79: Chapter 79 The Decline of Human Nature
Next, Zhuang Hua stayed in the hospital to recuperate, taken care of by her parents. She also handed the house key to Chen Hao, asking him to first go home to get her computer, and then go to the studio to stabilize the situation.
Chen Hao, Qian Zhaodi, Zhang Menglu, and Wang Lichun drove the audi to Zhuang Hua's house.
On the way, Qian Zhaodi revealed some untold truths.
"When we were drinking the night before last, Zhuang Hua already said that she was going to look for Liu Jiannan the next day to reconcile."
"The incident happened that night. That scumbag Liu Jiannan, it seems he tried to force himself on Zhuang Hua. When she resisted, Liu Jiannan grabbed an ashtray and smashed her head open."
"Seeing the situation was bad, that scumbag actually ran away. If Zhuang Hua hadn't managed to call me with her last breath, she might not have made it through last night."
"For a scumbag like that, how can we let him off easy if we don't report him!"
The three women chattered on, all denouncing the scumbag Liu Jiannan, saying that although he looked refined, he was actually a degenerate hypocrite, a beast in human clothing.
Chen Hao sighed as he drove.
"You can know a person's face but not their heart. This incident also tells us a lesson: when partnering in business, don't become romantic partners. Once you break up, it’s very likely to lead to a collapse."
Qian Zhaodi glanced at Zhang Menglu beside her and asked bluntly.
"Who are you pointing at with that remark?"
"Just making an observation, don't overthink it."
They arrived at Zhuang Hua's house just like that. Upon opening the door, the previously clean and tidy home was now in chaos.
Clutter was scattered everywhere, there were broken ashtray fragments on the floor, and a large pool of blood, which was shocking to see.
Qian Zhaodi was about to step in when Chen Hao stopped her.
"Have the police been here?"
"They came long ago. Don't worry, they already collected evidence. We can go in."
The four then entered the messy interior.
Torn pieces of clothing, a disheveled sofa, scattered debris—one could even imagine the scene where Liu Jiannan, driven by his beastly desires, tried to force himself on Zhuang Hua, with the two chasing and struggling as she desperately resisted.
Chen Hao shook his head, casting aside his fantasies.
He went to the study, took Zhuang Hua's laptop, left the ruined home, and headed straight for the business school.
A formal training lecture was not a project one person could complete; it included market research, logistics, teaching assistants, on-site coordination, and lecturers.
Zhuang Hua claimed she had a team of a hundred people, and she wasn't lying. At this moment, the studio was packed with people, numbering over a hundred.
However, when Chen Hao and the others arrived, the studio was noisy, with people either huddled together whispering or arguing loudly; the scene was very chaotic.
Because of the disorder, Chen Hao's group of four entered without anyone noticing, as they were still gathered in small groups, discussing things anxiously.
After listening for a while, they roughly understood what they were arguing about.
One reason for the uproar.
Zhuang Hua was the main person in charge of the studio, essentially the top boss, responsible for overall coordination.
Liu Jiannan managed logistics and personnel expenses, meaning he controlled the studio's accounts.
The top boss and the second boss had a falling out. One was hospitalized, and the other was imprisoned. The studio accounts were frozen, meaning the promised profit shares could not be distributed, causing widespread panic and resentment.
The second reason.
Many partner companies had encountered this situation: they could endure hardship together but not enjoy prosperity together. Once money was made, various problems followed.
This included uneven profit distribution, arguments over who worked more and who worked less, and other trivial issues.
For example, a certain Deyun Crosstalk Society was a typical case of this.
The third reason.
Even Chen Hao hadn't expected that his mid-way entry would become the fuse for the disintegration; many people were dissatisfied with him.
If profit was compared to a cake, some people were responsible for baking, some for decorating, and some for the cream—they all worked together to make the cake. When it was ready to be sold, someone joined the team and wanted to take a share of the results earned through everyone's hard work, expecting to reap rewards without effort while taking the lion's share. Naturally, many people would be unhappy.
Chen Hao listened secretly for a while and managed to find a fourth reason amidst the discussions.
Whether large companies or small enterprises, factional issues always exist: who is close to whom, who associates with whom, who is having an illicit affair with whom, and so on.
This team was no exception.
Take Zhuang Hua, for instance. She was in charge of management, coordination, and overall direction of the training, but she delegated logistics, personnel, and finance to Liu Jiannan.
Liu Jiannan had strategic dissatisfaction with the leadership and secretly made small moves to control public opinion, which could also coerce the leader into changing her original intentions.
Zhuang Hua's main purpose in bringing in Chen Hao was not to divide the cake that was already baked but to sell countless portions of that cake.
Liu Jiannan, blinded by jealousy, failed to see the business opportunity. Therefore, he must have spoken ill of Chen Hao to the employees yesterday.
Under pressure from the crowd, Zhuang Hua overruled the objections, which is what caused the rift in the team.
The conflict escalated when they were alone that evening, turning into an unmanageable situation.
Chen Hao had collected enough information, then stepped forward and publicly announced his identity.
"Everyone quiet down, look over here, and listen to me."
The entire place gradually quieted down. Some recognized Chen Hao, while many others did not.
"You actually dare to come? This whole mess is your fault!"
Those who recognized Chen Hao immediately started attacking him verbally.
"First, I need to explain the current situation and the crisis you are about to face."
The entire room fell silent, everyone listening intently to what Chen Hao had to say.
"Zhuang Hua is hospitalized and won't recover for at least ten days to half a month."
"Liu Jiannan has been apprehended and arrested. The bank accounts are frozen. He might be sentenced to three to five years, which means he won't be able to give you your shares anytime soon!"
The crowd erupted in an uproar, discussing amongst themselves!
Chen Hao waited a moment, then continued.
"This isn't even the most serious crisis."
The entire crowd looked back at Chen Hao, waiting for his next words.
"If we cannot resume classes normally, once we are sued, all of you could very likely face charges of collective fraud or illegal fundraising!"
At this point, the collective anger could no longer be suppressed.
"What's the point of you saying all this?"
"It's all your fault! If you hadn't gotten involved, none of these problems would have occurred!"
Chen Hao looked at the barrage of accusations with disdain and said.
"I'm kindly reminding everyone: anyone who wants to leave can do so now. When Zhuang Hua is discharged, you can discuss the profit sharing with her. But if anyone is willing to stay, you can work with me to research a solution."
"Solve what? Only an idiot would agree to stay!"
"When a new emperor takes the throne, he appoints his own officials. It’s his decision now. Let’s go, let’s go!"
"Hmph, you bringer of bad luck!"
Most of the studio staff dispersed in a rush, cursing as they left, with a large majority gone.
Qian Zhaodi pulled Chen Hao aside and questioned him.
"Aren't you just making things worse?"
"I am helping her screen for usable talent,"
Chen Hao remarked with feeling.
"When people are successful, most of their affections are false. Only when they are down on their luck do you see true loyalty. Those who are willing to stay in this situation are enough to prove their loyalty."