Chapter 540

Zhongcheng Group Headquarters, 6th Floor, Food and Beverage Division.

Stairwell.

Zhang Lei put away his phone, took a crumpled cigarette from his pocket, and lit it.

Amidst the swirling smoke, he slumped on the cold concrete steps, looking down at the cigarette ash someone had left on the ground, his heart filled with confusion.

Yesterday afternoon, he suddenly received a talk from HR, notifying him that he hadn't passed his probationary period.

The reason was "business ability does not match the job requirements."

This reason was complete bullshit.

He wasn't a rookie who had just graduated; having struggled in the workplace for many years, he naturally understood what this meant.

Last night, he specifically went to find the department manager, Liu Huiyang, that "insider" his uncle had pulled strings for.

But the other party just sighed, patted his shoulder, and said this was the meaning of the leaders above, and there was nothing he could do. If Liu Huiyang said there was nothing he could do, then there really was nothing he could do.

After questioning for a long time, Liu Huiyang vaguely revealed that the newcomer, Ding Furong, who had joined at the same time as him, had been recommended directly by the President's Office.

He had great power and couldn't be offended.

This feeling was like being slapped hard in the face, and his face burned with pain.

To stay at the Yancheng headquarters, he had put in so much effort, accompanied clients for so many drinks, and run so many fruitless errands.

Haha, he originally thought that with his uncle's friend, Liu Huiyang, as his leader, he could settle down.

He didn't expect that in just over a month, he would be kicked away so cleanly and decisively, without even being given a chance to transfer back to the Quancheng branch.

In the end, it was because his background wasn't strong enough.

After finishing the cigarette, Zhang Lei stood up, didn't even brush the dust off his suit pants, and turned to walk toward the office.

Just as he turned the corner of the corridor, several figures walked toward him.

Zhang Lei's pupils shrank, and almost instinctively, he stood against the wall and lowered his head respectfully.

Walking in the front was the Financial Director, Tian Guowen.

This executive, who had the most limelight within the group, was said to be the nephew of the Executive Director, Tian Chengye, and was highly likely to succeed as CEO in the future.

And walking side-by-side with him, smiling sweetly, was none other than the Administrative Supervisor of the President's Office, Qin Hua.

It was said that her father was the newly appointed director, Qin Dechang, and she had been very close to Tian Guowen recently.

A talented man and a beautiful woman, it caused a lot of discussion throughout the company.

Looking at these big leaders, whom he could usually only see in company emails and high-level meetings, Zhang Lei didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

He just said in a low voice as they passed: "Tian Zong—Supervisor Qin—"

However, their group walked straight past, chatting and laughing, without even glancing in his direction.

Watching them walk past.

Zhang Lei finally breathed a sigh of relief, and then couldn't help but mock himself in his heart.

Really, he had been kneeling for too long; he was a man who was about to resign and get out, yet he was still so humble.

But this was also normal. His first job after his family's decline was at a Zhongcheng branch.

He had a heartfelt awe for this behemoth.

Every one of these leaders inside seemed like an existence he needed to look up to.

If he could have established some connection with any one of them, he wouldn't have ended up in this state today.

Putting away those absurd thoughts, he returned to the workstation that wouldn't belong to him next week, his mood at its lowest point.

Tomorrow was the last day.

It just so happened that payday was on the 10th, which could be considered earning his first and last full monthly salary at the headquarters.

"Tap, tap, tap—" Slightly hurried footsteps approached.

A voice with deliberate enthusiasm came from behind: "Leizi, hurry up with the KA client data on the handover list, I have to visit them tomorrow."

Zhang Lei turned his head and saw Ding Furong standing by his workstation.

He was leaning against the partition, arms crossed.

Zhang Lei glanced at him without speaking, just clicked on the folder on his computer and continued to organize the client information.

Ding Furong still stood next to him, starting to enthusiastically ask about various details of the handover.

The questions were more detailed one after another.

He appeared exceptionally serious and intimate; that posture of working hard was clearly for the other colleagues around to see.

6:30 PM.

Zhang Lei didn't work overtime and clocked out of the company on time.

Walking along the familiar streets, he walked directly toward that "Tianji BBQ Shop."

The sky was already completely dark, and the road was filled with heavy traffic and flashing neon lights.

The BBQ shop was just at the evening peak, bustling with noise and excitement.

This chain BBQ shop was very famous in Yancheng, all located in popular business districts.

Not only did they have BBQ, but also stir-fry and hot pot, making it a designated team-building dinner spot for many local companies.

He found a booth in the corner and sat down.

He skillfully ordered a dozen iced beers and some common dishes, then sent a WeChat message to Tang Song, sitting quietly alone and waiting.

Actually, he had quite a few friends in Yancheng, after all, Quancheng was so close to here.

But there were only a few people he could count on his fingers with whom he could sit down quietly, talk, and vent when he was in a low point or a miserable moment in life.

Tang Song was one of them.

And he also knew that Tang Song was no longer what he used to be, having started a business and become a boss.

In his heart, he actually held a glimmer of fantasy, wanting this old classmate to give him some help or advice.

After all, last time in Quancheng, Tang Song had vaguely mentioned this matter.

Soon, a dozen iced Yanjing beers were served.

Zhang Lei opened a bottle with a "pop" and took a big gulp.

The cold alcohol slid down his throat, but it couldn't extinguish the fire of frustration in his heart at all, instead making him feel even more agitated.

After a while, a familiar yet somewhat strange figure appeared at the entrance.

As soon as he appeared, he attracted the attention of many girls in the shop.

Zhang Lei hurriedly stood up and waved hard: "Tang Song, over here!"

"Zhang Lei."

The two greeted each other.

Zhang Lei took the initiative to open a bottle of beer for him and pushed it in front of him: "I ordered some common dishes, see if you want to add anything else."

"These are fine, enough." Tang Song sat down opposite him, looking at his dejected appearance, and asked directly: "What exactly happened? You seem completely off."

Zhang Lei picked up the beer bottle and clinked it hard with his, sighing heavily: "Let's have one first."

After drinking a few sips of beer.

Cold dishes and sizzling meat skewers were served one after another.

Zhang Lei picked up a lamb skewer and took a fierce bite.

While chewing, he said unwillingly: "I'm—I'm getting kicked out of the company tomorrow."

Tang Song was stunned, "You were fired?"

"Mm." Zhang Lei grabbed another grilled kidney skewer and stuffed it into his mouth, "Didn't pass the probationary period, the reason is 'business ability not good'."

He laughed at himself, his voice full of suppressed anger: "I just transferred from the branch to the headquarters,

I haven't even fully taken over the clients, where would there be any business? Isn't it ridiculous? Damn it, in the end, I was replaced by a connection hire."

He drank beer in big gulps, telling the whole story of his talk with HR yesterday afternoon and his back-and-forth with manager Liu Huiyang.

Tang Song listened quietly without interrupting.

When he heard the words "President's Office," his eyes flickered slightly.

His keen insight and thinking made him think of something instantly.

He remembered that when he was eating here with Zhang Lei last time, he happened to run into Gao Junfeng.

This assistant to the vice president, if divided by department, should be in the President's Office.

Zhang Lei was a market backbone transferred from the branch, normally, even if the headquarters was laying off people, he should return to the Quancheng branch.

And now, this situation was clearly abnormal.

Thinking of Gao Junfeng, a trace of coldness flashed in Tang Song's eyes.

If Gao Junfeng really did this, it was clearly targeting him.

Zhang Lei was just implicated.

Two bottles of beer down.

Zhang Lei's eyes were a bit red, and he pounded his fist on the table.

"I'm just unwilling! To get into the headquarters, how much did I pay? In those two years in Quancheng, for the sake of performance, I drank until I had a stomach perforation twice! Finally made it out, thinking I could do something big in Yancheng, and what happened?

Haha, one month, and I was dismissed."

"Do you know what's the most disgusting thing?" He pointed to his own nose, "I still have to act like a dog today, handing over the client data I worked so hard to get, bit by bit, to that idiot who kicked me out!"

His voice was a bit agitated, causing people at the neighboring table to look over.

Tang Song patted his shoulder, signaling him to calm down.

After pondering for a moment, he said: "Zhang Lei, I'm going to make a call."

"Sure, go ahead."

Tang Song didn't get up, just picked up his phone, found Xiao Jing's number, and dialed it.

"Beep, beep—"

After just two rings, the call was quickly answered.

A sweet and well-behaved voice came through the receiver: "Hello? Song, good evening, I was just thinking of sending you a message, we really have a telepathic connection! Did you miss me?"

Listening to the voice of his Bai Fumei friend, Tang Song couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth slightly, and his voice became much gentler, "Of course I missed Xiao Jing."

"Hee hee, I missed you too, mua"

Tang Song whispered a few sweet nothings with his girlfriend before asking: "Xiao Jing, where are you? Are you free now?"

Xiao Jing gave a surprised low cry, "Of course I'm free! I'm at home, I just finished showering, I'm all fragrant. Song, are you asking me out to play?"

Tang Song laughed: "I'm having BBQ with a friend, why don't you come over and join us?"

"Hi—!" A rustling sound of getting dressed came from Xiao Jing's side, her tone full of impatience, "Send me the location, I'll be there right away!"

"Mm, be safe on the way."

Hanging up the phone.

Zhang Lei said in shock: "Holy shit, Tang Song—you have a girlfriend? When did this happen?"

"Listen," Tang Song paused, saying without blushing or skipping a beat: "A long time ago, a colleague from my former company."

"Awesome! She must be very beautiful, right?" Zhang Lei's eyes were full of envy.

At the Zhongcheng Group headquarters, he had also taken a fancy to a female colleague in the finance department, had just had a meal with her, and hadn't even started pursuing her when he was done for.

Tang Song sent the location to Xiao Jing while saying: "Haha, she is quite beautiful. Let her come over for a meal, you don't mind, right?"

"What are you talking about! It's my honor that your girlfriend is coming." Zhang Lei immediately greeted: "Then let's add some more dishes! Waiter! Over here!"

Tang Song didn't stop him.

Zhang Lei ordered two more hearty dishes and three or four types of skewers in a rush before sitting back down.

The two clinked glasses again and ate a few bites of food.

Zhang Lei's mood gradually sank.

If he were in a normal state, he would definitely be chasing Tang Song, gossiping about his girlfriend's situation.

But right now, he clearly wasn't in the mood.

Tang Song comforted him: "Don't worry, Zhang Lei. Zhongcheng is deep, this kind of thing is very common, things might take a turn."

He didn't directly explain Xiao Jing's identity.

This old classmate was in a dejected state.

Some things, seen with one's own eyes, are far more powerful than what he could say orally.

Actually, when he first knew Zhang Lei was going to the Zhongcheng Group headquarters, he had thought about asking Xiao Jing to help look after him once he was familiar with the company environment and settled down.

He just didn't expect that after only a month, Zhang Lei would be laid off.

About twenty minutes later.

"Ding-a-ling—" The phone rang.

He answered the call.

"Song! I'm almost at the entrance, which table are you at? I'll come find you directly!"

Tang Song smiled and put the phone to his ear, saying gently: "I'm in the booth inside, it's not easy to find, I'll go to the entrance to pick you up."

"Mm, okay, thank you Song."

Hanging up the phone.

Tang Song stood up and patted Zhang Lei's shoulder: "My girlfriend is here, I'll go pick her up, wait a moment."

"Ah? Oh, okay, okay!" Zhang Lei also hurriedly stood up, his gaze curiously cast toward the bustling entrance of the BBQ shop.

He wanted to see what Tang Song's "former colleague" girlfriend looked like.

Tang Song walked through the bustling lobby and pushed open the glass door to go out.

Through the huge floor-to-ceiling window, Zhang Lei saw a position not far from the restaurant entrance.

A tall and beautiful figure was walking toward Tang Song's direction.

Across a distance, and with the light being a bit dim, Zhang Lei didn't see her specific appearance for a moment.

She was wearing a large black windbreaker, but her lower body was a pair of straight, slender manga legs wrapped in delicate white silk.

Her thick, seaweed-like black long hair, and her skin in the night was cold and white, as if glowing.

But just based on her silhouette, it was enough to make one's heart beat faster.

Zhang Lei's eyes twitched, and he couldn't help but curse in his heart,

Holy shit! Definitely a super big beauty!

Then he saw the girl like a happy little bird, rushing over and throwing herself into Tang Song's arms.

The two kissed in front of everyone, making Zhang Lei smack his lips, his heart bubbling with sourness.

But he had to say, the two were truly a match.

After a moment, the two slowly separated and walked toward the restaurant holding hands.

Zhang Lei hurriedly tidied his clothes and walked quickly out of his seat, preparing to go over to welcome them.

After all, he was the host today, and it was only right to be proactive.

Just as he approached the entrance, Tang Song and his girlfriend also happened to push the door and walk in.

This time, Zhang Lei finally saw the girl's face clearly.

Sweet, exquisite, and beautiful beyond measure.

Plus her healthy cold white skin.

In this environment full of the smoke and fire of the BBQ shop, she was like an elf who had broken into the mortal world, so beautiful that one didn't dare to look directly at her.

But he always felt that this girl seemed a bit familiar, as if he had seen her somewhere before.

But because he had drunk some alcohol, his brain couldn't turn fast enough, and he just couldn't remember for a moment.

He was just about to smile and greet her, saying "Hello, sister-in-law."

But several waiters at the restaurant entrance suddenly shook, and ran over.

"Boss!"

"Hello, Boss!"

Xiao Jing smiled lightly and nodded at them: "Good evening."

Zhang Lei was instantly stunned on the spot, his expression twitching,

Tianji BBQ wasn't a small shop, with 5 branches, each one was a 3-story large storefront in a prime location.

Just this asset alone was worth a fortune.

Tang's girlfriend was so young and beautiful, yet she was actually a big rich woman!

Holy shit! Was there any justice left? Was there any law?!

Not only Zhang Lei, but even Tang Song was stunned, asking: "This Tianji BBQ is opened by you?"

Xiao Jing blinked playfully, saying in a coquettish tone: "So you guess why it's called 'Tianji BBQ'? Hee hee, I'm a major shareholder, but I don't really manage it daily, there's a professional management team responsible."

This chain was a birthday gift her parents had given her before, which could be considered an asset given to her in advance.

The purpose was to exercise her management ability.

Xiao Jing didn't really care about it daily, only occasionally participating in management.

But because her background was strong, there had never been any mishaps.

Tang Song instantly reacted, no wonder many of Songmei Apparel's team-building events were here, and Zhongcheng Group had cooperation with here.

So the root was here.

Looking at the cute and clever Xiao Jing beside him, Tang felt a sense of strangeness in his heart.

Before, he thought Xiao Jing was a rich girl who just lay flat and waited to die.

He didn't expect that besides work, she actually had her own business.

He felt he still didn't know this rich girl friend well enough.

She could always give him some "surprises."

Tang pinched her hand and pulled Xiao Jing a few steps inside.

Introducing: "Xiao Jing, this is my good buddy, junior high classmate, Zhang Lei. This is my girlfriend, Tian Jing."

"Hello, Brother Lei!" Xiao Jing called out in a sweet voice, appearing exceptionally clever.

"You—hello, Xiao Jing."

Zhang Lei was still immersed in shock, and could only reply blankly.

Looking at the figure right in front of him, something seemed to come to his mind.

"Let's go, let's sit and talk." Tang patted Zhang Lei's arm.

The three came to the booth.

Xiao Jing smiled playfully at Tang Song, and naturally took off the large windbreaker she was wearing.

Revealing the pure-desire style JK uniform underneath, which had a huge impact.

The slim design outlined her perfect natural JK holy body to the fullest.

Purity and sexiness, these two seemingly contradictory temperaments were perfectly fused on her, forming a contrast. Tang Song was stunned, a knowing smile appearing on his face.

Clearly, this was one of Xiao Jing's "tips for meeting a boyfriend," specifically worn for him to see.

And as Xiao Jing broke free from the loose windbreaker, revealing her "complete form."

Zhang Lei was like someone who had been hit by a freezing spell, suddenly stiffening on the spot.

Scene after scene flashed through his mind like lightning!

Over a month ago, on that night of the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, he was called by department manager Liu Huiyang to be a designated driver.

At the entrance of Sinmo Bar.

He saw with his own eyes the figure walking out, surrounded by a group of company middle-level leaders.

At that time, she was standing next to Administrative Supervisor Qin Hua,

She was—she was—Director Tian's daughter!

This thought exploded in his mind like a thunderbolt!

Tang's girlfriend is Director Tian's daughter?!

Zhang Lei's breathing was rapid, his legs went soft, and he almost couldn't stand steady!

He widened his eyes, his mind a blank, feeling that everything in front of him had become extremely unreal.