Then, Hu Jiasheng started packing things, asking as he did so.
“If the interview is successful, how soon can you start?”
“This position requires frequent overtime, and you will be going to some places with very harsh conditions. Can you accept that?”
Tang Nannan said readily.
“I can start immediately, accept any overtime without conditions, and travel anywhere.”
“Furthermore, I have no plans to get married in the next five years and will comply with all company arrangements.”
And so, she joined Gerei Electric.
Hu Jiasheng returned to work. Exactly at noon, he went to the employee cafeteria for lunch. As he passed the technology department, he noticed that she had already completed her onboarding procedures and joined the technology department.
All the technicians who were not on assignment were excitedly gathered around her workstation, chatting with her.
With a beautiful woman present, they lost their appetite and didn't feel hungry, engrossed in their conversation.
Master Zhang was laughing heartily. Seeing a figure approaching from outside, he realized it was Hu Jiasheng and rushed to the doorway to greet him.
“Thank you, Engineer Hu. You always keep your word. You’re something else.”
“From now on, you’ll be in charge of all work-related matters, and I’ll cooperate fully. If anyone dares to disobey, I’ll be the first to object on your behalf!”
Hu Jiasheng smiled, patted him on the shoulder, reminded them to rest well during lunch, and left.
When he returned from the cafeteria, the entire technology department, including Tang Nannan, was gone. It seemed they had gone out for lunch.
The monks’ department was truly a monks’ department, as if they had never seen a woman, judging by how excited they were.
In the afternoon, Hu Jiasheng attended two more hours of interviews before returning to his work.
He felt like he had barely sat down before it was five o’clock.
As the saying goes, a new official makes three pronouncements. He didn't understand much about the company's operations, and there was no point going home so early, so he decided to work overtime for a while.
As a result, Master Zhang knocked on his door again.
“Engineer Hu, you went on an out-of-town business trip right after you arrived. Everyone has been saying they wanted to host a welcome banquet for you, but we never had the chance.”
“Since we have a new employee joining today, if you don’t mind, why not join us? It’s everyone’s gesture, and you’re not that stingy. Let’s be frank, please don’t refuse us.”
What did he mean by a welcome banquet for him? It was clearly an excuse to spend more time with Tang Nannan. Hu Jiasheng wasn’t oblivious to such matters.
For him, eating and drinking with people he didn’t know well was useless socializing and a waste of life; he didn’t want to go.
However, on second thought, this Master Zhang was somewhat impetuous, and he didn’t know him very well. He wasn’t sure if he knew how to conduct himself outside of work.
What if he wasn’t a particularly reliable person, and Tang Nannan, being new and alone with a group of men drinking, got into trouble? It would be his responsibility.
Besides, he had something to say to Tang Nannan, and refusing would be impolite.
Fine, he’d go.
Master Zhang returned to gather everyone, and a large group from the technology department headed out.
Tang Nannan, surrounded by everyone, couldn’t help but glance back at Hu Jiasheng.
Seeing that his expression was neutral and he wasn’t looking at her or making any move to greet her, she felt a bit disappointed.
She deliberately slowed her pace to close the distance between them.
They all entered the elevator together. Hu Jiasheng and Tang Nannan were at the back, standing together by the door. They were also the first to exit.
After a few steps, they reached Hu Jiasheng’s parking space. He unlocked the car as he walked, and Tang Nannan, walking beside him, said to Master Zhang.
“Didn’t you say there’s an extra person over there? I’ll sit with Boss. I don’t know Boss well, so this is a good chance to get acquainted.”
Although Master Zhang was reluctant, seeing that the two had already walked away, he couldn’t say much.
Tang Nannan got into the passenger seat and watched as Hu Jiasheng expressionlessly fastened his seatbelt, found the address Master Zhang had sent him, turned on the navigation, and drove away. Throughout the entire journey, he didn’t spare her a glance or show any inclination to speak to her.
The anxiety she had felt all day was confirmed.
Hu Jiasheng was angry.
He simply didn’t like women, or rather, he didn’t like someone like her.
It wasn’t hypocrisy or politeness; he genuinely had no desire to be involved with her in any way.
She had been too clever; now that she had taken advantage of their relationship, Hu Jiasheng must hate her.
Tang Nannan’s purpose in coming was to get closer to him, but she couldn't push him further away by being too clever.
Looking at Hu Jiasheng sincerely for a moment, she apologized.
“Did my being too clever bother you? I’m sorry, Mr. Hu.”
Hu Jiasheng finally bestowed a glance upon her, but only for a second before his eyes immediately returned to the front.
“You have indeed bothered me.”
Tang Nannan’s face flushed instantly.
It felt as if she had been slapped a few times, leaving her utterly embarrassed.
What was this equivalent to?
It was equivalent to Tang Nannan running up to him and confessing her feelings in public, only for Hu Jiasheng to reject her publicly.
He had no idea how much her self-esteem mattered to her in front of others!
After saying that, seeing that Tang Nannan didn’t respond, Hu Jiasheng couldn’t help but glance at her again.
He saw that her neck, ears, and entire cheeks were as red as if scalded by fire.
He knew he had spoken too harshly and had conveyed the wrong meaning.
“It’s not entirely what you’re interpreting it as. Actually, what you did wasn’t wrong. Seizing an opportunity and striving to move forward is a natural human tendency, and I can understand you. It’s just…”
“I know. You lied for my sake, which went against your principles. I was using you, I admit.”
She spoke quite frankly, and Hu Jiasheng felt there was no need to hide anything.
“If violating principles can change your life’s trajectory, and this is the first time I’ve done something like this, I don’t think I’ll have too many strong feelings about it.”
“Actually, the problem still lies with me. This is the second time I’ve violated my principles.”
Tang Nannan froze and looked at him. He continued.
“The previous time was much more serious than this, and it was also because of a woman. My ex-girlfriend.”
“To make her happy, I abused my authority to channel benefits to her family’s company, which led to me being exiled to the frontier for several months. I went through the most humiliating and darkest period of my career.”
Tang Nannan was terrified.
She had only thought of herself and forgotten Hu Jiasheng’s position.
If he were discovered to have violated his principles for her, who knew what people would speculate about their relationship? Wouldn’t she be harming Hu Jiasheng?
“I’m sorry, Mr. Hu. My mind went blank, and I didn’t think about the consequences… Drop me off on the roadside. I won’t go, and I won’t come to the company tomorrow either.”
Hu Jiasheng turned and gave her a long, drawn-out look.
“You were quite bold when making decisions, and you’re this scared after just a few words from me?”
“Alright, you’ve already completed the onboarding procedures. Don’t say such things.”
“Work hard in the future, and don’t embarrass me. Don’t you see how much everyone values you? Don’t let everyone’s good intentions go to waste.”