Xu Xiangbei felt helpless, indeed unable to completely blame Shen Congru. It was his own idea to force Zhao Changheng to step down. If one radish fills one hole, then driving Zhao Changheng away meant that the responsibility of saving Thunderbird Group naturally fell onto his shoulders.

Thunderbird Group was on the brink of bankruptcy, who would care about the launch of Ancient Moon Red Dust.

Xu Xiangbei resented Shen Congru for hiding these details, not mentioning them until after he had signed the appointment letter and became the CEO, only then did he learn about these insider details.

Xu Xiangbei, feeling conflicted, asked, "Why didn’t you tell me sooner? The company is in immense debt and is about to go under. Why would I be this foolish shareholder?"

Shen Congru replied earnestly with a serious expression, "You said it yourself. If I had told you the truth, would you have taken on the role of CEO of Thunderbird Company? The Thunderbird Group is a pit, a very deep pit. I brought you in hoping you could save it, save us. Zhao Changheng is a competitor of Thunderbird Group; he has his own Hengyu Group. If he became the CEO of Thunderbird Company, I feared he’d just kick us when we’re down, instead of truly helping the Thunderbird Group out of its predicament. You are different. From the months I’ve known you, I feel that whether it’s racing or healing and saving lives, nothing is impossible for you, as long as you’re willing to do it. I have a unique positive and uplifting motivation. I sincerely want you to lead us, lead the entire Thunderbird Group out of this pit, not to drag you into it."

Watching the flushed Shen Congru, Xu Xiangbei’s anger gradually dissipated. He drained the red wine in his glass and said disdainfully, "You think so highly of me, aren’t you afraid of us going down together?"

Seeing Xu Xiangbei say this, a hint of joy flashed in Shen Congru’s eyes, knowing that Xu Xiangbei was no longer angry about the matter. He returned to his calm smile, "How could I be? You’re Dr. Xu, the person who heals people and saves lives. As long as you’re willing to act, saving a company should pose no issue."

"It’s not enough to trust me; you need to support me more. I need an additional interest-free loan of 100 million. Otherwise, no matter how much you trust me, I’m powerless. The company, with thousands of employees, hasn’t issued salaries in two months. If we don’t pay them, they’ll all leave, just like a person without blood. No matter how potent a cure I apply, I can’t save it."

Hearing about the need for a 100 million interest-free loan, Shen Congru found it difficult but, after some consideration, gritted his teeth, "Alright, no problem. I will definitely secure an interest-free loan of 100 million for you. If we live, we live together; if we die, we die together."

Xu Xiangbei smiled as he raised his crystal-clear wine glass to clink glasses with Shen Congru, the Bordeaux wine in the glass glistening with an amber glow under the light.

"Refreshing! Only you, Shen Congru, dare to deceive me, and after deceiving me, still share a drink with me. I really admire you." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Manager Qian was tidying up her handbag, reluctantly looking around the office where she had worked for many years. Over twenty years ago, she was just a young girl working as a junior accountant at Thunderbird Group.

Twenty years, how many twenty years does one have in life? She devoted all her youth to Thunderbird Group.

She diligently worked her way up from a junior accountant to finance manager, witnessing the company’s growth from a small office firm to one of Earth Sea City’s prominent large groups.

What was touching was the saying, all good things must come to an end. It felt like the end of an era was nearing, a sense of desolation and loss lingering for a long time.

The office door creaked open, she wiped away the teardrops from the corners of her eyes, restoring her cold demeanor, "Come in."

Xu Xiangbei opened the door and walked in, grinning mischievously, "Manager Qian, hello. Your office is very tidy."

Indeed, it was spotless; the desk free of clutter, the trash can emptied, and the folders were neatly arranged as if preparing for a farewell by clearing everything up.

Looking at Xu Xiangbei, Manager Qian displayed a cold expression.

She sighed inwardly, thinking it laughable that such a young CEO could even exist. Likely another spoiled scion like Lei Ziming; Thunderbird Group was really doomed.

Ever since Lei Ziming returned from America, she’d sensed that this company was bound to be ruined by someone like him, and reality had proven her intuition correct.

"Manager Qian, I’ve reviewed the detailed account book you gave me. They’ve truly squandered the company; just look at what a good company they’ve ruined. But don’t worry, since I’m here, I will definitely turn the company around. I hope Manager Qian will work with me on this"

Slick-mouthed and ingratiating, was Xu Xiangbei’s first impression on Manager Qian. She adjusted her glasses and chuckled inwardly; how could such a young person claim to turn the company around? With what?

Despite her thoughts, she couldn’t express them verbally. She smiled faintly, "President Xu, you must be exhausted. Going through those thick account books in a day; tomorrow is the company’s regular payroll day. The employees haven’t been paid for two months, and as you can see, there’s not a penny in the account. I’m older now and tired. I’d like to continue working for one more month and then retire, which means I probably won’t be able to work with you, President Xu. You’ve just become the company’s CEO, young and promising; you must work extra hard."

Upon hearing Manager Qian’s intention to resign, Xu Xiangbei smiled but didn’t voice anything to persuade her to stay, acting as though he hadn’t heard it.

Xu Xiangbei smiled faintly and said, "Manager Qian, I need to tell you something. This afternoon, head over to the commercial bank to handle procedures with Shen Congru; it’s difficult to secure a 100 million interest-free loan. Young Master Shen specially approved it on my behalf. Since you mentioned tomorrow’s payday, and given that I don’t have much cash, I will first provide 100 million to purchase raw materials and pay salaries to allow the company to function normally. Personally, I have a principle of never delaying salaries. If there’s no money in the company account, I’ll take it out personally. I’ve already transferred the funds to the company account, so take as much as you need to pay everyone first. You’re an old employee of the company, so you should stand firm at such critical times. You have things to do. I have some business to discuss. If there’s anything urgent, contact me by phone."

He left his business card on Manager Qian’s desk and departed from the finance department.

Manager Qian stared blankly at Xu Xiangbei, only snapping back to reality after he had closed the door and left.

Impossible, a 100 million interest-free loan? She had approached so many banks, begged and pleaded, yet couldn’t even secure a high-interest loan of a million.

In the past, when the Thunderbird Group was flourishing, banks competed fiercely to offer loans.

But ever since the Lei family was imprisoned, every bank had seemed to view her with suspicion, the ones who used to welcome her with smiles now avoided her completely.

Xu Xiangbei, an inconspicuous young man, managed to obtain a 100 million interest-free loan? Is he telling tales?

Most unbearable was the attitude of casually saying he couldn’t spare much money, yet could easily offer 100 million, as if it were as simple as treating someone to a meal. Who are you, really? Can you refrain from bragging?