"Do you know what time it is?" The oldest man of the three remarked impatiently.
Chen Tian Lin smiled as he sat across him.
"Don't be so upset, Mr. Hethwood." He replied coolly. "I brought good news, and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?"
"There are no good or bad news. Just news," Takahashi Shigeru commented on the sidelines.
Freiheit Conglomerate is a parent company with two major subsidiaries. One of the two sister companies have strong social and business connections to Silicon Valley; the Freiheit Research and Development Branch was almost solely responsible for the development of all consumer based products.
Jordan Hethwood was the current president of the research branch, while Takahashi Shigeru presided over Freiheit Investment Holdings.
"The Chinese government has started implementing sanctions on our exports in February. The textile industry in particular is suffering a huge blow." Chen Tian Lin flashed through the slides as he elaborated.
"A trade-war, is it?" Takahashi Shigeru rubbed his chin. "We best end our membership with the TCTU in light of these recent developments. A dwindling economy serves no purpose to us. We should also plan how our funds should be redistributed across all sectors."
"Heh. We could definitely use more fund allocation." Jordan Hethwood pointed out.
"I'm not so sure. Last I heard, your branch suffered great losses in those failed pharmaceutical ventures. As such, your words lack persuading power. Don't you agree, Managing Director Chen?" Takahashi glanced at him with a thoughtful smile.
Chen Tian Lin could already feel a headache coming on. Every meeting with the Tripartite is equivalent to a battle, and the room would be the war zone.
"Gentlemen, I believe we'll hear plenty from the board of directors in the next conference regarding this matter. It is not up to us to unilaterally decide how the funds should be allocated. For now, we have more to worry about from our emerging competitors within the region itself." Chen Tian Lin prudently changed the topic.
"Speaking of competition, I wonder if MD Chen has selected his team for this year's RSE." Takahashi asked curiously.
Jordan Hethwood on the other hand, twitched his lips into a slight smirk. "Ah...The Regional Start-ups and Entrepreneurship festival? Don't try too hard this time." He added, not attempting to hide his ridicule.
After the meeting, Takahashi approached Chen Tian Lin and dismissed his assistant so they could talk in private.
"I'm starting to find this man quite disagreeable. Furthermore, he hasn't come completely clean with his reports regarding the losses in revenue. Take caution, MD Chen." He advised before leaving Chen Tian Lin alone in the room.
This was why he never liked meetings.
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The smell of spices and exquisite flavours wafted through the air, and the function room gradually filled up with the arrival of the latecomers. The ladies made sure to dress fabulously, while the men stood around the corner, ogling at the few whom they found appealing.
A live band was currently playing a medley of famous jazz pieces with a hint of contemporary feel. Trays of food lay neatly arranged in a spectacular fashion. There was little need to vouch for its taste.
Ming Kai was currently stuck with entertaining a group of ladies from various departments.
He regretted not being fast enough to escape before this happened, and was desperately trying to wriggle his way out.
YOU ARE READING
Brick by Brick (Bxb)
Teen FictionConfessions are scary. Especially so when the one you like is someone of the same gender. Ming Kai is finishing his business degree in M university. Terry, an engineering student in his final year, is one of Ming Kai's closest friends and love inter...
