Chapter 157: Ethics in business
It was the truth as a well-known businesswoman, she needed to consider the ethical implications of her actions. The damage to her reputation might hurt her in the long run.
But that was a big if. She merely fanned the flames in this situation. She didn't distort facts or makeup rumors.
By law in Province N, Ling Qingyu's plan to manipulate stock price and other actions to devalue it, was in a grey area, because it harmed innocent investors and damaged the integrity of financial markets.
As a great man once said, rules were meant to be broken and only the strong made the rule, Ling Qingyu didn't have any fear.
It was almost an unspoken rule within the business world where one threw dirt at another. What was more—Ling Qingyu was only telling a hidden truth.
Some arrested criminals were indeed from this instant noodle production company, including the son of the chairman cooperating with the son of police chief.
The similar birds flew along the same wind direction. As a father, he was totally unqualified to train such a scum-like person to society. Or he could already have the same feathers.
Concerning the employees' affairs, Ling Qingyu didn't put them into the equation. It wasn't her ruthlessness which prompted this decision.
It was the very existence of Wang Xiuying's trio, whose stories reflected the characters and conditions of the staff members of the company.
A place where flattery and nepotism practice surged; Ling Qingyu sought to remove these tumors after her corporate takeover.
What if there were any innocent bystanders? In Ling Qingyu's definition of innocence, someone who saw unfairness but took no action nor appropriate measures while continuing to work didn't deserve her consideration.
Even though Wang Xiuying was the only one who suffered and unrelated to Ling Qingyu, she would avenge the young woman since she took them in and assumed the responsibility.
To Ling Qingyu's eyes, none of the workers there were innocent, turning a blind eye to the mishaps about to occur and some even participating in the process.
Thoroughly washing the filth away and recruiting new blood might be a better idea. Ling Qingyu's corporate takeover could also be her vengeance for Wang Xiuying's trio.
Wang Xiuying and her two little girls might provide indispensable help during her takeover and future plan in this particular industry. Who knew?
Ling Qingyu's opportune move wasn't a sudden decision. Since possessing the system, Ling Qingyu desired to own a complete set of corporate chains, so that she could achieve some independence from other parties.
This time, her investment direction went on in the food production and manufacturing industry. Province N had huge unowned fertile lands, which could be leased from the government.
Though in Country C, Province N wasn't known for primary sector supplies, it mustn't be underestimated. Numerous golds lay hidden for any agriculture company.
The only downside was the instability and chaos which repelled many investors. But Ling Qingyu could swim like a fish in those muddy water soon.
The step-by-step approach was to ensure fewer competitions rose against her. As a young successful entrepreneur, Ling Qingyu's every move in business was monitored by several parties.
Nibbing away the instant noodles company might hide the real agenda, disillusioning the other parties that she was merely sniping away some chips to make money instead of investing in a new company.
Plus, this company already had its chained linkages essential for growth in the agriculture sector, helpful in her future journey.
While many underestimated food sectors and looked down on them, Ling Qingyu was the complete opposite.
She knew for a fact that on the richest lists, food companies were in a high rank. Food was a necessity and enjoyment, serving different people in several tiers.
She sought to become number one in Province N and enlarged her wealth. Naturally, that was still in her dream.
Knock. Knock.
Ling Qingyu's thought was interrupted again. "Come in."
It was Zhao Xiurong who came in with papers and handed them over to her on the desk.
"What's this?" Ling Qingyu asked stroking the bridge of her nose.
"Due diligence." Zhao Xiurong's answer surprised Ling Qingyu, whose mouth opened in disbelief.
"Sister Zhao, you never cease to amaze me with your skills." Ling Qingyu praised genuinely. She thought it would take longer.
"Thanks." Zhao Xiurong sat down, waiting to answer any questions, Ling Qingyu would shoot.
Comparing with Athena's data from the spectacle's AR vision, Ling Qingyu was impressed at Zhao Xiurong's investigation skills.
There was also her analysis and estimates, based on her judgments, excelling Athena's works. "Mom, I'll do better next time. I promise."
"It's ok. You're doing good. Study more." Ling Qingyu muttered.
"I'm sorry, Sister Ling. What do you say just now?" Zhao Xiurong asked.
"Oh! Nothing. I'm just praising your work." Noticing her gaffe, Ling Qingyu immediately fixed the words.
"En. I'm still far away from you." Zhao Xiurong flattered and received Ling Qingyu's rolling eyes.
Ling Qingyu continued studying the information Zhao Xiurong gave and discussed it with her secretary afterward.
She saw the limitations in financing corporate takeover as the revenue although sufficient might strain the energy.
She didn't pay attention to finance unlike Zhao Xiurong heeding her to focus on because the most ample belonging to her was wealth, the least of her worries.
Mentioning her future goals, Zhao Xiurong's eyes brightened after understanding Ling Qingyu wasn't going to limit her industry solely to fashion clothing and beauty products.
The sole vision of striving in the food sector raced Zhao Xiurong's heart as the two conversed, deciding the direction of their Spirit Corporation and its first step toward other industries.
Nobody knew the genuine grand plan for an empire began in a small office room. Back and forth, both contemplated steering for a better path.
When Ling Qingyu admitted she also liked to participate in electronics and software, Zhao Xiurong was dumbfounded. It was the easiest yet very competitive.
So, Zhao Xiurong advised against this. Unlike Zhao Xiurong's worry about lacking talents in those information technology fields—software and hardware, Ling Qingyu's confidence came from her cheap daughter.
Not long ago, she played an amazing game created by Athena and experienced the benefits brought by the changes due to system software. With these enormous advantages, it was impossible for Athena's ability to lay low in the electronic sector.
Who knew whether Ling Qingyu would enter chip manufacturing and hardware production in the future? Of course, that was a bit too stretched and Ling Qingyu knew she shouldn't engulf a big pie, difficult to swallow.
These would involve the military and policymakers, which Ling Qingyu's reputation and strength had no way to deal with yet.
Despite Zhao Xiurong's suggestion to proceed meticulously and gradually, Ling Qingyu had affirmed her multiple strategic decisions. Food production, application and gaming, and increasing the current fashion area.
Three-way approach. Zhao Xiurong had headaches, as her secretary to arrange the logistical affairs. Fortunately, someone would handle electronics and she was merely required for legal issues.
Just from listening to Ling Qingyu's plans, Zhao Xiurong found she underestimated Ling Qingyu's ambition.
Whether these would manifest, time will tell. For now, Zhao Xiurong would accompany the journey and face many surprises.
Even if simultaneous operations were deemed precarious for any businessperson vying for stability, Zhao Xiurong trusted Ling Qingyu's capability.
As someone who worked under Ling Qingyu and understood her mindset, it would be wrong to say Zhao Xiurong's zealot confidence was blind. It was based on prior achievements Ling Qingyu had sought.