Yang Kaile. He had known this young man for years and vividly remembered his previous dedication.
"I remember clearly that you were in charge of the Qinglong Copper Mine exploration project with Zise Mining. They spoke highly of you. He Runqi strongly recommended you to me as Deputy Minister, praising your technical ability, resilience, and especially your skillful communication with outsiders."
"Mr. Li, I was wrong," Yang Kaile bowed his head in remorse.
"If you've made a mistake, you must bear the consequences." Li Tang wasn't one to easily relent.
Kindness doesn't command armies; righteousness doesn't manage wealth. Company management followed the same principle.
Yang Kaile remained silent, head bowed.
"Considering your past merits as an original member, Minister Dai pleaded on your behalf. You'll remain at the company, but you'll no longer hold any managerial positions," Li Tang explained calmly.
"Mr. Li, please give me another chance!" Yang Kaile begged.
"Allowing you to remain is your second chance!" Li Tang's tone was firm. "You'll have opportunities even in ordinary positions. If you excel, you can rise again!"
"How can I face my colleagues if you demote me?" Yang Kaile protested stubbornly.
"That's something you'll have to overcome yourself!"
"If that's how it is, I'd rather quit!" Seeing Li Tang's uncompromising expression, Yang Kaile realized his pleas were futile.
Li Tang watched him quietly. "Think carefully. You're responsible for your own words and actions!"
"I quit!" Yang Kaile stormed out angrily.
Li Tang made no effort to stop him. The company would continue running smoothly without him.
In the afternoon, Dai Yingchi brought Lei Pingjin to Li Tang's office. "Yang Kaile left but didn't submit his resignation formally. In such cases, three days' absence means automatic resignation."
Li Tang nodded briefly.
"But I suggest we extend this grace period to half a month without pay or performance bonuses," Dai Yingchi usually strict, proved himself slightly more forgiving.
"You handle it. This is also a good chance to set an example and restore company discipline," Li Tang instructed.
"Our HR department is already working on it."
Dai Yingchi turned and gestured toward Lei Pingjin beside him. "I've brought Lei Pingjin here."
"Hello, Mr. Li," Lei Pingjin greeted politely. He had visited this office just once before, when it was newly decorated, but never since.
"Technical exploration remains our company's core strength!" Li Tang stood up, inviting them both to sit on the reception area's sofa.
As Li Tang reached for the teapot, Dai Yingchi swiftly grabbed it first, pouring three cups of tea.
Looking at Lei Pingjin, Li Tang continued, "Technology advances daily. If we don't continuously learn and adapt, we'll fall behind forever. Very few people continue to study and improve themselves after a day's hard work."
Lei Pingjin sat stiffly, unsure why Li Tang was sharing these thoughts with him and uncertain how to respond.
"Every time I return, I observe employees closely," Li Tang said earnestly. It was true; as the company was his personal endeavor, he always paid attention. Initially, Lei Pingjin hadn't stood out, being quiet and reserved, but Li Tang gradually appreciated the dependable nature hidden beneath his silence.
"Mr. Li notices every employee's hard work!" Dai Yingchi interjected supportively.
"You love studying professional literature, setting an excellent example for everyone," Li Tang stated openly. "You've been leading the Gongcun Copper-Gold project for years and possess unquestionable expertise. As one of our original employees, it's fitting you advance further."
"Me?" Lei Pingjin felt both thrilled and extremely nervous at this sudden promotion.
"HR will soon announce important personnel changes. You'll become Deputy Minister of the Technical Department, temporarily overseeing the Minister's role during He Runqi's absence," Dai Yingchi clarified.
"I...I..." Lei Pingjin stammered, overcome by a mixture of joy and anxiety.
Promotion was desirable, yet its suddenness and accompanying responsibilities could be overwhelming.
"Teach your good learning habits to all our technical staff—set a great example," Li Tang emphasized, believing strongly in Lei Pingjin's positive influence. Companies needed to continually adapt and improve, or else they'd be left behind.
"But I'm not good at speaking," Lei Pingjin confessed uneasily.
"Everyone can speak. Saying you can't is just an excuse!" Li Tang laughed kindly. "Sometimes actions and good habits speak louder than a thousand words!"
"Drink some tea. Soon, we'll announce your promotion. Prepare a short acceptance speech," Dai Yingchi suggested warmly.
Li Tang rarely involved himself extensively in personnel management; departments had their own managers. Yang Kaile's situation was exceptional—so serious that he had to intervene personally to prevent further deterioration of discipline.
Although it was past regular working hours, Li Tang stayed late reviewing documents. Downstairs, Zhongcheng Mining's offices remained brightly lit as employees continued their tasks diligently.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in!" Li Tang called out.
Li Xinqi peeked inside and, seeing Li Tang alone, confidently entered, followed quietly by Zhou Zhihan, the head of the company's Inspection Department.
"You're still working!" Li Xinqi ran over and affectionately embraced Li Tang's neck. "I love seeing you working hard—so attractive! Come, give me a kiss..."
"What are you doing?" Li Tang noticed Zhou Zhihan silently approaching and gently pushed Li Xinqi away.
"What's wrong?" Li Xinqi asked, annoyed.
"Hello, Grandpa Zhou," Li Tang smiled awkwardly, pointing behind her.
Li Xinqi, still clinging affectionately, hadn't realized Zhou Zhihan's presence. "Stop distracting me. You can't escape!"
Embarrassed, Zhou Zhihan coughed pointedly.
Li Xinqi spun around, face instantly turning bright red. "Grandpa! Why are you here?"
"I've been here the whole time!" Zhou Zhihan scolded humorously. "Mind your public behavior—one is the CEO, and you're a young lady. Imagine employees seeing this!"
Li Xinqi quickly jumped away, mumbling excuses. "It's after work; I thought nobody was around."
"So you'd behave like this if no one's watching?" Zhou Zhihan lectured firmly, comparing his more restrained generation.
Eventually, Li Xinqi gently pushed him out, promising better conduct. Returning afterward alone, she teasingly rebuked Li Tang for calling Zhou "Grandpa."
As the evening wore on, she insisted on taking Li Tang shopping for clothes to wear to her close friend's wedding, wanting him to impress her friends.
After hours of meticulous shopping, she finally selected an outfit she found perfect, leaving Li Tang amused and slightly exhausted.
At the lavish wedding banquet, although Li Tang felt awkward among unfamiliar faces, Li Xinqi's friends warmly welcomed and complimented them. He politely smiled, quietly enjoying the feast, content to avoid any alcohol, appreciating a pleasant evening as just another guest among friends.
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