Shirley Miller sat on the bed, looking around with a complex gaze.
It seemed she had grown used to having a man in her room, and now that she was alone once again, she suddenly felt quite insecure.
After such a short period, had she really adapted to life with a man by her side?
Now that they were apart, was she truly unaccustomed to it, unsettled?
Could it be that she had fallen in love with Carson Flores?
When she had resolved to sell her shares, she had been mentally prepared that leaving Polgel would be the moment she parted ways with Carson Flores. But Shirley Miller hadn’t anticipated that, in the blink of an eye, she and Carson Flores would become business partners, united against the Miller Family!
The Miller Family was clearly not easy to deal with, and this battle appeared to be lengthy. Wouldn’t that mean she would be spending a lot of time with Carson Flores again?
Upon learning the news, Shirley’s first feeling was happiness, for she wouldn’t have to fight alone anymore. However, deep within that joy, she couldn’t ascertain how much of it was because Carson Flores would stay.
After collecting her belongings and managing her delicate emotions, Shirley Miller and Carson Flores went out to dine together.
Carson Flores, swiftly shoveling food into his mouth, asked, "What’s your plan to start?"
Shirley furrowed her brows slightly, "Based on my previous investigations, the pharmaceutical factory is sound in terms of equipment, production conditions, scale, and distribution channels. However, the internal problems are massive. Almost all the employees are locals, colluding with each other, draining the factory’s resources, which is what caused its increasing deficits."
Carson Flores chuckled, "Didn’t the previous managers care?"
Shirley laughed lightly, "If they could manage it well, they wouldn’t need to sell the factory, would they?"
Carson Flores laughed, "Why not just fire everyone and recruit new employees? Changing the staff with a new owner is pretty standard procedure, right?"
Shirley Miller gave a wry smile, "When the contract was signed, there was a clause that stated not more than 30% of the employees could be laid off, so that’s not possible. I’m considering locating the source of the issue first, then firing those who have been undermining the company. After that, the rest will likely fall in line. Besides, most of these workers have been here for many years and have rich experience. If they were replaced, it would affect production for a significant period."
Carson Flores looked dumbfounded, "That owner was too nice. The factory is nearly ruined by these people, and he still included such a clause..."
Shirley Miller explained, "Most of the workers here are from nearby and have family or hometown connections with the management or even the shareholders. There aren’t many who were truly hired from the outside."
Carson Flores had an epiphany and laughed, "That really is a hot potato. But 30% should be enough to ’kill the chicken to warn the monkeys’. It’s always a minority who cause trouble, the majority just want to work and earn money. If given the chance to make extra by defrauding the company, they’ll follow, but if anyone who reaches out gets into trouble, then they’ll fall in line."
Shirley laughed, "Exactly, that’s what I thought too, which is why I agreed to that clause when signing the contract."
Carson Flores tucked the last piece of meat into his mouth, grinning, "In that case, I won’t go to the factory with you just yet. I’m going to scout around a bit first. If people recognize me as the President’s Assistant, no one will tell me the truth."
Shirley Miller knew of Carson Flores’s exceptional abilities in social matters and that he was very capable, so she didn’t worry about him being bullied in unfamiliar territory. She laughed, "Okay, I’ll approach the management, and you talk to the regular workers, get a feel for things."
Carson Flores chuckled, "I’ll have Lydia Howell accompany you, she can act as your driver for now and ensure your safety."
Shirley Miller didn’t refuse, "Okay!"
Carson Flores made a call, and before long, Lydia Howell appeared before the two of them.
"Mr. Flores, Miss Miller."
Shirley Miller looked at the charming and valiant Lydia Howell with slight surprise. Wasn’t she said to be in her mid-thirties? She looked more like she was in her mid-twenties; not a wrinkle on her face, still so youthful and beautiful. Shirley couldn’t help but wonder about her secret to such maintenance.
A twinge of sourness inexplicably stirred in Shirley’s heart. This guy... even the people he randomly saves are top-tier beauties...
Lydia Howell drove Carson Flores’s car, taking Shirley Miller to the pharmaceutical factory, while Carson Flores casually returned to the hotel.
He had gone to the company early that morning and was up before dawn; now it was time for a nap.
At dusk, Carson Flores left the hotel and headed to a tobacco and liquor store near the pharmaceutical factory. He bought two packs of cigarettes and two bottles of liquor and inquired a bit before strolling to a stall called "Third Brother’s Grilled Skewers" on the back street of the factory. He chose a seat on the edge and settled down.
As night fell, the stall’s business picked up, and soon it was full. Most of the patrons were employees in factory uniforms, gathered in groups, playing drinking games with loud shouts.
When a group of about five men entered the stall and were told by the owner that there were no seats available, Carson Flores stood up and said with a smile, "Brothers, if you don’t mind, you can join my table. I also have some things I’d like to ask about..."