678 The Higher Someone Soars, the Deeper the Fall (1/2)
A chorus of ”I support” sounded from around three-quarter of the meeting's participants—some readily, some reluctantly. A small number like Long Meng who were Long Hui's biggest supporters in the battle of succession voiced out their opposition to the proposal because they didn't want Iris taking centre stage in solving the company's current crisis as much as possible. The remaining people kept silent, still undecided.
Long Tengfei glanced at his fellow executives. Almost all of them supported the proposal just like the COO. He nodded and announced, ”The majority has spoken. Xiulan, I expect you to perform your duty as the company's brand ambassador well.”
She smiled. ”Yes, Father. I will.”
”Deputy COO Long Jian. Since this was your idea, you'll be in charge of it. I want you to work closely together with the PR and Marketing Departments on how to best use your sister's celebrity status to improve our company's image. I want results within one month. Great results. We can't afford to lose any more of our stocks' value for longer than that. If your plan doesn't work, we'll immediately move on to a contingency plan.”
”Understood, President. Leave it to me. One month is more than enough,” Long Jian replied with a smile before glancing at Long Hui who looked like he swallowed a whole frog.
”Deputy CFO Long Hui,” Long Tengfei said next.
”Yes, President?” Long Hui managed to hide the anger in his voice.
”It's your carelessness which landed our company in this predicament, so you need to bear responsibility for it. But for now, we'll attempt Deputy COO Long Jian's plan of using your sister's celebrity status first and see how it goes. Recovering our company's stock prices takes priority over anything else, so I'll delay your punishment. You'll be in charge of devising our contingency plan in case Deputy COO Long Jian's plan doesn't work in a month. I expect a solid plan from you. Don't disappoint me anymore.”
Long Hui's lips pressed hard together into a thin line at the reminder of his punishment. He didn't know how his father would punish him, but he hoped it wouldn't be too harsh. But at least, he wasn't being fired so this was good news. This was a chance to redeem himself! Determination shone in his eyes.
”Understood, President. I'll start devising several contingency plans right away,” he promised.
Long Tengfei nodded.
The meeting continued for an additional half an hour before Long Tengfei signalled its end and dismissed everyone. Long Hui and Long Meng left first before anyone could speak with either of them. Iris chatted with some people who were curious about her, including Long Jufang and especially the Black Stars who could barely maintain their professional composure in front of her.
[This novel is a contracted work with W e b n o v e l . c o m (remove spaces). If you're not reading this chapter on W e b n o v e l, it has been stolen. It's very discouraging to see thieves profitting from my hard work. Please read this novel on W e b n o v e l. Thank you! -Arria]