The President's Tender Trap

Since Lu Ming convened the all-hands meeting, company morale has gradually improved, and employee confidence has begun to return. However, the crisis has not been completely resolved, and Lu Ming still faces tremendous pressure. He must make a series of difficult decisions to ensure the company's survival in the fiercely competitive market.

That day, Lu Ming held an emergency meeting with the CFO. They discussed the company's current financial situation. Faced with mounting debt, Lu Ming had no choice but to consider layoffs to reduce expenses. This decision weighed heavily on him, as he knew it affected not only the company's survival but also the lives of every employee.

"Lu Ming, I understand the company's situation, but the decision to lay off employees will have a huge impact on employee morale." Financial Director Xiao Li said with a worried look on his face.

"I know, but this is the reality we have to face." Lu Ming replied helplessly, a trace of pain in his eyes. "I will try my best to minimize the impact."

After the meeting, Lu Ming walked out of the office with a heavy heart. He knew that layoffs would affect the dreams and lives of many people, and he had to make this choice to keep the company afloat.

Meanwhile, Su Wan's work in the marketing department grew increasingly hectic. She continued to strive to help Lu Ming, but over time, she began to feel that his communication with her became less and less frequent. Lu was always busy handling company crises, often working late into the night, leaving her alone at home and feeling lonely.

One weekend, while working overtime at the company, Su Wan stumbled across an internal memo detailing the list of employees scheduled for layoffs. Her heart sank, and her face paled. She couldn't believe Lu Ming would make such a decision, and she couldn't accept the fact that he hadn't told her in advance.

"How could he hide such a thing?" Su Wan felt a surge of frustration and anger. She began to doubt Lu Ming's decision-making ability, feeling that he didn't seem to have the team's interests at heart.

"I must talk to him." Su Wan decided secretly in her heart.

That night, when Su Wan returned home, Lu Ming was busy working on the sofa, with documents spread out on the table. Seeing Su Wan come in, he raised his head and smiled tiredly: "Wan'er, you're back. You've worked overtime today."

"I want to talk to you." Su Wan's voice sounded a little nervous, and her heart was full of doubts.

"Okay, what's the matter?" Lu Ming put down the documents in his hand, his eyes flashing with concern.

"I saw a memo at the company today that mentioned layoffs." Su Wan's tone became increasingly firm. "Why didn't you tell me in advance? Are you really planning to do this?"

Lu Ming's heart tightened, realizing Su Wan had misunderstood his decision. He took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. "This is the company's current situation. We must consider how to reduce expenses to ensure its survival." "But layoffs will cause such great harm to everyone. How can you make such a decision with such a clear conscience?" Su Wan's voice rose a few degrees, dissatisfaction and disappointment in her eyes.

"I know this is difficult, but I have no choice." Lu Ming's voice was a little hurried, and he felt helpless. "I'm not trying to hide it from you. I'm just considering the overall interests of the company."

"Overall interests? What about the interests of the employees?" Su Wan's tone was filled with anger. "Have you forgotten our promise? We must be responsible for this team together!"

Lu Ming felt a pang of pain in his heart. He had never imagined that Su Wan would question him so much. His emotions began to burn. "I've been working hard for this company, but you don't understand my difficulties. I'm really disappointed."

The atmosphere between them suddenly grew tense, as if an invisible string had been pulled taut. Su Wan's heart was filled with grievance and anxiety, tears welling up in her eyes, but she refused to bow her head. She wanted to express her feelings, but was shocked by Lu Ming's reaction.

"I'm not questioning you, but I hope you can treat me as your partner." Su Wan's voice trembled slightly, and her heart was full of helplessness.

"Of course I consider you my partner, but there are some things I have to decide on my own." Lu Ming's tone softened a little, but his heart was still filled with anxiety and uneasiness.

"But your decision makes me disappointed, even a little desperate." Su Wan finally couldn't help but burst into tears, "I don't know if I can still trust you."

Lu Ming's heart trembled. Su Wan's words were like a hammer, hammering down on his heart. He had never thought he would lose her trust at this moment. Guilt and powerlessness washed over him. "Wan'er, I don't mean to disappoint you. I just want to survive."

"But you didn't consider my feelings." Su Wan lowered her head and tears rolled down her face.

Lu Ming's heart tightened, realizing he'd neglected the most important thing in this crisis. His lover and work were becoming increasingly intertwined, yet he'd neglected them. He reached out to comfort Su Wan, but she pulled away.

"I need time." Su Wan's voice was low and decisive.

"Okay." Lu Ming nodded helplessly, feeling powerless. He knew that no matter what he said or did at this moment, it would not mend the rift between them.

Over the next few days, the distance between Su Wan and Lu Ming grew. Su Wan avoided spending time alone with Lu Ming. Whenever they met, she would always be busy with her work, filled with dissatisfaction and doubt about his decisions. Lu Ming, on the other hand, fell into deep self-blame and anxiety, his attention always absent-minded.

One night, Lu Ming was working overtime in the office, feeling irritated. He picked up his phone, debating whether to message Su Wan, but ultimately decided against it. He knew he needed time to gather his thoughts and find a solution.

Meanwhile, Su Wan returned home, feeling lost. She couldn't understand why Lu Ming would choose to conceal such an important matter, and she was filled with doubt and anxiety. After a few days of calm reflection, she decided to talk to Lin Xiaoyu, hoping she could get some advice.

In the cafe, Su Wan confided her worries and confusion to Lin Xiaoyu. Xiaoyu listened carefully, then frowned slightly. "Su Wan, I understand how you feel, but Lu Ming is on the verge of a company crisis right now. He may not have time to consider your feelings."

Su Wan nodded, but still felt helpless in her heart: "However, his decision makes me feel that he is hiding something from me, and even betraying our promise."

"The trust between you has indeed been tested, but this doesn't mean your relationship is over," Lin Xiaoyu suggested. "Perhaps you could try to communicate with Lu Ming again, tell him how you feel, and let him know that you don't object to his decision-making, but rather hope to be involved in it."

Su Wan pondered for a moment and seemed to have a flash of inspiration. She understood that building trust required the efforts of both parties. If she wanted to save the relationship, she had to take the initiative to communicate instead of remaining silent.

A few days later, Su Wan finally mustered up the courage to talk to Lu Ming again. She arranged to meet him at a restaurant, hoping to express her thoughts in a relaxed atmosphere.

When Lu Ming saw Su Wan, he felt a surge of warmth in his heart, but then he felt a little nervous. They sat at the dining table, and the atmosphere was a little awkward.

"Ming, thank you for being willing to see me." Su Wan smiled slightly and made up her mind secretly.

"I'm glad to meet you too." Lu Ming's voice was a little hesitant, with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

"What I want to say is that I don't disagree with your decision-making, but I hope to participate in it." Su Wan's voice was firm but gentle. "I hope you can treat me as your partner, not an outsider."