Chapter 815: Follow-up Matters

Brilliant Pharmaceutical Group – 98th Floor, CEO’s Office.

Wan Yunhai stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, a phone in one hand and a cigar in the other. He gazed at the sprawling city skyline, his expression unreadable.

“Why did it fail?” he asked flatly.

From the phone came Xiao Zhan’s cautious voice. “That man’s strength was far beyond our expectations. Blood Dragon, Banner, and Bart weren’t just defeated—they were seriously injured.”

A flicker of emotion passed through Wan Yunhai’s eyes. “All three of them couldn’t beat Lin Xiao?”

“Yes.”

Afraid of being blamed, Xiao Zhan scrambled to shift responsibility.

“He’s too powerful. Not even human—he’s a monster. Honestly, I don’t think he even used his full strength.”

Wan Yunhai’s thick brows slowly furrowed into a 川 shape. Still, his city-tempered composure remained. No matter how furious he felt, his face stayed calm.

“Tell me everything that happened at the hotel. I want every detail. Leave nothing out.”

Xiao Zhan exhaled in relief—at least for now, his head was still attached. He cleared his throat and began his report.

“This morning, as you instructed, we brought half the Security Department to the hotel and staged a welcome banquet for Lord Blood Dragon. We deliberately leaked the news. As expected, Lin Xiao took the bait and showed up with his people…”

After listening to the full account, Wan Yunhai stood silently for a long time, his face like stone.

“Master… Lin Xiao said we need to submit our resignations within the hour. Should we…?”

Though Wan Yunhai couldn’t be seen, Xiao Zhan could practically feel his displeasure through the phone. He braced himself and asked carefully.

Wan Yunhai said coldly, “He tells you to resign, and you just do it? Since when did you take orders from him?”

“Master, you misunderstand!”

Xiao Zhan panicked and immediately pledged his loyalty. His entire livelihood came from Wan Yunhai—one word from the man could destroy him.

“If you don’t want us to resign, then even if he beats us to death, we absolutely won’t submit.”

Wan Yunhai took a deep drag from his cigar and slowly exhaled a ring of smoke.

The smoke rose and dissipated mid-air, casting a haze over his face. His gaze turned indistinct and contemplative.

He understood why Lin Xiao was forcing them to resign. Doing so made it look like a voluntary departure—clean, quiet, and hard to challenge. It kept things simple and avoided unnecessary fallout.

Still holding the line, Xiao Zhan grew uneasy at the prolonged silence. “Master… are you still there?”

“Forget it. I miscalculated this time. Let him enjoy his little victory.”

Wan Yunhai pinched the bridge of his nose. “Just do as he says. Don’t make a fuss over something this minor. Otherwise, the others will start thinking we’re weak.”

“Yes, I understand,” Xiao Zhan replied respectfully.

Wan Yunhai hung up.

For a few seconds, he stood in place without a word—then suddenly raised his arm and smashed the phone to the ground.

The high-end device, worth nearly ten thousand yuan, shattered instantly. Pieces scattered across the carpet.

After venting, Wan Yunhai gradually regained his composure. He stubbed out his cigar in the ashtray, sat in his leather chair, closed his eyes, and fell into silence.

No one knew how much time passed before he finally stirred. He reached out and pressed a black button beside the desk.

A curvaceous, elegant woman entered the room. Ignoring the phone fragments on the floor, she bowed. “Master, your orders?”

“Have Xiaotian come see me. Immediately.”

“Yes, sir.”

The woman left.

A few minutes later, Wan Xiaotian arrived at the office. Dressed in a pristine white suit, he looked especially dashing today. “Father, you called?”

“I have a task for you.” Wan Yunhai got straight to the point.

Wan Xiaotian was momentarily surprised but quickly composed himself. “Please instruct me.”

“Go to this address. Meet someone. Tell them I’m willing to cooperate—but they must show sincerity.”

Wan Yunhai picked up a fountain pen, scribbled something on a notepad, tore off the sheet, and handed it to his son. “Be careful. No one else must see this.”

Wan Xiaotian took the note, eyes flickering with doubt. “Father… what is this?”

“Don’t ask questions. Knowing too much won’t help you. Just follow my instructions.” Wan Yunhai waved him off. “Go.”

Wan Xiaotian hesitated, took a deep breath, and nodded. He slipped the note into his pocket and left without another word.

***

Meanwhile—

Back at Brilliant Pharmaceutical Group, shortly after Lin Xiao returned, Xiao Zhan and the others did indeed submit their resignations and quietly packed their things.

The Security Department—one of the most vital arms of the group—occupied two entire floors, complete with lounges, offices, conference rooms, gyms, and training halls.

As the new department head, Lin Xiao had his own private office. Since it was his first day, the furnishings were still minimal. Other than a desk, a few chairs, and a computer, the room was bare.

That suited Lin Xiao just fine. Too much clutter would’ve made him uncomfortable anyway.

He sat behind his desk, flipping through a stack of documents—personnel files on the department’s remaining members.

At the moment, including Lin Xiao, only seventeen people remained in the Security Department. More than half had been dismissed, leaving a gaping hole in manpower.

A knock came at the door.

Without looking up, Lin Xiao said, “Come in.”

Wang Xiao entered and placed a stack of papers on his desk. “Director, these are the resignation letters from Xiao Zhan and the others. Please take a look.”

Lin Xiao didn’t even glance at them. He casually tossed the entire stack into the trash bin. “Sit. I have a few questions.”

Wang Xiao softly acknowledged and sat across from him.

“Our biggest priority now is recruitment and appointing new team leaders.” Lin Xiao sat upright, his gaze steady as he looked at Wang Xiao’s delicate features. “How did the Security Department handle recruitment before?”

Wang Xiao thought for a moment, then replied, “There were two main methods. One, selecting from the group’s affiliated security companies. Two, open recruitment from the public.”