Chapter 158

Team Building. Everyone in the company department is present, all chatting and laughing. "General Manager Liu, come have a drink. You'll soon be the vice president, you'll have to remember to help us out in the future." Liu Yecheng sits in the primary seat, with everyone flattering him. "Ah, don't say that. I'm not worthy of the position." Liu Yecheng smiles and speaks, his face full of insincere modesty. "If General Manager Liu isn't worthy, then we might as well all leave the company." A few people chime in from below; everyone laughs. "General Manager Liu, we've all heard. You're undoubtedly the top choice for the future vice president. Firstly, the chairman thinks highly of you, secondly, all of us support you and thirdly, even Mr. Beach seems to fear you now. If you're not the vice president, who else has the ability?" "Exactly, if you don't take up the position of vice president when it opens up, we will all protest." "We can't do that. I cannot encourage the company employees to cause trouble." Liu Yecheng smiles and raises his hand to signal for everyone to calm down. If all these people support him so much, then he becomes even more confident. Outside the door, Beckett walks in with Madeleine and Carl. Everyone was surprised at the sight of Beckett. "Mr. Beach? You actually came to join the team building personally?" "Good heavens, are our eyes deceiving us? Is that Mr. Beach?" "It really is Mr. Beach. Why would he come personally? Is it because of General Manager Liu's promotion to vice president?" "It seems like it's a done deal, we're just waiting for the official announcement." "Everyone, quiet down, Director Zhan will say a few words and then leave." Carl pleaded, trying to coax the crowd into silence. But nobody heeded Carl's request as the scene was still very chaotic; everyone was busy whispering among themselves. Beckett, on the other hand, remained calm and indifferent, his emotions hidden behind his unflappable demeanor. "Everyone, be quiet!" Liu Yecheng rose to his feet, greeted Beckett, and spoke in a profound manner. "Director Zhan, the floor is yours." As soon as Liu Yecheng opened his mouth, all of the department employees fell silent. Evidently, they chose to snub Carl, the president's assistant, and yet they respected Liu Yecheng, their project manager. Liu Yecheng was exceptionally gratified; this was a way to show Beckett his influence. Being a veteran in the company, he knew well that making the leadership wary could facilitate better work dynamics. This would allow him to gain leverage over Beckett. Even though Beckett was highly skilled, he was still a young newcomer. At this stage, building connections should be his priority rather than challenging him directly. "For this project, the investment department has poured their heart into it. To everyone who dedicated their efforts, thank you." Beckett spoke solemnly, casting a nonchalant glance at Liu Yecheng. He disliked such sycophantic behavior. But Madeleine had asked him for patience, so he begrudgingly shared a few words of praise. "Manager Liu's capabilities have always been a source of learning for me. When we have time, let's chat separately." Liu Yecheng could hardly contain his glee. "Director Zhan is too kind, all this is a result of everyone's hard work." Liu Yecheng, being a cunning old fox, knew that to command respect, one must always share the glory with everyone. After all, it was entirely different if he left his job alone, or if he was poached and brought over a whole team with him. "Enjoy your night, I have other matters to attend to." Beckett turned and left without a hint of hesitation. The atmosphere around him was gloomy as he left the hotel. Madeleine cautiously followed him, her heart thumping uncertainly. Beckett had made an exception for her... "He was given face, pah!" Carl got into the car and immediately cursed, disgusted by Liu Ye's ingratiating and obnoxious demeanor. "Take me to Beach family's." Beckett's voice was low. Madeleine nervously leaned against the car door, stealing careful glimpses at Beckett. Going to Beach family's... that meant facing Clinton, Ruby, Stanton, and Danna. Beckett kept his face stern throughout the journey, not saying a word. He simply held Madeleine's hand covertly, signaling her not to be afraid. Madeleine nervously looked at Carl, praying he wouldn't notice. But Beckett didn't seem to care if Carl saw, even seemed intentionally trying to attract his attention. Fortunately, Carl was focused on driving, and he didn’t look back through the rearview mirror. ... Hotel. Beckett and Madeleine left, and Liu Yecheng made an excuse to use the restroom, slipping away to a quiet corner to call Ruby. "Madam, I, yes, yes, yes." "You're right, you guessed it. Beckett has come to me, he seemed to try to win me over, an obvious sign of his wariness." "Well, congratulations in advance, Vice President Liu." Ruby opened with meaningful words. "Madam, you're so kind. If it weren't for your promotion, I wouldn't be where I am today. You can rest assured that no matter what Beckett does, I am always on your side. All it takes is one word from you…” Liu Yecheng nodded and bowed on the phone. "If you remember that, it's good. One should always be grateful,” Ruby reminded with a smile. "Madam, rest assured, I, Liu Yecheng, am not that kind of person. I remember all the good you've done for me. When my family was going through those things back then, I wouldn't have been able to get through it without you.” Liu Yecheng reassured with a smile. “Don’t worry, I'll keep working on the chairman as well. When the right moment comes, Clinton will certainly be the real person in power in the Beach Group.” "Very well, I'll leave the rest to you." Ruby had a high expectation of Liu Yecheng. He was a critical chess piece she had painstakingly put into place. This chess piece, Liu Yecheng, was Ruby’s trump card. As long as Liu Yecheng could successfully secure the position of Vice President, she could secure half the Beach Group for Clinton. By then, what could Beckett do, even if he was competent? Without the support of his subordinates, his days as the president were numbered. ... Kindergarten. "Mr. Beach, Liuye Cheng is the right-hand man of Ruby and also a person you trust. Are you... sure you want to let Madeleine mess around like this?" Madeleine was going to pick up Chris, Carl looked back anxiously at Beckett. "Mr. Beach, you indulged him to form cliques. Look at those people today, what kind of faces are they wearing? If you didn't know better, you'd think Liuye Cheng was the president." "I've exhausted so much energy and still haven't managed to get rid of Liuye Cheng. Could Madeleine do it?" Carl was a bit worried. Even though Madeleine is capable, it might be a bit hasty for Mr. Beach to trust her so much. "So you better take a good look at yourself," Beckett snorted. "No..." Carl panicked. "I'm just worried. After all, Liuye Cheng is Ruby's ace card." "Then you better clear your eyes and watch carefully." Carl huffed and got out of the car, opening the door for Beckett. Beckett was just about to get off the car, when he heard the provocative voices of some kids at the school gate. "Chris, no father! No one attends the Parent's Day!" "Chris, a wild child!" "An unwanted wild child!" Terrell led the children to bully Chris, making up songs to mock Chris for not having a father. After being frightened by Zhou Meiqi last time, Terrell dared not physically bully Chris, and has now resorted to verbal attacks. Carrying his small backpack, Chris retorted angrily. "I do have a father!" "Liar! Where's your dad then?" the other kids made fun of Chris. "That's right, what a liar." Chris's eyes reddened, clutching her little fist, remaining silent. "Chris." Beckett got out of the car, walked over to Madeleine, and called out to Chris. "Daddy!" Chris's eyes instantly brightened up. She excitedly ran out and plunged into Beckett's arms. Terrell looked a little stunned, fearfully stepping back. The person he feared most was Uncle Beckett. "Terrell, why are you running away?" Beckett asked in a deep voice, sounding as though he was going to devour the little boy…