Lu Haifeng knew precisely what was on everyone's mind.
As the company expanded, vacancies had surged, especially for senior roles. And the people in this room? They were the first in line.
"I know what you're all thinking," Haifeng said, his tone light but sharp. "With the way our company is growing, we're going to need many more people. And not just workers—leaders."
"Some of you here will step into those roles. Promotions, raises… your shot at the top."
Laughter rippled through the room. No one needed convincing. Everyone wanted a seat at the table—and this was the signal to make their move.
An invisible fire lit under the supervisors. Outside of a few department managers, most began mentally preparing to outperform, outmaneuver, and outshine. It was game time.
"Healthy competition between departments is good," Haifeng continued, smiling. "It pushes the company forward."
"I like ambitious people—the ones who aim high and don't wait around to be told what to do."
His message was direct: prove yourself or step aside.
That was the company's ethos—meritocracy by design. Anyone who made it up the ladder had earned it. And anyone coasting on the title alone? Their days were numbered.
The system wasn't arbitrary. It was modeled after best-in-class companies like Huawei. Internal promotion wasn't about seniority—it was about impact.
"Let me be clear," Haifeng said. "Just because you hold a position now doesn't mean it's permanent. If you're biding time until retirement—save us both the trouble and resign now."
As the meeting neared its end, Haifeng turned to Chen Changchun.
"You will handle the Audi Group's reorganization documentation."
This wasn't just delegation—it was trust.
"Understood, President Lu. I'll make it a priority."
"If you're short on people, hire more. You have full authority—don't wait on me."
Then came the formal announcement of the company's first major leadership reshuffle since its upgrade.
Haifeng would serve as chairman of the newly expanded Audi Group. The freshly established Power Company would be headed by Kong Sheng, formerly sales department manager, now promoted to CEO.
Vacancies opened up across the board. Supervisors and department heads were selected from internal ranks, with the final roster signed by Haifeng himself.
This was intentional. It gave Kong Sheng full command over a handpicked team. Haifeng doesn't hesitate to replace, as this setup will not fail.
Audi Auto Manufacturing remained under Zhao Jianhua, who also took on the role of vice chairman. Every department manager and supervisor who was currently active was reassigned to relevant positions under Zhao's team.
Any remaining roles would be filled internally, promoting layer by layer.
Finally, a new division was born—Audi's Automotive Research Lab—led by Xu Zhilin. Its mission was more than just R&D; it was also about talent cultivation. For Haifeng, the key to long-term dominance wasn't just capital or products.
It was people.
After the closing remarks, the executives dispersed. Celebrations were set for that evening, but one man stood out—Kong Sheng.
The moment Haifeng left, he was swarmed.
Everyone had the same idea: get him drunk at tonight's banquet.
Haifeng, back in his office, wasn't celebrating. He was worried.
The upgrade was done. The land was secured. The capital was in place.
But one problem remained: people.
A lot of them.
"So many positions to fill…" he muttered. "Where am I going to find that many skilled professionals?"
He made a note to speak with Xu Zhilin and Wang Cheng—maybe they had connections. The HR department would handle the rest.
That night's banquet was held in the company cafeteria—Audi's own, so no hotel rental was necessary. Moving the party outside was a logistical nightmare with night shifts still running.
Besides, Haifeng had already ordered the cafeteria team to go out: lobster, abalone, and the works.
"In my view," he said, "you never skimp on good food."
The event? A full-blown celebration.
"Tonight we celebrate our Audi team—first and third place at Ward's 10 Best Engines!" Haifeng raised his glass.
"Everyone off duty tonight—eat, drink, and enjoy. And starting tomorrow, base salaries go up 20%!"
The response was deafening.
"President Lu is incredible!"
"I love his style—says it, does it!"
"Let's toast President Lu!"
"To President Lu!"
The entire floor was on their feet.
That night, Haifeng drank with every single team.
The price? He got hammered.
So did everyone else.
Xu Zhilin? Drunk. Wang Cheng? Drunk. Kong Sheng? Knocked out within minutes of arriving.
Haifeng didn't even remember how he got home.
He woke up the next morning, dizzy and dehydrated.
He didn't go to work.
Instead, he rested through the morning… and then headed to Xu Zhilin's place.
They had more work to do.