Bernard Arnault’s series of actions left the world in awe and full of praise, except for those employees who were blindsided.
They thought they could coast for three years, but it turned out to be a fleeting joy, not even lasting a minute.
For the next three years, they either continue as mascots in their roles or simply resign and find other jobs.
Although being a mascot at work means less busyness than before, time is still not free, with fixed hours for starting and ending the day.
Moreover, for those in sales positions, without sales, there are no commissions, so they are left with just the base salary.
In this case, most salespeople likely cannot hold on and will choose to resign voluntarily.
This, in turn, helps Bernard Arnault’s group cut costs and boost efficiency. Since they were not planning to focus on sales, voluntary resignations are perfect, eliminating the need to support idle staff. Each store only needs a few security guards and one or two receptionists, who do not need client networks, sales experience, or sales techniques, just polite and respectful treatment of customers.
The sales elites, without commissions, will naturally leave on their own, without a penny in compensation.
It must be said, Bernard Arnault’s calculations are extremely shrewd, with almost every detail accounted for.
However, aside from his sales staff, others cannot see through this and only think Bernard Arnault is the best boss in the world, a man who is simply extraordinary, a model modern capitalist, completely overturning the notion that capitalists are bloodsuckers.
For a time, Bernard Arnault’s human brilliance shone brightly across the globe.
Meanwhile, the President and his team of advisors were utterly defeated, like roosters after a fight.
There was nothing left to do.
Truly, nothing left to do.
Moreover, Bernard Arnault’s positive influence was astonishingly large. America could not touch him and now had to provide a satisfactory response.
Otherwise, with the global attention he garnered today, if the American government did not address the issue head-on, its reputation would take a significant hit.
At this moment, the President realised the tide had turned. Protecting Blackwater, their guard dog, was no longer easy. The only solution was to cut losses, sacrifice the dog, and save themselves.
Thus, the President, utterly dejected, said, “Alright, stop resisting. No need to strategise anymore. Have the FBI launch an investigation immediately, thoroughly probe the masterminds and core motives behind the White Horse Island incident.”
A round-faced advisor spoke up, “This matter is actually a private deal between Blackwater and the Syrian opposition. The opposition wanted to use Blackwater to eliminate Hamid, seizing his impregnable base. Blackwater aimed to frame Wanlong Hall through this attack, labelling them a terrorist organisation to take their Syrian base. Both sides got what they wanted, so honestly, we have no reason to cover for them.”
“Exactly,” the President nodded, his stern and irritated expression easing slightly. He sighed and said, “Let the FBI handle it impartially. We cannot control Syria, but anyone at Blackwater involved in planning this must be arrested and punished severely.”
He continued, visibly frustrated, “But this way, most of Blackwater’s leadership will likely not survive. Their reputation will be ruined, and they will probably have to disband. Our global strategy loses a good dog, and without a military hound, our forces will face more trouble.”
The round-faced advisor quickly suggested, “Mr. President, I have an idea to minimise losses.”
The President urged, “Speak quickly.”
The advisor proposed, “Why not seize this chance to promote someone suitable from the military? They need some prestige, military achievements, and business acumen. Let them leave the military to start a new venture, a Blackwater replica.”
“Then we secretly help. With the FBI investigating Blackwater, we can legitimately access all their mercenary data. We give this person the mercenary list, find a few compliant Wall Street tycoons to fund their company.”
“This way, with connections, prestige, funds, and Blackwater’s mercenary data, they can naturally recruit Blackwater’s scattered mercenaries, quickly forming a fighting force.”
“Moreover, this is our own controlled proxy, far more manageable than Blackwater, which outsmarted itself. What do you think?”
“Holy cow,” the President exclaimed, delighted. “Afang, this is the best plan you have come up with since taking office. Excellent, I am very pleased. Proceed as you suggested. Publicly execute Blackwater to appease the public, resolve our current reputation issues, then dismantle and rebrand it.”
