Financial Workplace Survival Guide – CH 009

Chapter 9 ☆, Seeing My Ex Again, a Horrible Thing.

Mary had many theories about dealing with people that really benefited Xin Xin. For example, Mary’s classic statement was that you can be friends with ruthless people, but not stupid people.

Because ruthless people wouldn’t hurt you unless there was a benefit to them; they would only act when there was a benefit.

But fools were completely different. They could easily harm you out of irrational emotion.

This principle was vividly demonstrated by Fu Meng.

When Fu Meng first arrived, she had been giving Xin Xin some hard time, both overtly and covertly. But now, seeing she couldn’t defeat Xin Xin, she changed her attitude, intending to make peace with her and temporarily form a loose alliance.

“Ms. Xin, I’d like to talk to you about our previous SME Bond Project.”

Simply put, the investment banking department was planning to launch a small and micro-enterprise bond project, which could secure some government funding. And, more flexibly, this time the bonds would be issued to both institutional investors and private individuals.

And large private investors would inevitably rely on Xin Xin’s coordination and cooperation.

“This is all for the company’s development. If Ms. Fu needs my cooperation, I’ll naturally do my best.”

Xin Xin was honest. At work, she would never let personal feelings hinder others. But she wouldn’t miss out on any of her share.

Fu Meng smiled. “I plan to have Yang Manman collaborate on this project.”

The person for the livestreaming room hadn’t been decided yet, and Fu Meng was still worried about it. By contacting her now, Fu Meng was clearly paving the way for Yang Manman’s future work, fearing Xin Xin would give her a hard time.

But honestly, Xin Xin was feeling aggrieved. If they had approached her directly, she would probably have just handled the situation impartially. But Fu Meng’s actions were like a warning to her: if she made things difficult for Yang Manman over the personnel transfer, it would be a personal vendetta.

Even Xin Xin, with her good temper, was furious.

Wow, Yang Manman was already fuming about department members badmouthing her right after she took over. Fu Meng hadn’t even given her time to adjust, and she was poaching her people. She had done so many shady things, and now that they needed her, she was pretending everyone was working for the company’s development.

Xin Xin quickly mentally reconsidered the situation. She and Yang Manman had been caught red-handed by three people, all still under her command. Furthermore, the recent personnel changes at the company had everyone on edge, watching their open and covert infighting.

If she acted aggressively and forcefully now, her subordinates would inevitably become wary and seek other options. This wouldn’t simply mean she lost a few people; it would send a signal to the outside world that she couldn’t control her own people.

But if she showed weakness, she would become a soft persimmon, vulnerable to anyone’s attack.

It would be difficult.

Ever since Fu Meng arrived, Xin Xin had practically been forced to take the fight. Fu Meng and Xixi were different. If Xixi was a fool, then Fu Meng was a ruthless person.

She was almost certain that Fu Meng was over. There would undoubtedly be more fighting between them in the future, but it certainly wouldn’t be because of Zhao Xi.

If it were purely emotional, Fu Meng could just grit her teeth and force her way through without her help. But the fact she could negotiate a partnership so politely must be because she didn’t believe being competitive in this matter would be profitable.

If someone didn’t let emotions cloud their judgment and could fight tooth and nail when it counted, they’d be practically unbeatable.

Xin Xin had no choice but to push for a bigger advantage. “Ms. Fu, I know you’ll definitely have to contribute significantly to this project. But the risks of having us screen suitable large clients are also significant. As you know, individuals are no less vulnerable than institutions in terms of capital and risk tolerance.”

Fu Meng smiled and said readily, “How can we let you work for nothing? We’re jointly promoting this project. It’s a 50-50 split. We’re both new, and you’ve been in Haining longer than I have, so you know more about the situation. It’s inevitable that you’ll need her guidance.”

Xin Xin hadn’t expected the negotiation to go so smoothly. She also realized that the 50-50 split was due to Fu Meng’s courtesy, not pushing things too far. This finally made her feel better. Although she’d lost face, at least she’d saved some money.

Xin Xin didn’t plan to handle the project herself, so she handed it off to Zhang Qiao.

Zhang Qiao was her preferred choice for deputy manager. His skills were sound, but those who had worked in compliance for a long time generally had a major problem: they found it difficult to overcome their fear of risk.

It was well known that any industry, no matter what, involving capital turnover was inherently risky.

If someone didn’t know how to navigate risk, they’d undoubtedly never achieve anything significant.

When Xin Xin handed the project to Zhang Qiao, she didn’t interfere too much. She held some connections, the project wasn’t large, and it had government support. If Zhang Qiao didn’t perform well, she could fill the gap for him, ensuring there wouldn’t be any problems.

But before that, she hoped Zhang Qiao could complete the work on his own.

Xin Xin’s management style could generally be described as “ruling by doing nothing.” This was the approach Zhao Xi had taken when he was coaching her. She learned from him, so her management style was consistent with Zhao Xi’s.

This wasn’t a major matter for Xin Xin, but it was of immense significance to Zhang Qiao. Almost the moment Xin Xin handed him the task, his eyes welled up. The usually serious man showed a rare touch of emotion in front of Xin Xin.

“Ms. Xin, don’t worry. I’ll do my best and won’t let the opportunity you’ve given me go to waste.”

Xin Xin wanted to offer some comfort but ultimately pretended not to notice.

“You’re a splendid horse, so you’ll naturally have opportunities to excel. Just go for it.”

Them

Xin Xin didn’t have any personal connection with him, and Zhang Qiao wasn’t familiar with her, but after getting to know him for a while, she generally understood the grievances he’d endured.

Entering the workplace, facing a boss like Xixi would surely be difficult. If it had been a woman like Yang Manman, who was adept at communication, there might have been some room for improvement. Honestly, with Zhang Qiao’s personality, if it weren’t for a coincidence, the chances of him being overlooked would have been very high.

In the evening, Xin Xin, who rarely got off work early, went shopping with Mary.

Ever since planning to get married, Mary had submitted a request and returned to the Finance Department, continuing to work in back-office operations. Xin Xin didn’t approve of her decision. Given Mary’s professionalism and interpersonal skills, assigning her to a single task wasn’t appropriate.

But Xin Xin also understood that Mary was definitely doing this for her university professor fiancé, Han Canghai.

“Hello, Xin Xin. I heard you got a promotion. Congratulations.”

Xin Xin shook Han Canghai’s hand politely. Even though she had met him several times, she still found it inconceivable that Mary had chosen a man like Han Canghai.

Mary wore no makeup, a sweatshirt, and sneakers. Even so, she looked a bit out of place walking beside Han Canghai.

Han Canghai was a history professor, tall, thin, and quiet. Although not young, he still had a certain scholarly air and student-like demeanor.

Xin Xin wasn’t sure if that was a unique aura characteristic of the school’s professors or Han Canghai’s.

But she could tell that Mary was unnatural in Han Canghai’s presence.

To others, Mary seemed outgoing and bright—gorgeous, intelligent, and adept at perceiving people’s hearts.

But in front of Han Canghai, she carefully concealed her sharp energy, disguising herself as a naive college student.

Xin Xin felt for Mary, even thinking that when she was the mistress, she hadn’t been as submissive as she was now.

Mary called a taxi for Han Canghai, her tone as if coaxing a child, “Xin Xin and I will go shopping for a while. You go back first. You have an early class tomorrow, so don’t stay up too late.”

Han Canghai nodded, and without another word, he said goodbye to Xin Xin and left.

Xin Xin looked at Mary helplessly, unable to resist teasing her. “What? You don’t have a brother or a son, so you want to try something new?”

Mary wasn’t angry. She hugged her and smiled, “I’ve told you all along. The key to relationships is to see clearly but not to speak out. I was born to endure the hardships of love, just like you endure the hardships of work. We both enjoy it.”

Xin Xin was about to retort, “Who said she enjoys it?” Then she thought of her uncertain future and the daily palace intrigues. Suddenly, she felt Mary was right. Life was like this, and acting was no different.

It was just that she chose to play a workplace drama, while Mary chose a romantic one.

She laughed at Mary’s inability to see through it, but Mary felt she couldn’t see through it either.

So relieved, she happily accompanied Mary shopping for wedding shoes. As they were shopping, Mary suddenly nudged Xin Xin’s lower back. Unaware of the situation, Xin Xin felt a gaze fixed on her. She looked up and met their gaze.

The face looked familiar, but Xin Xin couldn’t quite place it.

Until the other person spoke, “Xin Xin?”

As soon as he spoke, a forgotten memory was awakened. “Zhou Yiran?”

It had been quite a while since Xin Xin graduated and started working. It wasn’t that she’d forgotten Zhou Yiran out of sheer heartlessness. It was just that he’d changed so much. In Xin Xin’s memory, Zhou Yiran was still the sunny, handsome boy he’d always been.

But now, he weighed at least twice as much, and his face and eyes were filled with the exhaustion of life’s torment. Xin Xin finally understood the true meaning of “meeting is not as good as missing.”

Even though their separation wasn’t pleasant, it wasn’t as unbearable as their reunion now.

Xin Xin was so embarrassed she didn’t know what to say. Zhou Yiran seemed a little embarrassed too and said with difficulty, “You haven’t changed at all in all these years. You’re still as beautiful as ever.”

Xin Xin was speechless, unsure what to say. As they stared at each other in silence, a woman holding a child approached and asked unkindly, “Zhou Yiran, what are you doing?”

Then she glanced at Xin Xin, her gaze darting from her face to her feet.

Mary had only heard of Zhou Yiran and had never met him. But in this brief encounter, she quickly ascertained their relationship.

“Could you introduce me? Your classmate?”

“Oh, this is Zhou Yiran. This should be his wife?”

The woman holding the child sensed something was amiss. She glanced at Xin Xin, then at Mary, a wary expression on her face.

Mary smiled faintly. “Oh, so you’re a classmate. Remember to come to Xin Xin’s wedding in a few days.”

Xin Xin almost lost control of her expression. Mary was a natural actress; everywhere was her stage, and she could pull off a play with ease.

Zhou Yiran, however, had a complicated expression. “You’re getting married? Who’s your fiancé?”

Mary smiled brightly. “Her husband, he runs a company.”

This time, even Xin Xin noticed. Zhou Yiran’s expression was clearly disappointed. “That’s unexpected… You used to dislike unstable people… I wish you the best.”

Mary said innocently, “It’s not so bad. Not unstable. Hanhai, you know? Her husband is very stable and wealthy.”

Zhou Yiran’s dejection became even more obvious. His wife’s face fell at his expression, and she dragged him away without even saying goodbye.

Xin Xin was stunned by Mary’s nonsense. “You’re such a liar.”

Mary spread her hands. “The worst thing about meeting an ex is showing weakness. Besides, you’ve helped Zheng Zaochuan solve so many problems. Even if you asked him about such a small matter, he would cover for you.”

Xin Xin thought about it and realized it made sense. She might as well give Zheng Zaochuan a chance to repay her.