Chapter 1300: 897 Next time

Of course.

Geng Zhida understood from the very beginning that the reason he remained unscathed wasn’t because he was truly clean and innocent—it’s just that Hengsheng Group required someone to deal with the mess.

So without the connections pulling strings from above, how could he possibly fill this trillion-dollar black hole? It would have been impossible for him to escape disaster.

Self-awareness and gratitude—those who possess these qualities generally fare better in life.

"Is Hengsheng Group currently under Geng’s leadership?"

Jiang Chen asked casually.

Geng Zhida nodded, speaking with a tone that was a mix of guilt and complexity: "Since my father and brother ran into trouble, I’ve been overseeing all of the group’s affairs."

Jiang Chen nodded slightly, his words carrying a double meaning: "These past days must have been exhausting for you, Geng."

Geng Zhida let out a deep sigh. Whether it was an act or not, his attitude of admitting fault seemed sincere.

"The chaos this time is entirely the Geng Family’s fault. No matter how hard it is for me, it’s only right to shoulder this burden. What’s truly regrettable is that my capabilities are limited, and I simply cannot provide adequate relief to the affected homeowners and Hengsheng’s partners..."

Geng Zhida seemed to find it impossible to continue.

"I believe you’ve done your utmost, Geng."

Geng Zhida offered a bitter smile. "I’m well aware of the public’s opinion of Hengsheng Group right now. Honestly, when I saw the news clips of homeowners crying in front of the cameras because they bought our unfinished buildings, I felt like a knife was being twisted in my heart. General Jiang, I have only one request: after your company completes the acquisition of Hengsheng, please make proper arrangements for those homeowners."

His words were heartfelt and deeply moving, stirring even Bai Jie, the dance troupe captain standing nearby.

"Geng, you’ve already done enough. The company ending up like this isn’t your fault. To make amends, you’ve sold off all your properties, yachts, and planes. You’ve done everything you could."

Jiang Chen, who had been about to speak, paused at these words.

He glanced over at the dance troupe captain Bai Jie, who seemed to be acting on genuine emotions.

Among all those rumors and wild tales...

This mysterious dance troupe captain was said to be Boss Geng’s treasured possession. Yet now, she seemed to be putting on a perfect duet act with Geng’s second son.

The company becoming what it is today isn’t your responsibility.

Then whose responsibility is it?

Well, it could only be the benefactor who single-handedly created the dance troupe—her mentor, Hengsheng’s soul, and the once richest man, Boss Geng himself.

But upon further thought...

It’s completely understandable.

Throughout history, whether in feudal dynasties or modern society, certain principles have never changed.

Loyal birds pick the right tree to nest in.

Boss Geng is already out of the picture. Even his second son is indirectly trying to sever ties to save himself. Can anyone expect outsiders to remain loyal?

In the face of calamity, even married couples drift apart, let alone a subordinate meant to provide mere entertainment through singing and dancing.

"Captain Bai, during such hard times, I must thank you for not leaving the company and even leading by example by donating your entire year’s salary."

There it was.

This was turning into a comedy routine.

Of course.

Jiang Chen, listening passively, believed their words to be sincere. For a boss to sell off personal assets to help repay company debts, that’s only proper. But for an employee to donate their salary and weather the storm with the company? How admirable indeed.

In ancient times, actions like this might have earned a mention in the history books.

Clearly, some rumors can’t be trusted.

How noble Captain Bai must be!

"Geng, the company gave everything to Bai Jie—without the company, she wouldn’t be where she is today. I know my efforts are but a drop in the bucket, but I can guarantee that as long as the company still exists, I will never leave."

Jiang Chen studied the dance troupe captain, whose voice was as soft as silk but whose words carried undeniable conviction. He almost couldn’t resist applauding her.

Look at her dedication.

Her integrity.

No wonder Boss Geng regarded the dance troupe as such a treasure.

If it were him, he’d probably favor such an employee too.

The struggling second son of the Geng Family seemed genuinely moved. He said, with emotion: "Captain Bai, thank you for maintaining your trust and loyalty to the company during these times. The company will always exist, although perhaps in a different form."

Then.

Geng Zhida’s gaze shifted over.

Jiang Chen felt a hint of regret.

Though he had not been fortunate enough to witness a performance by the Hengsheng dance troupe, this exchange of words was already quite entertaining.

It’s just a pity.

It hadn’t lasted long enough.

Of course.

Even though it didn’t fully satisfy his curiosity, since they’d already handed him the microphone, he couldn’t just ignore it.

"I didn’t expect Captain Bai to possess such loyalty and virtue."

Boss Jiang sighed, offering a textbook-appropriate closing remark, then continued: "Geng is absolutely right. No matter what form Hengsheng Group takes in the future, employees like Captain Bai will not be neglected. This has always been one of Great Wall’s corporate principles."

"General Jiang, you’re too kind. In fact, Hengsheng is full of people like Bai Jie."

The captain of the dance troupe, who had suffered the most due to Hengsheng Group’s downfall and had been dragged into the public spotlight, now wore a modest expression.

To all those spreading ridiculous gossip...

Shame on you.

Though Jiang Chen had already conducted in-depth research on Hengsheng Group, he certainly hadn’t gone so far as to investigate the salary structure of every division.

Even if he didn’t know whether the rumored earnings of hundreds of thousands per year for the dance troupe were true...

Just looking at the unwavering virtue and professionalism Bai Jie exhibited, even if she was earning millions annually, it would still feel well-deserved.

"General Jiang, on behalf of myself, I have a request for your esteemed company."

The Geng family’s second son seemed to have a touch of amnesia, entirely forgetting that he had already made a request earlier.

He had plainly said he only had one request, hadn’t he?

Jiang Chen, whose exceptional memory seemed momentarily compromised, diplomatically chose to demonstrate high emotional intelligence in the business arena: "Feel free, Geng."

"If possible, I hope your company can retain some of Hengsheng’s veteran employees. For them to stay during such trying times shows their loyalty to the company. Keeping them on will undoubtedly be of great benefit to rebuilding Hengsheng post-acquisition."

What a thoughtful boss.

Concerned about homeowners.

Concerned about employees.

But as for himself? Not a word.

Had Jiang Chen not witnessed Hengsheng’s actual deeds first-hand in Yangkou, he might have genuinely started to suspect that Hengsheng’s collapse was a cruel mistake of the era.

"What Geng suggests aligns with my intentions. By then, I’ll hope to sit with you, Geng, for a detailed list."

Even if the other party had not mentioned it, Jiang Chen had no intention of "cleaning house entirely."

The problems with Hengsheng Group were certainly not the fault of its employees. Most of the staff must have been innocent.

Moreover.

For a corporation of this magnitude, with such a huge operation, firing everyone would create a vacuum impossible to fill.

No headhunting firm, no matter how capable, could manage such a feat.

"Thank you, General Jiang."

Geng Zhida expressed genuine gratitude and enthusiasm.

"Thank you, General Jiang."

Captain Bai Jie chimed in unison.

Wait a second.

Had he actually agreed to keep the dance troupe around?

Unlike Boss Geng, Jiang Chen lacked the same appreciation for the arts. If he wanted to watch a performance, his girlfriend Li Shuru would be a more practical choice.

But since they’d already thanked him, it wouldn’t be gentlemanly for Boss Jiang to clarify now, so he could only respond with a polite smile.

"Captain Bai, with General Jiang showing such support for Hengsheng, why don’t you perform a dance for him?"

Geng Zhida suddenly suggested, following a whim.

Bai Jie didn’t find the suggestion awkward; after all, performing was the dance troupe’s job.

Jiang Chen, however, was momentarily caught off guard as Bai Jie, with remarkable poise, had already stood up to prepare for an impromptu performance.

Curiosity is a natural human instinct.

With all the hype about the Hengsheng dance troupe, Jiang Chen, too, found himself intrigued by what secrets lay behind the mysterious veil.

Moreover.

She had already risen—it would be inappropriate to interrupt, wouldn’t it?

But just as Boss Jiang, out of courtesy, was about to brace himself and assess the performance with an artistic lens...

He inadvertently locked eyes with a clear, penetrating gaze.

The Taoist nun sister, having finished her book, had quietly lifted her head.

Jiang Chen’s curiosity abruptly dissipated, his expression now composed and dignified. He cleared his throat lightly.

"Captain Bai, since you’re wearing high heels today, dancing might be inconvenient. Let’s save it for next time."

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