Chapter 232: The Toy Factory is Acquired

No one is the destined savior; the Earth will not stop turning for anyone.

While the Star Island News Group was in chaos, Xia Yu wasn't concerned about it. With Yan Wenhan in charge, he shifted his focus to training his secretary, Li Qian, to understand her role and how to perform it well.

The nuances of this process, including the awkward and interesting moments, were not for outsiders to know. However, one thing Xia Yu confirmed after two days of interaction was that Li Qian's unique voice was genuine and not a pretense. She seemed different from others—extremely focused and meticulous while working, yet often daydreaming and absent-minded when idle. Her behavior amused Xia Yu and made him question if keeping Li Qian had been a wise decision.

As Xia Yu was engrossed in the pleasure of training his secretary, Ma Tengdong was working with clear goals and high energy. The owner of Minghong Toy Factory was indeed exhausted and eager to exit. Consequently, the acquisition of Minghong Toy Factory was completed in just two days.

The cost was relatively low, only 900,000 HKD, which was considered a great bargain! As Xia Yu had anticipated, once it was known that Minghong Toy Factory had been acquired by Jiuding Animation Ltd., the bank debt collectors vanished, likely fearing that Jiuding Animation Ltd. would repay the 4 million loan to them.

"Boss, the toy factory's employees have been notified. They will complete the on-site handover today. Would you like to visit the factory?" 

After reporting the situation, Ma Tengdong inquired.

Thinking of his uncle and cousin, Xia Yu decided to visit the factory and assess the situation.

Xia Yu stood up with interest and said, "Let's go."

He then took Ma Tengdong's car to the toy factory.

Upon arriving, the factory gates were wide open, but no one was visible. Ma Tengdong explained, "Boss, I called ahead and asked them to gather all the employees. They should be waiting inside now."

Considering the importance of not making his boss wait unnecessarily, Ma Tengdong had made sure the arrangements were smooth.

Xia Yu nodded slightly and looked out the car window at the factory buildings.

After getting out of the car, Ma Tengdong led the way. They soon saw an older man with a weathered face and graying hair. Ma Tengdong introduced him as Liu Minghong, the founder of Minghong Toy Factory.

It seemed that Liu Minghong, who had built his business over decades, was reluctant to part with it. His smile was forced, and he lacked enthusiasm for conversation. After a brief exchange, Liu Minghong led Xia Yu and others inside.

Upon entering, Xia Yu saw a sea of faces, estimating at least 150 people. News of the factory's sale had spread, and upon seeing Xia Yu's group, the crowd below stirred and focused their attention on them.

Among them, the reactions of two people were particularly notable: Xia Yu's uncle, Chen Liang, and cousin, Chen Bin. Their faces went blank, their eyes following Xia Yu mechanically.

Xia Yu specifically searched for them in the crowd and soon spotted his uncle and cousin. He nodded and smiled at them.

Ma Tengdong also noticed Xia Yu's odd expression, followed his gaze, and spotted Chen Liang and Chen Bin. He furrowed his brows, wondering if these two knew Xia Yu.

However, this was not the right time for such considerations, so he focused on completing the handover first.

At Ma Tengdong's signal, Liu Minghong gave a speech to inform the employees of the situation, providing them with a sense of closure.

Looking at the familiar faces, Liu Minghong was filled with mixed emotions. He sighed and began speaking, "I'm sure everyone understands…"

The employees listened quietly. Many of the factory's long-term workers, seeing Liu Minghong's emaciated form, had their dissatisfaction over unpaid wages soften somewhat. Liu Minghong had had a hard time.

"Here beside me is your new boss. From today on, the toy factory belongs to them. Please welcome the new boss to say a few words."

After Liu Minghong finished, he forced a smile, clapped, and looked towards Ma Tengdong and Xia Yu.

Even though he was unwilling in his heart, once the transfer agreement was signed, it was a done deal. He still had to observe the final formalities. After all, the factory's acquisition meant that he was finally out of a difficult situation.

Xia Yu nodded at Liu Minghong and stepped forward. Immediately, everyone's attention was on him, but Xia Yu remained calm.

"I'm pleased to meet you all. Let me introduce myself."

"My name is Xia Yu, and I am your new boss. Some of you may have heard of me. From today, your work will proceed as usual, and any unpaid wages will be fully compensated."

"Thank you, new boss!"

"Thank you, boss!"

When Xia Yu announced the wage compensation, the employees were thrilled and cheered loudly, interrupting Xia Yu's speech. Xia Yu smiled as he watched their celebration.

Seeing this, Liu Minghong felt uncomfortable but continued to maintain a smile.

When the crowd quieted down, Xia Yu continued, "The toy factory is now part of Jiuding Animation Ltd., and all specific matters will be managed by General Manager Ma Tengdong. That's all from me. Next, Manager Ma will say a few words."

"Hello everyone, I am Ma Tengdong…"

After a busy session, Ma Tengdong dismissed the employees and then gathered some mid-level managers to arrange various tasks. Liu Minghong, having said his goodbyes, left quietly.

With some free time, Xia Yu and Yan Shining decided to find his uncle and cousin. They soon saw Chen Liang in good spirits at the gatehouse.

"Uncle!"

Xia Yu called out, and Chen Liang turned around with a smile, walking towards Xia Yu and saying, "A Yu, I didn't expect you to be the new boss. I'll make sure to keep an eye on the factory for you."

Xia Yu smiled and replied casually, "Uncle, you don't need to man the gate. I'll find you a less strenuous job."

"No, no, this is quite alright. It's already the easiest job at the factory, and I can't do other work."

Chen Liang quickly refused, still smiling broadly. He was happy to work for his nephew. He wondered if Xia Yu had bought the factory because of their jobs.

"Alright, if you find any issues, let me know. By the way, where is Cousin?"

Xia Yu asked with a smile.

"He should be inside the factory. A Yu, wait a moment. I'll go get him."

Chen Liang hurried into the factory, and Xia Yu decided to wait at the gate so Ma Tengdong wouldn't have trouble finding him.

Soon, Chen Liang and Chen Bin came out of the factory and ran towards Xia Yu.

"A Yu!"

"Cousin."

As Xia Yu chatted happily with his uncle and cousin, Ma Tengdong, who had finished assigning tasks, came out searching for Xia Yu. He quickly spotted Xia Yu and the Chen family.

From a distance, Ma Tengdong recognized the two employees chatting with Xia Yu as the ones he had seen before. He jogged over and respectfully said, "Boss, I've finished assigning the tasks."

He then looked at Chen Liang and Chen Bin.

"Let me introduce you. This is my uncle, Chen Liang, and my cousin, Chen Bin."

Hearing Xia Yu's introduction, Ma Tengdong was surprised and his gaze towards Chen Liang changed. He realized that Chen Liang was Xia Yu's uncle.

"Uncle, you should know General Manager Ma Tengdong."

Xia Yu made the introductions.

"Hello, Manager!"

Chen Liang immediately greeted.

"Oh, no need to be formal, Uncle Chen. Just call me Xiaoma."

In front of the boss, Ma Tengdong did not dare to accept being called manager by the boss's uncle. He quickly waved his hand, lowering his status.

"No, no, I'm an employee, and you're the manager. We can't mix up our roles."

Chen Liang insisted, knowing that although Ma Tengdong said this due to Xia Yu's influence, he should not take advantage of personal connections to disrupt proper hierarchy. It would not only upset Xia Yu but also affect Ma Tengdong's authority and factory management.

Seeing Ma Tengdong's awkward expression, Xia Yu realized he needed to address it, so he smiled and patted Ma Tengdong's shoulder, saying, "Haha, Tengdong, don't overthink it. Keep things professional. Manage as you normally would."

"Right, right, I'm just the gatekeeper here."

Chen Liang happily affirmed, reinforcing his role.

Ma Tengdong breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "Got it."

After chatting a bit more, Xia Yu said goodbye to his uncle and cousin and left the toy factory with Ma Tengdong.

In the car, noticing that Ma Tengdong seemed distracted, Xia Yu knew he was still thinking about what had happened.

"Tengdong!"

Xia Yu called, and Ma Tengdong immediately snapped to attention and looked at Xia Yu.

"Boss!"

"Don't worry too much. I just wanted to introduce you. Manage the factory as you see fit."

"By the way, the factory will be hiring more people, and some of my other relatives might join. Don't let personal connections influence your management. Be fair and strict. If they make mistakes, they should be punished. The factory is my property, and you are working for me, so I'm on your side. Understand?"

Xia Yu said seriously, looking intently at Ma Tengdong.

Ma Tengdong was taken aback. Seeing Xia Yu's serious attitude and having interacted with him for a few months

, he knew Xia Yu was sincere. The words came from the heart.

Immediately, Ma Tengdong's stress eased, and he nodded vigorously, "Boss, I understand!"

"If you encounter any issues you can't handle, let me know immediately. I'll take care of it personally. Don't delay."

Xia Yu emphasized again, clarifying his stance.

"Understood!"

Ma Tengdong nodded earnestly. At this moment, he felt more secure with the boss's promise and knew what to do.

Soon, the car returned to the animation company. Just before Ma Tengdong got out of the car, Xia Yu suddenly said, "By the way, remember to change the name of the toy factory. From now on, it should be called 'Manke Home Toy Factory.' Have a sign made and put it up."

"Okay, I'll arrange for it right away."

Ma Tengdong replied.

"Mm!"