Financial Workplace Survival Guide – CH 006

Chapter 6 ☆, Blades flash, Shadows kill without a trace.

Chen Lisha smiled, “Yes, how could it be you?”

Xin Xin was a little anxious. “It really wasn’t me.”

“Okay, okay, I know it wasn’t you. Besides, Ashley’s departure wasn’t because I couldn’t tolerate her.”

Chen Lisha revealed a touch of kindness and gentleness. “For all these years, you’ve really been like a child. Our company has had a steady stream of new people come in, and everyone changes a bit over the years. You and my daughter are about the same age, so I look at you like my daughter.”

Xin Xin was stunned. She had more dealings with Chen Lisha than with Ashley. They had attended some official dinners and traveled together, but their personal relationship wasn’t on the level of a “mother-daughter.”

But Chen Lisha treated her with a genuinely motherly air.

“Xin Xin, you brought this up. There’s really no need to overthink or speculate. President Zhao has always admired you, and you know that. But it was my idea to bring you up. There’s something you must have forgotten. A few years ago, one of our clients had a problem. It was the Trust Product they were selling.”

Xin Xin remembered this incident. Several major clients in the Sales Department had purchased Trust Products that went bankrupt. Chen Lisha was implicated, and the company didn’t have a plan for the time being.

Xin Xin took the initiative to help, putting in a lot of effort in the follow-up investigations, regulatory inspections, and finalizing the plan. In the end, the resolution was relatively satisfactory. It was a public matter, but it certainly helped Chen Lisha indirectly.

Chen Lisha smiled and said, “The whole company was trying to figure that out, including Ashley.”

Xin Xin nodded. “That’s right, it was not just the Sales Department’s problem.” Knowing she might be misunderstood, she couldn’t help but blurt out, “I think if Ashley were in trouble, you’d be in the same boat.”

Chen Lisha smiled and said, “Yes, that’s why I mentioned you. Of course, I want you to know that Zheng Zaochuan did ask about you.”

Xin Xin was stunned, and the threads in her mind began to tangle. The CEO of Hanhai Group—so that’s how this rumor started.

“But Zaochuan was just asking. I hope you’ll have more confidence. Your achievements are remarkable. Zhao Xi and Zheng Zaochuan admire you very much. I believe it’s not just personal feelings; it’s just objective affirmation of you.”

Xin Xin’s eyes welled up, and she admitted she was touched. It turned out that when she heard many rumors, she wasn’t indifferent; she was just pretending not to care.

Because of her pride, she didn’t want to show any hurt.

But in all these years, Chen Lisha was the first to reassure her, convincing her that she wasn’t just some ordinary fluff piece.

At this point, Chen Lisha added sternly, “Ashley left because someone reported her to headquarters. She’s been very cautious for years, but unfortunately, there were villains around, and they did get a handle on her.”

Xin Xin didn’t know whether she should listen to such a profound secret.

But she had a vague feeling that this might have something to do with her.

“Actually, it’s just a disciplinary action, but Ashley’s position is high, and she earns a lot of money.” Chen Lisha sighed and fell silent.

Xin Xin suddenly understood that in a bad economy, the first to leave are always middle and senior management. And there are always those in the back-office departments, because they don’t generate revenue and yet command very high salaries.

She didn’t even leave because of office politics; she was conveniently eliminated during a difficult period, which made Xin Xin feel pity.

Everyone is like a piece of paper, tossed aside by the company. Who cares if you’ve worked hard and made contributions? Who cares about your past efforts?

“I’m telling you this so you won’t be influenced by rumors. By the way, I want to remind you that whether it’s about Ashley, me, or you, someone is fanning the flames.”

Xin Xin was stunned for a moment, then spoke cautiously, “Who is it?”

Chen Lisha said, “Xixi.”

It was her. Xin Xin didn’t understand. Ashley had been kind to her over the years, so why would she add insult to injury?

Chen Lisha smiled and said, “She came to me earlier, wanting to come to the business office, but I refused. She’s a restless person. I’m telling you this today to clear the air. If you hear anything unfavorable about me or you in the future, we’ll handle it with caution. I can promise you that I won’t be provoked by her. I hope you can also promise me that you won’t let any provocations lead to any resentment.”

Xin Xin was stunned. Chen Lisha’s words were truly candid. She even wanted to ask, why her?

Chen Lisha didn’t mention her “direct lineage,” choosing someone who wasn’t even related to her, and then inexplicably sharing her heart. This was strange no matter how you looked at it.

Even so, she decided to trust Chen Lisha. “Don’t worry, General Manager. I guarantee that whatever attitude I have in front of you, I’ll be the same behind your back.”

Chen Lisha nodded. “I’m relieved by your words. I’ll deal with Xixi appropriately. I just hope that during this time, all departments will do their jobs well and avoid any problems.”

Xin Xin had to be extremely vigilant. Xixi had been constantly working in the shadows. If something happened while she was in charge, it wouldn’t just be her fate; Chen Lisha would also be to blame.

That afternoon, Xin Xin held a department meeting. She first stated her work attitude and then appeased the employees she had overheard gossiping about her.

“What I want to say is that in our department, there are a few bottom lines. The first is that red lines must not be crossed, and compliance violations must not be committed. Poor performance only affects your salary, but compliance violations affect your entire life. The second is interpersonal relationships. In our department, I can assure you that if you have something to say, you can talk about it, and if not, you can leave work. I won’t let personal feelings interfere with my work, and you don’t need to spend more time on me than on my colleagues.”

These words come from Xin Xin’s heart. There are many types of leaders. For example, the absolute command type. Like Ashley, in addition to work, she may also serve as a personal assistant. Then there’s the win-win type. They consolidate their position in the company by cultivating “directors.”

Xin Xin has just become a leader and hasn’t found her way around things yet.

She didn’t need excessive attention from others, but she also couldn’t let others bully or frame her for no reason.

This has always been a difficult problem for her.

Sometimes, Xin Xin feels that if Mary were in her position, she would have a better approach. Perhaps she could read everyone’s mind with just a glance.

Mary had a single comment about Xin Xin’s work situation: “You’ve truly forgotten the original purpose of our work: to redeem yourself quickly, not to become a top actress. Not only are you on your way to becoming a top actress, but you’re also entering a lifelong struggle for power.”

This made Xin Xin incredibly upset, to the point where she couldn’t even think about it.

Worse still lay ahead. Ever since arriving at the sales office, Xin Xin hadn’t figured out why Chen Lisha had chosen her. But after the evening meeting, Lin Xiao stopped her, and she finally understood the reason.

“Xin Xin, I wanted to give you a heads-up. I’m planning to resign.”

This was something Xin Xin hadn’t anticipated. Lin Xiao was a straightforward woman, a science and engineering graduate, very smart and capable, and they had always gotten along well.

“Why?” Xin Xin couldn’t help but be surprised.

Lin Xiao smiled faintly. “I’ve been married for five years and still have no children. My husband’s business has been doing well over the years, enough to support me at home.”

Xin Xin was dumbfounded. Lin Xiao had been working tirelessly for years, and now she was on the verge of success. Even without this position, her career was promising.

“Would you consider it again? It hasn’t been easy these past few years.”

Lin Xiao smiled. “No, keep working hard, and don’t just focus on work. Think about your personal life. Work is public, and family is personal.”

Her smile then faded. “But you’ve just been transferred here, and it’s really embarrassing for me to leave now. If you trust me, I’ll recommend someone to you.”

It was Zhang Qiao from the Risk Management Department.

Xin Xin had another headache. The entire company was undergoing a period of turbulent change. Although they hadn’t interacted much, she had always known Lin Xiao well. Since coming to the Sales Department, she hadn’t had to worry too much because of her.

But once Lin Xiao left, she would have to do many things herself. As for Zhang Qiao, there was no doubt that Lin Xiao had recommended him for the job. However, he worked for Xixi, so transferring him over would be a hassle. Furthermore, she didn’t know him well; whether he was a friend or foe, a helper or a nuisance, remained uncertain.

Just as she was worrying, the phone rang. Xin Xin glanced and saw the words “Zheng Zaochuan” prominently displayed.

“Boss Zheng, how are you?”

“Star, how come you’ve just become a leader and already learned to be sarcastic?”

“That’s right. After all these years, I’ve learned something useful from Boss Zheng.”

Zheng Zaochuan chuckled softly on the other end, a laugh that took a long time to subside. “I knew you were all playing out your palace plot lately, so I didn’t dare contact you. So, are you free to throw yourself a celebration party now?”

Xin Xin was puzzled. It had only been a few days, but from Zheng Zaochuan’s tone, it sounded like he was fully aware of the company’s personnel changes.

“I admire you! Boss Zheng, are you spying on me?”

Zheng Zaochuan laughed again. He wasn’t usually good-tempered, even a bit surly. But somehow, Xin Xin always made him laugh.

“No need for spies. You’re a star. I can see it the moment I look up.”

This time, Xin Xin was the one laughing. She met Zheng Zaochuan while working on IPO financing for his company. Zheng Zaochuan was a legend, having made his first fortune while still in college by selling mini-programs and software.

Xin Xin wasn’t entirely sure what his initial business was. Zhao Xi had only mentioned that Zheng Zaochuan was a very smart but somewhat treacherous man, often operating on the edge of the gray area. After making a fortune, he stopped when industry regulations became a reality.

Later, with his initial investment, he founded an information technology company. By the time his company went public, it had become a multi-faceted conglomerate encompassing information technology, intermediary consulting, construction, and real estate.

The first time Xin Xin met him, she encountered him in a very awkward situation. He’d been caught in bed with his ex-girlfriends, confronting each other and demanding to know who he had chosen.

Xin Xin stood at his door, unsure of whether to advance or retreat.

He saw Xin Xin grasping at straws. “I choose her; that’s it.”