Chapter Seventeen: Waiting for You to Knock on the Door

Mr. Qi cleared his throat and swept a commanding gaze over every member of the Planning Department seated before him. Then, in a deep voice, he began his address: “Ladies and gentlemen! The year 2001 is soon coming to a close, and you’ve all worked hard and diligently for another year. But let me remind you: hard work alone is far from enough for you. Because you are the Planning Department, the brain and the eyes of the company. What the company needs from you is wisdom, creativity, discovery, and guidance.

I trust every employee here knows that this summer and autumn, our Lady Green series of beverages suffered a devastating defeat in the three provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi—the market share didn’t even reach one percent. Meanwhile, our competitors, such as Huiquan Fruit Drinks and June Flower Beverages, have firmly established themselves in Jiangnan, most holding market shares above seven percent. What a painful loss, what a profound lesson! After much analysis and reflection, the Board has identified three major causes for this failure. The greatest and most critical among them is that the Planning Department failed to thoroughly research the dietary habits and customs of the people of Jiangnan, neglected to uncover the essence of Jiangnan’s food culture, and produced a summer campaign plan that was almost identical to the one we used two years ago for conquering the Northeast. Is this not dereliction of duty?

From this, it’s clear that the work ethic and attitude of the department have changed for the worse. To rectify this, to turn the tide, the company has decided to overhaul and reorganize the Planning Department. You’ve already seen that your previous manager has been reassigned to the production floor, and the deputy managers of advertising and marketing who collaborated on that campaign have been dismissed. For the sake of normal operations, new department heads are in place as of today. Allow me to formally introduce Miss Hua Qingqing, our new Executive Vice President and head of the Planning Department. She graduated from Harvard University with a master’s degree in Economics and Management. Please give her a warm round of applause.”

A burst of enthusiastic applause followed, and I clapped along out of politeness. Hua Qingqing smiled and nodded in greeting, and Mr. Qi raised his hand to quiet the room once more. Pointing to the tall lady who entered with him, he said, “Perhaps Miss Fan Yunting’s name is unfamiliar to you, but as industry professionals, you surely know about the brilliant plan that enabled Nutrition Treasure’s Deep Mountain Spring Water to break into the EU market last year. That was crafted by Miss Fan herself.”

Immediately, several surprised “Oh?” exclamations rang out, tinged with admiration. I hadn’t worked in planning before, so I didn’t understand the campaign’s greatness, but the others all responded with respect.

Seeing he’d achieved the desired effect, Mr. Qi continued, “Starting today, Miss Fan will be joining our company as Deputy Manager of the Planning Department, overseeing Advertising and Marketing. Please welcome her.”

Fan Yunting’s reputation drew even louder applause. She bowed gracefully, her smile genuine. By contrast, I noticed a hint of displeasure and jealousy in Hua Qingqing’s smile beside her. I chuckled inwardly—women are always petty and can’t stand another woman outshining them. Mr. Qi, you may have made a misstep with this move.

But Mr. Qi seemed oblivious, excited to have gained two strong allies. He waved his hand vigorously and said, “Now let’s hear from our two distinguished ladies. First, Miss Hua, please address us; let’s welcome her.”

The applause continued, and Hua Qingqing, beaming with confidence, stepped forward and began her lengthy speech…

I never pay attention to these tedious and dull speeches; my mind wandered, drifting here and there, who knows where. I don’t know how much time passed. As I was humming a lively song by Xu Shu in my head, I suddenly felt Cheng Jia tugging secretly at my sleeve. I snapped back to reality and asked her, “What is it?”

Unbeknownst to me, everyone in the meeting room was watching us, and my question was a bit loud. Cheng Jia, feeling all eyes turn to her, blushed crimson and lowered her head, whispering in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s, “They’re calling you. What are you daydreaming about?”

I finally understood and hurriedly looked toward the front.

Hua Qingqing was smirking at me. “Mr. Tang, such airs you have! I had to call you twice before you responded. Please stand up now and introduce yourself so everyone can get to know you.”

I awkwardly stood up, unprepared, and blurted out, “My name is Tang Qian. I used to be in Marketing. I hope everyone will help me in the future. Thank you!” Then I sat back down.

Hua Qingqing paused and asked, “Is that all?”

I nodded firmly. “That’s all!”

Hua Qingqing seemed amused but restrained her laughter. She quietly consulted Mr. Qi, who nodded, so she said, “It’s been a pleasure meeting you all for the first time today. I believe a good start leads to a good future. Let’s work together with one heart and one mind. Meeting adjourned.”

At her command, the meeting room erupted as people scattered like birds and beasts. Hua Qingqing shot me a cold smile, packed her notebook, and left with Mr. Qi. Glancing at my watch, I saw it was half past eleven—lunchtime.

At the downstairs cafeteria, I ran into Cheng Jia again. The young lady was back to normal and greeted me with a smile. To show my appreciation for her help earlier, I beat her to the cash register and paid for her meal. Cheng Jia protested, but seeing the payment already made, she let it go.

We naturally sat across from each other at a table, chatting as we ate. Cheng Jia asked, “What were you thinking about earlier? You didn’t hear the manager call your name? You zone out even at an introductory meeting?”

I replied, “Honestly, I dread these meetings. As soon as they start their speeches, I get sleepy. To avoid dozing off in public, I have to let my mind wander instead.”

Cheng Jia laughed lightly. “Really? So what were you thinking?”

I smiled. “That’s a secret.”

She scoffed, “Getting mysterious now? I bet you were thinking about your wife.”

“My wife? Oh, come on! I’m not married yet.”

“You’re not married? Then you must have been thinking about your girlfriend?”

“Neither. Look at me—so shabby. What woman would be interested in me?”

“I think you’re fine. You look gentle and scholarly, not the type women dislike. Maybe your standards are too high?”

“Impossible.”

…

By the end of lunch, Cheng Jia and I had become fast friends. She was that rare woman—pure and innocent, without any guile. Making friends with her was a delight.

After lunch, Cheng Jia left for errands. With nowhere else to go, I headed habitually to the second-floor Marketing Department, where I could smoke freely. I lit a cigarette with pleasure and went to my old desk.

The office was empty—everyone was still at lunch. I decided to wait for Zhao Yanjin and the others to return for a chat. Halfway through my cigarette, I heard voices from the “Mother Tiger’s” office: “Do as you please. Leave if you want! It’s not a home anymore. In the past six months, how many times have you even come home?”

Listening closely, I realized it was Gu Ruoyan speaking.

A little while later, she shouted again, “Fine, fine! Take all the assets—you can use them to support that little vixen. Tomorrow I’ll sign the papers, you can rest easy!” With a loud bang, she slammed down the phone.

Feeling it was improper to eavesdrop on someone’s private matters, I quietly slipped out of the Marketing Department…

At one-thirty in the afternoon, I arrived punctually on the twelfth floor. Though I had no specific duties and not even a designated desk, I couldn’t risk being late or leaving early—lest Hua Qingqing seize the chance to make trouble for me. Sure enough, as I entered the lobby, I saw Hua Qingqing leaning against her office door, checking her watch. Seeing me arrive on time, she snorted coldly and retreated into her room.

I felt a chill—this woman was ruthless and evidently needed constant vigilance. But if every moment at work had to be spent in fear, life would truly be unbearable. Remembering Hua Qingqing’s threat that she’d make my life a living hell, I felt a surge of anger.

I gritted my teeth. “If you won’t let me have peace, I won’t let you be comfortable either. We’ll see who wins!” Recalling how a few words this morning had sent her spiraling into a meltdown, an inexplicable thrill rose in me—almost addictive. Without provoking her, I felt uneasy.

So, with newfound resolve, I strode boldly into Hua Qingqing’s office.

Before I could speak, she barked, “Who said you could enter without knocking? Get out and knock. You may only enter if I permit you.”

I smiled and pointed at the door. “Your door wasn’t closed—why knock? You can see me, can’t you?”

Hua Qingqing sneered, “It doesn’t matter for others, but not for you. Go out, close the door, and knock properly.”

“Fine. I’ll knock then, what’s the big deal.” I turned and exited, shutting the door behind me. Seeing me silenced by her reprimand, Hua Qingqing was so pleased she couldn’t contain herself. She clenched her right fist and punched the air with a triumphant “Yes!” Then she settled into her most arrogant pose, ready to unleash even fiercer tactics once I knocked and re-entered.

Outside the door, I hesitated for three seconds. Sensing Hua Qingqing was preparing something, I decided not to play into her hands. Hmph! I wouldn’t let her have her way—I wouldn’t bother with her.

I turned and went to find Cheng Jia.

Poor Hua Qingqing, all primed in her office, waited and waited, but no knock came. Minutes passed, and she grew anxious. She’d spent her lunch hour devising clever strategies to put Tang Qian in his place, eagerly awaiting his arrival. But… where was he? Why hadn’t he knocked after so long? Where had he gone?

Her arsenal of tricks unused, she couldn’t bear the itch of anticipation. Unable to contain herself, she finally opened her office door—only to find the hallway empty, not a trace of Tang Qian.