Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 125

In recent years, Shen Qixing remained the Deputy General Manager in Human Resources. He still didn’t have the final decision-making power and knew that Shen Zhibing would not give him a chance for a promotion.

Unable to place his own people, he started to create obstacles in Shen Zhibing’s personnel planning. He nitpicked at procedures, delayed where he could, and substituted where possible. In short, he wouldn’t be comfortable, and he wouldn’t let her have an easy time either.

“General Manager Shen, this is the performance report for the management trainees recruited the year before last, along with the HR’s recommendations for their final placements.”

The two-year rotation was over, and it was time for final placement. Shen Zhibing had always been keen on cultivating reserve talent and paid close attention to the annual management trainee program.

“Leave it, I will approve it as soon as possible.”

Shen Qixing, however, was not in a hurry to leave and suddenly brought up the topic of Qi Zheng.

“The proportion of people in the subsidized programs who returned to the company on time or intended to return on time has significantly decreased compared to the past few years. It all started with Qi Zheng.”

Shen Zhibing glanced at the time, thinking that Qi Zheng wasn’t finished with her work yet, so she patiently listened.

Shen Qixing pretended not to notice Shen Zhibing’s impatience and continued: “From the time Qi Zheng joined the company until she left, she enjoyed too many special privileges. Although her ability is good, the biggest taboo in a large company is to create exceptions and unfairness. It makes it very difficult to stabilize morale.”

It sounded like the preferential treatment the CEO gave Qi Zheng had instead become a negative example for the Human Resources department’s work.

Shen Zhibing signaled him to continue. Since he came over today, he definitely wouldn’t just say these few sentences.

“When Qi Zheng didn’t return, she did indeed breach her contract. But General Manager Shen, you made an exception to waive her liquidated damages and also didn’t allow HR to record it in her file. Now, for others who are unwilling to return, should we handle them in the same way? I hope General Manager Shen can clarify.”

“I recall someone chose not to return last year, and didn’t HR already handle it?” At the time, they hadn’t specifically come to ask for instructions, only asking her to sign off on the final procedure, nothing more.

“Last year, there weren’t as many breaches, but this year the number of those intending to leave has clearly increased quite a bit, obviously influenced by Qi Zheng.”

Shen Zhibing sneered and asked, “Qi Zheng left the Shen Group several years ago. What does their decision not to return this year have to do with her?”

“They see that Qi Zheng not only wasn’t affected by the breach of contract but also made her first pot of gold in the United States, and now has successfully received investment from the Shen Group. In just a few years, she’s earned money that others might not earn in a lifetime and has opportunities that others only dream of. How can the hearts of others not be restless?”

Shen Qixing spoke indignantly and passionately. It was likely that he wasn’t the only one who thought this way; many people had probably complained to HR. Once a sufficient number of complaints accumulated, he could rightfully come to the CEO to report the issue. Shen Qixing had learned this move from his father.

Shen Zhibing listened calmly to his complaints, as if watching a clown perform. He hadn’t raised any objections about Qi Zheng’s matter before, only bringing it up now because of the recent investment decision.

A few projects that had been eliminated by Yu Xinyan were rumored to have intricate links with Shen Shijun. For one of them, he had even openly asked for a favor, but it was out-voted by Qi Zheng’s project in the subsequent voting round.

“You came to me with this today. What kind of response are you looking for from me?”

Shen Qixing scoffed, but didn’t directly state his thoughts. His tone was still somewhat sarcastic: “Of course, General Manager Shen’s decision is the final outcome, but we genuinely face difficulties in our work. This matter is being constantly brought up, and we need an explanation.”

“If anyone questions this again, tell them that the Shen Group will always welcome and is willing to cultivate talent. If any of them can achieve what Qi Zheng has, I will give them the same treatment.”

Shen Qixing’s expression darkened. Shen Zhibing ignored it, her tone firm and clear: “To receive special treatment, you must have special abilities. I did give Qi Zheng many exceptions, but her performance now is enough to prove that my original decision was correct. Her achievements are beyond what ordinary people can reach, so is there a problem with giving her better treatment than ordinary people?”

Shen Qixing was speechless. Shen Zhibing finally concluded: “The Shen Group’s decision to invest in her is absolutely not due to past feelings, but because we believe in her ability and are optimistic about her market. No company doesn’t want to make money. If anyone can bring this much profit to the company, I will invest in them just the same.”

Shen Qixing was completely silenced, but still unwilling to admit defeat, muttering, “It all boils down to: whoever makes money is the most capable, right?”

Shen Zhibing looked at him coldly, lightly tapping her fountain pen on the desk, which startled him.

“You’ve been at the company for so long, and you’re only understanding this now? The Shen Group has been operating for many years. It is not a school nor a charity. Spending a lot of money to recruit and cultivate talent is for the company to make money. If you’ve only just figured this out, I have to consider whether you are still competent for the position of HR Deputy General Manager.”

Shen Qixing grew anxious: “General Manager Shen, I’m relaying the thoughts of the employees to you. Why do you think my work is the problem? Would it be better if I kept everything hidden until a large number of employees resigned?”

“Failing to effectively solve problems and merely acting as a messenger means that your title as Deputy General Manager is indeed quite unsuitable.”

Shen Qixing felt things were spiraling out of control. Maybe when her temper flared up, she would dismiss him on the spot. It wasn’t uncommon for department executives to be dismissed on the spot during large meetings in the past two years, mostly due to their work abilities being questioned.

“I suddenly remember I have a few employees scheduled for a talk. I’ll head back now.”

Rushing to stand up, Shen Qixing was afraid Shen Zhibing wouldn’t let up, so he grudgingly and helplessly added, “Next time I encounter this kind of situation, I know how to resolve it.”

By the time she arrived at Yinhai Mall, it was almost the rush hour for dinner. Qi Zheng was out running errands with merchants today, so they agreed to meet directly at the mall. This mall was located in a traditional university district, with the main campuses of several nationally renowned universities located there.

The old and relatively low-end commercial area had made this place decline at one point, until the opening of Yinhai Mall, invested in by the Shen Group, gradually led to a turn for the better.

Following the address Qi Zheng sent, Shen Zhibing found the dining area on the fourth floor of the mall. Almost every restaurant had customers waiting in line, and it was very lively.

Qi Zheng had taken a number and was sitting on the outermost bench. Seeing Shen Zhibing approach, she waved at her.

“Have you been waiting long? I encountered some traffic on the way over.”

Qi Zheng wiped the adjacent bench again and pulled Shen Zhibing to sit down: “I just got here too. This place is quite popular. I checked online reviews, and their couple’s set meal is particularly exquisite and delicious.”

Shen Zhibing leaned over to look at Qi Zheng’s phone. Accustomed to the service of having a dedicated person introduce recommendations after being seated, she was now genuinely interested in studying the various online comments.

“This Dongpo pork looks delicious, but won’t it be too high in fat and calories?”

Qi Zheng knew that Shen Zhibing strictly controlled her weight and wouldn’t consume excessive meat in her diet.

“Just this once, it’s not a big deal.”

Seeing that she wasn’t restricting her diet tonight, Qi Zheng went through all the recommended dishes online. There were quite a few people ahead of them, but the two of them looked around and chatted, not feeling bored while waiting.

The seating arrangement in this restaurant had moderate spacing but no private rooms. Looking at the student-like or white-collar couples around, the two of them weren’t conspicuous, yet their appearances were enough to attract attention.

Qi Zheng ordered all the dishes they had selected, only to realize the portion was larger than expected: “What should we do if we can’t finish it? It would be a waste.”

“Just don’t eat the staple food. Anyway, we’re not in a hurry.”

Qi Zheng had to remind her: “I’ve bought movie tickets for nine o’clock. Even though it’s upstairs, we still need to rush a bit.”

Shen Zhibing lowered her head and smiled. She had only casually mentioned wanting to see a movie that day, and Qi Zheng actually remembered.

The two ate very happily, exchanging thoughts and feelings as they ate. Although it was different from the dining etiquette Shen Zhibing was used to, she felt exceptionally joyful.

However, this joy was occasionally interspersed with momentary unpleasantness, fleeting, but Qi Zheng still noticed it several times.

“What’s wrong?”

Shen Zhibing shook her head: “Nothing.”

Qi Zheng didn’t believe her. They were sitting face-to-face, so close, how could she not see clearly: “You clearly frowned just now, and more than once. Don’t you like the environment here?”

This was their first real date. Shen Zhibing was overjoyed; how could she care about the environment? Fearing Qi Zheng would misunderstand, but unwilling to lie to her, she had to fidget for a moment: “The two girls at the next table have looked at you several times.”

Qi Zheng: ???

There were people all around, and several young girls. How could she tell which table it was?

She didn’t even look and was too lazy to search, acting as if she didn’t care at all who was looking at her.

Seeing her lack of reaction, Shen Zhibing grew curious: “Don’t you want to look?”

Qi Zheng took a sip of sparkling water and replied indifferently, “A person with a girlfriend has eyes only for her. Whether I look or not makes little difference.”

Shen Zhibing’s eyes were filled with a smile. She couldn’t help but playfully scold her: “You’re getting increasingly glib. Hanging out for work all day, that’s all you’ve learned.”

“I only love you. Does that make me less glib?”

Shen Zhibing was speechless. She wanted to kiss her, to give her the most genuine response. But remembering where they were, she quickly lowered her head, cutting the food on her plate into smaller pieces.

They arrived ten minutes before the movie started. Qi Zheng asked if she wanted some popcorn.

Shen Zhibing had already exceeded her usual food intake tonight. Popcorn was too sweet and greasy, so she shook her head.

Qi Zheng bought two cups of coffee, and they walked side-by-side into the theater.

It was a lighthearted and interesting love story, not a big production, purely for entertainment and relaxation. Shen Zhibing had worked overtime for several consecutive days to squeeze out time for today, and as the movie went on, she started to feel a little sleepy.

Qi Zheng lightly patted her own shoulder twice. Shen Zhibing was initially confused, then followed her gaze to the young couple sitting in front of them, where the girl’s head was resting on the guy’s shoulder.

She instantly understood but still remained reserved.

After all, this wasn’t at their own home. She felt a little embarrassed in public. Yet, her heart couldn’t help but leap with excitement, wanting to lean closer to Qi Zheng, just a little closer.

Qi Zheng sat up straighter and shifted a bit towards her. Now, her shoulder was right in front of Shen Zhibing.

No reason not to lean on it. This was the girlfriend she had worked so hard to win back.

Shen Zhibing made up her mind, a smile on her lips, and slowly leaned over.

Qi Zheng reached out and intertwined their fingers. The light from the screen occasionally shone on them, becoming starlight in Shen Zhibing’s eyes.