Chapter 52: The Robotic Butler

"We all agree." The minority shareholders who had once stood behind Tong Tiexing now turned on him, their faces changed as they began to accuse him.

Business is ruthless, profit above all, but the speed at which comrades-in-arms on the battlefield can become foes firing shots from behind left Tong Tiexing lamenting the sheer absurdity of the world.

A sudden spurt of blood escaped him.

Tong Tiexing collapsed limply to the ground.

"Uncle!" Chu Shu rushed forward, throwing herself over Tong Tiexing’s fallen form, wailing in grief—yet all she could do was cry.

The reporters she had summoned began snapping pictures, and those quick on the draw had already posted headlines and images online.

Shareholder power struggle at listed company reaches fever pitch, major shareholder collapses in blood before the public.

"Someone call him an ambulance."

Despite Tong Tiexing’s determination to drive her out, seeing him so pitiful and exploited by others, Liu Yiran could not bear it. Among all these people, not one bothered to call for help.

"Sis."

Mary could not understand how Liu Yiran could still feel sympathy for her rival at a moment like this. If she were the one forced out of the company, Tong Tiexing would not even grant her the dignity of a proper exit.

"In the end, he did provide the first round of financing for the group."

Liu Yiran sighed.

Mary glanced at Ye Qiu, saw he made no comment, and chose to remain silent.

But soon after, Mary witnessed Liu Yiran’s decisive side.

The group issued a personnel optimization notice, restructuring ten departments and letting go over forty senior executives. Observant minds quickly noticed that all those affected were originally supporters of Tong Tiexing.

For a time, the company was gripped by anxiety; everyone feared the axe might fall on them. The company was thriving—especially with the AI project poised to turn it into a globally renowned tech enterprise. As founding members, not only were stock dividends expected, even their salaries were likely to multiply.

Now, being let go meant a considerable loss, and changing jobs would be equally costly.

After some time, they would be seen as talented alumni from a major tech company, but for now, they could only circulate among smaller firms. Everyone harbored their own thoughts, and the company’s once positive atmosphere began to grow increasingly toxic.

"Ye, don’t wander around for now. As the manager of our influencer department, you’ll need to steady the troops. I’m entrusting entertainment to you."

"Can’t you just hand it to the director?" Ye Qiu protested helplessly, "I could simply have George coordinate with that Spie and the director."

"Absolutely not." Liu Yiran refused flatly. "You’re not a kid anymore. Even though you inherited plenty, you have no managerial experience. Besides, you promised to protect your sister, didn’t you? Those influencers are your creation, so you should handle it."

"Well… alright." With such a flimsy excuse, he had no choice but to agree.

"Sis, just so we’re clear, I’m only a figurehead manager, and I’ll quit after a while."

"Whatever you say." Liu Yiran’s eyes glinted mischievously.

Mary opened her mouth, but ultimately swallowed her words.

She mainly thought appointing Ye Qiu as manager of the influencer department was a dreadful waste of talent—a shameful squandering.

"Mary, we need to accelerate our collaboration." Liu Yiran turned to Mary, "AI is just beginning; we still need to carefully evaluate and research specific ways to monetize it. I believe applications like autonomous driving and drones suit our immediate development."

"Those?"

Mary’s response was perfunctory, clearly uninterested.

Many companies were already working on these, especially in the US, where some had even gone public on a small scale. Entering the market now would only mean trailing behind, wasting time.

"Sis, what about robot butlers?"

Mary’s eyes lit up as she looked at Ye Qiu.

Indeed, Ye Qiu’s thinking matched her own. This was the real reason Mary was willing to cooperate with Liu Yiran. If every household came to own a robot butler, Deep Sea Company would become the wealthiest and most irreplaceable corporation in the world.

Liu Yiran didn’t answer right away, but pondered Ye Qiu’s suggestion and Mary’s expression.

She had to admit, her imagination was no match for theirs in this matter. It made Liu Yiran reflect seriously: since becoming CEO, had she grown complacent, content just to guard her little patch?

This was not the original purpose for founding the company.

"Ye, go familiarize yourself with the influencer department. Mary and I need to talk."

Ye Qiu glanced at his sister and then at Mary, nodding in assent.

He didn’t know what they would discuss, but judging by his sister’s expression, it was likely about their partnership.

He understood her desire to cultivate him; only the closest people would do so. For that reason, Ye Qiu could not turn down her goodwill.

As for vision, Ye Qiu believed that once his sister accessed higher-level information, her intelligence would naturally inspire more imaginative ideas.

"Look, that must be our new influencer department manager, right?"

"How jealous! According to current estimates, our group’s valuation is skyrocketing—it could easily surpass a hundred billion. President Liu might become the first female tycoon in China. Being the toy boy to a female tycoon, he’d be so happy he’d blow bubbles out his nose."

"Don’t be so bitter. Watch out, he might slap you. Our manager has quite the temper, remember how Xue Qing got slapped?"

"Damn, this guy’s luck is unbelievable."

The influencer department buzzed with discussion, and other departments flocked over for news. Jin Yueyun, newly arrived at the company, was still gossiping about the earlier press conference. When she saw Ye Qiu enter the manager’s office, her eyes sparkled and she knocked on the door.

"Manager Ye, all the departments are being optimized. Will our influencer department face layoffs?"

"Yes."

"What?"

Jin Yueyun had just found a random excuse, never expecting Ye Qiu to really plan to trim the department.

"Just kidding."

Ye Qiu couldn’t help but laugh. This chubby girl’s excuse was so lame.

"Hmph."

Jin Yueyun wrinkled her nose; this guy was so annoying. If not for him saving her and Sister Taozi, she’d have punched him with her little fists.

Ye Qiu watched her sit down in silence, curious, "Is there something else?"

"Can’t I come see you just because I want to?" Jin Yueyun blinked impishly, "Oh, mighty Seraph."

"Seraph? What Seraph? Honestly, you girls are obsessed with Western stuff, clueless about your own country’s mythology, yet worship those foreigners’ mystical nonsense as gospel."