The Stepmother's Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era-Chapter 828 - 827: Winning People’s Hearts

"Has the meeting been notified to everyone?"

Hearing Shen Mingzhu’s inquiry, Wen Xiaoqin replied with a smile, "I asked Xiao Jing to do so. Xiao Jing is meticulous and reliable in handling matters."

Shen Mingzhu nodded, "To receive such high praise from you, she must be a rare talent."

"Yes, Xiao Jing joined the food factory after graduating last year from Fengcheng University, majoring in Administrative Management."

Shen Mingzhu was slightly surprised, "She’s an alumna of Xiaoxia."

"Yes, unlike some arrogant students from prestigious universities, Xiao Jing is humble and willing to work. This is truly admirable."

After some casual chat about the subordinate’s character, Wen Xiaoqin changed the subject to business matters, "I was thrilled to hear that HR and logistics will be under your management, Deputy Director Shen. That’s why I came over right away."

Shen Mingzhu smiled back, "There will be plenty of time to report work in the future, but your proactive attitude is still commendable."

A hint of shame appeared on Wen Xiaoqin’s face, "Well, I’ll have to disappoint you. I didn’t rush to see you to report on my work. I was simply excited that I could work under your direct leadership—I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot." ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

Shen Mingzhu had no doubts about what the others were indicating. This was a declaration of loyalty.

Somewhat mercenary, but not enough to turn people off.

In fact, people like Wen Xiaoqin, who were open about their ambitions and desires, were often easier to manage.

Soon, it was time for the meeting, and the two headed for the conference room together.

Nearly all employees from HR, administrative and logistics departments had gathered in the small conference room.

Seeing Shen Mingzhu and Wen Xiaoqin walking in side by side, talking and laughing, the faces in the meeting room showed different expressions.

"Manager Wen, this is my letter of resignation. Please approve it!"

Whether out of impetuousness or a desire to save face, the female employee who had previously been criticized by Wen Xiaoqin now boldly submitted her resignation letter in front of everyone from HR and Shen Mingzhu.

"You are just an ordinary employee. Your resignation should be first submitted to the manager in charge of you, not leapfrogged to me."

Wen Xiaoqin was stating facts, but her casual tone was an invisible mockery and slap in the face:

You’re not qualified to challenge me.

The female employee was ashamed and furious, her face flushing red. Just as she was about to reclaim her resignation letter and hand it to her immediate supervisor, Wen Xiaoqin reached out and took it from her.

"I’ll make an exception for you today. I approve your resignation. You can leave right now."

Normally, the resignation process required a fifteen-day handover. Wen Xiaoqin’s letting the female employee go immediately was almost equivalent to a dismissal.

The female employee had hoisted herself with her petard and could only leave in disarray.

"I’ve poorly managed my department and made you a laughing stock, Deputy Director Shen."

Hearing Wen Xiaoqin’s self-deprecation, Shen Mingzhu neither agreed nor disagreed, "No matter, as long as everyone is here, let’s start the meeting."

"Alright."

For her first meeting back at work, Shen Mingzhu did not intend to talk about too many trivial and complicated matters, nor did she aim to establish her authority or set new rules.

She just made a simple self-introduction, then let the managers of each department report on their work and personnel. Lastly, she announced that there would be a department dinner in the evening.

"Before we finish work this afternoon, Assistant Xia will inform everyone of the dinner location. If anyone has special circumstances and cannot attend, you should explain to your direct manager. However, I hope that everyone will be able to join. I want to take this opportunity to reduce negative emotions and conflicts accumulated through work and to enhance friendships among colleagues. After dinner, if everyone is interested, we can go to a KTV for some leisure. I will personally cover all expenses for tonight."

All over the factory, people had mixed opinions about Shen Mingzhu’s plan to treat the entire department to dinner and karaoke on her first day.

The vast majority were envious. After all, who wouldn’t want a generous leader?

For the HR department employees, the worries that had arisen from the change in leadership were somewhat soothed.

"Deputy Director Shen really does behave like a female entrepreneur, her way of winning over people’s hearts is quite adept."

Seizing the opportunity of delivering documents, Mai Qiu couldn’t wait to report Shen Mingzhu’s actions to Du Juan:

"Director Du, you don’t know—now the whole factory is envious of HR. They say they also want to come under Deputy Director Shen’s wing to enjoy the feast."

Du Juan, having just signed off on the documents, looked up and jokingly responded to her assistant, "Xiao Mai, why do I feel like you have quite a problem with Deputy Director Shen?"

Mai Qiu pouted, "Director Du, I’m your person, so naturally, I have to consider things from your perspective. I just think what Deputy Director Shen is doing is threatening to you."

Du Juan was silent for a moment before saying, "Let’s not discuss such divisive things again."

"Director Du, don’t worry. I know my limits. These are only thoughts I share with you. I won’t mention a word of it on the outside."

"Go back to work."

...

A week after the meal, Shen Mingzhu was quiet, dutifully going through her work routines like a veteran cadre, punctually starting and finishing her work each day.

The buzz and heated discussions that had flared up due to her return died down gradually.

...

April arrived in the blink of an eye.

"Last month, sales performance at all our stores dropped sharply. A lot of senior staff have submitted their resignation letters, which HR is currently keeping on hold without approval. But we can only delay it for so long, not forever."

Looking at the dismal sales data, Mai Qiu could not hold back her grievances and complaints, "Deputy Director Shen has been back for nearly half a month now, and I thought she’d make some significant moves to improve the factory’s situation."

"I really don’t know what she’s thinking. After all, the factory is her creation; she didn’t hesitate to share profits when the efficiency was good. Now that things are going poorly, shouldn’t she do something?"

Just as Du Juan was about to speak, someone knocked on the door of the outer office.

Both looked towards the source and saw the visitor was Xia Wushuang; they didn’t panic.

Since the inner and outer offices were separated by a glass wall and the door was closed, they were not worried about the conversation being overheard.

"Director Du, I’ve got a purchase order for you to sign."

"Why did you bring it over?"

Du Juan asked casually as she took the purchase documents from him.

Shen Mingzhu was now the head of HR. The purchase order from HR should have been signed by Shen Mingzhu first, then passed to the finance department, and finally, it would come to her for final review and payment approval.

"Deputy Director Shen ordered some microcomputers, which were initially set to arrive mid-month. However, the supplier said they could deliver the goods earlier but needed half the payment upfront. So, Deputy Director Shen sent me to cut in line."

After hearing Xia Wushuang’s explanation, Du Juan lowered her head to look at the purchase order in her hand, her expression turning slightly solemn when she saw the price.