Chapter 213: Disappearing into Thin Air

After Li Dong finished speaking, he noticed Shen Qian was still following him and asked, "Is there something else?"

Shen Qian's eyes darted around as she replied, "Yes, it's work-related."

"Go ahead."

"I'm planning to organize a staff sports event. What do you think?"

Li Dong thought for a moment and nodded, "As long as it doesn't affect normal operations, you can handle it yourself."

The Public Relations Department was already responsible for internal company events, so organizing a sports event was within Shen Qian's purview.

"Since you've agreed, I'll go ask Director Liu for project funding approval."

"How much are you planning to spend?"

Li Dong asked casually, not expecting Shen Qian's response to shock him.

"One million!"

Li Dong halted, staring at her in disbelief. "Do you think I'm a fool?"

For a staff sports event, including activities like basketball, table tennis, and badminton, along with some other expenses, Li Dong thought a few tens of thousands would suffice.

But Shen Qian was asking for one million. This was outrageous!

Shen Qian seemed a bit uneasy as she explained, "You agreed earlier, didn't you?"

"But you didn't mention one million!" Li Dong said, visibly annoyed.

"I'm planning to make the event more formal and grand. It won't just be for the headquarters employees but also for those from other branches."

"With more participants, the costs naturally increase. Also, it's not right to have no prizes for the event. I plan to set substantial prizes because it's our first staff sports event. With significant prizes, employees will be more motivated, and morale will be higher, enhancing their sense of belonging to Yuanfang…"

Shen Qian rambled on about various reasons, but the main point was: money!

In fact, one million was already a reduced amount. According to her initial plan, she wouldn't have minded spending three million.

Li Dong felt a pang of frustration!

Three million for a sports event—was he hearing things, or had Shen Qian lost her mind?

Not only in Pingchuan but anywhere in the country, finding a company that would spend that much on a staff sports event would be nearly impossible.

Li Dong wanted employees to feel connected, but that didn't mean he would endorse Shen Qian's extravagance.

Without hesitation, Li Dong said, "Forget one million. Ten thousand is the maximum, or don't do it at all."

Shen Qian looked disappointed. "It's not about wanting money for myself; I'm doing it for the company, for the future…"

"Stop with the excuses. You're trying to grab attention, create a buzz, and maybe even secure a promotion. Don't use this as an opportunity to show off!"

Li Dong scoffed, directly pointing out Shen Qian's intentions.

Shen Qian, feeling embarrassed and angry, retorted, "You're judging my intentions with your own narrow perspective!"

"Am I a gentleman?" Li Dong chuckled.

"Mr. Li!"

Shen Qian was frustrated, and upon seeing Li Dong's stern expression, she softened. "Ten thousand is really not enough. Would fifty thousand be acceptable?"

Li Dong sighed and said, "Thirty thousand. Thirty thousand is definitely enough for a sports event. Don't argue with me; any more than that is out of the question."

Shen Qian pouted and muttered something. Seeing Li Dong's gaze, she quickly said with a forced smile, "Alright, thirty thousand it is."

Li Dong waved her off, uninterested in further discussion.

Shen Qian didn't mind and cheerfully went to the finance department.

Li Dong shook his head. Liu Qi, who had witnessed the exchange, said quietly, "Mr. Li, are you really approving thirty thousand?"

"Yes, tell Director Liu that thirty thousand is fine. Consider it a way to keep Shen Qian occupied."

Liu Qi was astonished by the idea of using thirty thousand just to keep Shen Qian busy. Of course, she knew she couldn't compare with Shen Qian.

Liu Qi realized that Shen Qian's power in the company wasn't due to her talent but her connections. Ever since the negotiation over the Hua Mansion land with Cheng Rui Real Estate, Liu Qi understood why Shen Qian could act so boldly—it was all about her background.

Even if Shen Qian might not fully realize it, the top executives certainly did. Without such a significant background, Li Dong and Sun Tao wouldn't be so accommodating to Shen Qian.

She used to be just a regular employee in the Marketing Department and now could approach Li Dong or Sun Tao directly. It was clear to everyone that Shen Qian was no ordinary employee.

Liu Qi no longer worried about Shen Qian taking her position. Listening to Li Dong's decision, she kept quiet.

Once in the office, Zhou Haidong, Zheng Long, and Cao Hongbing were already waiting.

Upon seeing Li Dong enter, they greeted him with bright smiles, "Mr. Li!"

Li Dong gestured for them to sit and said with a smile, "Don't be so formal. Sit down and let's talk."

As they sat, Li Dong asked, "How do you feel now?"

Zhou Haidong grinned, "I'm happy! Mr. Li, you think I'm just a rough guy and not suitable for a managerial role. Maybe I should be a Training Supervisor instead. I can still train people."

Zhou Haidong's comment was genuine. He was both happy and apprehensive. He felt capable of being a Training Supervisor due to his previous experience training new recruits in the military.

However, he lacked experience and confidence in handling a department manager role and felt the pressure was too great.

Li Dong laughed and said, "You're taking this seriously. It's just a title. Your main task will still be driving for me. No objections?"

"No objections! I'm happy to do that. Driving for Mr. Li is comfortable." Zhou Haidong laughed heartily.

Li Dong chuckled and said, "Jokes aside, you need to focus on security. It's not about the number of people but their quality. Don't recruit too many initially. A few dozen will be enough. Train them like in the military and hope you can develop a capable team."

Seeing Li Dong's seriousness, the three nodded quickly.

This was Li Dong's intention for setting up the Security Department. Otherwise, he could have just hired a few random security guards.

Li Dong continued, "The Security Department will be under my direct control from now on. Your main task is training. Don't worry about anything else, understood?"

The three became serious and nodded in understanding.

Li Dong didn't linger on this topic and proceeded to give some instructions on daily management.

After discussing these matters, Zhou Haidong hesitated and asked, "Mr. Li, can we recruit some of our old comrades?"

Zhou Haidong's question was met with eager looks from Zheng Long and Cao Hongbing.

Li Dong glanced at them and nodded, "You can decide on this. However, you still need to bring in some new blood."

Relieved by Li Dong's approval, the three quickly agreed.

Li Dong wasn't concerned about them hiring old comrades, as Zhou Haidong's comrades were experienced and capable. However, given their age, not everyone would have the stamina and continuous training like Zhou Haidong and Zheng Long.

Introducing new talent was necessary. Li Dong had considered establishing a specialized security company, not for profit but to safeguard Yuanfang.

For now, this was just an idea, and Li Dong wouldn't be setting up the security company in the short term.

As Li Dong was thinking, his phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID, he immediately realized what was happening.

Sure enough, as soon as he answered, Li Chengyuan's voice was choked with emotion, "Dongzi, your uncle has passed away. When will you come back?"

Li Dong felt a pang of confusion. Although the doctor had said before that Li Chenghui wouldn't last until the end of the month, it was still painful to hear of his passing.

Even though he had resented Li Chenghui for many years and had severed ties with him at one point, death put an end to all grievances.

Taking a deep breath, Li Dong said, "I'm coming back right away!"