Chapter 20

• “If he doesn’t restart the inhale project, they will be dissolved and split into the other three tech teams…and if they have no use for them….” Ling trailed off, knowing that a couple of years ago, there had been five tech teams. When they cut back on projects to save money they started hemorrhaging, they cut loose seven employees with no tasks. Ling didn’t know if the same would happen here. She had no idea what kind of man Kai Xuchen was. If he aimed to use her project and team against Meilei, maybe he would do that. Tech contracts were easy to terminate during evaluations. Exaggerated reporting of failing to meet standards or requirements would see them gone.
• “He can’t do that! They worked so hard and are the most skilled techs in that department… They work best together.” Meilei was close to tears. Her eyes welled up, and she clenched her teeth in sheer panic. The pacing intensified as she tried to self-calm.
• “We won’t know anything about his intentions until you resign…. This might be his way of forcing your hand. He must know by now how much that project means to you. You were the proposer and lead designer. You sign off on every stage, and he can access the files.”