Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2419 - 1805: Call Me Mr. Brown! (2)
Previously on Inheritance of Two Trillion...
It’s uncommon for you to see things so clearly, Bai Xiaosheng. Hou Yuncheng nodded, yet he couldn't refrain from asking Bai Xiaosheng, "But what if that Mr. Brown remains enraged, and there's a subsequent incident?"
Considering the two recent occurrences, that Mr. Brown is certainly not someone easily trifled with.
No one can offer a guarantee that he will cease his actions!
Facing Hou Yuncheng's apprehension, Bai Xiaosheng paused for two seconds, his gaze becoming slightly chilling. "What you've said, I cannot definitively dismiss it as impossible. However, there's an ancient saying in Huaxia—"
"Once or twice is forgivable, but a third time is unacceptable!"
...
While Hou Yuncheng and Bai Xiaosheng were engaged in conversation, the elder Mr. Brown was occupied with a telephone call.
The individual on the other end was none other than Caroline, the Regional President for North America.
"Mr. Brown, I received word that Mr. Bai Xiaosheng has been encountering obstacles within your territory, unable to secure even a single deal recently. Isn't that quite satisfying?" Caroline inquired with a hint of schadenfreude in her voice.
"Miss Caroline, your intelligence network is indeed remarkably current," Mr. Brown responded neutrally over the phone.
Caroline let out a soft chuckle. "It's common knowledge about the friction between myself and Mr. Bai Xiaosheng here in North America. Describing it as 'oil and water' wouldn't be an exaggeration. Naturally, I pay close attention to his endeavors. Witnessing his setbacks brings me a measure of joy, I must admit. In the future, why don't we join forces and teach this young man from Huaxia, who fancies himself our equal, a lesson? Let him comprehend that impulsiveness leads to dire consequences and that he shouldn't underestimate any of us!"
Caroline was clearly attempting to leverage Mr. Brown's current targeting of Bai Xiaosheng, extending an offer of alliance.
Mr. Brown observed the incoming call ID, a cold smile playing on his lips.
Being a shrewd individual, he fully grasped the intentions of this cunning woman.
Her objective was simply to exploit this moment to sway him, a neutral party, to her faction, thereby diminishing the influence of the "Eastern" contingent within the organization.
"The Huaxia youngster does indeed require some discipline to recognize his own limitations," Old Brown replied swiftly. "However, these old bones of mine are still quite capable, and I require no assistance. Furthermore, Caroline, I am at an age where I might step down within a year or two, perhaps even sooner. I genuinely lack the energy for a joint venture, so please understand."
Old Brown deflected the proposal with the finesse of a Tai Chi master.
On the other end, Caroline's eyebrows subtly rose.
Old Brown's pronouncements about stepping down imminently had been circulating for the past eighteen months. Now, suggesting it would still take another year or two, she found herself uncertain about his genuine intention to retire.
Despite Caroline's internal skepticism, her outward response was different. "You remain so full of vigor; why would you consider stepping down so prematurely? That would be a loss to the group. Personally, I strongly object..."
"Oh, really? I had assumed you all had already selected my successor and were actively supporting their early ascension," Mr. Brown interjected, his tone a blend of jest and seriousness, cutting her off.
Caroline had dispatched an "envoy" to the African region, discreetly liaising with Executive Vice President Cilio, engaging in both covert and overt collaborations that left no room for misinterpretation of her intentions.
"Come now, Mr. Brown, we..." Hearing Brown's pointed remark, Caroline hastily attempted to clarify.
"Very well, Caroline, certain matters are best understood tacitly. Just as with this recent situation, our unspoken agreement resolved all issues concerning those ten enterprises, absolving both you and Cilio from any responsibility. Is that not satisfactory? My only hope is that before my departure, neither you nor Vice Chairman Morgan will need to concern yourselves with my succession," Old Brown stated.
Old Brown delivered these words with a subtle yet firm tone, serving as a pointed reminder.
Caroline fell silent for a moment on the other end before replying with a laugh, "You are absolutely correct. I shall keep that in mind."
Following this, their conversation concluded without further significant exchanges.
Just then, a knock echoed on Old Brown's office door.
"Enter," Old Brown commanded in a deep voice after setting down his phone.
A corpulent, fair-skinned man entered with a smile – Tike, the Executive President of Zhenbei Group's African region.
Old Brown had established his presence here, and Tike had specifically come to attend to him.
"Mr. Brown, I have meticulously completed all your instructions. We are monitoring Bai Xiaosheng's every move, and we will be promptly informed of any discussions he holds in Xisuli," Tike informed Old Brown with a grin.
Despite Tike also holding the title of Executive President, he appeared to be an eager subordinate in Old Brown's presence.
"Thank you, Tike," Old Brown replied with a warm smile, projecting cordiality. "I was in rather poor spirits upon my arrival and may have taken some of it out on you; I hope you bear no ill will."
"Not at all, sir. In fact, there were numerous areas where my performance was lacking," Tike quickly responded with a smile.
Utmost diligence, utmost respect.
Tike found himself in his current position thanks to Old Brown, who recognized his capabilities and Tike's heart, filled with gratitude, naturally made him utterly obedient and satisfied.
"Alright, concerning Bai Xiaosheng, you just keep a close watch on him. Report any movements to me," Old Brown stated with a warm smile.
"Are we still going to target him?" Tike inquired, a touch of caution in his voice. "But that Bai Xiaosheng... holds a significant position within the Supervisory Department. If we persist, won’t it be... won’t it be inappropriate...?"
Old Brown narrowed his eyes slightly. "What, are you afraid?"
Tike quickly dismissed the notion. "No, no, it’s as you say. Even if the head of the Supervisory Department himself were to appear, so what! I was merely worried it might cause some trouble for you!"
Observing Tike’s slight anxiety, Old Brown chuckled, understanding the younger man's good intentions.
"Alright, I am aware of my own discretion. You just focus on your work," Old Brown said, his gaze distant and profound. "That Bai believes he can run rampant in my territory. My anger will not be so easily appeased; he will be shown in full!"
Mr. Tike started to speak again, but seeing that Old Brown was no longer inclined to listen, he promptly closed his mouth and withdrew respectfully.
As he exited and reached the door, Tike encountered Cilio, his deputy, a stern-faced black man.
"Mr. Cilio, you’ve arrived," Tike greeted with a smile.
"Hmm," Cilio grunted, barely acknowledging Tike before reaching out to knock on the door.
Tike offered an embarrassed smile and turned away. However, after taking a few steps, he glanced back, giving Cilio a meaningful look before finally turning away quickly.
Having been granted permission to enter, Cilio walked into Mr. Brown’s office.
"You’re here," Mr. Brown said, looking at Cilio, his expression tinged with coldness, a stark contrast to his kind demeanor with Tike.
"What’s happening? How did you get entangled with Caroline? That woman is trouble! She sold you out, and you didn't even realize it!" Mr. Brown frowned.
Cilio lowered his head, muttering, "If it weren't for that Bai stirring things up, no one would have known."
"Idiot!" Old Brown snapped angrily. "You show no reflection! Do you know how much effort I invested to quell this matter! Are you just seeking performance, seeking to climb up?"
Cilio, seemingly provoked, retorted loudly, "Regarding Tike, does he deserve to be the Regional President of Africa? I would never accept him being placed above me!"
"That position is not yours to take!" Old Brown became furious that Cilio dared to confront him when no one else was present.
Amidst the shouting, with no bystanders, Cilio decisively let loose, angrily stating, "I don't understand your thinking, actually supporting that adopted son, Tike the pig, to rise above. I am your real son, my father!"
Old Brown's gaze turned sharp. "Bastard, don't call me father in the workplace! Call me Mr. Brown!"