Chapter 12: Three years ago (3)

KGF: Let's return to the business at hand.

QUEEN: Oh, you're so boring.

Once more, he could detect a hint of disappointment in the text. This person appeared to be somewhat different from the rumors. From their brief interaction, he could feel that QUEEN was rather lively and playful.

KGF: Alright, you've indeed noticed the decline in new customers at our bank. Do you have any suggestions?

QUEEN: I already mentioned it, but you don't agree with me. *rolls eyes*

KGF: ...It's because I don't see any issue with the terms of the loan interest. They are reasonable.

QUEEN: If you don't trust my judgment, then what's the point of this conversation? Maybe you don't need my assistance after all!

Reading QUEEN's message, Cheng Yuze was taken aback. This person's mood seemed to shift quickly! Despite pondering for a moment, Cheng Yuze still couldn't find the right words to respond.

In the end, he opted to close the laptop, leaving the conversation as it was, and turned his attention to the stack of folders requiring his signatures.

The entire company was presently swamped with work. Cheng Yuze rubbed his forehead, feeling a wave of intense headache wash over him due to the current situation.

The financial advisors in the company had already met with their clients and they hadn't voiced any complaints about the terms outlined in the contracts. There had to be valid reasons why new clients were forsaking their bank's services and seeking other options.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and it swung open as Jian Yu entered, holding a folder in hand.

"Boss, please take a look at the data regarding the clients we've acquired recently," Jian Yu said, placing the folder in front of Cheng Yuze.

"Go ahead, what else is on your mind?" Cheng Yuze noticed the hesitation evident on Jian Yu's face and prompted him to speak.

"I just received news from our sales consultant indicating that clients are continuously expressing dissatisfaction with the interest rates outlined in the contract. They believe it would be beneficial if we lowered them," Jian Yu said, taking out his phone from his pocket and displaying the message sent by the sales consultant in a company chat group.

"I assumed you had already seen it, but judging by your expression, it seems otherwise," Jian Yu remarked after sharing the message's contents with Cheng Yuze before returning his phone to his pocket.

"How can they complain about this issue when other banks are also implementing similar interest rates to ours?" Cheng Yuze frowned.

"It's true that other banks offer similar interest rates, but their conditions aren't as stringent as ours. Some clients prioritize meeting their immediate needs over considering the quality and services provided by the bank. As long as their needs are met, they don't hesitate to use the bank's services," Jian Yu sighed.

While he acknowledged Cheng Yuze's proficiency in stock marketing, trading, and understanding the current business landscape, he felt that Cheng Yuze lacked the ability to comprehend and address the clients' needs, which was crucial. If this continued, the company might eventually face dire consequences, as leaving a positive impression on clients was paramount.

Cheng Yuze remained silent, lightly tapping his finger on the armchair.

"How did your conversation with QUEEN go? Did she offer any useful ideas, Boss?" The moment Jian Yu inquired, there was a sudden shift in Cheng Yuze's expression.

Cheng Yuze felt a sense of awkwardness brewing within him for not giving serious consideration to QUEEN's suggestions. Somehow, QUEEN seemed to have flattened his usual pride.

"I wager you didn't even take her suggestions seriously," Jian Yu remarked, discerning the peculiar expression on Cheng Yuze's face and instantly realizing what his boss had done.

Indeed, Jian Yu realized that Cheng Yuze agreed to involve QUEEN from the start merely to gauge the other party's intelligence and to test whether QUEEN's abilities could match his own.

As for the pretense of considering QUEEN's suggestions to help solve the company's current crisis, it was merely an excuse Cheng Yuze concocted. Jian Yu knew clearly that his boss would not heed the other party's advice.

Everyone in the company was acutely aware of their boss's pride and arrogance when it came to business strategies and insights. Cheng Yuze seldom entertained suggestions put forward by others. However, they couldn't deny the fact that despite his reluctance to take advice from the company team, he had still managed to elevate the company to a position among the top ten in the city.

Nonetheless, given the current challenges facing the company, they hoped Cheng Yuze would be willing to alter his proud demeanor and genuinely consider the advice of others.

Jian Yu couldn't turn a blind eye as he had done before. Therefore, he bowed slightly and spoke earnestly, "Boss, forgive me for my impudence. As your assistant, I feel compelled to suggest that you listen to QUEEN's advice for the time being, especially since you rarely consider the ideas of the company team. Running a company single-handedly, relying solely on your own ideas, is simply impossible."

Cheng Yuze remained silent, appearing to ponder deeply.

"Furthermore, time is tight. We can't afford any further delays, or else our company may truly be overtaken by competitors ranking lower than us!" Jian Yu's tone bordered on pleading. "Boss, please set aside your pride and arrogance. Text QUEEN that you accept her proposal and ask for more ideas from her!"

After contemplating for a moment, Cheng Yuze sighed in frustration. "Fine! You may leave. I will speak with her and update you later."

"Yes, Boss!" Jian Yu grinned with satisfaction and promptly exited to resume his tasks.

KGF: You were correct. I will heed your advice. But how should we initiate it? Any suggestions?

It didn't take long for a response to arrive.

QUEEN: It appears your pride and arrogance have taken quite a blow, President Cheng. *smirk*

Cheng Yuze: "..."

For some reason, he detected a trace of sarcasm in the text sent to him by the other party.

And once again, QUEEN had successfully rendered him speechless.