Chapter Six, The Transience of Life
I have always believed that there are no women in this world who are truly unattractive; they simply lack the skill in dressing up and do not know how to highlight their strengths while downplaying their weaknesses
I used to work at a publishing company, doing data entry and typesetting! The girl appeared very excited as she reminisced about her past job: "I can type 130 characters per minute using the Wubi input method, making me the most productive in our company!"
Oh, what position are you applying for? What is your name? Xu Zhuoyan interviewed several sales associates in the afternoon, none of whom were particularly ideal, so she still cherishes every candidate, hoping not to miss out on a suitable choice.
From now on, I have fallen in love with black tea, with its subtle sweetness intertwined with bitterness. It is akin to every day in life, where bitterness and joy have always accompanied each other, inseparable.
The room suddenly fell into complete silence
If you are tired, then take a good rest
Are you a local? Xu Zhuoyan asked casually
Lin Qifan felt quite irritated by all of this
Is it difficult for you? If there is no opportunity, please tell me directly! She tightly pressed her lips together, her eyes flickering slightly, filled with anticipation yet somewhat anxious
Good! To be honest, every time her colleagues address her as General Manager Xu, she cannot help but think of Beijing, the Yuanheng by the Kunyu River, where she was also General Manager Xu, the Marketing Director
Xu Zhuoyan smiled, then went out to get a disposable cup, filling it halfway with hot water and halfway with cold water, and walked into the conference room, placing it in front of her
A profession that spreads beauty! Xu Zhuoyan felt a stir in her heart; what a wonderful interpretation. Beneath this girl's seemingly despondent exterior, she surprisingly possesses such a delicate and kind heart
"No need." Xu Zhuoyan brought a cloth from outside, and Chen Xiaoying hurriedly took it, wiping the water off the table.
Once again, enter the restroom, soak the cloth in clean water, wring it out, and hang it up to dry
This excitement clearly won the favor of Xu Zhuoyan. Cherishing the opportunity for an interview naturally leads to valuing the position and working hard, so she said: "Sure, I'll wait for you, just come up directly!"
I, Chen Xiaoying, struggled for a moment: "I am currently alone in Shenzhen, living with my father, who has passed away"
"I apologize, I apologize!" She immediately took a handkerchief out of her bag to wipe the table
Xu Zhuoyan now understands that, in fact, many times, love at first sight or a single encounter determining fate is such a natural occurrence. Just like now, she seems to have made a decision at the very first moment. This girl is not suited to be a cosmetics sales consultant, as her appearance does present some challenges.
With a vigorous shake of her head, Xu Zhuoyan walked over to the water dispenser, took a packet of Lipton black tea, added two sugar cubes, poured in steaming hot water, and then stood by the tall floor-to-ceiling window with the cup in hand, gazing at the bustling traffic below, her thoughts drifting. He enjoyed drinking tea, particularly Bi Luo Chun, and he appreciated Gongfu tea.
Xu Zhuoyan was flipping through resumes on the table. Although she could not find the application materials for the candidate named Chen Xiaoying at the moment, she still asked, "How much longer do you need to arrive at the company?"
After placing the water cup properly, he quickly walked out, reached back to press the switch under the front desk, and the glass door was unlocked and opened automatically
Feeling annoyed, I will set it aside for now
However, the flicker of disappointment that passed through the girl's eyes made Xu Zhuoyan secretly disdain herself. As a mature professional manager, her thoughts were still easily seen through, which softened her heart: "I am Xu Zhuoyan. We just spoke on the phone. Please follow me to the conference room."
Short hair, a small pair of black-framed glasses perched on her nose, some clearly visible freckles on her face, and most importantly, her mouth, which protrudes at the upper jaw when she speaks, is what the elderly refer to as "underbite"
"It is unfair!" She displayed a look of indignation on her face: "I have never been afraid of hardship or fatigue in my work, and I always strive to complete the tasks assigned by my superiors without needing others to supervise me. However, in our environment, performance and workload are not the criteria for evaluation; it is merely about who knows how to speak well, who can flatter, and who can win the favor of the leaders. Those are the ones who get promoted and receive salary increases. In such an environment, I cannot learn anything, nor can I make any contributions, and it is very oppressive. I want to find a job where my efforts can yield corresponding rewards, where I do not have to watch others' expressions, and where I am not bullied or looked down upon simply because of my appearance!"
Xu Zhuoyan felt somewhat troubled. Although "Shuiyang" had just entered China and was not well-known, it was still an international brand. If she were to stand in front of the counter, even if she passed her own assessment, the pharmacy might not approve. Even if she could smoothly take up the position, for a new brand in its promotional phase, the image of the sales staff often relates to the product's effectiveness and quality. Therefore, it was not appropriate, and if it affected sales, it would ultimately lead to elimination.
Xu Zhuoyan nodded
In Liao Yonghong's office
That's great, thank you. May I ask your surname? How should I address you? Although the girl was very excited, she still maintained her composure.
"Wait a moment!" Xu Zhuoyan called out to her, "What I meant earlier is that the sales assistant position is not suitable for you. However, we are a newly established company and have other positions available. I wonder if you might be interested?"
Why did you resign?" With a shift in tone, Xu Zhuoyan asked this question, which she considered to be of low quality.
After listening to Xu Zhuoyan's report, Liao Yonghong's face was filled with approval. However, Xu Zhuoyan herself felt quite discouraged. Therefore, Liao Yonghong spoke to encourage her: "Indeed, I did not expect you to secure a meeting with him and personally finalize the collaboration. Future progress will be very smooth. Having five stores is already a good result. If we can prepare these five stores well before the Spring Festival and turn them into model stores, when we discuss the terms then, it may present a whole new scenario"
Is it true?" Chen Xiaoying was overjoyed, quietly gazing at Xu Zhuoyan
What is the reason for this
The relationship between a sales guide and image is significant, but more importantly, it lies in product knowledge and sales skills. What kind of work did you do before?" Xu Zhuoyan smiled apologetically and said, "I’m sorry, I couldn’t find your resume; it might be with the administration department. It’s after work hours now, so...
"No need, please don't rush!" She was completely different from the person she had been on the phone with Xu Zhuoyan; on the phone, she was cheerful and resolute, whereas now she was anxious and cautious
I have never worked as a sales associate, but I enjoy selling things. There is a sense of accomplishment in selling, especially cosmetics. I particularly admire the ladies at the cosmetic counters in department stores; not only do they dress fashionably and beautifully, but they also recommend beautiful products to those who are suited for them. This is a profession that spreads beauty
Every time I fidget for a long time in front of the tea table, when I finally serve it to myself, I drink it down like a cow. Watching him gaze through the curling steam with tender eyes fixed on my cousin, I feel that the tea is so bitter, while the same tea is being savored by him and my cousin, their elegant demeanor and warm affection suggesting that within this delicate tea, lies their enduring feelings and the story of their first acquaintance.
"I am willing, I am willing, I am not afraid of hardship!" Chen Xiaoying looked at Xu Zhuoyan with gratitude, feeling a sense of affection for the beautiful woman for the first time
Before starting, Xu Zhuoyan smiled apologetically and said, "Let me pour you a glass of water!"
She is still the same today, although Shuiyang is much smaller than Yuanheng. Here, she is not truly General Manager Xu in the conventional sense. Many times, from strategic levels and tactical combinations to minute details, even small promotional posters and sales training, she has to take charge personally. Perhaps her role is more akin to that of a sales supervisor, but she is willing to do it and feels fulfilled and accomplished every day
Meanwhile, in the first conference room of the Sea King
The sound of the access control bell pulled her back from her memories into reality
Alright, thank you, General Xu. I will definitely arrive within half an hour. See you soon!
Xu Zhuoyan nodded, acknowledging that she had once empathized with the treatment of ugly girls. Although she was not ugly, her parents had lived apart during her childhood, leaving them with little time to care for her. Her mother often cut her hair short, making her look like a boy. At that time, she was dark and thin, especially when compared to her cousin, who excelled in both academics and appearance; she felt like an ugly duckling. Because of this, she experienced deep feelings of inferiority and injustice. It was only when she had the means to dress up that she realized she could also be described as beautiful in the eyes of men. The disparity she felt at that moment was truly significant, and thus, she understood Chen Xiaoying's feelings.
Hello! A bright voice of a girl rang out: "Hello, I am here for the interview. I had a little accident on the way, so I am late. May I come over now? Is it still possible?"
My name is Chen Xiaoying, and I am applying for the position of sales assistant. The girl's voice is very pleasant, and she should be a girl with a beautiful appearance, cheerful and bright.
To be honest, Xu Zhuoyan was somewhat surprised. From the voice, it was the girl she had just spoken to on the phone, but she did not expect that a girl with such a pleasant voice would look like this
Chen Xiaoying! Xu Zhuoyan spoke up, "Are you applying for the sales assistant position?"
This further endeared Xu Zhuoyan, "My surname is Xu, and I am the vice president of the company"
Life is as fleeting as a cloud, live in the present, and always remember to treat yourself kindly
The managers of the procurement and sales departments sat in a circle, staring blankly at a report, exchanging glances, unsure of what the boss meant.
However, now she believes that the Creator indeed has moments of oversight
Lin Qifan threw the report at them and, with a rare tone of reprimand, began to speak: "You are all seasoned veterans in the pharmaceutical industry, having been through it for many years. Take a look at this, what are your thoughts?"
So are you currently alone in Shenzhen? Where do you live
So, have you already resigned now
However, on one occasion, while everyone was shopping at the supermarket, he casually placed a box of black tea and a box of sugar cubes into his shopping cart, remarking, "You should like drinking black tea."
The manager of the procurement department, Lao Yu, exchanged glances with Manager Qian from the sales department, filled with unspoken content. The boss had not lost his temper for quite some time. He is a decisive and resolute man, known for his iron-fisted approach to business. While he has always treated his subordinates fairly, he often shows little patience towards the few long-time followers around him, frequently reprimanding them without hesitation. The last time he seemed to lose his temper was over six months ago. It was initially thought that as the business grew larger and operations gradually fell into place, the boss would change his ways and no longer lose his temper. However, it seems that old habits die hard; despite the changes in the business landscape, his nature remains unchanged, and he still exhibits the same demeanor.
... ...
Then welcomed them out
"Yes, what I can think of now is a sales assistant. Your computer skills are good, and you can handle data statistics, as well as perform store visits." Xu Zhuoyan looked at her, genuinely wanting to help: "However, it will be quite demanding. Sometimes it requires overtime and involves running around outside, overseeing inspections at various stores. I wonder if you would be willing to do that?"
The girl's eyes sparkled, as if in disbelief, for there was still an opportunity for conversation, which meant there was still a glimmer of hope
Yes, she just resigned! Her expression darkened for a moment, but it quickly transformed into one of brightness.
No, I am from Shandong
Finally standing at the door to bid farewell to Xu Zhuoyan: "Thank you, I will take my leave now"
Do not blame yourself for the mistake
Thus, she followed Xu Zhuoyan into the conference room
As she spoke the last sentence, she lifted her head and met Xu Zhuoyan's gaze without flinching
Lin Qifan truly did not expect that a small pharmacy of sixty square meters with sales of around 100,000 yuan could sell 50,000 yuan in the first month of launching the "Shuiyang" counter, accounting for 50% of the sales. Moreover, the profit margin for cosmetics is evidently much larger than that for pharmaceuticals. Coupled with those exquisite counters and attractive sales assistants, it would undoubtedly enhance the quality and grade of the pharmacy, certainly increasing foot traffic. Therefore, when Xu Zhuoyan handed him this richly illustrated and data-rich report in the afternoon, whether rationally or emotionally, he made the decision to introduce this brand on the spot. However, his male pride made it difficult for him to directly promise, so her teasing remark about how coffee could lead to compromise became quite appropriate.
Experience is the best teacher. These few words suddenly awakened Xu Zhuoyan, who looked at Liao Yonghong with a hint of admiration, and Liao Yonghong smiled.
Thank you, and I apologize for taking up your time!" Chen Xiaoying stood up, her eyes filled with unmistakable sorrow, and in her fluster, she knocked over the water on the table, spilling it onto the floor
The manager of the procurement department, the slightly balding Lao Yu, glanced at everyone and was the first to take the fall: "We have been observing this brand for some time and have also submitted its information to the sales department. We would like to hear the sales department's opinion and then await General Manager Lin's instructions to decide whether to introduce it"
They all secretly sighed here, while Lin Qifan seemed to remain oblivious to their discontent, continuing to admonish until after working hours. It was only when Lin Qifan's phone rang that the meeting had to come to an end
Hello, I am here for an interview. May I ask which office Mr. Xu is in?" A girl dressed in a black and white striped sweater and a blue denim skirt stood at the door, asking timidly.
Xu Zhuoyan finished her work and only then realized that the office was empty; it turned out that everyone had left for the day. Just as she was about to pack her things and leave, she suddenly heard the front desk phone ringing. Initially, she had no intention of answering it, but the persistent ringing compelled her to switch to the phone on her desk: "Hello, this is Shuiyang Skincare Company."
I am not just talking about the matter at hand! It is not merely about this brand! Lin Qifan recalled the smug expression on Xu Zhuoyan's face from the afternoon, and he felt a surge of anger. He launched into a tirade: "Look at their sales report, this research data. They actually stood at our store's entrance, counting foot traffic. They have grasped the sales time periods, product categories, price trends, and customer flow characteristics of our main store. And what about our competitors? What consistency? These small stores, who among you has taken them seriously? But look at this, the sales figures of this brand in such small stores. If these were in our store, wouldn't that be your sales growth point?"
Psychological denial is one thing, but when faced with such a sensitive and simple girl, Xu Zhuoyan found it impossible to deliver a direct rejection or blow. Especially upon hearing her say "I'm sorry," she felt a tremor in her heart.
Xu Zhuoyan seemed to find relief in that moment: "Yes, to speak frankly, the position of a sales assistant is not suitable for you"
About half an hour! It is evident that there is a sense of excitement in her voice
This girl is dressed very simply
"Yes!" That girl was slightly taken aback, then nodded. She looked at Xu Zhuoyan, her expression dimming. "I know, my image is not suitable for being a cosmetics sales assistant. I saw your recruitment advertisement in the pharmacy. I initially thought that the requirements in a pharmacy might not be as high as those in a department store, which is why I came to give it a try. I apologize."