Chapter 39 Qingqing, you got a promotion and a raise, treat us to a meal...
Nie Qingqing and Tang Guizhi went home and had lunch. The house was bustling with activity as neighbors visited each other and children came to play with Tangyuan and the others. Tang Guizhi brought out melon seeds and candies and poured tea. The courtyard remained lively until her brother and sister-in-law returned.
Knowing they were coming back today, the older brother and sister-in-law took the afternoon off, and Song Zhao also returned early.
Nie Qingqing hurriedly asked, "Why are you back so early?"
Song Zhao said, "They wanted to play mahjong after dinner, but I don't like that kind of thing, so I came back first."
Nie Qingqing offered him a small stool to sit on: "Perfect timing, we were just discussing something. My cousin from my uncle's side is getting married and we want to find a house to decorate beautifully so that the wedding can be grand."
Song Zhao sat down next to her and asked, "Have you reached a conclusion?"
Nie Qingqing shook her head: "We just discussed it, and right now, my uncle's family is the one with the most difficult circumstances. We'll see how to help them get on their feet. That's something for after the New Year. First, let's see how to make sure my cousin has a beautiful wedding."
Song Zhao said, "Then let's use our house. We're leaving on the fifth day of the lunar new year, which will be just in time for them to use."
Nie Qingqing: "Are you crazy? Our original plan was to pay for a place to stay for a few months, then have my cousin and his wife work to save some money, and then see what to do next."
Song Zhao offered this solution based on this line of thinking: "What, is our house unsuitable?"
Of course it's inappropriate. Nie Qingqing is his cousin, and Nie Weibin hasn't made a statement yet.
Previously, Nie Weibin was willing but unable to help, but now that his circumstances are better, he is naturally willing to help his maternal uncle.
Those were tough years for the family. My mother suffered injustices at her husband's family home, and it was always my uncle who stood up for her. Now that my uncle's family wants my cousin to get married smoothly, of course he'll do his best.
Sister-in-law Zheng Fanghui took the initiative to say, "Since my brother-in-law has expressed his opinion, I will also express mine. Instead of using Qingqing's house, why not use ours? We can move to Qingqing's house temporarily after the New Year and vacate our house for my uncle's cousin to use for his wedding. Mom is the older sister, so why should my uncle not return it?"
Tang Guizhi was pleased: "It's good that you have this idea. Instead of using our own house, let's rent one. I've looked at a few places, and you can go and take a look tomorrow."
...
Why wait until tomorrow? Let's go see it this afternoon. Nie Qingqing wasn't very satisfied, but then she suddenly remembered that Shumei's house was empty.
"Mom, why don't we rent Shumei's house?"
Tang Guizhi quickly tried to dissuade her: "No, you and Shumei are close. If she is unwilling, it will be difficult for her to refuse, and it will hurt your relationship."
Nie Qingqing laughed and said, "No, I'll tell Shumei everything. It's okay if she refuses. I'll ask her. Otherwise, she'll blame me for not contacting her."
Sure enough, as soon as the call came in, He Shumei said, "Isn't it a coincidence? I was just worried about that. You guys should rent it quickly so that some people won't be eyeing it. I want to share in your joy since you're having a happy occasion."
...
The house arrangement was settled. They rented from Shumei's house for three months to get married. They probably wouldn't be able to stay for more than three months because my cousin and his wife would have to go out to work.
The next morning, the whole family decorated the new house at Shumei's house. Tang Guizhi was really happy. She and her two sisters and brothers had always been close to their mother and depended on each other. Of course, she hoped that the younger generation in the family would also be doing well.
Song Zhao had even thought about his cousin and his wife's jobs: "After my cousin gets married, I'll have the young couple work at Uncle Gu's hotel. Room service, front desk, kitchen—there's bound to be something they're suited for. They can start there and change jobs when they have the opportunity."
Working at Lehan Hotel, which includes room and board, is much easier than being a piece-rate worker in a factory.
Nie Qingqing agreed: "I think it's a good idea. They're young, let them try it out first."
Tang Guizhi was thoughtful and worried: "Isn't it a bit much to trouble them like this?"
Nie Qingqing laughed and said, "It's alright. Le Han owes me a favor and is just worried about where to repay it. I'll go and talk to her, and she'll be happy to do so."
...
With her cousin and his wife's job situation temporarily settled, Tang Guizhi felt relieved and even happier, saying, "I can't wait any longer, I'll go talk to your uncle first."
Not long after Tang Guizhi left, there was another knock at the door. Nie Qingqing thought her mother had forgotten to tell her something, so she quickly opened the door. It was Chen Yinhua who had brought Daya over for a visit.
Chen Yinhua is the mother-in-law of Yu Zhengmin's eldest daughter and the grandmother of Daya. Before, Shumei's house was locked and she couldn't get in. Now that she's inside, she can't help but sigh with envy.
"This house is perfect in every way. It has a refrigerator and a washing machine. It would be so comfortable to live here."
Of course! Shumei was afraid that her family would bring it up again. Although she said she wouldn't interfere anymore, they were shameless enough to bring it up. Now that she's rented it out, there's no going back.
When Chen Yinhua saw Nie Qingqing's house, which only had the living room and north-facing bedroom furnished, she asked, "Why is the new house furnished in a north-facing room?"
Nie Qingqing said, "The master bedroom is where Shumei lives, and the small room on the south side is for her child. We have to be particular about the house we rent, so the north-facing room is just right."
Chen Yinhua said regretfully, "No wonder. My family has a new grandson and we don't have enough room. We wanted to rent our in-laws' house, but they didn't agree. It turns out we had agreed to rent it to your family."
Nie Qingqing nodded: "Yes, I mentioned it to Shumei a long time ago, and she agreed to it, so naturally she won't rent it out."
...
Chen Yinhua had other things she wanted to ask, so she pulled Nie Qingqing aside and asked, "This time, thanks to my in-laws, we got the fine. It was several thousand yuan, and they just took it out without hesitation. Do they make a lot of money over there?"
Nie Qingqing felt disgusted. No wonder Yu Zhengmin's eldest daughter's personality had changed so much in recent years. With such a family of in-laws, she had been brainwashed by everyone.
She shook her head: "How could they possibly tell me how much money they make? I don't really know."
Chen Yinhua thought it made sense, and said politely, "It's the New Year, and we're so grateful that you helped us carry a bag of things back. Our Daya will have new clothes for the New Year too."
Nie Qingqing was truly exasperated. The food and clothes that Shumei bought for Daya were not mentioned at all. How could that be allowed? Daya had to know who bought her the food and clothes.
Nie Qingqing picked up Daya, touched her little face, pointed to her new shoes, and said:
"Da Ya, these were all bought by your grandparents. You should thank them. When they come back next time, they'll be so happy to see you wearing the clothes they bought that they'll buy you a new schoolbag."
Daya nodded quickly: "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma. I miss them."
...
As soon as Chen Yinhua left, Tangyuan quickly came over to gossip: "Mom, what did she ask you just now?"
Nie Qingqing: "I need to call your Aunt Shumei. You can come over and listen."
The two ran downstairs, and fearing that Chen Yinhua's family would see them, they found a phone booth that was a little further away.
The call connected, and Nie Qingqing chatted with Shumei about Chen Yinhua: "We're decorating our new house at your place, and Daya's grandma came over. Sure enough, she wants to rent your house."
He Shumei snorted and said, "She never gets enough. Luckily, your family rented it out and shut her up."
Nie Qingqing asked, "What about three months later? My cousin has moved out, and I'm afraid she'll cause trouble for you again."
He Shumei said, "That's not a problem. Let's have a peaceful New Year first. After the New Year, Yu Zhengmin said he'll give his daughter a good scolding. I don't need to worry about it."
That's true. In any case, let's just make sure we have a good New Year first.
...
This year, Song Zhao's younger brother booked a table at a restaurant based on the actual situation. Since his family had a new addition this year, he invited Song Zhao's father to come and take a family photo.
Surprisingly, Song Zhao's father didn't object and came over for the New Year's Eve dinner. He asked the waiter to help take several family photos. Song Zhao's parents sat in the middle, surrounded by their children. Nie Qingqing, Song Zhao, and his brother and sister-in-law stood behind them. The family was reunited and enjoying a lively time.
Although Song Zhao's parents didn't exchange many words, they clinked glasses, which can be considered a way of burying the hatchet.
Nie Qingqing couldn't attend her cousin's wedding on the eighth day of the lunar new year, so she gave her gift money in advance.
We set off on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, leaving early in the afternoon because we were going to visit Sister Xiao.
Her home is next to the train station. She opened a soy milk shop with a festive red signboard and stopped selling it as a street vendor, now running a physical store.
Sister Xiao opened her shop early and waited for her here. Although it was only the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the train station was bustling with people, and the shop was doing quite well.
Sister Xiao smiled broadly and said happily, "I asked your brother and sister-in-law. They work for Boss Yan, and their experience is different. They asked me to apply for a trademark and even hired college students to design the storefront. They said that even if it's just one store, we should have our own brand. Look at it, it's not bad, is it?"
Nie Qingqing praised it endlessly: "If this isn't good enough, then what would be good enough?"
Sister Xiao brought out her signature soy milk, tofu pudding, fried dough sticks, wontons, and dumplings: "Try them."
The fried dough sticks still tasted the same, and the soy milk was very good, just like the soy milk from the mill when I was a child. Nie Qingqing nodded repeatedly: "It still tastes the same."
Sister Xiao said proudly, "Your brother and sister-in-law repeatedly told me that we have a stable business and regular customers at the train station, so we must not cut corners. My daughter-in-law is very strict about the taste. If it's not good, she'll fire you."
Nie Qingqing thought of something satisfying and asked with a smile, "So, your in-laws and brother-in-law's family, are you regretting it now?"
If we had gotten along well from the beginning, discussed things together as a family, and worked together towards a better future, why would a wall have been erected in the middle of the family?
Sister Xiao said triumphantly, "That's right. They tried to tear down the wall in the middle of the yard several times, which annoyed us a lot. So our daughter-in-law simply bought a house and moved out."
Now we're not letting them get involved at all.
This is good, it's peaceful. Nie Qingqing said about Qian Yurong: "Sister Qian and her husband have been transferred to Pengcheng. Sister Xiao, come and visit us sometime."
Sister Xiao said enviously, "It's great that you two are together again. But I'm so busy at my shop all year round, I don't know when I'll have the chance to go over."
Nie Qingqing comforted her, "Once your business grows bigger and you hire people to help, you won't have to be so busy anymore."
...
After chatting for a while, Song Zhao checked the time and reminded her, "Qingqing, it's time to go wait for the train."
Nie Qingqing reluctantly said goodbye to Sister Xiao. Sister Xiao packed a large bag of fried dough sticks for them to take with them on the way and escorted them all the way to the entrance of the station.
Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao, along with Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan, bought four sleeper tickets: two lower berths, two middle berths, and the other two upper berths were for a young man and his elderly mother.
Song Zhao offered to switch lower bunks with the younger man to make things easier for the elderly man. He didn't go to the upper bunk at night, but instead squeezed into a lower bunk with Nie Qingqing.
Nie Qingqing was worried that he would fall to the ground in the middle of the night, so she said, "If you don't like climbing up and down, let Tangyuan or Xiaoyuan sleep on the top bunk, I'll sleep on the middle bunk, and you can have the bottom bunk."
Song Zhao: "No, I just wanted to be with you, so I took the initiative to switch beds with someone else."
Nie Qingqing quickly covered his mouth, secretly laughing, and hugged him close.
...
We arrived at the station as soon as it was light. Today is the sixth day of the Lunar New Year. We'll be back to work on the eighth. Lawyer He won't be back until the sixteenth. Nie Qing will have a few more days of leisure. I'm so happy just thinking about it.
But soon, her plans were disrupted.
Supervisor Lu from Mr. Zhong's company was craning his neck at the exit, clearly waiting for her, waving incessantly: "Assistant Nie, do you remember me? I was at Mr. Zhong's wedding, and later at the company's legal counsel meeting, I sat in the back. I wonder if you remember me?"
Nie Qingqing recognized him. When Mr. Zhong took over the mainland company, he didn't want to use the people left by his elder brother and sister-in-law, so he promoted Supervisor Lu and a few others.
Nie Qingqing was extremely surprised and asked, "Did Mr. Zhong send you to pick us up? He and Attorney He are back?"
Supervisor Lu's lips were so dry and cracked from worry that he had no appetite for food or drink.
"No, no, that's why I'm so anxious. There's a problem at the construction site. Mr. Zhong and Attorney He are probably on vacation in some country right now, and I can't reach them. The supervisor I can contact is someone left behind by Mr. Zhong, and he's completely ignoring me. I thought you could sit at the head table in their house, and I figured I could get the right advice from you."
The matter concerning Attorney He is the same as the matter concerning Nie Qingqing, his assistant. She asked, "What is it? Tell me?"
Supervisor Lu: "Why don't you come with me to the construction site? Once you've seen it, you'll understand everything."
Song Zhao made a quick decision: "You go with Supervisor Lu first. I'll take Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan home and then come find you."
Tangyuan: "Dad, can't you take Xiaoyuan home first? I want to go with Mom."
Song Zhao asked, "What good would it do you go?"
Tangyuan said, "It's not very useful, but I can learn something and see how you handle things."
Fearing that it would delay things, Nie Qingqing said to Song Zhao, "You take Xiaoyuan back, I'll take Tangyuan over, and you can come find us in a bit."
...
Nie Qingqing didn't understand the ins and outs of construction sites, but once the matter was explained, she could understand its literal meaning.
The electrical wires and pipes hidden inside the walls are called concealed works. They are sealed with lime and cement, so you can't tell the quality from the outside. Buyers don't know what quality the pipes and wires are. If there are any problems, it's all a dispute. Also, all the building material brands and models are listed in the contract. Isn't that fraud?
Song Zhao pried off the switch, knocked open a little wall, and looked at the exposed wires. He shook his head: "They're too thin. They don't meet the standards. Let me explain it to you like this: nowadays there are more and more household appliances, TVs, refrigerators, washing machines. When summer comes, they'll install an air conditioner. Such thin wires can't handle the load, and the circuit breaker will trip. If the problem is found to be with the wires, then it'll be a long and complicated process."
That's the point. Supervisor Lu, standing to the side, was sweating profusely and begged Nie Qingqing to make a decision.
"Assistant Nie, you have to save me! The first phase of Building No. 1 will open on the sixteenth day of the first lunar month. To build up its reputation, we've hired reporters to take photos, and newspaper ads have already been booked. If quality issues are exposed that day, Mr. Zhong and Attorney He will send me to the detention center!"
Nie Qingqing had a headache. She had no experience in dealing with this kind of thing and was completely clueless. How could she make a decision? She was extremely anxious.
"You're the construction supervisor, how could something like this happen? From the moment the materials arrived on site to the start of construction, couldn't you have seen anything?"
Supervisor Lu is truly innocent; he should quickly explain.
“When I was promoted, Mr. Da Zhong and Mr. Xiao Zhong had just separated their businesses. Mr. Da Zhong’s people hadn’t completely left the site yet. By the time I took over, the building was already in the final stages of construction. During my shift over the Chinese New Year, I discovered unstable voltage while inspecting the site. Upon investigation, I found a problem with the wiring. Mr. Da Zhong was so dishonest; he actually left a hole for his brother in the hidden works. These are brothers, after all!”
Nie Qingqing thought so too. It must have been Mr. Da Zhong who set a trap for Mr. Xiao Zhong. That was a really ruthless move.
She said bitterly, "The company in the mainland no longer belongs to Mr. Zhong. He hasn't given up and wants to make Mr. Zhong make a mistake. He still wants to take over his brother's business. Why bother!"
Tangyuan's thinking was simple: "Everyone knows that Mr. Zhong framed his younger brother, so let's just make a mistake and let their father judge right from wrong."
Song Zhao tapped him on the head: "You should read more books. Do you think Mr. Zhong cares about which of the two brothers is digging a hole for the other? He only cares about whether his younger son has the ability to handle the crisis. If his older brother can dig a hole for him, others can too. If he can't even handle the crisis of his own brother, how will he compete with outsiders in the future? Mr. Zhong may consider the issue of successor for his business in the mainland."
Tangyuan initially felt it was unfair, but upon further reflection, it seemed reasonable. This was a family business, and it should definitely be handed over to the one capable of carrying it forward, not to a spendthrift.
Tangyuan was at a loss: "Then what should we do?"
...
Song Zhao had a solution, but Qing Qing had to come up with it; he couldn't do it for her.
He said, "Qingqing, you make a decision."
Nie Qingqing didn't have many fancy methods; if she said she would use certain materials, then she would do it.
To completely demolish and rebuild, we need workers and materials, which can be solved with money. The only question is whether the project can be completed in time.
Nie Qingqing asked Supervisor Lu, "Today is the fifth day of the lunar new year. There are still about ten days until the opening. Is there enough time to change it?"
Supervisor Lu said, "This building has two units, four households per floor, and a total of eleven floors, more than forty households. It's not too late to replace them. I can find workers, and I can knock on the door of the material suppliers' warehouses. But it's the Lunar New Year, and the finance department isn't working. Where are we going to get the money to buy new building materials?"
Nie Qingqing looked at Song Zhao, who happened to have some money at home.
Song Zhao nodded. Both of them thought of the dividends from the electronics factory before the Lunar New Year. His previous solution was to pay for the matter out of his own pocket.
Attorney He will not only repay the money he advanced, but will also remember Qingqing's favor. Of course, Qingqing only wants to resolve the matter.
Song Zhao agreed to use the money from his family to cover the costs first, and Nie Qingqing then made arrangements: "I'll figure out the money. You go find someone now to demolish and redo the hidden works of this building. We absolutely cannot delay the opening date."
...
Money makes things easier; if the money is right, the work will be done quickly.
On the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, the work at the construction site was completed and passed inspection. Lawyer He and Mr. Zhong also contacted them.
On the phone, Attorney He said to Nie Qingqing, "Qingqing, you have done a great job this time. Xianzong's father said that even one of my assistants has principles. He is very relieved that I am helping Xianzong oversee the business in the mainland."
That's great! Nie Qingqing asked the question she wasn't sure she should ask, but she did.
"When Mr. Zhong dug the pit, did he explain it to Mr. Xiao Zhong?"
“Xianzong’s elder brother and sister-in-law denied it, saying only that the supervision was inadequate after the handover and that they only punished the people who handled the work.”
I talked to Song Zhao about it, and it seems unlikely that they will do anything to Mr. Da Zhong this time, since the business has already been divided.
Nie Qingqing comforted her, "Attorney He, don't be angry. Even if Mr. Zhong didn't say anything, he'll be upset."
Lawyer He smiled, and Zhong Xianzong was very happy. Everyone knew who was behind this, and his business in mainland China was now secure.
Attorney He said, "Mr. Zhong has actually slapped Brother Xianzong in the face. His brother, who had been a driver for more than ten years, took the blame for this incident. He couldn't even protect the people around him, which chilled people's hearts."
"Well, they deserve it," Nie Qingqing thought. She felt her family was doing quite well, with no worries about food or drink. In wealthy families, money was more than they could spend. It was just two brothers, why were they fighting like this? She couldn't understand it.
...
If you can't understand it, then don't think about it. She was busy from the fifth day of the Lunar New Year to the fourteenth day, and Attorney He gave her a few days off.
Before taking her vacation, she paid the temporary workers their wages and gave them red envelopes, as per their verbal agreement, and settled the final payments with the material suppliers.
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, she first went to visit Shumei.
Shumei and her mother were making glutinous rice balls, and they made a few for her to try first.
He Shumei asked, "Since someone on Mr. Zhong's side has been punished, shouldn't you give Mr. Zhong and Attorney He a reward?"
Attorney He always gives out red envelopes as rewards. Nie Qingqing imagined it for a moment and was very happy: "This time I'll probably give you a big red envelope, at least eight hundred or a thousand. I'll treat you to dinner after I give you the red envelope."
He Shumei didn't believe it: "Such a big thing, and you only give eight hundred or a thousand?"
Nie Qingqing pinched her cheek: "You've become rich after starting your business, but you can't even afford a thousand? I can afford it!"
He Shumei sighed, "People who are content are happier."
She said, "This isn't about the money. I think Attorney He will definitely give you a bigger reward this time."
If there is one, that would be an even bigger surprise; a guaranteed 1,000 yuan red envelope would already make her very happy.
...
I brought back some homemade glutinous rice balls from Shumei's house and froze them in the refrigerator. We're going to Lehan's hotel to celebrate the Lantern Festival tonight. The twins are coming this time, and we'd like to stay at the hotel for another night.
Nie Qingqing said to Mrs. Liang, "Tangyuan and Xiaoyuan have to report to school tomorrow morning as well. Lehan said she'll use the hotel's car to take them to school, and after they report, the four of them can come back together. Wouldn't it be nice for you to have a quiet day off?"
Mrs. Liang, remembering her previous promise to Da Lin and Xiao Lin, readily agreed.
Xiaolin happily hugged her: "Mom, thank you. You can go on your date with Uncle Tong tonight."
Mrs. Liang was truly pleased to hear Xiao Lin say such a thing. It was clear that her two children were also accepting of her finding a partner.
...
Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao arrived early in the afternoon with four children, just in time to see Zhou Chengzhong fighting with several troublemakers on the roadside in front of the hotel. He fought several of them by himself and held his own.
Song Zhaoyi shielded the children and Nie Qingqing behind her.
Nie Qingqing was frightened and grabbed Song Zhao's clothes, asking anxiously, "How could they fight at the door? Are you not going to do business anymore?"
When Uncle Gu saved Zhou Chengzhong, he fought against several loan sharks by himself and almost died together. He is a good fighter. How come he is so impulsive when he comes to work at the hotel?
Song Zhao said, "Don't worry, if Uncle Gu allowed it, it must be to show it to the competitors."
With this explanation, Nie Qingqing understood and sighed that no matter how big or small the business, or even if it was just a small stall on the street, none of them were easy to do.
When she works with Attorney He, if there are any issues with shoddy workmanship at construction sites, she only needs to fix them. The struggles behind the scenes will be handled by Mr. Zhong and Attorney He.
Her brother and sister-in-law work at Mr. Yan's factory, where they are only responsible for the workshop and new product development. They don't have to worry about opening stores or competition, so they can focus on doing their specific tasks well.
She and her brother and sister-in-law are doing quite well working for capable people.
But Song Zhao was different. He joined Boss Min's electronics factory, and the profits doubled the following year. She suddenly felt proud. Song Zhao was just as amazing!
Song Zhao felt an itch on his back; it was Qing Qing rubbing against him. When he turned around, he saw her admiring and proud expression.
Song Zhao was naturally happy to be admired and liked by her, and the two of them smiled knowingly.
...
After the fight was over, the police from the local police station arrived and took Zhou Chengzhong and the others who had caused the trouble away.
Seeing Gu Lehan's calm expression, Nie Qingqing asked, "On such a holiday, he was just taken away like this, is he alright?"
Gu Lehan was used to it and said, "Grandpa taught him that if the other party makes the first move, it's considered legitimate self-defense. It's okay, let's go eat."
Sure enough, Zhou Chengzhong was released halfway through the meal, and everyone was relieved.
After dinner, Tangyuan and the other kids stayed at the hotel to play, waiting for breakfast the next morning, while Nie Qingqing and Song Zhao returned to have some alone time.
She had the day off the next day. Before going to work, Song Zhao asked her, "You've been busy at the construction site for over ten days. Today is the first opening day. Didn't Lawyer He call you to come?"
Nie Qingqing: "Yes, they called. That's Mr. Zhong's business. I'm not going to join in the fun. Attorney He never forces anyone. It's so comfortable for me to stay at home."
Song Zhao smiled, but didn't reveal that he had a dream last night, just like the previous two, where he or Qingqing had to make a choice.
Mr. Zhong wants Nie Qingqing to take charge of the purchasing department, which is a very lucrative department. Attorney He agrees, but given Qingqing's lazy attitude, she might not be willing.
This time, he said nothing and let Qingqing decide for herself. There was nothing wrong with continuing like this; he could make money and wouldn't let Qingqing be worse off than anyone else.
...
Nie Qingqing had a very tough time this time, and Attorney He told her to rest for as many days as she wanted, and then go back to work when she was well.
She rested for three days—the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth of the first lunar month—but she couldn't stay rest any longer and had to go back to work.
Song Zhao said, "It's almost the weekend, so I might as well go back to work next Monday."
Nie Qingqing was worried that if she took too long off, she would lose touch with the world, so she said, "That's what Attorney He said, that I can rest as long as I want this time. How can I really be lazy at home? What if she's prepared to give me a thousand-yuan red envelope, but then she's disappointed and only gives me five hundred? Wouldn't I be at a huge loss?"
Song Zhao chuckled: "Is that really true? I'll make it up to you."
Nie Qingqing: "That's different. Both of our money comes from our families."
Tangyuan said, "Mom, it's settled then. You get the bonus, and we'll go out for dinner tonight to celebrate."
Xiao Yuan urged, "Tangyuan, hurry up! Da Lin and Xiao Lin, you've been waiting for ages. Go downstairs already!"
Tangyuan ran quickly into the elevator and waved, "Mom, I bet you can get a thousand yuan today."
...
Nie Qingqing received far more than a thousand. After talking with Attorney He, she couldn't make a decision immediately, so Attorney He told her to discuss it with Song Zhao.
She quit her job and went to Song Zhao's factory, in a daze.
"Attorney He said she would have to devote half of her energy to Mr. Zhong's real estate company. This time, all the people Mr. Zhong left in the purchasing department have been removed, and the purchasing department is short of trustworthy people. She asked me to manage the purchasing. How can I know which materials are good or bad? But Attorney He said I can do it. What should I do?"
Just like in Song Zhao's dream, Qingqing's future path will definitely be very different depending on her choices.
This time, Song Zhao didn't try to dissuade her at all; he believed Qingqing would make the right choice.
Song Zhao said, "I will be happy for whatever decision you make and will support you. Don't feel burdened. Choose whatever you want."
Nie Qingqing's heart was pounding: "Although I feel that I can't manage such an important procurement, Attorney He's salary is high, not double, but 1,500 a month. She said it's called 'high salary to prevent corruption,' and as long as I don't embezzle or take kickbacks, I'll get a bonus at the end of the year!"
Such a high salary is more than three times her current salary, so how much kickbacks does this purchasing department take in a year?
Everyone knows that Song Zhao's electrical appliance factory receives substantial kickbacks in all its key departments.
Therefore, relatives should not be allowed to come in. The combination of a relative's status and an important department will eventually lead to chaos and disorder.
Song Zhao said, "This salary is equivalent to a year's worth of hard work for an ordinary factory worker. Attorney He really trusts you."
Nie Qingqing wasn't excited about that: "I'm so pathetic, with an annual salary of just over ten thousand. Attorney He knows how to get me to compromise. A raise is the best way. I'm telling you, I have to give it a try. She said if it doesn't work out, I can still be her assistant, so what am I afraid of?"
Qingqing had no idea how much kickbacks were in the real estate sector. From tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands to millions of yuan in project procurement payments, even a one percent kickback would be much higher than her salary.
Otherwise, even after Mr. Zhong split up the company, he would still keep his own people in these important departments.
Anyone in the procurement position would be tempted, but Song Zhao believed that Qingqing wouldn't.
He said, "Go and reply to Attorney He quickly. You've been promoted and received a raise; treat us to a nice meal."
...
Nie Qingqing replied to Attorney He that she wouldn't be going to the law firm tomorrow, but would be reporting to Mr. Zhong's Yuanda Company, where Attorney He would be spending most of his time.
The family had a hearty dinner that evening to cheer each other up, but Nie Qingqing still felt a little uneasy, so she asked Song Zhao to pick her up after get off work.
Song Zhao promised that no matter how busy he was, he would make time to pick her up. The two went downstairs together, ready to go to work.
As soon as they reached the entrance of the residential area, several men who had been squatting by the roadside, carrying briefcases and constantly looking around, all stood up and swarmed around them.
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Author's Note: A small red envelope will be dropped in this chapter.
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