Having jointly dispatched an annoying colleague, a tentative friendship bloomed between the two women. Shi Yani clasped Zhong Qing's hand warmly. "Come on, let me show you around the company so you can get the lay of the land."
As they walked through Xinxing Capital's sleek corridors, Shi Yani launched into her introduction.
"You should have done some homework before the interview, so you probably know we're an FA agency. Our main business is matchmaking—connecting investors with financing opportunities and vice versa. Essentially, we find money for businesses that need it and investment projects for people with capital to deploy."
Shi Yani outlined the company's fundamentals with practiced ease. Though Zhong Qing had researched all this beforehand, she maintained an attentive, humble expression—the picture of an eager student absorbing every word.
"From a business volume perspective, we're solidly mid-sized. Not huge, but definitely not small. We're the kind of company that doesn't carry dead weight—everyone here pulls their own and then some. Per capita performance is exceptional." Shi Yani turned to gauge Zhong Qing's reaction, her smile encouraging. "As long as you newcomers work hard, you'll grow tremendously. Whether you're aiming to become a partner, move into investment banking, or take an executive role elsewhere, the training and experience you'll gain here is absolutely foundational."
"Mmhmm." Zhong Qing nodded earnestly.
Internally, she translated "foundational training" into its likely true meaning: pulling all-nighters on project deadlines, surviving business trips on questionable meals, and working overtime until you're running on fumes and coffee.
"Our employment standards are rigorous. We require strong logical reasoning, financial acumen, communication skills, and adaptability. You'll need to develop and refine these capabilities quickly in your work here. Communication and adaptability are especially crucial—high emotional intelligence matters, but you can't be a doormat just to secure a project." Shi Yani's expression turned more serious. "Mr. Qiao has a principle: when you're out there interfacing with clients, you can't simply say yes to everything because we're the service provider. You need to know when to push back on unreasonable people and absurd requests. Mr. Qiao says we must be professionals with principles."
Zhong Qing's eyes widened with admiration. "Mr. Qiao sounds incredible."
Given the nature of FA work—serving both fundraisers and investors—most leaders would instruct their staff to accommodate every client demand without question.
Qiao Mingxuan's philosophy was refreshingly contrary. How intriguing.
Though he appeared gentle and refined on the surface, he clearly maintained firm boundaries with people—perhaps even a touch of aloofness. Yet his management philosophy was unexpectedly considerate and humanistic.
"Speaking of communication and adaptability, I'm genuinely not worried about you." Shi Yani stopped abruptly and pivoted to face Zhong Qing, her crimson lips curving into a brilliant smile. "That little performance earlier? Consider it an impromptu test. You handled it beautifully—turning his moral grandstanding right back on him."
Zhong Qing immediately deployed her trademark guileless laugh. "Sister Yani, now that you mention it, I do think I responded rather well!"
Shi Yani had never encountered someone who could accept praise so naturally and charmingly. She burst out laughing.
She continued the tour, methodically explaining the location and function of each department.
Finally, she provided an important clarification. "Oh, one more thing. Although you newcomers are assigned to specific departments for mentorship—you're with me in Department Three, for instance—this doesn't mean you'll permanently belong to that department. During your probation period, you're not tied to any particular team. You'll work on projects with whichever leader from the three project departments selects you for their initiatives."
She elaborated further. "This system allows you to train under leaders with different working styles and approaches, giving you well-rounded exposure. Simultaneously, it's a mutual evaluation period between you and the department heads. Our company operates democratically—when your probation ends, you and the department heads will engage in a mutual selection process. So if you have your eye on a particular department, make sure to build rapport with that department head during your trial period."
Zhong Qing listened intently, nodding with genuine appreciation.
Whatever else one might say about Xinxing Capital, this mutual selection mechanism was genuinely enlightened.
After completing the company tour, Shi Yani guided Zhong Qing to her workstation and settled her in front of the computer to demonstrate the company's OA system and internal database.
Shi Yani's fingers flew across the keyboard and mouse with practiced efficiency, executing each step with fluid precision.
Zhong Qing mentally recorded every keystroke and click, replaying the sequence in her mind.
When finished, Shi Yani asked, "Any questions? Anything unclear?"
Zhong Qing shook her head. "I understand everything."
Shi Yani clapped her hands. "Oh right! I need to give you your login credentials."
Zhong Qing casually recited the username and password.
Shi Yani stared at her, visibly surprised.
"I watched while you were typing and memorized it." Zhong Qing offered her signature innocent smile.
Shi Yani took a step back, reassessing her new charge.
"Well, well. Beneath that honest exterior lies quite the sharp mind."
Shi Yani instructed Zhong Qing to return to her own desk and spend any downtime reviewing cases in the company database to familiarize herself with their business operations.
Zhong Qing thanked her mentor and dove into the case files.
As the workday wound down, Shi Yani entered Qiao Mingxuan's office to brief him on the next day's schedule and work arrangements.
After concluding her report, Qiao Mingxuan lifted his chin toward the door. "How's that newcomer you're mentoring? Is she receptive to guidance?"
Shi Yani turned and spotted Zhong Qing through the glass partition, absorbed in reading materials on her computer screen.
She faced him again with her assessment. "She's rather interesting, actually. She projects this earnest, straightforward persona, but her thinking is remarkably agile and sharp. She grasps concepts immediately and retains information after a single explanation."
She paused, then added with the slightly condescending air of a seasoned professional, "I quite like this kid."
Qiao Mingxuan regarded Shi Yani with studied neutrality. "You think she's earnest?"
Shi Yani nodded without hesitation, conviction written across her expressive face. "Absolutely! Every thought shows plainly on her face—I can read her like an open book. Such a genuine child!"
The corners of Qiao Mingxuan's eyes shifted almost imperceptibly, the glint in his gaze obscured behind his lenses.
He hummed noncommittally. "Then mentor her well."
Having covered everything necessary, Shi Yani turned to leave. At the threshold, a thought struck her and she paused. "By the way, Mr. Qiao, I've been meaning to ask—we've always assigned newcomers to mentors by lottery. Why did you specifically request to select Zhong Qing directly this time, bypassing the usual process?"
Qiao Mingxuan removed his glasses, closed his eyes, and massaged the bridge of his nose. His tone remained deliberately casual. "I wanted to observe how an 'earnest person' performs."
Shi Yani absorbed this response—which seemed to say everything and nothing simultaneously—and departed with a vague sense of understanding.
Qiao Mingxuan opened his eyes, no longer shielded by his frames.
He arched an eyebrow and replaced his glasses.
Why had he chosen her?
Probably due to his curiosity about her carefully calibrated detachment during the interview.
This girl was definitely not as simple and guileless as her perpetual smile suggested. She had layers upon layers of calculation beneath that innocent facade.
Fortunately, she didn't appear malicious. Her interview performance had been outstanding—consistently ranking in the top three among all candidates.
He was genuinely curious to see what someone so skilled at concealing her true nature was planning, and how she would navigate the professional landscape—
Zhong Qing adapted to the work rhythm with remarkable speed.
Living far from the office, she rose before dawn each day—departing so early that even her neighbor's rooster hadn't stirred yet.
While the brutal morning commute might torture others, for her it barely registered among the hardships she'd endured.
Upon arriving at the company each morning, she'd check in with Shi Yani about the day's tasks. Shi Yani would smile while multitasking: "I don't actually have the authority to assign you work. If none of the project teams need you, it simply means you're not required yet. In that case, continue reviewing project materials in the database."
Zhong Qing would return to her workstation and resume studying.
But something felt off. What company hires employees only to have them sit comfortably reading materials all day?
Zhong Qing reflected carefully.
Perhaps she shouldn't spend all her time passively absorbing information. Since no one was assigning her tasks, she should proactively seek ways to contribute.
Subsequently, Zhong Qing balanced reviewing project materials with making herself useful around the office. Whenever someone needed documents copied or faxes sent, she'd immediately volunteer. After handling the copying, she'd offer to help organize files for project team members, learning about ongoing initiatives while sorting. When practical questions arose, she'd humbly seek guidance from senior colleagues. Some patiently explained things to her; others brushed her off with, "You'll figure it out when you're actually on a project."
She never took offense. She'd simply smile, accumulate her questions, and either research answers independently or ask someone else.
Gradually, she developed a clear understanding of each colleague's personality and working style. She also gained insight into the various projects each department was handling.
Mid-morning, Zhong Qing lifted her cup for a drink, only to discover it empty.
She rose with her cup and headed to the break room.
By chance, she encountered Ling Na and Lu Pengshan, both holding cups and conversing over coffee.
Spotting Zhong Qing, Ling Na pulled her aside. After verifying they were alone, she asked anxiously, "Has your mentor assigned you any actual work? Mine just tells me to review project materials and hasn't given me anything substantive to do. It's making me incredibly anxious sitting around idle. I just asked Lu Pengshan—he's in the same situation."
Zhong Qing answered honestly. "My mentor said the same thing."
Lu Pengshan interjected, "But I've noticed you're busy all day long."
Zhong Qing smiled with practiced simplicity. "I just observe who looks busy and ask if they need help with anything."
Lu Pengshan scrutinized her, then added with a hint of sarcasm, "You don't strike me as someone who'd naturally know how to ingratiate yourself."
Translation: You seem too calculating for that.
Zhong Qing maintained her guileless smile—the kind that convinced anyone observing that she was utterly incapable of concealing her thoughts. She turned to Ling Na. "If sitting idle makes you anxious, do what I'm doing. When you see someone busy, ask if you can help."
Ling Na fidgeted. "But I'd feel so awkward!"
Lu Pengshan considered this, then offered, "I heard that after our probation period, each project department head will evaluate our performance before we engage in mutual selection. Those with poor evaluations might not get selected at all. I'm beginning to think they're intentionally not assigning us work—maybe it's the first assessment. They want to see what we'll do with unstructured time." He paused, glancing between Zhong Qing and Ling Na thoughtfully. "Zhong Qing's approach might actually be the correct response to this test."
Zhong Qing smiled. "I wasn't thinking anything that complicated."
But mentally: You're not entirely stupid.
At lunch, Shi Yani invited Zhong Qing to eat together.
They took the elevator to the building's third basement level, where a cafeteria and various food stalls served the building's white-collar workforce.
They entered a bibimbap restaurant and sat across from each other.
Zhong Qing watched Shi Yani eat with fascination, as though witnessing a magic trick. That delicate mouth would somehow expand to astonishing proportions when a spoonful of bibimbap approached, effortlessly consuming each bite without a single grain touching her lips. Even after finishing half her bowl, those crimson lips remained as pristine and lustrous as ever.
Zhong Qing's face radiated pure admiration.
Shi Yani caught her expression and laughed. "Pretty impressive, right? Haha, you really are a transparent child who can't hide what she's thinking."
Zhong Qing laughed along.
Perfect timing.
With Shi Yani's guard down, Zhong Qing began steering the conversation toward her true interests.
She attempted to broach the subject naturally, weaving in questions about Qiao Mingxuan.
"What kind of person is Mr. Qiao?"
"Is Mr. Qiao single?"
"Extremely handsome men seem prone to breaking hearts. Has Mr. Qiao ever broken anyone's heart?"
As the conversation progressed, Shi Yani scraped the sides of her bowl with her spoon, gathering scattered rice grains. "Oho," she exclaimed, amusement dancing across her striking features. "You certainly aim high! Setting your sights on Mr. Qiao right out of the gate!"
Zhong Qing immediately manufactured embarrassment, her hands fluttering nervously. "No, no! Just curious!" Worried this might sound too awkward, she quickly self-deprecated with perfect timing. "...Am I being too obvious? I should probably rein that in."
Shi Yani laughed. "Completely normal. I was exactly like this when I first started. With such an attractive man right in front of you, who wouldn't be interested and curious? But once you've been here longer and understand Mr. Qiao's working style, you'll definitely lose interest."
Shi Yani set down her spoon with satisfaction, then leaned back against her chair and crossed her arms. "Alright, go ahead. Ask whatever you want. I'll help you lovestruck young women dispel your curiosity."
Zhong Qing's heart tightened.
...I'm not lovestruck.
But that didn't matter.
What mattered was her genuine need to learn more about Qiao Mingxuan and find ways to get closer to him.
So she asked, "Sister Yani, how old is Mr. Qiao?"
"Twenty-eight," Shi Yani replied.
Zhong Qing displayed appropriate awe. "Already so accomplished at twenty-eight." After a beat, she asked with a yearning expression, "Sister Yani, what do you think it would take to be selected by Mr. Qiao for Department Three and work under him?"
Shi Yani countered with her own question. "Why are you so determined to work with Mr. Qiao?"
Zhong Qing's face radiated honest aspiration. "Because he's not only incredibly capable, but also genuinely handsome."
Shi Yani laughed. "Alright, I appreciate your candor!"
She pursed her red lips—naturally alluring without any artifice. "Hmm... But working under Mr. Qiao won't be easy."
"Why not?" Zhong Qing asked with practiced curiosity.
"Because his standards are exacting and his demands are strict. While he's usually quite gentle, once he enters work mode, his presence becomes formidable—even intimidating. He has zero tolerance for careless mistakes. People with fragile egos won't survive under his leadership." Shi Yani continued, "Also, he hasn't recruited anyone new to Department Three in quite some time because he feels recent graduates don't meet his standards. The only reason he reserved a spot for you newcomers this time is because someone left. Actually, remember that woman you saw on my computer the other day? That was her."
Zhong Qing immediately identified the critical information: Department Three currently had an opening, giving her a genuine opportunity to get close to Qiao Mingxuan.
She resolved internally that regardless of obstacles, she would find a way into Department Three.
Shi Yani continued her sisterly warnings. "Remember this: be extremely careful around Mr. Qiao. Don't let his handsome, harmless appearance fool you—he's absolutely ruthless when necessary." She paused, then smiled. "But he's also someone who can teach you an enormous amount. Thinking about it that way, having the opportunity to work on a project with Mr. Qiao would actually be beneficial. Just one thing—don't develop feelings for him, or you'll be finished."
Zhong Qing would never develop romantic feelings for Qiao Mingxuan. That wasn't why she'd come to Xinxing Capital.
Still, she couldn't help asking, "Why would having feelings for him be so catastrophic?"
Shi Yani rolled her eyes. "Because he's like Judge Bao and the monk Fahai rolled into one—utterly impartial and devoid of romantic sentiment when working. The moment he detects that a female subordinate has personal feelings for him, she's immediately reassigned to another department or sometimes even another company. So little girl, if you want to join Department Three, proceed with extreme caution."
Beneath the table, Zhong Qing clenched her fist, then released it.
Her face maintained its honest smile as she nodded. "Mmhmm."
Internally, her thoughts remained ice-cold and clear. Of course. Obviously I won't develop feelings for him. I'm not here for romance.
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