novelraw Chapter 673 - 662: It Was You (Part 4)
Chapter 673 - 662: It Was You (Part 4)
"Mr. Liu, we’ve come this time to inquire about those Survivors. It’s been several days, have you decided on the next steps yet?" Although He Lei was very anxious, he spoke cautiously, which was completely unlike his usual impatient demeanor.
Liu Fugui didn’t rush to reply. He pretended to be deep in thought, then after a moment, spat out the word: "Wait!"
"Wait?" The reply He Lei received on his three inquiries about the matter was to wait, leaving him speechless. The composure he tried to maintain just moments ago vanished, and the office was soon filled with his thunderous voice:
"Mr. Liu, so much time has passed, and we’re still waiting?"
"That’s right, Mr. Liu, it’s been days. I told the other party we’d get back to them on the same day, but now... I’m worried that the longer we wait, the worse it will be for another brother." Qiao Shan’s low status meant he didn’t dare speak as boldly as He Lei. His timid manner enraged He Lei a bit:
"Mr. Liu, we need to decide and respond to them. Otherwise, over time, they might become suspicious of us, making it difficult for us whether we want to recruit or suppress them in the future!"
"Ahem!" Liu Fugui cleared his throat, picked up his tea, sipped it to wet his throat, and said: "Huang Yong, what do you think of this matter?"
As Liu Fugui’s trusted aide, Huang Yong was well aware of the former’s intentions in asking this question. Leaders often find it inconvenient to express their views directly on some matters.
For instance, in this case, it was clear Liu Fugui didn’t want to send someone or contact the other party. But doing so would inevitably lead to what Qiao Shan mentioned.
If news spread among the subordinates that Liu Fugui disregarded their lives, it would surely destabilize morale, something Liu Fugui didn’t want to see.
Hence, in such dilemmas, someone must speak the negative words on behalf of the leader.
This way, even if there were criticisms afterward, they would be directed at the substitute and not the leader.
Liu Fugui was confident that Huang Yong understood his meaning, especially since they had discussed this matter thoroughly beforehand. Huang Yong’s response did not disappoint him:
"Mr. Liu, regarding this matter, I think we should consider the bigger picture. We’re short-handed right now. On one side, we’ve sent out teams to collect resources, and on the other, the issues at the villa indicate that things aren’t very stable outside, so in my opinion, it’s more prudent to stay at the Factory in the short term to ensure enough manpower for security."
As soon as Huang Yong finished speaking, He Lei immediately erupted and retorted, "What? Huang Yong, how can you still call yourself the boss? Those are your subordinates. According to you, we just do nothing and watch as our brethren are tormented over there?"
Huang Yong remained unfazed and responded calmly: "When I sent my subordinates out, they were prepared to sacrifice for the Factory. Moreover, if those people dared to harm my people, it means they aren’t submissive. Even if they came to the Factory, they likely wouldn’t settle under anyone. He Lei, don’t forget, with our current manpower, we can’t even manage a group of about twenty mobsters. If anything unfortunate happens to my men due to this, once the Factory stabilizes, I’ll pursue justice for my brothers, no matter where they are. So, no need for you to worry about that."
"You!" When it comes to arguing, He Lei is an expert, but when it comes to reasoning and analysis, he falls short compared to Huang Yong. At this moment, He Lei found it hard to respond to Huang Yong’s unceasing rebuttals.
Meanwhile, Liu Fugui leisurely sipped his tea like an outsider. Seeing He Lei at a loss for words, he felt the timing was right and interjected to mediate:
"Alright, both of you stop arguing. I know you’re both thinking about the Factory’s future. Regarding this matter, I’ve considered it as well. On one hand, there’s the Factory’s safety, and on the other, there’s the lives of our brothers. It’s indeed a tough decision. I understand your feelings, He Lei, Qiao Shan, but after hearing Huang Yong’s analysis, I’ve decided to temporarily put this matter aside. Under no circumstances can there be any lapses with the Factory; otherwise, it wouldn’t just be one brother’s problem but all our lives at stake, so we can’t be careless."
"But..." He Lei wanted to make one last effort, but Liu Fugui clearly had no intention of giving him the chance. He rubbed his temples, showing a hint of fatigue, and said:
"Alright, He Lei, I’m a bit tired today. Let’s settle this matter for now. I’ll notify you two when I have a new plan. For now, go back and rejuvenate yourselves, understand? Once things get busy, it won’t be as comfortable as it is now."
After sending off He Lei and Qiao Shan, Liu Fugui shook his head helplessly. Seeing this, Huang Yong assumed he was planning to rest and respectfully said, "Shall I escort Mr. Liu to rest?"
Liu Fugui waved his hand, "Hehe, no need, I’m not tired. What I just said was just to send them away. You know, He Lei is quite persistent. If I didn’t do this, his loud voice would have made a racket today."
Huang Yong nodded understandingly.
"By the way, Huang Yong, are the brothers sent out to handle the Li Huiru task reliable?"
"Don’t worry, Mr. Liu, they’re absolutely reliable. Besides, they understand the seriousness of this matter, and I believe they won’t speak indiscreetly once they return."
"Hmm, that’s best. But just in case, when they return, have a separate word with them to make sure Yunpeng doesn’t learn about this. If any of this leaks, hmph hmph..."
Liu Fugui made a throat-slitting gesture, and Huang Yong immediately nodded in agreement: "Understood, Mr. Liu, I’ll make sure to explain it clearly."
"Hmm!" Liu Fugui thought for a moment and added, "Have they contacted you at all? Is the task proceeding smoothly?"
"Well..." Huang Yong hesitated, "They haven’t contacted me, and I’ve tried reaching out to them but received no response."
Huang Yong wasn’t lying about this. The earlier claim to Liu Yunpeng about a shortage of mobile phones preventing provisioning for the field teams was complete nonsense.
On the Factory’s behalf, no matter how scarce the supplies, the safety of those sent out would be ensured.
For them at present, nothing is a more valuable resource than manpower. Only with people can you negotiate or do anything else. If you’re short-handed, all talk is useless.
"Hmm, I see. Continue to find a way to establish contact with them."
Liu Fugui showed no signs of worry. Although he already had a bad feeling, this was precisely his strength.
No matter if it was joy, anger, sadness, or happiness, they never showed on his face. The world always saw his calm and composed demeanor, one that left people unable to guess his thoughts. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com for reading.)