Manager Chen was deeply concerned about the return of Zhou Liangyun, fearing for his position as the general manager.


    He spoke to a vendor, saying, “Please keep a close watch on Zhou Liangyun for me. If you notice anything, let me know right away. I promise to reward you handsomely in the future.”


    The vendor quickly replied, “Absolutely, Manager Chen! Don’t worry. I will inform you as soon as anythinges up!”


    After ending the call, Manager Chen quickly gathered several of his trusted associates from Ji Qingtang.


    These individuals were all loyal followers he had recruited and trained since taking charge of Ji Qingtang. Although Manager Chen had made only modest progress in business, he had significantly reshaped the team. He dismissed anyone who didn’t align with his vision, leaving behind a select group who coborated with him to exploit thepany’s resources, siphoning off substantial amounts of money under various pretenses.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Their typical scheme involved purchasing antiques at inted prices. For instance, an item valued at half a million would be procured with their own funds, then presented in the store, where they would persuade unwitting customers to buy it for 700,000 yuan, pocketing the difference.


    Additionally, items initially bought for 100,000 yuan a few years prior had appreciated to 200,000 yuan. They would intentionally cause minor damage to these items, then sell them as defective at a fraction of the price, iming to recover some losses while again pocketing the price difference.


    Manager Chen’s approach was formal, ensuring that all remaining employees received their share of the spoils, which fostered a sense of unity among the team.


    At this moment, Manager Chen instructed everyone to close the store and convened them in the manager’s office. He began with a grave expression: “I just received news that Zhou Liangyun has returned.”<fn3f68> Checktest chapters at f?ndnovel</fn3f68>


    The employees were taken aback.


    Most of them were veterans and were familiar with Zhou Liangyun. Even those who hadn’t met him had heard various stories about his reputation.


    Curiosity spread among the group as they pondered Zhou Liangyun’s motives for returning to Aurous Hill.


    Manager Chen continued, his tone serious: “I’ve been informed that Zhou Liangyun intends to open a shop on antique street. However, I suspect his ambitions go beyond merely starting a business. If he re-establishes a connection with Jasmine and returns to Ji Qingtang, taking my position, we could be in serious trouble!”


    One employee interjected, “Brother Chen, didn’t this Zhou get fired for offending Mr. Song? How could Mr. Song allow him back?”


    Manager Chen replied coldly, “You’re missing the point. In the world of business, there are no permanent enemies, only enduring interests. Zhou Liangyun is quite clever. Despite his brief time away, he has managed to gather valuable items for the store. When sold, they could generate profits in the tens of millions. Meanwhile, our reported profit this year barely exceeds 100,000 yuan, leaving us struggling with costs. While Jasmine isn’t currently opposing us, it also means she doesn’t regard us as significant. She’s simply keeping us around to ensure Ji Qingtang stays operational. If she finds a better candidate, why would she keep us?”


    Everyone nodded in understanding.


    Manager Chen concluded, “From now on, I need you all to stay vignt and closely monitor Zhou Liangyun’s activities on antique street. This time, I will make sure he has no foothold there!”