mchenry-crisis.org Chapter 159: Promoted to Executive Director, and he doesn't even need to clock in.
Chapter 159: Promoted to Executive Director, and he doesn't even need to clock in.
When Lu Ran pushed open the door to the vice president's office, Li Deming was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling street scene of Shanghai.
He turned around when he heard the door open.
This was a middle-aged man in his fifties, with his hair neatly combed and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He had a refined demeanor mixed with the shrewdness of a businessman.
"Director Lu is here, please have a seat." Li Deming smiled and gestured to the sofa, then sat down on the single sofa opposite him.
The secretary brought in two cups of tea, gently placed them on the coffee table, and then quietly withdrew.
"Did Mr. Li need something from me?" Lu Ran asked bluntly.
He doesn't like beating around the bush, especially in front of executives of this level.
In comparison, he got along much better with Li Mo, and sometimes he would even call him "brother".
Li Deming picked up his teacup and gently blew on the steam: "Director Lu has been riding high lately. The success of 'Those Years, Those Rabbits, Those Things' has not only brought huge profits to the company, but more importantly, it has enhanced Xingyao's standing in the industry. The board of directors speaks very highly of you."
Lu Ran smiled but didn't reply.
Sometimes, when someone in a superior's position says something, you can't even tell if they're genuinely praising you or subtly criticizing you.
However, he knew that such an opening usually came with a "but".
Sure enough, Li Deming changed the subject: "However, I heard that you're very close to Shen Yuege's studio, and even have quite a few collaborative projects?"
Lu Ran had already considered this, so he remained calm: "Shen Yuege is my wife. Her studio is just starting out, and I'm providing some assistance within my capabilities. That shouldn't be considered a violation of company rules, right?"
You can just fire me, that way I won't have to stay here for another six months.
Anyway, I was in a low position when I joined the company. Although I have now been promoted to director, the administrative positions in the back office have not been adjusted yet. Even if I breach the contract, I can just pay this small amount of money.
"Of course not." Seemingly sensing the hostility in Lu Ran's tone, Li Deming quickly waved his hand and explained with a gentle smile, "Not only does it not count, the company also strongly supports this kind of healthy cooperation. After all, it's good to keep the benefits within the family."
He put down his teacup and leaned forward slightly: "Director Lu, I called you here today to discuss something important. After discussion and decision by the board of directors, we want to promote you."
Lu Ran raised an eyebrow: "A promotion?"
Li Mo was right. Although he had thought about it before, he felt that the promotion was too fast. Even for someone with connections, there was no precedent for such a rapid promotion.
"Yes. The position of Director of the Animation Division is no longer sufficient to reflect your contributions to the company," Li Deming said. "We plan to create a new position—Executive Director of Content Creation, reporting directly to me. In addition to continuing to manage the Animation Division, you will also be in charge of all content creation departments in the company, including the Script Center, Music Production Department, Post-Production Department, and so on."
This position wields considerable power, almost equivalent to the second-in-command of the company's content division.
If it were Lu Ran six months ago, he might have thought that the higher the position, the easier it would be to slack off, and he might have agreed directly.
But now he feels that things are not as he expected.
Since leaving the editorial department, he has worked his way up from department head to director, and he has become increasingly busy.
Even the few spoiled brats originally designated for their department are now incredibly ambitious.
If I were to get promoted again, wouldn't Star Glory take off?
It cannot be done, absolutely cannot be done.
"President Li, thank you for the company's trust." However, Lu Ran still carefully chose his words. "I already have enough on my plate. I need to oversee the follow-up production of 'That Year, That Rabbit,' the script for 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' has just been written and is about to enter the casting stage, and Shen Yuege's studio also needs my help... I'm worried that if I take on such an important position again, I won't be able to keep up with the energy."
Li Deming seemed to have anticipated his response, and calmly took out another document from the drawer.
"Director Lu, don't be so quick to refuse. Take a look at this."
Lu Ran took the document, opened it, and saw that it was a new salary plan.
Basic salaries have tripled, performance bonuses are unlimited, and 0.5% of the company's annual profit will be distributed as a special dividend.
Based on Star Entertainment's profits last year, 0.5% would amount to nearly ten million.
The most attractive feature is the last one—no need to check in all year round.
"In addition," Li Deming continued, "the company will allocate more resources to you. The budget for the projects you're in charge of can be increased by 30%; the team you need will be prioritized by the company; and even..."
He paused, then looked at Lu Ran meaningfully: "As long as it doesn't involve core competition, the company can provide appropriate support for the resources your wife's studio needs. For example, actor secondment, equipment sharing, and cooperation on publicity channels."
Lu Ran's fingers tapped lightly on the document, but he was already very excited.
Having company support is hundreds of times better than having personal support.
Although I can create works for Shen Yuege, I can't provide some other resources.
Now that we have a big tree to shelter under, the effect will definitely be better.
So he understood.
This isn't just a simple promotion and raise; the company wants to bind him to Xingyao with a long-term contract.
It was no secret that he was going to Shen Yuege's studio.
"How long does the company want me to sign for?" Lu Ran asked.
"Five years," Li Deming said. "For the next five years, you will remain Xingyao's Executive Director of Content Creation. After five years, if you wish to leave and start your own business, the company will not stop you; in fact, it will support you as an investor."
These conditions are quite generous.
Lu Ran remained silent for a few minutes, quickly weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
If he accepts, he can legitimately mobilize Xingyao's resources to help Shen Yuege's studio grow.
Moreover, this position does allow him access to more core resources, which is beneficial for his future development.
More importantly, Xingyao values his creative abilities, not wanting to confine him to management.
Li Deming's words implied that he could participate in Shen Yuege's studio's projects through a collaborative approach.
"I have another question," Lu Ran looked up, "If I accept this position, how far can the collaboration with Shen Yuege's studio go?"
Li Deming smiled: "As long as Xingyao's core interests are not harmed and company secrets are not leaked, we can sign a supplementary agreement allowing you to participate in external projects in your personal capacity. Furthermore, Xingyao can even establish a strategic partnership with Xingyue Studio."
Having said all that, the sincerity is more than enough.
Lu Ran closed the document, stood up, and extended his hand: "President Li, it's a pleasure to cooperate with you."
Li Deming also stood up and shook his hand firmly: "A wise choice. Director Lu... no, now I should call you Executive Director Lu."
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