Chapter 51: Xiaojing is working hard to become stronger!

There was a pause on the other end of the line for a few seconds before Tian Jing's voice came through again: "Song, you've been with our company for about five months now, right?"

"Five months and seven days. I joined Jinxiu Trading on November 17th last year." A faint trace of reminiscence appeared in Tang Song's eyes.

November 17th—the day of Lidong (the Start of Winter). He had eaten dumplings in the Imperial Capital with his "white moonlight."

Afterward, he had set off for Shenzhen. He spent ten days finding a job, renting an apartment, and starting his position, finally establishing a foothold in Yancheng.

Every company that pays salaries on time and contributes fully to the "five insurances and one fund" is worthy of respect.

He had never held any ill will toward Jinxiu Trading; in fact, he was very grateful for the sense of security the company had provided him during that period.

"You... remember it so clearly." Tian Jing sounded a bit surprised, her voice tinged with a hint of timidity. "Over these past five months, I've always had a very good impression of you. You're steady, serious, highly capable, and a very, very excellent young man."

Tang Song froze for a moment. Why did that sound a bit strange? Was she about to confess her feelings?

Don't be ridiculous. As the company goddess and a textbook "rich, beautiful, and successful" woman, how could she possibly have feelings for an insignificant nobody like him?

"Thank you for the recognition, Supervisor Tian."

"No need to be so formal, just call me Xiao Jing. I've looked at your attendance records; you've never been late or left early, and you often work late. I heard from Sister Mingli that your technical skills are superb—you know frontend, backend, and shell. Having worked at a major internet giant in the Imperial Capital before, I truly admire experts like you..."

Tian Jing didn't speak fast, and she occasionally stumbled over her words, but her voice was sweet and charming. Moreover, she spent the entire time praising his strengths, which made it very pleasant to listen to.

Tang Song simply leaned back in his massage chair, a slight smile playing on his lips as he listened quietly.

"The fact that you were able to lose weight so successfully is truly admirable. If there's a chance, you must share your experience with me."

"Then let's add each other on WeChat later. We can exchange ideas when we're free."

"Uh... okay." Seeming to sense that Tang Song was in a good mood, Tian Jing continued, "Also, there's one more work-related matter I need to discuss with you."

"Oh? What is it?" Tang Song sat up a bit straighter, knowing the main topic was coming, and he had a rough idea of what it might be.

Still, this compensation supervisor was quite interesting. Starting off with a barrage of compliments—what kind of tactic was this?

"It's like this. It's mainly regarding your salary. I'm not sure if Director Chen has discussed it with you..."

Tang Song interrupted directly, "He has! A month ago, after my SCM project successfully went live, Director Chen promised me a 10% raise. I've been waiting for the HR notification, and it's finally happening! Thank you, Xiao Jing!"

Tian Jing seemed to freeze on the other end. After a long string of "uh, uh, uhs," she was speechless.

"Xiao Jing, are you okay?"

After several deep breaths, Tian Jing braced herself and said, "It is indeed a salary adjustment, but it's... a 10% reduction. How should I put this... I don't think it has anything to do with you personally, because you are so excellent, but the company is a whole entity. The leadership might have their own considerations. I feel terrible about it too."

After a moment of silence, Tang Song spoke: "Alright, I understand."

"Then, if you can accept it, I'll come find you tomorrow to sign the adjustment contract."

"No need. I don't accept it. Just proceed with the layoff process; I'll submit it myself through the OA system."

"Huh?" Tian Jing was stunned. "Well, alright then. Since you've been here for less than six months, I can only offer you 1.5 months of severance. You can set your resignation date for the end of the month; you can use the remaining days for handover. Don't worry about attendance; it will be counted as full attendance. If you need to go for interviews, you can just go."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me! It's my duty! Um..." Tian Jing hesitated.

Ever since she mentioned the 10% reduction, Tang Song's voice had remained very calm, as if he truly felt neither joy nor sorrow.

But this abnormal behavior gave Tian Jing a strong intuition: the man's heart had turned to ash!

She had looked into Tang Song's background. He was an ordinary young man from a small town with a modest family background, but his reputation in the company was very good, and he was very hardworking.

She didn't understand why Director Chen wanted to squeeze him, but it was her job responsibility, and she couldn't evade it.

A heavy sense of guilt weighed on her heart.

Recalling the advice from her group members, Tian Jing continued, "Once you've finished your resignation procedures, let me treat you to a meal. I personally admire you very much. I hope you don't lose heart. I hope you find a new job soon! Good luck!"

Hearing that she wanted to treat him to a meal, Tang Song instantly perked up, saying enthusiastically, "Sure! Thanks, Xiao Jing. Actually, I admire you very much too."

He had intended to resign anyway. Now, not only could he "skim" 1.5 months of salary, but he could also have dinner with a goddess colleague.

Hearing Tang Song's more cheerful tone, Tian Jing finally felt relieved. She said sweetly, "Then let's leave it at that for now. If you have any questions, find me anytime. Bye-bye~"

"Bye-bye."

After hanging up, Tang Song immediately opened the company's large group chat, found Tian Jing's avatar, and sent a friend request on WeChat.

A natural "JK body," pale skin, a sweet appearance, a lovely personality, and a wealthy background.

Like his other male colleagues, he indeed admired Xiao Jing very much.

*Ding-dong—* The friend request was accepted.

"Snap!" Tang Song snapped his fingers, stood up from the massage chair, and looked at the rows of cars outside the floor-to-ceiling window.

Now that he had his BMW 330i and his entrepreneurship was on the right track, he was in a state of high confidence and vigor.

...

After accepting Tang Song's friend request and notifying the Technical Director and the HR Director one by one, Tian Jing let out a long sigh of relief.

Although she was unhappy about being forced into the role of compensation supervisor by her father, she would still strive to be a qualified junior leader!

She entered the "2D Beauty" WeChat group.

Tian Jing typed quickly: "@Qingqing, Boss, you're amazing! I did it the way you taught me. He accepted the layoff and even ended up quite happy, hehe."

As soon as the message was sent, it immediately drew the attention of many group members.

[Sisi: "As expected of our big sister in the group. @Qingqing, when I graduate and can't find a job, I'll come seek your protection."]

[Cream: "I want Qingqing-jie's maintenance tips too."]

[Valley of White: Yuno_holding_face_against_backlight.jpg]

...

[Qingqing: "Eto... (sighs), the enthusiasm of my juniors is a bit overwhelming. @XiaoJing, keep working hard. (gazing at the starry sky), one day you will become the CHO of a large corporation."]

[XiaoJing: "XiaoJing is working hard to get stronger!"]

After chatting in the group for a while, Tian Jing felt greatly encouraged, feeling as though she had learned a lot.

She had joined this group during university. Over the years, many people had come and gone.

Usually, the topics were centered around ACG (Anime, Comic, Games)—anime, cosplay, and gaming.

Everyone in the group had a persona they played; as for whether they were real or not, no one knew.

For example, Yunyu was a senior game designer who joined the group to understand the thoughts of young people to find better inspiration.

Xiao Jing currently played the role of an HR professional just starting her career.

And this Qingqing was a partner at a law firm, young and successful, managing many intern and associate lawyers.

She also had a lover who was the CEO of a major domestic conglomerate.

From time to time, Qingqing would update stories about herself and this lover in the group—tales that were twists and turns, full of drama and intrigue.

At first, naturally, no one believed her. But as her writing became more detailed, even incorporating case trials, tragic romances, and workplace struggles, she gradually gained everyone's recognition.

Even if she wasn't a top lawyer, she was at least a business elite.

(End of Chapter)