“As of now, we have yet to come to a conclusion. Previously, Mr. Faymon did ask us to conduct experiments first. In the beginning, we discovered that this element has a certain anti-aging effect on human skin. However, we noticed that the skin starts to rot after a week.” While speaking, the R&D team member presented a set of data taken from experimenting on a gorilla's backside to Rayna.
“You're using gorillas as test subjects?” Upon seeing the hairless gorilla in the photo, Rayna was stunned.
“Since we still don't know the side effects of the element, we didn't dare to use humans as test subjects. In this case, a gorilla's buttock is the best choice.” The R&D team member was a young man. Scratching his head awkwardly, he explained, “Gorillas are the most similar to humans. Besides, this gorilla is naturally hairless, so it's more convenient to conduct experiments on it.”
In the photo, there were signs of rotten flesh on the gorilla's arm. Rayna felt a sense of suffocation when she saw it. “Have you arranged for a veterinarian to treat it?”
“We have. This photo was taken at the very beginning when its skin just started to rot. It's much better now,” the R&D team member quickly explained when he noticed a hint of displeasure on Rayna's face.
Then, he showed her a photo taken not long ago. “This is the most recent photo.”
There was a date on the photo. It was three days ago.
“I have no objection to you all using animal testing when it comes to experiments that are absolutely necessary. But you must know when to stop and not to overdo it.” As Rayna spoke, she directed her gaze at Curtis, who had been staring at the tablet while standing beside her.
He was focused, even double-checking the photos she had seen earlier.
“Any discoveries?” Rayna inquired as she leaned forward.
“This gorilla's arm looks evidently better than the other.” Curtis pointed at the gorilla's arm in the photo. “There are way fewer wrinkles on its left hand than its right. Also, this is a photo from before. You can still see the difference when you compare both photos.”
Looking at the photo displayed on the tablet, Rayna also realized the phenomenon. “Could it be that this element can really improve the skin's condition?” But the R&D team member just said it would cause the skin to rot.
“Have you found the exact cause of the rotting skin?” Curtis asked the R&D team member in a deep voice.
“We haven't come to a conclusion yet, as we're still in the process of elimination,” the latter answered.
“By the way, how are the documents in the R&D department usually stored?” Rayna recalled the female employee who had stolen the document.
“We just store them in the archive cabinets in the room next door.” The R&D team member pointed in a direction.
At that, Rayna shot Curtis a look, and they both went to the archives together. As soon as they pushed the door open, they felt the stuffy air from inside the room blowing on their faces.
After switching on the lights, Rayna stood in the center of the room and looked at the cabinets filled with documents. The cabinets were not locked at all, and some of them were even left open.
Curtis furrowed his brows at the situation, his expression cold.
“Have you all been keeping documents like this all this while?” Rayna asked.
Previously, when she was handling the affairs at the R&D department, she was more focused on the products and never paid attention to the backend operations.
With an embarrassed expression, the R&D team member looked at Rayna and slowly explained, “Initially, there is a lady working in the archives. This is how she always performs at work, and we've never seen anyone reprimand her. We are quite busy, too. Although we know we shouldn't keep documents like this and have notified her in the beginning, she refused to listen, so we eventually gave up.”
“Was the person we bumped into in front of the elevator the person in charge of here?” Rayna asked Curtis.
Curtis shook his head. “She's from the product development department; she's not responsible for the archives.”
“Where is the person in charge of here, then?” Rayna asked again as she looked at the R&D team member.
“She took leave and has been away for almost a week. The employee from the product development department is just here to substitute for her position temporarily. Ms. Sanders knows about this,” the latter explained.
“I'll ask Jasmine about this.” Curtis informed Rayna before stepping out of the archives. He then stood in the corridor and phoned Jasmine to ask about the situation.
Standing in the archives, Rayna darted glances between the door and the documents stored in the room. Frowning, she ordered, “Please lock this door in the future. Also, all the documents here must be categorized and archived properly. The person in charge of this must be professional.”
Afterward, she asked, “Is that fine with all of you?”
“That'll be the best solution. We are also planning to reorganize this place as it's too inconvenient.” A female R&D team member immediately agreed with Rayna's words. “I'm sure one order from the boss herself will be way more effective than us putting forth suggestions numerous times.”
“I'm sorry. There has been a minor accident previously. Thank you all for the hard work you have been putting in at Glory. I hope everyone will work hand in hand and make progress together to overcome this crisis.” Rayna chatted with her employees in a gentle manner.
“Of course, we will.” Those from the R&D department expressed their support for her.
Curtis, who returned to the archives after the phone call, chanced upon the scene of Rayna talking with the researchers. A faint smile appeared on his face as he said to Rayna, “I've verified the situation with Jasmine. Previously, she told the lady stationed in the archives to organize the place, but she didn't follow up on it because she was too busy. Besides, she isn't aware that the lady is on leave. Hence, the matter got delayed.”
A female employee from the R&D department of a similar age as Jasmine explained, “Ms. Sanders had always been handling matters regarding public relations. While she does wish to manage the R&D department, she doesn't have the energy to do so.”
“I understand. All right, since I'm back now, you can tell me directly if you encounter any troublesome matters in the future. Talking to me in person or sending me an email is fine.” After gaining a general understanding of what was happening, Rayna had a short round of conversation with her subordinates, then left the R&D department with Curtis.
“Are we heading to the PR department?” Curtis asked softly while looking at Rayna, who was linking her arm with his.
“Yeah. I want to check on their progress.” The woman had a somber expression on her face.
At that moment, the employees of the PR department were discussing the controversy surrounding Glory's products. They blamed the situation on the R&D department's subpar performance in conducting research.
A young lady in the PR department was complaining to her colleagues. “The skincare industry itself is an industry that'll easily come under fire. So, those from the R&D department are supposed to be more cautious. After causing so much trouble, they're still staying in the lab to conduct experiments and analyze data. Yet, we're the ones who have to worry about how to settle the controversy. I honestly think this is a high-stress and low-paying job for us.”
Just then, Rayna and Curtis arrived at the entrance of the PR department and coincidentally heard her utterances. The two of them exchanged glances.
Rayna was about to enter the office, but Curtis held her back.
Before she could ask him why he was stopping her, he said, “I'll handle it.”
With that, he stepped into the PR department. His handmade leather shoes created rather loud footsteps when he walked, attracting the gazes of everyone in the department.
The female employee who was complaining earlier turned around and saw Curtis standing behind her. As she looked behind him and spotted Rayna, who had a dark expression, her heart sank. “Oh no...”
“Looks like you all have a strong opinion on the crisis faced by the company this time, huh?” With his hands in his pockets, Curtis swept an icy gaze across everyone in the department.
Rayna voiced, “At this juncture, you are supposed to be thinking of solutions to resolve this crisis instead of complaining.” She then walked over to stand beside Curtis and held his arm.
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