In the days that followed, Julyan became busy, carefully fulfilling his role as Mr. Long’s assistant. Currently, he was at a conference discussing some temporary changes that Mr. Long had arranged. The room was filled with team leaders, each heading their respective departments, all listening intently to Julyan, whom they saw as Mr. Long’s trusted assistant.
“Good morning, everyone,” Julyan began, projecting confidence as he addressed the room. “As you know, we have some important changes coming up, and it’s crucial that we streamline our processes to ensure efficiency.”
He glanced around the room, making eye contact with each leader. “First, the logistics team needs to double-check all shipping schedules. We can’t afford any delays, especially with the upcoming inspection.”
The logistics leader nodded, taking notes. “We’ll ensure all schedules are optimized and any potential bottlenecks are addressed.”
“Great,” Julyan continued. “The finance department should prepare a detailed report on our current expenditures and projected savings from these changes. We need to present a clear picture of our financial health.”
The finance leader acknowledged, “We’ll have the report ready by tomorrow morning.”
“Marketing,” Julyan said, turning to another leader, “I need you to draft a communication plan to inform our partners about these changes. Clarity and transparency are key.”
“Understood,” the marketing leader replied. “We’ll ensure all communications are aligned with our objectives.”
Julyan paused, knowing the importance of his next words. “Lastly, I want everyone to be on their best performance today. We have the company president coming for an inspection.”
A murmur ran through the room, but Julyan quickly reassured them. “This is an opportunity to showcase our capabilities. Let’s make sure everything is in top shape.”
The conversation continued as they discussed other important matters, ensuring that each department was aligned with the upcoming changes and expectations. They covered logistics, finance, and marketing strategies, making sure everyone was clear on their roles and responsibilities.
As the discussion concluded, Julyan dismissed the meeting so the plans could be executed immediately. Shortly after, the Logistics team leader approached Julyan.
“Mr. Hawk, we have overlapping shipments. What method should we use?” the team leader asked.
Julyan thought for a moment before providing a detailed solution. “Let’s prioritize the shipments based on urgency and destination. Use alternate routes to avoid delays.”
The team leader’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “I hadn’t thought of that. Thank you, Mr. Hawk!” he said before quickly leaving.
As Julyan was about to leave, the Finance team approached him. “Mr. Hawk, we have gaps in our cash flow because some companies are refusing to pay. What should we do?”
Julyan offered a temporary solution. “Adjust the budget to cover the gaps for now. I’ll personally handle collecting from these companies.”
He thought about how stubborn these companies were about payments, unaware that the Costa Familia owned the trading company. The finance team thanked him politely before leaving.
Then, the Marketing team arrived, seeking advice from Julyan. “What marketing plan should we implement?”
After a brief pause, Julyan suggested, “Let’s use social media platforms. It would be more effective if we did a promotion through a parody or a humorous scene.”
The marketing team thanked him and left with a fresh idea. Since they were focusing only on banners and printing ads, they didn’t think about using social media’s power, in addition to posting updates on their channel as ads.
After the meeting, the company returned to operations, working more efficiently as instructed by Julyan. At that moment, a large man entered, dressed in an elegant, expensive suit that exuded an air of authority and respectability. Julyan immediately approached him and introduced himself. He was assigned to meet with the President today because Mr. Long is currently on a business trip.
“Good day, President. I’m David Hawk, Mr. Long’s assistant,” Julyan said, while thinking to himself, ‘so this is the Underboss of the Costa Familia’. Julyan could sense an intimidating strength emanating from the man.
The man gave a nod and said, “I’d like you to take me through each department for an inspection.”
“Of course, sir,” Julyan replied with a polite nod. “Right this way, please.” He then began to lead the man through the company, ready to explain each department’s operations.
As they walked through the first department, Julyan began his explanation. “Here in logistics, we’ve optimized our shipping schedules to ensure timely deliveries. We’ve also implemented alternate routes to avoid any potential delays.”
The man listened intently, nodding as they moved on to the finance department. “In finance,” Julyan continued, “we’ve adjusted our budget to cover any cash flow gaps. We’re also actively working on collecting outstanding payments from our clients.”
The man raised an eyebrow, impressed by the proactive approach. “And how are you handling the more stubborn clients?” he asked.
“I’ll be personally overseeing the collections,” Julyan replied confidently.
As they reached the marketing department, Julyan explained, “We’ve launched a new campaign using social media platforms. Our strategy includes humorous and engaging content to capture a wider audience.”
The man seemed pleased with the innovative approach. As they continued their tour, employees greeted the man with respect, acknowledging his presence.
After visiting the last department, the man seemed satisfied with what Julyan had showcased. He knew that Mr. Long was absent because he was a soldier of the Costa Familia, tasked by the Don with other duties. The reason why Mr. Long hired Julyan was to ensure that he could manage other Costa Familia businesses smoothly.
After wrapping up a few more discussions with the President, the man left to attend to their other businesses. Julyan returned to his office and picked up the phone to call the Finance Department.
“Hello, could you send me the list of outstanding debts?” Julyan requested.
A short while later, a man entered Julyan’s office, carrying three lists. He handed them over politely. Julyan glanced at the names and immediately recognized them as small-time gangsters who bullied smaller companies and refused to pay their debts. A smirk crossed his face as he read the names of the three companies that owed them money. He knew exactly where to find these people.
Standing up, ready to visit his first target, the man who brought the list spoke up with concern. “Mr. Hawk, what are you planning to do?”
Julyan replied casually, “I’m going to pay each of them a visit to collect what they owe.”
The man’s eyes widened, and he warned Julyan in a respectful tone. “Those companies have a scary reputation, sir. Even though they’re small, they’re run by gangsters who don’t follow any rules.”
Julyan responded calmly, “They’re just piles of trash. What’s the big deal?”
The man thought Julyan must be out of his mind and had a death wish, but before he could say anything, Julyan told him to relax and return to his department. Then, Julyan casually walked out.
The man watched helplessly as Julyan left the company. He couldn’t just stand by, knowing how important Julyan was to the company. “Whatever happens, happens,” he muttered to himself before deciding to follow Julyan, saying he’d accompany him. “Mr. Hawk, wait for me,” he shouted as he followed Julyan outside the office.
He made this decision because his team leader had instructed him to keep an eye on Julyan in case he impulsively decided to confront those on the list. Who would have thought his team leader’s warning would come true?
Julyan didn’t say a word and allowed the man to accompany him. They headed to the company’s parking space and got into Julyan’s car before driving to a bar called “The Silver Serpent.”
Upon arriving at the bar, both Julyan and the man got out of the car. The man, puzzled, asked Julyan, “What are we doing at a bar this early?”
‘Are we here to have some fun? But it’s way too early for that,’ he thought.
Julyan replied sarcastically, “We’re here to table.”
“To table?” the man questioned, puzzled.
Julyan ignored him and walked straight into the bar. The man was taken aback by Julyan’s actions. “What is Mr. Hawk planning?” he muttered to himself, hesitating before nervously following Julyan inside.