Free Meals, Zero Bonus: The Office Revolt Begins

"Is there a problem with that?" I asked evenly.

Left completely speechless at my words, Cecily glanced around in a panic. This time, however, what greeted her were pairs of eyes burning with fury.

After a brief, suffocating silence, the hall exploded.

"Cecily Plinkton! Are you happy now? What are we supposed to eat now?"

"This is all because of your stupid video! You ruined our good times!"

"The afternoon tea was my daily source of happiness, and now it's gone!"

"And you, Jeremy Stinson! You were the one who kept fanning the flames in the group chat! Are you happy now?"

In an instant, all the blame shifted to Cecily and Jeremy.

I waited until the shouting died down slightly before adding my final point.

"According to the Finance Department's calculations, after implementing all the reforms mentioned above, the Administrative Department can save the company approximately 2.25 million dollars in operating costs per year.

"So, I'd like to thank you all for your oversight. You've helped us promptly put an end to our previous, erroneous practice of 'pleasing the employees at any cost' and allowed the company to return to the fundamentals of business."

Just as the hall descended into complete chaos, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen. It was the project director from Stellar Group.

I answered the call and switched it to speakerphone.

A steady, composed voice immediately filled the conference hall.

"Ms. Clarke, sorry to disturb you. I just saw the internal announcement regarding your company-wide meeting.

"Given the decisiveness, efficiency, and business logic thinking your company demonstrated while handling this PR crisis, our board has conducted an emergency reassessment.

"We believe that a company capable of correcting mistakes so resolutely, controlling costs, and refusing to be swayed by public opinion will be a trustworthy long-term partner."

The entire hall fell silent. Everyone held their breath and pricked up their ears.

"So, what you're saying is…" I asked calmly.

A hint of a smile entered his voice. "We've decided not only to proceed with the existing partnership, but we also hope to start a deeper strategic partnership with your company.

"The two newly established subsidiaries under our group will have a marketing budget of roughly 25 million dollars for next year. We'd like your company to handle it in full."

The whole hall erupted.

"A 25-million-dollar contract?"

"Oh, my God! Our company is going to hit it big!"

"Doesn't that mean our year-end bonuses are going to double?"

"That's amazing! I knew Ms. Clarke was amazing!"

"I told you—stick with Ms. Clarke, and you'll never go hungry!"

Panic and fury were instantly washed away by an overwhelming wave of ecstasy. Many people started looking at me with eyes full of admiration.

And Cecily and Jeremy—the two who had been hailed as heroes just moments ago—were now seen as the people who had almost destroyed everyone's livelihood.

Cecily's face was ashen. Her body swayed, and she was barely able to stand.

Jeremy's forehead was slick with sweat. He didn't dare meet anyone's eyes, his head hanging low.

I ended the call and surveyed the room. Picking up the microphone, I delivered one final announcement.

"The new cafeteria standards and benefits policy will come into effect tomorrow.

"Additionally, due to the serious negative impact and potential risks this incident has caused the company, the board of directors has decided to cancel this year's year-end bonuses.

"Meeting adjourned."