Chapter 65: Temporary Closure for Rectification

"Have your employees stop work and prepare to leave immediately. Your company is in violation of production regulations and must cease operations for rectification," declared several staff members from the Health Bureau to Ma Jiaojiao at the pharmaceutical factory.

"Comrades, our President Li will be here any moment. Why don't you wait for her to arrive before making any decisions? I honestly don't know whether our company is in violation or not," Ma Jiaojiao replied with a forced smile as she hung up the call with Li Anan.

"Hmph, it doesn't matter who comes. If there are any questions, she can come find us at the Health Bureau," Xu Ping snorted coldly.

He had received instructions from Director Liu, and naturally intended to act accordingly. Ordinarily, for such minor matters, if there were no directives from above, they would simply issue a small fine and then order the factory to complete the required paperwork. For insignificant issues like this, they would usually turn a blind eye.

But today, he had to ensure the pharmaceutical factory was shut down for rectification. Only through such a measure would the factory understand the seriousness of the situation and fulfill the wishes of their superiors.

"They’ll be here any moment, just a few minutes more," Ma Jiaojiao said, still smiling nervously.

"Very well, I’ll give you the courtesy of waiting a few minutes," Xu Ping replied, glancing at Ma Jiaojiao and thinking to himself that it would be better to deal with the owner directly. If the boss was sensible, their trip today wouldn't be in vain.

Soon, Mo Han and the others returned to the company. As soon as they entered the office area, they saw several Health Bureau staff pointing and gesturing about, while Ma Jiaojiao could only keep smiling apologetically.

"President Li, you’ve arrived," Ma Jiaojiao said with a sigh of relief when she saw Li Anan return.

Li Anan nodded and looked at Xu Ping and his colleagues. "Are you from the Health Bureau?" she asked.

Although she believed they were indeed from the Health Bureau, she still wanted to see their credentials. Otherwise, if anyone could just claim to be from some department and demand cooperation in an investigation, there would be no way to run a company at all.

"So you’re the owner here? Here are our work IDs," Xu Ping sneered, taking out his identification and handing it to Li Anan.

Li Anan nodded, took a glance at the ID, then returned it to Xu Ping. "I’d like to know what issue with our company has prompted such a thorough inspection?" she inquired.

"We received a report from the public stating your company’s licenses are incomplete and you are engaged in illegal production. Show us your licenses," Xu Ping said coldly, giving Li Anan a long, hard look.

He hadn't expected Li Anan to treat them with such indifference. This was just a small, insignificant factory—when they inspected even the Chen family patriarch's business, he knew enough to treat them with courtesy and prepare the expected gifts.

But with Li Anan’s attitude, not only did she refuse to offer any favors, she seemed likely to hinder their work.

"Jiaojiao, bring over all the company’s documents for their inspection," Li Anan responded coolly. She was certain someone was targeting her, though she didn’t yet know who.

Soon, Ma Jiaojiao returned with a pile of documents, placing them on the table before stepping aside. Xu Ping narrowed his eyes and signaled his subordinates, who began to examine the documents carefully.

Yet after a thorough inspection, they found nothing amiss.

Xu Ping’s expression soured. He personally flipped through the documents, and then suddenly declared, "All your documents are expired—aren’t you aware of that?"

"Perhaps you should check the dates more carefully before making such claims," Li Anan replied, her patience wearing thin. There were still three years left before expiration—his accusation was far too blatant.

"Are you unaware that a new regulation was recently issued requiring all business licenses to be renewed at the relevant departments? Failing to update your licenses makes you liable," Xu Ping said inwardly, mocking her for not knowing her place. If she’d been sensible and offered them a little something, at most he’d have just scolded her and left.

But he hadn’t expected Li Anan to be so unyielding and leave him no room for maneuver.

"We have not received any such notice," Li Anan replied.

"No notice? Do you expect me to come notify you every day?" Xu Ping sneered, making his threat transparently clear.

Li Anan’s face hardened. "Very well. In that case, we’ll renew our licenses tomorrow."

Xu Ping snickered to himself. Go ahead—if you can get your licenses updated in a month, I’ll take your surname.

"Fine. Then until you have your new licenses, your company must cease operations. Is that acceptable?" Xu Ping said coldly.

Acceptable? That was a massive problem.

They had just signed a two hundred million contract with Dongjia Group, and the production line was being prepared for shipment. How could they shut down now?

"Very well, let’s suspend operations, President Li. Have all employees go home," said Li Qilang suddenly.

"And who are you?" Xu Ping frowned, looking at Li Qilang, annoyed by his tone.

He'd expected to see Li Anan pleading with him in desperation, but instead out popped this fool.

"I’m the security guard here," Li Qilang replied with a hint of mischief.

He had reason to say this—Mo Han had told him to begin training with the staff starting tomorrow, so claiming to be the security guard wasn’t far-fetched.

"Hmph!"

Xu Ping snorted loudly, ignoring Li Qilang. A mere security guard wasn’t worth his attention. To argue with a guard would be beneath his dignity.

"President Li, are your security guards always this bold? I’m beginning to wonder if there are even bigger issues at your company," Xu Ping said to Li Anan with mockery.

Li Anan’s face darkened—she could hear the threat in his words.

She gave a cold snort. "What issue do you think our company has, Section Chief Xu?"

"Sometimes it’s best not to dig too deep. If you do, you’re bound to find something, wouldn’t you agree, President Li?" Xu Ping replied with a faint smile.

"Enough. You can all leave now. Our company will suspend operations for rectification, starting today," Li Qilang said impatiently.

Xu Ping was clearly displeased. He glared at Li Qilang and said in a low voice, "A lowly security guard speaking such nonsense—if you keep it up, I’ll have you charged with obstructing official duties. Do you believe me?"

"I do. And you’re welcome to try," Li Qilang replied calmly, unbothered by their clear attempt to cause trouble.

Xu Ping’s face grew even darker. Looking at Li Anan, he threatened, "President Li, do you really think I don’t have the authority to shut you down for rectification?"

"You do, and we’re cooperating. We’ll cease operations as you require," Li Anan replied coldly. With Li Qilang standing up for her, she had nothing to fear.

"Very well. Cease operations immediately. I hope you won’t regret this!" Xu Ping snorted and led the Health Bureau team to leave.

At that moment, a large group entered the office. When Xu Ping saw the leader at the front, he staggered, nearly losing his footing.