C12 Empty Shell Company

Chen Zhixuan vividly recalled the struggle he faced when he graduated, the lengths he went to secure a position at this company. He had even bribed the supervisor with his meager living allowance, a move that barely landed him a low-level job, thanks in part to the prestige of his alma mater. Throughout his tenure, he endured constant harassment from the supervisor, from fetching breakfast to running personal errands, even fronting money for lipstick purchases.

Others might have fled such a toxic environment, but Chen Zhixuan felt anchored by a debt he couldn't ignore—the college tuition cobbled together by his parents through loans from friends and family. The shame had weighed heavily on his parents, who faced the humiliating reminder of their debt whenever they encountered their lenders.

With these memories pressing on his mind, Chen Zhixuan took a deep breath. He had once resigned himself to just getting by, but now, with the advent of the system, he possessed the power to transform his life. And he hadn't forgotten the supervisor's mistreatment; today was the day he'd settle both past and present grievances.

Approaching his cramped two-square-meter workspace, Chen Zhixuan glanced at the note with the day's tasks—yet another list of personal favors for the supervisor. With a scoff, he crumpled it up and tossed it into the trash can without a second thought.

"Hey, isn't this our company's rising star? What brings you here so late?" jeered a somewhat handsome young colleague.

"Get lost, you little pest," Chen Zhixuan retorted icily.

"What did you just say?" The young man bristled like an agitated porcupine, moving in close to Chen Zhixuan.

"I said, you little pest. I can't fathom how you handle the boss's overbearing demands. No wonder you're always downing those energy tonics. And you think you've been discreet? The whole company knows you're paying your own way to stay in her good graces," Chen Zhixuan taunted with a sly gaze.

"Shut up!" The young man, enraged, lunged at Chen Zhixuan.

But in the blink of an eye, he met his downfall. He was sent flying backward as if shot from a cannon, crashing into his computer. The screen shattered with a snap, spiderweb cracks splintering across the display.

"Chen Zhixuan, are you staging a mutiny? How dare you resort to violence in the office? This is a place of business, not a stage for your outbursts. You think a few years of work here makes you superior? You're destined to be walked all over for life," a shrewish voice erupted from behind Chen Zhixuan.

Without turning, Chen knew exactly who it was—the 300-pound senior manager, the only one capable of such a bellow.

"Darling, are you okay?" The next moment, the manager's voice softened to syrupy sweetness as she rushed to the little beast, sending chills down Chen's spine and raising goosebumps all over.

"Darling, haha." The colleagues nearby couldn't contain their laughter at the pet name, but as the manager's glare swept over them, they quickly fell silent, though their faces turned a telltale red.

"Darling, your mommy's here for you," Chen Zhixuan quipped from his chair, eyeing the little beast with amusement.

"Security, security! Remove this man immediately. As of today, he's no longer employed by our company," the manager barked, her face stormy.

Security guards burst in, casting Chen an apologetic glance—it was clear they were reluctant to lay hands on him.

"Old hag, no need to bother—I'm out of here. But let me leave you with a piece of advice: your 'baby' is exceptionally frail. Be careful you don't crush him to death tonight," Chen Zhixuan retorted with a cold huff, tossing his packed belongings aside.

"Ah! Security, call the police, now! I want him behind bars," the manager shrieked, her face contorted with rage, eyes bulging like brass bells.

Chen Zhixuan ignored her and made his way out.

"What are you waiting for? Do you all want to lose your jobs?" the manager snapped at the security guards, who reluctantly followed in pursuit.

"Brother, we're really sorry, but you can't leave just yet," the security guards said to Chen, their voices tinged with embarrassment.

Chen Zhixuan chuckled and took a seat at the reception desk, pulling out a pack of Zhongnanhai cigarettes and offering them around.

"Man, you really jumped the gun. Why'd you have to go and rile up that harpy? Now you're out of a job and gotta make a trip to the station," an older security guard chided Chen Zhixuan.

"Big bro, I had no choice. That harpy was just too much. You know what they say, right? It's either perish in silence or erupt. I'm not looking to perish, so erupting was the only option," Chen Zhixuan replied with a sly grin.

"So, what's your next move, Mr. Xuan?" the plump girl inquired softly.

"Anran, how about I become your boss?" Chen Zhixuan asked, smiling.

"That would be amazing, Mr. Xuan! If you're starting a business, I'm on board, even if it means no paycheck," Anran responded enthusiastically.

"You're not worried I might sell you out?" Chen Zhixuan asked, feigning surprise.

"Not at all. If Mr. Xuan wanted to sell me, he would've done it long ago. Why bother telling me now?" Anran answered with unwavering calm.

"What's going on here? Who said you could smoke inside the company? Old Sun, how do you run your security team?" a middle-aged man in his forties demanded, scowling at the group.

"Boss, your timing couldn't be better. There's something I'd like to discuss with you," Chen Zhixuan said, rising to his feet with a smile.

"Xiaochen? You've started to go astray too? Causing trouble with Old Sun and the rest?" the boss remarked, clearly annoyed.

"Not at all, boss. Can we have a word?" Chen Zhixuan offered a cigarette.

"No more smoking for me, I've quit. You know my health won't allow it," the boss declined, shaking his head.

"Boss, I've actually got some great news. You're going to want to hear this," Chen Zhixuan whispered.

"Let's talk in my office. And Old Sun, clean this place up. What kind of mess is this?"

Walking through the main entrance and surveying the disarray, the boss remained silent, simply making his way into the company.

"Alright, spill it. What's all this secrecy about?" the boss asked, pouring himself a cup of tea.

"Boss, it's pretty clear what's going on, and everyone's aware of your situation. There's interest in buying your company. I'm curious about your thoughts on the matter," Chen Zhixuan said, his gaze fixed intently on his boss.

The boss remained silent, his eyes locked on the cup of water before him, lost in thought.

Finally, after a lengthy pause, he lifted his head and replied, "Xiaochen, the company is nothing but a shell at this point. Are you certain there's a buyer?"