Not only Lu Jiaying’s face looked bad, but Jiang Jingyu’s also turned grim after seeing the announcement.
He was involved in the entire matter and knew Ms. Zhang’s difficulties, understanding that Lu Jiaying’s actions were solely out of consideration for humane management.
She hadn’t sought any personal gain, so why was she facing a disciplinary notice?
“President Lu, what are your plans now?”
He was so angry he wanted to go to Hu Jiasheng to discuss this matter.
The Human Resources department wielded too much power, directly confronting someone without even an investigation?
Lu Jiaying closed the WeChat interface on her computer screen and picked up her phone, sliding it open with a ‘swish’.
“Initially, I wasn’t entirely at ease with Zhang Xiaoyu, fearing she might not complete her work on time or to the required standard. I asked her to send her work to me for review every day before submitting it to other colleagues.”
“After two days of review, I found her work to be excellent. It didn’t affect work efficiency or cause any negative impact on our department. Why is it being treated so severely by them?”
“I can overlook this myself, but I must get Zhang Xiaoyu’s salary back for her.”
With that said, Lu Jiaying opened the office door and walked out.
Jiang Jingyu felt incredibly fortunate at that moment to be her assistant, able to follow her.
Arriving at the Human Resources department, he went directly to the director’s office and knocked. A voice soon came from inside.
“Enter.”
Lu Jiaying walked in and found Vice President Wang also present. Suddenly, she understood why this matter had escalated so much.
She had offended Vice President Wang in the workshop a few days ago, and this was likely a coordinated retaliation.
“Director Lu, I was just about to look for you. Perfect timing, please sit.”
The Human Resources Director, named Lei, was in her mid-thirties. She was also beautiful and refined, but with an air of worn-out sophistication that came from extensive experience.
Lu Jiaying was not swayed by her charm and said coldly,
“No need. I am here regarding the recent announcement. I’ll leave after I’ve spoken.”
“Director Xu, you should have at least investigated the situation before issuing an announcement. To make accusations without proper clarification, with so many people watching, I cannot accept this.”
Xu Lei shrugged.
“I was aware of your arrangement for Zhang Xiaoyu to work from home a few days ago. So, I spoke with her yesterday to understand the situation. The announcement I issued is based on what she told me. Didn’t she mention it to you?”
Whether Zhang Xiaoyu had mentioned it or not was no longer important. Given the circumstances, and the fact that Xu Lei had already spoken to Zhang Xiaoyu, Lu Jiaying felt her actions were more deliberate.
“Since you’ve already spoken with her, you should know Zhang Xiaoyu is in a difficult situation.”
Director Xu couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Director Lu, you’ve been with the company for several years. You’re not a rookie in the workplace, so why would you say something so ridiculous?”
“Because her situation is special, we should give her special consideration? What is Gray Electric? Are we a charity organization?”
“If you pity her so much and want to help her, then let her take her annual leave.”
She had already used her annual leave in the first quarter of the year. If she encountered any problems during the summer or winter holidays, wouldn't that be even more difficult for her?
Lu Jiaying didn’t want to argue about this with her.
“President Zhan has always said that the group will implement humane management. Don’t you have any alternatives for special circumstances?”
Director Xu laughed again.
“You’re speaking from a position of privilege. With a single phrase about humane management from President Zhan, am I supposed to make exceptions for all sorts of employees? If everyone did this, would my eight-hour workday be enough?”
“Moreover, where is the boundary for special treatment? Who is responsible if something goes wrong?”
“Director Lu, considering our years of working together, I’ve already given you ample consideration. It’s just a disciplinary notice with no substantial impact on you. Are you still not satisfied with this?”
Lu Jiaying stated, “Whether it’s a disciplinary notice, a demerit, or a salary deduction, I accept it. But you absolutely cannot withhold Zhang Xiaoyu’s salary this time.”
Her tone was so firm, and she was interfering in their Human Resources affairs. As the head of the department, Xu Lei was naturally displeased.
“Such a bold statement. On what grounds are you speaking to me like this?”
“On the grounds that Zhang Xiaoyu’s work ability is strong, she has never made mistakes, and has been rated as an outstanding employee in the department for several consecutive years. Furthermore, she is not the first to receive special treatment. Do you dare say you’ve never made exceptions?”
Lu Jiaying stood upright, her gaze unwavering.
“Some people abuse their positions, frequently going out for coffee or shopping during work hours. Don’t think others are unaware. If you can loiter outside for trivial matters with a righteous air, why can’t she?”
Xu Lei was so angered by her words that she shot up from her seat.
“Are you threatening me? Lu Jiaying, is this a threat?”
Lu Jiaying responded frankly, “No. After all, when you were doing those things, I didn’t intend to expose you, so I didn’t keep any evidence.”
“I just want to tell you that it’s already difficult for a single mother to survive in this society. As fellow women, if we can’t help, at least we shouldn’t trample on her.”
“A week’s salary plus a full attendance bonus, over 2,000 yuan, is enough for her son to stay in the hospital for two days. Be a bit more humane.”
Xu Lei’s eyebrows shot up, and she almost roared,
“I’m not humane? I’m a bad person? Are you trying to be the only good person here, Lu Jiaying?”
“Disregarding company regulations, making special arrangements for your own employees, and then sugarcoating it so nicely. As expected from marketing, you’ve got a silver tongue!”
“But don’t think I’m afraid of you! If you insist, let’s go to President Hu and sort this out properly. Let’s see who is in the wrong!”
Whether it was out of a sense of team loyalty, not wanting their leader to lose face, or a genuine belief that Lu Jiaying was in the right, Jiang Jingyu’s first thought upon hearing they were going to seek arbitration from Hu Jiasheng was to leave and call Hu Jiasheng first.
No matter how busy Hu Jiasheng was, he could ignore anyone else's calls, but not his nephew's.
“What’s wrong, Jingyu? You’re starting your internship at the company and you didn’t even tell me.”
Jiang Jingyu bypassed the pleasantries and explained Zhang Xiaoyu’s situation. Hu Jiasheng asked him,
“What are you telling me this for? Do you expect me to help your Director Lu?”
“It’s not to help her, but to help with justice. I believe Uncle is a discerning person, and it’s clear she’s in the right in this matter. We shouldn’t let her feel disheartened.”
“Since you have confidence in me, why are you calling to put in a good word?”
“……”
Hu Jiasheng seized the opportunity to test him, “I can help, but you give me an idea of how to say it. I’ll listen to you.”
Jiang Jingyu, bold as a calf, said fearlessly,
“How you help is up to you, but I’ve already thought about the follow-up to this matter.”
“Introduce a new HR regulation. I’ll discuss it with Dad, and also with headquarters, that employees facing special circumstances can apply for remote work with their direct supervisor.”
“Since you’ve recognized your shortcomings, you need to improve quickly.”