Chapter 4: Unique Hidden Dragon

  On August 13th, Jing'er was at home writing poetry and filling in lyrics when Shi Wei and Du Ci unexpectedly visited.

  In fact, strictly speaking, Shi Wei and Du Ci have a bit of an inquiring mind. They don't know about Jing Er's help to Long Biao, Long Biao never mentioned it to Shi Wei, and Jing Er didn't either. Each of them kept the secret from each other, thinking that the fewer people who knew, the safer it would be. This can't be said to be wrong, but it also can't be said to be right.

  The two of them had just arrived at Du Cijia's house in Changshu City from Zhanghan the day before. As soon as they got home, Du Cijia's mother gave them a express mail that was sent by Qiu Ya from Shanghai two days ago. After reading the letter, they only knew that Qiu Ya had asked for a leave of absence to drop out of school for a year and had already arrived in Shanghai when she sent the letter, and it is estimated that she has now arrived in Canada.

  Shi Wei and Du Ci went to Suzhou early the next morning after a night of discussion, but they didn't see Qiu Ya's parents. However, they verified the fact from the nanny's mouth. With a belly full of pent-up anger, they decided to ask Jing Er about it. From Suzhou to Wuxi where Jing Er lived was only over half an hour away, very close.

  After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Shi Wei and Du Ci accompanied Jing Er to the study to have tea. The girls, no matter what they thought in their hearts, were always enthusiastic when meeting each other, and Jing Er and Du Ci sat close together, giggling and laughing.

  Shi Wei had a strong intention to visit, he decided to lure out Jing Er's words first, and then conduct a severe interrogation. Lao Liu and Qiu Ya have already reached the point of discussing marriage, what is the point of you, Jing Er, still being stubborn now? Are you going to show off your foolish love and tenderness? Boast about your wall-climbing skills?

  Shi Wei thought to himself, sipping on top-grade clear tea, his expression extremely calm, and said in a purely casual tone: "Jing Er, how come you haven't been online for over ten days? What's keeping you busy, no time to even go online?"

  Jing'er smiled slightly and picked up the ancient Yixing purple sand teapot, gently and elegantly filling their cups with tea. She glanced at Du Cui before saying: "I'm not busy with anything, just staying home to read books, accompany Grandpa, practice calligraphy and so on."

  Shi Wei smiled and continued: "Hehe, if your belly could cultivate its mind and nature like you do, it wouldn't always be doing things that are not enough to succeed but enough to cause trouble! Hehe!"

  Du Cui had already picked up on Shi Wu San's double entendre, and facing the impending explosive scene, she felt a bit unbearable to treat Jing Er like this. She thought it was too stimulating for the gentle and kind Jing Er, and it made her feel uncomfortable. For once, she didn't tease Shi Wei as usual, but instead got up and walked over to Jing Er's desk, scanning the classical bookshelf.

  Shi Wei's eyes were sharp, and with a glance, he saw Jing'er had just finished writing a poem "Recalling Jiangnan". He was deeply appreciative of classical poetry, having personally witnessed its greatness. He picked up the letter paper, adopting the mannerisms of an old scholar, shaking his head as he read it aloud. Jing'er was too late to stop him.

  "Recalling Jiangnan: Tied Together by a Shared Heart"

  Parting is sorrow, and regret is the knot of a shared heart. When we meet, I don't recognize the later worries; after parting, I long think about the months when we met, but who comes to comfort my worries?

  Shi Wei deliberately dragged out the tune, reading the poem with a hint of teasing tone, and said in an affected manner: "Wow! Jing Er! No wonder you haven't been online, it turns out you're weaving a love knot! Which lucky handsome guy is it?" His sharp eyes stared at Jing Er's face.

  Jing Er's face flushed uncontrollably, and she got up to retrieve the paper from Shi Wei's hand.

  Shi Wei raised his hand, with a sly smile, and asked with ill intentions: "Haha! Tell me, is it Long Bao? Hehe! Is it that stinky little kid Lao Liu? You're really lucky! Who would have thought that the famous 'Rose Without Thorns' secretly had a crush on someone else's husband! Haha, unexpected, unexpected. So your play was specially for Long Bao!"

  Her nickname is "No Play Rose", Jing'er has known this for a long time, and I don't know who the busybody is, changing her hometown Wuxi to "No Play", implying that no matter how hard any boy pursues her, it's all like there's no reaction, no play!

  Being scolded by Shi Wei, Jing Er's face turned bright red, and she forgot how to refute, so she just turned her body around and squeezed out a few words: "You, Shi Wei! Du Ci! Look at what nonsense he's talking about!"

  Du Cui seems to have completely forgotten the agreement between the two of them last night, and with a natural feminine instinct, she protected Jing Er, snatching the letter from Shi San's hand and pushing him away. She shouted: "What's wrong! What's wrong! Is it because you like Long Bao? Are you jealous or envious? You're not even half a man! There's no need to bother with this, you're just meddling in other people's business. Women aren't as nosy as you are! Why don't you just go get a sex change operation? That way you can properly interfere with other people's daughters' love lives!"

  "Hey, hey, don't be so hard on me! I was just talking about Jing'er. So what if she likes Longbiao? There are plenty of girls who have a crush on him, it's not my problem! What does concern me is the matter of Long Xiaoyu and his wife Qiu Ya... Ha ha, Jing'er, I know I'm talking too much, but I just can't help thinking that Longbiao and Qiu Ya's love story is really quite pathetic. The guy ran away with a tail between his legs, and the girl was forced to leave school and go abroad. Ha ha, shut up, shut up!"

  Very surprised to hear that Qiu Ya was forced to go abroad! Jing Er naturally asked for the reason.

  Shi Wei finally successfully diverted the topic to Qiu Ya's body and can also successfully ask Jing Er about some things.

  He took out Qiuya's letter and deliberately pulled out a note from inside, placed it on top of the letter, and handed it to Jing'er.

  Jing'er had already clearly seen that this note was the one she had written to Longbiao, how could it be in this letter? Jing'er suppressed her inexplicable doubts and unfolded the letter. The letter was from Qiuya to Duci.

  Ci Ci:

  Maybe by the time you receive this letter, I will have already arrived in a foreign country, in Canada, this unfamiliar land.

  Forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye, and forgive me for not being in touch with you all this time. I have unspeakable difficulties.

  Sincere advice to you, never try to make any contact with Long Bao. You should have confidence in him, he will protect himself well. Due to some inexplicable reasons, perhaps your kind care and help for him may turn out to be detrimental to him instead.

  If he has been in contact with you, you must also persuade him to immediately stop his behavior. Please be sure to tell him that although this time it was because of Wen Li's reason that this thing happened, it makes me very sad, but since I have decided to use my own life to accompany him through this life, then I must have the courage to accept everything about him, and since I have entrusted my spirit to him, then I will necessarily be able to tolerate him with body and mind.

  I love him, no matter where I am, no matter what situation I'm in, I will use my entire soul to love him, pray for him, bless him, wish him a peaceful life, no matter how cruel the future may be, no matter what consequences there may be, I will wait for him, and be with him through life and death, I swear.

  I have to leave, and you don't need to know the reason. My current departure is beneficial for his survival. Please advise him not to show up or make any moves to clear his name. The only reason he's safe now is that the other side doesn't have a clear recent image or photo of him. Absolutely do not expose your whereabouts, please pass this on carefully.

  Jing'er likes him, I've known for a long time. I don't want her to intervene between us. This note was found in Longbiao's clothes. You return this note to her, maybe it will help her give up that improper thought earlier.

  After I arrive in Canada, I will let you know about new ways of contacting me.

  Please tell him for me, I know how to take care of myself, and ask him not to worry.

  Missing you!

  Take care! Autumn elegance in Shanghai.

  Qiu Ya left? Qiu Ya left! Qiu Ya left......

  Why? What reason made her forced to leave?

  Is that a note? Qiuya must have found it when she was helping Longbiao do laundry. Qiuya is showing off to herself, emphasizing the exclusivity and possessiveness of love, but judging from her tone, Qiuya seems quite nervous.

  Why did Qiuya say that she had unspeakable grievances and some unexplainable reasons? From the words, Qiuya must have known some secrets. What secrets?

  Jing'er thought quickly, speculating about various possibilities.

  In Shi Wei's expectation, Jing Er would definitely cry with shame and desperately explain the reason for writing the note. Unexpectedly, Jing Er seemed to have no discomfort or guilt, and instead appeared to be thinking about something.

  Wow! I'm really impressed by these beautiful girls! Shi Wei was very annoyed and said sarcastically, "What's wrong, Jing Er? What are you thinking about? I've already done what Autumn Leaf told me to do. Do you have anything you want to confess? Autumn Leaf is actually a bit jealous of your behavior! Who would have thought that Autumn Leaf would be so serious about emotions? Rarely, rarely! However, Jing Er, why do you need to cause more trouble for this couple who are already suffering?"

  Du Cui was furious, jumped up and grabbed Shi Wei's ear with one hand, spinning it while pulling it upwards, cursing: "You dead idiot! You'd better not say another word or you'll be dead! Are you jealous that Long Bao is popular and also want other girls to like you?! With your behavior, do you deserve it?! How can Jing Er not like Long Bao? Who says he doesn't have the right?!... I'm telling you, Jing Er has more rights than anyone! Long Bao's body flows with Jing Er's blood! If it weren't for your nonsense today, I wouldn't have told you this secret!"

  Jing'er was even more embarrassed by Du Ci's words, and her face turned red all the way to the back of her ears. She walked back to her stool herself and started brewing tea.

  Shi Wei's mouth opened wide, and he immediately became like a person who had discovered a new continent. After shaking off Du Cui's grasp, he launched into an unyielding and merciless investigation.

  The storm has finally subsided, Shi Wei thought again and again, feeling that Jing Er, since she had blood flowing in Old Six's body, must not be an outsider, at least not a mole or spy. He began to boastfully talk about the details of the story of Long Bao who had once contacted him.

  Jing'er didn't reveal to Shi Wei that she had been to Shancheng, nor did she mention anything about Longbiao's escape. Although Longbiao had never contacted her before, she completely understood his difficulties and agreed with his decision. However, she really missed him, missed him so much, worried about his body, his sick leg, and his safety.

  After some discussion, the three of them reached a consensus and thought it best to follow Akira's plan. At the same time, they had to inform Ryōhane that he was definitely safe for the time being and that no one had discovered his whereabouts.

  All three suspected Chang Cheng, because from the current situation, Zheng Xue was injured, Long Bao escaped, Chang Cheng's beloved woman Qiu Ya went abroad, and Chang Cheng got closer to the Zheng family. In all these events, the biggest beneficiary is Chang Cheng.

  Liao Ye is extremely satisfied with his usual partner.

  This kid is born to be a plotter! He held his wine glass, slightly nodded, and Liao Yi carefully moved his own cup over, the two "clinked" together.

  Liao Ye used a very interesting expression, with a very suitable tone, to say to Chang Chengdao, who was full of satisfaction: "Chang Zong, now you have successfully pulled out all the nails. Look, you vented your anger at Zheng Xue, but instead, you are even more valued by the Zheng family, which has a great impact on the future development of the Chang family. Secondly, you forced Long Bao, that scumbag, to be nailed and expelled from school, making him escape like a stray dog, constantly terrified and worried about being caught by the police. Where does he dare to have the heart to interfere with your emotional forbidden zone? Moreover, using language to stimulate Qiu Ya, arousing her resentment, awakening her own mistakes, and using the image of Long Bao and Su Jing'er kissing to further attack Qiu Ya. And taking advantage of Long Bao not having a clear photo in the police's hands, using Qiu Ya's family pressure and the image as leverage, multi-pronged, multi-faceted pressure, haha, the result is that you successfully made Qiu Ya obediently follow your instructions and go abroad! ... Chang Zong, I'm afraid Long Xiazi is still begging for food now! Limping with a lame leg, becoming a beggar!"

  Chang Cheng was indeed content and pleased, feeling carefree and at ease. Qiu Ya had already left, walking far away, but she still lived within his line of sight. Unexpectedly, this time even his usually self-critical father highly appreciated his approach to Qiu Ya, thinking that he finally acted like a man! Father is always father, one sentence revealing the true nature of people: People are cheap, they are controlled by conditions, only conditions can force them to make choices, without favorable conditions, you have to create favorable conditions! You are you, everything must be for your own sake!

  Chang Cheng knew that Liao Ye had a taste of flattering, in his eyes, Liao Ye was now just a dog like a military advisor, as long as he gave him some bones, he would be loyal to him, but he needed such a dog very much, believing that such a dog could help him with many things that he would not be able to do himself in the future, and this brain had great utilitarian value.

  He looked at Liao Ye's flattering expression and quickly comforted him, "Old Liao, I've already spoken to my old man, you can come to the headquarters to work as soon as you graduate... Hmm, let me ask you, why are you so sure that Qiu Ya will definitely write a letter to Du Ci, and will definitely pass on the information that I have the Long Bao video to them? Can it really achieve the effect of making Long Bao and others fall into a trap?"

  Liao Ye's expression immediately became humble again: "Zong, I suspect that she is not so easy to surrender, she has been unintentionally probing and inquiring about our complete plan, so I followed her, and sure enough, in Shanghai, she went to the post office to send an express mail. Long Bao must have contact with Shi Wei, and Long Bao will definitely know the news... Now, I'm worried that if this Long Bao is too stupid and reveals our affairs to the Zheng family, it won't be good. This kid has always been foolish, I think we should reveal some of the information obtained from the Zheng family to Shi Wei and his group, so that this kid can continue to hide safely, which will benefit us. Zong, you can't afford to offend the Zheng family, losing sight of the bigger picture is not worth it. The life and death of Long Bao are in our hands, and his whereabouts will not be able to escape our eyes in the future. He basically only dares to hide and survive secretly, and cannot threaten us, so you can rest assured."

  He often had a worried look on his face, and said in a low voice: "I didn't expect that a small game would involve the officialdom, emotional circles, underworld, and economic circles. It has unexpectedly evolved into such a huge plan because of everyone's interests. Now no one can control its direction!"

  Liao Ye seized the opportunity to toast, wildly flattered: "Chang Zong, aren't you already controlling this game? Don't you know that you've already shown the prototype of a contemporary hero?"

  Longbiao, wearing a worn-out and yellowed undershirt, carrying a backpack with some spare clothes, toiletries, and two books. He still has 180 yuan in cash on him, and there's another 800 yuan in his Agricultural Bank card, which is all he has now.

  In one breath, he ran to Dongguan, Guangdong, and finally came to such an opportunist's paradise, a stage for showing off his abilities. Faced with no diploma, no academic certificate, and can only play the role of the lowest-level worker, will Long Biao accept his fate and just struggle to survive?

  No! Long Bao had already thought it through, he devoted himself to studying and understanding the theories of Sun Tzu and Guiguzi, concentrating his attention on exploring human nature and the human heart. His potential was greatly unleashed, he understood how to carry out strategic macro-planning, and also understood how to deploy mysterious and unpredictable specific tactics.

  Embarrassing identity, cautious defense, erudite mind, must complete the self-empowerment as soon as possible, but also must thoroughly hide the true "self". He absolutely cannot simply escape, he must grasp his own destiny in this fate of escape!

  He first spent another 40 yuan to get a fake floating population certificate, then found recent newspapers of various types to study repeatedly, and then ran to the bookstore to flip through certain books repeatedly. Two days later, he changed into clean clothes, looked refreshed, and came to the Dongguan Talent Market for formal interviews.

  Today is already August 15th, I hope to get this suitable job in Chang'an, Dongguan today.

  The person in charge of the Human Resources Department's interview card is still stiff.

  To be honest, Xue Guowei, the deputy general manager and human resources manager of Liheng Group headquarters, has never seen such a unique and excellent calligraphy in his 53 years.

  This is the realm of calligraphy that he has been striving for all his life, practicing for two hours every day! Who would have thought it would appear under the brush of a rural migrant worker!

  The simple brush-written font can actually make this calligraphy enthusiast produce a strong feeling of "a fierce beast in shape, with the sound of heaven in spirit".

  Look closely, it's like a sharp knife cutting through the swift swallow, pressing down on the high mountain, as if it's the heart of a rogue, with a thousand changes and movements, its curves are like the Wu band flying in the wind, its spirit is overwhelming, standing upright it's like an ancient tree that has stood for ten thousand years, lying horizontally it's like a copper or iron carrying pole, hooking and containing swords, holding onto the wind, bending and twisting, the Shu road is difficult to travel!

  From a very young age, he has always believed in the principle of "the character is like the person", the word is the door knocker, and those who can write good characters are absolutely people with good quality.

  All along, he has been very particular about this aspect when recruiting corporate talents. The reason is simple: he is good at judging the psychological character of the writer from the font, shape and stroke of the words, whether it is impetuous or calm, whether it is a quick-tempered person or a slow-tempered person, whether it is a free-thinking way or a rigid thinking way, and even can see the thinking habits of this person.

  For many years, he has been dutifully performing his duties, and the group's growth and development have his hard work to thank for. He has always been trusted by the board of directors and has control over personnel matters for high-level talents within the entire group.

  He is a native of Meizhou, who went to Hong Kong in the 1970s and is a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This time he was originally preparing to sign several agreements with Dongguan Lieying Zixun Talent Company, which urgently needs a chemical doctorate, a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacology doctorate, four medical masters, two domestically experienced MBAs, and one internationally experienced MBA. Liheng Pharmaceutical urgently needs suitable talents to increase technical development strength, while the management of Liheng Fashion needs to be replaced.

  Hou Yanling, the HR manager of Liheng Garment, asked her superior to visit the recruitment site in Dongguan Talent Market. Two staff members from Liheng Garment's HR department, Yang Liyi and Tian Junyao, are currently recruiting experienced management and technical personnel there.

  Yang Liyi and Tian Junyao immediately stood up to greet their superior respectfully as soon as they saw him arrive, and Yang Liyi took the initiative to report on the recruitment situation. The three-day recruitment work went very smoothly, with the expected goals basically completed. All the management technical personnel who received interview notices had a college degree or above, and even three of them were postgraduates, although not from well-known universities.

  Hou Yanling was very satisfied with Yang Liyi's report and immediately instructed him to start preparing for the interview exam procedure as soon as he returned, according to the time requirements.

  Xue Guowei listened quietly, Hou Yanling was the manager of Li Heng's personnel department, this was her job. Xue Guowei noticed that Tian Junyao quietly placed a stack of applicant information materials that had been filtered out according to normal procedures in a conspicuous position on the table. He saw the top one at a glance, the peculiar calligraphy on this paper!

  He picked up the personal information form and looked at it carefully, surprisingly moved for a long time. Suddenly, he came to his senses - this person was called Ao Cheng, from Jiangxi Province, with a junior high school education, and was actually applying for a management position!

  Here is the translation:

  Looking at his detailed resume: height 1.81 meters, weight 84 kg, age 24, married, no work experience in Guangdong, but has worked in Jiangxi for many years, started working at 15, has been involved in business, service industry, hotel industry, construction industry, garment factory, shoe factory, was a substitute teacher (taught elementary school), opened his own restaurant, opened a small store, was a handyman, waiter, bricklayer, carpenter, mechanic, self-studied university economics management courses, financial securities courses, MBA courses, skilled in calligraphy, writing, fluent in English translation, familiar with various computer application software, hardworking and diligent, stable and honest, no personal salary requirements.

  Is this a joke? What kind of weird thing is this? It's too exaggerated! But looking at the words, it shouldn't be someone who brags or lies!

  Xue Guowei was bewildered by this personal resume, yearning to know the ins and outs of this resume with an urgent desire, and the irrepressible love for talent in his heart made him speak up.

  He quickly flipped through the remaining resumes that had been screened out and put them back on the table, holding this resume in his left hand, tapping his right index finger on it, and said to Yang Liyi and Tian Junyao: "What's going on here? You tell me!"

  Yang Liyi glanced at the resume with a look of disdain, and said in a mocking tone: "This? This guy is definitely a scammer! He's tall and handsome, like a northern pretty boy, but he doesn't even have a middle school diploma. His boasts are ridiculous! What self-study, without any proof, it's just nonsense. I'm 100% sure he's a scammer. Mr. Xue, Manager Hou, look at this, he says that with just one month of familiarization with the environment, he can handle positions like planning department manager assistant, office secretary, and even technical design, process instructor, and supervisor! What do you think, how could we be deceived by him?"

  Manager Hou Yanling realized that Mr. Xue's inquiry was not so simple, and she said with caution: "Yes, Mr. Xue, our HR department has always been very cautious in recruiting personnel, carefully considering each candidate. Although this Ao Cheng can write well, but people like him who have no education, are dishonest and lie, our HR department has always screened them out immediately."

  Xue Guowei paused for a moment and thoughtfully said: "Little Yang, didn't you tell him to work as a laborer?"

  Yang Liyi seemed to recall something and said, "Director Xue, in the talent market, we generally don't recruit primary workers. Recruiting primary workers doesn't require us to exert ourselves too much. Even if we urgently need someone temporarily, we just need to put up a sign at the factory gate. We only need to recruit skilled workers, but this person doesn't have the work experience we need."

  Xue Guowei said: "Then have you ever had a face-to-face assessment with him and asked him some necessary questions?"

  Yang Liyi was certain that Xue was testing his work ability today, and he might even be promoted! He secretly rejoiced in his heart, but his expression remained calm as he said: "I think it's unnecessary, because as an employee with three years of personnel experience, he must be able to find the loopholes and falsehoods in the applicant's personal data within the shortest time possible, and make a cautious judgment immediately. He should screen out all applicants who may be unfavorable to the company in the future. As for this person's data, I found countless loopholes, so naturally, I screened it out."

  Indeed, Yang Liyi did nothing wrong, but Xue Guo Wei's heart always felt like something was stuck in it. He had an increasingly strong premonition that this Ao Cheng might be a talented person, just based on this piece of writing! Just by looking at the strokes, one could see the whole leopard!

  He took another close look, and Ao Cheng didn't even leave his phone number or any contact information. It's possible that Yang Liyi didn't ask him to leave it. He muttered to himself in regret: "What a great handwriting! Rarely seen!"

  Tian Junyao was listening to their conversation with his ears perked up. To be honest, she was very dissatisfied with Yang Liyi's approach at the time. Yang Liyi thought that Ao Cheng's worn-out clothes and unreasonable resume meant that he must be lying, and without even asking any questions, he sent him away.

  She thought that this man was not simple, although he didn't even have a junior high school diploma, but looking at his uncommon demeanor and unique temperament, one could imagine that such a person must have great potential. Moreover, China is so big, with countless hidden dragons and crouching tigers, how can you be certain that he's lying?

  To be honest, Yang Liyi was quite overbearing, always relying on his identity as the assistant manager of the personnel department, and with his qualifications, he never put himself in a humble position. He didn't dare to openly go against his wishes, but there was no need to make things awkward with a stranger. However, in his heart, he still hoped that this Ao Cheng could become his colleague. Seeing such a good opportunity, he played a small trick and finally caught the attention of his superior.

  He had been secretly observing for half a day and saw him over there just half an hour ago, where did he go now?

  Long Wan felt somewhat disappointed, not expecting that the two days of hard work he had prepared would be basically useless. He couldn't start from being an ordinary worker, could he? Unable to get in touch with the management level, unable to get in touch with the core leaders of the enterprise, how much time would it take for him to achieve his goal!

  An ordinary worker, without status, connections or opportunities, what kind of chance and luck would it take to gain the recognition of a key figure! The scarcity of money, the urgency of time, and the coefficient of safety will become a fatal problem.

  The most direct way is to engage in enterprise management, so that you can fully learn and apply the knowledge you have learned. To fully combine the theoretical essence of Sun Tzu and Ghost Valley with human nature, apply it to the management of modern large enterprises, and strive to promote yourself, find opportunities to seek funding to start securities operations in a leveraged way, this is your own purpose!

  Unexpectedly, the recruiters of these companies saw that I didn't have a diploma, and as a result, they either ridiculed me or ignored me. Some asked if I was willing to do sales or labor work, while others even asked if I had a military discharge certificate, suggesting that being a security guard would be suitable for me.

  What's even more infuriating is that a man in his thirties, who also came for an interview, looked at me for a long time and then took the initiative to pull me aside. He said he had friends working at nightclubs and thought I was tall and powerful enough to be a gigolo or male prostitute! Otherwise, it would be a waste of good material! He even volunteered to be my "gigolo king" agent!

  With the idea of never provoking trouble, I naturally won't bother with him. But is a diploma really that important?

  Long Bao walked to the edge of the hall near the door, looking back at the noisy crowd, vigilant for any familiar faces, thinking dejectedly.

  Tian Junyao's eyes were sharp, and he saw Long Bing looking back. He immediately pointed in the direction of Long Bing with his hand, and said to Xue Guowei in a happy tone: "Director Xue, look! That Ao Cheng is right there!"

  Yang Liyi and Hou Yanling stared at her discontentedly, meaning "What's with you? What else do you want?"

  Xue Guowei gazed intently, and indeed, there was a tall and sturdy young man standing there, looking quite handsome in build. It would be good to go and get to know him, see if he has any substance!

  Xue Guowei walked up to Long Biao.

  Long Bao calmly watched this elegant middle-aged man, from his attire and demeanor it could be determined that he was definitely a corporate leader, but what did he want to do?

  Xue Guowei looked at Long Bao carefully, and he saw a deep and profound thing in Long Bao's eyes, which even made him feel a kind of vicissitude and wisdom.

  This is something that only people over 40 have, how does he also have it? Xue Guowei thought to himself.

  Long Bao also looked back at Xue Guoyu, the two of them silently exchanging content that only they could understand, understanding each other's hearts.

  After a moment's pause, Xue Guowei spoke up: "Do you think you can express yourself fluently in English?"

  "Wow, that was a tough one! My hard work hasn't gone to waste, the opportunity has arrived. Long Bing immediately responded in an even and steady tone: "Yes, in most circumstances."

  Xue Guowei slightly nodded and said: "How about overtime work?"

  "Overtime work is very normal in the company, if it's necessary I will not hesitate."

  Xue Guowei showed no expression and said: "What's your take on the salary?"

  "Shall we discuss my responsibilities with your company first? I think salary is closely related to the responsibilities of the job."

  Xue Guowei smiled and asked: "Do you work well under pressure?"

  Long Bao also smiled and said: "Working under pressure is very motivating and challenging. I don't mind the pressure of work, I am confident that I can do a good job, others can, I can too."

  Xue Guowei's smile was full of appreciation, although Ao Cheng's spoken language was not standard, but the meaning was clear and distinct, like the words he wrote. He continued to joke in Mandarin, "Are you so confident?"

  Long Wan felt that such a question could not be answered directly and had to be evasive in order to show one's level.

  He also said with a smile, "I remember that in the Bible there is such a passage - Christ asked the sick people: 'Do you have faith and confidence?' The sick people replied that they did. After Christ got their guarantee of faith, he spread the gospel to these people and said: 'People of God, your faith will give you everything.' For me, Mr., although I am not a Christian, I also have faith. My faith is myself, my faith is my confidence, I am my confidence."

  Xue Guowei looked at Long Bao with a profound gaze, nodded repeatedly in an unusual manner, and handed him his business card. "Ao Cheng, is it? You come to this place for an interview on the 15th tomorrow. When you arrive, give me a call."

  And so, the interview on the 15th came to an end. Long Bao was arranged to go to the Li Heng Group headquarters' HR department on the 16th as a temporary intern.

  However, in Xue Guowei's deputy general manager office, a few people were surrounding Long Bao and started an argument.

  Deputy Director Zhao Siwen was puzzled and said to Deputy Director Yao Feng of the Human Resources Department: "Director Yao, a diploma cannot represent a person's true level. Without a diploma, one can still do very well! Our chairman Qian Laibai started from scratch when he first founded the company, wasn't he just an elementary school graduate? I think this Ao Cheng is quite good. A young farmer who didn't even finish middle school was able to flexibly analyze the shortcomings of last year's Li Heng clothing failed project plan and answer relatively difficult questions in the knowledge point assessment. In my opinion, although he doesn't have a diploma, his level will not be lower than that of an economics bachelor from a famous university."

  Personnel Department Deputy Director Yao Feng looked down on Zhao Siwen, a non-traditional university graduate from Hunan University of Finance and Economics, who had only read a part-time master's degree, but in just three years, he climbed directly from the branch company to the deputy manager position in the headquarters planning department. He himself was holding an authentic MBA certificate from a prestigious university, but after four years, he had only reached this position.

  A peasant, isn't it just good at writing? What kind of diploma doesn't have, and yet he rose to the top?! You Zhao Siwen said this, aren't you targeting me?! How come looking at me as a prestigious university master's degree makes you uncomfortable in your heart, and you must find an opportunity to show off your expertise in planning, is an on-the-job graduate student better than me, a prestigious university master's degree?! **Your mom!**

  Yao Feng's anger rose, but his face only showed a hint of disdain as he said, "Manager Zhao has spoken well. How about this, Director Xue? Since Deputy Director Zhao appreciates Ao Cheng so much, why not transfer Ao Cheng to the Planning Department for an internship? If he passes the probation period, we can directly assign him to the headquarters' Planning Department. Perhaps Ao Cheng will play a bigger role in the Planning Department than in the Human Resources Department."

  Xue looked at Yao Feng, then at Zhao Siwen. He knew what these two people were thinking. He didn't think much of Yao Feng, but Yao Feng had won the appreciation of Vice Chairman Mo and was also close to Deputy General Manager Ye Ziheng. Xue had long been aware that Yao Feng was too cunning, and having him around made him feel like he had a piece of chewing gum stuck to his pants leg. However, this was just a product of the balance of power among high-level leaders, and there was no need for him to disrupt it.

  Xue Zong turned his head and looked at Hou Yanling of Li Heng Garment again, saying: "Manager Hou, what do you think?"

  Hou Yanling, in her thirties, had a charming demeanor, but was by no means an airheaded character. She smiled faintly and said, "Director Xue, Ao Cheng is the thousand-mile horse you've chosen to bet on, so it's up to you to decide. Young people, after all, have youth as their capital."

  Xue Zong gave them a complete face, and then said: "Ao Cheng doesn't have a diploma, but that doesn't mean he's not capable. A diploma is just a pass, it only shows you may be qualified to enter a certain company, but it can't be used as a guarantee for further advancement. In fact, self-study and regular college education are both ways to produce talent. Take Arthur Lee in the US, who didn't even graduate from middle school, yet he still made a name for himself in the American business world. A true hero isn't afraid of humble beginnings, we can't use conventional rules to discover and utilize talent. Talent needs to be cultivated, as long as they have the innate qualities to become talented, then it's our responsibility to cultivate them."

  "This Ao Cheng has good potential, although he hasn't received systematic education, but he has a wide range of experience and has the potential for development. Alright, little Zhao, next week he will go to your planning department, assign him an investigation task, have him and Xiao Fang go to the shoe factory to conduct research on the plant area environment construction project. Little Yao, you arrange for Secretary Qu to give him a brief introduction to the company. Okay, Manager Hou stays behind, everyone else can leave."

  Long Bao sat at the computer desk in the personnel department that faced the door, observing his surroundings.

  It's a foreign company, and the decoration of this office building is really worth spending money. The central air conditioning makes the whole room cool, the windows are bright and clean, five computer desks are arranged in two rows along the wall, each with a computer on it. The personnel file room is on the left side, separated by an anti-theft iron door, and there are people working outside, possibly this is where the company's personnel secrets are kept. On the right side is the office of the head of the human resources department.

  A place to settle down has been found, which is the most ideal destination. In an industrialized society, especially in such a modern advanced enterprise, everything emphasizes effectiveness and attaches importance to practical ability. One must have his own strength and real skills as a backing, opportunities are only given to those who are prepared.

  But are they suspicious of my lies? They actually tested all the skills I listed on my personal information, not only testing a lot of knowledge points in MBA management, but also asking me to use those computer software, and even testing Markowitz's mean-variance model in modern portfolio theory.

  ……

  What role will I play in this company? A junior high school student, actually became a white-collar worker in a large foreign-funded enterprise, what is the deep meaning of President Xue's arrangement?

  ……

  There was nothing on the table, and Long Bao continued to scan his surroundings.

  There are only two people in the personnel department, a man and a woman. The man is wearing thick-framed glasses and appears to be in his thirties, writing at his desk. The woman is around 40 years old, sitting in the innermost position, on the phone, just like Shi Wei, cooking up a phone porridge. It can be inferred that the man might be a standard doer, while the woman must have some background, otherwise she wouldn't be openly doing things that violate corporate management norms in such an enterprise.

  Qu Gu's secretary is increasingly disgusted with Xue's style, recruiting a junior high school student to be a senior white-collar worker in the group headquarters, it's simply a joke! If this gets out and other colleagues find out, it will be a laughing stock! Several colleagues in the headquarters are not masters, and even doctors are everywhere! To exaggerate, even the female office workers who sweep the floor, wipe the table, serve tea, and send water to curry favor with their colleagues and leaders are beautiful college girls!

  Who here didn't spend ten years studying hard, struggling to come out on top from the sea of books? How much heart and blood was spent, how many pens were worn out, how much youth was wasted, just to get that diploma, just to be able to enter this multinational corporation with real talent and learning? How much humiliation and self-abasement did one have to endure, how much energy and heart's blood did one have to expend for the company, just to climb from the bottom line of the enterprise to the position of deputy general secretary, office assistant? On what grounds can you bring in a peasant, an uneducated country bumpkin, to belittle everyone?!

  With a monthly income of 6,000 yuan, his wife Meng Liufang also became the general manager's secretary at Liheng Import and Export Company. They were living a happy life, and there was even news that the company might promote him. Who knew that this satisfactory status would be disrupted by Ao Cheng, who was specially recruited by Xue Guowei, making it feel like having a fly stuck in his throat!

  "Qiu Anzu, assistant to the director of the office, from Anhui Province, MBA from Dongbei University of Finance and Economics. May I ask, Mr. Ao, which school did you graduate from and what was your major?"

  Long Bao couldn't understand his meaning and didn't react to the sarcastic tone in his words, knowing that this kid had hostile intentions towards him was enough. Long Bao said calmly: "Qiu Assistant, hello, my name is Ao Cheng, from Jiangxi, new here, didn't attend university, please guide me."

  He didn't make the person who took a step to heaven blush, which was somewhat expected by Qu Anzu. It seemed that this kid's upbringing was very good. Alright, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future, so for now, let him introduce the group simply, thought Qu Anzu.

  From Qiu's assistant, it is known that Liheng Group was founded by Hong Kong tycoon Qian Zhengsheng and is controlled by the Qian family enterprise in Hong Kong. The mainland China operations are mainly focused on production and R&D, with a domestic headquarters department. The group also has an international headquarters in Hong Kong. In mainland China, there are nine large subsidiaries under the group, including Liheng Chemicals, Liheng Pharmaceuticals, Liheng Apparel, Liheng Footwear, Liheng Trade, Liheng Electronics, Liheng Building Materials, and Liheng Heavy Industry, with one more in preparation. The second- and third-tier enterprises under the group are centered around Chang'an, mainly distributed in the Dongguan-Huizhou-Shenzhen area of the Pearl River Delta. Enterprises such as Liheng Apparel, Liheng Electronics, and Liheng Pharmaceuticals are located within the Chang'an production park of the group.

  Chairman of the Board: Qian Zhengsheng, CEO: Jin Kuanning, Six Vice Chairmen are Mo Guishan, Li Yuanfu, He Yongji, Zeng Haichang, Qian Suxue (Qian Zhengsheng's eldest daughter), Qian Tonghua (Qian Zhengsheng's son). Five Deputy General Managers are Ye Ziheng (Qian Suxue's husband), Qian Tonghua, Xue Guowei, Qian Yuhui (Qian Zhengsheng's youngest daughter), Mr. Botelli.

  Gu Anzu took Long Bao to measure his body, determined the work uniform model, distributed office supplies and employee manual, took Long Bao to the staff dormitory, arranged accommodation, and distributed regulated living supplies.

  This group company treats itself very well, exceeding its own expectations. The probationary salary set for oneself is 2000 yuan, the probationary period is three months, and those who perform outstandingly can be converted in advance. It is said that after conversion, you can get a two-person apartment, but now you are still on probation, so you can only live in the dormitory area of security personnel, six people per room.

  The dormitory card has been handled, and the bedding has been bought in the park area. The bed has been tidied up. It can be said that the hustle and bustle of nearly two months can finally take a break, and I can sleep soundly. When people who have no way out cannot change their individual environment through their own strength, they can only submit to reality, adapt to the environment, and accumulate their own strength, which is the only correct choice.

  Long Bao lay quietly on his bed, deep in thought.

  On August 19, Group President Jin Kuanning, who had just returned from the United States and stopped by in Hong Kong to discuss the group's future development plans with Chairman Qian Zhengsheng, suddenly called Xue Guowei from Qian Lao's home in Hong Kong.

  Chairman Jin Kuangning and Xue Guowei exchanged a few pleasantries, briefly discussing the situation in the US. He then instructed that he would hold a meeting with all senior management personnel of the group the day after tomorrow. On the phone, he seemed to pause for a moment, speaking slowly: "Director Xue, I heard that the headquarters recently recruited a new young talent, who hasn't even graduated from junior high school and has been assigned to the human resources department. Is this true?"

  Xue Guowei thought to himself, "As expected, the news has spread so quickly to the CEO and Qian Lao's ears." He replied in a deep voice, "Ah, Jin Zong, yes, there is such a thing. However, it hasn't been confirmed which department he'll be in yet. This young man has already undergone evaluation according to personnel regulations, and since he passed, I've arranged for him to enter the probationary period."

  "Director Xue, I'm puzzled. My colleague Qian and I have always trusted your judgment in personnel matters, but this time we're confused. Why are you being so strict with those undergraduate and graduate students, yet you're making an exception for a middle school student? Even if he passes the assessment, it seems inappropriate for him to work at headquarters as a white-collar employee... Director Xue, shouldn't you reconsider? This matter has already caused quite a stir. Some employees in our subsidiaries are complaining that hiring a middle school student is demotivating and they're even considering leaving the company. Many of them have worked for the company for years, we can't afford to lose valuable talent due to careless consideration!"

  Xue Guowei had already made up his mind and considered this matter very carefully. He had a unique perspective on it.

  Xue Guowei said in a low voice, "Mr. Jin, let me tell you about a real event. In a certain place, there is a type of freshwater fish that tastes extremely delicious and has a huge market demand. However, when transported by sea at a low cost, the fish are all sluggish and have a very low survival rate. Most suppliers are troubled by the high transportation costs. But there was one person whose fish had an extremely high survival rate, yet he also used ocean transportation. Why did he achieve such vastly different results?"

  Finally, everyone discovered his secret. It turned out that he had put a few special fish in these cargo holds. These special fish like to chase and eat this freshwater fish, and they are extremely active and energetic, can swim continuously for 24 hours, and are a natural enemy of this fish. Therefore, the freshwater fish he transported did not show any signs of being sluggish, but were full of vitality and always tense with the pursuit of their natural enemies. Naturally, his profits were very high.

  "For a large enterprise, mid-to-senior management and technical talents are its lifeblood. However, the true lifeblood must be those who are loyal to the company, have an entrepreneurial spirit, are full of vigor, are lively, think ahead, have a sense of crisis, and do not get entangled in personnel matters. The group's plate is too big, and it is inevitable that there will be many oversights in talent management, use, and treatment, especially since the quality, cultural characteristics, and work concepts of inland talents differ from those abroad. Simple incentive mechanisms have already led to a lack of vitality within our group, making us like a giant with heavy footsteps, unable to move nimbly. The phenomenon of people being superficial is becoming increasingly severe, and labor costs are getting higher and higher. Now, the development of our group has reached a very critical moment, which is a long-term problem that the group cannot avoid."

  "This young man is called Ao Cheng. Although he has not received a formal university education, and did not even graduate from middle school, after my thorough investigation and analysis, I have found that he possesses many qualities that ordinary people do not have: he is well-read in the classics, his thinking is meticulous, his creativity is unique and uninhibited, his personality is bold and strong, his reactions are quick, he has abundant energy, his work efficiency is very high, he does not have excessive personal desires, he is magnanimous and wise, and his ability to work independently is extremely strong."

  "Now this achievement is just like a special fish, as long as we promote it properly, it can play an unexpected role in the Li Heng Group's large fish group, create an atmosphere of 'having talent and having opportunities' within the company, increase the sense of crisis among management personnel at all levels, effectively motivate middle and lower-level employees to be more proactive and responsible for their work. If we continue to cultivate and train him well, he will surely grow into a backbone force in the group."

  Xue Zong finally said: "Jin Zong, I believe in my vision and judgment. Please trouble you to convey my consideration to Chairman Qian Dong."

  Jin's phone was on speakerphone, and Qian Lao heard everything clearly.

  The two men looked at each other for a while, and Mr. Qian nodded in agreement with Xue Guowei's point of view, and Jin also deeply agreed.

  Indeed, group enterprises must take action to purify themselves.

  Since the revised version of this article was uploaded to Sina website on April 15, readers have responded well and been recommended by Sina homepage (video·reading), with nearly 40,000 daily clicks. As urban-themed books can get more attention from domestic publishers on Sina website, please go to Sina website to continue supporting me and leave wonderful book reviews if you care about this book.

  The revised version is set at 800,000 words, with more than 500,000 words deleted and modified. The content is concise and synchronized on Sina and Qidian, wid = 2234.

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