The CEO's Beloved Wife

Chapter 7: Joining Han Hai

Days quietly slipped by, and an overly blissful life always seemed to pass too quickly. As Liu Zhenwei grew increasingly busy, Mu Zihan's company ran into trouble. The head of the company in mainland China faced economic issues, leading to the closure of many domestic offices. Mu Zihan, along with other employees, found herself jobless after receiving a compensation package.

In a coffee shop, Zihan and Dongqing sat facing each other. The elegant music and dim lights made Zihan a bit drowsy. Zhao Dongqing teased her, "What’s wrong, Zihan? Losing your job shouldn't bring you down like this. Doesn’t Liu Zhenwei's family have enough to support you?" Mu Zihan absent-mindedly added spoonfuls of sugar to her coffee, responding, "My job has nothing to do with Liu Zhenwei. Besides, everyone needs to work." Dongqing leaned back on the large sofa, observing Zihan. "Western astrology says Capricorn women see work as life, typical workaholics!" Zihan laughed, "True, I believe one’s value is reflected in their work achievements." Dongqing joined in the laughter. Zihan continued, "Even though I don’t live with Grandma now, her illness needs a lot of money! My parents' money isn't enough for themselves. I need to find a job."

Dongqing nodded, asking, "How’s Grandma's illness now? I haven’t visited her in a while!" Mentioning her grandmother’s illness, Zihan’s heart grew heavy. She replied softly, "Still the same." Seeing her distress, Dongqing quickly offered, "If you need money, just take it from me first!" Grateful, Zihan said, "The compensation money will last for a while. If I still can't find a job and run out of money, I'll come to you."

Every day, Zihan flipped through numerous newspapers, meticulously checking every job advertisement. She didn't miss a single job fair. Half a month passed with no results. Song Shun, seeing her busy but fruitless efforts, suggested, "Let Zhenwei talk to his father and find you a job in a public institution. It's more stable for a girl." Zihan refused. Liu Zhenwei had also suggested this, but her strong-willed nature made her decline.

In the sweltering heat of July in Z City, the incessant chirping of cicadas added to the frustration and irritability of job seekers. After leaving a job fair, Zihan, drenched in sweat, stood under the shade of a tree to cool off. Observing the crowd, she realized how difficult it was to find a job. She had lost count of how many resumes she had submitted. No longer fixated on prestigious companies or high salaries, she only wanted a job to start earning money. As she wiped the sweat from her forehead and fanned herself with a resume, she hoped this time she’d land a job. Suddenly, someone approached her, "Are you Ms. Mu Zihan?" She looked at the man—short, plump, about forty, with a memorable beer belly—and nodded. "I’m Wang Zhiming," he said, pulling a business card from his shirt pocket. Zihan glanced at it: "General Manager, Han Hai Shipping Company, Z City Branch." She smiled, "What can I do for you, Mr. Wang?" Wang Zhiming was momentarily taken aback by her calm and confident demeanor, different from others. Collecting his thoughts, he said, "I reviewed your resume and believe you’re well-suited for our company’s agent operations role. We’d like to hire you. If you agree, you can start at the company." He watched her reaction, expecting excitement. After all, Han Hai Shipping was a top company, offering excellent salary and promotion opportunities. But Zihan remained calm, her response composed, "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Wang." He asked if she had any requests. Zihan smiled, "The company’s terms are clear. The probation period is mutual. If the company isn’t satisfied with me, I’ll leave, and if I have issues, I’ll address them directly." Wang Zhiming awkwardly rubbed his hands, "Can you start tomorrow?" Zihan nodded, extending her hand, "Yes, see you tomorrow." Wang Zhiming shook her hand mechanically, "Goodbye." Watching her leave, he thought she was quite impressive.

In Wang Zhiming's office, he excitedly reported on the phone, "Mr. Chu, we’ve completed recruitment for the branch: two agent operators and six new sales reps."

The voice on the other end was indifferent, "Recruitment completed. Inform HR. Why involve me?"

Wang Zhiming paused, then continued, "I personally recruited this time. One of the hires, Mu Zihan, is exceptionally beautiful and charming..." Chu Lei, sensing Wang Zhiming's excitement, teased, "Did she captivate you?"

"Even you, Mr. Chu, would be impressed!"

"Hahaha," Chu Lei laughed, "I’ve seen many beauties. Lin Jie will handle their training. Introduce her to him. He has high standards."

"Mr. Chu, this girl is exceptional. A bit of polishing, and she’ll be a gem. Introducing her to Lin Jie, you won’t regret it!" Wang Zhiming joked.

Chu Lei’s tone turned serious, "Don’t underestimate me. Your branch’s performance is last again this month. Focus on your targets."

"Mr. Chu..." Wang Zhiming tried to speak, but the call ended. He sighed and hung up.

Chu Lei returned to his documents when a knock sounded. Without looking up, he called, "Come in!" Lin Jie placed a file on the desk, "Mr. Chu, this is the training plan for Z City branch. Please review it." Chu Lei stopped him, "Sit, I’ll read it now." Lin Jie nervously waited, shifting in his seat. Chu Lei quickly signed the document but didn’t return it. Instead, he asked, "Lin Jie, do you have a girlfriend?" Surprised, Lin Jie replied, "No." Chu Lei laughed, "Wang Zhiming mentioned a promising new hire. According to him, she’s a gem."

Lin Jie scoffed, unimpressed, "Wang Zhiming’s taste is basic. I doubt she’s impressive." Chu Lei laughed, "Perhaps she’s special. Get to know her." Lin Jie shook his head, "Mr. Chu, I know Wang Zhiming’s taste. Even comparing to a five-star hotel employee is generous." Pausing, he asked, "Are you matchmaking?" Chu Lei, still smiling, handed him the signed document, "Take Liu Ping with you." Lin Jie agreed and quickly left the office.