Chapter 618: Invitation

1:00 PM.

Zhongcheng Group Headquarters Building, Food and Beverage Division.

Ding Furong hummed a tune, carrying a Luckin Coffee in his hand, and walked with a light step into the semi-open office in the corner.

He placed the coffee on the desk with enthusiasm and said with a chuckle, "Brother Feng, the hot coconut latte you wanted."

"Mm, just put it there."

Gao Junfeng didn't even look up, still focused on the data report on his computer screen, his tone flat.

Ding Furong didn't mind, quickly returning to his own workstation, tearing open a packet of instant three-in-one, and brewing a cup of coffee for himself.

Then, he leaned back contentedly in his ergonomic chair and started scrolling through short videos.

Zhongcheng Group was not particularly strict in its management, especially for positions like theirs that leaned toward sales; as long as they could secure clients, their daily work state was relatively free.

What's more, he had the backing of Gao Junfeng, a big tree, and his future was promising.

Thinking of this, Ding Furong's mood became even more relaxed.

Approaching 2:00 PM.

"Ding-dong—" The notification sound of Enterprise WeChat rang out.

【HRBP-Li Xin: "Ding Furong, please come to Conference Room 3 on the 6th floor now; there are matters that need to be discussed."】

Seeing this message, Ding Furong's heart skipped a beat. What is this for? Is there some contract that wasn't signed?

He straightened his collar and, harboring a trace of ambition and expectation, knocked on the door of the conference room.

What met his eyes was the face of HRBP Li Xin, who always wore a professional smile.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ding Furong sat down cautiously: "Sister Li, what do you need me for?"

Li Xin looked at him, without any unnecessary preamble, cutting straight to the point: "Ding Furong, after an evaluation by the division and your direct supervisor, we believe that your comprehensive ability has a significant gap with the requirements of the channel business specialist position at our company. Therefore, we regret to inform you that you have failed to pass this probationary period."

The smile on Ding Furong's face froze instantly, and a chill shot up from the soles of his feet.

"This—this, how is this possible?! Sister Li, did you make a mistake?" "This is a decision made by the company after comprehensive consideration." Li Xin's tone was indisputable. "You can submit your resignation application here; we will handle the relevant severance compensation in accordance with the provisions of the Labor Law—"

A few minutes.

Ding Furong walked out of the conference room in a daze, his mind a complete blank.

Immediately, as if remembering something, he hurried toward Gao Junfeng's office.

It was empty inside; his "big backer," Gao Junfeng, was not there.

Ding Furong immediately took out his phone and dialed.

"Beep, beep, beep—" The phone rang twice before being hung up.

When he called again, it was in a state of no answer.

Ding Furong was sweating profusely with anxiety, pacing back and forth in the small office area.

After waiting anxiously for more than ten minutes.

Gao Junfeng's figure finally appeared outside the office door.

His face was pale, his walk unsteady, and his entire state was even worse than Ding Furong's.

However, Ding Furong did not notice these details and immediately went up to meet him.

He said urgently, "Brother Feng! Something happened! I just received an HR notification saying I didn't pass my probation and was laid off! You have to help me—" Before he could finish, Gao Junfeng suddenly turned his head and interrupted in a hoarse voice, "Shut up!"

Ding Furong was startled by his appearance, his momentum instantly weakening, but he still said softly, unwilling to give up, "Sorry, Brother Feng, I was just too anxious. It's mainly because you know, I finally got into Zhongcheng, you—you have to help me—"

Gao Junfeng took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, "Help you my ass, I'm getting kicked out too!"

"What?" Ding Furong widened his eyes, incredulous, "You—you were laid off too?"

Gao Junfeng clenched his fists, his face flushed with humiliation and anger, "I just received the notice; I must complete all work handovers within this week."

Hearing that Ding Furong was also laid off, he had already vaguely guessed the reason.

It was definitely because of Zhang Lei's matter.

He never expected that such a small matter would escalate to this point.

A 26-year-old assistant to the group vice president, holding a certain amount of personnel advisory power, with a bright future ahead.

He originally thought his life had just begun to take off.

But now, all of this had become a joke.

Whether it was Su Ping or Qin Hua, both now had completely different faces.

Ding Furong's expression shifted, and he immediately thought of something more important, "Junfeng, then the twenty thousand yuan kickback you took from me before, shouldn't you return it to me first?"

Gao Junfeng said irritably, "I helped you finish your onboarding, and I did everything I promised you. You're still asking me for money?"

Hearing this, Ding Furong's expression turned completely cold.

He stepped forward and grabbed Gao Junfeng's arm tightly.

"Fengzi, don't you dare try to welch on the debt! If you don't return this money to me, neither of us will have an easy time!"

TC Private Club.

After finishing a full-body essential oil SPA, Xie Shu Yu put on a soft silk bathrobe and came to the tea break area on the side.

Beside the exquisite bone china tea set, freshly cut fruits and low-calorie yogurt mousse were laid out.

Just as she sat down on the sofa.

"Ding-a-ling—" The phone rang suddenly.

【Meng Ran】

Answering the phone, Xie Shu Yu said softly, "Hello, Ranran, what's wrong?"

"Xie Shu Yu, did I disturb your rest? I have good news, and I must be the first to tell you." On the other end of the phone came Meng Ran's capable and excited voice.

"Oh? What is it?"

"Weren't you always having a headache about the national expansion of Weiguang Coffee and how hard it is to secure high-quality cold-chain dairy suppliers in the Southwest region?" Meng Ran didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, "At the end of the month, our 'First Financial' Southwest Business Department, in conjunction with other institutions, is going to hold a closed-door private sharing session in Rongcheng. I just got the final invitation list, and the group vice presidents of the two Southwest dairy giants, New Hope and Jule, will personally lead their teams to come."

Xie Shu Yu's expression shifted slightly, and she immediately said, "Thank you, Ranran. Send the electronic invitation for the event directly to my email. Also, help me find background information on the participating guests, as soon as possible."

"Don't worry, it's already prepared for you."

After hanging up, Xie Shu Yu's fingertips tapped lightly on the smooth phone screen, a sharp light flashing in her eyes.

Most of the current 【Weiguang Coffee】 stores are mainly concentrated in the North China region with Yancheng as the core.

In first-tier cities like the Imperial Capital and Modu, they have only strategically established flagship stores to build brand image, without large-scale expansion.

And after detailed market research and data analysis, she locked the next strategic location for cluster expansion in the Southwest region.

The Southwest region, especially Sichuan Province and Yunnan Province, is one of the highest-quality dairy and coffee bean producing areas in China.

Her plan is to use Rongcheng as the core base and densely open at least 20 stores covering three different formats: leisure, quick-take, and flagship.

Radiating to surrounding core cities like Jiangcheng and Chuncheng.

Moreover, 【Weiguang Coffee】 is about to reach a deep strategic cooperation with that top coffee supplier located in Yunnan Province under Smile Holdings.

This major positive news further strengthened her determination to deeply cultivate the Southwest.

Just at this moment, Zhao Yaqian and Zhang Yurong, who had also changed into bathrobes, walked over with smiles.

Xie Shu Yu quickly restrained her exposed sharpness and returned to that elegant and composed posture.

The three of them leaned leisurely on the sofa, chatting about interesting anecdotes from all over.

Of course, it was mainly Xie Shu Yu and Zhang Yurong chatting.

After a harmonious lunch and a shared SPA, the atmosphere became unprecedentedly harmonious and intimate.

After taking a sip of calming chamomile tea, Zhao Yaqian seemed to suddenly remember something.

She tilted her head and said to Xie Shu Yu, "By the way, Sister Xie Shu Yu, I just remembered, I think I have a friend who works at your Weiguang Coffee,

but she is a part-timer."

"Oh? Who is it?" A trace of genuine surprise flashed in Xie Shu Yu's eyes.

She didn't expect that a woman like Zhao Yaqian would actually know a part-time employee of their company.

"Qian Lele, a student at Yancheng Normal University. I don't know if Sister Xie Shu Yu knows her."

"Lele?" Xie Shu Yu raised her eyebrows, a bright smile appearing on her face, "She is indeed our company's part-time front-end developer,

responsible for mini-program maintenance. The world is really small; I didn't expect you to know each other."

【Missing text in source】

"Actually, I used to be a regular customer of your Weiguang Coffee, and I especially like the baked cakes Lele makes." Zhao Yaqian smiled with her eyes curved, "After coming and going, I got to know her. I heard her say that your Weiguang Coffee has now built its own central kitchen, right outside the East Second Ring Road in Yancheng, is that right?"

"Hmm." Mentioning her career, Xie Shu Yu's eyes instantly became bright and focused, "It just went into production last month, mainly to ensure the standardization of the quality of baked goods and light meals, and also to better control costs.

Now all our stores in Yancheng, including the new branches in the entire North China region later, will have core products uniformly produced and distributed by the central kitchen."

After listening to her explanation, Zhao Yaqian rubbed her hands somewhat nervously and organized her language.

Turning to Zhang Yurong, she said, "Sister Yurong, doesn't our Isha Beauty Industry always have an afternoon tea business? But the taste of the cooperating suppliers feels just average.

Since Sister Xie Shu Yu here has a ready-made central kitchen with such good quality, why don't we cooperate with Weiguang Coffee?"

Hearing her words, Xie Shu Yu instantly sat up straight, her eyes lighting up.

"Qian Qian's suggestion is excellent! To be honest, Yurong, I have always had this idea, but I just haven't figured out how to bring it up.

Our Weiguang central kitchen can customize a healthy, low-calorie 'beauty-themed' afternoon tea specifically for Isha Beauty Industry, ensuring the exclusivity and high-end nature of the quality."

Xie Shu Yu became more excited as she spoke, finally moving directly to Zhao Yaqian's side, holding her hand, and introducing her plan to her.

She indeed had plans in this regard for the future, expanding the business from simple retail in stores to toB enterprise customization and supply chain output.

But this plan was still just in the imagination stage, and convincing a shrewd business person like Zhang Yurong to cooperate would require long negotiations and adjustments.

Zhao Yaqian's move was a complete timely help.

Isha Beauty Industry is the most high-end chain beauty club in Yancheng, and now it has invested heavily in medical beauty projects, and its brand value and customer consumption power are impeccable.

It is her most ideal first "model client"!

Zhang Yurong's gaze flickered on the two people's faces, her expression slightly awkward, but it was quickly replaced by a hearty smile, "If you think it's okay, Qian Qian, then I definitely have no opinion!"

Currently, Isha Beauty Industry's cooperating supplier is her nephew.

However, since Zhao Yaqian spoke personally, she definitely couldn't reject the other party's face.

"That's great!" Xie Shu Yu stood up excitedly, "I will contact the person in charge of the central kitchen now and let them immediately produce a product list and cooperation plan. Let's finalize this matter as soon as possible!"

After speaking, she nodded to the two and stood up to leave directly.

Watching this spirited and decisive female CEO, Zhao Yaqian felt a burst of envy in her heart.

Actually, this suggestion was given to her by Seeing Xiao Xue last night.

According to Seeing Xiao Xue, this is called "interest bundling," and she also said that this CEO Xie is very powerful and is a truly self-made strong woman,

and there will be many places to complement each other in the future, which can help her.

Zhao Yaqian was confused when she heard it at the time, but now she gradually understood.

"Buzz buzz buzz—" The phone vibrated suddenly.

【Seeing Xiao Xue: "Qian Qian, how is it going?"】

Zhao Yaqian hurriedly typed and replied, "Very smooth, we can be considered friends now, and then, the cooperation is also finalized."

【Seeing Xiao Xue: "Hmm, that's good. By the way, there is one more thing, how about you come to my place tomorrow night and stay for a day?"】

Zhao Yaqian: "(.) Okay, I've been chasing Bei Yuwei's new drama recently, it's super good, let's binge-watch it together."

【Seeing Xiao Xue: "That, binge-watching can be done anytime later. I'm going to London soon and will be away for a while. I mean, let's drink, chat, and play games with Tang Song."】

Seeing this message, Zhao Yaqian's cheeks turned red instantly.

She guiltily turned the phone screen face down and subconsciously glanced at Zhang Yurong not far away.

Biting her lip, she then secretly replied with an OK emoji.

Her heartbeat, however, couldn't stop accelerating.

A 19-year-old beautician, her hormones are at their peak.

For her, it is both nervous and full of unspeakable anticipation.

Yan Province Financial Center Block A, Rongliu Capital.

Lin Empress Mu Xue leaned on the Herman Miller office chair, her slender legs unconsciously crossing.

Exiting the chat interface.

Taking a look at the schedule.

There were only 3 days left until she set off for London.

November 16th, which is this Thursday.

She will officially start her "Imperial College gilding journey."

Thinking of this, her mood became even more excited.

That generous "big foreign horse" Annie Kate had already boldly stated during their last meeting that she would lend her her own Gulfstream G650ER private jet and arrange high-spec private reception throughout the trip.

That was the handiwork of the Kate family, the pomp was absolutely shocking, enough to make those rich second-generation friends traveling with her dumbfounded.

This act of showing off was simply going to reach the heavens!

And she could also take the opportunity to go through the entire process of international travel.

After all, she is Tang Song's private assistant, and when planning Tang Song's itinerary in the future, she could appear more composed and professional.

Of course, Annie Kate's generosity has a "price."

That is the event carefully planned by the other party tomorrow night.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

The knocking on the door interrupted her thoughts.

Lin Empress Mu Xue hurriedly sat up straight, her voice clear, "Please come in."

The office door was pushed open, and Shen Yu Yan walked in with a folder, taking elegant steps.

"Luna." A perfect professional smile hung on her face as she gently placed a document on Lin Empress Mu Xue's desk, "This is the final investment agreement document for Tang Zong regarding Zhilian Future, take a look."

She didn't want to come either, but Lin Empress Mu Xue was her nominal superior, and recently this "general assistant" had been full of ambition.

She required that all documents submitted to Tang Song must first pass through her and be synchronized with her.

Lin Empress Mu Xue's gaze swept over the document and she said casually, "Got it, leave it here."

Her tone was neither light nor heavy, carrying a casual sense of a superior toward a subordinate.

Shen Yu Yan did not leave immediately.

She tidied up the corner of her clothes in a leisurely manner and said with a smile in a tone full of concern:

"I heard you are flying to London this Thursday and will be gone for several days. Don't worry, I will take good care of Tang Zong during the time you are away. I will help plan all his itineraries in advance. You can go with peace of mind and enjoy a rare vacation."

Lin Empress Mu Xue's eyes twitched, hearing the provocation in the other party's words.

She chuckled, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Shirley. However, this time I'm going to London, besides attending the alumni association, there are also many work matters that I need to report to Tang Zong in real-time. Using the word 'vacation' is too inaccurate."

Shen Yu Yan's smile remained unchanged, "Oh? What work? Do you need me to help you share some of the preliminary data organization? After all, having one more person can make you a little more relaxed."

"No need, it's all internal secrets."

"Hehe, alright, then I won't disturb you. By the way, I have already agreed with Tang Zong to inspect two investment projects tomorrow,

so I won't be coming to the company tomorrow."

Lin Empress Mu Xue chuckled, picked up the fountain pen on the desk, and turned it elegantly on her fingertip, "Okay, I got it. I have an appointment with Tang Zong tomorrow night, and it's highly likely we'll be eating at my place. Remember to report Tang Zong's itinerary to me at any time, I need to prepare in advance."

The smile on Shen Yu Yan's face showed a slight stagnation, but it was quickly adjusted.

"Okay, no problem."

Returning to her workstation.

Lowering her head, she took a deep breath, always feeling a sense of frustration held back in her heart.

Shen Yu Yan lowered her head, looking at the exquisite face reflected on the computer screen, took a deep breath, and exhaled forcefully.

There was always a lingering frustration in her heart, making her chest feel stuffy.

She thought of Wen Ruan in Yangcheng, thought of Tian Jing, Lin Empress Mu Xue, and even Qingqing.

When did she start to care so much, or even be jealous of such things?

It probably started that night in Xiangjiang, under the brilliant lights of Victoria Harbour, after kissing him.

After all, it was her first kiss, and also the first time she had such a strong palpitation for the opposite sex.

But can this be considered love?

Shen Yu Yan laughed at herself, putting away her pretentious self-pity.

Night covered Modu.

The Bund No. 1 Courtyard.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Huangpu River flowed quietly like a dark silk ribbon.

"So, what is Tang Song's final opinion on Su Yu entering the family office?"

Ouyang Xianyue was wearing a simple white cashmere loungewear set, holding a cup of warm rooibos tea in her hand.

Her supple medium-short hair was scattered casually, her posture elegant and noble.

She didn't wear makeup, her skin was still tight and delicate, and there didn't seem to be many traces of time on her face.

Mo Xiang Wan recalled the conversation with Tang Song on the terrace.

Her expression was slightly unnatural, "Tang Zong said that I can join first."

"Oh hehe," Ouyang Xianyue let out an almost inaudible chuckle, her slender fingertips gently rubbing the glazed surface of the warm tea cup, "He is still so smart, it seems he really cares about Miss Smile's opinion."

"Hmm, the importance of Director Jin to Tang Zong is self-evident."

Ouyang Xianyue looked at her and suddenly said, "Also, hearing you say that, you should be very happy."

Mo Xiang Wan's eyes twitched, and she lowered her head to take a sip of tea to hide her emotions.

One of the core purposes of her trip to Tian Jing's birthday party was to test Tang Song's attitude.

However, the final result was truly beyond her expectations, and it also caused unprecedented joy and complex emotions to surge in her heart.

Since 2019, in the Tang Zong Entertainment she manages, this seemingly glamorous and massive entertainment empire has had almost no real presence in the entire "Tang Jin System."

No matter how hard she and Su Yu tried, what they finally created was only a market value of more than 80 billion.

Not to mention compared to companies like Tang Yi Precision and Jingwu Capital, it was dozens of times worse even compared to Guyu Biology and Meigou Technology.

Therefore, as a "tool person" Tang Song used to cultivate Su Yu.

She had never dared to hope that she would one day really be able to enter that "family office" representing the highest power.

Her biggest purpose in going there this time was actually to help Su Yu fight for it.

But she didn't expect that by a twist of fate, this position actually fell on her head.

Moreover, Wu Kezhi and the others all knew about this, which means she had effectively received Tang Song's promise.

This was undoubtedly Tang Song's highest recognition of her personally.

However, because of this, she felt very sorry for Su Yu in her heart.

Mo Xiang Wan raised her head and said, "Tang Zong has already confirmed that he will attend the Smile Holdings shareholders' meeting, what should we do next?"

Ouyang Xianyue put down the tea cup in her hand, stood up slowly, and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

Looking at the brilliant night scene outside the window, she said slowly, "My grandfather is hospitalized and might not make it through this winter. He really wants to see Tang Song one more time. I plan to invite him to accompany me to Rongcheng at the end of the month, do you think he will agree?"

Mo Xiang Wan was stunned, just wanting to say something comforting.

Ouyang Xianyue suddenly turned back, shook her head and chuckled, "I just don't know if Jin Smile will think I'm trying to steal her man again after knowing about this."