30: Onboarding

Yan Zhuohua had no intention of playing the trope of hiding his identity and starting from the bottom. His surname was Yan, which clearly matched the family behind the company, so there was nothing to hide. Moreover, this identity would allow him to grasp the relevant situation better and faster.

At 8:40 AM, Yan Qinghe's car parked in the underground garage of Xingfeng Group. Yan Zhuohua took the CEO's private elevator upstairs with him. He didn't go directly to the Business Department to report, because the appointment of a Deputy Director was quite critical. Even if he was "going through the back door," he had to show his face at the routine high-level meeting on Monday so everyone could get to know each other, clarify job responsibilities, and ensure no one would be completely unaware of his existence during departmental interactions.

Yan Zhuohua followed Yan Qinghe to the CEO's office on the 23rd floor. Everything here remained the same, but in three weeks, Yan Qinghe would move to the Chairmans Office upstairs, which was already being redecorated.

Many high-level executives and employees in the CEO's office had attended their wedding last time, so they all recognized this boss's wife. Last week, they had also heard from Special Assistant Ji Yang that the boss's wife was joining the company, and they even gossiped about this vivid case of the real and fake young masters.

At 9:30 AM, the regular meeting was held in the large conference room on the 21st floor.

Yan Zhuohua followed Yan Qinghe downstairs to attend the meeting. His work badge, other certificates, and belongings had been processed collectively last week and brought home by Yan Qinghe.

Upon entering the conference room, everyone had already arrived; after all, few dared to arrive after the CEO.

Yan Qinghe took the head seat, and Yan Zhuohua's seat was right after Yan Muxuan's.

"Let me introduce everyone: Yan Zhuohua, my partner, will be serving as the Deputy Director of the company's Business Department starting today," Yan Qinghe began the introduction. "Many of you here should know something about him. Of course, if you don't, you can ask around yourselves after the meeting."

Yan Muxuan actively responded to Yan Qinghe's words: "I know, I know. For those who don't, I can let them know in a bit."

Yan Zhuohua almost couldn't help but laugh.

Yan Qinghe glanced at Yan Zhuohua before continuing, "Then everyone should have a good understanding of Zhuohua's capabilities. I hope you can all unite and cooperate well in the future and work hard."

"We must cooperate. Don't worry, CEO Yan. I will help Zhuohua get started with the department's affairs as soon as possible, striving to have him successfully 'ascend the throne' on the same day as you."

Yan Zhuohua couldn't hold it in and finally laughed.

Yan Qinghe looked at him helplessly and then signaled Yan Muxuan to restrain himself and speak properly, not to keep wearing the joy of his upcoming retirement on his face, which might make others jealous.

The meeting proceeded smoothly, mainly discussing the company's progress from last week and planning the main work content for this week.

One of the more important matters was that the Zhao family had recently participated in a project with Xingfeng Group.

This project concerned the development and sales of a smart home line. Earlier this month, the Zhao Corporation won the bid to produce some components for these smart homes. At that time, their main development team came, but a final person in charge had not been decided. The project wasn't large and had a short timeframe, likely ending before the New Year. Generally, as a large enterprise, the Zhao Corporation wouldn't compete for such a project. Their participation this time was most likely a result of their internal struggles.

It was just unclear whether the project would eventually fall into the hands of Zhao Zixing or Zhao Zichuo. However, the impact wasn't significant. Regardless of who it was, the Zhao Corporation, as a long-established large enterprise, could easily complete this small project. Their participation, to put it bluntly, was to strengthen ties with the Yan Corporation under its new leader.

As for which one would be the one to strengthen those ties, it was hard to say.

The project wasn't large, but it involved massive underlying forces and internal family struggles, which made choosing a person in charge at Xingfeng Group particularly difficult. Sending an ordinary person wouldn't be enough to handle the internal strife of a large family or suppress the other party; sending someone important who could suppress them would be a waste of talent. Therefore, this project had been dragging on until now without a designated person.

Fortunately, the Zhao family was also busy with their infighting and hadn't gotten around to pushing it forward yet, giving Xingfeng time to deliberate. However, the project's timeline and progress could no longer be delayed; a small project couldn't be dragged out indefinitely.

Fortunately, when everyone learned last week that Yan Zhuohua was joining the company, they had a perfect idea. It was just that they weren't sure then if Yan Qinghe was bringing him in to keep him under his watch, to give him a title while sidelining him, or if he truly wanted Yan Zhuohua to hold power, so no one brought it up. Now, Yan Qinghe's attitude was very clear: Yan Zhuohua would eventually take over the important Business Department. Thus, there was no problem; the issue was solved.

"CEO, why don't we hand the Zhao Corporation project over to Deputy Director Yan?" Lu Xu, the Director of the Technical Department, suggested directly. They were anxious to interface technical data, so they were in quite a hurry. "Deputy Director Yan has just returned to the company and needs a project that is substantial but not overly critical to practice with and familiarize himself with the company. Moreover, his status can suppress the Zhao side, and he has sufficient personal ability to lead this project. This is very beneficial for our company, Deputy Director Yan, and the Zhao Corporation."

Yan Muxuan had no objections. What he said made a lot of sense; this project was very suitable for Yan Zhuohua to practice with, and it was perfect in all aspects.

Yan Qinghe looked at Yan Zhuohua inquiringly. He respected Yan Zhuohua's opinion.

Yan Zhuohua agreed with Lu Xu's proposal. It was indeed a good opportunity for him to gain experience, so he nodded to Yan Qinghe.

The matter was settled pleasantly. Having resolved a hot potato, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.

After the meeting ended, Yan Zhuohua followed Yan Muxuan to the Business Department on the 2nd floor.

As the department responsible for the operation and coordination of various projects, the Business Department could be said to be of paramount importance. As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, Yan Zhuohua saw the busy crowd inside.

Yan Muxuan clapped his hands to get everyone to quiet down.

"This is Yan Zhuohua. He will temporarily hold the position of Deputy Director in our department. When I retire at the end of the year, he will take over. Everyone, get acquainted; this is your future direct top leader." Yan Muxuan's working style had always been like this—approachable and fond of joking, but with sufficient strength. At Xingfeng Group, ability was much more important than a surname; otherwise, it wouldn't be called Xingfeng Group but would be called the Yan Corporation instead.

"Hello, everyone. I am Yan Zhuohua. I look forward to working with you all," Yan Zhuohua introduced himself simply.

Although the people in the Business Department wondered why there was such a "parachuted" official, they couldn't help but give face since the Director had spoken. Everyone clapped to welcome Yan Zhuohua's arrival, though it was hard to say what they actually thought.

Once everyone quieted down, Yan Muxuan added, "Managers of each sub-department, group leaders, and those in charge of major projects, please come to Conference Room No. 1. We're having a meeting."

The Business Department frequently held discussion meetings, so this entire floor was their territory, with eight conference rooms and six reception rooms. Conference Room No. 1 was the one with the highest standards and the largest area.

Everyone moved quickly, and in less than five minutes, everyone had arrived.

Yan Muxuan got straight to the point. "You are all the backbone of the Business Department. Today's meeting is for Zhuohua and everyone to have a preliminary understanding and introduction. It's already been decided that he will succeed me; that won't change. I will personally mentor him. So, if anyone has any other ideas, put them aside."

Seeing the varying expressions of the people below, Yan Muxuan continued, "I know some of you are unconvinced as to why he can be parachuted in. I can tell you clearly that his strength is the best reason. As for why I say that, some senior employees here know. You can go gossip with them later, and it will all become clear."

Yan Muxuan pointed to several managers, signaling them to explain the matter later.

"The second matter: the project with the Zhao Corporation was just settled at the high-level meeting. It will be handed over to Deputy Director Yan. Xu Cimin, you draw one person from each sub-department later—five people in total—to cooperate with Zhuohua in advancing this project."

Xu Cimin nodded, "Understood, Director Yan."

"Alright, those are the main points. If there are any minor issues, come see me privately later. Zhuohua, do you have time tomorrow evening?" Yan Muxuan turned to ask Yan Zhuohua.

"Yes."

"Good. Then notify everyone in our Business Department that there will be a dinner gathering after work tomorrow evening. Consider it a welcome for Zhuohua joining us. Anyone who is free can come; it's voluntary. It will last about three hours, and those who attend will be paid overtime. Chen Ge, you decide on the location, post it in the group, and then tally the approximate number of people to arrange seating, transportation, and such. Use this month's gathering budget, and remember to file the expenses with the Finance Department." Yan Muxuan finished giving the instructions briskly.

Chen Ge, Yan Muxuan's assistant, noted down Yan Muxuan's arrangements in his notebook and then nodded to indicate he understood.

"Alright, that's all. Those who need to ask around, do it quickly. Those who need to work, hurry up. Don't drag things out so much that you're working overtime all day and have no life of your own. Zhuohua, come with me. Everyone else, meeting adjourned."

Yan Zhuohua followed Yan Muxuan into the Director's office.

"Having them go learn about your past just now wasn't meant in any other way; it's just that they must know and recognize your strength. The Business Department is full of talent, and someone will inevitably be dissatisfied if you come in directly. Although there would be no problem given your strength and these things would be resolved eventually, we should still try to avoid unnecessary trouble. I'm in a hurry to retire, so you have to step up quickly. We'll save time for the real work by letting them directly understand your strength and background, which will allow them to cooperate with you to quickly master the Business Department. As for being completely convinced, you can take your time with that once you've taken control of the whole department."

"Don't worry, I understand."

Yan Muxuan spoke very clearly, and Yan Zhuohua could fully understand—except for his attitude of being so eager to retire.

He was envious.

"Good. Also, regarding the Zhao Corporation project. Actually, I originally wanted you to directly take over a more important project so that your ability would be recognized faster and the progress of taking over the Business Department would be much quicker." Yan Muxuan took a sip of water. "But this is also fine; the Zhao Corporation project is indeed more suitable for you to handle. However, I also know your level; such a small project is too easy for you. I was thinking again just now—why don't you do two projects at once? That way, you can have your cake and eat it too."

Yan Zhuohua was somewhat shocked. Wait, I'm doing two projects as soon as I start work? You're a bit too confident in me, aren't you?

Seeing Yan Zhuohua's somewhat reluctant expression, Yan Muxuan quickly spoke up, "Don't decline. You've handled harder and heavier work back when you were studying; it's impossible for you to have regressed now."

Yan Zhuohua wanted to argue but didn't know where to start.

"Don't think too much about it. If you really don't want to do it, then trick your husband into helping you. He's a CEO who gets off work on time every day; it makes me feel uncomfortable just looking at him."

"...Don't you dislike it when everyone works overtime?" Yan Zhuohua automatically ignored the word "husband."

"I don't like it, but I only dislike it when employees work overtime. As for the boss, I wish he lived at the company." Yan Muxuan's tone was vicious, sounding as if he would lock Yan Qinghe in the office the next second and make him work overtime every day.

Yan Zhuohua was shocked once again.

Luckily, I'm not the CEO right now. Yan Zhuohua looked at this Uncle and trembled.

"Alright, that's all for now. The person in charge of the big project will likely be decided next week; I'll submit your name then. The people Xu Cimin picked should have arrived by now... Chen Ge!" Yan Muxuan called for his assistant.

"Director." Chen Ge appeared as if he had teleported.

"Take the Deputy Director to his office. Also, have the people Xu Cimin selected, the materials for the Zhao Corporation project, and our department's important documents all sent to his office."

"Yes, Director," Chen Ge replied quickly. "Deputy Director, please follow me!"

Yan Zhuohua followed Chen Ge to his office. It wasn't far, just diagonally opposite the Director's office. The office was quite large and had already been furnished. Yan Zhuohua took a quick look around; there were no issues.

Chen Ge soon brought the materials and placed them in categories on the desk. Yan Zhuohua felt regret looking at the stacks of paper.

He shouldn't have agreed to come to work for Yan Qinghe in the first place. Or he should have just been his secretary; at least if he were a secretary, it might be physical labor and wouldn't require as much brainwork.

Unfortunately, there was no room for regret.

Xu Cimin knocked on the office door with the five selected people.

Qin Shi, Shen He'an, Yang Shuhan, Wang Di, and Cao Feiyu were now temporarily Yan Zhuohua's direct subordinates.

Since he hadn't had time to look at the materials for the smart home project yet, he only arranged for the five of them to set up a work group. After getting a basic understanding of them, he let them go back to handle their remaining tasks, saying he would call a meeting to assign work once he had a general understanding of the project's situation.

On his first day of work, he was immersed in thick files. Yan Zhuohua felt like life was no longer worth living.

Noon soon arrived, and Yan Zhuohua's work state was interrupted by his phone ringing. He picked up the phone with one hand and listened to Yan Qinghe's invitation to have lunch together, only then realizing it was already noon.

In half a morning, he had finished reading a third of the department's materials; the progress was okay.

Accepting Yan Qinghe's invitation, he tidied up the materials, locked the door, and took the CEO elevator directly to the 23rd floor. The people behind him quieted down upon seeing his actions.

"What's the relationship between this Deputy Director and the CEO?"

Lunch break had arrived, and the gossip session officially began.

Yan Qinghe usually had his meals brought to the office. This was because if he went down to the cafeteria, everyone else would eat very uncomfortably. Now that Yan Zhuohua was here, they just ate together in the CEO's office. Bringing one meal was the same as bringing two, after all. Moreover, meeting here at noon to share some quiet intimacy was like recharging his batteries.