After the storm, the sky cleared up.
The life of the hunzi also returned to its previous prosperity.
Three months passed in the blink of an eye.
Shangdu, the capital of Zhongyuan Province.
An office building in the city center, New Century Central Plains District branch.
"The coverage rate of direct-operated stores in all towns in Zhongyuan District has reached 85%. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. Thank you all for your hard work!"
"However, we cannot stop yet. We must strive to complete 100% coverage of the entire district by around March after the New Year!"
"In addition, we can't just pursue quantity and open stores to complete tasks. The service quality of each store must keep up, and make sure that every new employee receives systematic training. It is better to have nothing than to have something of poor quality!"
"After all, service is the foundation of our new century and the top priority!"
In the conference room, Liu Wanyin was wearing a slim-fitting women's suit.
The words are clear, the rhythm is ups and downs, and the voice is powerful.
Her expression and posture constantly changed with the tone of her speech, and she used casual but appropriate body language from time to time, making her whole person exude confidence and capability.
Being entrusted with an important task, among which being the person in charge of the Zhongyuan District is both an opportunity and a big challenge for Liu Wanyin.
It is definitely not easy for such a young girl to take control of the overall situation. Just how to convince others is a problem.
However, Liu Wanyin did it.
After all, she has been working with Su Zelin in New Century’s first store since her freshman year. Over the years, she has learned a lot from this superior.
This includes bold and careful thinking in analyzing problems, a vigorous and resolute style of doing things, the art of speaking, and even some small habits in gestures and movements, sometimes one can vaguely see the shadow of a slacker.
Her speeches at conferences even had something called "infectiousness".
Many employees, especially the new employees who had just joined the company, looked at the young CEO of the Central Plains District with admiration.
This continues until the meeting is over.
"Boss Liu is amazing. He has only graduated for a few years and he has already become the CEO of the Central Plains District!"
"Don't be envious. How can you compare with his eloquence? What's more, Mr. Liu has made our Zhongyuan District a demonstration district in the new century. There are only three places in the country. Who can compare with his ability!"
"I heard that Mr. Liu followed Mr. Su Zelin from the headquarters when he was in college. Mr. Su is one of the three founders of New World and is also the big boss!"
"I know, I know. President Su's story was reported on the news before!"
"So, Mr. Liu must be Mr. Su's apprentice. No wonder he's so powerful!"
"… "
While several new employees were discussing, Liu Wanyin had already left the meeting room.
Her legs were straight, and she was wearing a pair of branded high heels. The slender heels were like delicate vines, gently wrapped around her dainty little ankles. Her steps were light, and she brushed against the flowers and willows.
Her red lips always have a faint smile, yet she remains dignified. This is the transformation in her temperament brought about by the training as the general manager of the Central Plains District.
The meeting is over and it's time to get off work.
However, Liu Wanyin walked straight to the office.
She works overtime almost every day.
In order to live up to the position of the person in charge of the Central Plains District, and not to let that man down.
As soon as I walked in the door, I saw a familiar face.
He is handsome, with the corners of his mouth slightly raised, looking like he is smiling but not very serious.
He sat at the tea table in his office, brewing a pot of Kung Fu tea. His technique was skillful and each movement had an indescribable pleasing beauty.
“Boss!”
Liu Wanyin blurted out.
This uninvited guest was Su Zelin.
"Why are you here?"
She was surprised and delighted.
"Haha, I was invited to attend a meeting in Chang'an yesterday. I thought Chang'an was not far from Shangdu, so I stopped by the Central Plains branch to take a look."
Su Zelin smiled and poured a cup of brewed Pu'er tea into two cups. He said to Liu Wanyin, who was still in a daze, "Boss Liu, come over and have some tea. Let's chat while we drink!"
"Boss, please don't torture me. Wanyin can't bear it!"
Liu Wanyin was flattered.
Although she is already the head of the Central Plains District, she is the boss of everyone in the branch.
However, in front of Su Zelin, she will always be that classmate Xiao Liu.
After all, Su Zelin is the big boss of New Century, and he brought me up personally. Even my tea-making technique was taught by others.
As he spoke, he walked over and sat down opposite Su Zelin.
"What's wrong? Are you still not used to being the boss of the branch?"
Su Zelin half-jokingly said, "As far as I know, you are a well-known strong woman in the Central Plains branch, and no one disrespects you."
Having said that, the gangster looked at her carefully.
Speaking of which, since Liu Wanyin took office in Zhongyuan District, the two sides have met very few times. Most of the time, Xiao Liu was recalled to the headquarters for reports or meetings. This was the first time Su Zelin came to the Shangdu branch to see her.
Every time we meet, Liu Wanyin changes a lot.
From her clothing to her speech and body language, you can tell that she is changing rapidly.
After graduating from university, Xiao Liu no longer suffered from social phobia and low self-esteem. The training she received as the person in charge of the Zhongyuan District helped her transform from a cocoon into a butterfly, and become a confident girl.
She was used to going without makeup and even learned how to put on makeup. She lightly drew her eyebrows and applied a little powder. Her overall image improved a lot. Even Su Zelin, who had witnessed her growth to this day, could no longer associate her with the pitiful little Liu back then.
Being stared at by the gangster like that, Liu Wanyin's pretty face felt slightly dizzy and a little embarrassed. She picked up the teacup and took a sip to cover it up.
Only in front of Su Zelin would the female head of the Central Plains District feel shy.
The gangster felt relieved.
I have two beloved disciples. My eldest disciple, Axi, has opened his own financial company. His performance is getting better and better.
The second apprentice, Xiao Liu, also became a key member of his own company and managed the Central Plains area in an orderly manner.
Come to think of it, I do feel a sense of accomplishment.
"Wanyin, when I was in college, I said you were a talented girl, very capable, and would achieve great things. I was right, wasn't I, haha?"
The gangster had the expression of an old father who was pleased to see his daughter succeed.
"Boss, that's all thanks to your cultivation!"
Liu Wanyin quickly became modest.
Indeed, without Su Zelin, I would not be where I am today.
Not to mention that others gave me opportunities, and almost all of my skills were learned from the boss.
Therefore, Xiao Liu is always full of gratitude, love and respect for Su Zelin.
"Hey, that's because you're smart and have potential. If you were a dumbass, it would be useless for me to cultivate you!"
Seeing Liu Wanyin finished a cup of tea, Su Zelin was about to pour her another cup, but the girl's skillful hands snatched it away without making a sound.
"Boss, let me do it."
Ever since she learned the art of making tea from the gangster, Liu Wanyin also started to like drinking Kung Fu tea, but she didn't dare let Su Zelin make tea for her.
Su Zelin didn't force it, and he also wanted to see if Liu Wanyin's tea art had improved.
Facts have also proved that Xiao Liu is indeed a three-good student with all-round development in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic and labor aspects. Her progress is not only reflected in her personal temperament and management ability, but also in her tea art, which has been significantly improved.
"Wanyin, your technique is getting better and better. You are likely to surpass me!"
Su Zelin praised it highly.
Liu Wanyin's technique is already very standard. She is calm and composed, her hands are steady, and the connection between each movement is free and easy, like flowing clouds and water, elegant and generous.
In fact, the technique of Kung Fu tea can often reflect a person's inner confidence. Those who are strong in heart will not easily shake their hands. In addition, their movements will not be intermittent, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes heavy, sometimes light.
"Thank you for the compliment, Boss. I will never be able to surpass you."
Liu Wanyin has self-knowledge.
Maybe I am not stupid, but Su Zelin is a genius!
Making your own tea is just safe.
Besides being steady, Su Zelin can also play as he pleases and in a fancy way, which is more pleasing to the eye.
His techniques are simply wild and unconventional, and he can handle all kinds of difficult moves with ease, just like performing acrobatics, yet he can do it without leaking a single drop, which is astonishing.
The gap is... really obvious.
Liu Wanyin felt that it was impossible for her to reach Su Zelin's level, even close.
Su Zelin nodded: "Indeed, compared to me, you are still a little lacking in skills, Wanyin, do you know where the most important thing is?"
"What's the difference?"
Liu Wanyin cheered up.
She also hopes to improve her tea art.
“Basic skills!”
The gangster chuckled.
"Don't forget, I practice pen spinning every day for more than ten years!"
Having said that, he raised his hand.
"You can never imagine the power of my golden finger. As long as I don't want a drop of water to leak out, then not a drop of water can leak out!"
Liu Wanyin: “…”
…
While drinking tea and chatting, Su Zelin did not talk much about business, and casually learned about the latest developments of the Central Plains branch.
In fact, the reports Liu Wanyin submits to the headquarters every month are very detailed, and the business development of the Central Plains branch is also excellent. It was even selected as a demonstration area not long ago. Hunzi also has confidence in the personal abilities of his beloved disciple, so he is not worried about any major problems.
Before she knew it, it had gotten dark, and Liu Wanyin then remembered something.
She put down the teapot in her hand and said, "Oh, by the way, Boss, you haven't had dinner yet, how about I treat you to a meal?"
"Okay, I also want to try the special food here in the Central Plains, so you can arrange it."
Su Zelin did not refuse. He had nothing else to do tonight anyway. The main reason he came to Shangdu this time was to see Liu Wanyin.
"Okay, let's go!"
After simply washing the tea set, the two walked out of the office side by side.
New Century Central Plains Branch, Marketing Department.
The lights are already on, but there are still people in this department working overtime.
A small team was discussing enthusiastically.
They are all young people in their twenties or thirties, full of energy.
As the provincial branches were striving to implement the Wanzhen Plan, the members of the Zhongyuan District put all their efforts into striving to be the leader. As a result, the Zhongyuan Department was extremely fast in the implementation of the Wanzhen Plan and was rated as a demonstration district.
Of course, what you put in is proportional to what you get out.
When working at New Century, in addition to basic salary, income is also linked to performance, and the headquarters has a very realistic set of incentives.
As long as you do a good job, promotion, salary increase and generous bonuses will be no problem.
Today, New Century is wealthy and powerful, and Su Zelin no longer needs to make big promises to his employees like he did in the past.
Just as everyone in the marketing department was holding a lunch box and discussing enthusiastically, someone suddenly discovered something. His eyes drifted towards the public passage not far away, his face full of surprise.
"Monster, what are you doing?"
The person next to him noticed his abnormality and asked curiously.
"Isn't that Mr. Liu?"
The employee nicknamed Monster had a strange look on his face.
"Hey, Mr. Liu is a model worker. He works overtime almost every day. Is it strange that he's leaving now?"
Another employee disagreed, but when he subconsciously looked in that direction, his expression instantly became the same as his.
Because there was someone following Liu Wanyin, a tall and handsome young man.
"Wow, who is that guy? Is Mr. Liu in love?"
"It's possible. He's here to pick up CEO Liu after get off work. They must be related!"
"Strange, Ms. Liu is a person who clearly distinguishes between public and private life. Even if he is her boyfriend, she would not let him in and out of the company casually, which would bring a bad influence. Besides, there was a rich second-generation who wanted to pursue her before, but Ms. Liu rejected him, saying that the company was busy with business and she had no plans to fall in love for the time being. How come she is getting together with someone else?"
"To be honest, I think this handsome guy is pretty good. His small face, body, and temperament make him a perfect match for Boss Liu!"
"You are such a flower maniac. What's the point of just being pretty? You may not have substance. You might just be a gigolo. Don't be fooled, Mr. Liu!"
"Hey, why do I feel like he looks familiar, as if I've seen him somewhere before."
"… "
The office was immediately in an uproar, and several young employees started gossiping.
If Liu Wanyin was in love, it would definitely be big news.
The oldest employee, who was also the head of the marketing department, spoke up at this time: "Shh, stop talking nonsense. Do you know who this companion of Mr. Liu is?"
"Boss, who is he?"
Everyone turned their eyes to the old employee and asked in unison.
"His name is—Su Zelin!"
The old employee's tone unconsciously showed a hint of respect.
Unlike other people in the marketing department, he is one of the old employees who came from the headquarters with Liu Wanyin's team to develop the Central Plains market.
At that time, I must have been familiar with Su Zelin and recognized him immediately.
"Su Zelin!"
Everyone gasped when they heard this.
One of the founders of New Century, the big boss, the director of operations, he is worth tens of billions at a young age!
An absolute legend!
In addition, he was the one who brought up his own Boss Liu!
Everyone suddenly became excited.
"He is Mr. Su. I didn't expect to see the big boss in Zhongyuan District today!"
"No wonder I thought he looked familiar. I remembered seeing him on a news interview on CTV!"
"Khan, I take back what I said just now, President Su is definitely not a gigolo!"
"Why did President Su come to see our President Liu so quietly? We were not notified. Are they dating?"
"Yes, I heard that President Su and President Liu were not only college classmates, but President Su was also President Liu's master!"
"… "
After a brief shock, the gossip spirit of the employees was ignited again.
"Ahem, ahem..."
The old employee interrupted the discussion with a serious face.
"You gossipers, do more and talk less, especially less words that you shouldn't say!"
"Hehe, got it, boss!"
"… "
A group of people in the marketing department were laughing and giggling. At this time, Su Zelin and Liu Wanyin had already arrived at the underground parking lot of the office building where the branch was located.
He was riding in a black Volkswagen Passat, which is also the standard bus for CEOs of provincial regions in the new century.
Liu Wanyin is now an experienced driver and is very familiar with the operation. She took Su Zelin all the way to a local restaurant that often receives guests.
Shangdu roast duck, Henan style Yellow River carp, fried purple crispy pork, braised pork belly, and peony bird's nest are all well-known delicacies in the Central Plains.
Seeing that Liu Wanyin wanted to continue ordering, Su Zelin quickly stopped her.
"That's enough, Xiao Liu, that's enough. There are only two of us, we can't eat that much!"
The manager who took the order was extremely surprised when he heard this.
This female guest was a frequent visitor to her restaurant, so she naturally had heard of his identity.
Normally, everyone else at the dinner table had to address her respectfully as “Ms. Liu,” but today this young man actually dared to call her “Classmate Xiao Liu,” and he looked like he felt completely at ease.
"It's okay, Boss. It's rare for you to come to Shangdu."
Liu Wanyin smiled.
Whether for public or private reasons, he had to treat Su Zelin well.
From a public perspective, for someone of Su Zelin's level, the specifications of the few dishes he prepared would not be excessive.
Personally speaking, Su Zelin treated me to dinner quite a lot back then. Sometimes, for fear of hurting my sensitive self-esteem, he even deliberately treated the entire girls' dormitory to dinner.
In fact, Liu Wanyin knew very well that he did this mainly to improve his own diet, because he was severely malnourished at that time, and his face was pale and thin.
"Boss, would you like a drink?"
Liu Wanyin asked tentatively.
She knew that Su Zelin could drink a lot and would usually have a few drinks.
"Oh, you've also developed your drinking capacity?"
Su Zelin was half joking.
Liu Wanyin didn’t know how to drink before.
But now that I’m in this position, I have to learn it even if I don’t know how.
"I can drink a little. After all, I have to socialize occasionally."
Liu Wanyin smiled.
Sometimes, it is indeed much easier to discuss cooperation over a drink.
In the past, when New Century had not yet developed, a lot of business was done by Su Zelin and the customers after a few drinks, and Liu Wanyin had seen a lot of it.
The drinking culture in Chinese society is difficult to avoid for anyone in the business circle.
What's more, Liu Wanyin is from Central Plains, and the New Century Central Plains branch is located in Shangdu, the city with the highest drinking capacity among the 18 prefecture-level cities in Central Plains Province.
There is a saying in the underworld: The Northeast Tiger and the Northwest Wolf can't drink as much as the Central Plains Lamb.
The "little sheep of the Central Plains" here refers to the people of Shangdu.
People in Shangdu like to drink in one gulp, no matter whether the cup is large or small, and they are especially good at persuading others to drink.
If the friends or guests come from other places, they basically have to be treated to the gifts, so that the host will feel that they are being considerate.
"This hotel provides a designated driver service, so you don't have to worry about driving."
Liu Wanyin explained further.
Su Zelin taught her how to drive a car.
After Liu Wanyin learned it, the gangster solemnly reminded her of several things, among which not to drink and drive was the most important, and he even made up a few rhymes.
"Don't drink and drive, don't drive after drinking, there are thousands of roads, safety comes first, if you don't drive properly, your loved ones will shed tears."
Seeing her say that, Su Zelin nodded and said, "Okay, let's drink some. The Du Kang in the Central Plains is pretty good. This is good enough!"
Central China is a major province for liquor, with Dukang, Yangshao, Zhanggong, Songhe Liquor, Baofeng, Linhe Daqu...
Among them, Du Kang is the most famous.
After all, he’s not called the God of Bacchus for nothing.
At that moment, Liu Wanyin asked the hotel manager to serve a national emblem Du Kang.
I opened it and started drinking before the food came.
"Boss, I want to toast you. Thank you for taking care of me since college. If it weren't for you, there would be no Wanyin today!"
Liu Wanyin raised her glass with a grateful and sincere expression.
"Hey, Wanyin, we are classmates, friends, and colleagues. If I'm not too modest, I can even be considered half your master. How many people in the world can be so close to each other in these four aspects of our relationship? It's too formal to say that!"
After saying that, Su Zelin also raised his glass, and they both drank it all in one gulp.
There is no doubt that Hunzi can drink a lot. He has never lost to anyone except Nanazi.
But what surprised him was that Liu Wanyin also drank one cup after another.
He is indeed a native of Central Plains. He has a natural talent for drinking, which can be developed with a little practice.
A bottle of Du Kang was half finished when the first dish, roast duck, was served.
It wasn't that the chef was too slow. The Shangdu Roast Duck was already roasted and only needed to be simply cut and plated. The main problem was that the two of them drank too fast. In just a few minutes, half a bottle of white wine was gone.
Su Zelin put down the cup.
"Wanyin, it's not easy for you to work hard in the Central Plains. You must have worked hard. Eat more!"
Su Zelin used a serving chopstick to pick up a piece of roast duck leg and handed it to Liu Wanyin in a gentle voice.
"Thanks, Boss."
I don’t know if it’s because the alcohol is starting to take effect, but Xiao Liu’s face is slightly flushed, with two red clouds floating on her cheeks.
When she was in college, there were many times when Su Zelin took her to the cafeteria to eat together. He would deliberately fill the bowl with dishes and then give some of them to himself. Liu Wanyin remembered it very clearly.
Every time this happened, Liu Wanyin would blush, and even now, she still feels embarrassed.
If her subordinates were here and saw their boss like this, they would probably be shocked. This is so different from the usual mature and capable image of Mr. Liu.
"Haha, you should eat more. A little more flesh will make you look much better than before."
Su Zelin smiled.
"Well, Boss, you, you eat too."
Liu Wanyin plucked up her courage, picked up a piece of roast duck and put it in Su Zelin's bowl, her face turning even redder.
She didn't dare to do this when she was in college.
Su Zelin is the male god of the class, so brilliant. I am just an unknown person. I feel blinded when I look at him directly. How can I dare to pick food for him!
Now she is confident and courageous.
"Okay, Xiao Liu, let's stop being polite. It's like we're strangers now."
Of course Su Zelin was just joking.
He and Liu Wanyin have always gotten along well.
Now Xiao Liu is even more relaxed.
After the meal, the national emblem Du Kang was empty.
In fact, it’s not that much, less than half a pound per person on average.
Considering that Liu Wanyin is a girl and has to go to work tomorrow, it is better to stop at the right time.
Most of the time they were chatting, talking about their college days, the first store of New Century, and how they were too socially anxious to apply for a job, but it was Su Zelin and Luo Xi who encouraged them, which changed their lives.
She still carries the keychain that the two of them gave her as a gift, like a treasure.
For Liu Wanyin, this is the most meaningful gift.
It represents pure and sincere friendship.
Before they knew it, they were chatting until past nine o'clock. The restaurant was about to close, so Liu Wanyin went to pay the bill.
The company has a reception quota, and with her current position as the head of the Central Plains District of New World, her salary and dividends are enormous. Liu Wanyin is an absolute white-collar and high-income person, so a meal is just a small matter.
The hotel arranged a female driver to drive the car, but Liu Wanyin insisted on sending Su Zelin to the hotel and even got out of the car and walked him to the gate.
"Okay, Wanyin, stop sending me off. Do you still want to send me to the guest room?"
Su Zelin smiled.
"No, sir, I didn't mean that."
Liu Wanyin waved her hands around and her face turned red.
For some reason, Su Zelin liked to tease her occasionally. It was quite interesting to see Xiao Liu being shy.
"Haha, I'm just kidding. You should go back and rest early."
"Boss..."
"Um?"
"nothing."
Liu Wanyin hesitated to speak, and finally just said: "Good night!"
"Good night, I'm leaving now!"
Su Zelin felt a little strange, but didn't think too much about it.
He nodded slightly, then strode into the hotel's automatic door, and did not forget to turn around and wave at her.
As she watched Su Zelin's figure gradually fade away in the hotel lobby, a layer of hazy mist appeared in Liu Wanyin's beautiful eyes.
Let’s just watch the boss from afar like we did in college!
For me, that's enough...