Poaching Talent Aggressively

A single sentence, devoid of any emotion, instantly eased the tension in Ren Qian’s nerves.

Her eyes reddened slightly as the composure she had forced herself to maintain and the grievances she had suppressed welled up in her heart.

"He... he isn’t reviewing work at all—he’s purging our people! President Lu, he’s running rampant in the company right now, and everyone is watching. If you don’t step in soon, morale will collapse!"

Ren Qian’s voice carried a barely perceptible tremor.

She wasn’t just speaking up for herself—she was anxious for Lu Chenyuan.

In her heart, Lu Corporation was Lu Chenyuan’s kingdom. How could she tolerate such insolence from others?

Lu Chenyuan listened quietly, his expression unchanged.

He walked behind his desk and sat down, gesturing for Ren Qian to do the same.

"Ren Qian," he suddenly spoke, calling her by name rather than her title, "Counting from our university days when we worked together on research projects, it’s been almost ten years now, hasn’t it?"

Ren Qian was momentarily taken aback, unsure why he had brought this up.

She nodded reflexively. "Yes... nine years and seven months."

Only after saying it did she realize how precisely she remembered—her cheeks warmed slightly.

Lu Chenyuan seemed oblivious to her reaction and continued, "Lu Corporation is too old, too entrenched, its relationships tangled like roots. Even I find it exhausting sometimes."

Though his expression remained calm, Ren Qian detected a hint of weariness in his words, and her heart clenched.

It was true. He was only in his twenties, yet he bore the weight of such a massive family enterprise, navigating not only external market competition but also internal power struggles.

All these years—he must have been exhausted.

"Lately, I’ve been thinking... perhaps I should do something I truly want to do." Lu Chenyuan’s gaze grew deep and bright, as if envisioning a brand-new blueprint.

"I’ve registered a new tech company—Yuanlong. Its focus is on new energy and artificial intelligence, a true blue ocean of the future, a battlefield where we can start from scratch and build a new kingdom with our own hands."

His voice carried an undeniable conviction.

Ren Qian listened, stunned, her heartbeat quickening involuntarily.

She thought she understood now.

"Yuanlong Tech is just an empty shell for now. Lin Yuan will serve as CEO, but he’s better at strategic planning. In the early stages, the company needs someone to oversee internal management, administrative systems, and HR planning—someone I trust absolutely, someone capable enough to hold everything together."

Though he painted a grand vision, Lu Chenyuan’s tone remained steady.

"The position of Administrative Director is beneath you. Chief Operating Officer of Yuanlong Tech—would you be interested?"

Chief Operating Officer!

Ren Qian’s breath caught.

This wasn’t just a simple promotion—it was a meteoric leap!

From Administrative Director of a sprawling conglomerate to the second-in-command of a brand-new tech empire, responsible for its daily operations and management.

This meant Lu Chenyuan was entrusting half of his new venture to her—without reservation.

This trust was heavier than any words could express.

She looked at the man before her. Since their university days, he had always been the most dazzling presence in any crowd.

She had followed behind him silently, looking up to him, chasing after him, burying her youthful feelings deep in her heart.

She had thought she would spend her whole life this way—as his most capable subordinate, his most loyal shield.

Yet now, he was opening a door to an entirely new world for her.

To hell with Lu Mingshi! To hell with internal politics!

As long as she could continue following this man, building something new by his side, she would willingly walk through fire!

"I’ll do it!"

Ren Qian answered without hesitation, the words tumbling out.

Her eyes shone with a brilliance never seen before—not just excitement for the new venture, but an unwavering resolve.

"Salary and stock options—"

"I don’t want them!" Ren Qian cut him off immediately. "President Lu—no, Chenyuan. You know me. It’s not about money. I just... want to build Yuanlong Tech with you."

For the first time in a professional setting, she mustered the courage to call him by his name.

The air grew still for a moment.

Lu Chenyuan looked at the undisguited affection and light in her eyes and sighed inwardly.

This sentiment was too heavy.

He could shoulder her capabilities, but not this emotion.

In his past life, he had walked alone, devoting everything to poverty alleviation.

In this life, burdened by family fate and the shackles of the original plot, he dared not recklessly touch matters of the heart.

To Ren Qian, he respected her abilities and was grateful for her loyalty—but he could offer nothing beyond friendship and professionalism.

"Director Ren, if we undervalue your compensation, how will we attract others?"

Lu Chenyuan deliberately kept his tone businesslike.

Any hint of ambiguity or hesitation would only hurt her.

He paused before continuing.

"Since you’ve agreed, start the handover process today. At Lu Corporation, ensure a smooth transition. Anyone you trust who’s willing to leave—Yuanlong will take them all."

"Once you join Yuanlong, meet with Lin Yuan as soon as possible to establish the company’s framework. I need you both to complete the first round of core technical hires within a month."

His detached tone was like a bucket of cold water, snapping Ren Qian back to reality.

The light in her eyes dimmed slightly, a pang of bitterness rising in her chest—but she quickly masked it.

She became the decisive, efficient Director Ren once more.

"Understood. I’ll work late tonight to prepare the handover list."

"Thank you." Lu Chenyuan stood. "Ignore Lu Mingshi from now on. Your battlefield is at Yuanlong."

Ren Qian nodded and turned to leave.

Only when the door closed behind her, her figure disappearing from view, did the calm on Lu Chenyuan’s face fade, replaced by a complicated helplessness.

He could pave a golden path to the pinnacle of her career—but he couldn’t give her the warmth of a home she longed for.

Perhaps this was the best compensation he could offer.

He picked up the intercom and dialed Lin Yuan’s number.

"Lin Yuan, Ren Qian will join as COO. Prepare for the handover."

"Perfect!" Lin Yuan’s delighted voice came through the line. "With Sister Qian here, my workload just got cut in half! President Lu, this move of yours—pulling the rug out from under them—is brilliant!"

"This isn’t the end. It’s just the beginning." Lu Chenyuan’s voice betrayed no emotion. "I’ve reassigned my most trusted right-hand people. Now, it’s time for certain individuals to taste the true weight of power."

Hanging up, he turned to the window.

The helm of Lu Corporation—this colossal ship—was now slipping from his grasp.

Now, let Second Uncle Lu Mingshi, this ambitious new "captain," steer it resolutely into the unknown.