"I rarely discuss this with everyone before — but I have always appreciated your choice of our budding ’Yan Nuo Psychological Center.’ Many of you are young and newly entering society, choosing to make ’Yan Nuo’ your first stop and growing alongside it;"
"There are also many veteran consultants, like Mr. Hu, Teacher Yang, and Mr. Zhang. I believe since you chose this platform, you trust us and have seen our bright spots."
The boss made a display of genuine emotion, and the employees immediately reciprocated, feigning heartfelt responses and grinning insincerely.
The reflex was as fast as well-trained horses or oxen, running automatically with just a flick of the whip or a shout.
However, what followed quickly changed with Howard’s shift in tone.
"But recently, I’m sure everyone has felt it — our company’s performance hasn’t been very good, with few visitors; even the more experienced consultants have only a handful of cases on hand."
"I know everyone is anxious, and I am anxious too."
Howard spoke earnestly, and this time Nan Zhubin judged that the boss was using real emotion now.
At the same time, Nan Zhubin realized that the boss was about to get to the main point.
"And today’s meeting is also to announce good news — I have found the solution."
Howard made a grand gesture as if he were a fisherman sensing a fish on the line, and said loudly.
"Our company — is going to transform!"
Nan Zhubin’s pupils contracted sharply, then he looked at Weng Pinting.
On Weng Pinting’s face, he saw an expression almost identical to his own.
Nan Zhubin took a deep breath, trying to relax his mind to brace for the possible shock.
"As for the direction of the transformation — Mr. Nan!"
Nan Zhubin suddenly heard Howard calling for him.
What are you calling me for at this moment?!
"Since you joined, how many long-term cases have you handled?"
Nan Zhubin was naturally well-versed in such things, quickly calculated in his mind, and uttered a number.
Howard pressed on, "And what issues do these cases deal with?"
Nan Zhubin frowned slightly, sensing something was amiss.
He thought for a moment and said, "The visitors’ issues are generally complex, with some cases having overlapping problems, which are even hard to define... Boss, if you ask for details, I can prepare a report for you later?"
Howard pursed his lips and suddenly turned his gaze to Shen Bing, who sat next to Nan Zhubin.
The young consultant assistant jolted as if by reflex, started listing issues like reciting a menu: "Mr. Nan is currently dealing with one [Depression], two [Emotional Recovery]; previously finished a [PTSD], and others... all are [Emotional Recovery]!"
Howard nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Mr. Hu.
"Mr. Hu, how about you? Not the past ones, just the current cases — what issues are they dealing with?"
Mr. Hu had been in the job much longer than Nan Zhubin, so reviewing all past cases on the spot was unrealistic; thus, he was only asked to recall the ongoing cases.
Nan Zhubin blinked, seemingly realizing what Howard was aiming for.
The consultant with the stylish mustache responded a beat slower than Shen Bing, instinctively reporting in a similar tone: "One [Family Counseling], one [Career Planning], and three [Emotional Recovery]..."
"Very good, Mr. Zhang?"
"One [Parent-Child Relationship], two [Emotional Recovery]."
"One [Social Anxiety], one [Intimacy Anxiety], one [Marriage and Family]."
Howard went through each consultant with active cases, and the smarter ones had already caught on by now.
Once again, Nan Zhubin looked at Weng Pinting.
Howard continued, self-absorbed: "Yes, everyone can observe that the majority of cases now are related to [Emotions]!"
"Recently, I’ve had meetings with several industry peers, noticing this is a common phenomenon, especially in the psychological consultation sector. The market for [Emotional Consultation] is the largest."
"Indeed, many companies solely dedicated to [Emotional Consultation] are far more profitable than we currently are!"
Howard essentially laid his cards on the table; anyone who didn’t understand his implication by now was about as sharp as a dead fish.
"Boss, you mean?" someone astutely offered him a cue.
Howard clearly appreciated this, adopting a chin-tilt gesture similar to Mr. Hu’s usual mannerisms.
"All along, although we are a [Psychological Consultation] company, the cases we’ve taken on are too varied, lacking purpose."
"Now, we need to refine the market and accurately find our target."
"We are transforming to focus on — [Emotional Consultation]!"
Nan Zhubin instinctively glanced around the room.
At that moment, every expression seemed to rush at his information bank like tides of a vast ocean.
Yet, most people’s expressions achieved a shocking uniformity at this point.
Howard continued at the head of the meeting room.
"Working here, I also hope to raise everyone’s salaries; if everyone can earn over ten thousand a month, I’d be happier than you."
"Rest assured, the current situation of insufficient consultations and low fees will soon be resolved."
"I have contacted a professional [Emotional Consultation] operations team from Modu, and they will be in place next week to help us establish a brand-new company structure and assist us in transforming."
"During this period, also be careful with the cases you take; don’t accept just anything, focus solely on [Emotional Consultations] — of course, for those you currently have, continue to work on them diligently."
"As for those without ongoing work, consider it a holiday at the company; I know you all enjoy having fun, so use this time to relax and prepare for future work."
Howard spoke with audacious enthusiasm.
At this point, Howard’s meeting content was mostly concluded.
Some with strong applause, some moderately, others with perfunctory clapping.
Nan Zhubin observed them one by one, carefully identifying the expressions on their faces.
He didn’t know why he was doing this because these expressions seemed irrelevant to him.
Finally, his gaze once again focused on Weng Pinting’s face.
This time, he couldn’t discern Weng Pinting’s expression.
"Oh, by the way." Howard suddenly seemed to remember something.
"Recently, there’s been a situation with visitors’ family members causing trouble; everyone has seen it, and it’s quite dangerous."
"So, everyone should be careful in the future; being in the psychological industry, we should be empathetic and understand others, and not easily upset people."
This matter was passed over.