Blackstone Code

Chapter 172:

Once the pinnacle of Listoan Group, the conference room now seemed somewhat desolate.

During Listoan Group's peak, even without extra chairs, shareholders were willing to stand here during meetings, listening to Neo and other board members' opinions.

Even though these individuals couldn't speak or move during the meetings, they were more than willing to be there.

But now, many chairs in the room remained empty. Combined with the rumors outside, an indescribable mood spread among the few in the meeting room.

Gap pushed his glasses up, taking a seat at the far end. As a crucial partner in the group, he had received an invitation from CEO Neo to attend this confidential closed-door meeting.

Moreover, there would be no meeting records. In other words, whatever happened in this meeting would not leak through official or unofficial channels; even if it did, no one would admit it.

This was a meeting that would never appear in Listoan Group's history, indicating it was indeed exceptional.

Neo, seated at the center, checked his watch, while downstairs the security also glanced at their wrists. Watches worth hundreds of thousands and watches worth a few bucks all pointed to the same time. The security closed the door, and Neo's face lit up with a slight smile.

He looked at the employees seated around the conference table. Each of them was considered "important" within Listoan Group, holding secrets about various aspects of the company.

For example... His gaze rested on Gap at the end of the table. The reason for singling out Gap at first glance was because Gap didn't look around, which was also a subconscious action.

Looking selectively left or right would suggest targeting someone, while looking straight ahead would not.

Sensing the CEO's gaze, Gap smiled humbly and nodded slightly in submission.

Neo nodded noncommittally and began the agenda of today's meeting. "You all know there have been rumors circulating lately, and those rumors happen to be true."

"I've submitted an application to the governor for the corporate relocation order. We should receive approval within a month or so, and by the first half of next year, we'll complete all relocation tasks."

His tone was deliberate and clear, exuding confidence. He had a strong presence that conveyed calm and composure. "For everything that has happened recently, I know many of you are confused. Now I tell you, all of this was planned by me."

The atmosphere in the meeting room shifted slightly. Listoan Group's stock had plummeted forty percent in just a week due to a rift with the mayor of Sabin City and the governor, affecting even the Baylor Industrial Index.

Following this, Neo, on behalf of the board, submitted a delisting application. Listoan Group's stock plunged again. Meanwhile, Neo and his associates took advantage of the low prices to buy back over seventy percent of the stocks this week.

The remaining twenty percent was dispersed among long-term investors and inactive accounts.

Some were simply investing in the company itself, not just its stocks. Some were gambling, refusing to believe Listoan Group would simply disappear, banking on its relisting.

Regardless, delisting was now inevitable, and Neo could move on to the next step.

His words were meant to dispel any misgivings among those present. These individuals were crucial yet difficult to trust completely. Dismissing them was not an option for the company, as any one of them might decide to divulge critical information, dragging the company down with them.

He needed to stabilize their morale, preventing them from seeking opportunities through betrayal. Instead, he would offer them opportunities directly.

"The company's performance hasn't been optimal for a few years now. We've been seeking new breakthroughs and ensuring steady development on the technological front."

"Our recent opportunity comes from EverBright Group. If we can absorb some of their core industries, we can quickly turn the situation around. However, as you all know, we've hit a deadlock with the city hall and state government."

"If we don't change course soon, we won't last much longer. Therefore, the board and I have decided to shed all burdens and start anew."

He glanced down, picked up a document from the table, skimmed through it, then looked around the table again. "I know some of you may have reservations about this, but that's not important."

"What's important is that once we move to our new location, we'll be shedding at least 4,400 direct employees and approximately 7,000 others indirectly associated with us."

"This is currently Listoan Group's heaviest expenditure, with most of our profits going towards paying these individuals' salaries."

"Once we rid ourselves of this burden, even without EverBright Group's core business, we can easily pivot and regain our former glory."

He set the document back down on the table. "After our plan is complete, Listoan Group will reapply for listing, making your shares exceptionally valuable!"

A faint, almost ironic smile played at Neo's lips, adding a subtle twist to his words. Yet what mattered was the renewed liveliness in the room.

His tone relaxed. "In light of your support for the company and me during this time, I've decided to allocate additional shares as a reward for your loyalty, based on factors such as your tenure, rank, and job responsibilities within the company."

The atmosphere grew more relaxed; many faces brightened with smiles. Those in high positions feared nothing more than a sudden downfall.

With more debates about Listoan Group outside, their uncertainties only deepened.

Fortunately, CEO Neo had now clarified matters personally, and they filled in gaps in Neo's explanation themselves. For instance, Neo's earlier secrecy was to prevent leaks, not due to negligence.

The human brain worked in mysterious ways sometimes. They didn't even have to consciously find excuses for Neo or the board; these thoughts simply surfaced naturally.

Despite whatever else was going on, this was ultimately a good thing: stable lives and more profits, all from moving to a different place.

The meeting continued with more detailed discussions, urging everyone to maintain stability in their departments and scheduling meetings with key department members, awaiting further instructions.

The meeting wasn't long. After it ended, Neo's secretary brought over a list. The confident smile on Neo's face had now turned into a cold, masked anger.

Four people on the list hadn't attended the meeting. Like Gap and others, they held potentially incriminating evidence against Listoan Group and had been directly involved.

This was common in large corporations; for smooth progress, challenges were inevitable.

Some challenges could be addressed through legitimate means, such as those from other players, or through unforeseen obstacles.

Yet some were harder to handle, like irrational individuals among the masses or matters handled by Gap that required more delicate solutions to non-human issues.

With these issues came those directly involved. Now, with four individuals not attending, Neo was very displeased.

If they leaked anything to the mayor of Sabin City or the state government, it could jeopardize his upcoming opportunities.

After a moment, he adjusted his features and asked his secretary to leave before making a call to the head of corporate security.

Seven to eight minutes later, a bald-headed, stern-faced middle-aged man entered the room.

Neo handed him the list. "Find out what these people are up to. Check their recent contacts and intentions."

The head of corporate security glanced at the list and then back at Neo. "If..."

Neo turned to look at a large oil painting on the office wall depicting a medieval scene of a government suppressing a riot known as the Canned Rebellion, with many heads lined up on the executioner's platform and more awaiting execution.Please vote for this novel at /series/blackstone-code/There are advance chapters available nowAccess will be granted 24 hours after the donationTier 1: 7 Advance chapters Link

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