Chapter 81: Work Ends (5k)

The appointment and departure of the Head of Internal Audit caused significant shifts in the internal atmosphere at Zhen'ai Network, with many still watching and discussing the various leaders who had been reported.

Yu Xing remained utterly calm—it wasn’t his company, so he could afford to stir things up.

Moreover, the core issue of this turmoil wasn’t him—it was the company’s management standards and internal audit mechanisms; he was merely responding to public sentiment.

On November 7, Yu Xing received his first salary since joining Zhen’ai Network: 15,000 yuan.

Simultaneously, there was good news: Baixiaosheng had begun its internal testing phase.

“Xiao Tong, let me treat you to dinner tonight,” Yu Xing invited his coworker.

“No thanks, Brother Xing, I’ve got plans tonight,” Tong Xingjian politely declined.

Yu Xing murmured “oh,” then opened his own website and commented, “The site layout looks decent—clean and fresh.”

Tong Xingjian said nothing outwardly, but internally felt a flicker of pride—the Director had adopted many of his suggestions over the past few days.

After finishing his own tasks, he opened Baixiaosheng’s website and found its first post—posted by Yu Xing, right beside him.

Tong Xingjian glanced at it, then suddenly noticed Yu Xing’s self-introduction: “Studied medicine, founded a startup, experienced in internal audit, can lead teams,” with official verification: “Director, Zhen’ai Network.”

“Brother…” Tong Xingjian was speechless.

Yu Xing looked at him with a puzzled expression: “Hm?”

Tong Xingjian whispered, “Why did you put ‘internal audit experience’ in your bio?”

Yu Xing replied, “Self-promotion.”

Tong Xingjian: “...”

Yu Xing turned his head, smiling: “Just for fun—I’ll change it later.”

Tong Xingjian couldn’t help but harbor serious doubts.

“Wait a bit—today at noon, we’re launching a tag system for internal testing,” Yu Xing added. “Check it out as a user later.”

Tong Xingjian pondered silently for a moment, then couldn’t help asking, “Brother Xing, you’re really going through with this?”

“Strange—you’re asking me that now, when the site’s already in internal testing?” Yu Xing frowned.

Tong Xingjian said sincerely, “I just think the uncertainty is still high. Users have to jump through hoops to verify—company email, business card, employment proof—it’s artificially raising the barrier.”

Yu Xing nodded slightly, encouraging him with his eyes to continue.

“And… there’s no real overseas precedent for a site like this,” Tong Xingjian voiced the most pressing concern of the moment.

“Xiao Tong, let me put it simply—what do white-collar workers care about most?” Yu Xing asked.

Tong Xingjian thought carefully and probed, “Money and… that thing?”

Yu Xing glanced at him: “White-collar workers care about two things: money and work.”

He continued: “For a website to succeed, it must deliver value. Right now, there’s nowhere offering white-collar workers reliable information. If Baixiaosheng can provide it, it will have real staying power.”

“How do you make that information truly reliable?”

“You must verify the identity of users providing it. When users are credible, the information becomes credible—that’s the foundation for success. It’s similar to Xiaonaiwang.”

As Tong Xingjian listened, he thought for a moment—and suddenly realized… it actually made sense.

“Of course, you’re right about the barrier—it does hinder user growth,” Yu Xing admitted the most obvious flaw, smiling. “But we can still tackle it through ‘money’ and ‘work’—either pay for promotion, or spark organic spread through trending events.”

After sitting beside this young Director for a month, Tong Xingjian finally caught a glimpse of his capabilities.

No wonder the guy made two million in three months—this new project already sounded meticulously planned.

Tong Xingjian unconsciously became more polite: “How do you find trending events?”

Yu Xing turned to look at the programmer, about to answer—when a commotion echoed down the hallway, voices raised in argument, words like “scam” and “refund” floating through the air.

He changed his reply: “Xiao Tong, looks like a user showed up to complain. Has this happened before?”

Tong Xingjian shrugged: “Sometimes.”

Yu Xing stood up: “We’ll talk later—I’m going to check out the spectacle.”

Tong Xingjian opened his mouth to protest, then closed it—so openly admitting you’re going to watch the show?

Still, no one was stopping Yu Xing’s behavior. So, as he walked, he thought: grab two disposable cups, fill them with warm water—one for himself, one for the material.

He’d already received his first month’s salary. Whether he’d get the second was still uncertain.

If he was going to launch Baixiaosheng with the online dating industry as its first target, he needed real, grounded material—not just theoretical analysis.

Yu Xing quickly spotted the main figure: a woman in her thirties, passionately denouncing the deception she’d suffered.

“I paid 20,000 yuan here! Four months for 20,000—is that cheap?!”

“They introduced me to six dates for 20,000 yuan! But before I signed the contract, the matchmaker said we could negotiate!”

“Why now do they cite the contract and say they don’t have to provide more dates once the quota’s met?!”

“And who are these people they’re setting me up with?!”

“One guy outright said he wants to get a woman pregnant before marriage!!”

“Pregnant before marriage?! Is that normal?!”

The angry female client railed against the company’s service failures, while the two receptionists stood by, evading responsibility.

“And that Director Liu said if I wasn’t satisfied with the contract, I could get a refund—now they say I can get at most 10% back! Is that fair?!”

The client was still ranting when she suddenly heard a voice chiming in beside her.

“That’s not fair.”

The client ignored it, continuing: “The people they introduced me to—one wants to get a woman pregnant before marriage, another says he doesn’t want kids—are they even real?! Or are they plants?! Do you even think this is acceptable?!”

“That’s not acceptable,” Yu Xing sipped his water, offering his observation.

The client heard the support for the second time and finally turned—seeing a handsome young man, though she couldn’t tell his role.

“Ah, Director Yu, you shouldn’t…” The receptionist heard Yu Xing’s voice, sighed helplessly, yet respected his recent authority, speaking gently: “Why don’t you go back to work?”

Go back to slacking off—don’t come here causing trouble!

The client wasn’t pleased: “You’re the Director? You’re the Director?? Don’t leave—you haven’t solved my problem yet!”

Yu Xing spoke seriously: “Yes, I’m Yu Xing, Business Director.”

He handed his water cup to the client, then turned to rebuke the two receptionists: “I’m not saying this to blame you, but when customers have problems, you admit them and solve them—not hide or shift blame. We’re not street vendors who take your money and vanish.”

“Put yourselves in their shoes—what if you paid a substantial sum and got nothing but chaos in return? How would you feel?”

“Don’t you ever become a customer in the real world?”

The two employees exchanged glances.

The client felt somewhat comforted and added: “Look how your Director speaks—no wonder he’s Director. Look at you two!”

The employee opened his mouth but couldn’t speak—was he not the Director? He was. Was he the Director? He never did any work…

Yu Xing’s expression turned stern: “What? Are you still resentful about customer criticism?”

The two employees had no idea how to respond.

One reluctantly said to the client: "Miss, why don't you sit in the office? Let's discuss this properly."

The client refused: “I won’t talk to you! I’ll only talk to your Director!!”

The two employees: “...”

Yu Xing waved them off: “Go ahead—I’ll handle the customer. I’m part of this company too.”

The two employees: “...”

Yu Xing assumed the Director’s authority: “Go get two cups of tea! Treat customers with sincerity—no deception, no trickery. Can that last?”

He concluded sharply: “It absolutely cannot! Understood?!”

The two employees finally gave up: “Yes, yes, Director Yu is right.”

Fine—whatever kind of Director he was, if he calmed the customer down, that was enough.

One employee, both amused and exasperated, went to brew tea for the client and the slacking Director.

“Let’s go to the meeting room. Honestly, this is our fault—we sincerely apologize on behalf of the company,” Yu Xing turned, his tone soft and genuine, posture humble.

The client felt much better, her tone easing: “All I really want is sincerity.” She pointed at the retreating back of one employee: “What’s his name? I want to file a complaint—he ignored me from the moment I walked in!”

Yu Xing glanced over: “New hire—I don’t know him. But don’t worry—I’ll reprimand him severely.”

He was a new Director himself, with no social ties—he couldn’t tell who was who.

The client wanted to say more, but felt the Director’s attitude was genuinely good, so she let it drop.

Yu Xing found an empty meeting room, tea arrived quickly, and he learned her name was Ge Meifen. He swiftly understood the issue and began resolving it.

How to resolve this?

As Ge Meifen said—she wanted attitude.

Yu Xing joined her in cursing the company, cursing the matchmaker, cursing the former liaison, Director Liu.

He cursed until something sounded familiar—he paused, then said: “Oh, Liu Weicheng already quit.”

“He quit? He was still here last month!” Ge Meifen was shocked.

Yu Xing dismissed it casually: “Reported for misconduct—almost got arrested. Anyway, whatever you experienced, I won’t ignore it. If the company doesn’t give you a satisfactory resolution, I’d rather quit myself.”

“I’m not completely unreasonable,” Ge Meifen truly felt the sincerity, and now that things were said, she lowered her demands: “I won’t ask for a refund—but your company’s service must improve.”

Yu Xing nodded seriously: “Sister Fen, you’re right. That demand is fair and reasonable.”

Ge Meifen studied the young Director—handsome, sincere in speech and action.

She cleared her throat: “Actually, I was just furious today—I’m usually not like this.”

“Who wouldn’t be furious?” Yu Xing understood.

Ge Meifen praised: “Director Yu, you’re different—uh… do you have a girlfriend?”

Yu Xing was startled, then laughed: “Sister Fen, I’ve already sold myself to the company.”

“So you’re single then. If you’ve sold yourself to the company, you should help solve customer problems,” Ge Meifen wasn’t shy—she pressed forward: “Let’s exchange numbers. You can see my profile in the system—I come from a decent family.”

Yu Xing didn’t get angry or excited—just laughed heartily: “Sister Fen, I’m here to solve your problem. Now you’re eyeing me?”

Ge Meifen said boldly: “My issue is about romantic relationships—I’m interested in you, so this problem is solved. I’m not threatening you with your company’s affairs; I genuinely want to get to know someone sincere and responsible like you. Actually, I’m...”

The office door opened, and Liang Libin, the manager responsible for related business, hurried in.

“Yu Director, you go back. I’ll handle this.” Liang Libin frowned and took over the client’s case.

Yu Xing stood up and spoke bluntly: “The client paid money. The company can’t act irresponsibly or send fake customers to appease them. Sister Fen’s demand is simple: she wants to meet a reliable male client. This right must be protected!”

Liang Libin suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, took a breath, and said: “Yes, Yu Director, you’re right. Alright, go on.”

Ge Meifen muttered beside him: “What tone is that? I’m not talking to you—I’m talking to Director Yu.”

Liang Libin tried to speak calmly: “Ms. Ge, I’ll resolve your issue. Director Yu isn’t suited to handle this—let him get back to work.”

He added to Yu Xing: “Director Yu, hurry off.”

Yu Xing stood and said to Ge Meifen: “Sister Fen, consumers’ legitimate rights must be protected. Don’t worry—call me if anything comes up. Here’s my business card.”

He handed the card to the client.

Liang Libin grew impatient with Yu Xing’s attitude: “Enough, Yu Director. That’s enough.”

Yu Xing had already turned to leave, but hearing this, he stopped cold: “How dare you talk like that? Are you handling client issues with this attitude? What do you mean ‘enough’? Every client’s interest must be protected! Go call Wei Jialan! I speak normally to Li Song—so who the hell are you?”

He grabbed Liang Libin’s arm and pulled him toward the door: “Come on, let’s see if you’re the one everyone’s talking about—let’s hear what others say about you!”

Liang Libin hadn’t expected this guy to explode so easily. He shook off Yu Xing’s grip and avoided further conflict, rushing off to find the vice president.

Yu Xing shouted after his back: “Hurry and get Wei Jialan here! I’m quitting— but Sister Fen’s rights must be protected!”

Ge Meifen was stunned beside him: “Are you serious?”

She stammered: “Director Yu, um... oh, I’m so embarrassed.”

Yu Xing spoke plainly: “It’s fine, Sister Fen. This has little to do with you—it’s a company matter.”

Ge Meifen guessed the two might have a grudge, but they kept insisting on protecting her interests—and might actually deliver results. That was worth thanking.

After a while, Wei Jialan appeared, reluctantly.

She walked into the meeting room, glanced at Yu Xing, and thought: It’s you again...

“This is our vice president, a senior executive. Sister Fen, your issue will be resolved,” Yu Xing said solemnly.

Wei Jialan nodded, forcing a smile for the client.

Yu Xing left the meeting room amid Ge Meifen’s thanks.

When he returned to his desk, he briefly told the curious Tong Xingjian about the client’s situation.

“This is probably an industry-wide issue,” Tong Xingjian said without surprise. “Everyone probably does this.”

He casually mentioned several similar incidents since joining, including contract clauses, fake male and female customers, inflated results...

Tong Xingjian repeated: “This kind of thing happens often in this industry.”

Yu Xing thought for a few seconds and asked: “Have you considered switching industries? After all, programmers work anywhere.”

Tong Xingjian hesitated. Though Brother Xing’s logic made sense, whether it could actually work was another matter.

“No rush. Think it over. I’ve already noted down everything you just said,” Yu Xing said, giving him time.

Tong Xingjian blinked: “Noted down?”

Yu Xing nodded: “Yeah. Don’t you remember our earlier talk? We need money and concrete cases to launch a project. You asked me how to find hot topics—this is one.”

“Huh?” Tong Xingjian was stunned. “Brother Xing, you... you mean... I just...”

He nervously swallowed.

“Don’t worry—I won’t tell anyone. But from now on, you’re my informant. Find me Sister Ge Meifen’s phone number. She wanted to exchange contacts but didn’t get the chance.”

Tong Xingjian: “...”

He didn’t ask what Brother Xing planned to do with the client’s number—it wasn’t hard to guess...

Yu Xing added: “Get back to work. Think about it when you’re free.”

Tong Xingjian slumped in his chair, suddenly regretting how much he’d talked to the guy beside him.

Near noon, Wei Jialan had apparently resolved the client’s issue and called Yu Xing into her office.

“Director Yu, you don’t need to come to the company starting tomorrow,” Wei Jialan said bluntly. “Don’t mention compensation—I’ll pay you for the next two months. Go wherever you want.”

Yu Xing frowned: “So lenient? Will my salary still be paid?”

Wei Jialan replied calmly: “Your salary will be paid as per contract.”

Yu Xing asked: “Can I record this?”

Wei Jialan’s expression darkened. She sneered: “It’s just two months’ salary. Is this really necessary?”

Yu Xing pulled out his phone and reminded her: “You executives are so arrogant. Last month, you wouldn’t even pay half a month’s severance. Now you’re acting like this again—why bother?”

“Starting tomorrow, you can return to Shanghai. Your contract ends automatically upon expiration, no renewal. Salary will be paid as agreed,” Wei Jialan said, giving the official notice without further discussion.

“I kept saying I didn’t want to come to Pengcheng. I didn’t want to come to Pengcheng,” Yu Xing stood up from his seat and asked one last question: “Will you reimburse me for my ticket back to Shanghai?”

Wei Jialan laughed bitterly, extending her right hand toward the door: “Get out.”

This was undoubtedly a disastrous talent acquisition.

No—it was a catastrophic talent acquisition.

Now, the bet’s lost. Go wherever you want. Don’t annoy the company or its leadership.

Yu Xing returned to his desk and began packing, but there wasn’t much to pack.

Tong Xingjian watched and asked: “Brother Xing, are you fired?”

“No. The company thinks I don’t work and waste a desk. For the next two months, they’ll just pay me without requiring me to come in,” Yu Xing said casually. “So if you’ve thought about what I mentioned, call me. And help me out with the informant thing.”

Tong Xingjian fell silent for a long while. Seeing the slacking director about to leave, he finally stammered: “Brother Xing, um... I watched TV—informants get... informant fees...”

Yu Xing snapped his fingers: “No problem, Xiao Tong. Don’t stress—it’s just a cold-start experiment for a project.”

Tong Xingjian repeated the phrase to comfort himself: It’s just a cold-start experiment for a project. That’s all.

(End of Chapter)