[Chapter 478: Meena's Promotion, Li Xiaoran's Raise]
"Meena, how did the beauty pills I gave you last time work out?" Linton asked.
"Boss, it worked amazingly," Meena's eyes sparkled as she replied. "After I took it, my skin felt like it had been reborn. For over a week, it was like I was undergoing nonstop skincare treatment -- I didn't need to wear any makeup at all. Unfortunately, the effect seemed to fade a few days ago, and my skin has started to feel dry again. If I could keep taking that beauty pill regularly, I believe someday my skin could even rival Li Xiaoran's."
It was mid-March now. The thick snow covering the farm had largely melted, and sprigs of green were beginning to push through the thawing ground.
Construction had officially started on Linton's health product factory. The building wasn't large -- just a single story, with a warehouse included, totaling around 5000 square feet. They expected the construction to last about six weeks.
The factory manager was about to be appointed, and many preliminary preparations were underway. This was why Linton had called Meena to his study for a private conversation.
"Meena, I'm sure you've realized by now that I've developed a groundbreaking product -- the beauty pill. The factory for its production has already broken ground, and I'm ready to begin manufacturing in earnest. Now, I need to appoint someone to manage the factory. This position is extremely important, and since you're the person I trust the most, are you interested in becoming the general manager?"
Meena was stunned. "Me? The general manager of such an important factory? Boss, you want me to take that role?"
"Yes, exactly."
"Boss, don't joke around. I don't have that kind of expertise. I've worked as your assistant for years, but that was in the media industry. This is manufacturing -- I really don't know anything about running a real business or managing production."
"That's okay. This factory will be quite simple -- a small facility with just one assembly line, about 30 workers, and relatively low output."
Meena hesitated. "I may not understand how to run a health product or pharmaceutical company, but I know production is only one part. Isn't research and development and sales even more important?"
"You're right, that's true for most health product companies. But mine's different. You won't need to worry about R&D or sales; your job is just to ensure production runs smoothly."
"But I don't know how to run production either."
"Let me put it this way: the manufacturing process in this factory is very simple. The role of general manager doesn't require extremely high skills, but it's incredibly important to me personally. I need someone I truly trust to take charge, and you're one of the very few I can rely on."
"Boss, you really trust me this much?"
"Of course. You've been with me for over four years -- I trust you completely."
"Do you really think I can handle managing the factory well?"
"Absolutely, there won't be any problems."
"But if I leave, who will take care of your work and personal life? Li Xiaoran still hasn't fully learned everything."
"You don't need to worry about that. Li Xiaoran has been learning for a few months now; it shouldn't be an issue. Besides, there are several people in the secretarial office too."
"But I still don't want to leave your side," Meena admitted, though inwardly tempted by the opportunity. It was obvious that once the beauty pills hit the market, their potential would be explosive. Being the factory manager would bring far greater social status and income than her current role. However, like Winnie had warned, after more than four years by Linton's side, her heart and mind were completely attached to him. Her greatest dream was to one day climb into Linton's bed, join his inner circle.
Though she knew it would be difficult, as long as she stayed nearby, there was always hope. If she left now, that dream would likely die.
"Sweetheart, people need to grow. You can't be my assistant forever."
"But I want to stay by your side forever," she said softly.
"Look at it this way: this is my home, my real base of operations. This factory will become one of my core enterprises. By managing the factory, you'll still be working close to me."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. And didn't you just say you want to keep using the beauty pills long-term?"
"Yes. After experiencing it, who wouldn't want to continue?"
"Do you know the price per dose?"
"How much?"
"One pill's effect lasts ten days. To use it continuously for a year, you'd need 36 pills. They come 18 pills per bottle, and each bottle costs $100,000."
"Wow, that expensive? How much money could the factory make in a year?"
"Now you understand how important this factory is to me."
"Boss, so I have a really high position in your eyes?"
"Yes. Like I said, you're my most trusted person. Also, as the factory manager, there's a bonus."
"What bonus?"
"You won't ever run out of the beauty pills yourself. With enough pills on hand, you'll only become more beautiful."
Meena thought it made sense -- her biggest obstacle to winning over the boss was her looks. After a period of taking the pills, her appearance would be more attractive. Then, her chances of capturing Linton's heart would increase.
"Alright, since you trust me so much, I'll take the job."
"That's the spirit. Come with me; I'll walk you through the production line and how we'll operate it..."
---
The next day, Linton called Winnie and Li Xiaoran into the study together.
"Xiaoran, how's your assistant training going?"
"Boss, I finished studying the Assistant's Efficient Workflow Manual and have been learning practically from Meena for four months. I feel fully ready to handle the assistant role."
"So can you manage as my assistant on your own now?"
"What about Meena?"
"She has other tasks assigned. Can you handle it?"
"Maybe... I think I can."
"Are you sure?"
"When is Meena leaving exactly?"
"Officially, in a week. But starting now, she'll begin other work duties."
"Okay, then I'll use this week to thoroughly review everything with her for a smooth transition. I don't think there will be any problems. If I encounter something I'm not sure about, I can still ask Meena for help, right?"
"Of course. I'm giving you a month to adjust. If you really can't handle it, I'll select a new assistant from within the company."
"Thanks, boss. But I still can't write your speeches."
"Don't worry about that. I'll have Elizabeth, the office manager at the film company, also serve as secretary for the chairman's office. Your job is just to be my assistant; leave everything else to her."
"Thank you, boss. I promise there will be no problems."
"Starting this month, your salary rises to $4,000 per month. If after one month's probation you perform well, your pay will match Meena's previous $8,000 monthly."
*****
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