Did he go home for a blind date yesterday?
Why is he keeping his distance from me now that he's back?
Jiang Jingyu hung up the phone, his mood heavy.
After an hour of work, he habitually checked his phone several times, but there wasn't a single message.
He endured until ten o'clock, then, unable to suppress his intense longing, he went to Zhang Yang's desk and beckoned him.
"Come with me to International Marketing."
Zhang Yang stood up with him and asked from behind,
"Why the sudden urge to visit International Marketing?"
"Their performance this quarter has been good, and they'll be handling a significant project soon. I should go and commend them, perhaps offer some encouragement?"
Zhang Yang knew his intentions weren't solely about commendation, but he didn't dare to expose him, simply agreeing repeatedly.
Upon arriving at International Marketing, everyone was tapping away at their keyboards at their respective workstations.
It was Jiang Jingyu's first time here, yet he spotted Tong An'an amidst the crowd with a single glance.
Her workstation was in a corner at the very back. While others' desks were adorned with many plants and small trinkets, making them look cozy and cute, hers was bare. In front of her were several stacks of thick documents and materials.
She was engrossed in the documents, with a large dictionary open beside her, her head bowed in concentration.
As everyone was diligently working, no one noticed him.
Jiang Jingyu stood by the doorway without moving. Zhang Yang entered and clapped his hands.
"Everyone, please pause for a moment! Because our department's performance last quarter was excellent, President Jiang has personally come to express his appreciation. Please give him a round of applause!"
Everyone turned to look. Upon seeing the dashing Jiang Jingyu, they excitedly stood up, clapping enthusiastically, their faces filled with genuine happiness.
Only Tong An'an, following suit with the crowd, stood up. Looking at Jiang Jingyu, whom she knew all too well, she maintained a rather ordinary expression, as if waiting for a leader's lecture.
Jiang Jingyu walked to the center of the office and delivered some perfunctory pleasantries. He then stated that the upcoming project would be arduous and that everyone should be prepared to fight difficult battles, but the rewards would be substantial. He encouraged them all heartily.
Upon hearing this, the employees buzzed with excitement. Such a large project! Though challenging, it was worth it!
They began to murmur and discuss among themselves.
Hearing talk related to money, Tong An'an's eyes finally lit up.
Her large, dewy eyes blinked, fixed on Jiang Jingyu's mouth.
Until Jiang Jingyu said, "You've all worked hard. I don't have any other prizes to offer you. I've heard girls love sweets, so for the next week, every noon, Assistant Zhang will order a cup of milk tea for everyone. Work hard. I have high expectations for you."
The entire office erupted in excitement.
Jiang Jingyu left International Marketing with a satisfied heart, basking in Tong An'an's smile.
After he left, Zhang Yang delivered a cup of milk tea to each person. Delighted, they posted photos on their social media, then began discussing the project he had mentioned.
Seeing everyone's enthusiasm and anticipation for the project, the supervisor called a brief impromptu meeting to explain it.
"The reason we haven't told you yet is that many things were still undecided and only finalized two days ago. We were planning to announce it in a few days, but I didn't expect President Jiang to tell you personally. So, let's talk about this project."
"The project is intended to expand the company's international influence and is the second major trial to deeply integrate smart products into the African market."
"The chosen location is a country in central Southern Africa. While its economic conditions are said to be better than its surrounding neighbors, they cannot compare to our country; in fact, it's worlds apart."
"Moreover, nothing is prepared yet, and we have to start from scratch, like pioneering new territory. Although the various subsidies and allowances provided will be more generous, you must be prepared for long-term commitment on the front lines and possess a spirit of hardship and perseverance."
International Marketing originally had male employees, but due to the company's extensive international business and to spare the female colleagues hardship, they were all deployed elsewhere.
Over time, only female employees remained internally.
Initially, the company had planned to recruit some male employees this time, but the girls performed better, disrupting the plan once again.
Therefore, if this project were to be put on the agenda, it would have to be carried out by female colleagues.
A few local girls from Nancheng, upon hearing it was to go to South Africa and that long-term commitment was required, immediately lost interest in the project.
"That place is so chaotic; people can get robbed in broad daylight, let alone at night. You wouldn't dare go out. The food is bad, sleep is poor, there's no entertainment, and it's dirty, messy, and rampant with diseases. I'm not going."
"No matter how much they pay, I fear one might earn money but not live to spend it. Whoever wants to go can go."
"Exactly. I thought it was some great job that President Jiang would personally come down to talk about, but it turns out to be this. The boss's way with words is indeed impressive."
They whispered among themselves, expressing their disinterest in the project. However, Tong An'an was extremely interested.
Not for any other reason than the annual salary of 900,000 yuan.
For her, earning 600,000 yuan when her internship salary was only 5,000 yuan a month was an astronomical sum.
She even calculated in her mind that after two years, she could exceed her parents' lifetime savings.
Not only could she pay for her father's medical treatment, but she could also buy her brother a house. How wonderful!
She considered the deal to be very worthwhile. So, after the meeting, while everyone else returned to their work, she followed her supervisor into the office.
"Boss, if I want to participate in this project, what preparations do I need to make?"
Although she hadn't been there long, she worked diligently and conscientiously every day. She was honest and had even been personally praised by the president. Honestly, leaders favored such employees.
But this particular job wouldn't work.
It was precisely because she was too honest. He feared she wouldn't be able to handle it and would be bullied.
So, the supervisor sincerely advised her.
"Don't set your sights on this project. You're not suitable."
Tong An'an's newly raised hopes were instantly dashed. She asked her leader in surprise why she wasn't suitable.
"Is it because I didn't major in English? But I passed the CET-4 and CET-6 smoothly in college and consistently received scholarships. My daily conversations are fine."
"There are indeed some deficiencies in my major, but I've been working hard. I believe that if I'm given the chance to engage in practical work soon, I will improve rapidly."
The leader spoke to her frankly, "I'm not doubting your work ability, but your social skills. How chaotic that place is, is beyond your imagination. Girls are already at a disadvantage, and with your personality, you'll be exploited if you go."
But Tong An'an was resolute.
"I'm not afraid. As long as the company trusts me and is willing to assign me the work, I'm willing to endure any hardship."
"Just tell me what preparations are necessary to qualify for this job, please, boss."