Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 195: The First Task

Chapter 195: Chapter 195: The First Task

The completed list of eight was pushed in front of Cheng Qiaobei. There were a few unfamiliar names, and Cheng Qiaobei pointed to three, asking,

"I remember the others, but I’ve never met Chi Jiayu, Ye Shu, and Meng Zihao."

Wei Lai said, "Chi Jiayu is the housekeeper director at An Yuan Chain Hotel. I saw her when I stayed there. She is meticulous and upright. During my stay, a big celebrity was also in the hotel, but Chi Jiayu didn’t use the opportunity to ask for an autograph or take photos. Guests had a good impression of her too. Later, that celebrity even publicly praised An Yuan Hotel’s service on social media."

Cheng Qiaobei nodded in understanding.

Wei Lai said, "Ye Shu is the food and beverage manager at Zhao Mountain Store. During a company exchange visit, I went there. Zhao Mountain Store’s food ranks in the top three among all Jade Jiali hotels I’ve tried. We talked privately too, and she has a good character."

If someone is acknowledged by Wei Lai for their character, they can’t be wrong.

"Meng Zihao is a bit..." Wei Lai changed his words, "He was transferred from the sales department to the kitchen, responsible for managing daily procurement inspections."

The sales department was sent to the kitchen?

Interesting.

Cheng Qiaobei asked, "Why?"

Wei Lai hesitated, "There was a minor conflict with leadership."

Although Cheng Qiaobei had also experienced malicious suppression, he needed to understand the reasons. If it were his problem, he couldn’t be heavily relied upon, even if Wei Lai recommended him.

Wei Lai said, "Meng Zihao graduated in hotel management. He was hired in the sales department at the Suiyang Store, responsible for collecting customer opinions and suggestions. The Suiyang Store manager repeatedly ignored his feedback and deliberately made somewhat disrespectful remarks in front of other employees. I’d never tolerate such words, but Meng Zihao did. I heard his family situation is special, raised by his grandmother who supported his university studies by collecting recyclables. He applied to Jade Jiali for the high salary to support his family. The young man has a very good character and personality, just unlucky to meet the wrong people and suffer grievances. Later, the Suiyang store manager sent him to the kitchen."

Cheng Qiaobei lowered his eyes, drawing a line under Meng Zihao’s name with a pen. He asked Wei Lai, "The manager of Suiyang branch is Jing Xiaofeng, right?"

Wei Lai nodded, "That’s him."

Cheng Qiaobei maintained a calm face, his eyes filled with complex emotions, "If I remember correctly, Jing Xiaofeng was headhunted by Mr. Cheng."

Wei Lai said, "The Suiyang branch’s performance ranks in the top ten of all chain hotels. He’s capable, but too arrogant and can’t take criticism."

Cheng Qiaobei pointed his pen at Zhou Chong’s name. Zhou Chong was in charge of human resources at the headquarters. "Ask Zhou Chong to come to my office."

Wei Lai said, "Understood, I’ll notify him right away."

Cheng Qiaobei’s promotion to senior partner had spread, and Zhou Chong came to Cheng Qiaobei’s office upon notification. He had worked in human resources since he took the job, naturally understanding the new executive invited him to either recruit him or assign him.

Zhou Chong approached the desk, "Hello, Chairman Cheng."

HRs are indeed different; they know when to change titles upon meeting.

Cheng Qiaobei gestured with his hand, "Please sit, Director Zhou."

Zhou Chong sat down, exuding a steady aura, "Congratulations, Chairman Cheng."

"Hehe, thank you." Cheng Qiaobei smiled slightly, "I invited you today to ask if Director Zhou has any other thoughts on current career development? For example, changing environments, taking on new challenges. The work would still revolve around human resources, but you’d have more authority than before, and naturally, the pay would increase. However, the workload would also be more demanding than before."

Cheng Qiaobei glanced at his watch, "I’ll give you five minutes to consider."

"..." Zhou Chong was slightly stunned, withdrawing his eyes and falling into contemplation.

He was weighing whether to stay in his current position, working steadily step-by-step, or accept the so-called new challenge offered by Cheng Qiaobei.

At nearly forty years old, he no longer had a competitive advantage in the workplace. If unemployed, it would be challenging to find a similarly high-paying position.

He had long heard of power struggles at the top, knowing some irreconcilable conflicts indeed existed. If he joined Cheng Qiaobei’s team, it would be like declaring war on the other side. Naturally, he would also become a target for another faction.

This team had to achieve outstanding performance, and if problems arose, unlike Cheng Qiaobei, who could retreat with familial ties, Zhou Chong might not have the same luxury.

After years in the workplace, witnessing ups and downs, people coming and going, even the group’s CEO could be replaced, let alone a director.

Cheng Qiaobei was also testing Zhou Chong. An immediate acceptance indicated he acted rashly and inconsiderately, but being too cautious didn’t align with his recruitment standards. He needed someone decisive.

Two minutes passed, and Zhou Chong said, "I am willing to accept the challenge."

Seeing the determination in his eyes, Cheng Qiaobei nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and offered his hand, "I’m glad you can join the team, and I look forward to your future performance."

Zhou Chong shook his hand and took the paper Cheng Qiaobei handed over. It listed Meng Zihao, his hotel, contact number, and salary range.

Cheng Qiaobei said, "This is your first task, recruit him to Danjiang, and be ready for a meeting at 9 a.m. the day after tomorrow in Conference Room 2. His life is challenging, with a grandmother to care for. If he makes demands, you have the authority to decide on my behalf."

Zhou Chong understood his intent, "What if his demands are excessively high?"

Cheng Qiaobei said, "You are HR. You decide if this person is worth a significant investment."

With a serious expression, Zhou Chong nodded, "Alright, I’ll pack up and catch the earliest bus to Suiyang."

Cheng Qiaobei said, "Go ahead."

For personnel outside the area, Zhou Chong and Wei Lai needed to be split to handle communications. All Cheng Qiaobei needed to do was wait for the results.

Cheng Qiaobei arrived home around midnight, and the light on the porch was on. He changed into slippers and went to the bedroom, seeing the person on the bed sleeping soundly. He took his sleepwear, quietly closed the bedroom door, and went to shower.

Lying in the bathtub, Cheng Qiaobei gave a contented sigh.

Today was too exhausting, and he was very tired—spending the entire day in meetings or interacting with team members, discussing responsibilities, power, and benefits. Rewards were given for results, applause for efforts, all summarized into one sentence: rewards must be realized.

Perhaps he was too tired; Cheng Qiaobei thought about closing his eyes and ended up falling asleep in the bathtub, later awakened by Chen Ningxi.

"Wake up, why are you sleeping here?" Chen Ningxi gently nudged his arm, "Cheng Qiaobei, wake up, don’t sleep in the bathtub, the water’s cold."

Cheng Qiaobei opened his eyes, half-awake, and saw Chen Ningxi’s face just inches away. Even in dreams, he could see her. Cheng Qiaobei reached out, hooking her neck to pull her over.

He captured her lips, warm and fragrant, parting her teeth to greedily claim her moist little tongue.

Wet with cold water, Chen Ningxi leaned against the edge of the bathtub, retreating with muffled whimpers, "Mm... mm..."