Chapter 0436

Why wasn’t Luo Yao worried about the whistleblowing incident? Because she knew that, no matter what, the Tech City project would ultimately fall into her hands.

It was simple. Working with her meant only one partner, making it easier to manage.

Aside from Luo Corporation, no other domestic company could single-handedly take on this project. If anyone wanted to secure it, they’d need to form a business alliance.

And if that happened, the authorities would find themselves in a passive position.

Tech City wasn’t just a commercial project—it was an epoch-defining milestone in business. Luo Corporation’s technological prowess was undeniable, and only through their collaboration could the project achieve a 1+1>2 effect. Too many partners would only lead to restrictions at every turn.

Even if the authorities had a better alternative and decided to drop Luo Corporation, they’d still have to pay a hefty penalty fee.

Of course, none of that was the most important factor. The real reason was that Luo Yao would never allow anyone else to take this project—and those who might try wouldn’t dare.

The three major families were living proof of that.

So why did the whistleblowing still happen?

Luo Yao narrowed her eyes.

“It’s likely Chen Buhui’s deliberate retaliation, or someone trying to extort benefits. It might even be the authorities’ tactic to pressure us into conceding profits.”

Leaning back in her chair, Luo Yao smirked. “Too bad for them. Whatever their plan is, thinking they can manipulate our company is wishful thinking.”

A moment later, Wang Fang knocked and entered.

“President Luo, the online video conference is about to begin.”

Luo Yao nodded and stood. Wang Fang adjusted Luo Yao’s attire before they left the office.

In the elevator, Luo Yao suddenly spoke.

“Soon, you won’t need to be my assistant anymore.”

Wang Fang froze. “President Luo, did I… do something wrong?”

“Hmm. You talk too much. You’re not suited for me. From now on, you’ll be promoted to special assistant—support Liu Meng well.”

Wang Fang stood rooted in place, struggling to process the words.

Luo Yao’s statement carried multiple implications.

First, she was being promoted to special assistant. Second, she’d be assisting Liu Meng.

Which meant… Liu Meng was going to become… the president?

The thought filled Wang Fang with mixed emotions—joy and sorrow tangled together.

She was happy about her promotion, Liu Meng’s rise, and the fact that Luo Yao, who had worked tirelessly for years, could finally retire.

But it also stung. After all these years serving Luo Yao side by side with Liu Meng, Liu Meng would become president while she remained an assistant—albeit a higher-ranking one.

It felt like… one day, your equal suddenly becomes emperor, and you’re relegated to chief eunuch.

That was the sensation.

“What are you thinking about? Keep up.”

Wang Fang snapped out of her daze, realizing the elevator doors had opened. She hurried after Luo Yao.

One of her traits was her ability to adjust her mindset quickly.

After some reflection, she acknowledged that Liu Meng was simply more capable and hardworking than her. Liu Meng deserved this.

Besides, both she and Liu Meng owed their current status entirely to Luo Yao.

If Luo Yao hadn’t taken over Luo Corporation, they might still be struggling as lowly assistants under Luo Dimei’s tyranny.

A person must know their place—and remember to be grateful.

With that clarity, Wang Fang let go of her reservations and composed herself.

Entering the conference room, she found Liu Meng already waiting beside Luo Yao’s seat. Only after Luo Yao sat did Liu Meng take her own place, arranging documents.

Luo Yao gave a nod. “Begin.”

The host on the main stage launched the video conference.

Who would’ve thought that the world’s top conglomerate would kick off the year with goal-setting, task assignments, and even inter-regional performance competitions?

Performance metrics were paramount, whether for a small firm or a giant.

At the end, Luo Yao took the stage, facing the camera.

Every regional head across the nation attended this pep rally—no absences.

Her speech was mostly motivational, but today, there was another crucial purpose: showing her face.

After collapsing on stage late last year, she’d only appeared once since—during Lin Ran’s livestream. While that dispelled rumors, speculation still ran wild.

Some even whispered that Luo Yao had a terminal illness.

“Everyone, remember this: bring your attitude, your skills, and your effort to Luo Corporation, and you might secure wealth for a lifetime.”

“But let me be clear—our products and services must be flawless. We’re here to make money, but more importantly, we’re here to build a company with a clear conscience. Good businesses earn profits; great ones win hearts.”

The room—and the online audience—erupted in applause. Luo Yao’s charisma was undeniable.

After a pause, she continued.

“Honestly, I didn’t have to come today. The group ran fine in the past when none of you knew me. But I’m here because I know what you’re thinking. Many assumed something happened to me. Let me remind you: the world won’t stop turning just because someone’s gone.”

“Consider this a test. No matter what happens—even if I’m no longer here—operations won’t halt. That’s Luo Corporation. The only one who can stop Luo Corporation is Ran.”

“As long as Ran is here, Luo Corporation stands. If Ran is gone… then this world doesn’t need to exist either. Meeting adjourned.”

With that, Luo Yao dropped the mic and strode offstage, leaving both online and offline attendees stunned.

Silence lingered even after she exited.

“…What did President Luo just say?”

“Something about Luo Corporation surviving only if Boss Ran is alive, and her destroying the world if he’s gone… right?”

“No, she meant Boss Ran is her entire world.”

“You’re all missing the point. She’s telling us to protect Boss Ran—or we’re dead.”

“Or… maybe she just wanted to force-feed us dog food (PDA)? What sin did I commit? Getting dog food shoved down my throat on my first day at work.”

That sentiment wasn’t limited to the room. Online viewers were equally obliterated.

They could only wonder: “How do I find a tycoon wife who loves me this much?”

In Shanghai, Qi Chengwei raised an eyebrow, fully understanding Luo Yao’s sentiment.

“President Luo’s possessiveness might even surpass mine.”

Her assistant asked, “Should we relay President Luo’s words verbatim to the teams?”

Qi Chengwei: “Of course. Her philosophy must reach every employee’s heart. Only then can we align this year’s goals.”

The assistant nodded.

Across the nation, countless branches followed suit. Soon, trending topics were dominated once more—pushing even Hu Shuo’s whistleblowing scandal off the charts.