Chapter 15: The Homeless Female Supporting Character 15

The finance manager led Zhang Yu to an office adjacent to the finance department. "Director Zhang, you see, this office is a bit... simple."

"There is no private restroom, nor is there a lounge."

Although he knew it might not change Zhang Yu's mind, the finance manager still wanted to make one last effort.

"This is what a Finance Director's office should look like. The previous one was likely the CEO's office."

"I know how you view me. You have your stance, and I have mine."

"Even if I am just a mascot, I can't play the fool."

"I will report the company's data as required."

"By the way, these are the materials I need. Let me know roughly when they can be ready." Zhang Yu had thought about it last night; she knew where she needed to start once she arrived at the company today.

In the eyes of many, the original owner of this body was merely an unsuccessful, minor finance employee, but she had actually gained significant experience working in two newly established companies.

She knew exactly how to approach a company's finances and how to identify problems through data.

When her former leader was in office, Zhang Yu had even participated in company acquisitions, even though many people viewed her as nothing more than a minor player.

Some thought she was only there to pad her resume, but seasoned accountants knew that Zhang Yu wasn't just there for show—she was capable of uncovering numerous financial discrepancies.

The finance manager knew that convincing Zhang Yu to continue working in her previous office would be a difficult task.

To his surprise, she not only declined the suggestion but also proceeded to list exactly what data she required.

Taking the note and glancing at it, the finance manager broke into a cold sweat.

If these materials were handed over, it could be said that Zhang Yu would gain control over the majority of the company's cash flow.

Although the books looked good on the surface—and the finance manager felt somewhat self-satisfied about that—he couldn't help but worry now whether Zhang Yu would see through them.

He suddenly remembered someone mentioning that Zhang Yu had participated in several acquisition projects.

Although that person had added that she was just there to gain experience, the finance manager now felt that Zhang Yu was far from the incompetent person she appeared to be; she clearly possessed real substance.

"When can you get the materials to me?" Zhang Yu pressed.

The finance manager did some mental math. "Is Monday okay?"

"That works," Zhang Yu replied. "Who should I contact if the office needs additional supplies?"

The finance manager breathed a sigh of relief; he had been worried she would demand them by tomorrow, which would have been a massive headache. "You need to purchase things?"

"A few green plants."

"And a printer."

Zhang Yu requested a few pieces of office equipment and then stopped making demands. For small items, she could buy them herself; there was no need to go through the company's procurement process.

With the workspace settled, she moved on to personal matters. "Regarding my accommodation, is it arranged by the company, or should I find a place myself?"

"There happens to be a vacant apartment near the company. It's a two-bedroom unit that was recently renovated and has been aired out for a few months." Originally, this apartment had been intended for an executive.

Now that Zhang Yu had arrived, it would naturally be prioritized for her.

Upon hearing it was a renovated apartment, Zhang Yu immediately followed the finance manager to view it.

It had to be said that the apartment was truly "move-in ready," and even the cleaning had been completed.

Most importantly, it was very close to the company—only about a ten-minute walk—and the surrounding amenities were well-established.

There was a large general hospital, a farmers' market, a large supermarket, and a prosperous commercial street; all were within a ten-minute walk.

Even if it wasn't in the city center, the location was highly satisfactory to her. As for the two-bedroom layout, she decided the current arrangement was quite good.

One bedroom and one study. However, this meant she wouldn't be able to buy a house and rent it to herself, since the company was already providing her with a place to live and wouldn't pay her rent.

*Forget it,* she thought. *I'll just buy a house later and rent it out. Regardless, I need to own property; owning a home is the greatest security.*

Seeing that Zhang Yu had no objections to the apartment, the finance manager breathed a sigh of relief. "Then this one?"

"By the way, you don't need to pay for utilities or property management fees; the company will cover them."

*Wow, even the utility bills are covered?* This delighted Zhang Yu, as utility costs could be quite high.

"Fine." Zhang Yu decided to move in today to avoid the hassle of staying in a hotel.

In the evening, Zhang Yu treated the driver to dinner. She had realized that the driver's purpose here was to drive her.

After eating her fill and returning home, Zhang Yu looked at the empty apartment. "I'll have to think about how to decorate this later."

Although the furniture and appliances were all provided, it felt like a model home; she would still need to add some personal touches.

However, she had to admit the company had thought of everything; even pots, pans, and utensils were provided.

After doing some light stretching in the new apartment, Zhang Yu took a shower and prepared for sleep.

***

For Zhang Yu, there was no sense of discomfort, but for Zhang Dagui and his wife, everything felt wrong and unpleasant.

Zhang Yu had prepared breakfast, but Pan Juan was in charge of lunch. Even though she had cooked dinner, she mostly acted as an assistant to Zhang Yu.

Now that there was no one to help, Pan Juan was scrambling to finish lunch, but after Zhang Dagui took a bite, he found it utterly unpalatable.

"Good heavens, is this lunch?"

"It looks like pig swill. How do you cook?"

Fuming, Zhang Dagui declared he wouldn't eat. "I'm going out to eat."

"But didn't you say the food outside isn't good?" Pan Juan had wanted to defend herself after tasting the food, but the thought vanished.

The food she made was simply too salty. Looking at the dishes on the table, the old woman had no appetite at all.

After a moment's thought, Pan Juan followed Zhang Dagui out to eat. The elderly couple ordered one meat dish, one soup, and one vegetable, which ended up costing seventy or eighty yuan.

As Zhang Dagui paid the bill, his heart bled. "It's truly too expensive."

"In the past, our daily food for three people didn't cost this much." Despite Zhang Dagui's decent pension, he was still a frugal man.

Pan Juan also felt the sting of the cost. "Yes, it's so expensive."

"I don't think this food tastes as good as Er-ya's cooking."

"With that level of skill, I can't believe it's so pricey."

The last thing Zhang Dagui wanted to hear right now was Zhang Yu's name. "Why bring her up?"

"That girl has gone to work in another city anyway."

"And even when she comes back in the future, don't expect her to cook like she used to."

"I knew that girl wasn't a good person. As soon as she realized there was no house for her, her attitude changed instantly."

(End of Chapter)