Chapter Seventy-Six: Just Looking for Someone to Make an Example Of

The problems with Silver Dragon are still significant. The issue with the marketing department last time was merely a minor episode. Chu Dong knows he can suppress things for a while, but he cannot solve the root of the problem overnight. Thus, when it comes to the marketing department, he must reevaluate and come up with new solutions.

Since Chu Dong took over Silver Dragon, Tan Xue hasn’t been as meticulous as she once was. The young girl used to be spirited—her pride seemed to radiate even as she walked. But now, things have changed. She no longer arrives punctually, and even when she does show up, she seldom cares about other employees’ work. She idly plays common web games, her phone almost always pressed to her ear, burning through two batteries a day so that it’s dead by the time she gets home. She’s simply passing the days. Chu Dong is too busy to manage her, and others dare not say a word; they’re grateful she doesn’t trouble them, let alone risk saying anything more.

The marketing department is a focal point, and it’s a place the company must reform. A week has passed since Chu Dong officially took charge of Silver Dragon, and all has been oddly quiet. Everyone is waiting for the inevitable fires the new boss must set after taking office. The calmer it gets, the more unsettled people feel—no one knows when the ever-smiling young boss will suddenly unleash his wrath.

On this particular day, it was time to clock out, but Chu Dong hadn’t left yet—a rare occurrence. Normally, as soon as the bell rings, the new boss bolts out as if catching a train, but today, his office remained silent, and even the secretary at the door had no clue what he was busy with.

“There’s something up—I feel today is unusual. Everyone, be alert. Leave later. Don’t let the first fire burn our heads.”

“Exactly. Let’s wait it out. I rely on this salary to support my family. Better safe than sorry—safety first.”

This kind of talk spread like a flood, starting outside Chu Dong’s office and gradually sweeping across every corner of Silver Dragon Group.

Inside the office, Chu Dong, wearing a headset and shirtless, sat before the computer playing CrossFire. His body swayed with the movements of the game characters, and he shouted, “Damn, Qiangzi, two o’clock, it’s an AK, careful, there’s a sniper dead ahead! How did Haozi get killed so quickly...”

So the widely discussed heartthrob CEO was actually in his office gaming online with two buddies, having the time of his life. If not for the empty beer cans nearby, he might have played until the room smoked.

“Don’t you need to cook for your wife today? How come you’re off duty?” Qiangzi controlled his character to eliminate a corner camper and asked Chu Dong in the channel.

“The three girls went shopping today and said they’d eat out. I’m free for the day. Damn, who threw the flashbang?” Chu Dong shouted, fingers pounding the keyboard. When the white light faded, he found his character had died, grabbed a cigarette from the pack, and hummed a tune contentedly, “No wind, no rain, the sun is shining...”

“If I had such a charming wife, I’d serve her every day too. Dong, has Li Youlan found someone yet?” Haozi, whose skills were the worst, died even earlier than Chu Dong. Hearing Chu Dong hum, he asked, drooling.

“She probably hasn’t, but with how fierce she is toward me, you don’t stand a chance. Save yourself the trouble. Isn’t there a kindergarten near your place? Try your luck there.” Chu Dong took a deep drag.

“You’re merciless, Dong. Last time you sent me to your sister-in-law’s school and nothing happened. Now you’re telling Haozi to try a kindergarten. You’re full while we’re starving, never caring for the suffering masses.” Qiangzi, wiped out in solo combat, stopped playing and accused Chu Dong with heartfelt complaints.

“Exactly, Dong. You’re a CEO now. Why not treat your brothers to a meal? I haven’t had good liquor in ages, my mouth’s gone dry. Let’s use this chance to bask in your glory and check out some beauties.” Haozi is straightforward and always cuts to the chase.

“Not today, I’ve got business. There are a few small fry in the company waiting for me to deal with them. Once I’m through this period, I’ll definitely find you guys something worthwhile. Happiness shared is happiness multiplied—I get it, don’t worry.” The office was soundproof, and no one dared enter without his permission. Here, Chu Dong never bothered with appearances, barefoot, legs propped up on the desk, leaning back as he exhaled a long stream of smoke.

“If they’re not convinced, fire them. You’re the boss—why waste words?” Qiangzi was always so blunt, giving Chu Dong reckless advice.

“I knew you’d say that. Otherwise, why would your old man still have you doing sales? That’s all out of consideration for you—you should be sent to do outdoor installation and really experience hardship.” Chu Dong dismissed his suggestion and took the opportunity to educate his buddies. “These people aren’t all troublemakers. You need to distinguish between adversaries and internal conflicts, so you avoid collateral damage and protect talent as much as possible. When will your head let me rest easy?”

“Dong, didn’t you say even a pancake vendor could do those jobs? Talent?” Haozi was always spirited, quoting Chu Dong’s own words to corner him.

“Can’t you apply things flexibly? Back then, I needed to establish authority—first a blow, then a pat. You can’t actually beat everyone senseless. You need to learn that.” Chu Dong stubbed out the cigarette. “Alright, we’ll talk later. If I don’t keep teaching you, you’ll regress. Stay home and behave. I’ll come find you when I have time.”

It was already seven thirty—time to head home.

Chu Dong struggled to fish out a missing sock from under the desk, took his time getting dressed, and finally left the office.

“Whoa, so many people?” Stepping out, Chu Dong saw that the entire floor was filled with heads peeking out from cubicles, not a single person had left. “What’s going on here? Treating the company like home? Well, your dedication is commendable.”

“President, there’s a lot of work lately. Everyone is voluntarily working overtime. No one’s mentioned extra pay. We all hope Silver Dragon can regain its glory someday.” A clever young man from the PR department responded immediately, as if pledging allegiance.

“Oh, is that so? Everyone’s working overtime?” Chu Dong nodded as if casually asking.

“Yes, especially the marketing department. They’re busier than all of us. I saw them having dinner right here—they don’t know when they’ll be done.” The PR department was closest to the president’s office, and it was clear this young man had been prompted by the marketing department, singing their praises.

“Excellent—the pride of Silver Dragon. Let’s go, take me to see what the marketing department is so busy with. Maybe I can help.” Looking for someone to set an example, and the marketing department had walked right into it. Chu Dong waved for him to lead the way and followed the young man towards the marketing department.

PS: First update of the day. Starting next month, each chapter will be increased to 3,000 words, and basically there will be two updates daily, which is equivalent to three updates now. I wonder if you brothers are satisfied with that.