In the morning, Luo Ziling went to school and entered the laboratory.
No matter what, he needed to maintain appearances, or else women like Dong Xiaowan and Wang Feiyang would come to complain to him again.
Luo Ziling attended two classes and then stayed in the laboratory for over an hour.
So went the morning.
After lunch, Luo Ziling planned to go to the Northern Group headquarters.
Before leaving, Luo Ziling personally called Jin Yan, telling her he would be coming soon.
Upon hearing Luo Ziling say he would be coming, Jin Yan seemed startled, giving a low exclamation.
But she quickly recovered, saying she would arrange the reception, and asked if Luo Ziling had any requests.
Luo Ziling instructed Jin Yan to summon some of the company’s senior executives to the president’s office as he wanted a private meeting with them.
Luo Ziling’s list included Ye Qinqing, Zhou Chaoyang, and Hu Jianbo among others.
Jin Yan immediately agreed, saying she would notify these people to meet him once Luo Ziling arrived at the Northern Group headquarters.
Luo Ziling arrived at the Northern Group headquarters around twelve-thirty.
This timing was still before the start of the afternoon work hours.
The Northern Group’s working hours from October to April are as follows: from nine to twelve in the morning, and one-thirty to five-thirty in the afternoon.
From May to September, working hours are eight-thirty to twelve in the morning, and two to five-thirty in the afternoon.
Seven working hours each day.
Many companies operate from nine to five without any breaks, totaling eight hours of work each day.
There are even some exploitative companies that promote various enticing slogans, introducing terms like 996 and 007, tricking you into devoting more time to work to extract more labor value.
In comparison, the Northern Group is much more humane.
Of course, even during lunchtime breaks, there are staff on duty, and some tasks that must be handled cannot be interrupted. Each department needs to have someone on post.
When Luo Ziling arrived at the Northern Group headquarters, everything was quiet.
Not wanting to disturb the staff, he discreetly entered the special elevator from the underground parking lot.
Upon exiting the elevator, he saw Jin Yan and several other staff from the president’s office waiting outside.
Seeing Luo Ziling come out of the elevator, Jin Yan and the other staff quickly approached him.
Today, Jin Yan was evidently dressed up, her professional attire accentuated her excellent figure, and the open buttons of her shirt revealed a hint of white curves. Below was a skirt with no stockings, her long legs were quite eye-catching. Her face had light makeup, and her hair was neatly pinned atop her head.
At first glance, she appeared to be an alluring white-collar beauty.
Upon learning of Luo Ziling’s visit, she had dressed meticulously in hopes that her beautiful appearance and alluring figure could earn Luo Ziling’s favor.
Initially standing straight, Jin Yan shrunk back a bit upon noticing Luo Ziling’s gaze, seemingly a little afraid.
Yet she bravely approached Luo Ziling to greet him politely and invite him into the office.
"When I discuss with them later, you record on the side," Luo Ziling instructed Jin Yan as he headed towards the office.
Jin Yan hurriedly agreed.
Luo Ziling first had Jin Yan call Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang in.
When they arrived, Luo Ziling chatted with them privately for a while, listening to their work reports, and then instructed them to prepare for more work.
Luo Ziling’s remark surprised both Ye Qinqing and Zhou Chaoyang.
Jin Yan, recording on the side, was also quite taken aback.
Due to numerous worries, Jin Yan was extremely sensitive to things around her.
She feared losing everything she had now and feared being heavily criticized by Luo Ziling.
Ling Ruonan was coming back soon, and she didn’t know what changes would occur in her fate once Ling Ruonan returned.
She knew well Ling Ruonan’s temperament and methods; if the queen of the Northern Group couldn’t tolerate her, there would be no way for her to survive. Thus, she was very anxious, fearing the slightest wind or grass movement.
Luo Ziling’s special expression reminded her that her situation might worsen, therefore bringing an uneasy feeling to her heart.
Subsequently, one of the company’s vice presidents, Hu Jianbo, was led in by the secretary.
Hu Jianbo was a stout middle-aged man in his forties whom many women wanted to have an affair with.
Luo Ziling knew well that Hu Jianbo was a womanizer, using his height and looks as well as his current position to have affairs with several company white-collars.
Of course, he wasn’t overly reckless; during relationships with those women, he didn’t play around but rather got what he needed mutually. Handling things well, he avoided trouble whether he found new love or abandoned old feelings.
Those women he neglected still supported him in various ways and helped him with tasks.
It could be said, Hu Jianbo had good connections and prestige in the Northern Group.
This was also due to his commendable capabilities, otherwise Ling Ruonan wouldn’t have promoted him to vice president.
"Mr. Hu, please sit!" Luo Ziling got up to greet Hu Jianbo after he entered.
Hu Jianbo promptly stepped forward, slightly bowed, greeted Luo Ziling, then reached out both hands to shake Luo Ziling’s hand: "Mr. Luo shows dedication by coming to manage affairs even at noon, very admirable."
Luo Ziling smiled and looked at Hu Jianbo, speaking ambiguously: "I’m afraid when my mom is not in the company, someone might take advantage of my youth, so I have to visit often."
Luo Ziling’s words slightly changed Jin Yan’s expression.
She was clever enough to sense something from Luo Ziling’s differing treatment of Zhou Chaoyang, Ye Qinqing, and Hu Jianbo.
Luo Ziling was very gentle with Zhou Chaoyang and Ye Qinqing, speaking as if he trusted them.
In contrast, his ambiguous words to Hu Jianbo were quite thought-provoking.
Hu Jianbo didn’t pay particular attention, smiling and responding: "Mr. Luo possesses remarkable abilities, everyone greatly respects you."
Luo Ziling released Hu Jianbo’s hand and sat on the sofa but didn’t invite Hu Jianbo to sit.
Noticing something amiss, Hu Jianbo still stood with unchanged expressions.
"Mr. Hu, which year did you join the company?" Luo Ziling calmly asked Hu Jianbo after sitting down, "It should be quite a few years now, right?"
"Ten years!" Hu Jianbo replied, "It’s been exactly ten years since I joined the Northern Group."
"How many years have you been working for Ling Zhengping?"
Luo Ziling tranquilly asked this abrupt question, changing Jin Yan’s expression instantly.
Hu Jianbo also immediately changed his expression, unable to react, he stood there dumbfounded.
Both Hu Jianbo and Jin Yan’s reactions were clearly observed by Luo Ziling, and he was quite satisfied with the effects of his surprise attack.
He didn’t allow Hu Jianbo time to respond, instead continuing: "Ling Zhengping invested heavily in recruiting you, expecting you to help him gain control over the Northern Group, promising a brighter future for you. Over the years, you’ve done quite well, gaining recognition not only from Ling Zhengping but also my mom—clearly a successful person!"
"..." Hu Jianbo changed his expression again, dumbfounded, staring at Luo Ziling.