pdf-ebookys Chapter 37 Small Gathering
Chapter 37 Small Gathering
The Yinghai Group headquarters building, having shed its nighttime silence, gradually comes alive with the flow of people going to and from get off work in the early morning. The gleaming marble floor reflects the bright overhead lights, and employees in neat formal attire walk with composure and order. Each office area operates smoothly, exuding the unique orderliness and solemnity of a large group headquarters.
This wasn't Su Xiao's first time at the group's headquarters, but her feelings were completely different this time. She would be working here from now on. Today was the day she officially completed her personnel transfer and joined the group's economic management department, and she had prepared herself early.
Taking a deep breath, Su Xiao stepped into the building.
She went upstairs to the Human Resources Department, where Wu Hongmei still handled her paperwork.
Wu Hongmei had arrived at her workstation early, and a complete set of documents, including transfer approval forms, job appointment documents, salary confirmation slips, and departmental onboarding records, were neatly arranged on her desk, making everything clear and easy to understand. Seeing Su Xiao approach, she put down her pen, stood up, and gave a gentle smile.
"Xiaoxiao, you're here. Today marks the official start of your new work phase at Yinghai headquarters, marking your departure from Tiancheng."
"Thank you for your hard work, Hongmei. I'm sorry to trouble you again this time." Su Xiao walked to the table and her eyes fell on a thick stack of documents.
"What are you saying? You're my key player, I'm still waiting for you to promote me!"
The two exchanged a few jokes.
Wu Hongmei spread the documents out on the table one by one, lightly tapping the paper with her fingertips, and patiently explained each item to her.
"I have pre-screened all the procedures. Today, you only need to verify your personal information, job title, and salary. Once you confirm that everything is correct, you can sign it. Your official position is Senior Cost Engineer in the Group's Economic Management Department."
Su Xiao looked down and carefully reviewed the documents. Every clause was clearly defined, from salary grading to job responsibilities, from office permissions to departmental affiliation, all arranged properly and comprehensively.
After checking each page carefully, Su Xiao picked up a pen and neatly signed her name. This time, there were no complications; the onboarding and transfer procedures were completed in just over ten minutes.
Wu Hongmei carefully collected and filed the signed documents, then handed Su Xiao the brand-new headquarters employee badge, senior management office access card, and exclusive office key: "Alright, from this moment on, you are a formally employed staff member of the Economics and Management Department. I'll take you to your workstation. I've specially chosen a quiet area by the window for you, away from the noisy corridor, so it's convenient for you to organize data and check reports daily. After you're settled, I'll take you to Chief Economist Xu Zhiping's office. He specifically instructed me this morning that you must go there for a formal onboarding interview as soon as you start working."
The two walked side by side down the long, quiet office corridor. Office signs lined the way, clearly indicating the hierarchical divisions. As they walked, Wu Hongmei gently reminded her of the proper etiquette within the department and explained the daily work rules.
They soon arrived at the Economic Management Department's office area on the fifteenth floor. The overall environment was spacious and clean, with desks and chairs arranged in an orderly manner. Compared to the crowded and noisy office environment of Tiancheng, this place was much quieter and more professional. Wu Hongmei led Su Xiao to the workstation by the window, helped her wipe the desktop and put away office supplies, and then carefully pointed out the specific locations of the tea room, printing room, archives room and department meeting room, paying attention to every detail.
"Take a moment to calm down. I'll go to Mr. Xu's office to inform him." After saying this, Wu Hongmei turned and walked towards the executive office area.
Su Xiao sat alone at her new workstation, her gaze sweeping over her quiet, busy colleagues, her expression calm and composed. Years of hard work at the grassroots level had long since worn away the initial restlessness and anxiety of entering the workforce. No matter the environment, she knew that only by working diligently and speaking cautiously could one establish a long-term foothold.
Not long after, Wu Hongmei returned and said softly, "President Xu is free now. Let's go, I'll take you there."
Xu Zhiping's private office was spacious and elegant, with a simple yet sophisticated decor. A tea set sat in the corner, and a faint aroma of tea filled the air, just like the impression he gave off: gentle, calm, and modest. Upon seeing the two enter, Xu Zhiping immediately put down the documents in his hand, a warm and genuine smile spreading across his face, and took the initiative to stand up and greet them.
"This must be Su Xiao. Welcome to the Economic Management Department."
"Hello, Mr. Xu. I hope you will give me your guidance and understanding in my future work in the department." Su Xiao greeted him politely with a slight bow, her attitude respectful and measured.
"Don't be shy, sit down and let's talk." Xu Zhiping was friendly and approachable, gesturing for the two to sit on the guest sofa.
Seeing this, Wu Hongmei spoke up at the right time: "President Xu, Su Xiao's onboarding procedures have been completed and her workstation has been set up. I still have some personnel work to handle, so I won't disturb your conversation any longer."
"Okay, thank you for your hard work, Manager Wu." Xu Zhiping nodded slightly.
Wu Hongmei politely nodded and took her leave, gently closing the office door behind her. Only Su Xiao and Xu Zhiping remained in the room.
Xu Zhiping looked at Su Xiao: "I've heard of you before. You did a great job at Tiancheng. You did the art museum project, right? The cost estimate was excellent, very professional."
"In our Yinghai Group, there are many hardworking and capable young people, but it is rare to see a young person as outstanding as you."
"Mr. Xu, you flatter me too much." Su Xiao replied humbly and calmly, "I was just doing my job. During my time at Tiancheng, I was fortunate to have the support and guidance of General Manager Wang, which gave me the opportunity to work independently. There is still a lot I need to learn and improve in my work, and I hope you will continue to guide me in the future."
"Humble and composed, neither arrogant nor impatient," Xu Zhiping nodded with a smile and continued.
"I'm having a private meeting with you today for two reasons. First, on behalf of the Management Department, I'm formally accepting you into the team. Second, I want to clarify the core work arrangements for the future. Right now, the most important core task for the group is to promote the consolidation of the five top-tier cooperative companies. The special working group has been prepared and will be officially established this afternoon."
Su Xiao sat upright, listening attentively.
"After comprehensive consideration, the Group has decided to formally include you in the merger special task force, under the overall management of the Business Management Department," Xu Zhiping said slowly. "I will be in charge of the overall management of the task force, while Chairman's Assistant Xu Feng will be responsible for the actual work. Your core task is to assist Xu Feng in completing various cost data calculations, asset inventory statistics, and project cost verification."
"You have worked at Tiancheng before, are familiar with the subsidiary's operating model, and understand the intricacies of engineering cost estimation. This is an advantage that others cannot match. In the subsequent work, the two of you should cooperate with each other and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses."
Su Xiao understood immediately upon hearing this and replied:
"I understand, Mr. Xu. I will follow the work arrangements of the department and the group, and fully cooperate with Assistant Xu to complete various data calculation and inventory tasks."
"Okay." Xu Zhiping smiled and then gave a special reminder: "Assistant Xu is principled in his actions and tends to approach problems from the perspective of rules and regulations, which is different from the mindset of frontline practitioners. As you work together, there may be differences in ideas and friction at work. You should prioritize the overall situation. If there are any irreconcilable difficulties, you can come to me at any time to communicate, and I will mediate between you."
Su Xiao said with some surprise, "Thank you for your advice, President Xu. I will strictly abide by the group's regulations, perform my duties diligently, and keep a proper balance, prioritizing the overall situation of the merger."
Back at her workstation, Su Xiao calmed down and briefly familiarized herself with the past merger reference materials kept within the department, spending the entire morning peacefully.
In the afternoon, after a brief setup at the Yinghai Group conference center, the first meeting of the newly established top-level merger task force began. Heads of relevant departments from each subsidiary, key personnel from finance and cost control, audit team members, and all staff from the management department were present, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere.
Xu Zhiping, as the head of the management department and the leader of the working group, sat in the main seat and officially announced the start of the meeting after all the participants had arrived.
He spoke calmly and clearly, first explaining the core significance of merging the five top-tier subsidiaries, clarifying that integrating scattered resources, standardizing the financial system, streamlining the operational structure, and preventing operational risks are essential steps for Yinghai Group's future steady development and preparation for large-scale upgrades.
Subsequently, Xu Zhiping solemnly conveyed Chairman Zhao Xiankun's unified work requirements: "In this merger and review process, firstly, we must adhere to the bottom line of compliance, comprehensively review the existing accounts of each company, and rectify any past irregularities; secondly, we must ensure a smooth transition, avoiding deliberately exacerbating conflicts during the review and avoiding blindly applying one-size-fits-all measures in rectification, thus ensuring the normal operation of each company's daily business; thirdly, we must be realistic, objective, and fair, without favoritism, harshness, or personal bias, prioritizing the overall long-term interests of the group; and fourthly, we must work together with one heart and one mind, with each department fulfilling its responsibilities, and the auditing, cost estimation, administration, and finance departments working closely together to ensure the orderly, smooth, and efficient implementation of the merger."
After Xu Zhiping finished speaking, he carefully introduced Xu Feng and the heads of various subsidiaries to everyone, asking everyone to cooperate with their work and complete the tasks assigned by the group. The meeting then came to an end.
As everyone gradually rose and left, the conference room slowly emptied. Su Xiao packed up her notebook and walked out of the conference center, her mind at peace. From her transfer to her onboarding, from the initial job assignment to the formation of her team, her new work trajectory had clearly unfolded. She knew that the days ahead would be busy and complicated, and conflicts and disagreements were inevitable.
After thinking for a moment, Su Xiao took out her phone and, after much hesitation, sent a message to Wu Hongmei, asking her to help invite Lin Chen to dinner that evening.
"Hongmei, I'd like to invite President Lin to dinner tonight. Could you ask him if he's free?"
As dusk falls and the sun dips below the horizon, twilight slowly washes over the streets and buildings, and the city gradually sheds the hustle and bustle of the day.
Su Xiao invited Lin Chen to dinner, and specially chose a private restaurant with an excellent reputation and elegant style. The restaurant was quiet and peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The private rooms were simple and cozy, with warm yellow lights shining down, isolating them from the outside world. It was the perfect place for a few good friends to enjoy a meal and chat.
Su Xiao ordered the dishes and drinks in advance and waited for the group to arrive.
Wu Hongmei arrived early and, seeing the restaurant's luxurious decor, said sarcastically:
"Xiaoxiao, you're going to have to pay a hefty price this time!"
Su Xiao said with some reluctance, "There's no other way. I can't exactly take President Lin out for a meal of spicy hot pot from Northeast China, can I?"
"Hey, I don't agree with that! What's wrong with our Northeastern-style spicy hot pot? Maybe Mr. Lin even likes it!"
"Haha, Hongmei is right, I really do like eating Northeastern spicy hot pot." Lin Chen and Li Wei happened to arrive and saw Wu Hongmei and Su Xiao waiting in the lobby. They overheard Wu Hongmei's words and casually chimed in.
Lin Chen then said to Su Xiao, "You're too kind, Su Xiao, to go to such lengths to find such an expensive place. You can't do that next time."
Su Xiao said somewhat shyly, "President Lin, Secretary Li, you're here. Please come in."
Su Xiao and Wu Hongmei invited the two into the private room. The group took their seats one by one, and the waiters immediately began serving dishes, one exquisite dish after another.
"I didn't know what Mr. Lin and Secretary Li would like to eat, so I ordered some of their signature dishes."
"That's great, Su Xiao. These are all my favorite foods," Lin Chen said with a smile.
Li Wei also nodded her thanks to Su Xiao.
Su Xiao and Wu Hongmei usually treat Lin Chen as subordinates in the workplace. Even when they meet in private, they still maintain a certain level of propriety and politeness, and are not very open in their conversation.
Seeing that Su Xiao and Wu Hongmei were a little reserved, Lin Chen glanced at Li Wei. Li Wei took the initiative to lighten the mood, chatting about daily trivialities and gossip in the city. Her words were relaxed and interesting, instantly easing the tension and fatigue of the daytime workplace.
Wu Hongmei occasionally chimed in with a few soft words, and casually chatted about the mundane daily life at headquarters, talking about light and peaceful little things. Gradually, the tense atmosphere in the private room dissipated, the sense of distance slowly vanished, and the atmosphere became increasingly relaxed and comfortable.
"I spend all day in the office staring at reports and documents, my brain is practically frozen. It's a rare opportunity to get together with friends, and I have to thank Su Xiao for treating me," Li Wei said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Wu Hongmei gently replied, "That's right. Recently, things have been very complicated at the group, and everyone is so busy that they don't have time to breathe. It's rare to have such a leisurely and relaxing moment."
Su Xiao raised her glass and said cheerfully, "President Lin, I've always wanted to find an opportunity to thank you properly. This glass is for you; I'll drink it first."
He then picked up his glass and drank it all in one gulp.
Seeing Su Xiao's straightforward manner, Lin Chen also picked up his wine glass and downed a glass.
"Okay, that's great! I'll do it too."
Setting down his wine glass, Lin Chen spoke in an increasingly relaxed and easygoing tone:
"Su Xiao, I've drunk the wine and accepted your kind words. From now on, when we're together in private, please don't keep calling me 'President Lin.' We're all the same age, and when we sit together for a meal and a chat, it's just a gathering of friends. It's no fun if we're too formal. Just call me by my name, and Hong Mei, you can do the same."
Li Wei laughed and joked from the side, "It should have been like this a long time ago. Private gatherings should be relaxed. Always using job titles makes it hard to relax even when eating."
Su Xiao and Wu Hongmei stopped being polite and relaxed. The group chatted about which dish was the best.
A light and warm dinner was filled with laughter and conversation.