King of the Wilderness

Chapter 447: Chapter 246: The Explosive Chain Reaction!

”A living totem that can elevate our brand, in China, from an expensive outdoor gear to a top-tier, globally recognized lifestyle!”

”And now, you’re here haggling with me over a mere budget of 8 million dollars?!”

Marcus walked back to his seat, his body sinking deeply into the chair, his tone revealing a hint of exhaustion.

”So, don’t talk to me about budget anymore, don’t talk to me about evaluation. Just execute the orders. If the board decides to fire me because of this, then let it be after the contract officially takes effect.”

”I’d rather leave because of this than leave as the sinner in Archaeopteryx’s history!”

The entire conference room fell silent. The previously tense atmosphere gradually dissipated with the heavy fatigue felt in Marcus’ words.

Marcus closed his eyes, pressing his temples with his fingers forcefully.

A few seconds later, he opened his eyes again. The blue eyes no longer held the previous anger, only an unfathomable fatigue and a hint of apology.

He looked at everyone present, especially the still-pale Chief Financial Officer, and slowly spoke, his voice hoarse: ”Everyone, I’m sorry. I apologize to all of you for my out-of-control emotions and harsh words just now.”

He paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

”The reason I got so angry was not because any of you made a mistake. It’s because we, as a whole, almost committed an unforgivable mistake that could bury us all.”

His gaze turned sharp, surveying the room, but this time, it was no longer directed at anyone, rather it was like stating a cold fact.

”Have any of you thought about what would happen if the Mountain Rat or Old Man’s Head plans succeeded?”

”Imagine the scene, Lin Yu’an, discovered by us Archaeopteryx, known for wearing our Alpha SV, ultimately appearing on the cover of Mountain Rat’s annual report.”

”Or, he stands on the Norwegian summit bought by Old Man’s Head, telling the world’s media that he found a brand that truly understands him.”

”By then, what do you think will happen? How will the outside world see this decision by Archaeopteryx?”

He asked and answered himself, his voice cold, ”We, Archaeopteryx, will no longer be a symbol of hard-core and professionalism, we will become synonymous with ’short-sightedness,’ ’stupidity!’ We will become the most classic failure case in every business school classroom!”

”By that time, what the board needs to pursue is not just an erroneous evaluation report, they have to pursue a complete brand reputation collapse caused by us ourselves!”

He looked at everyone present and spoke the harshest consequence: ”And such a consequence is enough to make everyone in this conference room, including me, immediately get kicked home and never expect to find a decent job again!”

”Because of the stupidity, short-sightedness of some among you! Almost made all of us lose our jobs!” This sentence, like a silent heavy hammer, fiercely hit everyone’s heart.

They finally understood the source of Marcus’s overwhelming anger, which wasn’t personal humiliation, but a leader’s utter despair and fear upon seeing the team at the edge of a cliff!

”Go now.” Marcus waved his hand, his voice full of fatigue, ”We don’t have time.”

The Chief Financial Officer slowly took off his glasses, rubbed his brow, and finally, solemnly nodded.

He knew Marcus was right. This was no longer a regular business negotiation.

This was a war! A war concerning the brand’s reputation for the next ten years. And in war, hesitation means defeat.

Marcus continued, ”Now for the second point, I don’t care what method you use, I want Lin Yu’an’s personal phone number within an hour! Not his agent, not any third party, but him personally!”

Lastly, he looked at the Greater China Region head who was already sweating coldly.

”The third and final point, you immediately get offline, go negotiate with those idiots at Bilibili, find out who made the decision back then! Remember, until our new contract is complete, you absolutely can’t use them to contact Lin! Their opinions do not represent Archaeopteryx!”

”From now on, I will personally handle this matter.” Marcus made the final summary, his tone resolute, ”What we need to do is not to offer a contract, but to request his acceptance of our apology and new friendship!”

”Is that clear?”

”Clear!”

1:30 PM, Wiseman local time

The afternoon sun shines through the cabin window, the fireplace flame still crackling, Aliya and Emily sitting on the carpet patiently teaching Olivia and Ethan to recognize colorful blocks.

The air is filled with the aroma of coffee and a faint pine scent, everything seems peaceful and beautiful.

Lin Yu’an had just finished his invigorating forging exercise, though his muscles were tired, his spirit was exceptionally high. He was enjoying a belated lunch with his family, savoring this hard-earned warm routine.

At this moment, the satellite phone on the oak desk suddenly rang urgently, breaking the indoor tranquility.

The caller ID showed an unknown number from Canada.

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