Chapter 340: The Reason

Michael Wood's visit came even earlier than Ms. Dru had predicted. Li Mochen had just finished dinner at Angela's when the Major General arrived at Unicorn Apartments.

After meeting, Li Mochen wasted little time in signing an employment contract with him on behalf of Sunrize Appliance Retail Company. The two only had a somewhat heated discussion over the specific salary.

The final agreement was an annual salary of 30 million gold shields, plus various bonuses and subsidies, bringing Michael Wood's income as the company's Chief Security Officer to over 50 million, far exceeding the average salary level of Legendary powerhouses.

Additionally, if Sunrize Appliance Retail Company went public in the future, he would receive some equity incentives. The specific amount would depend on the Major General's merits and abilities.

This contract would take effect immediately after Michael Wood officially retired from the military.

Furthermore, Michael Wood would bring several of his former military subordinates to work at Sunrize Appliance Retail Company.

They were all highly capable retired officers, one of whom was even an 18th-level Arcane Mage.

Li Mochen welcomed this; he was currently struggling to find high-level magical professionals to serve him. As for the potential imbalance in the company's internal power structure, others might worry, but Li Mochen was not among them. He had enough confidence to control the situation in the future.

Even so, Li Mochen still felt surprised: "Major General Wood, may I ask what prompted you to decide to work for my company? Just because you saw my face?"

This was because, before negotiating the contract, the Major General had silently studied him for a full half hour before directly entering the employment contract negotiation phase.

"Based on some physiognomy I've studied, Boss, you have an extraordinary appearance, unmatched even by the legendary emperors of ancient times. But of course, I wouldn't be so hasty—"

Michael Wood smiled: "I've been in this city for five days. I've observed your stores and learned about you, Boss, through various channels. I think I have a sufficient understanding of you and your business. Sunrize Appliance Retail Company may be very weak now, but it is indeed a platform capable of carrying our dreams. Given its current expansion rate, a market value of 50 billion in the future is achievable. Serving as the Chief Security Officer of such a large company does not disgrace my military rank. Moreover—"

He paused here, and the smile on his face involuntarily brought the word 'domineering' to mind: "I don't know if you've heard, Boss, but there's an Eastern saying: 'Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix.' I've endured too much frustration in the military and don't like playing second fiddle to others. My personality isn't suited for it either. So I never considered the employment invitations from those big conglomerates or families. Your place is fine, Boss—though the platform is smaller, I can make the decisions on many things, at least regarding the company's security, right?"

"Exactly!"

Li Mochen laughed: "I won't interfere too much in matters within your authority."

This was true; after all, Michael Wood was the Chief Security Officer, not the Chief Human Resources Officer or Chief Financial Officer. The man's professional competence was trustworthy.

Of course, he also saw the man's flaws: besides being greedy, he was too aggressive. But at this stage, Li Mochen really needed someone bold and willing to fight.

The rise of Sunrize Appliance Retail Company would not be smooth sailing. In the coming battles, he preferred to take the initiative against opponents rather than passively endure attacks.

"I take that seriously—it's your promise, Boss!"

Michael Wood's lips curled: "I think that's enough, and it's the life I want. Enough money, freedom to do as I please in my area of expertise, and a sufficiently brilliant future ahead. I don't think anyone in America could offer me all this."

"Then I believe that Sunrize Company and I will not disappoint you."

Li Mochen then crossed his index fingers and leaned forward slightly: "Michael, since we've reached an employment contract, I won't stand on ceremony. Having served in the Middle East for many years, do you know any trustworthy people there? Both within and outside the military—I mean those willing to live in the shadows."

The black-haired Major General's eyes narrowed: "For the fleet heading to the Anatolian continent?"

"Not just that."

Li Mochen shook his head: "I have other plans that require strong immediate combat power."

...

After Michael left, Eliza, who had the privilege of observing, showed disbelief and a hint of excitement in her eyes.

"I can't believe he actually wants to join our Sunrize Appliance Retail Company—a Legendary Major General!"

At this moment, she was even a bit dazed. This meant that Li Mochen now had three Legendary-level forces under his command, one of whom was Demigod-level.

That was already a notable power on the East Coast of America.

She couldn't have guessed this when she first met Li Mochen a few months ago.

"I'm surprised too. I have Ms. Dru to thank for that."

Li Mochen's lips twitched, then he rubbed his forehead in frustration: "But the cost is high—50 million a year, and we only raised over 900 million in this funding round. I feel my earning ability is far from covering expenses. It seems the trade route to the Anatolian continent must be opened as soon as possible."

The good news was that with such a strong figure in charge, he could leave Atlanta for a short time with peace of mind.

Eliza glanced at Li Mochen with disdain, thinking he was being smug.

Michael Wood was a genuine war hero with outstanding leadership and personal ability; his combat prowess was top-tier among his peers. People like him were usually pursued with blank checks.

At that moment, Li Mochen used his newly replaced encrypted satellite phone to call Samson Brute's number.

"Samson, Michael just recommended some people. I'll have Eliza bring you a list later."

"Michael? Does that mean General Michael Wood has agreed to join?"

"He still needs a few days to handle his retirement paperwork; it'll be at least six days before he takes office. That's good news, Samson. You can now formulate a plan—the one I mentioned to you not long ago."

Even with the satellite phone, Li Mochen didn't dare speak too plainly. Although Iridium, the satellite phone operator, guaranteed their phones wouldn't be tapped or leak information, Li Mochen wasn't entirely convinced.

"The one you mentioned recently—"

Samson Brute had already figured out the answer, and his voice trembled with excitement: "Are you serious, Boss? Are you really preparing to attack?"

"Of course. Turning the other cheek has never been my style."

Li Mochen's lips curled coldly: "We'll have to deal with that trouble sooner or later. But the timing of the operation must be after I return from the Anatolian continent. The first phase goal is to make them dare not look directly at Atlanta and Sunrize Company. During this period, I allow you to complete some personal matters to a limited extent."

This was also for Hazel's sake. The Calamity Fire Dragoness Adrianna was not dead, and she had retained a considerable portion of her power. So even just to eliminate future threats to Hazel, he had to deal with the force known as the Dragon Witch Cult.

"I understand, Boss."

Samson Brute's voice had calmed: "Whether your plan succeeds or fails, I, Samson Brute, will offer you eternal loyalty."