Summit Farmer
Chapter 1644 - 1642 Breaking the Ice

Chapter 1644: Chapter 1642 Breaking the Ice

The office of the Engineering Technology Department was a bit messy, with computers on as everyone worked on their tasks, but upon closer inspection, many were playing games or trading stocks.

When Peter Brown entered the office, the younger staff members quickly stood up, but the three older ones just nodded at him as a greeting while remaining seated.

Sitting down, Peter Brown smiled and said, "Is everyone here?"

Fahad Thompson replied, "Almost everyone is here."

"Well, today we’re holding a small meeting. Since I became deputy manager in charge of the Engineering Technology Department, this is the first time I’ve called such a meeting. I just want to get to know everyone."

Everyone kept their heads down, busy with their work, as if what Peter Brown had said had little to do with them.

Seeing this, Peter Brown understood that people here didn’t really think highly of him, and probably doubted his abilities as well.

At this point, Fahad Thompson said, "Peter Brown, the Engineering Technology Department is a highly specialized division, everyone here will handle their own responsibilities efficiently."

As soon as Fahad spoke, everyone who had been busy lifted their heads. There was a stir among them. Fahad Thompson, an old-timer and possible candidate for deputy manager himself, had openly criticized Peter Brown’s promotion to manager and was now calling him by name, making it clear that he had no business meddling - it was a direct blow to Peter Brown’s face.

Now, everyone was eager to see how Peter Brown would handle this situation.

Truth be told, to be publicly humiliated in front of so many people like that – Fahad Thompson surely had the nerve to do so.

Peter Brown was equally surprised that Fahad Thompson would dare to act this way. But then it dawned on him; this guy was Azrael Richardson’s man, showing his loyalty and picking sides now.

With that in mind, Peter Brown smiled and said, "Comrade Fahad Thompson is right, the Engineering Technology Department is indeed a highly specialized division. I’ve looked at your profiles: Milo Harris from Capital University, Florida Collins graduated from Provincial University, and Flynn Carter is from East Sea University. You three are the Group’s talents. I’ve always had high hopes for you. Now, I just want to understand your situation better. What made you think of joining our company in the first place?"

What was this all about?

Everyone felt taken aback as Peter Brown seemed to have completely disregarded Fahad Thompson’s point, and instead started praising the three young people from prestigious universities.

To be honest, these three university graduates had just been assigned to work here, the longest being only two years. All of them were already thinking of transferring, and they had mentioned feeling deceived into joining the Group, expecting to work in the provincial capital only to end up in County Town.

Hearing Peter Brown’s question, Milo Harris immediately became indignant, saying, "I’m from this province. I saw the Group recruiting and the job post said it was in the provincial capital. But then after joining, they sent me through a series of ’training’ that led me to this dump."

Peter Brown just laughed and said, "I remember that Mr. Walter, our deputy department head, is also from your university. He too felt deceived at first. All the classmates who came with him have left, but he stayed on. Now looking back, it turns out he’s the one who’s done best for himself."

Milo Harris could only respond with a bitter smile, "Luck also played a large part in it."

Peter Brown then turned to Florida Collins and said, "I suppose you were also tricked, right?"

Florida Collins also gave a wry smile, "That’s true. In a place like this, there’s no telling when it will end. My family has already told me to quit this job and find another one in the city."

Peter Brown said earnestly, "Everyone feels the same way, and I understand that. When I first started out, I was just a migrant worker, and everyone thought I wouldn’t amount to anything. But I didn’t believe that my life would always be like this. I buried myself in studying when others were resting, I was also reading books. I’ve always had this idea, as long as I work hard, my life would change."

Everyone knew about Peter Brown’s journey, and now, as they heard him recount his story, the young people all looked up at him. They felt that this new assistant manager was more relatable and open-hearted, not like some leaders who acted superior to others.

"Manager Walter, we all know a bit about your story. To be honest, I really admire you. In such a short time, you went from being a farmer to an assistant manager of a branch office," one commented.

With a smile, Peter replied, "Many people think that I was able to rise up because of Edward Ford’s help. To tell the truth, that’s indeed the case. Edward Ford is like a benefactor in my life. If it weren’t for him resolving my job situation, I’d still be bricklaying."

Everyone nodded silently upon hearing this.

Looking at everyone, Peter continued, "Life is full of opportunities, and it’s up to us to seize them. Indeed, Edward Ford helped me find a job, which was like giving me a hand up. But if I didn’t make an effort myself, just consider the situation in the branch office. With so many capable people here, how could I have stood out from all the talents?"

"Yeah, we’ve all been thinking about that. Henry Ford did give you a hand, but then he was transferred. You had a conflict with Rylan Williams, and yet, despite the difficulties, you managed to hold your ground, and now you’ve even been promoted. Manager Walter, tell us, what’s the reason?" Florida Collins asked eagerly with her bright eyes fixed on Peter, clearly curious.

Peter chuckled and said, "That’s why I say, aside from someone giving you a boost, a person’s development also depends on their own effort. You all know about my dealings with Mr. Williams, right? What would’ve happened if I hadn’t known about computers and foreign languages back then? And about going to the city to get certified, everyone knew too. If everyone thought I cheated and I didn’t have the ability during the public examination, what would the result have been then?"

At this moment, everyone began to reflect.

"Manager Walter, you’re right, having more knowledge is always good, and everything requires preparation," said Fahad Thompson, furrowing his brows.

Fahad Thompson spoke with an annoyed expression, "Peter Brown, let’s talk about those matters later. Now is the time for the meeting."

Smack!

Peter slammed the table and addressed Fahad Thompson, "Fahad Thompson, I haven’t even started on your management issues yet. I’ve been observing for a while now. Just look at your office—total chaos. Employees coming late and leaving early is a constant occurrence, and then look at what everyone is doing: playing games, stock trading. How many are truly focused on their work? Everyone here is your comrade; you should interact more with everyone to get their support for your work and to do well. And look at you, acting all high and mighty. Who do you think you are? If you can’t manage, the company can replace you with someone who can. As the assistant manager in charge, I can forgive you for being impolite to me. But when I’m trying to have a heart-to-heart with colleagues during a meeting, why are you interrupting? Show your competence by managing your department well."

"You!"

Fahad Thompson didn’t expect Peter to strike his desk in front of so many people, and he was momentarily stunned. Suddenly, he jumped up and swung a fist at Peter.

Seeing that Fahad Thompson was indeed enraged as intended, Peter secretly smiled to himself, pleased with the effect. Now he could gauge everyone’s stance since he’d made his position clear.

Although the confrontation had been intense, he had spoken his mind about the stagnant Engineering Technology Department and now awaited everyone’s thoughts.

As people held Fahad Thompson back, Peter looked over at the few individuals who had been called out and said, "The branch office has been considering the situation of the Engineering Technology Department for a while now. The next step will be to adjust everyone’s tasks!"

After finishing his speech, Peter Brown walked out with long strides.

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