Chapter 101 We are Not Even.
"What do you mean by 'probably know'? What's his name? Let me see if I know him."
"You'll find out later!" Evelyn patted her on the shoulder, stood up, and didn't dwell too much on this question. "Laura, this new product may be more challenging this time, and the work will be tough!"
"Well, it has never been easy before," Laura smiled and said, "Don't worry, with you leading the way, I'll definitely help with the logistics work!"
"I believe you can do this!"
Laura returned to the lab and checked the samples that had been extracted first. As expected, none of them were the results she wanted.
Good raw materials were essential, but the process of separation and refinement, removing impurities, and leaving only the desired flavor was very complex. Success always required many experiments.
Every new product that came out was infused with the blood, sweat, and tears of the perfumer, and those who shamelessly appropriate the labor of others were truly despicable.
"Failed again!" Laura sighed, feeling a bit disappointed.
"Failure is a part of the journey, success doesn't come easily. Moreover, this time, the raw materials are new, and the fragrance is also very complex, so the difficulty is even greater! What? Are you giving up already?" Evenly teased.
Having worked with Evenly's for so many years, Laura knew she was joking with her, "An experiment devoid of challenges is hardly an experiment. I embrace difficulties with open arms!"
With that, Laura prepared for another round of experiments.
Evelyn reached out to stop her. "Forget it. It's already late today. Let's continue tomorrow! There's no rush at the moment."
It was getting late, and in the morning, someone had reminded her not to come home so late. Although it sounded bossy, the feeling of being cared for and looked after was really nice.
"Alright, I'll think about it when I get back."
They changed their clothes and were about to leave the house when Cathy rushed over in a hurry.
She burst in with her coat billowing, looking a bit off, and as soon as she saw the two, she came straight towards them.
"Cathy?" Evelyn greeted her. Cathy glanced at her first, then turned to Laura. "You can't take the job."
Laura was taken aback.
Evelyn was curious and asked, "What do you mean?"
"Liavian Perfumes sent us a letter stating that Laura signed a non-compete agreement. From the day she resigned, she won't be able to work in any competing company in a year."
With that, she took out a piece of paper and handed it to them.
Laura was stunned!
"I... I didn't know!" She had never paid attention to such an agreement. In other words, she had no memory of signing it.
"He's trying to set you up. It's normal that you didn't know." Glancing hastily, Evelyn had some impression of such an agreement.
Due to the inherent characteristics of the profession, some perfumers were required to sign such agreements to ensure confidentiality and consideration of the company's interests. However, it was typically more applicable to core technical personnel, not to common perfumers Like Laura.
In plain terms, Liam was clearly trying to mess with her.
He had grievances and resentment towards Evelyn, but now that he couldn't punish her, Liam went after Laura just to make her life difficult.
"What should we do?" Holding the paper, Laura felt despondent. "Can't I take the job?"
Cathy nodded in a dilemma.
Initially, hiring a perfumer was no big deal for Cathy, but if it involved labor disputes, it wasn't something she could solve.
"Don't worry. I'll figure something out." Evelyn reassured her.
There was a solution to everything, but due to the urgency of this event, everyone was caught off guard.
Liam acted quickly. Laura had just come to help today, and he immediately followed up, which meant he had been watching all along.
Liam said they were even, but in reality, he was relentless. Even? They were far from being even.
Evelyn hadn't settled scores with Liam yet, but he had already started causing trouble for her. Since that was the case, she wouldn't hold back!
"Laura, take a break at home these two days. You've just moved, right? You must haven't had enough time to tidy up; wait for my notice!"
"But..." Laura was still worried; after all, this matter had started because of her. She wasn't worried that she would have a hard time, but if it caused trouble for Evelyn or even Neogenito Fragrances, she would feel guilty.
Evelyn comforted her. "Alright, there's nothing to worry about! He's run out of tricks and can only use this to threaten you. After all, he was just doing this to intimidate me. He is directed at me; it's not much to do with you. Just rest assured and take a break for two days. Wait for good news from me!"
Cathy added, "That's right! Listen to Evelyn. You don't need to worry. This non-compete agreement may sound serious, but in fact, it's no big deal. Take a break for a day or two doesn't matter."
"As for the onboarding, let's put it on hold for now. Once it's resolved, I'll take care of it for you, don't worry!"
Facing them, Laura was truly touched and couldn't find the words to express it.
Stepping back two steps, she bowed deeply twice. "Thank you, Cathy. Thank you, Evelyn. Being friends with you is the luckiest thing. I will work hard in the future!"
Evelyn reached out to help her up. "Don't be silly. Working hard is what you should do, and helping you is what we should do! It's late now. Hurry home, and don't keep your family waiting!"
"Okay," Laura replied.
Watching Laura leave, Evelyn looked down at the paper in her hand and smiled coldly.
"Evelyn, do you have a plan?" Cathy felt that she must have a solution, seeing how calmly Evenly comforted Laura and her confident appearance.
"As long as the law recognizes this thing, there are only two ways." Evelyn shook the paper in her hand. "One, comply with the agreement above and she cannot join another company in the same industry for a year. Two, pay the penalty."
"So, you're planning to choose the second option?" Cathy asked.
The first option was impossible. Not to mention that Evelyn's original intention was to have Laura come over to help, even if they could find someone else to take over temporarily; what about Laura's work during this year? It was impossible for other companies in the same industry to hire her and switch careers within a year. What would she do then?
Thinking about it, directly paying the liquidated damages was the simplest and most effective solution.
However, the penalty amount had yet to be calculated, and it was probably not a small sum. It would be quite difficult for Laura to pay on her own, and the company wouldn't step in to cover such a small employee.
"Calculate the amount. If you don't have enough money, I'll help you out," Cathy said after some thought.
Evelyn smiled, "Thank you for your kindness, but it's not necessary. I'm not choosing option one or two. I choose... three!"
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