The company had been losing money for two consecutive years. That year, with our biggest client suddenly going out of business, we lost nearly ten million dollars in receivables.

On New Year's Eve, I sent out a company-wide apology email after much deliberation.

The email stated, "At this moment, I regret to inform that we can only increase each employee's monthly salary by 20 dollars this year."

An intern named Ingrid Little took a screenshot of the email and posted it online. In no time, her post started trending.

The entire internet criticized me for being fake and pretending to be poor. They said that my shameless act was a blatant insult to my employees' hard work.

"20 dollars doesn't even cover commuting!"

"Why hasn't this garbage company gone under yet?"

Ingrid replied to each comment with the same line: "I don't care about the money. I just feel insulted. I'm quitting tomorrow."

The next day, I walked into the office with bloodshot eyes and turned on the company-wide broadcast.

I announced, "Since some people believe I've insulted their dignity, you may submit your resignation immediately. However, you will no longer be entitled to the year-end bonus of 20 thousand dollars."

Everyone gasped in disbelief. Ingrid turned completely pale, and some workers even rushed into my office impulsively.

"Boss, this has nothing to do with me! I stand with the company!"

After all, my company had increased salaries for 37 consecutive years and given an average raise of over 2,000 dollars each time. They wouldn't find a company like mine elsewhere.

New Year's Day is around the corner. Merry decorations and colorful lights were hung all over the industrial park.

It wasn't even 6:00 pm yet, but the factory floor was already empty. Everyone had gotten out of work early to prepare for the celebrations.

However, the lights in my office shone brightly.

Our company's biggest client, Keyring Global, had suddenly wound down. They had yet to pay us for a major outstanding invoice.

James Day, the Chief Financial Officer, and I had been tallying accounts for three nights. Sadly, we still hadn't managed to resolve the company's current predicament.

He advised me earnestly, "Ms. Sarandon, we have limited cash on hand right now. We can barely scrape together this year's year-end bonuses. A company-wide salary raise is out of the question.

"After the New Year's holiday, Keyring's bankruptcy liquidation will be finalized. When we recover the receivables, it won't be too late to adjust salaries by then."

I leaned back in my chair in silence. A year ago, my parents had forced me to take over the company. At that time, the factory was already operating at a loss. Now, things had only gotten worse.

I said, "Send out an apology email to all staff. This year, every employee will receive a 20-dollar raise. My parents passed down the unspoken rule of giving a mandatory annual raise each year. I can't just break that streak."

As soon as we sent out the apology, the employees started making a fuss.

Ingrid Little, who had just joined our company through our college recruitment drive this year, went around the factory asking questions.

She said scornfully, "This company is so rich, but they're only giving us a 20-dollar raise. Aren't they embarrassed about themselves? My college classmates all got raises of over a thousand dollars. Now, I'm too ashamed to even attend class reunions."

Her mentor, Bernard Cruz, couldn't stand it anymore and quietly rebutted, "But we have really high year-end bonuses. Besides, the company has had a really tough year."

Ingrid let out a light scoff and retorted in an exaggerated tone, "Mr. Cruz, you're a good worker with strong abilities, but you belittle your worth. Do you seriously believe the company's explanation? You've probably been here too long. Out there, engineers like you are in high demand!"

After saying that, she playfully stuck out her tongue and spoke in a coquettish voice like she was trying to be cute.

She said, "As punishment, you have to wake up early every day and say 'I love myself' three times in the mirror. Before going to bed, shout 'I am the best' ten times."

Bernard didn't understand her. He scratched his head awkwardly and said nothing more.

Just then, a longtime employee, Stuart Hunt, joined in their conversation with a meaningful tone.

He said, "You're new, so you wouldn't know. This is the first year that Ms. Hailey has taken over. She's trying to establish authority over us. She's still young, and she's definitely not as kind-hearted as her parents."

Ingrid's interest was piqued. She pushed her chair over to sit beside Stuart.

"Mr. Hunt, you've been with the company for over 20 years. You definitely know more than I do. Please, tell me more."

Stuart lowered his voice and went on, "Based on this year's output, the company should be making a profit. But Ms. Hailey has just taken over, so what she cares about is net profit. Otherwise, how could she secure her position?

"Old employees like us stay because we have developed feelings for the company. We can only put up with such a meager raise. If her parents were still in charge, they would never let her mess around like this.

"Guess she isn't fond of old codgers like us. I pity you young ones, though. You're dragged down along with us."

After hearing this, Ingrid's eyes darted around shrewdly, and an idea formed in her mind.

"Don't worry, Mr. Hunt. Heartless capitalists are no match for honest, ordinary folks like us. I have a way to make Ms. Hailey back down."

As she spoke, she took out her phone and rapidly typed away.

She wrote, "How shocking! Capitalist boss gaslights employee by giving a raise of only 20 dollars! Tens of thousands of veteran employees are disgusted with such treatment!"

She even attached a screenshot of the apology email below.

After sending it, she waved her phone at Stuart smugly. "Just watch, Mr. Hunt. Today, I'll let the internet judge Ms. Hailey and teach her a lesson she'll never forget!"

As soon as the post was published, it went viral. It was the end of the year, so the hot topic was annual salary raises at the moment. The internet discussed extensively about Ingrid's post.

The next morning, Dennis Brown, the PR manager, knocked on my office door with his phone in hand the moment I came in to work.

I skimmed the post and scrolled through the comments below.

Uninformed and clueless commentators had taken over the comments section. The number of comments kept climbing in real time.

"How do they still have the nerve to make an announcement when they're only giving a 20-dollar raise? Do they expect their employees to get down on their knees and thank them?"

"Look how badly these workers are being exploited. Is it really that hard to live a decent life?"

"This is an innocent college graduate getting her first harsh life lesson from the capitalists. Poor girl."

"Who is the boss of this company? Let's expose them. There are only so many business owners. There are way more workers like us out there!"

I smiled bitterly while pinching the bridge of my nose in distress. I hadn't expected that the apology email I sent out of good conscience would become the trigger for their online outrage.

Dennis was just about to speak when Ingrid and Stuart pushed the door open without knocking and walked straight in.

Stuart looked very sincere, as if he was speaking from the bottom of his heart.

"Ms. Hailey, things are blowing up online. The company's reputation is taking a serious hit. Honestly, you should have consulted us old employees before making such a decision. Look how things have escalated. But it's okay. At times like this, we elders have to step up and do our part."

As he spoke, he nudged Ingrid, who was standing beside him. "Ingrid is one of the top recruits from this year's hires. She was even head of the publicity department in college. She knows how to handle public opinion."

Ingrid stood with her hands in her pockets, her eyes full of arrogant confidence. "Ms. Hailey, a raise in salary is recognition for everyone's hard work over the past year. As you can see, your approach has only sparked widespread criticism.

"Right now, the public sentiment is clear. Everyone thinks you've crossed a line this time. But worry not! As long as you listen to the voice of the people and increase the raise, I'm confident I can turn public opinion around to some extent."

After Ingrid finished speaking, she stared at me intently.

I shook my head, tapping my fingers lightly on the desk. "The company's policies won't change overnight. If there are objections, we can hold an assembly and put it to a vote."

Right at that moment, Dennis, who had been looking down at his phone, suddenly interjected, "Ms. Sarandon, this post has reached number one on the trending list. It has over 300,000 comments!

"The people online have already dug up our company's name. A reporter from Jerton Daily just contacted me. They want to conduct an exclusive interview with you."

Ingrid, who was standing to the side, grew even more brazen. "You seem to be about my age, Ms. Hailey. A word of advice—it's not too late to fix things before it's beyond repair. This company is your parents' life's work. Don't let your ridiculous pride ruin what everyone has worked so hard to build."

I ignored her provocation and veiled threats.

I patiently explained, "First, the 20-dollar raise is only temporary. Once the company gets through this difficult period, we won't mistreat anyone. Second, this year's year-end bonuses will be paid as usual so that everyone can have a happy new year. Do you have any other concerns, Mr. Hunt?"

Under Ingrid's and my scrutinizing gazes, Stuart tried to smooth things over awkwardly.

"Ms. Hailey, you may not be short on money, but you have to think about ordinary folks like us. My son is getting married this year. There are lots of expenses to be paid."

Indeed, Stuart's son was in his 20s now. But he seemed to have forgotten that 20 years ago, it was my parents who privately paid 300 thousand dollars for his son's leukemia treatment when he had just joined the factory.

I had no desire to continue arguing with pretentious ingrates. Not only was it meaningless, but it would only strengthen my resolve for what I planned to do next.

I said firmly, "I'm the one who makes the final decisions in this company. If there's nothing else, please leave. Mr. Hunt, I am now the one in charge. Please don't call me Ms. Hailey. It's Ms. Sarandon for you."

Ungrateful people who betrayed my family's trust were no longer worthy of my respect.

For two consecutive days, the post remained at peak popularity. Dennis was starting to panic.

He said, "Ms. Sarandon, the original poster added a pinned update yesterday. Shouldn't we explain things as soon as possible?"

I opened my phone, and sure enough, there was an update.

"I have confronted my boss head-on, but she sure is stubborn. An insignificant employee like me is powerless against the one calling the shots. I'm going to quit and leave."

It was accompanied by a teary, aggrieved emoji.

In the comments, many people offered words of comfort. Of course, there were also plenty of insults directed at me.

"Losing you is their loss. Wishing you a bright future, brave one."

"What a heartless and unscrupulous boss! They won't even let their employees have a small share of what they deserve while they rake up all the money."

I rubbed my temples in frustration. We must not keep Ingrid around any longer.

I instructed, "First, deal with the internal problem. I assume you already know who posted this. Since she wants to leave, I'll gladly let her resign. As for the rest…"

Stuart was a longtime employee and the sole breadwinner for his family. If I dismissed him, his whole family would be left with nothing.

I couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant to cut him off so mercilessly.

"Ms. Sarandon, I've heard that Mr. Hunt has recently been organizing a collective strike to protest against your salary increase announcement. Several hundred employees have already signed the petition," Dennis informed, observing me cautiously.

It felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over me. It sobered me up instantly.

Back then, my dad had been just as soft-hearted. But last year, just because he had refused to hire the son of a longtime employee, that same employee stabbed him seven times on his way to work.

He was still receiving treatment in Loxim, while I had been forced to cut short my studies abroad and return to take over the company urgently.

Was I going to follow his path and endlessly support these ingrates without limits?

I took a deep breath and instructed, "Draft a public statement for me to explain the entire situation. Notify all employees that we will hold an assembly to discuss the salary increase and year-end bonus plan at 10:00 am tomorrow.

"Also, invite reporters from Jerton Daily as well. It would be best if the whole thing is livestreamed."

After handling everything, I slumped over my desk in a daze.

Just then, Dad called me. "Hailey, if you really don't want to do this anymore, just sell the company."

…

By 9:30 am the next morning, the company auditorium was packed with people.

Stuart stood in the center of the crowd like a proud victor while blabbering, "Hailey is still too young, and a woman at that! If Mr. Sarandon had a son, would she be putting on airs here? I heard she studied art before. What does she even know about running a company?"

Ingrid sat beside him, puffing up with pride. "As I said, with things blown up to such grand proportions, how could she stay indifferent? Everyone should thank the one who posted about this mistreatment online. Public opinion is power!"

Some people nearby tried to speak up in my defense, but Ingrid shot them down self-righteously.

She said with a scoff, "Have you stayed loyal to the company for so long that you don't know how to resist anymore? We don't need lapdogs here. Look, even the reporters are here today. The government is already paying attention to this."

At exactly 10:00 am, I walked onto the stage of the auditorium. The crowd gradually quieted down as the reporters' cameras focused on me, and the livestream officially began.

I looked at the familiar faces below. There were students we had once sponsored, reformed ex-convicts who had found a new path, and even elders who had held me as a child.

Those past kindnesses and warmth had now turned into sharp blades that stabbed into my chest painfully.

I picked up the microphone and faced the audience. "Many employees have received the company's salary adjustment notice, which has also caused a major uproar online. First, I would like to apologize again for affecting everyone's mood during this festive season."

As I bowed deeply, the livestream comments flooded the screen.

"Sure, go on and apologize. As if you really mean any of it."

"They'll still do it again next time!"

"Skip the fluff. Just tell us what you're going to do about this."

I turned on the large screen at the center of the stage and listed the company's achievements one by one.

I said to the audience, "Since the company was founded 37 years ago, we have donated to 47 impoverished elementary schools and contributed over 500 million dollars in charity nationwide. My father always told me that running a business is not just about making money.

"It's about taking responsibility for society. It's about providing jobs and helping employees live better lives."

As I thought of Dad lying in a hospital bed and still worrying about me, my voice caught in my throat. Many employees were visibly moved.

I continued, "This year, our largest client went bankrupt, and our accounts receivable have yet to be recovered. Hence, I decided to issue a year-end bonus of 20 thousand dollars per person for now. Once we recover the funds next year, I will give everyone a satisfactory increment."

The comments section buzzed with shock.

"Wait, what? The poster only mentioned a 20-dollar raise. No one said anything about a 20-thousand-dollar bonus!"

"Did I hear that right? Did she say a bonus of 20 thousand dollars?"

"You heard it right. Even the most ordinary employees get 20 thousand!"

"I thought the workers were suffering, but it turns out they're doing great!"

Unlike the envious online spectators, Stuart was clearly dissatisfied.

He argued, "Ms. Sarandon, the 20-thousand bonus is one thing, but the salary increase is an entirely different matter. Don't lump them all into one!"

I met his gaze calmly and said, "Of course. Everyone is free to choose to forgo the year-end bonus and opt for a 20-dollar salary increase instead, following the tradition of the past 37 years. Today, we will have a vote, and I will follow the decision of the majority."

The employees began whispering among themselves. A cacophony of voices filled the entire auditorium.

Ingrid interrupted the discussion loudly, "Don't be misled! We deserve both the year-end bonus and the salary increase! Why should we be forced to give up one of them?"

Some employees were clearly swayed by her words and began to echo her sentiments. Encouraged by the support, Ingrid looked at me smugly from across the crowd.

As the voices of opposition grew louder, I finally made my decision.

I said evenly, "Since everyone is still dissatisfied, and coupled with the fact that the company has been operating at a loss for two consecutive years… I have decided to shut down the company and begin asset liquidation after the New Year!

"Thank you all for being with us over the past 37 years. I wish you the best in your future endeavors."

The auditorium that was noisy a moment ago fell into complete silence in an instant.