Entering orbit
The appointment letter as Public Relations Manager was like a sudden, powerful flash of light, propelling Lin Xiaoning from a relatively behind-the-scenes position to the forefront of the company's internal power structure. The new department was in need of a complete overhaul, with only a structure in place. The personnel, processes, and authority all needed to be built from scratch. A silent scrutiny hung in the air, as if everyone was waiting to see how this young man, exceptionally promoted by the chairman, would blunder and manage this seemingly important yet vaguely defined new department.
Lin Xiaoning felt an unprecedented pressure. This pressure, unlike the concrete technical challenges she'd faced on the shop floor, was a more complex, more meticulous, and softer challenge. She buried herself in piles of industry reports, case studies, and media relations, often working late into the night. Ye Yidong brought her a warm midnight snack, and his eyes filled with heartache as he observed her tired yet focused profile. Yet, he could only silently accompany her as she processed documents. Amidst this busyness, their relationship exhibited a kind of stability, neither too hot nor too cold, like two parallel streams, calm but lacking in the turbulent waves.
Lin Xiaoning had a clear direction for the PR department: to leverage new media and use innovative approaches to cultivate the company's green and responsible image. However, a clear direction alone wasn't enough to achieve success; she urgently needed a dedicated team capable of delivering on the promise. A headhunter recommended several content creators, strategic analysts, and media relations experts with extensive experience on prominent platforms. Lin Xiaoning selected a core team of five individuals. Their innovative perspectives, strong execution, and profound understanding of the new media ecosystem were exactly the fresh blood the PR department needed.
But then problems arose. The overall salary package offered far exceeded the highest standard for similar positions at the company, even approaching that of some mid-level management positions. When this salary proposal was presented to Financial Director Zhao Qing, it immediately met with firm resistance.
The report was immediately returned with a calm but pointed comment: "The salary structure deviates significantly from the upper limit of the company's established salary system. If this precedent is set, it will impact the existing salary balance and trigger significant internal conflict. We recommend re-evaluating or finding a more cost-effective candidate."
Lin Xiaoning had no choice but to go talk to Zhao Qing. The CFO's office was still neat and cold. Zhao Qing looked up from the report, his eyes sharp as usual behind his gold-rimmed glasses.
"Manager Lin, the chairman approves of the PR department's direction, and I understand," Zhao Qing said. His tone was calm, but every word carried weight. "But this isn't how the company's money should be spent. The compensation system is fundamental. If I make an exception for your new team today, what will the veteran employees and core members of other departments think tomorrow? Have you considered the consequences of a 'salary inversion'? If the board of directors asks, what data will I have to provide?"
Lin Xiaoning attempted to explain the potential for significant advertising savings, the unique and scarce nature of the new media talent market, and the value of this team. She emphasized, "Mr. Zhao, we need people who can deliver immediate results. The market price is indeed that high. The creativity and resources they bring will create value far exceeding their salaries in the long run."
Zhao Qing listened patiently, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table. Finally, he said calmly, "Others are others, but Changqing is Changqing. Every penny of the company's money must be spent on visible, measurable, and fair internal resources. Manager Lin, you can try internal development, or look for talent that better fits the company's salary structure. This loophole cannot be opened."
Lin Xiaoning felt a pang of frustration at these words. She understood Zhao Qing's concerns were valid, and there might indeed be internal conflicts stemming from salary discrepancies. However, the conservative and stubborn attitude, often tinged with official business, also made her feel a sense of intangible restraint. She even had a vague feeling that this wasn't just a matter of financial principles; perhaps it was also a subtle wariness of the PR department's excessive attention, or a subtle check on her own rapid advancement.
The news spread quickly throughout the administrative floor. Sister Wang from the administrative department was the first to rush to Lin Xiaoning's office.
"Oh my dear Manager Xiaolin," Sister Wang said in a booming voice, brimming with streetwise wisdom. "I heard Zhao Qing is holding up your budget again? Don't take it personally! She's just like that, calculating like a shrewd person, willing to spend every penny wisely! Back then, when I applied to replace a batch of office chairs, she spent ages arguing about the payback period!" She leaned in closer, her voice low, a gossipy glint in her eyes. "I'm telling you, she's not picking on you. She's afraid your new department will be too powerful and overshadow hers. Besides, the chairman values you so much, how could she not have some ulterior motives? You should learn how to negotiate with her. Sometimes, if you take a step back and try a different approach, you might just get it done!"
Lin Xiaoning smiled wryly. She knew Sister Wang was being kind, but the message behind her words made her feel even more complicated. Sister Wang patted her shoulder and said, "If you need any help, just tell me! The administration always gives you the green light!"
Later, when she went to report to the chairman, secretary Su Qing "happened" to hand over the sorted public relations historical materials to her.
"Manager Lin, you've been very busy lately!" Su Qing stood behind her desk, her tone respectful, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I heard that the 'dream team' you're looking to recruit has high salary requirements? No wonder President Zhao is troubled. Everyone in the company is focusing on costs right now. Although the chairman supports the business, he's also under a lot of pressure. After all, green energy is what he cares about more. Efficiency is the bottom line, right?" She paused, and added casually, "Actually, the President's Office has considered strengthening media relations before, but we always felt that outsourcing was more cost-effective and saved time and effort. It would be really hard for Manager Lin to lead the team himself."
The words were both a reminder and a way of distancing himself, and they also hinted that Lin Xiaoning might "lose more than he gains." Lin Xiaoning could only smile and nod in response: "Thank you Secretary Su for the reminder, we will take care of it."
With the recruitment of foreign talent facing obstacles, Lin Xiaoning was forced to find a new approach. She resolved to personally identify and train new talent from the ground up. She restructured her recruitment requirements, no longer focusing on experienced "finished products" but instead seeking "unpolished gems" with potential, a strong learning ability, and a passion for new media. During the interviews, she focused on the candidates' agility, content acumen, and value alignment. She recruited a team of three:
Fang Wei, a former investigative reporter, is meticulous and skilled in data mining and in-depth analysis. She is responsible for the factual basis and risk control of the content.
Han Dong, a genius in new media operations, has wild creativity and is sensitive to online trends. He is responsible for content format innovation and channel expansion.
He Jun has a special background (rumored to be the nephew of a certain leader), is tactful and well-connected, and is responsible for key external liaisons and resource coordination.
She invested immense effort. She personally crafted detailed plans, worked with everyone to repeatedly polish the copy, analyzed excellent case studies, and even stayed up late with them to edit videos. She could often be seen patiently explaining and demonstrating in the office. She became a mentor, sharing her accumulated experience and knowledge.
This process was slow and arduous, far less effective than simply recruiting a mature team. But Lin Xiaoning relished it. Watching the glittering light and passion for work in these young people's eyes, she felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment. This team, though young, she had personally built up, was full of potential and cohesion.
The hard work paid off. Led by Lin Xiaoning, the new team launched their first major project: "The Magical Purification Journey," a popular science animation series focused on the company's core environmental protection technology. The series has been a resounding success. With its meticulous attention to detail, endearing cartoon characters, and accessible explanations, the animation has garnered attention across multiple video platforms. Even more surprising, one episode, showcasing the advanced treatment process for industrial wastewater, was featured by a central media outlet's science program, which proactively requested permission for serialization and reprinting.
This unexpected success catapulted the nascent PR department to fame within the company. Even the usually critical Zhao Qing, upon encountering Lin Xiaoning in the hallway, gave a rare quirk of the lips, remarking, "The animation is well done." While his tone remained neutral, it was a rare sign of recognition. This recognition from a reputable media outlet significantly eased the pressure on Lin Xiaoning and provided her with a crucial advantage in securing resources.
However, careers are never always smooth sailing, and human energy is limited.
An urgent report from the waste treatment workshop stated that core components of critical production equipment were severely worn and in urgent need of overhaul and replacement, and a substantial amount of extra-budgetary funding was requested. This type of emergency application involving production safety had, as usual, been subject to a relatively streamlined process.
When the report arrived at Lin Xiaoning's office, she was busy guiding a new member through the revision of a crucial speech, repeatedly communicating and adjusting it to perfection. She reviewed the report, attached the technical department's urgent assessment and her own sign-off, "This is an urgent matter, please review by General Manager Wu," and delivered it to Wu Jiaming's office according to procedure. General Manager Wu was already grappling with the commissioning of a new production line. Seeing that it was related to production safety and that Lin Xiaoning had already conducted a preliminary review, he quickly signed it.
The problem was that, immersed in the specific affairs of her new team, Lin Xiaoning failed to give this production funding application the same level of attention and consistent follow-up she had in the past. She didn't immediately recognize its extreme urgency, didn't call Mr. Wu immediately after submitting it, and didn't closely monitor the subsequent approval process.
The report was sent to the Finance Department, but this time Zhao Qing broke with her usual behavior and pulled out the company's latest financial management regulations, which clearly stated: "All major extra-budgetary expenditures must be reviewed and approved by the General Manager's Office before they can be implemented." She stuck to her principles and refused to make compromises.
Lin Xiaoning, still largely absorbed in public relations, failed to detect the stalled approval process. A few days later, news reached the workshop, sending shockwaves through the industry. The equipment was operating with a faulty system, posing a significant risk. Vice President of Production, Lao Zhou, was so anxious he went straight to Lin Xiaoning: "Assistant Lin! Is the reporting process stuck? In the past, urgent matters like these were handled on a case-by-case basis, but why this time...? A single day of equipment downtime would be a huge loss. Who can shoulder the responsibility for safety?"
Lin Xiaoning was startled, overwhelmed by a surge of self-blame and regret. Indeed, if she hadn't been completely absorbed in PR matters at the time, and had maintained her sharp awareness of the overall situation, pushing for a meeting immediately or reporting directly to CEO Wu, she might not have found herself in such a predicament. At this moment, she not only faced pressure from the production department, but also felt a deep sense of guilt for her own negligence and delays.
The situation became stalemated, and the matter reached Wu Jiaming. Mr. Wu, who usually refrained from interfering directly with financial approvals, was unusually angry this time. He called Zhao Qing directly and spoke in a firm tone:
"Mr. Zhao, equipment maintenance is crucial to production safety and the stability of the entire plant. It's the most important task right now! Regulations are rigid, but people are vital! As General Manager, I now require the Finance Department to immediately arrange for funding to ensure the repairs proceed as quickly as possible! I will be responsible for reporting any procedural issues to the Board of Directors afterwards! This must be done!"
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, and then Zhao Qing's calm voice came: "Okay, Mr. Wu. I'll follow your instructions." The funds were finally allocated.
While the storm has subsided, the aftershocks linger. This incident exposed flaws in the process and highlighted Wu Jiaming's decisiveness at a crucial moment. Zhao Qing's strict adherence to regulations and ultimate obedience to orders are also intriguing.
Even more thought-provoking is Chairman Xu Wu's subsequent attitude. In an informal setting, he casually remarked, "When faced with emergencies, we must adhere to both rules and accountability. Mr. Wu handled this incident decisively, ensuring production. However..." He then shifted the subject, glancing at the group present, including Lin Xiaoning, "Process optimization must also keep pace, and information dissemination and rapid decision-making mechanisms need to be strengthened. In the future, for similar safety-related issues, those responsible must demonstrate greater sensitivity and drive." This statement both affirmed Mr. Wu's commitment and implicitly addressed Lin Xiaoning's delay in disseminating information. It also hinted at the need for a better balance between efficiency and compliance in future corporate governance.
The workplace turmoil didn't seem to disturb Lin Xiaoning and Ye Yidong's relationship much. Ye Yidong remained attentive, bringing her her favorite fruit when she was working overtime and reminding her to eat on time, even though she was prone to stomach aches. He formally proposed marriage and began arranging a meeting between their parents.
The family dinner was held in a private room of a traditional restaurant, elegant and tranquil. Soft lighting created a solemn yet intimate atmosphere. Lin Xiaoning's parents had come all the way from their hometown, their faces beaming with joy and pride, yet also with a subtle hint of reserve. Ye Yidong's parents arrived on time.
Chief Prosecutor Ye Zhengdong stood tall and straight, his brow etched with the dignity of years and a subtle hint of fatigue. He was polite and courteous to Lin Xiaoning, offering only general remarks about his work, his eyes constantly glancing at Ye Yidong. When Ye Yidong mentioned his plans to marry, Ye Zhengdong nodded slightly, his gaze glancing over Lin Xiaoning as he said calmly, "Yidong's own choice. He's grown up. We... support him no matter what." His tone was calm, lacking much joy, but also no opposition, more a calculated, procedural statement.
In contrast, Ye's mother was much more enthusiastic. She held Lin Xiaoning's hand, her eyes filled with joy and affection. Lin Xiaoning's mother tried to join in the conversation, responding with a smile. Throughout the meal, Ye Yidong was busy stirring up the conversation and the atmosphere, occasionally caring for Lin Xiaoning.
Lin Xiaoning's father, a former Chinese teacher, was even more silent. He listened attentively to the conversation, occasionally interjecting a few words, appropriately yet indifferently. During the meal, he looked at his daughter with a look of pride, yet a tinge of worry lurked beneath. Taking advantage of a moment's pause, he whispered to Lin Xiaoning, "Xiaoning, Yidong is a good kid. But... their family is different from ours. In future interactions, you need to be more considerate and tactful." His words, like a pebble, sent a ripple through her heart.
The family dinner ended in apparent harmony, and the wedding was put on the agenda.
At work, the new team's development is showing initial success, and the recognition from central media has strengthened their voice. While the production funding crisis was averted, Xu Wu's guidance has brought with it a greater sense of responsibility. Ye Yidong's care and promise of marriage have brought a sense of security, and Lin Xiaoning is trying to immerse herself in joy.
Yet, in the stillness of the night, as she reviews her work, Zhao Qing's persistence, her self-blame for the delayed production funding, Xu Wu's thoughtful words, Ye's father's distant demeanor, and his reminders—all seem like tiny cracks lurking beneath the surface of prosperity. Just how fragile is the foundation upon which this seemingly stable foundation rests? The stable bond between her and Ye Yidong, seemingly separated by a layer of incomplete fusion and the disparity between their family backgrounds, will withstand the storms to come?
She shook her head, suppressed the thought, and told herself to cherish the present moment. But the vague worry, like the faint smell in the room that could not be completely dispelled, reminded her that everything was far from settled.
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