Chapter 359: Adversity
Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter
Tang Lianshui nodded. “Yes, because our contract was only recently signed and hasn't been ratified by a third party, they can revoke it easily.”
Ning Qingxue frowned. “This is the fourth company to cancel a contract with us in three months. Why is this happening?”
“I know the Ti Feng Corporation’s sales manager. He told me they didn’t willingly revoke the agreement. It was Yuan Bei Corporation,” Tang Lianshui said helplessly.
“Yuan Bei Corporation? The largest pharmaceutical corporation in China? Why would they care about our small company?” Ning Qingxue asked.
Tang Lianshui sighed. He felt this young CEO lacked her former decisiveness. She seemed distracted and forgetful. He replied, “Six months ago, they tried to buy our company, but you rejected them outright without considering their offer. Manager Li’s investigation revealed they aim to monopolize the pharmaceutical industry in Yu State. They didn’t need to buy us, but six months ago, at the pharmaceutical exhibition, their CEO, Yuan Qibing, saw you and asked you to dinner. He likely decided to buy our company after you refused him.”
Ning Qingxue’s face hardened. “Doesn’t he know I’m married? Why didn’t Li Mumei tell me?”
Li Mumei’s voice came from the doorway. “Qingxue, I didn’t tell you because I thought you were preoccupied lately. The company’s been struggling, and I didn’t want to add to your worries. Only a few of us know about your marriage; Manager Tang didn’t.”
Tang Lianshui said wryly, “Indeed, I had no idea.”
Li Mumei looked at the resignation letter in Tang Lianshui’s hand. “Manager Tang, are you resigning?”
Tang Lianshui looked guilty. “Sorry, CEO Ning, CEO Li. I… I’m submitting my resignation.”
Ning Qingxue looked surprised, then at the letter. After a long pause, she said, “Okay. Give me the letter. I’ll sign it and have someone process it. Tell them I’ve approved it.”
After Tang Lianshui left, Li Mumei sighed. “Qingxue, we can’t blame him. His wife’s hospital bills are high, and the company’s in crisis. He doesn’t have enough money for her treatment.”
Ning Qingxue nodded. “I know. I’ve been preoccupied and haven’t noticed. Manager Tang is capable, but without a stable platform, he can’t succeed. That’s our company’s problem.”
Li Mumei nodded. “Yuan Bei’s CEO is bullying us. It’s despicable, but they’re the largest pharmaceutical company in China. No one wants to cross them. They might secure the Asia spot at the Beijing Luo Yue Corporation conference in two days. Other companies are afraid to offend them, even with the slightest connection to Luo Yue. It would be extremely lucrative.”
“Are they so sure they’ll be chosen by Luo Yue?” Ning Qingxue frowned.
Li Mumei said wryly, “Yuan Bei is the largest pharmaceutical company in Asia, and a top 5 globally. While our beauty pill is unique, it’s just one product. Yuan Bei’s power far surpasses Luo Yue’s. I suspect Luo Yue is seeking to cooperate with them, not the other way around.”
Ning Qingxue rubbed her forehead. She knew Li Mumei was right, but she felt helpless.
“Mumei, even if our company fails, I won’t sell it to them,” Ning Qingxue said coldly.
Li Mumei nodded. “I know this company is your parents’ legacy. I don’t want to sell it to Yuan Bei either. But if they continue to suppress us, we’ll be forced to shut down.”
Ning Qingxue nodded. “Regardless, we need to attend the Beijing conference. We need to try our luck. Luo Yue is looking for two Asian partners. We can work hard to be one of them.”
Li Mumei nodded silently. She knew the chances were slim. If Yuan Bei spread negative news about Fei Yu, other companies wouldn’t cooperate with them. Yuan Bei held significant international status; their heart safety serum was world-renowned and highly profitable.
A knock. Manager Yu from Human Resources entered, looking worried. “CEO Ning, CEO Li, many employees have resigned lately. Should we do something?”
Li Mumei said firmly, “No need. If they want to leave, let them. If we partner with Luo Yue in two days, that will be more convincing than anything.”
After Manager Yu left, Li Mumei felt helpless. Others aimed to partner with Luo Yue; they were fighting to become a subordinate. The difference was vast. She knew hundreds of Asian companies wanted to partner with Luo Yue, and theirs was near the bottom.
Ning Qingxue remained silent until Manager Yu left. “Mumei, what was it?”
Li Mumei nodded. “Last night, there was a murder at Yuan Ge World. A counterfeiting boss was killed, but…”
“But what?” Ning Qingxue asked quickly.
“I reviewed police footage. Ye Mo was there last night. He ordered a beer but didn’t drink it. He stayed a while, tipped generously, and left. His departure coincided with Fei Fei’s return and CEO Cheng’s arrival. Police suspect him, but can’t find him,” Li Mumei said.
“What does that have to do with him? He didn’t go upstairs,” Ning Qingxue said, oblivious to Li Mumei’s surprised expression.
“Mumei, let’s focus on the Beijing trip. My father goes tomorrow; we go the day after. We have to try,” Ning Qingxue finally refocused on the company.
Li Mumei smiled wryly. You told me to investigate. I didn't want to get involved. She noticed Ning Qingxue’s changed attitude since revealing her marriage to Ye Mo. Li Mumei saw the shift, but Ning Qingxue likely didn’t.