Ch. 931..940
Chapter 931: Loss_1 “If the brand sponsors withdraw, and those initially in discussions switch to a wait-and-see approach, it will greatly impact us,” said the Secretary General.
“If Hearth Nation’s market doesn’t accept it and our Cooking Competition secedes from Hearth Nation, the International Culinary Competition will simply become a farce.”
Hearth Nation is a culinary powerhouse.
In the realm of gastronomy, you cannot overlook or downplay its significance.
Without such a powerful culinary nation participating, how can it still be called a Cooking Competition?
“Also, there is one point that we have overlooked before,” said the Secretary General.
“Pingla has sent us a complaint letter.
Although Adrian Zhekova, the CEO of Pingla, hasn’t expressed his opinion, the complaint letter sent in the name of the entire Pingla Group must have been made at Adrian’s behest,” the Secretary General said.
...
“We are still unclear about the stance of Adrian in this matter,” mentioned the Secretary General.
“He is certainly not satisfied, but we don’t know to what extent,” revealed the Secretary General.
“Do you mean…” Lucas Johnson queried.
“Because Adrian has not contacted us and hasn’t expressed his position.
If this matter only ends with Pingla’s complaint letter, it’s still manageable,” said the Secretary General.
“But what if it goes beyond that?” asked the Secretary General.
“Previous participants from Hearth Nation, at least 70% of them are from Pingla,” stated the Secretary General.
Not only from Pingla Academy but also from Pingla’s restaurants.
This is not to say that Pingla has monopolized the competition entries.
Also, famous chefs in Hearth Nation who have the ability to influence the results of the International Culinary Competition,
Pingla accounted for more than half of them.
“If Pingla does not participate and refuses to allow its own chefs to compete, then how many chefs from Hearth Nation would participate?” asked the Secretary General.
“Those who participate are mostly lesser-known and lacking real culinary prowess,” stated the Secretary General, “These people enter the competition merely making up numbers; it is just like Hearth Nation withdrawing from the competition.”
“At that point, our International Culinary Competition would indeed become a joke,” the Secretary General voiced, “Lucas, our International Culinary Competition, established through countless years of hard work, has such renown and authority today.”
“It is with great difficulty that we’ve established this foundation now and gained such a reputation,” said the Secretary General, “We can’t let this incident ruin the reputation and authority we’ve finally established.”
Lucas’s expression turned serious, “So, are we supposed to deal with Jenny Kirk directly?
But if Adrian Zhekova doesn’t plan to take it any further and we deal with Jenny Kirk, it’s equally detrimental to our development in Hearth Nation.”
Their Company essentially isn’t very different from Pingla.
It’s just that they have an excellent relationship with the International Chefs Association.
The Company now wants to make inroads into the Hearth Nation market.
As for Chinese Cuisine, it’s needless to say,
There’s no point in competing with their local cuisine.
No matter what, it’s impossible for their food to be as authentic as the locals’.
What they are thinking about is how to bring their company’s brands into Hearth Nation’s market.
In reality, on the international market, Hearth Nation has already made a name for Chinese Cuisine.
It has a particularly high market share globally.
Most foreign renowned Chinese Cuisine restaurants are Pingla’s brand.
So, they don’t plan to compete with Pingla on Chinese Cuisine.
In fact, they can’t compete.
So, they can only avoid the sharp edge in this field.
As Hearth Nation is a culinary powerhouse, every province and city has its own cuisine.
Just their various cuisines competing in the Hearth Nation market is highly competitive.
In addition, most people in Hearth Nation are not used to the taste of Western cuisine.
They are okay with occasionally trying foreign cuisine.
But when it comes to what they really like, they prefer their national cuisine.
So, it’s very difficult for foreign food brands to succeed in Hearth Nation.
There are renowned brands, many of them are very famous foreign brands,
And they aren’t fast food, but well-known high-end restaurants.
But if they really open there, aside from the initial surge of customers coming out of curiosity, there would be very many.
But once the novelty wears off, the restaurant will be deserted.
Their Company now wants to solve this problem.
Through the Cooking Competition, they want to promote the variety of cuisines involved in their company’s brands.
Some outstanding dishes from the competition, after obtaining authorization, are then added to their brand’s restaurant menu.
In fact, this is the model Pingla has used.
It’s just that Pingla has a foundation in Hearth Nation, covering a wider audience.
Their local cuisine is already popular, let alone the fact that Pingla has included various regional cuisines.
But their Company can’t do the same.
There are differences in the taste to begin with.
It’s even more difficult to attract customers.
Therefore, the company has been wanting to use the reputation of the International Culinary Competition to promote their company’s brand in Hearth Nation’s market.
The market share in Hearth Nation is really tempting.
Given the large land area and population of Hearth Nation, along with its tradition of valuing food,
It’s a culinary nation.
Just thinking about the daily consumption of Hearth Nation’s people makes them green with envy.
They desperately need to get a slice of Hearth Nation’s market.
If they enter Hearth Nation, they will become competitors with Pingla.
How can they expect Pingla to help them?
So, they need to rely more on Jenny Kirk’s family.
This is also why Lucas Johnson isn’t willing to give up on Jenny Kirk so easily.
Indeed, there should be other parties in Hearth Nation willing to cooperate with them.
But such a partnership would require an exchange of interests.
Who would be willing to help them for free?
Everyone is playing the capital game, no one is more charitable than the next.
Connecting with the Kirk Family through Jenny Kirk is more beneficial.
All they have to do is provide Jenny a position within the Company and facilitate a position close to the core in the International Chefs Association.
As long as Jenny is content, everything with the Kirk Family can be easily settled.
They don’t even need to offer much in return.
Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, Lucas truly wouldn’t take action against Jenny.
So, Jenny can confidently say that she can help Adrian,
In essence, she can influence the results of the competition.
Hence, Jenny can arbitrate the Pingla Competition scores as she pleases.
Lucas thought for a moment and said, “Let’s wait and see, let’s see Adrian’s response first.”
“You should personally get in touch with the person in charge of the Pingla Competition and apologize to him, this situation is due to our oversight, which ruined their final.
You decide what to say, just make sure it’s sincere,” Lucas suggested.
Since the conflict arose during the Pingla Competition, he would directly contact Billy Houston.
Chapter 932: Simply Apologizing is Definitely Not Enough _1 If not necessary, Lucas Johnson would prefer not to confront Adrian Zhekova directly.
What Lucas and his team didn’t know was that the reason Adrian had not immediately made a phone call was simply because he had overslept.
It had been a peaceful Sunday, a day that should be enjoyed by sleeping in.
Once Adrian finished breakfast and had some time to himself, he went to his study and made an overseas call to Lucas.
Lucas didn’t expect that what he feared most would indeed actually arrive.
He initially hoped that Adrian would not personally make a phone call just for this matter.
To protest in the name of Pingla was already a serious matter.
...
Who would have thought that not long after he had discussed the issue with the Secretary General, he received a call from Adrian.
“Mr.
Zhekova,” Lucas said, connecting the call from his secretary to Adrian.
“Mr.
Johnson, has your company received the complaint email that my company sent to you?” Adrian asked immediately.
“We have,” Lucas replied, “our company is investigating Jenny Kirk.
We will complete the investigation as quickly as possible.”
“Mr.
Zhekova, rest assured, I have seen the video too, and it is indeed Jenny Kirk who is at fault here,” Lucas said.
“However, this is just my personal opinion.
Jenny Kirk holds an important position in our company, we can’t just punish her without an investigation.
That wouldn’t be proper and would indeed harm our company’s image,” Lucas explained.
“So, we still need to conduct the necessary investigation.
This morning, as soon as we received the email, an internal investigation was launched in the company.
We should have some results by the end of the day.”
“Once the investigation results come out, we will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the details of the punishment for Jenny Kirk,” Lucas relayed.
In fact, plans for Jenny’s punishment had already been tentatively decided.
Precisely as Lucas’s colleague had previously conveyed to Jenny.
But this could not be said to Adrian.
“Such a large corporation as Pingla would never manufacture a fraud over such a matter,” Adrian stated.
“I am aware of this, but an internal investigation is a necessary procedure.
Otherwise, our large corporation would become a laughingstock,” Lucas countered.
“Of course, I understand that,” Adrian responded, “I just want to emphasize that in the email Pingla sent you, every word is true.
The video we sent to you, every frame is real, there is no falsification.”
“We were worried that you might not understand Chinese, so we went to the trouble of translating it.
If you are still not confident, you can verify it for yourself,” Adrian affirmed.
“Actually, filing a complaint in the name of the company is already a grave matter,” Adrian emphasized, “but I wanted to personally tell you that I take this matter very seriously and I hope you will accord it the same level of importance and not brush me off.”
“We certainly won’t,” Lucas replied, “even without this phone call, we would still have taken it seriously.
We likewise do not tolerate such violations.”
“That’s good to hear,” Adrian said, “however, there’s one more thing I think I need to tell you.”
“Go ahead,” Lucas replied.
“One of the parties involved in this incident is the victim, Cindy Clarke,” Adrian said.
Lucas of course remembered her.
Although he had some difficulty distinguishing between Asian faces.
They all looked somewhat similar.
But, the low score that Jenny Kirk had given to Cindy was shockingly low.
Because of this, Cindy had more screen time in the video.
This had left a deep impression on Lucas.
Naturally, he remembered her.
“She is my wife,” Adrian revealed.
This news blew Lucas away.
If he had only wronged an ordinary contestant, then at worst it was a disruption of the Pingla Competition’s final.
But now, not only had they disrupted the Pingla Competition, the victim was Adrian Zhekova’s wife!
This matter could not be resolved amicably.
Regardless of Lucas’s initial desire to support Jenny Kirk.
Even while he was still on the call, he was already thinking about how to deal with Jenny.
He no longer considered how to shield Jenny.
“I’m telling you this, not because I want you to punish Jenny harshly,” Adrian clarified.
“But because, the fact that Cindy and I are married is known throughout Hearth Nation; we have not kept it a secret.”
“So, during your investigation, you would probably have discovered this easily,” Adrian said, “I didn’t want to seem like I was intentionally hiding this.
That’s why I’m telling you straightway.”
“I understand,” Lucas replied, “Mr.
Zhekova, rest assured that we will ensure justice for Cindy.
However, the final of the Pingla Competition can’t be held again, and the result cannot be changed.”
“I know that no matter what I do, I cannot change what has already transpired.
But I will make every effort to deliver justice to all those who have had their rights infringed.
We will not show bias in our decision-making process, please rest assured,” Lucas promised.
Only then did Adrian say, “I’ll look forward to the outcome of your findings.”
After hanging up, Lucas murmured to himself, “He says he didn’t want to hide anything from us, but isn’t this just to make us take the matter more seriously?”
This compelled him to change his previous decision to support Jenny.
Should he decide to protect Jenny, he would definitely incur the ire of Adrian.
For someone who wronged his own wife, how could Adrian possibly accept anything less than a substantial punishment?
Just an apology surely wouldn’t be enough.
Lucas immediately summoned his Secretary General to his office.
He told his Secretary General, “We may not expect to receive assistance from Pingla in Hearth Nation, but we definitely do not want them as our enemy.”
“We’re not competing with Pingla in the area of Chinese Cuisine, that will lessen our competition with them,” Lucas proposed.
The scramble for market share does inevitably lead to some conflicts with Pingla.
However, if we’re not competing in the same cuisine, the chances of clashing can be reduced somewhat.
“But if we don’t handle this issue properly, we could end up having Adrian as an enemy,” Lucas warned.
This time the Secretary General was not as cautious as he had been before.
The Secretary General commented, “It might not come to that.
Adrian wouldn’t mix personal with professional just because of his wife.
After all, that would also be detrimental to their interests.”
“Besides, rich men always have more than one woman, don’t they?
This is true in any country and is a common flaw among men,” the Secretary General stated.
“Especially for a successful young man like Adrian,” the Secretary General added.
Chapter 933: Outrage for a Beauty’s Sake_1 Not to mention Adrian Zhekova, even Lucas Johnson, is known to maintain more than one love interest, and get caught up in intriguing affairs on a regular basis.
Of course, it’s not just Lucas.
They all have this habit.
Hence, the Secretary General had his suspicions.
“If we safeguard Jenny Kirk, that doesn’t mean she won’t be punished,” the Secretary General stated, “We have previously decided to change her position and publicly apologize.
To Pingla, Cindy Clarke, the audience, and all those who participated in the Pingla Competition.
A sincere apology.”
“That way, Adrian Zhekova should be satisfied.” The Secretary General proposed, “We won’t end up falling out with Jenny Kirk.
...
Once it’s all over, we can reinstate her original position and no one should notice.”
“Adrian Zhekova wants to seek justice for his wife, while also maintaining his own face.
We have given him both face and justice,” the Secretary General affirmed.
“What more can he do?
Is he really going to engage us in a fight with the strength of his corporation?
It won’t benefit anyone,” the Secretary General reassured.
“It’s a draw between us,” the Secretary General suggested, “Even we would have to retreat considerably – he would win, but Pingla would pay a huge price.”
“Are we really led to believe that for the sake of a small Pingla Competition, and the unfair treatment of his wife, that he would incite a war between corporations?” The Secretary General shook his head.
“That would just be childish.” The Secretary General remarked, “At the end of the day, Adrian Zhekova is a businessman.
There’s no way he would sacrifice such a significant profit just to vent his anger for his wife.”
“Even if he was willing to lose so much, the entire Zhekova Family would not let him run wild.
If he really went through with it, he would have to face questioning from the Zhekova Family.
Even Cindy Clarke would not benefit from this,” The Secretary General speculated.
“Who, after all, would allow the heir to their own family to act recklessly for the sake of a woman?” the Secretary General proposed.
“There is an adage in Hearth Nation: ‘A man would give everything for a beauty’; there’s another one called ‘Play with fire’.
Regardless of which one you pick, none end with a favourable outcome,” the Secretary General added.
He knew a surprising amount about Hearth Nation.
“There’s another saying: ‘A beauty brings disaster.’ When these women cause men’s families to break and nations to collapse, they themselves never end up well.” the Secretary General reminded them.
“If Adrian Zhekova really wanted to protect Cindy Clarke, he wouldn’t put her in such a position, where she’s open to criticism from others,” the Secretary General affirmed.
“So, in my analysis, considering all these points, it’s unlikely that Adrian Zhekova will pick a fight with us from any standpoint.”
“We are having Jenny Kirk apologise, essentially saving him face, is probably all they initially wanted,” the Secretary General concluded.
“Actually, analysing it this way, even if we play hardball and have no reaction at all, Adrian Zhekova wouldn’t dare to do anything to us.” The Secretary General reassured everyone, “It’s only because we value the Hearth Nation market, so we do not want to be boycotted by them, thereby losing the media game.”
What they care about has always been the voice of the Hearth Nation people, not Adrian Zhekova.
Lucas Johnson also fully agreed with the Secretary General’s point of view.
He too believed that Adrian Zhekova wouldn’t dare.
But what he forgot was that Adrian Zhekova commanded more than just the Zhekova Family.
He also had seven other families.
It is true that many famous families around the world have numerous industries under their name, spanning a wide range of fields.
Although their scope is vast, each industry’s companies also compete against each other.
Even among different companies in the same industry, there is competition over business performance.
It’s not always a case of unity.
If a company were to get into trouble, other companies would not only refrain from helping, but they might even watch from the sidelines.
Whether they would kick someone when they’re down is uncertain.
But they would definitely stand by and watch the drama unfold.
Lucas Johnson’s company is in such a situation.
They and the International Chefs Association are, in fact, part of the same conglomerate.
The International Chefs Association, on the surface, seems like a neutral organization not controlled by anyone.
But in fact, the International Chefs Association gathers renowned chefs from all over the world who are active members in the association, either as members or as senior staff.
Such an organization needs operations, and that requires money.
Yet the International Chefs Association does not belong to *any* country.
Hence, they need financial conglomerates to invest, maintain the association’s regular operation, and attract national chefs to join.
Among these investors, the Mokleys Family, which Lucas Johnson’s company belongs to, is the largest backer.
The Mokleys Family is also a large conglomerate, and its famous brands range from hotels, to catering, to alcohol.
They have several businesses under their name, each with different brands and companies.
Lucas Johnson’s company is one of them.
The International Chefs Association, on the surface, does not belong to the Mokleys Family, but in fact, the Mokleys have made the largest investment, and have arranged the most people within the International Chefs Association.
However, to demonstrate the neutrality of the International Chefs Association, naturally, there are many other chefs and companies from around the globe that invest.
In Hearth Nation, that investment comes from Pingla.
It goes without saying that only companies with clout can invest.
Not every conglomerate can invest if they want to.
These companies either have world-class influence or are leaders in their country.
Other financial groups, even if they are powerful in their own countries or have some fame in the world…
Unless they excel, they will not be eligible.
Nowadays, the proportion of various financial groups in the International Chefs Association has, unknowingly, undergone some changes.
Changes over the years have been gradual.
Normally, it’s hard to notice.
But suddenly this year, Mokleys Group’s headquarters discovered that their investment share in the International Chefs Association has surprisingly decreased versus the previous year.
Immediately, they pulled out the charts.
Only then were they able to realize that the decrease was an annual one.
That slight decrease seemed insignificant in the total proportion.
However, over time, as it began to accumulate, it became noticeable.
Then they discovered that Pingla’s share had been increasing year by year, gradually eating into their share.
Moreover, in the International Chefs Association, there were more and more people from Pingla.
Soon, they will catch up with the people from the Mokleys Group.
Unlike Pingla, however, their people are tightly knit.
Of course, Lyke Zhekova is an exception.
Though the Mokleys Family has many people, indeed, possibly due to Western culture and personality, those really willing to actually work are few.
Most of them enjoy dividends from their shares and live happily.
Since they can live in luxury, why try hard to work?
Many of these companies are run by professional business managers.
For example, this company of Lucas Johnson, Lucas is not from the Mokleys Family, he is just hired by the Mokleys Family to manage the company.
Chapter 934: Stir Things Up_1 Cases like that of Lucas Johnson were not uncommon within the Mokleys Group.
In the global scope, Pingla’s strength was not much less than the Mokleys Family, they were about on par with each other.
Both had a long history to back them up, accumulating wealth over centuries.
However, the Mokleys Family is more renowned worldwide.
But when it comes to a true competition, it’s hard to say who would come out on top.
Clearly, the Secretary General’s half-hearted remark earlier was pertaining to these two big families.
Just Lucas Johnson’s company alone can hardly be a rival to Pingla.
...
But of course, the Mokleys Family were unlikely to directly support Lucas’s company.
Precipitating the whole group into trouble.
Whether Adrian Zhekova would drag the whole group into trouble or not was uncertain.
“Once the investigation report on Jenny Kirk is out, we’ll hold a meeting tomorrow, listen to everyone’s opinions, and decide on how to deal with her,” Lucas Johnson said.
Such a matter can’t be solely decided by him and the Secretary General.
And, should anything go wrong, he would shoulder all the responsibility.
If there were problems, the company’s directors would blame him.
However, it was clear that neither Lucas Johnson nor the Secretary General knew that the person they had offended was not only Adrian Zhekova.
Offending Adrian Zhekova was akin to offending the other seven families.
The combined strength of these eight families, even if the entire Mokleys Group concentrated all its power, would not be a match.
Moreover, Adrian Zhekova and company don’t even need to exert much effort.
After all, the Mokleys Group aspiring to enter the Hearth Nation’s market inherently places them at a disadvantage.
Adrian Zhekova and his people just need to defend their market in Hearth Nation.
If they do not want the Mokleys Group to enter, they can block the Mokleys Family in several ways.
As long as the Mokleys Family do not want to abandon Hearth Nation’s market, they have no other options but to admit defeat.
The Mokleys Family could indeed strike back at Pingla internationally, outside of Hearth Nation.
However, compared to Hearth Nation, the whole international market is much larger.
And it isn’t united as a whole.
The Mokleys Family isn’t powerful in every country.
Only in their home country can they fully exert their power.
And even if they could successfully block Pingla,
Could they really hit the other seven families as well?
The other seven families are not pushovers either.
Moreover, the operations of the Big Eight families do not only exist domestically.
They started to tap into the international market long ago.
Just like the Mokleys Group wanting to tap into the domestic market.
The Big Eight families are also committed to expanding their domains internationally.
And they have accomplished quite a bit so far.
The influence of Hearth Nation’s enterprises in the international market is increasingly prominent, with an ever-growing market share.
Benjamin Hamilton, for instance, is the leader in Hearth Nation’s film and television industry.
He expanded his reach internationally,
Secured a foothold in the fiercely competitive Hollywood,
And even changed Hollywood’s landscape.
Becoming a new Hollywood giant that can contend with the old ones.
And that’s only the Hamilton Family.
What would it look like if the Big Eight families joined forces?
It’s quite unimaginable.
Therefore, even without participation in Hearth Nation’s market, the Mokleys Group would hardly gain any advantages.
Of course, Lucas and the Secretary General had yet to consider this.
They assumed that Adrian Zhekova wouldn’t risk much for love.
They won’t make Cindy Clarke a scapegoat.
They assumed that the Zhekova Family would chastise him for this.
After Adrian Zhekova finished his call with Lucas, he dialed Sheldon Rowland’s number.
“Give Lucas three days, starting from tomorrow.” Adrian Zhekova said.
The procedures that Lucas Johnson mentioned were not lies.
Any company, especially a large one,
Cannot dispose of its employees without an investigation.
From conducting an investigation to holding a meeting to deciding on a resolution, first announced within the company, then announced externally-
These are all procedural.
Therefore, even though Adrian Zhekova was preparing for the worst outcome of Lucas’s resolution, he would still give the time that should be given.
Based on the normal procedural time, he was more than generous to Lucas.
Of course, he has also considered Jenny Kirk’s position, and flexibly allocated the time, according to the circumstances.
If Jenny Kirk’s position were any higher, the timeframe would be extended even further.
The higher the position, the longer it takes to reach a decision.
Taking into account the seriousness of this situation and the fact that Adrian Zhekova made a personal phone call,
Lucas must respond as quickly as possible.
Three days were enough.
“Basically, the result should be out by tomorrow,” Adrian Zhekova said.
“If Lucas does not contact me or contact Pingla by tomorrow, start making preparations to target the International Culinary Competition,” Adrian Zhekova said.
“Once the three-day period is over, take immediate action,” Adrian Zhekova said.
Adrian Zhekova deeply understood the importance of International Culinary Competition to Lucas.
This was their key to penetrating the Hearth Nation market.
However, now the public opinion of Hearth Nation was not friendly to the International Culinary Competition.
He only needed to push a bit more, and at least in Hearth Nation, the International Culinary Competition wouldn’t have any room for development.
If the International Culinary Competition were to be abolished in Hearth Nation, it’d be equivalent to being abolished internationally.
At that time, it’d be great if he could stretch his hand into the International Chefs Association.
Adrian Zhekova felt that he could seize this opportunity to further enhance Samson Zhekova’s position in the International Chefs Association.
At this point, he actually hoped Lucas would mess things up.
Doing so would afford him several opportunities to stir things up in the international market.
He felt that it was time to reallocate the share of the international market.
Even some positions in the International Chefs Association ought to change.
The number of representatives from Pingla and Hearth Nation in the International Chefs Association was insufficient.
If Lucas, or other competitors knew about Adrian Zhekova’s intention, they’d surely be disgusted.
Did Pingla really have too few representatives in the International Chefs Association?
If Samson Zhekova were to move up, the only position left would be the vice president’s.
If Adrian Zhekova was still not satisfied and wanted Samson to move up,
The only position that could satisfy Adrian Zhekova would be the president’s.
As for other positions, Pingla was almost equal to the Mokleys Group.
Pingla and the Mokleys Group in the International Chefs Association were like two big heads.
They were fiercely competing like two chickens in a cockfight.
When the two giants were fighting, other families simply didn’t matter.
If Adrian Zhekova still wanted to readjust, wasn’t he trying to suppress the Mokleys Group?
Did he want to become the international leader or something?
Anyway, now, Adrian Zhekova was itching for Lucas to cause some trouble, which in turn would enable him to stir some up.
***
On Monday, while Lucas was eager to stir things up, and Adrian Zhekova was just as eager for him to cause some trouble,
Peggy Lewis arrived at the Office early in the morning.
“Peggy.” Her colleague Abigail Ackehurst immediately waved and called out to her as soon as Peggy entered the office.
Chapter 935: Competitor_1 “What’s up?” Peggy Lewis came over.
Along the way, she put her bag on her desk before heading towards Abigail Ackehurst.
Peggy Lewis always arrived at the company considerably early.
Otherwise, how could she possibly have the capability to compete for the managerial position?
Besides her strong abilities, she was also hardworking and competent.
When she first joined the company as a rookie, she was unusually diligent and industrious.
At first, she would arrive earliest and leave latest, even before she had fully mastered her job.
...
She wasn’t doing this to show off to her superiors, rather, she wanted to get the hang of her job as soon as possible.
Moreover, as a fresh graduate with no experience, the new employee could not avoid being bullied by the old employees.
It wasn’t always necessarily bullying.
But a lot of trivial matters that the old employees usually tended to were passed on to the rookies.
The old employees seemed quite naturally inclined to ditch these trivial matters once a new employee came on board.
These trivial tasks were then passed onto the new employees.
Having to learn about the workings of the department while also handling trivial chores meant that working hours inevitably got extended.
Even after others had left work, Peggy Lewis would still be working.
If it had been anyone else, a lot of people would have felt it was unfair, harbored resentment, and refused to extend their working hours for these chores that weren’t part of their core tasks, sacrificing their rest time.
But Peggy Lewis never complained.
She just did all the miscellaneous tasks given to her by her seniors and completed her own work on time.
Although sometimes, when the workload of tasks that were not hers increased, she naturally chose to complete her own tasks first, then the work assigned to her by her seniors that wasn’t originally her role.
However, sometimes when the work that belonged to her seniors was completed late, if her bosses or colleagues from other departments came to ask for it, they would not get it and then come to ask her for it.
But if she hadn’t finished it, she would inevitably receive complaints and even harsh words from her seniors.
It wasn’t even her job in the first place, but because she was a rookie, she could only swallow the accusations from her seniors and bear the responsibility for all of it.
She had been through such times.
But after she had passed this stage of being a rookie, and with new rookies joining, she was relieved.
She then watched as the rookies became just like her in the past.
Peggy Lewis had been through this stage as well and knew the difficulties during such times.
She also thought that even her seniors would have had times of being rookies.
Or, not that every person would have been overloaded with chores by their seniors, there must have been some good ones among them.
But, for the majority, they would have suffered some hardships.
A bit like the mindset of a daughter-in-law turning into a mother-in-law.
Finding it hard to hang on till they finally became seniors, they wanted to lord over the juniors and experience the feeling of commanding the rookies.
This cycle seemed to go on and on.
Passed down from generation to generation.
Having experienced the discomfort of being a rookie, Peggy Lewis didn’t want to experience the relief of a long-time daughter-in-law becoming a mother-in-law.
She didn’t interfere with her colleagues, but she would not shove her workload onto the rookies.
That’s the least she could do.
As for other colleagues, who still passed on their workload to the rookies, after all, she was not the leader, and so naturally, she didn’t overstep her boundaries nor say much.
The rookies could only bear the bitterness in silence.
But Peggy Lewis, who was no longer a rookie, did not relax because of this.
Even if she didn’t have to handle the mess dumped by her seniors.
After finishing her work, she would continue studying and learning.
She wouldn’t go as far as working overtime every day.
After all, from a leader’s perspective, working overtime every day doesn’t necessarily mean diligence.
Considering the workload, it meant a lack of efficiency.
Failure to effectively finish the work within working hours.
Instead, dallying and having the suspicion of making use of overtime to earn overtime pay.
But Peggy Lewis, consistently diligent, would prove herself to the leaders and colleagues.
Her dedication wasn’t just limited to her early days on the job.
Even after she had become very familiar with departmental operations, she strived to do better.
Staying late at night meant earning overtime pay.
But coming in early in the morning didn’t.
Yet, Peggy Lewis would arrive at the company early every day, using the morning hours very effectively to kick off her day’s work.
Her current eligibility to compete for the position of department manager was not unearned.
There were other colleagues in the department who had more seniority than her.
Yet no one had ever objected or felt that Peggy Lewis was unqualified to compete.
Thus, her abilities and efforts were evidently acknowledged by all.
Abigail Ackehurst joined the company two years after Peggy Lewis.
She had also been a rookie once and was now no longer one, thanks to the arrival of new employees.
But Abigail Ackehurst always remembered Peggy Lewis’s kindness.
She remembered that when she first joined the company, the seniors pushed their odd jobs onto her.
Only Peggy Lewis did not.
For this, Abigail Ackehurst was extremely grateful.
Although Peggy Lewis never argued for her, Abigail Ackehurst never felt that there was anything wrong with this.
Peggy Lewis was merely an ordinary employee, not a department head.
In terms of seniority, there were still many older employees in front of her.
No matter what, Peggy Lewis didn’t have a say.
Should she help do some of the tasks?
But those tasks weren’t Peggy Lewis’s work.
What if other old employees see this?
What would they think of Peggy Lewis?
Wouldn’t they say that Peggy Lewis is meddling?
We didn’t ask you to do our work.
You did it for us – are you being too servile?
Or were you deliberately trying to embarrass us?
By then, Peggy Lewis would find it difficult to handle.
Abigail Ackehurst really understood this point.
She wasn’t an ungrateful girl.
Therefore, Peggy Lewis also liked her.
Moreover, she learned from colleagues from other departments that when Peggy Lewis first joined, she had also been bullied in a similar way.
At that time, there wasn’t a single senior like Peggy Lewis who could understand her, not bully her, and instead tried to reduce her workload.
Peggy Lewis had also endured all of this.
Abigail Ackehurst was more assured that others must have had a similar rookie phase as hers.
Only, others chose to keep bullying rookies.
As if in this way they could compensate for their past grievances.
But Peggy Lewis chose to straighten out this abnormal “tradition”.
She hoped that all employees, whether new or old, could complete their work by themselves and not perpetuate the tradition of bullying new employees from generation to generation.
Abigail Ackehurst very much supported Peggy Lewis becoming the manager of their department.
In this way, at least the climate of their department is sure to improve under Peggy Lewis.
Then, other departments would be envious of their department.
“Peggy,” Abigail Ackehurst said, “did you know?
I heard that Jacob Zahn is likely to score a big deal.”
Jacob Zahn is Peggy Lewis’s competitor.
Chapter 936: It must be hard for you, right?
_1 The colleague competing with Peggy Lewis for the department head position was a male colleague.
Though everyone talks about gender equality these days.
In fact, equality between men and women has not truly been achieved either in the workplace or in other aspects of life.
Discrimination against women still persists widely.
The workplace is one of the places where women face harsh and unequal treatment.
...
Without delving too much into it.
Let’s just talk about the experiences that most female employees go through.
If they are close to 30, or even just over 25 years old, they will be asked if they have a boyfriend, whether they are married, whether they have children?
If they don’t have a boyfriend, or if they have a boyfriend but are not married, then they will need maternity leave in the future, when they get married and have children.
If they are married and don’t have kids, they will still need maternity leave in the future.
Under such circumstances, their competitiveness is far less than those women who are already married and have children.
Given equivalent qualifications, the company would prefer to hire male employees.
This, in fact, is also a form of gender discrimination and a scenario of gender inequality.
Many job-seeking women must have been through such an experience.
When it comes to promotion, male employees tend to have a higher chance of getting promoted than female employees.
Jacob Zahn, who was competing with Peggy Lewis this time, joined the company two years before Peggy did.
In terms of seniority, he ranks above Peggy.
Actually, in terms of ability, he is somewhat inferior to Peggy.
Interestingly, Abigail Ackehurst initially thought that Jacob Zahn and Peggy Lewis would make a good couple.
The company has no regulations or unwritten rules forbidding employees from dating one another.
Jacob Zahn is two years older than Peggy Lewis.
Abigail Ackehurst, who joined the company later, heard that before she came, Jacob Zahn had a crush on Peggy Lewis.
As for taking care of her, that’s a different story.
Because Jacob Zahn himself is just an ordinary employee.
But he does show careful attention to details.
Abigail Ackehurst also noticed later on that Jacob Zahn seemed to be proud yet liked Peggy Lewis at the same time.
Although, Abigail Ackehurst was not sure what Jacob Zahn was proud of exactly.
It’s like he slightly likes Peggy Lewis but can’t admit it.
His behavior of favoring her yet failing to admit it doesn’t seem to be out of shyness or embarrassment.
Does he purely think that liking Peggy Lewis is somewhat demeaning?
Abigail Ackehurst had to add a question mark here.
She really didn’t understand what Jacob Zahn was so proud of to perceive it as demeaning himself.
She knew that Jacob Zahn always thought he was pretty good.
His looks were above average, not stunningly handsome, but he had fine features and was quite pleasant looking.
Such an appearance was enough to attract a lot of attention.
Moreover, Jacob Zahn was a native of Belfard and had a local household registration.
A household registration in Belfard is valuable.
Internet rumors say that a Belfard household registration with a name written on it is worth 500,000 credits.
Whether or not it’s true, Abigail Ackehurst wasn’t sure.
But even if it’s an exaggeration, it’s definitely worth quite a bit of money.
However, if it’s just about external conditions.
Peggy Lewis is very beautiful, and as Abigail says, she’s a bit wasted on Jacob Zahn.
Moreover, she is also a local in Belfard.
Not that being a local is anything prestigious.
But in terms of cost of living, it is indeed much lower than outsiders who are trying to establish themselves in Belfard.
Also, one could be tended by their parents who are nearby.
This is a particularly good condition for young people.
Just like Abigail, who is from the neighboring J City.
Living in a rented flat in Belfard costs her 5,000 credits a month.
If she gets married and her husband is also from out of town.
If the two of them can’t afford to buy a house, or even don’t have enough money for a down payment, they will have to continue renting.
Although the cost of renting decreases, what about when they have a child in the future?
Without elderly people to help, and since they are not in Belfard, the parents have to raise the child themselves or hire a nanny.
Either way, the cost is high.
Not to mention countless other practical problems.
Of course, Abigail didn’t intend to marry a local person at all.
It’s still based on fate and emotions.
Even though it’s a bit tiring for two people to struggle together, there’s nothing wrong with it.
After all, it’s still a struggle being single.
Having struggled for so long, Abigail didn’t mind continuing to do so.
But in Abigail’s view, Peggy Lewis and Jacob Zahn are on par, if not better.
What pride does Jacob Zahn have to uphold?
If he really likes her, he should just pursue her honestly.
Like Jacob Zahn, liking someone yet not admitting it.
Starting from small details in daily life, it appears warm and considerate, but in reality, how is it different from lurking scumbag men?
No wonder Peggy Lewis never liked him.
In any case, when Abigail observed Peggy Lewis, Peggy didn’t seem to have any sort of feelings for Jacob Zahn.
Even a bit of emotion surpassing the normal colleague relationship wasn’t shown.
However, Abigail felt somewhat regretful.
Jacob Zahn once liked Peggy Lewis, whether he still does now is unknown.
But they ended up becoming competitors.
Moreover, the competition between the two is becoming increasingly fierce.
Although everyone dares not openly take sides, they would subtly choose the person they support.
Everyone’s already an old hand at office politics.
If the person they endorse gets into power, they could be of help in the future.
If the opposite happens, their covert support wouldn’t be known by the other party.
In any case, Abigail supports Peggy Lewis.
“It’s very likely that the negotiations haven’t concluded yet?” Peggy Lewis picked up on the main point in Abigail’s words.
“Yes, but I heard that it’s a pretty sure thing,” Abigail said, “and the boss is very satisfied.”
“Moreover, if this business deal he’s negotiating comes together, it would bring huge profits to the company.
It’s said to be a rare big business deal in the history of the company.”
“In that case, his taking over as department head might be very likely,” Abigail said.
Peggy Lewis laughed, saying: “That depends on his ability.
After all, he is the one who negotiated the business deal.
If it happens, what can I do, sabotage it?”
“But you guys competed against each other.
If he takes up the post, won’t it be hard on you?” Abigail said.
Nobody here is naive.
Once Jacob Zahn takes up the position, wouldn’t Peggy Lewis, his former competitor, become a thorn in his side?
And would Jacob Zahn accept Peggy Lewis?
Abigail certainly didn’t think Jacob Zahn was the type to be open-minded.
In addition, normally, everyone would think that Peggy Lewis definitely has her supporters.
Even if one succeeds in getting the position, it won’t help if they leave an employee who has her own followers and doesn’t have to obey them.
At that time, Jacob Zahn will definitely try to find a way to push Peggy Lewis out.
But Peggy Lewis has already been working for the company for so many years.
It would be a pity to give up all those years of accumulation and start anew at another company.
With Peggy’s qualifications, she might not even get a managerial position in a similar-level company.
Chapter 937: A Different Situation Appears_1 After all, there are seasoned employees with qualifications in other companies too.
And they have already established a base within the Company, something that Peggy Lewis, a newcomer, cannot easily take over.
Even though Peggy Lewis has strong skills and a wealth of experience, a new environment is not her turf, she has no power there.
But if she doesn’t leave, she will definitely be taken advantage of by Jacob Zahn.
So, the best outcome is if Peggy Lewis can compete for the supervisor’s position.
Truthfully speaking, Abigail Ackehurst genuinely believes that Peggy Lewis’ magnanimity surpasses Jacob Zahn’s by far.
If Jacob Zahn gets promoted, he will probably squeeze Peggy Lewis out.
...
But if Peggy Lewis gets promoted, she will certainly not squeeze Jacob Zahn out.
On the contrary, Jacob Zahn might leverage his power, continue to oppose Peggy Lewis, and make things difficult for her.
Peggy Lewis laughed, “We can only cross that bridge when we come to it.”
What she can do now is to strive for a promotion.
“After all, I’m supporting you, Sister Peggy.” Abigail Ackehurst said.
Peggy Lewis patted Abigail Ackehurst’s shoulder, saying: “I’ve received your well wishes, but you shouldn’t publicly stand on my side that openly.
In case I lose and Jacob Zahn gets promoted, it would be awkward for you.”
“If he gets promoted, I think I’d find it hard to stay here.” Abigail Ackehurst grumbled, “With his narrow-mindedness, in the end, all credits go to him, while all liabilities are ours.”
“In such an environment, how can anyone work properly.” Abigail Ackehurst complained, “There’s no easy place in the office, but why should we walk the path of hell?”
Peggy Lewis couldn’t help but laugh at this.
The path to hell, huh.
Is it really that bad!
“Anyway, Sister Peggy, Jacob Zahn is already banking on this deal to climb up.” Abigail Ackehurst said, “I know you don’t want to sabotage the deal, you want a fair competition, but at least you’ve got to investigate, know your enemy, and know yourself.”
“Knowing what Jacob Zahn is up to makes it better than being kept in the dark.” Abigail Ackehurst said.
“Actually, it’s just you who insist on fairness.
But I’m sure Jacob Zahn doesn’t see it the same way.” Abigail Ackehurst said, “If he were in that position, he would definitely sabotage it, he would do whatever it takes for a promotion.”
In Abigail Ackehurst’s opinion, Jacob Zahn has already been doing whatever it takes.
There are rumors among colleagues that the origins of Jacob Zahn’s deal are dubious.
It seems to be associated with some scandalous affairs.
Everyone is guessing, all rumors lack solid evidence so no one says anything.
“I’m not a pushover either.” Peggy Lewis said, “I dare to do this because I’m confident, even if he uses underhanded tactics, I’m not afraid of him.”
“My reluctance to use underhanded tactics against him is not because I think highly of myself.” Peggy Lewis said, “We’re all out here trying to earn money, to get by.
Unless he makes a fundamental error, we wouldn’t talk about being high and mighty.”
“But using improper means, violating moral principles are, in my opinion, fundamental errors.
I don’t want to cross that line, otherwise what will I become?” Peggy Lewis said.
“Just for a bit more money, would I want to be trapped in the moral condemnation for the rest of my life?” Peggy Lewis shook her head, “I don’t want to live like that.”
“I want a more stable life, I don’t want to tread on thin ice.” Peggy Lewis said.
Abigail Ackehurst nodded and didn’t say anything more.
Before too long, the rest of the colleagues also gradually arrived.
Some colleagues quietly contacted her on Whatsapp.
Clara Evans: “Peggy, did you know that Jacob Zahn just closed a big deal?”
Peggy Lewis: “I heard some rumors, but he hasn’t signed it yet, right?”
Clara Evans: “It seems he hasn’t signed it yet.
But looking at his confidence, it seems like he’s got it.
The deal already seems like his.
He just falls short of celebrating in advance.”
Clara Evans: “If this deal of his goes through, then the foreman’s position!”
Peggy Lewis sighed in her heart, everyone keeps asking her this question.
What could she say in return?
If Jacob Zahn is promoted because of this deal.
Then what?
Could she really go and sabotage Jacob Zahn’s deal?
Again, if Jacob Zahn could secure that business, it’s his merit.
He worked hard and competes on merit.
If she didn’t win the competition, it would merely show her lack of capability.
Just then, their department manager, the one who was about to be promoted, appeared at her private office door, calling, “Peggy, come in here.”
All the office workers turned their gaze onto Peggy Lewis.
Watching her stand up and enter Manager Thompson’s office.
“Manager Thompson.” Peggy Lewis called as she entered.
Peggy Lewis typically called her ‘Sister Thompson’ outside of working hours.
But during working hours, Peggy Lewis still followed the rules.
Since Manager Thompson is a woman, a lot of potential issues in the workplace were avoided.
Peggy Lewis always thought this was good.
“Peggy, take a seat.” Manager Thompson said.
Seeing Manager Thompson’s demeanor, it seemed like Peggy Lewis hadn’t done anything wrong.
Manager Thompson seemed fairly amiable.
“I won’t beat about the bush.” Manager Thompson said.
With that, Peggy Lewis’s heart began to beat fast.
Looking at Manager Thompson’s attitude, it seemed like quite an important matter.
Could the results for the competition be out?
“I’m officially getting promoted on the first day of next month.” Manager Thompson said.
“Congratulations.” Peggy Lewis immediately said.
“Thank you.” Manager Thompson smiled and said, “But this means, I must decide who will take my place before the end of this month.”
“After all, even if I made the decision and report to upper management, they will need some time before they can give a feedback.
This delay is inevitable.”
“Generally speaking, the company respects my decision.
Once I make the decision, the company doesn’t make any changes, it’s just following protocol.” Manager Thompson said.
“However, this time, the situation is a bit different.” Manager Thompson said.
“Manager Thompson, if there’s anything on your mind, just say it.
Don’t you already know my temperament?
I can fit anything in my heart.” Peggy Lewis laughed.
“I too, admire your temperament the most.” Manager Thompson laughed.
“Actually, despite the competition between you and Jacob Zahn for my position, I favor you more.
Even though I never revealed my preference, but I’ve always planned to recommend you.” Manager Thompson said.
“From the time you joined the company and our department, until now.
I’ve witnessed your effort and capability every step of your progression.” Manager Thompson said, “Your progress has been significant and rapid.”
In Manager Thompson’s eyes, both Peggy Lewis’s skills and character were superior to Jacob Zahn’s.
Chapter 938: It Seems Like It’s Lyke Zhekova’s Company_1 If Manager Thompson had to choose, she preferred Peggy Lewis.
“Moreover, I’m aware of the challenges women face in the workplace.
I guess you could say it’s my own personal desire to see more women in managerial positions, to have someone advocating for female employees,” Manager Thompson said.
Peggy Lewis thought to herself, that makes sense.
After all, their department was always under Manager Thompson’s care.
The assumed gender gap between male and female employees rarely happened in their department.
All thanks to Manager Thompson.
...
Especially when dealing with business matters, sometimes they would come across some unpleasant clients.
For regular clients, Manager Thompson was familiar with.
She knew the kind of people they were.
If they turned out to be perverse, Manager Thompson would assign a male colleague to deal with them.
Under normal circumstances, female colleagues wouldn’t risk being sexually harassed, or worse, for performance reasons.
For this alone, Peggy Lewis was truly grateful to Manager Thompson.
There were also benefits for female employees, for which Manager Thompson aggressively advocated.
“I hope female colleagues can have an increasing voice in the company.
It’s unrealistic to say it’ll be equal with men at the moment, but having more say is a good thing,” Manager Thompson said.
“You’re capable and don’t resort to crooked means.
I firmly believe that if you take over my position, it would be beneficial for the department,” Manager Thompson said.
“However, as you may have heard, Jacob Zahn is currently negotiating a big deal, and there’s a high probability he can close it,” Manager Thompson said.
“Because this deal is very significant, and the other party is a subsidiary of the Pingla Group, directly managed by the Zhekova family,” Manager Thompson said.
“It’s Majestic, you should know.”
Peggy Lewis nodded, surprised in her heart.
It really was a coincidence, it seemed to be Lyke Zhekova’s company.
It’s not like she intentionally enquired about Lyke Zhekova or the Zhekova family’s structure.
Pingla was such a large group and very famous.
Even ordinary internet users were paying attention.
Internet users may not know the composition of the Zhekova family.
But they have an overview of the CEOs of companies under the Flag of Pingla.
They discover not everyone is like Adrian Zhekova acting in a drama, but amongst many people, they found another gem.
Lyke Zhekova!
Although he was a bit older, he was handsome!
And he didn’t look his age at all.
Especially Lyke Zhekova’s abilities were truly exceptional.
Looking at his extensive track record, people would realise just how many familiar things were accomplished by him!
Along with the numerous achievements made by Majestic under Lyke Zhekova’s leadership.
It was often promoted as well.
So, when mentioning Majestic, everyone would immediately think of Lyke Zhekova.
No need for loading time.
Therefore, when Manager Thompson mentioned Majestic, Peggy Lewis thought of Lyke Zhekova right away.
And it’s oddly enough, she had made contact with Lyke Zhekova previously.
Lyke Zhekova was now someone she knew.
And according to Lyke Zhekova, they were friends.
Although Peggy Lewis thought she was punching above her weight, how could she possibly be friends with Lyke Zhekova.
But now, when she heard Manager Thompson mention it, she had an odd feeling.
The company Manager Thompson was mentioning was her friend’s company.
Peggy Lewis couldn’t help but let her mind wander.
She wondered if she asked Lyke Zhekova not to cooperate with Jacob Zahn, he would listen?
Peggy Lewis thought Lyke Zhekova wouldn’t listen.
Even if she and Lyke Zhekova could be considered friends, they were only acquaintances.
Why would Lyke Zhekova listen to her?
Especially since this was a business matter, Lyke Zhekova would be even less likely to listen to her.
Peggy Lewis thought she was overthinking it, and besides, this wasn’t even a good idea.
The fact that she even thought of this made Peggy Lewis feel disdain for herself.
Unknown to Manager Thompson, Peggy Lewis’ inner thoughts, she continued to say: “As you know, Majestic, as a subsidiary of the Flag of Pingla, is responsible for mid to high-end catering brands like Eastco Resto, Fuellero, and their yearly performance is among the best in the entire group.”
“If our company could secure their beverage supply, it would be quite an achievement,” said Manager Thompson.
And there were a series of things related to this.
If they secure Majestic, and the results were good, they could also cooperate with other brands under the Pingla Group.
After working with Pingla, it would be even more advantageous to collaborate with other brands.
This was an ongoing cascading process.
“The company attaches great importance to the collaboration with Majestic, this matter is no longer within my sole authority.
Due to the potential cooperation with Majestic, this matter is now being personally overseen by the General manager along with Jacob Zahn,” Manager Thompson said.
Manager Thompson looked at Peggy Lewis: “Cindy, you could have guessed this outcome, right?”
Cindy’s heart sank a little, she nodded and said, “In this case, Jacob Zahn has become even closer to the General Manager, also he now has more chances to show his abilities to the General Manager.
Compared to someone like me, who probably isn’t even on the General Manager’s radar, it’s clear that he would favor Jacob Zahn for your position.”
“Furthermore, if the collaboration with Majestic is successful, it will be a major victory for Jacob Zahn.
If you don’t recommend him, it would be hard to justify,” said Peggy Lewis.
“Moreover, even if I was recommended, the higher-ups would probably choose Jacob Zahn over me,” said Peggy Lewis.
“This time I was one step behind Jacob Zahn.”
“Don’t say that, these kind of things are reliant on chance,” said Manager Thompson.
“Unfortunately, Jacob Zahn just happened to stumble upon this opportunity.”
“I believe that if this opportunity was given to you, you would have done an exceptional job,” Manager Thompson said.
Peggy Lewis shook her head and said, “The fact that Majestic agreed to work with us is due to Jacob Zahn’s efforts.
As for me, I never thought to cooperate with any company under the Flag of Pingla, never thought about approaching them.”
“In this aspect, I’ve lost.”
Actually, if Peggy Lewis wanted, she could have mentioned it to Cindy Clarke.
A collaboration thrown by Adrian Zhekova would be impressive.
But Peggy Lewis never thought about leveraging Cindy Clarke to cooperate with the Zhekova family.
She knew, if she merely mentioned it, Cindy Clarke would make it happen.
But she didn’t.
It wasn’t because she was high-minded.
She simply felt, her company wasn’t quite at that level yet.
Even cooperating with Pingla, they might not be able to handle such a big project.
Even if it’s a subsidiary of the Flag of Pingla.
If she truly thought it was feasible, she would have negotiated a long time ago.
No need to go to Pingla headquarters.
Just find one of its subsidiary companies would be enough.
And they also didn’t know her relationship with Cindy Clarke.
Chapter 939: Jacob Zahn is Doing Better Than You_1 Everything was done in a professional manner.
She doesn’t get any preferential treatment just because she is Cindy Clarke.
As a result, Peggy Lewis does not feel any stress.
However, she did not take part, feeling that the company could not handle such a large project.
Unexpectedly, Jacob Zahn managed to get it done.
Peggy Lewis couldn’t help but reflect, “Manager Thompson, I may have been presumptuous.
I thought the company couldn’t handle the Flag of Pingla, let alone a group of companies, so I never considered these companies.”
“In reality, I should align my position, not considering whether the company can handle it, but as an employee, strive to negotiate.
...
Whether the company can handle it or not is for the company to decide, not me,” Peggy Lewis said.
“I accept my loss this time,” Peggy Lewis said.
Manager Thompson shook his head and said, “From a high-level perspective, indeed, the company couldn’t afford such a large project.”
“So when Jacob Zahn reported it, the company was already urgently contacting manufacturers, ready to increase production at any moment,” Manager Thompson said.
“Actually, there are both pros and cons to this.
If we really succeed, increasing production lines and output, expanding our sales market.
At the same time, our reputation will increase, sales will increase, and the company will profit largely.
From a smaller perspective, our sales department’s commissions will also increase.”
“Let’s not yet consider the premise that the final collaboration fails, but base it on a successful collaboration.
But once Majestic doesn’t renew the contract and we lose this big customer, sales will suddenly decrease to the current level,” Manager Thompson said.
“Relying on restaurants under the Flag of Pingla for promotion, the effect is far less than directly advertising.
Plus, the market is volatile, where new brands emerge at any time.
At least, I don’t believe that our company’s brand can consistently maintain steadily increasing sales or at least maintain existing sales levels.”
Manager Thompson being able to share these thoughts with Peggy Lewis is akin to completely opening up to her.
Otherwise, if others found out she questioned the long-term stability of the company, it would be troublesome.
“You are looking at it from the company’s perspective, while Jacob Zahn is looking at it from the employee’s perspective,” Manager Thompson said, “Although it cannot be said that you’re entirely wrong, but in this regard, you are indeed inferior to Jacob Zahn.”
Peggy Lewis flinched.
Manager Thompson had said a lot of things that no one had ever said to her before.
Colleagues from the same department naturally would not say these things to her.
In the past, Manager Thompson also had never been this candid with her.
Probably because Manager Thompson is about to leave this department, they decided to share more with Peggy Lewis in the end.
“In their position, seek their function.” Manager Thompson said, “Since you are in the position of an employee, do what an employee should do.
When you get promoted and become a manager, do what a manager should do, and don’t worry about what a general manager should worry about.”
“Otherwise, your superiors will think you’re overstepping your bounds.
The higher-ups will think you’re worrying too much,” Manager Thompson said.
“At least in this regard, Jacob Zahn did better than you.
He doesn’t care whether the company can handle such a large project, or whether the subsequent development of the company is good or bad after the collaboration.”
“As an employee, he only considers what an employee should consider, how to strive for more performance for himself, and negotiate more business.”
“He didn’t consider whether the company could handle it, so he went to negotiate with Majestic, and even succeeded.
And he successfully drew the attention of high-level management, which is very helpful for his promotion.”
“As for whether he can quickly adapt to the changes that come with the different position after he becomes a manager, only the future will tell.
But at least at present, it is beneficial to him.”
“What I want to tell you is that it’s not the end of the month yet, you still have nearly a month to strive for it,” Manager Thompson said.
Peggy Lewis thanked Manager Thompson.
Peggy was truly grateful for the extensive advice that Manager Thompson gave her today.
When Peggy Lewis returned to her seat, she started browsing a list of potential clients to develop.
Since Manager Thompson had made it so clear, she was definitely going to make the most of the remaining time and strive one last time.
Although she made light of it to Abigail Ackehurst, she also knew what Abigail Ackehurst said was right.
If Jacob Zahn really came to power, she was afraid she might not be able to stay here, and getting pushed out would just be a matter of time.
If it really doesn’t work out, she might really need to ask Cindy Clarke for help.
In the blink of an eye, it was lunchtime.
Peggy Lewis went to the company’s canteen for lunch with Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans.
“Sister Peggy, what do you want for lunch today?”Abigail Ackehurst asked.
Peggy Lewis was also looking at the canteen’s meal ordering mini-program on her phone.
To make it easier for employees to order, and to speed up the ordering process, the canteen minimized queuing time.
They allowed employees to order directly online and pay online.
You can even make a reservation to order meals at a specific time.
This arrangement was convenient for office workers working overtime at noon, allowing them to estimate the end of their work time so that they could go to the canteen to get their lunch immediately.
So they wouldn’t have to wait until they were late and the canteen had no food left.
While their company might not be as prestigious as a Fortune 500 enterprise.
It still had a certain scale.
The company’s canteen was very good, and it even made the list when the media was sorting out the internet-famous cafeterias of big companies.
So right now, they were ordering food while on their way to the canteen.
Many colleagues passing by were also looking at their phones.
Some were chatting, but many were like Peggy Lewis, looking at the lunch menu.
The canteen’s menu changes slightly every day.
Adding and changing some dishes.
“I’ll have spaghetti for lunch,” Peggy Lewis decided, adding spaghetti to the shopping cart, “and a few skewers of oden.”
Peggy Lewis added a roe pouch, fish tofu, radish, and egg.
The boiled egg that is slowly cooked in the oden soup is especially delicious.
Discard the shell of the boiled egg and put it in, let the soup slowly seep in.
Even the egg yolk can soak up the umami of the oden soup base.
The egg white will turn pale yellow, and every bite is filled with the taste of oden.
When you eat the yolk part, you can pour a little soup on the yolk.
The yolk soaked in the soup is exceptionally delicate.
Thinking about it, Peggy Lewis couldn’t help but salivate.
She quickly placed her order and paid for it.
The system automatically generated a pickup code.
Pick up immediately for things like boxed meals.
After receiving the order, they just need to serve the ordered dishes directly into the meal tray.
But for those like Peggy Lewis that need to be freshly made, they have to wait.
Once it’s done, both the small program and the text message will have a prompt.
Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans ordered rice which could be picked up immediately at the window.
However, Peggy Lewis had to wait at a table.
Chapter 940: Peggy Lewis Is Not There_1 Whenever she had some spare time, Peggy Lewis would browse some news online.
From gossip to current affairs, Peggy took interest in all.
While engrossed in her reading, she noticed from the corner of her eye that someone had taken the seat opposite her, although she didn’t lift her head.
It didn’t seem like Abigail Ackehurst or Sophie Harrison.
That’s because if it had been them, Peggy would have heard their chattering long before.
Peggy Lewis looked up to see that it was Jacob Zahn had sat across from her.
There was even a lunch placed in front of him.
...
Peggy gave him a glance.
Was Jacob eating here now?
“Sorry, this seat is taken.” Peggy Lewis said.
“I know, Abigail Ackehurst and Sophie Harrison, right?” Jacob Zahn replied, “There are still two spots here, they can sit when they return.”
Peggy smiled, not wanting to make an enemy out of him given they worked for the same company.
So she asked, “What about Elijah Hernandez and Tiffany Wagner?”
“Aren’t they with you?” asked Peggy.
Elijah Hernandez and Tiffany Wagner were always by Jacob Zahn’s side.
Especially ever since Jacob became a strong contender for the department manager role.
Elijah Hernandez and Tiffany Wagner idolized Jacob Zahn even more.
“They’re out on a business meeting and having lunch with the client, so they’re not here.” Jacob said, “You don’t mind me sitting here, right?”
“I don’t mind.
We are all colleagues, it doesn’t matter where we sit.” Peggy responded, curtly.
Even if she were to express discomfort, was he going to leave?
It was clear that Jacob specifically came for her.
“Is there something you wanted to tell me?” Peggy asked.
“No such thing, can’t I just sit with you and have a meal?” Jacob laughed.
Peggy remained silent.
Then, Jacob added, “By the way, you came into the office today, so you must have heard.”
“Heard what?” Peggy wasn’t playing dumb.
Jacob’s remark was so vague that she didn’t understand what he was referring to.
However, Peggy guessed that perhaps Jacob was referring to the big deal he had landed with Majestic.
Jacob chuckled, seemingly thinking Peggy was pretending not to know.
“I know you might not be pleased to hear this, but pretending you didn’t hear or that it didn’t happen is just an act of self-deception.” Jacob said, a smug, proud expression on his face.
He was probably so content that he couldn’t hide it anymore.
“Peggy, I know you’re not the type to deceive yourself.” Jacob said.
“So, what exactly is the matter?” Peggy asked, “What could have happened that could make me act like it never happened?
I don’t remember anything I have to pretend didn’t happen.”
“The way you’re speaking, it’s making me a bit nervous now.
Did something bad happen that I don’t know about?” Peggy looked puzzled, “Does it concern me?”
It hadn’t been certain at first, but now, Peggy was quite sure.
Jacob was talking about the big deal he landed.
Otherwise, why would he be so complacent?
Peggy continued, “But I don’t have any secrets to hide, that would require worry.”
Jacob wondered whether Peggy was genuinely unaware, or just faking it?
But seeing Peggy’s reaction now, it seemed very realistic.
Otherwise her acting skills were just too good.
Jacob then said, “It’s rather embarrassing to say it myself.”
Peggy remained silent, quietly waiting.
Jacob, with his thick skin, wouldn’t be embarrassed.
Jacob then said: “I have recently secured a large business deal, in cooperation with Majestic.”
“There are numerous high-end restaurants under Majestic’s banner, like Eastco Resto and Westington.
And each of these branded restaurants has several branches across the country.
Soon, we’ll be displaying our company’s wines in those restaurants.”
“Moreover, the restaurants will mark up the prices of the wines And it will keep increasing according to the restaurant’s rating.”
“By that time, the financial report of our company would be impressive.” Jacob said, laughing.
“So, you’re referring to this matter.” Peggy said.
“You could have directly mentioned it.
I was clueless as to what you were referring to just now.” Peggy laughed.
“I was indeed aware of this, as this was a rare large business opportunity for our company with Majestic.
The news is all over the company; how could I not know.” Peggy continued, “Congratulations are in order for you on this occasion.”
“Not only are you already the next definite department manager due to landing this business deal, but also because this large deal itself is a cause for celebration for you.” Peggy said.
Jacob: “…”
Could it be that Peggy was a really good actor?
Peggy’s reaction was completely different from what he had expected.
Even though Peggy had a knack of handling things tactfully on professional front and didn’t easily offend people or had any open quarrel with him, she wouldn’t pretend to be so cheerful, without any resentment?
Not even a tiny bit of reluctance?
Could it be that Peggy’s mentality was so broad?
What he wanted to see was a change in Peggy’s expression.
What he wanted to see was a look of envy or flattery on her face.
Envy, because she was losing the competition for the manager position.
Flattery, because she was going to work under him in the future, and their past competition could affect her development, naturally she would flatter him.
But all these reactions were absent in Peggy.
At this time, Peggy’s mobile phone buzzed a notification.
Peggy glanced at it, and announced, “My lunch is ready, I’ll go get it.”
As she said this, she got up to collect her lunch from the pickup counter.
Meanwhile, Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans were returning with their lunch trays.
On reaching their table, they noticed Jacob was still sitting there.
Both of them didn’t like Jacob.
But considering the possibility that Jacob could become their department manager soon, and they’d have to work under him, they didn’t want to offend him.
If they changed seats now, it would be a clear indication of having offended Jacob, given his petty nature.
Both of them reluctantly sat down.
Clara Evans, who was a year senior to Abigail Ackehurst, broke the ice: “Jacob, you’re here too.
What a coincidence.”
“Just now, I saw Peggy sitting here, you guys don’t mind if I sit here as well, do you?” Jacob asked.
“How could we possibly object?
We’re all colleagues.” Clara Evans answered, laughing.
Peggy, carrying her spaghetti and oden, returned to her seat across from Jacob.
Abigail Ackehurst and Clara Evans discreetly gave Peggy an apologetic look.
The duo had had the opportunity to switch seats and then call Peggy over.
But they didn’t dare.
Peggy winked at both, signaling that she didn’t mind.
Since Jacob himself was here, she wouldn’t have to inquire from someone else.