Faced with Shen Minhong's question, I really found it hard to answer because both of these women had become like guiding forces in my life.
Seeing my awkward expression, Shen Minhong said, "I won't push you now, but someday you will have to choose between the two of us."
I thought to myself, if I ever had the chance to choose, I wouldn't pick either one. I'd just protect my wife and live the life I want.
But Shen Minhong seemed to know what I was thinking. Suddenly, she asked, "Zhao Jian, I really want to ask you something: Will you and Lu Wan spend the rest of your lives together?"
She was asking about my choice. If I rejected her, perhaps this contract right in front of me would fall through.
I finally understood why Shen Minhong didn't have Zhang Zhiyuan sign the contract but had me, the sales manager, do it—in truth, there were complex interests involved.
In front of Shen Minhong, I felt like a fool who knew nothing, and maybe she'd betray me at any moment without my knowledge.
Seeing my nervousness, Shen Minhong added, "Don't be tense. I'm not going to do anything to you. I just want to know your true thoughts."
Indeed, in front of such a shrewd woman, I couldn't hide anything.
I thought for a moment and said, "Not bad. That was how I thought back then."
Shen Minhong naturally caught the hint and asked, "So you don't think that way anymore?"
Honestly, even I didn't know if I could be with Lu Wan for life—if anything, the uncertainty mostly came from her side.
If she was still involved with that school heartthrob, chances were very high our relationship would break down.
So, when this topic came up, I suddenly felt a headache.
I said to Shen Minhong, "Can we not talk about this?"
She laughed and said, "Alright then, let's go to the conference room. I want to hear the introduction to Xin Chang's new products."
When we arrived at the conference room, all the relevant personnel were already waiting.
I couldn't help but admire how capable Shen Minhong's secretary was—always thinking ahead for her leader.
To help this business go smoothly, I had to present Xin Chang's product features.
Luckily, I had spent most of yesterday studying, so although I was a bit nervous, I managed to introduce the products thoroughly.
I saw Ren Tingting give me a thumbs-up—an acknowledgment of my ability.
At this moment, Shen Minhong turned to the purchasing manager and said, "Manager Zhu, do you have any comments to add?"
The purchasing manager, Mr. Zhu, was around thirty years old, wore gold-rimmed glasses, and appeared mild-mannered.
He stood and looked at Shen Minhong, saying, "CEO Shen, I do have concerns. I have doubts about the quality of this batch of products."
Hearing this, my heart skipped a beat. I wondered if this deal was about to collapse.
If there really were problems with Xin Chang's products, Shen Minhong would definitely unilaterally cancel the contract, and maybe even demand compensation. That would be disastrous for Xin Chang.
Mr. Zhu continued, "We have samples of the wall paint, and Xin Chang has provided these to us. We've tested them and the effects are great, but we doubt their corrosion resistance."
Shen Minhong asked, "How did Xin Chang explain this?"
Mr. Zhu said, "Minister Liu from Xin Chang's R&D said the corrosion resistance was tested and met expectations—it's better than similar products."
Hearing this, I felt uneasy.
I knew when the company developed this product, though I wasn't sure about the R&D team's capability, I was certain Xin Chang had no time or resources for corrosion resistance studies.
In other words, there were doubts about the product's quality.
Mr. Zhu went on, "I requested a test report from Xin Chang, but they couldn't provide one. So, CEO Shen, should we reconsider purchasing from them?"
Shen Minhong replied, "No need. The contract clearly states that if the product doesn't meet requirements, we have the right to return it, and any losses caused will be borne by Xin Chang."
I had signed the contract. Though I hadn't memorized it by heart, I knew there was such a clause.
Compensation clauses are must-haves in business contracts. Now, looking carefully, this seemed like a trap.
It looked like I had to discuss this thoroughly with Zhang Zhiyuan. If there was a real problem, sales of the new product should be stopped, or it would bring even worse consequences for Xin Chang.
When I left Yuxing Group, Shen Minhong didn't see me off herself.
But Manager Zhu was very courteous and gave me his business card.
I glanced at it—it read: Zhu Tongbiao.
Manager Zhu said, "CEO Shen has instructed that all our wall paint will be supplied by Xin Chang from now on. We look forward to your sales team's full cooperation."
I nodded and said, "Don't worry. No matter what, we'll fully supply Yuxing Group."
Once in the car, Ren Tingting said, "Manager Zhao, you're really amazing!"
I was puzzled and asked, "What's amazing about me?"
Ren Tingting said, "You must have handled Shen Minhong well in bed for Yuxing Group to give such a big deal to Xin Chang. Honestly, this is the first time I've seen a client so polite to us. The manager personally saw us out and asked for our cooperation."
Hearing that, I knew explanations were useless and could only smile wryly.
Back at Xin Chang's office, the atmosphere had changed suddenly.
When I walked in before, everyone was chatting like I wasn't even there.
Now, it was completely different—no one was laughing, and all were focused on their work.
Even Liu Jing showed fear when she met my gaze.
I glanced over at Xiang Qiufeng's desk.
He wasn't there, but his things hadn't been cleared away, meaning he hadn't officially left.
I entered my office and barely sat down when Internal Staff Shen Xue came in and said, "Manager Zhao, Xiang Qiufeng wants to see you."
Even Shen Xue's tone had changed. Clearly, I had gained full authority in sales.
Honestly, I didn't want to see that guy. Since my buddy Zhao Hu was about to join, someone had to make way.
Xiang Qiufeng had been the troublemaker, so naturally I targeted him.
I thought for a moment and said to Shen Xue, "Alright, let him in."
Two minutes later, Xiang Qiufeng walked into my office.
His eyes were unfocused and lost; all his previous confidence was gone.
"Manager Zhao, I…"
Before he could finish, I said, "Sit down. Take your time."
He sat and immediately said, "Manager Zhao, I know I was wrong to talk back to you that day. I apologize."
It seemed he hoped I would spare him, but things don't work like that.
If he didn't leave, how could my brother Zhao Hu come in?
I thought a moment and said, "Old Xiang, you've been in this position for quite a few years, right?"
Xiang frowned and said, "Seven years. I've worked hard and developed several clients."
I knew he wanted me to realize he held some valuable customers.
But to me, that was nothing.
I said, "Old Xiang, the bow has been drawn—no turning back. Besides, the company isn't firing you for free. You'll get compensation, and you can use that money to start a small business. That's not bad."
Having worked so long in sales, I'd seen many things on the business battlefield. Xiang clearly knew what I meant.
Suddenly, he dropped to his knees and said, "Manager Zhao, my life's tough too. My wife is unemployed, my son needs school, and I have elderly to support. If I lose this job, how am I supposed to live?"
I understood perfectly. If Xiang could endure such pressure, it meant the perks from this job were greater than I thought.
Everyone has their methods to get by; I had no interest in knowing more.
But I knew one thing—he was sabotaging the company.
So, I had to be ruthless and not let him stay.
I quickly helped him up and said, "Old Xiang, I can't help. Begging me won't change things. It's HR's decision. You need to ask them."
Xiang said, "But HR said it was your idea to fire me, so I can only come to you."
Damn, here came my trouble. I shouldn't have met him. Now I was trapped on all sides.
He'd already knelt before me. How could I refuse?
I thought to myself, today I'd have to put on a stern face.