The moment Song Qiao's words fell, the office erupted like a storm.
Although they were already certain Liu Manjiang would be removed, they hadn't expected Song Qiao to be so direct.
After all, Liu Manjiang was a veteran employee. He had worked at Huajiang for eight years, starting as a salesman and rising to the position of General Manager.
Not only had he made significant contributions to the company, but he also had deep connections within it.
It could be said that half the people there had some relation to him.
If he were to be fired, the company's operations might even encounter problems.
At the same time, many people were Liu Manjiang's subordinates.
If Liu Manjiang were dismissed, they might not fare well in the company either.
This was not good!
Many were eager to speak up for Liu Manjiang.
Liu Manjiang also saw the looks from his subordinates.
Suddenly, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes. He hardened his resolve and decided to fight for what he deserved.
He gritted his teeth, got up from the floor, and even lightly brushed the dust off his sleeve.
He seemed to have completely forgotten that he had collapsed on the ground in fear just moments ago.
He looked at Song Qiao with sharp eyes and said, "Mr. Song, if you wish to dismiss me, then I have no choice.
However, I require a reason. You must understand that Huajiang does not belong to you alone.
Even though you are the President, decisions should not be made by you alone.
This is no place for a one-man show. Everyone holds shares in the company, and decisions should be made democratically, not on a whim.
If that were the case, the company would not be able to function and would soon collapse. How would you then answer to the shareholders, and how would you answer to the public?"
At this moment, Liu Manjiang seemed possessed by a war god. His words instantly captured everyone's attention.
Especially since he felt he could clearly explain the stakes to Song Qiao, while simultaneously leveling a serious accusation against him.
Within his words, he also drew in a large group of existing company personnel, making them realize the consequences of Song Qiao arbitrarily dismissing him.
This way, they would be forced to find a way to protect him.
Song Qiao watched Liu Manjiang quietly, without a word, his gaze calm.
Just then, Gao Meng walked over from the side.
She tugged at Song Qiao's sleeve and said, "Master, I know you want to get rid of this guy quickly, but perhaps don't be too hasty?
Rushing things can lead to backlash, which is not beneficial for taking over the company, and could even affect the company's stability and future development.
Wouldn't it be more helpful for the work ahead if you understood the situation more clearly?"
Song Qiao looked at Gao Meng and smiled, "You're doing well. You've really learned something from Li Bingqing. You're very considerate and have grown rapidly. I'm very pleased!"
Gao Meng's face flushed red. She was about to stomp her foot but remembered the current setting and forcefully restrained herself.
She simply said to Song Qiao, "Master! I'm serious. Take your time, why the rush!"
Song Qiao naturally understood Gao Meng's meaning.
Huajiang Company, as a manufacturing enterprise, was certainly different from a capital-driven company.
For example, Liu Manjiang, having been general manager for many years, had naturally cultivated considerable influence.
If Liu Manjiang were removed without proper investigation, the faction loyal to him would surely be unsettled.
Furthermore, even the moderates and those who should have supported him might become anxious.
If these people were to collectively resign, the company's operations could potentially be paralyzed.
It would be difficult to find so many replacements in a short period.
Song Qiao stroked his chin, lost in thought.
Seeing Song Qiao's reaction, Liu Manjiang knew his words had hit their mark and exploited his weakness.
He became somewhat smug and, with even greater confidence, said, "Mr. Song, I know you must have your reasons for doing this.
However, if you intend to replace me with Zheng Ci or this young lady, I believe the company will face immense difficulties.
If the company cannot operate, will all our employees have to go hungry?"
After speaking, he glanced at the people around him and began to incite them, "Mr. Song, you acquired the company to make it better, so everyone could receive more dividends and the stock price could rise.
But if you insist on pushing your own agenda, I believe the shareholders whose interests are harmed will not agree.
We, the leaders who are willing to contribute our efforts to the company, also will not agree.
We are unwilling to have our hard work destroyed by you in a few swift actions!"
As Liu Manjiang spoke passionately, Song Qiao smiled faintly.
Liu Manjiang's words indeed sparked considerable discussion among the others.
"Old Liu makes some valid points!"
"Mr. Song, we hope you won't interfere so hastily with the company's personnel matters!"
"Yes, everything has a process. Perhaps you should conduct some research first and understand the company's specific situation!"
"Making decisions hastily would be detrimental to the company!"
"Mr. Song, Manager Liu's points are quite reasonable. We hope you will consider them carefully!"
"We hope you will not make a hasty decision to dismiss Manager Liu!"
"..."
Song Qiao watched silently. Only when the murmurs of discussion subsided and the crowd dared not meet his gaze did he slowly speak.
"You all make very good points. Indeed, decisions should be made after thorough research!"
Upon hearing Song Qiao's words, smiles spread across their faces, and they seemed considerably more relaxed. The atmosphere in the conference room was no longer as tense.
But before the relief could fully settle in, Song Qiao continued, "I am not making this decision rashly, nor have I failed to conduct preliminary investigations! The biggest problem the company is currently facing is the hitch in our cooperation with the Korean chaebols.
If this matter can be resolved successfully, the company will have many new ventures in the future, and its operational efficiency will reach new heights. Is this not what many of you think?"
"Yes, that's precisely the case!"
Song Qiao's expression turned grim as he continued, "However, Liu Manjiang directly sent women to the Koreans, and these were women from our own company. What kind of behavior is that? It's an insult to China! It's undermining the very foundation of the company!"
Liu Manjiang spoke to Song Qiao, frankly stating:
"Heh, Mr. Song has his principles! So, I wonder if Mr. Song has any other methods? If Mr. Song can resolve the issue with the Korean chaebols and earn money honestly, then we will all be convinced!"
Hearing Song Qiao's words, he understood that individuals like Li Junhao, who were particularly interested in Chinese women, would not be able to cooperate with Song Qiao.
Song Qiao was a man who wanted to follow the proper path, unwilling to offer women or money to the other party. If he wouldn't do that, he wouldn't be able to placate Li Junhao.
In other words, he would not be able to resolve the issue with the Korean chaebols.
If that were the case, Liu Manjiang would be in an unassailable position.
The faction loyal to Liu Manjiang began to echo his sentiment:
"Yes, this matter is the most crucial for the company right now!"
"How does Mr. Song plan to proceed?"
"Does Mr. Song have any confidence?"
Song Qiao suddenly smiled. He looked at Liu Manjiang, then at his subordinates, and spoke with a casual air, "Very well, then we shall resolve the issue with the Korean chaebols!"