"Damn it, it's really unlucky to lose control of my mouth after drinking too much. Did your boss say how much he plans to donate?"
"You're a big boss yourself; you should know the principle of moderate drinking. Look how smart our boss is, he slipped away when he felt he couldn't handle it."
"Hey, it's just that I haven't seen a big leader before. For such a big leader to toast me, it's pretty awesome."
"It is pretty awesome, a few million are gone. Our boss originally wanted to donate 5 million, but you said an extra word, and now he plans to donate 4 million. You should also prepare 4 million. Donations, once promised, must be fulfilled, otherwise it's fraudulent donation, which is illegal."
"Why is your boss donating so much money? Can't he just donate a little bit to show goodwill? Anyway, he didn't say how much."
"How to put it, on one hand, that's also his hometown, and many relatives live there. On the other hand, it's also a double insurance for Anda'er Auto's production qualification. Although I don't know how the boss plans to use this part, I feel he attaches great importance to it."
After seeing off Tao Qinian and others, the brothers Zhang Xuhui and Zhang Xupeng chatted in Zhang Xupeng's office.
As soon as he sat down, Zhang Xupeng complained about the embarrassing incident after drinking yesterday.
"Alright, 4 million it is. Actually, it's not entirely because of drinking too much. I genuinely want to build a clothing factory, that's why I wanted to test the waters, but I still need to ask for your boss's opinion."
"What? Not comfortable earning money now? Running a factory is very tiring. Look at my boss, he never has a moment of leisure."
Zhang Xupeng shook his head and said,
"I definitely know it's tiring. When your factory was first being built, I helped out every day. If I were 40 now, or even 30, I wouldn't have this idea."
Zhang Xuhui, at the right moment, played along,
"But?"
"But I'm only 20, and with your boss as an example, he has his current status, and I want to have the same status in the future. So, as he said, after solving the basic needs, money is no longer the ultimate goal."
"Social status?"
Zhang Xuhui asked thoughtfully.
"Yes, I also want to establish my own clothing brand, own a factory that can provide jobs for hundreds of people, and improve my social status while earning money. But I have to ask your boss first, after all, he's also a major shareholder."
"Then you can ask him when the time comes, but I have something I want your opinion on."
Zhang Xuhui couldn't yet understand the worries of a rich person.
"What is it? I was wondering why you came back after seeing them off today. So you have something. Is it about borrowing money?"
"Not borrowing money. Our boss wants to transfer me to work in the Imperial Capital, to be responsible for the management and logistics of the battery project there. I'm a bit undecided for now, can you give me some advice?"
Zhang Xupeng was stunned,
"That's a good thing, what are you undecided about?"
"First, I'm afraid I lack experience and will mess things up. Second, following the boss, I can actually learn a lot. I feel he knows so much; he has an excellent grasp of marketing, business, and trends."
"What are you learning from Tan Jincheng for? Do you want to start your own business, or do you want to progress and achieve a higher position at Shanchi Technology?"
"Of course, it's for progress. I haven't thought about starting a business; first, I don't have money, and second, I know I don't have the ability for now."
"Since it's for progress, what's there to hesitate about? There's such a good opportunity in front of you now. Think about Sun Yuming; did he know about procurement before? He didn't know anything either, and now he's doing very well.
As for why you're hesitating, I think it's probably because you're worried that the relationship with Tan Jincheng will become distant if you're far away?"
Zhang Xuhui scratched his head awkwardly,
"I do have that concern."
"You're overthinking it. I know Tan Jincheng. Since he's willing to send you there, he won't have any other intentions. But the premise is that you have to do your job well. If a few months later, you still don't understand anything, Tan Jincheng will definitely transfer you out.
This is an opportunity, and also a test. Whether you can seize it depends on you. Judging from Tan Jincheng's acquisition of the auto production qualification this time, he should be laying out plans for future business development. If you can pass this test, you'll definitely benefit greatly in the future."
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Xuhui made up his mind, feeling much lighter.
"Then I'll go. I borrowed 50,000 yuan from your dad during Chinese New Year. I was originally planning to find you to help me look at houses when I had a free day, but it seems I won't need to buy one now."
"As for a house, you can still buy one. You have to buy it sooner or later, and you're not not coming back; you'll live in it in the future. If you don't have enough money, you can ask me."
"Working in the Imperial Capital means renting a place and buying daily necessities. If I buy a house on top of that, I might genuinely not have enough money. So, it seems my earlier statement about not borrowing from you might not work out. Could you lend me some then?"
Zhang Xupeng immediately stood up and said,
"What are we waiting for? Let's go, withdraw the money, and I'll drop you back at the company. I wonder what Uncle Tan's meeting with Gu Qingqing will be like."
---
"Hello, Uncle, nice to meet you. Please accept this small gift."
Gu Qingqing bowed.
Tan Lihua thanked her as he accepted the gift, while also observing the slender, pretty girl in front of him.
Gu Qingqing had put some effort into her appearance today, with light makeup, a ponytail, a pink button-up thin knit cardigan paired with a beige high-neck inner layer, and a black half-skirt.
It was full of youthful vitality yet also had a sense of solemnity, perfectly suiting today's meeting.
"This kid has good taste. In terms of looks alone, this girl is impeccable, more than enough for him, that long-haired monster. And she's polite, knowing to buy a gift on the first meeting."
Tan Lihua, after all, had some discernment.
Lin Yumin and Wu Zhenping, whom he had scouted, were now capable of leading Shanchi Technology's sales.
He had a very good impression of this polite yet nervous girl.
Unfortunately, his wife wasn't here.
As a man, it wasn't appropriate for him to be too affectionate, so as not to scare her.
"Have a seat. Jincheng often talks about you. I wonder if Jincheng has introduced me to you."
This was a restaurant Tan Jincheng had booked in advance, with Chinese-style decor and a rather good ambiance, located near the Financial Building, giving a sense of tranquility amidst the bustle.
Gu Qingqing had also been here before.
The familiar environment helped the originally nervous Gu Qingqing settle down considerably.
There were only three people in the private room.
The waiter poured the tea and then quietly closed the door as he left.
"He has introduced you."
Gu Qingqing nodded.
"How did he introduce me?"
Tan Lihua chuckled, genuinely curious to hear what kind of person his son described him as.
Gu Qingqing glanced at Tan Jincheng, who was sitting beside her.
Tan Jincheng quickly interjected,
"Dad, you should also look at the gift. Qingqing specially picked it out for you last night. See if you like it."
"Oh? Is that so? Let me see then."
Tan Lihua picked up the handbag.
A pair of couple watches, the brand was Longines, but a different style from the ones Tan Jincheng and Gu Qingqing wore, more suited for middle-aged people.
"This gift is too valuable."
Tan Lihua sighed.
This girl was truly thoughtful, not only buying a gift for him but also for his wife.
And she was so generous; this pair of watches must cost tens of thousands! What should he do?
What he brought were just some local specialties from home, not such a valuable gift.
"Try it on, it's fine."
Tan Jincheng noticed his father's predicament and spoke up promptly.
When he learned that Gu Qingqing bought a pair of mechanical watches, Tan Jincheng was actually a bit surprised, but thinking about her current income, he was relieved.
Gu Qingqing didn't actually buy this pair of watches with money from her parents; she earned it herself.
Not counting her occasional income from translation work, with Zhang Xupeng's two Taobao stores, Gu Qingqing currently operates a total of six Taobao stores.
Although she was his girlfriend, since she was working, the salary due had to be paid, fair and square.
Zhang Xupeng paid her a monthly salary of 4,000 yuan, while Tan Jincheng paid her a commission based on profit.
Therefore, although Gu Qingqing was still a student, her actual monthly income was not low.
However, these two watches almost exhausted the money she earned from her work.
She was truly generous.
Thinking back, Gu Qingqing used to coax Tan Jincheng into believing milk tea tasted good to save money on two cups of coffee; she had indeed changed quite a bit.
On holidays or business trips, Tan Jincheng would buy gifts for Gu Qingqing, and Gu Qingqing would also return some gifts.
Other than meals and shopping paid for by Tan Jincheng, Gu Qingqing never spent Tan Jincheng's money.
Of course, even without the income from operating the Taobao stores, Gu Qingqing was not short of money.
Girls from ordinary family backgrounds might feel some inferiority when facing Tan Jincheng, fearing various rumors about being interested in his money.
Gu Qingqing, however, didn't need to worry about such things.
"Very beautiful and very suitable. Thank you, Xiao Gu. Also, thank you on behalf of Jincheng's mother. I'm sure she'll love it. You shouldn't have gone to such expense."
Tan Lihua said happily after putting on the watch.
He actually owned a watch that Tan Jincheng had bought for him in Hong Kong previously, which was even more expensive than a Longines.
But precisely because it was too expensive, he rarely wore it for work, partly out of reluctance and partly out of fear of people gossiping.
This new watch was just right, and it also gave him face.
"How did you know this was bought for me by my future daughter-in-law? Hahahaha!"
This way of speaking was something Zhang Xupeng mentioned when complaining to him.
Whenever he wanted to show off to Tan Jincheng, no matter how Tan Jincheng changed the subject, he would always steer the conversation back to the topic he wanted to show off, leaving Tan Jincheng utterly speechless.
Now, it seemed, although annoying, saying this himself truly felt good.
"As long as Uncle likes it, it wasn't particularly expensive. In fact, the money for the watches was given by Uncle."
Gu Qingqing chuckled lightly.
"Oh? How do you mean?"
Tan Lihua asked, a little curious.
"The Taobao stores are under your name, right? Now Qingqing is operating them, so technically you're also her boss and you pay her salary."
"Yes, and I also want to thank Uncle for providing me with this job."
(End of Chapter)