In the interview room of the Human Resources Department at Glory Group, Han Qian sat poised on a chair, facing three interviewers—two men and one woman.
The atmosphere conjured memories of his past interrogations at the police station.
The female interviewer, seated in the center, spoke first.
"Let us begin with a brief self-introduction. I am Ms. Song, the HR manager. I will be asking you questions to understand your background, while these two will evaluate your responses and experience. Ultimately, whether a partnership between you and the company is feasible depends on mutual agreement. At Glory Group, all employees engage with the company on a cooperative basis; there is no concept of employment in the traditional sense. Moreover, compared to other corporations, Glory Group operates with a more humane approach. Allow me to first acquaint you with our company policies, so you may decide whether to proceed with the interview."
Ms. Song's demeanor was gentle, devoid of any condescension, which put Han Qian at ease. Upon reviewing the company policies, he breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that the terms were fair. Glory Group offered excellent employee benefits: two days off per week, a nine-to-five schedule, additional compensation and bonuses for overtime, winter accommodations provided in the company's own hotels, and no forced return to work during holidays unless a critical issue arose within one's responsibilities, in which case the employee was obliged to address it without objection.
The salary structure comprised a base wage, commissions, and bonuses.
Office romances were tolerated, provided they did not interfere with work or disrupt the office atmosphere.
There was no monetary penalty system; arriving an hour late simply meant working two hours longer.
The company had but one form of punishment: dismissal.
Han Qian expressed his acceptance of these terms, eliciting a knowing smile from Ms. Song.
"Compared to Changxiang Group, Glory treats its employees with greater humanity. Working here is not akin to signing away your life. Now, I will ask you some questions. Just as you must be satisfied with us, we must be satisfied with you. Please begin with your self-introduction."
Han Qian returned her smile softly.
"My name is Han Qian, Han ethnicity, twenty-five years old, divorced. I have three years of experience in the planning department at Changxiang Group, having overseen several minor projects and contributed to the planning of the 'Rongzhuang World' initiative. I hold a high school diploma; I had to leave school due to a family emergency."
"May I ask, what was the reason for your divorce?"
"There was a significant disparity in economic backgrounds between my ex-wife and me. I did not wish to hold her back; I wanted her to have a better future."
"Very well. You mentioned participating in the planning of Rongzhuang World. What was your primary responsibility?"
"I focused on selecting clientele and establishing monopolies."
"If you were tasked with devising a strategy against Rongzhuang World now, where would you begin?"
"I believe it is unnecessary to target Rongzhuang World directly. It caters to a lower-end market, predominantly middle-aged and elderly customers. It serves merely as a last-ditch effort to revive Changxiang Department Store through transformation. Glory Department Store, in contrast, focuses on jewelry, luxury brand counters, and entertainment arcades to attract revenue. I see no benefit in mimicking Rongzhuang World, as the results would likely be unappealing."
"One final question: why do you wish to leave Changxiang Group?"
"Is living far from home a valid reason? After my divorce, I left with nothing."
"Understood. We will provide you with a response by tomorrow evening at the latest. We look forward to the possibility of working together, Mr. Han."
Was that all?
Han Qian was somewhat bewildered. Just a few questions and it was over? No inquiry into his skills or competencies? Rising from his seat, he felt a trace of uncertainty where confidence had once flourished. He had anticipated a lengthy interrogation and had prepared numerous answers—now rendered moot.
Exiting the room in a daze, Han Qian hesitated at the door, then abruptly turned back to ask one last question.
"Is the Raptor parked downstairs the company's vehicle?"
The question elicited an awkward silence among the interviewers. Ms. Song stood, shifting uncomfortably.
"Mr. Han, are you unharmed? That vehicle is indeed company property, but…"
"Oh, I understand. When I meet the owner of that car, I will give her a couple of slaps. Don't blame me for being rude—she nearly ran me over wearing eight-centimeter heels."
Han Qian departed, leaving the three interviewers exchanging glances, uncertain whether to record his remark.
It was not the first time their esteemed Madam had driven in high heels, and everyone in the company knew never to cross the plaza around nine in the morning without vigilance—always stay on the pedestrian path.
Ms. Song sighed.
"I think he's promising. We can keep him on probation for a month. The contract stipulates a one-month trial period with the option for dismissal without cause. As for the near accident… let's just consider it Madam's peculiar way of welcoming new colleagues. After all, we've all been through it."
This had become a tradition at Glory Group.
Waiting for the elevator, Han Qian's mind brimmed with unease. Was this some sort of karmic retribution for his divorce? His troubles began with Li Jinhe's scolding, then Warm's return, nearly being struck by a car that morning, and now an underwhelming interview.
Ding!
The elevator doors slid open. Han Qian took a step forward but was abruptly struck in the chest by something soft. Before he could discern what it was, a fierce punch landed in his abdomen, followed by a sharp tirade.
"Are you blind? Trying to take advantage of me? Do you want to die?"
Before the words had faded, his hair was grabbed and pulled. Enraged, Han Qian seized the woman's hair in return. She screamed, her stiletto heel slammed down on his shoe, and Han Qian howled in pain.
By now, he clearly recognized the figure before him: clad in a tight black skirt and towering eight-centimeter heels, her hair disheveled, her face obscured. Recognition was unnecessary—she was the woman who had nearly run him down.
"Ah! Tell me which department you're from! I'm firing you on the spot! Let go of me!"
Her grip tightened. Not one for civility, Han Qian grit his teeth and retorted fiercely.
"I'm not your employee! You almost ran me over downstairs! I was wondering where to find you!"
The commotion attracted onlookers. The three interviewers hurried over, stunned to hear those familiar voices. Ms. Song froze, bewildered by the spectacle unfolding before her.
She rushed forward, gently tapping Han Qian's shoulder.
"Han Qian, please let go! Madam Yan, you too! The employees are watching. Han Qian, release her first—Madam Yan is a lady."
Madam Yan?
Han Qian frowned and opened his hand, only to have the woman snap at his neck with her teeth. Ms. Song hastened to intervene, coaxing Madam Yan to release him.
The two glared fiercely at each other. Madam Yan bent to fling a shoe at Han Qian, but Ms. Song held her back, signaling Han Qian to depart. She promised to call later and apologize on Madam Yan's behalf.
Han Qian sneered, stepping into the elevator and loosening his tie.
"Cursed luck!"
With Han Qian gone, quiet returned. Madam Yan tidied her hair, speaking softly.
"Ms. Song, do you know this man?"
Ms. Song smoothed her skirt and replied quietly.
"Madam Yan, he is the interviewee from earlier, the one you nearly ran over downstairs…"
"Oh, I know. Handsome men always upset me—I can look, but not have them. Why keep him alive if not to run him over? Interviewee, huh? Tell him to start work tomorrow. Hmph! Grabbing my hair and taking liberties? I'll have my way with him yet. What's his name?"
"Han Qian."
"Han Qian? Sounds familiar. D*mn it, I can't place him. Ms. Song, inform the project and planning managers to send me the results on that plot of land today. Such a nuisance! More bothersome than seeing a handsome man."
Madam Yan strode away, flicking up her skirt to adjust her safety shorts. The others dared not voice their indignation.
The company was excellent in every regard—except for its formidable General Manager, who sent chills down one's spine