Qin He's eyes held a sharp edge as she looked at Minister Li, her fingertips tapping on the table.
Her presence was imposing, and her clear eyes exuded an unspoken authority.
"Does Minister Li mean to say that since President Gu is not here, I have no authority over you?"
Minister Li started, then frowned. "Then what does President Qin mean? The incident has already occurred, and we must do our best to rectify it, then hold the responsible party accountable and punish them severely as a warning to others. No matter how much you scold me, you can't turn back time, can you?"
Qin He let out a cold laugh. "Fine. Since we're going to hold someone accountable, I think you're the one who should be investigated!"
"I didn't handle this contract—" Minister Li retorted.
"You didn't handle it, but your subordinate did. If you can't manage your own people, then you should be the one responsible," Qin He's gaze was icy.
"Pack your things and return to Gu Corporation. I will discuss the procurement department with President Gu again and find someone else!"
The reconstruction of the West City district was a lucrative project, and Minister Li's expression changed.
"President Qin, I am from Gu Corporation! You don't seem to have the right to decide my fate!" Minister Li gritted his teeth.
Qin He lowered her eyes, a cold laugh echoing in her mind.
Setting aside the fact that this whole mess was Minister Li's responsibility, the mere fact that he dared to challenge her in front of everyone in the office meant she couldn't keep him!
If she allowed him to get away with this defiance, and he remained in his position as head of the procurement department, it would be difficult to manage the Joint Department in the future.
"Minister Li, I am still giving you a chance to save face," Qin He said sternly. "The materials and the prices don't match. For now, I'll consider it your oversight!"
Who knew if Minister Li was trying to line his own pockets? Otherwise, why would such an incident occur precisely when Minister Fang took a day off for his procurement of materials?
Facing Qin He's sharp, scrutinizing gaze, Minister Li panicked and stood up, slamming his hand on the table. "President Qin, you can't slander me like this! This is an insult to my character!"
Qin He frowned. "Either you leave on your own, or I'll have security escort you out!"
"I, I, I... I represent Gu Corporation. Is President Qin trying to go against Gu Corporation?!" Minister Li said angrily.
Qin He waved her hand, and Di Shishi immediately reached for her phone to call security.
Everyone else at the conference table held their breath, especially Minister Fang, whose head was practically buried under the table!
In the tense atmosphere, the conference room door suddenly opened.
Everyone turned to look, and saw Yu Jing push the door open and bow to usher someone in behind him.
Gu Qichen! Qin He's brow furrowed. Why was he here?
Her savior had arrived!
Minister Li's face lit up with excitement. With President Gu here, Qin He couldn't possibly fire him!
Everyone in Qingcheng knew that Gu Corporation and Qin Corporation were at odds lately, using Lu Corporation as a battleground for their rivalry!
Minister Li hurried forward. "President Gu, you must stand up for me—"
Gu Qichen scanned the room and met Qin He's clear, composed eyes. After a few seconds, he slightly turned his head and glanced at Minister Li.
"How much authority do you have to represent Gu Corporation?"
Minister Li froze.
The managers in the room exchanged glances, afraid to speak.
Fearing that Gu Qichen was unaware of the situation, Minister Li quickly explained, "President Gu, this was truly a mistake by someone under me, but President Qin suspects me and wants to fire me from the Joint Department! President Gu, Qin Corporation wants to take over the procurement department and become dominant. If I am really fired, I don't know what kind of schemes they might enact!"
Qin He listened, her expression turning cold. "Is this the caliber of Gu Corporation's employees? Minister Li, are you putting on a show here? Making mistakes and not repenting, yet peddling conspiracy theories?"
Gu Qichen walked to Qin He's side and sat down, his voice deep and soothing. "Don't get upset."
Qin He shot him a glare.
Minister Li stood there, flustered. "President Gu."
Gu Qichen finally looked up at him. "How long has Minister Li been with Gu Corporation?"
Yu Jing, standing nearby, answered, "Until next month, it will be ten years."
Gu Qichen nodded. "Then pack your things and resign."
On the way, Gu Qichen had already instructed Yu Jing to investigate. Minister Li's resume and past contracts were all on file at Gu Corporation.
Yu Jing had uncovered several instances of such underhanded dealings, but because higher-ups in the company were protecting him, Minister Li's schemes had gone unnoticed.
Minister Li's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Gu Qichen. "Mr. Gu, I was doing this for the company—"
Yu Jing, standing beside him, took a document from his briefcase and threw it in front of Minister Li.
"Resign, or Gu Corporation will sue. You choose."
Minister Li stared at the documents. After glancing at just the first two, he saw contracts where he had previously tampered with.
He was silent for a few seconds. "I, I will submit my resignation voluntarily. Thank you, President Gu, for many years of care."
Gu Qichen's gaze was cold.
In the Joint Department, he was not there to deal with minor offenders. Once Minister Li resigned, the matter could be dealt with slowly.
Minister Li left in a hurry.
Qin He stood up and looked at Gu Qichen. "President Gu, you can arrange for someone else to take over the procurement department. Minister Fang will cooperate with their work."
Minister Fang quickly chimed in his agreement.
Gu Qichen gave Qin He a deep look. "No need. For now, Qin Corporation can be responsible for procurement."
He trusted Qin He. Ever since the reconstruction of the West City district, Qin He had demonstrated exceptional character and talent.
Qin He had no objections and asked Di Shishi to announce the adjournment of the meeting.
Returning to the office, Qin He asked Di Shishi to close the door.
After sitting for a while, she heard a slight sound from the adjacent office.
Qin He's phone on the desk vibrated.
She picked it up and saw a message from Gu Qichen.
【How are things between you and Lu Mingxi?】
Qin He knew Gu Qichen was asking about her agreement to break up with Lu Ming.
She typed, 【We have broken up. I hope President Gu will also keep his promise.】 She would no longer bother Lu Corporation.
After replying to the message, Qin He dealt with a few more difficult documents and then left the Joint Department with Di Shishi.
...
Night fell, and luxury cars stopped one after another in front of the Kalia Club. Valets respectfully stepped forward to park them.
The Kalia Club was a new establishment opened by Yan Chen in Qingcheng, which had directly driven the previously most bustling Jialan Club to bankruptcy.
The club had a total of eight floors. Floors one to five were public areas, while floors six to eight were VIP suites.
On the eighth floor, in suite number one, Yan Chen, Xiao Liyan, and a few friends were playing cards. The hostesses, with their diverse styles, were beautiful and alluring.
A short distance from the card table, in the dimly lit room, Gu Qichen sat on the sofa, his dark eyes deep and placid.
Accompanying him was the club's top hostess, whom Yan Chen had specifically called. The woman was adept at reading the mood. Seeing that Gu Qichen was silent and didn't even glance at her, she sat quietly beside him without saying a word.