SkyRise Corporation's security team is divided into internal and external security, totaling over seventy personnel responsible for the company's overall safety.
The external security team, consisting of about forty members, is made up of robust individuals who handle patrols, gatekeeping, fire prevention, and monitoring. Their pay and benefits are slightly higher than those of regular security guards.
The internal security team, however, is composed of retired special forces, martial arts experts, and elite fighters, boasting significant combat skills. They are further classified into top-tier, senior, intermediate, and junior levels, with varying salaries and benefits.
Even the junior-level internal security personnel earn more than typical white-collar workers, making them the envy of many guards.
As the only top-tier internal security officer and acting head of the security department at SkyRise Corporation, Dawson was beaming with joy. The HR manager had just brought him some good news: the official appointment letter for the head of the security department was on its way, meaning he would soon shed the "acting" title.
"Congratulations, Dawson! Once the president's appointment letter arrives, you'll be the head of the security department," said Iker, the HR manager, his chubby face beaming with smiles.
Layla had just called Iker, asking him to join her in the security department to announce the new head's appointment letter.
Typically,personnel appointments are communicated via internal emails. However, for high-level changes, a grand ceremony is held, attended by department heads and branch managers.
Although the head of the security department is considered a managerial position and doesn't warrant a large-scale ceremony, a simple internal ceremony within the security department was deemed necessary to add a touch of formality.
As the HR manager, Iker was the natural choice to host this ceremony.
He arrived early at the security department to inform Dawson to prepare and gather the security team.
Dawson was, of course, delighted. This was a significant moment for him, and naturally, he hoped for some recognition to satisfy his vanity.
"...Iker, you're just joking. It's not set in stone yet," Dawson said modestly, even though he was ecstatic inside.
"Isn't it a done deal? In the entire security department, who else but Vice Minister Dawson has the qualifications? Vice Minister Dawson, you must treat us!" Iker, ever the charmer, quickly closed the gap between himself and Dawson.
Having more friends means more opportunities, right? Who knows when you might need a favor?
Dawson laughed heartily and said with great enthusiasm, "Whether I get the position or not, Iker, you are my friend for sure. Tonight at Sugar Bar, don't miss it. And all of you, come after work. It's my treat."
The other security team members waiting for the minister's appointment cheered and congratulated Dawson.
Regardless of their true feelings, they knew they had to show courtesy and offer congratulations. After all, Dawson would soon be their direct superior.
Of course, there were a few straightforward and honest security members who didn't understand these social niceties. They stood awkwardly on the side, not knowing what to say.
As Dawson responded to everyone's compliments, he kept glancing toward the elevator.
He was getting impatient.
After all the effort to oust the previous minister, the official appointment was finally here.
SkyRise Corporation was a top-tier company both domestically and internationally.
Becoming part of the management team was a dream come true for many.
It wasn't just about the salary and benefits; it was a symbol of status and prestige.
Ding.
At that moment, the president's exclusive elevator stopped on the tenth floor.
Dawson's eyes lit up, and he immediately jogged over.
Iker followed closely behind.
The other security guards instinctively stood up straight, full of energy and spirit.
This was the ceremony for appointing their new department head, so they naturally wanted to make a good impression.
Layla, the CEO's secretary, walked in front, followed by a nonchalant-looking Campbell Watson.
Layla often conveyed the CEO's orders and frequently visited various departments and branches. Dawson had interacted with her a few times and was somewhat familiar with her.
But who was the young man following behind Miss Layla?
Dawson glanced at Campbell with curiosity before turning his attention back to Layla, greeting her warmly, "Miss Layla, on behalf of the Security Department, welcome."
"Miss Layla," Iker also greeted with a smile, his small eyes briefly scanning Campbell.
Layla nodded and smiled in response, handing a document to Iker. "Iker, this is the appointment letter for the new department head. I'll leave the rest to you."
"Alright, no problem."
Iker took the document, his chubby face beaming with a smile. He opened the document and gave Dawson a knowing look.
Dawson, full of joy, straightened his suit and bow tie, ready to receive the appointment.
From today onwards, he would officially be the head of the Security Department.
As they spoke, the group returned to the main hall, standing in front of the eagerly awaiting security team.
"Ahem..." Iker cleared his throat, looking around with a serious expression.
"Everyone, I am the manager of the HR department. I am here to announce the appointment of the new head of the Security Department on behalf of the company."
"I hereby announce that the position of head of the Security Department will be held by... by..."
Iker suddenly froze mid-sentence, his eyes widening as he stared at the unfamiliar name on the appointment letter. He was stunned.
Dawson, who was ready to receive applause and cheers, turned to look at Iker, frowning and suppressing his annoyance. "Iker, what's going on?"
"This..."
Iker glanced back at Dawson, his expression awkward and unsure of how to respond. He then looked at Layla, his eyes filled with confusion.
Layla understood what Iker was thinking. She nodded slightly, indicating that there was no mistake in the appointment letter.
Iker took a deep breath and continued, "The position of head of the Security Department will be taken over by Campbell Watson. Let's welcome our new director."
After making the announcement, Iker stepped aside slightly, revealing Campbell Watson to everyone and clapping his hands a couple of times.
The only applause came from Iker and Layla, making the room feel rather empty.
The security team, along with Dawson, all had bewildered expressions, staring blankly at Iker.
Did they hear wrong, or did Iker read it wrong?
Where did this Campbell Watson come from?
Seeing no one else clapping, Iker awkwardly laughed a few times, lowered his hands, and turned to Campbell. "Director Campbell, would you like to say a few words?"
Campbell Watson nodded and stepped in front of the security team, looking around with a smile. "Hello everyone, I'm Campbell Watson. From now on..."
"Miss Layla, can I ask what's going on here?"
Campbell was rudely interrupted by Dawson.
Perhaps because he was upset about losing the department head position, Dawson's tone was less than friendly, carrying a hint of accusation.
Campbell's eyebrows twitched, a flash of annoyance crossing his eyes, but he quickly composed himself.
Layla frowned slightly, displeased with Dawson's attitude, but she patiently explained, "This is the president's decision.
If Vice Minister Dawson has any questions, you can take them up with the president."
Dawson fell silent immediately.
No way was he going to confront the president directly, even if he had issues with the appointment. SkyRise Corporation's benefits and compensation were top-notch in all of East Sea City; he wasn't about to risk losing that.
"Vice Minister Dawson, if there are no further questions, I'll be on my way."
Layla glanced at Dawson before striding out of the security department, her high heels clicking on the floor, leaving behind a graceful silhouette.
Wow, impressive. Appointed directly by the president.
Iker smacked his lips in admiration, his gaze toward Campbell growing increasingly fervent.
Campbell felt a shiver run down his spine under Iker's intense stare, wondering if the chubby guy was, well, into men. The thought made him shudder.
"Director Campbell, since you're new here, you probably have a lot to sort out. I won't keep you any longer. When you have some time, please come by the HR department, and I'll help you complete your onboarding paperwork."
Iker smiled warmly, showing great enthusiasm towards Campbell Watson.
"Alright," Campbell nodded.
"Okay, I'll be off then, Director Campbell, Vice Minister Dawson. Goodbye," Iker said, glancing at the sullen face of Vice Minister Dawson, a hint of sympathy flashing across his face.
Ding.
The elevator doors opened, and Iker quickly jogged over, entering the elevator with Layla.
As Layla stepped into the elevator, she inexplicably turned her head and met Campbell's gaze. Their eyes locked.
Campbell's lips curled into a mischievous smile, and he raised an eyebrow playfully.
Remembering Campbell's teasing in the elevator earlier, Layla's face flushed. She quickly looked away and pressed the floor button.
"Everyone, from now on, we're colleagues..."
After Layla and Iker left, Campbell intended to greet the security team properly.
However, he was interrupted once again by Dawson.
"Disperse! What are you all standing around for? Don't you have work to do?" Dawson barked, giving Campbell a sidelong glance before shouting at the security staff.
The security team exchanged glances, looking from Dawson to Campbell. For a moment, no one dared to move.
Although Campbell was the director, Dawson's authority was significant, but he was still just the vice minister. With the director present, they didn't dare act without his command.
"Are you all deaf? Or do you think that just because there's a new manager, you don't have to listen to me anymore? Hmm?"
Seeing that the security team hadn't moved, Dawson's face grew even darker, like the sky before a storm.
His fierce eyes glinted with a dangerous light...