Rachel's face turned red. "Quit messing around. I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you."
Tracy teased, "Look at how many tissues are used. I bet Matthew has an outstanding stamina."
Annoyed, Rachel playfully pouted. "Who talks like that, you cheeky brat? You have no shame at all."
Tracy twitched her mouth. "We're close friends. I even know exactly how many moles you have. Why are you acting so shy?"
Just then, the office door creaked open, and Rachel thought the janitor had returned. "I already told you I don't need you to clean... Matthew?"
Matthew chuckled. "What's with the cleaning?"
Rachel's cheeks were rosy, as though she had a few drinks. She quickly changed the subject, "Do you need something?"
Matthew leaned closer. "Do you need my help with Silvaris Pharmaceuticals?"
He was worried that even if Richard showed up, someone else might stir up trouble. If it weren't for this mess, he'd already be on his way to look for the successor of Fevera Sect.
Rachel cheerfully replied, "I called Tracy over to send her to Silvaris
Pharmaceuticals. We need to sort out the company first. Since you're here too, why don't you go with her?"
Matthew figured that it was a good idea to have an extra helping hand. "Sure. I'll go with Tracy."
...
At Silvaris Pharmaceuticals, about 200 people filled up the conference room. The air conditioning was blasting cold air like crazy.
200 executives casually enjoyed their beverages, and it certainly looked nothing like the factory was shutting down. Every face was beaming with joy.
Devonte Feldman, the deputy director, checked the time before delivering his speech. "With a new boss, we're expecting major staff changes. But no matter who takes over, I believe they'll recognize us as the key players. If everyone's willing to back me up, I can promise salary increment and better benefits."
The audience cheered and erupted in a thunderous applause. It felt like a celebration, with a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Downstairs, 300 workers in thick uniforms were sweating bullets in the hot morning sun. After hearing the applause from above, they all looked up in confusion.
With the factory closing after all these years, everyone was on edge about getting laid off. In particular, Judson Aleman sat on the floor, looking pretty downhearted.
Next to him, Tevin Stratton sighed. "They're clapping when I'm about to lose my job. What a bunch of morons! How did they make a thriving pharmaceutical company close down? Despite that, they're still cheering."
Judson looked downcast. "I have a feeling that the first thing the new boss will do after taking over the factory is laying people off. I've been advocating for firing the deadweight executives and streamlining things, so I probably stepped on some toes. I guess I'll be the first one to let go."
Tevin glanced at Judson and shook his head. "Everyone in the factory knows there are too many executives and too many slackers in the factory. But no one dares to suggest simplifying the structure.
"They all got in through connections. It's either they're the nephew of a director from a bureau or the brother-in-law of a local official. Even the executive of an electricity company got his sister-in-law into our managerial position.
"These higher-ups have the right connections. They'll just lay off all the workers like us, and they won't have to worry about losing their jobs."
Judson couldn't help but complain, "I seriously don't get it. They laid off all the hard workers and kept these good-for-nothings. How are they going to make a living?"
Tevin chuckled. "They'll be out of business."
After saying that, he broke into a burst of laughter, but then it died down when the reality hit. What was he going to do without a job?