Chapter 35
35 35.
"In place of new ownership, Fanrong Building is now under the Shenghuo Group...."
"....along with the change to the working environment, new management will be introduced...."
"Security measures will be renewed..... trained..... new passcards....."
" ....change in lease and present contract...." n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om
Shi Ziyi couldn't help but read aloud. The contents of each e-mail change her surroundings greatly. As the secretary to Zhang Jun, she was privy to all of his back dealings. She knew of things that even his wife was clueless about. Printing the first email and the attachment that was conveniently sent, Shi Ziyi rushed into the chairman's office, completely missing the new email notification on her desktop.
She wasn't truly uneasy for the company's sake but her lifestyle. Zhang Jun recently gained two projects estimated at 40 million yuan. The people behind these projects are elites, they are the ones little people like Zhang Jun flatters shamelessly.
If this company suffers any setbacks, work efficiency will plummet and those big bosses hate to be inconvenienced.
The company's success means her entry into high society, where she can meet better prospects than a married man.
"Ziyi? What is it?" The doting voice that would normally throw her into a coquettish mood only made her feel annoyed at the moment.
"The building has a new owner.." she began. Zhang Jun waved off her words and commented that the rich would be too lazy to change staff. The building has a cost of 200 million, and the design and technology ate up that cost. In his opinion, the building is like a jewel the rich use to show off and everything else is a waste to them. The staff is an accessory that can be used by, the people who rent the building.
"It is owned by the Shenghuo Group. They recently occupied five floors and they are changing the staff." Shi Ziyi didn't listen to his life lesson of the rich. She told him a brief description of the emails.
This time Zhang Jun listened to her carefully. He scrambled for his phone to call his friend, who was supposed to be the manager.
"Brother Bai, I call you this name with sincerity. Why didn't you notify me of this change?" Zhang Jun said in a cajoling tone.
"It came out of the blue for me too. One minute I was on the high life, the next minute some cold-tone brat called to notify me of my termination. Who the fuck does that? I called the big man who owned the building before and that fucker laughed and said it's no longer his business. I recently paid a downpayment on a new villa in the School District, how can I explain this to my wife."
Listening to Brother Bai's tantrum, Zhang Jun's home life came to the forefront of his mind. This is a hiccup. Where can he rent an office space at the discounted price Brother Bai gave him? He saved a lot of money with that deal.
Maybe he can talk to the new manager. Pass a little money and they will be in his pocket.
"Brother Bai, I wish I could help but it looks like I have my problems at the moment. If you come across news of similar rental spaces, don't forget my number." Zhang Jun said and quickly ended the call.
Shi Ziyi rolled her eyes at his words and waved to gain his attention. "To get ahead of the other companies in the building, you should personally visit the owner. He's the chairman of the group, his office should be here, right?" she advised.
"You're right. Let's go quickly."
~~~~~
On the top floor, Chen Kai listened to Xiao Wei's report on his tenants' response to the changes he made. Most were willing to go forward with it while there were three non-responses.
"Only focus on two beside Zhang Jun's company and have two extra security guards on the manager's floor. What's next?"
Xiao Wei stifled the smile on his face. The nonchalant orders from Chen Kai were in line with the personality he and the others concluded. The young master had a 'dice' personality. He shows different faces to the people around him and is unpredictable when bothered.
"I have Lawyer Luo and his colleague on their way. We may have to go to the court for some procedures if you want to get things completed quickly."
"I do. I have to focus on a proper school for him and a personal bank account. With him under my name, he will be protected. To ensure full custody, have Commander Liu search for his mother. I want to destroy that sneaky red flag. The whole' turn over a new leaf mother, when she finds out her kid is now living the best life' situation, needs to be avoided," Chen Kai said firmly.
Xiao Wei nodded in agreement. "The invitation for the auction was received. Three in total."
"What's the content?" Chen Kai asked, he wasn't too excited about the auction. His presence tends to attract a lot of walking cliches. Wouldn't it be more fun to go to the race track and drive a few laps? Vance... no XiaoYan would like that.
"A well-respected fish breeder from Japan and a fellow ornamental fish enthusiast are auctioning off several breeds. The proceeds are said to be for charity."
Chen Kai's ears twitched when he heard a satisfying piece of information. "Is the breeder auctioning any Showa Koi? or possibly the Kin Kikokuryu? I've been looking for a few for the pond."
"There is only a list for low-priced ornamental breeds. Our invite gives us access to the VIP section, maybe you can find something you like there," Xiao Wei answered while rising to his feet.
"Why do they have to be so high profile?" Chen Kai groused and followed his friend out of the office.
The two walked to the conference room and resumed their idle talk.
"Hey, why don't we flip some houses on the outskirts of the province or a neighborhood that's considered historical."
"Flipping houses? Isn't that popular overseas?"
"Yeah. I think it's fun and it will be a niche look for the company. Redoing old homes then selling or renting them. Every year fresh graduates are looking for cheap homes with good living why not create it for them."
Xiao Wei thought of his friend's idea. It does sound fun, he thought then answered positively. "Okay. Let's talk about this after this meeting. I wonder how Manager Shen is coping downstairs."
~~~~~~
Manager Shen Ling was originally Xiao Wei's assistant. She followed him when he was hired by Chen Kai, during the establishment of the Shenghuo Group, she was placed as the general manager due to his trust in her. It was more responsibility but it was enlightening.
What she didn't expect on her first day was a loud obnoxious man causing trouble for her receptionist.
Walking towards the lobby, she can hear the loud and arrogant voice of Zhang Jun. She was warned about this person and his contract was already terminated before the welcome email was sent out.
Throwing her shoulders back, she exited the office area and entered the lobby. The receptionist was currently being yelled at by a middle-aged man and a young lady.
The receptionist had experience with these types of people and held her ground. She maintained her polite smile and stood before the two.
Zhang Jun kept up his tirade by arrogantly saying the name of his company and who he knew in power. Shi Ziyi interjected a few snide remarks to lower the receptionist's confidence but their words bounced off her like cotton.
During a moment of quiet, she spoke. "Sir, I am sure, well, from the looks of things I believe you haven't read the emails. You are required to make an appointment with the general manager to negotiate your contract and future cooperation. It isn't our fault that you failed to make an appointment, nor is it our obligation to tend to you due to your company's position in a billion-dollar industry."
The polite insult was there but did the two hear it?
No.
Zhang Jun began to question the point 'sent email' and Shi Ziyi was trying to recall such a statement in the email.
The receptionist sighed inwardly at this so-called chairman's ignorance. Before she can speak once more, a gentle yet firm voice cuts through the noise.
"Is this the way one shows respect and etiquette in other people's company? I'm sure as a successful business owner, you should know these things. To see me, no matter who you are, you must make an appointment. May I know your name? There's a list I must tend to. I can try to recollect your name on this list."
This was Shen Ling.
"See you? Who are you?" Zhang Jun sneered. He disliked being mocked by people under him, especially a woman.
"I am the General Manager of Shenghuo Group: Real Estate, Shen Ling. I did introduce myself in the email. I've introduced myself. It is only polite that you should do the same," she replied unhurriedly.
Shi Ziyi stepped up with her head raised and her chest more visible with the help of her crossed arms underneath. "This is Chairman Zhang Jun of Zhang Real Estate. One of the top 50 companies in Nanjing," the little woman stated proudly.
Shi Ziyi and Zhang Jun stood frozen in the lobby processing the general manager's words.
16:05
The receptionist and the General Manager stared at her blankly. They looked at the man calmly... and that was it. They didn't rush to flatter him nor invite him back to the office. They didn't offer him a seat, not even a glass of water.
They all stood in an awkward silence.
What broke it, was an incoming call on Shen Ling's cell. Her eyes flickered to the time and saw it was nearing midday. Answering the call, her thoughts were confirmed when she heard Xiao Wei's voice on the other end.
"I will leave everything to you. I'm leaving with the boss to head to the local courthouse. If you need clarification on anything, don't hesitate to call."
"Yes, Brother Xiao. Have a good day," she replied quickly and ended the ten-second call.
She returned to the very awkward silence. Heaving an annoyed sigh, she spoke to end the farce.
"Chairman Zhang Jun, you could have saved yourself the trouble of coming to us. The head of Shenghuo Group has decided to terminate your lease due to the many violations caused by you and your company. There is no room for negotiations. The chairman has given you a deadline of three months to vacate. If you have any queries, please contact me by phone." Shen Ling gave them both a polite bow of goodbye and signaled the two hidden security guard to watch over the leaving of the two.
Shi Ziyi and Zhang Jun stood frozen in the lobby processing the general manager's words.
Contract termination? This is a blow to the company. Where can he set up in less than three months for less than 27 million yuan? He was lucky to get 3 million discounted thanks to Brother Bai but now.... it's possible that he will have to find at least 30 million or more to lease a building for a few years.
'No. What should I do?' Just when he was about to voice his displeasure, his cell rang.
Han Feng.
His eyes lit up. Aren't they friends? Han Feng and himself can be considered good buddies. Their kids even play together. He can get a loan from the guy, right?
Zhang Jun left the lobby and answered the call as he made his way to the elevator. He was about to go into the act when Han Feng's words caught him off guard.
"Brother Zhang, the police have started an investigation on us."