Two days later, after the investment promotion symposium concluded, Director finally managed to arrange a meeting with Ke Teng.
On Friday afternoon, he called Jian Fei into his office and asked if she had time that weekend.
Jian Fei replied as Ke Teng had instructed.
"No. My father was injured last week and is recuperating at home. I'll be going back to see him this weekend."
The Director was surprised by her response.
She usually appeared meek and seemed easy to handle. He hadn't expected her to be so decisive in refusing when it mattered.
If it were for anything else, he wouldn't have bothered. If she was uncooperative, so be it. But Ke Teng had an unusual relationship with her, and it would be difficult to proceed without her involvement.
Therefore, the Director urged her to put her family matters aside for the moment and prioritize work.
"But the weekend isn't considered overtime, so how can it be considered prioritizing work?"
The Director said, "There's temporary work that needs handling. Working a little overtime is normal. Don't you have even this much awareness?"
Jian Fei deflected his pressure.
"I definitely have awareness, but this is an unusual time. We don't have anyone else at home to care for him, and I've been away for a long time. If I'm not filial at a time like this, what will the neighbors say?"
"Furthermore, Mr. Ke and I broke up such a long time ago. Even if I go, I might not be able to help."
The Director knew that she had a good relationship with Ke Teng. Her evasiveness now was clearly an attempt to leverage the situation for her own benefit.
They were both seasoned individuals. If this matter could truly be settled, she would likely be needed again in the future, and she would eventually need to taste some rewards.
So, he said kindly, "Don't worry, I won't let you work for nothing. As long as you agree to help get this matter resolved, I'll offer you a permanent position upon your return."
"Once you're a permanent employee, you'll receive performance ratings from me. I'll give you a high score, and you can get a big bonus at the end of the year."
The Director's words were enticing. Most people would have been overjoyed by such a promise.
However, these minor gains couldn't sway the current Jian Fei.
"Director, as they say, 'Honest calculations among brothers.' Since we're talking about it, please don't find my words unpleasant."
"In the workplace, it's common for leaders to make grand promises to their subordinates. One attitude before getting things done, and another after."
"It's not that I don't trust you, but I'm afraid that if the matter isn't resolved, I'll have worked overtime, done my best, and not achieved the results you wanted. You might then think I've contributed nothing, and all my effort will be in vain."
"..."
The Director was somewhat speechless.
She was so wary about doing him a favor, fearing he would renege on his promises?
"Then what do you want? Shall I write up your application for a permanent position now?"
"If you're afraid of working for nothing, I'll write it up now. As soon as the matter is settled, I'll submit it."
Jian Fei nodded.
"I understand your sincerity. But becoming a permanent employee is actually a small matter."
"Given my work attitude and education, even if I'm not made permanent this month, you won't be able to find any excuse to delay me next month..."
"So you feel that's not enough?"
Jian Fei stated frankly.
"Director, I graduated with a Master's degree from a prestigious medical university, and I'm only earning 3,000 yuan a month..."
"I understand. I'll add one more thing. As long as you can get this done, your salary will be increased by 20% after you become permanent."
Since both of them had made their positions clear, Jian Fei decided to press her advantage.
"How about this, 40%. You write it down now. I promise to be there on time tomorrow."
The Director mentioned they would be going to a high-end club tomorrow to play tennis with Ke Teng.
Jian Fei didn't have a decent outfit. The memory of being rejected at the door when she went to deliver documents was still vivid. No matter how poor she was, she couldn't afford to embarrass herself. So, after work, she went to the mall and bought herself a reasonably priced casual outfit.
The next day, the Director drove her to the club.
Meeting Ke Teng in the lobby, Ke Teng's eyes lit up when he saw her transformed appearance.
It was the first time he had seen her tie her hair up in such a neat bun. She wore a pink hooded sweatshirt, paired with white casual pants and white sports shoes.
Her small face was smooth and fair, the overall color scheme fresh, making her look young, tender, and adorable.
Compared to her usual stern and unremarkable demeanor, she looked like a completely different person.
How to describe it, seeing her like this, Ke Teng's first thought was of a rabbit.
A cute little pink rabbit.
After greeting them, in front of the Director, Ke Teng dropped his pretense and reached out to pinch her rosy cheek.
"Finally decided to throw away those rags? This looks so much better, like a young girl of 18."
Although they had often been intimate and joked around, this was the first time they had joked about her appearance.
Moreover, in front of the Director, Jian Fei felt a bit embarrassed.
She glared at him playfully, and Ke Teng smiled indifferently, offering her his arm to link.
They went to the court together, and after a few rounds, they were all sweating.
The work matters hadn't been discussed yet, and the Director was anxious. During the break, he urged Jian Fei to speak with Ke Teng about it.
Jian Fei grabbed a bottle of water and walked over to Ke Teng. Just as she was about to mention it, Ke Teng pulled her down to sit.
"We won't talk about your business today. You first promise to help me with something."
"Huh? What can I help you with? Are you sick?"
"Can't you wish me some good fortune?"
Ke Teng wiped the sweat from his forehead with a towel and then used it to gently wipe hers.
Looking at her sparkling eyes and rosy lips, his face full of smiles, his voice soft.
"Accompany me somewhere. If you make me happy, everything else can be discussed."
After speaking, Ke Teng stood up and pulled her to leave. The Director, not understanding what was happening, hurried to follow.
An assistant stopped him.
"Mr. Ke is going to talk with Miss Jian. Director Du, you don't need to follow. Leave your card, and you can go back now."
Ke Teng drove them himself. Sitting in the passenger seat, Jian Fei let down her hair and tied it up again.
As she did, she asked him, "Where are we going?"
She must have used some special shampoo, because as her hair cascaded down, a pleasant fragrance wafted out.
Ke Teng inhaled it gently, feigning disinterest.
"I'm all sweaty from playing tennis. You're practically suffocating me. I'll take you to buy some clothes first."
Jian Fei couldn't help but raise her hand to playfully hit him.
"I just bought new clothes yesterday, and after wearing them for just over an hour today, you're saying I'm suffocating you? Can you speak properly?"
"Oh, new clothes you bought yesterday? Did you buy them specifically to see me?"
"..."
"Haha. It seems you still have some feminine charm. It's good that you know how to tidy yourself up before meeting a man. Very aware."
Jian Fei blushed. "Who bought them specifically to see you? I was just..."
"No need to explain. Explaining is admitting. Take it as my statement. Now I'm your client, so please maintain the proper attitude."
Ke Teng took her directly to a high-end department store.
It was filled with international brands that Jian Fei had heard of but never seen.
Ke Teng casually pointed out two outfits for her to try on. Jian Fei indeed had potential; she looked good in either.