Chapter 389 A Great Humiliation!
From the moment Niu Bijian's loyalty rating dropped from the sixties to the forties, then further down to the thirties, Lin Haoran knew that no matter how capable or talented he might be, he would never entrust him with running a company. After all, a person he couldn't trust was useless to him.
Someone like Ma Shiming, with a loyalty of 88, earned Lin Haoran's absolute trust. Having a subordinate who was both capable and loyal was ideal. Trusting someone merely because they were talented but disloyal would be pure foolishness.
"Niu Bijian is certainly capable. In my view, the blame for Jardines Matheson losing control of Wharf Holdings and the Land Group doesn't fall entirely on him. It was mostly because the British consortiums held too little equity. As a professional manager, he was powerless. Just the idea of the mutual shareholding strategy already proves his competence. He's talented enough to support a major corporation. When I was at Jardines, I learned a lot of management skills from him. If he's willing, I wouldn't mind having him as my deputy," Ma Shiming said with a smile.
"Knowing Niu Bijian's character, if you make him your deputy, he'll probably think you're insulting him. He'd never agree. But if he does, I wouldn't mind giving him a chance," Lin Haoran laughed.
Low loyalty was one thing—Niu Bijian's talent was undeniable. Anyway, with Ma Shiming overseeing him, he wouldn't be able to cause trouble.
But based on Lin Haoran's understanding, he doubted Niu Bijian would ever accept such a role.
"Exactly! From what I know of him over the years, that's definitely his type," Ma Shiming agreed.
As they chatted, the reception desk on the first floor called up, saying Mr. Niu had arrived.
Lin Haoran told them to let him come up directly—after all, Niu Bijian was very familiar with Concord Building, perhaps even more so than Lin Haoran and Ma Shiming themselves.
Soon, Niu Bijian arrived at the 51st floor and entered the General Manager's office.
"Mr. Lin, Mr. Ma, hello," Niu Bijian greeted them politely—a rare sight.
"Please sit, Mr. Niu. May I ask why you wished to see me?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.
"I would like to speak to you privately, Mr. Lin. Mr. Ma, could you excuse us?" Niu Bijian said.
"I don't think that's necessary. Mr. Ma is now a very important partner of mine. There's no need to hide anything from him," Lin Haoran shook his head and replied.
"No problem, boss. I'll step out. I needed to visit the real estate department anyway. Mr. Niu, I'll leave you two to chat," Ma Shiming said with a smile, standing up and leaving the office, even thoughtfully closing the door behind him.
"Mr. Niu, you may speak freely now," Lin Haoran said.
Since Lin Haoran was no longer associated with Jardines, and Niu Bijian was no longer his employee, he couldn't see Niu Bijian's loyalty rating anymore.
If, back when Lin Haoran had taken control of Jardines, Niu Bijian's loyalty had been higher and stable, he might have considered keeping him.
But after his loyalty kept plummeting, Lin Haoran had lost interest.
"Mr. Lin," Niu Bijian took a deep breath, gathering his courage, "I came today because I know Jardines Matheson's future looks bleak."
Lin Haoran raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
"To be frank, I am no longer the Taipan of Jardines. Henry Keswick's brother has replaced me. I believe Jardines will only decline further without my leadership," Niu Bijian said bitterly.
"You're no longer with Jardines? I understand your feelings, but the business world is a battlefield. The shareholders naturally choose whoever they believe is the most suitable leader," Lin Haoran replied, feigning surprise.
Niu Bijian nodded, unfazed by Lin Haoran's reaction. "I'm not here to complain or seek sympathy. I respect your vision and courage, Mr. Lin. The Land Group you control now has a far better future than Jardines Matheson."
"You flatter me. Both Jardines and the Land Group are well-known enterprises," Lin Haoran responded blandly.
"I would like to join the Land Group and contribute my skills. With my experience, I can help the Land Group internationalize and grow even stronger," Niu Bijian finally stated his true purpose, looking at Lin Haoran expectantly.
Lin Haoran paused. So Ma Shiming had guessed right—Niu Bijian was indeed here to seek a position.
Although he admired Niu Bijian's ability, he also knew that his ambition and character were a double-edged sword.
Moreover, Niu Bijian's loyalty issues made it impossible for Lin Haoran to truly trust him.
"Mr. Niu, your ability and experience are indeed impressive. But as you know, the Land Group currently doesn't lack management talent, and team harmony and trust take time to build," Lin Haoran said diplomatically.
"Mr. Lin, I believe that if you entrust me with the Land Group's management, there will be no obstacles. Most of the senior management at Land Group were promoted during my tenure.
And having led Land Group for five years, I know its operations far better than Mr. Ma. I believe I am better suited to lead," Niu Bijian said more directly this time.
Hearing this, Lin Haoran inwardly sneered: "Exactly because you promoted so many people that I'm now gradually replacing them. How could I possibly let you lead?"
On the surface, however, he remained polite.
"Sorry, Mr. Niu. I value Mr. Ma's talent highly, and we have already signed formal contracts. Barring special circumstances, there will be no changes.
Of course, I fully recognize your talents. If you're willing, I can offer you a position as Mr. Ma's deputy, assisting in managing the Land Group. What do you think?" Lin Haoran said smoothly.
At that, Niu Bijian's face immediately darkened.
He had once been Ma Shiming's superior. Now being asked to serve as his deputy?
It was a humiliation.
Niu Bijian's expression shifted rapidly as he struggled to suppress his anger.
Finally, he spoke, his voice cold:
"Mr. Lin, I'm afraid I cannot accept your offer.
I served as Taipan of Jardines Matheson for five years, making countless major decisions.
Being reduced to a subordinate position is not only an insult but also a negation of all my past efforts."
Lin Haoran had expected as much and remained unmoved.
"Mr. Niu, your talents and experience are valuable, but as I said, trust and team harmony are paramount.
If you're unwilling to serve as deputy, I can offer you a consultant position, allowing you to contribute your expertise without disrupting the current management," Lin Haoran offered with a smile.
"Sorry, I'm not interested. Since we can't reach an agreement, I'll take my leave.
Mr. Lin, I hope you'll reconsider—I'm confident that I'm the leader the Land Group needs," Niu Bijian said stiffly as he stood up, adjusting his suit.
He paused at the door, turned back, and added:
"Success often requires a leader with vision and decisiveness. I am that person."
Clearly, Niu Bijian felt reluctant and frustrated about being rejected.
Lin Haoran simply smiled and waved him off.
"Take care, Mr. Niu. I have other matters to attend to."
Niu Bijian was indeed talented—but in Lin Haoran's eyes, loyalty mattered more than ability.
And without loyalty, talent meant nothing.
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