The President's Tender Trap

As night fell, the city's neon lights shimmered with a dazzling array of colors, yet within Lu Ming's heart, an endless haze filled his heart. A faint light shone through the office windows. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes hollow, the documents in his hand casually placed on the table, seemingly having lost interest in reading any further.

"Mr. Lu, the stock price continues to fall and has fallen below the lowest point since its listing." Assistant Xiao Li walked in tremblingly, his voice so low that it was almost inaudible.

Lu Ming was startled for a moment, then closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to remain calm. He knew that in such a situation, he must not show weakness. He looked out the window, watching the pedestrians hurried by, and his heart was filled with a heavy feeling.

"I understand. You can go out first." Lu Ming's voice was low and firm.

Xiao Li nodded. Although he was extremely worried about Lu Ming's situation, he also knew that Lu Ming needed time alone to sort out his thoughts.

As the company's crisis deepened and negative media coverage continued, Lu Ming's leadership was questioned as never before. Almost every morning, he read disparaging comments about the company, even malicious attacks on him personally. Headlines like "Should Lu Ming resign?" and "Is this young CEO past his limit?" tore at Lu Ming's heart.

"You must hold on." Su Wan's voice echoed in his mind. She was always so warm, always able to provide support and encouragement when he needed it most. Although he was full of uncertainty about the future, he knew that Su Wan would always be his strong support.

"Lu Ming, don't worry, I'll be with you." Su Wan comforted him on the phone. Although her voice was a little trembling, it was more firm. "We will face this together. No matter what the outcome, I believe in you."

"Thank you, Wan'er." Lu Ming's voice was deep and powerful, and a warmth welled up in his heart. He knew that Su Wan was not only his lover, but also his right-hand man in his career.

Yet, despite Su Wan's support, Lu Ming still felt incredibly lonely in the face of the turmoil within the company. Shareholder discontent, employee turnover, and even some former colleagues' growing suspicion of him weighed heavily on him. Every night, he reflected on his decisions and even began to doubt his own abilities.

"Can I really get through this?" he murmured to himself, looking out the window again and sighing deeply. The hustle and bustle of the city seemed to have nothing to do with him at this moment, and his heart was filled with powerlessness and confusion.

Just then, the office door opened and Lin Xiaoyu walked in. She was Su Wan's best friend and the company's marketing manager, and she usually treated Lu Ming with great respect. Seeing Lu Ming so depressed, Lin Xiaoyu couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"Mr. Lu, I want to talk to you." She walked to the table, frowned slightly, and showed concern in her eyes.

Lu Ming raised his head and forced a smile: "Xiaoyu, you're here just in time. What's going on?"

"I heard about the company's recent situation and wanted to know what you plan to do." Lin Xiaoyu said seriously. Although she was also very nervous, she knew that what she needed now was to provide support to Lu Ming.

"I...I'm also trying to figure it out." Lu Ming's voice was hesitant, but a sense of powerlessness welled up in his heart. "But everything feels out of control. I really don't know what to do."

"We can find a solution together." Lin Xiaoyu's eyes were firm, and she didn't back down. "I believe you have the ability to turn the situation around. Although it's difficult now, we can't give up."

Lu Ming's heart trembled, and he felt a touch of warmth. Perhaps it was time to re-evaluate the current situation. He shook his head, trying to calm himself down, and responded, "Thank you, Xiaoyu. I will call a meeting with all employees as soon as possible to convey our decision."

"Okay, I'll fully support you." Lin Xiaoyu's tone was full of confidence. She knew that Lu Ming was not someone who gave up easily. At this moment, he just needed a little external support and trust.

A few days later, Lu Ming convened an emergency meeting with all employees. Inside, the employees wore solemn expressions, their heads bowed in silence, and the atmosphere was suffocating. Standing at the podium, Lu Ming felt a surge of mixed emotions.

"Dear colleagues, thank you all for coming here today." Lu Ming gathered his thoughts briefly, scanning everyone with a determined gaze. "Our company is currently facing unprecedented challenges, but I firmly believe that we can still overcome this crisis."

His voice gradually grew stronger, influencing everyone present. "Our past successes were the result of our joint efforts, and the current difficulties also require our concerted efforts. Everyone's contribution is crucial, and no matter our position, we are all part of this team."

The employees began to look up, and Lu Ming's determined gaze gave them a glimmer of hope. He continued, "In the coming days, I will work with you to explore new market opportunities and strengthen our brand image. I encourage everyone to offer their opinions. We need to unite and face this crisis together."

As Lu Ming spoke, the atmosphere in the meeting gradually became lively, and many employees began to speak up and share their ideas and suggestions. Lu Ming felt the power of the team, and his inner confusion and helplessness gradually dissipated.

After the meeting, Lu Ming walked out of the conference room with a new hope in his heart. He knew that although the future was still full of challenges, he and his team were ready for everything.

"Lu Ming, well done!" Lin Xiaoyu patted his shoulder, her eyes full of praise.

"Thank you, Xiaoyu. I can speak here today thanks to your support." Lu Ming's heart was full of gratitude, and he silently thought of Su Wan's encouragement and trust.

Just then, Lu Ming's phone rang. It was Su Wan calling. He immediately picked up the phone and heard her gentle voice: "Lu Ming, is the meeting over? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Wan'er." Lu Ming's lips curled up slightly, and the pressure in his heart seemed to ease a little. "I just finished a meeting, and everyone's response was much better than I expected."

"Great! I knew you could do it." Su Wan's happy laughter filled Lu Ming's heart with warmth. "Let's work together and we will definitely get through this!"

"Yes, I will!" Lu Ming's voice was firm and powerful, and his faith in his heart became stronger. He knew that he was not alone in this crisis. He had the support of Su Wan, Lin Xiaoyu and the entire team.

Night still enveloped the city, but a glimmer of hope flickered in Lu Ming's heart. He re-examined his goals and resolved to work hand in hand with the team to meet the challenges of the future, no longer afraid of any difficulties.