A moment later, an enraged Lu Jiaying and Xu Lei went together to the CEO's office.
Hu Jiasheng knew they were coming and had set aside time. The two entered the office smoothly, each stating their side of the story.
Xu Lei had assumed Lu Jiaying was simply following regulations and that Hu Jiasheng would side with her. To her surprise, after listening, Hu Jiasheng said calmly,
"Director Xu, please cancel the announcement later and issue a new one."
"Adjust the company's personnel policy to allow employees with special circumstances to work from home, and continue to pay their regular salaries, provided it does not affect work quality or company interests. I will also submit an application to headquarters to ensure consistency in personnel policies. Thank you for your hard work, Director Xu."
Xu Lei had never expected Hu Jiasheng to support Lu Jiaying so strongly, making such a significant move for her.
As the boss, even if she was unwilling, she had to obey the order.
However, as soon as they left the CEO's office, she taunted Lu Jiaying.
"Indeed, young, beautiful women who publicly declare they won't find boyfriends are the most charming. Not only do they have the technical department wrapped around their fingers, but they also have influence over CEO Hu."
"I never realized you were so capable before, well done, Director Lu."
She had misunderstood Lu Jiaying's relationship with Hu Jiasheng. Lu Jiaying, too lazy to explain, smiled and said,
"Since you know I have influence, Director Xu, it would be best if you went easy on me from now on."
Xu Lei was once again at a loss for words.
An hour later, another personnel notice was issued in the company's large group chat.
The addition of work-from-home options made everyone very happy.
Jiang Jingyu came out to pour tea for Lu Jiaying and was stopped by several customer service representatives.
"Xiao Jiang, we heard that the 'Shitai' went to confront Director Xu from HR about Sister Zhang's matter today, so she won? Is this new policy something she fought for us? That's impressive of her!"
Lu Jiaying was clearly very young and as beautiful as a flower, arguably the most attractive person in Greer Electric. Yet, people in her own department called her "Shitai."
Jiang Jingyu initially found it amusing, but now it felt jarring.
"Director Lu's work ability has always been strong. Everyone benefits from it, and she is our department leader. It's best not to call her 'Shitai' anymore. If someone overhears, they might laugh."
The others were unconcerned. "We're not stupid. Of course, we won't call her that in front of outsiders. You're one of us."
"But 'Shitai' really did a good deed this time. Our marketing department has gained recognition again. We share in the honor."
After pouring the tea, Jiang Jingyu returned to his work. Time flew by until quitting time.
Lu Jiaying typed furiously on her keyboard, completely oblivious to the passage of time.
As Sister Zhang had said, her days consisted only of work, with no other apparent hobbies.
Jiang Jingyu couldn't understand what a young person like her thought about, whose sole pleasure seemed to be work.
Moreover, if she left now, she would have to fight for the elevator with everyone else, so he decided to wait a while.
As he was staring at Lu Jiaying working diligently, the office door was knocked on within minutes.
Before Lu Jiaying could say "Come in," a middle-aged man with a smiling face appeared at the doorway.
"I knew you hadn't left yet. At such a young age, you shouldn't be working overtime every day. You're wasting your time. Old Li and I are going for drinks tonight. Director Lu, want to join us?"
It turned out to be Vice President Wang from the production department.
He looked to be over 40. Although his figure hadn't gained much weight and his attire was neat, his face was lined with wrinkles. It felt a bit out of place for him to joke like this with the young and beautiful Lu Jiaying.
Lu Jiaying seemed accustomed to his way of speaking. She glanced up at him, then lowered her eyes and continued.
"You two go ahead. Why should I go? My alcohol tolerance isn't good. Besides, I haven't finished my work."
"When will the work ever be finished? If it's never finished, we'll be in trouble, all of us unemployed. Don't work so hard every day. Leave some for tomorrow. Come on, I've come specifically to invite you. Give me some face."
"No. I had an argument with Xu Lei this afternoon, which delayed me. I still haven't finished the documents a client requested."
Seeing that Lu Jiaying refused after he had asked several times, Vice President Wang began to resort to emotional manipulation.
"Director Lu is refusing to give me face, thinking I'm not important enough, aren't you? Should I have Old Li come ask you? You've always had a good relationship with the technical department. If you don't give me face, you should give him some, right?"
Lu Jiaying stopped what she was doing and looked at him, smiling.
"Vice President Wang, what are you saying? I can't bear such words. What about giving face? After so many years as colleagues, don't you know my temper? Sometimes I'm too blunt and just say what I think. Don't take it to heart."
"Whether to take it to heart or not, we'll talk about it slowly. Don't worry about treating us. Let's go."
He insisted on taking her. Thinking about the unpleasantness in the workshop that day, it might be good to clear the air. Lu Jiaying finally pushed away her computer and stood up.
As she stood up, she realized Jiang Jingyu also hadn't left.
"If you don't need to work overtime, why are you still here?"
Jiang Jingyu felt that Vice President Wang had a somewhat ill-intentioned look, and he was vaguely worried.
"We'll have to drink if we eat together. I don't have anything to do back home anyway. I'll be your designated driver."
Normally, Lu Jiaying would have thought it unnecessary.
But today...
"Then let your family know, and let's go."
On the way, she texted Zhan Beijue saying she was working overtime with Lu Jiaying, and Zhan Beijue agreed.
Hu Jiasheng had called him to tell him about the work-from-home arrangement and praised Jingyu for his good performance working with Lu Jiaying. Zhan Beijue felt very reassured about him.
Upon arriving at the location, Vice President Li from the technical department was already waiting.
He pulled out a seat for Lu Jiaying. Lu Jiaying sat between the two men, while Jiang Jingyu sat alone opposite them.
As if Jiang Jingyu didn't exist, the two only spoke to Lu Jiaying.
From work to life, they talked endlessly about everything, taking turns to toast her with drinks.
Although their interactions seemed like relaxed, friendly banter, it felt awkward for two men in their 40s to treat a girl in her 20s this way.
About an hour into the dinner, Jiang Jingyu had already finished eating. Seeing that they were still finding excuses to pour Lu Jiaying more wine, he couldn't stand it and quietly called Lu Jiaying.
Lu Jiaying had also wanted to leave. Seeing his call, she pretended to have something urgent and went to the window to take it. Upon returning, she excused herself from the two.
Her best friend had argued with her boyfriend and was crying at her doorstep, so she had to go back immediately.
"Oh, Director Lu, you're even acting as an emotional mentor for others. Aren't you just talking theory, being perpetually single?"
"Speaking of which, our Director Lu is so beautiful and capable, ordinary men really don't deserve you. If we were to find you a boyfriend, we'd be worried sick about you."
"Exactly. There aren't many good men nowadays, unlike people from our generation. Low-quality relationships are worse than high-quality singlehood. Director Lu, it's better to wait for the right person than settle."