After sitting in Qin Lan's office for a while, Xiao Chen grew restless. Glancing at his watch, he stood up.
"Tong Yan, Sister Lan is busy, let's not disturb her. How about we go to my office and talk instead?"
Tong Yan was slightly surprised, but quickly nodded. "Alright!"
Qin Lan, however, cast Xiao Chen a teasing look. This guy isn't seriously planning to make a move on that little girl, is he?
Feeling her gaze, Xiao Chen coughed and tried to sound serious. "Ahem… Sister Lan, after I finish talking with Tong Yan, I'll come back and help you with the paperwork."
Qin Lan rolled her eyes but didn't expose him. "Fine, at least you still remember to help. Go on."
With a grin, Xiao Chen left the office with Tong Yan.
"Tong Yan, you're not a permanent employee yet, right?" he asked as they walked back toward the security department.
"Mm. I just graduated and joined half a month ago. Normally it takes two months before becoming permanent… but now, as long as I work with you, Minister Xiao, I can become a full-timer sooner." Her voice carried excitement—being regular so soon was no small thing.
Xiao Chen smirked, his eyes wandering. "Right, as long as you 'cooperate' with me, becoming permanent is no problem…"
Not catching the double meaning, Tong Yan nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, Minister Xiao, I'll do my best!"
When they entered the security office, the guards all froze, eyes widening at the sight of Tong Yan. Even Ding Li swallowed hard—The boss really is amazing, bringing in such a beauty!
"Ding Li, bring tea to my office," Xiao Chen ordered, already imagining how nice it'd be if Tong Yan worked beside him as a secretary.
Tong Yan politely greeted everyone with a smile and followed Xiao Chen inside.
"Relax, Tong Yan, no need to be so cautious here," he said, noticing how reserved she had been with Qin Lan earlier.
"Okay." She sat down. "Minister Xiao, let's continue our talk about recruitment."
"Hehe, honestly, there's not much to it. We're only hiring security guards, not top-level executives."
"But shouldn't there be standards? Like specific requirements…"
Xiao Chen shook his head. "Not necessarily. Everyone has strengths. Maybe someone hasn't found the right position yet, but once they do, they'll shine. We shouldn't underestimate anyone's potential."
Tong Yan hesitated, unsure how to respond.
Just then Ding Li returned with tea. "Brother Chen, sister-in-law, have some tea…"
Xiao Chen nearly choked. Damn it, what's this kid saying?
Tong Yan's face flushed red at being called sister-in-law.
"Don't talk nonsense," Xiao Chen scolded. "This is Tong Yan, from HR."
"Ah… sorry, Miss Tong, I misunderstood," Ding Li stammered before quickly retreating.
The atmosphere grew a little awkward. Tong Yan's face was crimson, and Xiao Chen found her innocent reaction endearing. She wasn't the type of woman who challenged men like Qin Lan—she stirred a different kind of instinct in him, one that made him want to protect her.
He changed the subject, lifting his cup. "Try this tea. Sister Lan gave me some top-quality Longjing, but I forgot to bring it. This will do for now."
"Thank you."
They shifted back to work. Xiao Chen told her not to stress too much—just prepare a conference room and the rest would be handled. He promised again to help her become permanent.
"Really? Thank you, Minister Xiao!" she said gratefully.
Xiao Chen smiled. "Actually, I just joined yesterday myself, so I'm not that familiar with the company either."
"But you're already a director," Tong Yan said with admiration.
"Pure luck," he shrugged, then asked why she was in such a hurry to become permanent.
Tong Yan hesitated before answering, "Because a full-time salary is three times higher than an intern's."
Her honesty surprised him, but he nodded. "Alright then. In three days, you'll be permanent."
"I'll work hard!" she said seriously, leaning forward slightly. The sight made Xiao Chen's eyes widen—he quickly looked away.
They continued discussing recruitment, with Tong Yan speaking more confidently now. But Xiao Chen's gaze kept drifting downward. Whenever she looked up, he quickly pretended to be focused on her words.
Tong Yan soon noticed. At first she brushed it off—she'd grown used to stares—but Xiao Chen's intense gaze made her uneasy. Glancing down, she suddenly realized a button on her blouse had come undone.
"Ah!" she cried softly, face burning.
Xiao Chen coughed, embarrassed but playing it cool. "I was just about to remind you… but you looked so focused, I didn't want to interrupt."
Mortified, Tong Yan quickly fixed her blouse. She could hardly meet his eyes.
"Anyway, what you said earlier was good. Let's continue," Xiao Chen said, though clearly disappointed the view was gone.
Tong Yan, flustered, stood up. "I think that's enough for now. I'll go draft the recruitment notice."
"Alright. If you have questions, come to me anytime."
"Okay, goodbye, Minister Xiao!" She hurried out, leaving Xiao Chen shaking his head. Great, now she'll probably guard against me like a thief.
He sighed, then turned his thoughts to the special security team. Should he bring in retired soldiers? They'd need less training. But after some thought, he dismissed the idea. Recruitment in three days would have to do.
Just then his phone rang. It was Xiaodao.
"Brother Chen, the cemetery is settled, the funeral home's been contacted. The burial can be next Wednesday. Is that okay?"
Xiao Chen checked the calendar. "Yes, Wednesday works."
"Alright, I'll confirm it then."
"Good."