Chapter Five
The pounding headache from the hangover made it nearly impossible for me to think.
Struggling to get out of bed, my stomach churned violently, a sour bitterness surged up my throat.
I stumbled into the bathroom and vomited until the world spun around me, feeling as if my insides were being completely emptied.
The cold water splashed on my face brought me back to some semblance of clarity, but it also made me acutely aware of the stubble scratching against my skin.
Looking in the mirror, I saw a disheveled figure with bloodshot eyes, resembling a down-and-out vagabond rather than the once-dominant business elite I used to be.
I let out a bitter laugh; this was me—once full of ambition, now reduced to a pitiful state.
Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself that I couldn’t wallow in despair any longer. Even though I had lost He Yun, I still had my career and my responsibilities.
I needed to pull myself together and restart my life, proving that I could still live brilliantly without her.
I changed into clean clothes, forcing myself to endure the discomfort as I made my way to the office, striving to appear more spirited.
As soon as I entered the office, my secretary, Xiao Li, hurried over. "Manager Lu, there’s an important meeting today that all executives must attend. I've prepared the meeting materials and placed them in your office."
I nodded and gestured for her to prepare some tea.
Entering my office, I quickly flipped through the meeting materials. They contained analysis reports on the company’s current situation, and the data was disheartening. My heart sank along with the numbers.
I rubbed my temples, trying hard to focus and prepare for this tough battle ahead.
The atmosphere in the conference room was so tense it felt like it could drip with water.
Gao Lin sat at the head of the table, her expression dark and silent, her sharp gaze sweeping over everyone present.
The other executives wore serious expressions, whispering among themselves, seemingly sensing that something bad was about to happen.
I sat quietly in my seat, waiting for the meeting to begin, my palms sweaty.
"I have called everyone here today to discuss the future direction of the company," Gao Lin's voice sounded weary yet carried an undeniable authority.
"Recently, the company's performance has been declining steadily, and our market share is shrinking. If we don't find a way to turn this around soon, I'm afraid..." Gao Lin did not finish her sentence, but everyone in the room understood her implication— the company would face a significant crisis.
"Manager Lu, what are your thoughts?" Gao Lin's gaze landed on me, carrying a hint of scrutiny.
After a moment of contemplation, I organized my thoughts and said, "I believe the main issue facing the company right now is a lack of innovation; our products lack competitiveness. We need to increase our investment in research and development, bring in more talented individuals, and develop products with better market prospects. Additionally, we need to strengthen our marketing efforts to enhance our brand image and expand our market share."
As soon as I finished speaking, Xu Feng let out a sarcastic laugh. "Manager Lu, I believe the company's problem isn't a lack of innovation but rather chaotic management. We need to streamline our organization, improve efficiency, and reduce costs to survive in this fierce market competition. Instead of spending heavily on R&D, we should focus on getting our internal management right first."
Xu Feng's words received Gao Lin's agreement. "Xu Feng is correct; there are indeed some issues with our current management. We need to implement some reforms to adapt to the new market environment."
My heart sank; I knew Gao Lin was supporting Xu Feng and undermining me. Ever since Xu Feng joined the company, my situation had become increasingly difficult, and Gao Lin's attitude towards me had subtly changed.
"I disagree with Xu's perspective," I said firmly, my tone laced with suppressed anger. "I believe that streamlining our organization will not solve the fundamental issues; it will instead disrupt normal operations. What we need now is unity to weather this storm, not internal strife."
"Manager Lu, are you questioning my decisions?" Gao Lin's tone turned stern, her eyes carrying a warning.
"I am not questioning your decisions; I am merely expressing my opinion," I replied defiantly, meeting Gao Lin's gaze directly. "I believe your decision is misguided and will lead the company into a deep abyss."
"Lu Chen, how dare you!" Gao Lin slammed the table, glaring at me. "Who do you think you are? What right do you have to question my decisions?"
"I am a shareholder of the company, and I have the right to express my opinion," I replied defiantly, my tone firm. "Moreover, I understand this company better than you do; I know its future more clearly. Your recent decisions are completely biased towards Xu Feng, harming the company's interests!"
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became tense, everyone afraid to speak up, fearing they might get caught in this storm.
At that moment, He Yun spoke up: "I support Xu Feng's proposal." Her voice was calm and resolute, yet it detonated like a bomb in my heart.
I stared at her in disbelief, my lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.
"He Yun, you..."
"Lu Chen, we are divorced now; my matters are none of your business," He Yun coldly interrupted me, her gaze devoid of any emotion, as if she were looking at a stranger.
My heart sank completely.
I knew I had lost.
Not only had I lost He Yun, but I had also lost my career.
My world was engulfed in darkness.
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