Raising salaries was reasonable, but a massive increase like this was downright terrifying.
As Executive Vice President, Li Meiqin essentially ran Dasheng Group's operations, while Lu Chengwen handled big-picture decisions. Whenever the boss wanted to spend money, it was her job to play the bad guy and object. That was her management philosophy and personal strategy.
First, it showed she was on the boss's side, always looking to save him money. Second, if he insisted on spending, her opposition only highlighted his benevolence and care for his employees. Naturally, this made her unpopular among the staff, who saw her as Lu Chengwen's lapdog.
Of course I'm on his side, she thought. My ten-million-plus annual salary comes from him. If I kept pushing for employee benefits and raises, why would he keep me around? She was his dirty glove—he played the good guy, while she handled the dirty work.
But today, Lu Chengwen hadn't consulted her. Announcing the raise in the meeting caught her completely off guard.
Li Meiqin stood, adjusting her glasses. "Mr. Lu, as Vice President, I find it difficult to work with decisions announced without discussion. Perhaps we could take some time to meet with finance and cost accounting to develop a concrete plan—"
"You do need a meeting," Lu Chengwen interrupted. "To discuss how to implement my decision as quickly as possible. Notify the PR department to announce this to all employees. It must be in place by the end of the month."
All eyes turned to Li Meiqin. You're second-in-command. Keep going—let's see how long you play the loyal lackey.
"But the specific raise percentage can't just be declared off the cuff. It requires—"
Lu Chengwen smiled. "Meiqin, you've been working too hard these past two years."
"For you and Dasheng Group, it's no trouble at all."
"Good." Lu Chengwen continued, "Double your annual salary. Keep up the great work."
Li Meiqin's eyes widened in disbelief at her boss's sudden generosity.
"And for the rest of senior management's raises," he added, "you decide."
He walked over and patted her shoulder lightly. "Don't try to save me money."
Li Meiqin was stunned, reeling from his combo of moves. "Mr. Lu, this is a major decision. We should reconsider—"
A senior executive stood, clapping enthusiastically. "Let's give a round of applause for Mr. Lu!"
The room exploded in thunderous applause, with praises ringing out.
"Mr. Lu's leadership is bold and inspiring!"
"We'll stand with Dasheng Group through thick and thin!"
"I swear my unwavering loyalty to Mr. Lu!"
"Mr. Lu is a true visionary, a benevolent leader!"
Li Meiqin's brow furrowed. She knew they were drowning her out with applause and flattery to lock in the decision. Narrowing her eyes, she watched Lu Chengwen bask in the adoration, her mind racing.
What is he up to? This is too abnormal. Did I miss something? Is he planning a major shake-up? Boosting morale with raises to stabilize me, only to replace me as VP later?
She'd been planning to take a team and break away to start her own venture. But this move derailed everything. Her carefully laid plans were dead in the water. She'd secured commitments from several VPs and senior managers, but now they avoided her gaze. Why would they leave a thriving empire like Dasheng for a risky startup when they're getting huge raises? Are they crazy?
Yet, Lu Chengwen had handed her the power to set senior management's salary increases. What's his game?
Li Meiqin, already paranoid, was now spinning through a hundred scenarios. Her palms sweated as she sensed a storm brewing at Dasheng Group—no, it had already begun.
Lu Chengwen endured a parade of handshakes, hugs, and thanks from executives, smiling outwardly but grumbling inwardly: [This little money gets you this excited?]
[Enough already! Stop coming over, man—your hair's practically gone. Just shave it!]
[Damn, all these handshakes and hugs with guys are killing me. I'd rather be with beautiful women!]
Jiang Shihan, standing nearby, stifled a laugh.
Lu Chengwen glanced at her. "What's so funny? No raise for you."
Jiang Shihan pouted playfully. "Mr. Lu's bullying me."
Li Meiqin was floored. Jiang Shihan is flirting with him? She's usually so distant. What's wrong with everyone today?
Is she his real confidante? Has she been playing us all, enduring workplace gossip to stay close to him?
Lu Chengwen approached Li Meiqin, who forced a smile. "No hug?"
She opened her arms, beaming, but inwardly pleaded, Please don't grope me in front of everyone!
To her surprise, Lu Chengwen's hug was polite, respectful—a professional gesture of camaraderie.
Now she was even more rattled. Oh no, he's lost interest in me? He didn't even try anything! That's a bad sign. He must know I'm a traitor and is just pretending to be warm!
She laughed awkwardly, joining the applause.
Lu Chengwen returned to his chair, feeling like an emperor. "Alright, everyone, take your seats. I've got another big announcement."
The executives sat, still buzzing with excitement. Lu Chengwen nodded to Jiang Shihan, who started a slideshow.
"This," he said, pointing to the screen, "is the shantytown redevelopment project in the southern district. It's less than thirty percent complete, and previous investors bailed. I plan to take it on."
Li Meiqin stared at him like he was a ghost. What is wrong with him today?
The shantytown project was a known disaster. The government had approached them multiple times, and they'd politely declined, citing difficulties. No one wanted it.
Yet today, her boss was diving in headfirst?
This was a money pit—complex, risky, and almost guaranteed to bankrupt anyone who touched it.
Li Meiqin spoke up. "Mr. Lu, that project is a minefield. It's time-consuming, costly, involves too many stakeholders, and is essentially a failed venture. No one, not even the other four major families, has taken the government's bait. We—"
"I know, I know," Lu Chengwen drawled, reveling in his "emperor" moment. "Fortune favors the bold! You don't catch the wolf without risking the child, and you don't catch the rogue without risking the wife, right?"
The executives exchanged bewildered glances. From a professional standpoint, this was a no-brainer. No sane person would touch this project—it was throwing money into a fire with no payoff.
But Lu Chengwen seemed resolute. He slammed the table. "It's settled! Don't worry—this is my call alone. You just execute. If it flops, it's on me. Shihan!"
"Yes, Mr. Lu."
"Record today's meeting and archive it. If I ever blame anyone for this, you can all hold me accountable with these minutes."
"Yes, sir."
Lu Chengwen smiled. "Now, are we good?"
"Mr. Lu's decisiveness is imperial!"
"Your vision sees opportunities we can't. We'll execute with full commitment!"
"Your foresight is unmatched. We can only aspire to follow in your footsteps!"
"Mr. Lu is awesome!"
"Mr. Lu is the best!"
Lu Chengwen spun in his chair, grinning, then noticed Li Meiqin's silence. "Meiqin, why so quiet?"
She felt like she was being roasted alive. "Mr. Lu, did I do something wrong? If you have something to say, just say it."
She was convinced he knew about her betrayal. This project felt like a trap to torment her, though she couldn't fathom how.
Lu Chengwen, oblivious to her paranoia, saw the room's support—fueled by the raises and his promise to take the fall—and smiled. "I know I haven't been the best boss."
"No, no, you're great, Mr. Lu. We're all grateful."
"Yeah, absolutely."
"Don't lie to me." Lu Chengwen stood. "I have a few passions. First, I love cold, hard cash. I'll never have enough—I want all the money in the world in my pocket."
The room laughed. That's the truth.
"Second, I love beautiful women. Young or mature, sexy or cute—I love them all!"
Everyone chuckled knowingly, finding his candor amusing.
"And third, I love my family." He slammed the table. "So, I want you all to make money, to afford the women you want, and to take care of your families! That's why we're raising salaries and taking on big projects. Any issues?"
The room roared in unison, "We follow Mr. Lu's lead and will execute his grand vision!"
Lu Chengwen pointed at Li Meiqin with a grin. "Meiqin, you're in charge of this project. One requirement: sign the contract within a week."
Li Meiqin clenched her fists under the table, staring at him, utterly lost.
_
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