His Contractual Mistress

The arrival of Dean Kingsley calmed the tense atmosphere. Vincent set aside the issues he addressed to accommodate the old man. 

He glanced at his father-in-law, nodding at Jacob before he shifted his gaze to Chairman Kingsley and said, "Sir, let me lead the way to the conference hall." 

Dean nodded and happily followed Vincent. 

Left behind in the conference lobby, everyone had a baffled expression on their faces. They did not expect Vincent to have a good relationship with Chairman Kingsley. 

Kingsley Company is Davies Corp.'s major business partner in their UK branch. The two companies collaborated in distributing petroleum anywhere globally, including pharmaceutical supplies. 

Everyone remained where they stood and could only stare at the back of the two people swallowed by the conference door.

If there is someone among their business partners they should not offend, was Chairman Dean Kingsley. 

Once everyone settled to their seats later, the quarterly meeting began. 

The only noise they could hear in the next few hours was the person reporting on the small stage in that conference auditorium as everyone listened carefully until the end. 

"What do you think, Vincent?" 

After the reports, Jacob asked his son-in-law's opinion concerning the sales statements for the third quarter of the year. 

It was the moment Jacob opened the floor to discuss the concerns in their operation to that year and then the preparation for the upcoming holidays in months. 

Vincent did not give his response instantly but lowered his gaze, took a glance at the computer screen in front of him before he met his father-in-law's eyes. 

"Chairman, I am hesitant to give my opinion because I want to do something first. In fact, I have a request." 

"Alright. What is it?" Jacob wears a solemn expression to show his authority, hiding his excitement that he looks forward to Vincent's ideas, which he could sense will be beyond exceptional. 

"I wanted to review every sales report from all of our branch offices." Vincent's request, which caused the Finance Department Head to frown. 

"Are you doubting our reports, Mr. Shen?" Mr. Webb asked with a hostile gaze at Vincent. 

"I didn't doubt your reports, Mr. Webb. My purpose for this request is to come up with which work I should do first by next year. As I plan to reform this corporation, I want to inform everyone ahead of time to have enough preparation for the changes that include the products we produce in every part of the world." 

He added, "I want to specify what product we have had the highest sales. If we keep distributing products that have fewer sales among others, then maybe it is the reason we have so many damaged goods. If we sorted out which places and what products are in demand, then we should concentrate on that." 

Vincent shared his conclusion based on today's reports and the data he reads in Davies Corporation's past sales graphs. 

Davies Corp is a very successful conglomerate; however, some aspects failed to profit. They are not losing from it yet, but they can actually work to raise their sales in these products with a new strategic plan. 

While Jacob and Dean shared a satisfying gaze, the stakeholders began debating and sharing their thoughts. When everyone got divided opinions, Dean Kingsley spoke up. 

"Why don't we listen to Vincent's further explanation? I think he has better ideas to solve our problems in losing sales in some aspects of our company." 

Finally, everyone shut their mouths and looked at Vincent like they were putting him into a judicial examination. 

They were only waiting for him to make mistakes. If his solution wasn't good enough, it was their perfect time to scold and embarrass him. 

Vincent nodded at Chairman Kingsley with grateful regard in his eyes. He then carried on… 

"Chairman Davies and I were planning to visit both of our local and international branches and production facilities. So I am hoping everyone prepared full reports of what was sold most during different seasons by then. I also need detailed records of a survey on our middle-class and lower-class consumers. It should be a nationwide survey, especially in rural areas. We all know that these groups of people have different preferences and priorities." 

"Mr. Shen is undoubtedly knowledgeable regarding this matter," Dean Kingsley commented with a smile. 

"I guarantee I am Chairman Kingsley," said Vincent with confidence. "Every summer break I have from college, I am on training at our other company that Lopez Corporation owns, including the ones in the United States. I got to perform for a couple of months, and sometimes I have to work outside, such as traveling to different parts of the country. Then I observed that other products that Lopez Corporation produces are not consumed well." 

"I took it as an assignment. During my trips across the country, I learned the importance of introducing more in-demand products to certain communities. People are from different ethnicities. We all have different preferences, such as sweet, salty, or spicy foods." 

"Aside from that, are the group of consumers. I know you all knew this…." Vincent paused for a moment to study the faces of everyone before he went on. 

"One is eyeing the quality of the product, and the others prefer the prices that are affordable even if it is not good quality. But we should not forget the third group that wants a good product at an affordable price. It was like the real estate industry. More preferred the comfort and privileges they would get, setting aside the cost. In contrast, the lower class set their eyes only on what will cost them, even if the place is uncomfortable, especially for a huge family." 

Jacob and Dean both chuckled inwardly. They were only talking about food products, but Vincent could relate a housing industry to the first basic needs of a person, and that is food. 

Vincent truly has his way of applying his expertise to other aspects of the business. It is what the two chairmen had in their minds. 

As no one seemed to oppose him, Vincent carried on explaining… 

"I want to discuss our products that were demanded by the middle class and lower-class community. Our products appeal to the upper class because of the brand, but how about those rural areas? Maybe it's time for us to reach out to them, not just the significant consumers in areas with a higher percentage of families who can afford compared to small towns that are looking for cheaper brands." 

"So? What solution should we conduct? Should we develop an old product that suits their preferences? Or should we make new ones?" 

Vincent swept his gaze to the entire room, waiting for someone to answer his questions and share their opinions. This kind of work mainly falls on the Production and marketing team, so Vincent looked at the managers from that department. 

As they, who studied this matter and ran a survey, he expected they would be the first people to argue with him.