Chapter 01: Fog Enshrouds the Capital Region

In this situation, a poem praises: "Looking up, one cannot see the sky; looking down, one only sees a wall"

Exclude those with work experience in business investigation companies

Her name is Tang Ying, 29 years old, serving as the legal advisor and business manager of the company. Like in all industries, engaging in business inevitably benefits from a certain degree of beauty effect, and Tang Ying undoubtedly embodies this role

Having over a year of work experience in other industries... oh, let's not worry about that; if someone can work for more than a year, they certainly wouldn't stay here...

Two representatives from Harman Company spent one thousand yuan and were escorted by the market staff to the second floor. Each room was a separate recruitment consultation room, staffed by two people, specifically serving recruitment units. A plump young woman, clearly someone who had spent a long time in front of a computer, greeted everyone with a professional smile that lasted a second. She then took the form from her colleague, glanced at it, drew another one, and presented it to Xie Jifeng and Tang Ying, saying: "What kind of people do you need? Just check the box, and I will provide you with the search results, then we can refine our selection."

She saw Mr. Xie turn a page of the newspaper, found a topic, and softly said: "This matter may have an impact on our business"

"Where lies the solution?" asked Xie Jifeng with a serious expression

There is no need to trouble yourself; I will speak directly. What I am looking for is quite simple

"I remember when you just graduated, right?" Xie Jifeng asked with a smile

Entry to the hall costs three yuan, and registration is free. If a recruiting company spends three hundred yuan, they can rent a simple booth. Of course, if the recruiting company is willing to spend one thousand yuan, dedicated personnel will provide services. Each week, hundreds of thousands of job seekers come here, most of whom do not find employment. However, such a large flow of people does create numerous job opportunities in the talent market. Of course, if the recruiting company is willing to spend one thousand yuan, dedicated personnel will provide services. Each week, hundreds of thousands of job seekers come here, most of whom do not find employment. However, such a large flow of people does create numerous job opportunities in the talent market

What is the reason? asked Xie Jifeng

By the way, today is the day to go to the talent market. Tang Ying has already discerned her superior's intentions to inject new blood into the company. The business investigation industry is quite unique, especially for frontline personnel engaged in investigations, who may not even be recognized by the company's own staff. Moreover, the attrition rate for such individuals is very high. Tang Ying can infer the constantly changing names from the monthly labor costs.

The beautiful female driver spoke eloquently: "The Seventh Amendment to the Criminal Law has added three offenses related to the infringement of personal information. Currently, most investigations utilize signal tracking, retrieval of call records, eavesdropping, and surveillance, all of which may constitute criminal activities. Although theoretically, business investigation companies are not at fault as their actions are legally permitted, the wrongdoing lies with the investigators' conduct. In reality, nearly all business investigators may engage in such improper investigative practices. This current situation has significantly increased the pressure on our entire industry"

The crowd here is truly overwhelming, as he steps off the bus and is immediately hit by a wave of heat that makes him feel uncomfortable. Looking towards the entrance of the hall, he sees a throng of heads jostling to get inside. The few recruitment booths are densely packed, with a sea of resumes being thrust forward. Most of the men and women present share a similar appearance: a shoulder bag, a bottle of mineral water in one hand, and resumes being pulled from their bags to be handed out with the other. This scene inexplicably fills Tang Ying with a sense of heartache.

With one thousand yuan, a list of fewer than one thousand alternative candidates was obtained. The two staff members were also generous, making an exception to provide General Xie with an electronic document, which was handed over to Xie Jifeng on a USB drive. The two of them looked at him with astonished expressions, as if the money they received was truly making them feel guilty.

"I don't really feel proud," Xie Jifeng said with a smile. Suddenly turning around, Tang Ying responded with an appreciative smile, but unexpectedly, Xie Jifeng pointed at her and said, "However, I do enjoy your compliments"

"Of course there is... I mean..." The chubby girl couldn't find the right words for a moment, but her colleague was quick to respond, interjecting, "Is it like finding a file among the short ones?"

With a smile, Tang Ying paused for a moment, then quickly understood Xie Jifeng's teasing. For someone as perceptive as him, flattery might not have much effect. She gave a self-deprecating smile and followed President Xie through the main entrance. Looking back at the still-crowded, sweat-drenched juniors, she felt not the slightest sense of pride as a senior.

"Okay, your information database should be quite comprehensive now," said Xie Jifeng with a smile.

Their awareness of the rule of law should be stronger; in our line of work, we tread on thin ice and there are too many matters to pay attention to said Tang Ying

By the way, the most crucial point that the female driver seemed to recall is that Mr. Xie is unmarried

"If one can manage to get by, it indicates that it is not too difficult," said Xie Jifeng with a smile.

Of course, laziness, relying on parents, and having high aspirations but little achievement may be personal issues. However, if one is willing to make efforts and work hard but still sees no way out, then it may not be just a personal problem. For example, with vision, one can sell water and boxed meals at the entrance of the talent market and still earn as much as a white-collar worker. Hehe. Xie Jifeng opened the door, sat in the car, and sighed again: "Even the worst child has something fresh and endless hope."

Thank you! I appreciate both of you. Thank you, Xie Jifeng, for your repeated expressions of gratitude

The report, titled "The Capital Police Conduct a Sweep to Crack Down on More than Thirty Business Investigation Companies," details several criminal cases arising from private detectives, soft violence debt collection, and marriage investigations. The more than thirty business investigation companies involved have had their operating licenses revoked, and dozens of individuals have faced criminal penalties. This action is considered one of the rare significant moves in the business investigation industry in the capital in recent years

There is a bit, just like the title of that book, "Whose Youth Is Not Confused" Tang Ying said with a smile

Thus, she began to find topics to discuss with the *illustrated* book, one of the rules of the workplace being that silence is not golden; one must speak to succeed. For women navigating the workplace, if the unspoken rules do not work, then one must adhere to the established rules and demonstrate their capabilities

"Indeed, that's the meaning. Others at least find a general among the short ones, but you seem to be looking for the most unremarkable one?" the chubby girl asked curiously

Indeed, Mr. Xie, your words resonate well, akin to Li Taibai's saying, "Heaven has endowed me with talent for a purpose." I understand your intention; you seek individuals who are willing to work hard. " Tang Ying started the car and, following her superior's line of thought, added her own remark.

Xie Jifeng waved his hand and said, it's so simple, unlike the recruiting companies that come here to nitpick. The two staff members stared blankly at Xie Jifeng, and after pondering for a moment, he began to outline the conditions:

It could be a business investigation, or perhaps an order was received from outside the region. However, such individuals are completely beyond our control, and there is simply no time for training. Xie Jifeng glanced back at Tang Ying and said with a smile as he walked, "Do not view people through a subjective lens. If you don't believe me, go back and check the Forbes list; most successful businessmen meet the criteria I just mentioned."

Professionals related to political science and law are excluded

"There is still a difference, after all. The blind flow definitely won't come to the talent market to spend three yuan to register," said Xie Jifeng with a smile, waving his hand nonchalantly and stating, "These conditions are confirmed."

"They can only get by, but in the end, they are still quite mediocre," a male colleague said with a smile, directly stating, "Thank you, Boss. Are you sure you want this kind of person? This type is just slightly better than a drifter, with nothing more than a diploma."

Tang Ying felt a bit awkward, her face slightly flushed. She pressed her lips together, secretly lamenting that such a rare opportunity to showcase herself did not seem to leave a deeper impression on President Xie

This proposal is quite reasonable, causing Xie Jifeng to hesitate for a moment. He turned his head to glance at Tang Ying and, with a somewhat cryptic smile, said: "If my thoughts were exactly the opposite of yours and I insisted on my own way, would you think I am too obstinate?"

Tang Ying smiled and, feeling a bit embarrassed, said: "How could that be? You must have long-term plans in mind."

Tang Ying set up the U storage and weakly asked, "But... but what is the point of recruiting such people and having them give their all?"

Traveling during this season is far from pleasant, as the heat is akin to being in a sauna, the crowds resemble ants swarming, and the cars are honking incessantly due to congestion, with people and vehicles densely packed everywhere. Additionally, the haze in the sky adds to the chaos, appearing gray as if a large pot lid is being pressed down.

Tang Ying mechanically followed behind Xie Jifeng out of the consultation room. Just as she closed the door, she heard a woman inside asking, "Is this not recruiting thugs? Why are they only picking those from outside Beijing?"

Look, it's congested again

Oh, is it all to be sent? asked Tang Ying

Tang Ying glanced at the form, which included age, alma mater, ethnicity, marital status, major, work experience, and so on. When she picked up the pen, she hesitated and looked at General Manager Xie, softly asking, "How are these criteria determined?"

The man said, "Hmm, it is possible. Currently, the wages for migrant workers are too high, so hiring university students can save costs"

She smiled again at General Manager Xie and added: "The solution is to distinguish our business investigations from well-known services such as private detectives, debt collection, and marriage investigations, to standardize practices and enhance the quality of practitioners, thereby facilitating the more regulated development of the company"

Hehe... having ideas is a good thing. Xie Jifeng did not respond directly, smiled, and sat up straight.

"Thank you... um, did I say something wrong?" Tang Ying asked cautiously

"Not necessarily, at that time we were not confused. Once we received our graduation dispatch certificate, we went directly to report to our unit for work... The unit I reported to was the county's subsidiary food and fruit company, a state-owned enterprise, and it had already gone bankrupt three days before I reported... Haha, I didn't even have the chance to be confused; I went straight to despair." Xie Jifeng said with a smile

In the silence, she glanced several times at the focused Manager Xie, whose square face and straightforward demeanor were complemented by a simple casual shirt, giving off a very casual vibe. On his wrist was an old-fashioned Citizen watch, understated to the point of being shabby.

The circle is not particularly large, but the reputations of Harman and General Xie are quite significant. Many industry insiders are aware of General Xie's rise to prominence. Over a decade ago, he was just an unknown university student who had tried his hand at various ventures: street vending, scrap metal trading, coal dealing, and even dabbling in the internet. He experimented with everything from IT to venture capital, yet none of these endeavors were successful. However, these repeated business experiences, despite their failures, allowed him to thrive in the subsequent field of business investigation. Within a few years, he transformed a small company of just over ten people into a leader in the industry.

Hufangqiao Talent Market

"You said it yourself, it's not a university in the capital, not a 985 or 211 school, has no work experience, and hasn't found a job even two years after graduation... Oh dear, someone like this would have long been unable to survive in the capital. Generally speaking, resumes like this, left here for eight hundred years, wouldn't even catch a glance." The chubby girl exclaimed.

The two staff members exchanged surprised glances, then proceeded as instructed. The information retrieval was quite simple; the conditions for elimination were swiftly applied, and the volume of eliminations was substantial. Indeed, the capital city is teeming with talent. Prestigious institutions, work experience, and various awards are truly abundant, making it easy to select those who possess nothing. In a vast talent market database, there are ultimately only a few hundred individuals, most of whom have been registered for over two years and have not attracted any interest.

There is truly nothing long-term, but there are indeed urgent matters. It is not that I want to overstep my bounds, but rather that I do not wish to rely on others... Oh, the car is moving; today is a lucky day. "Xie Jifeng smiled, pointing ahead as the car moved at a snail's pace. Tang Ying started driving, halting the conversation about the topic of books, and headed straight for the destination

"Yes, that is exactly the meaning. To get by, albeit not very well. If there is even a slight opportunity, they will definitely give it their all," said Xie Jifeng as he went downstairs. He looked at the crowd outside the market, seemingly reminiscing about his younger self, much like the current university students with shoulder bags, searching for even a single opportunity to fill their stomachs.

"I understand correctly, but the statement about the worst child is not mine." Xie Jifeng turned around and said to Tang Ying, who was reversing, with a sly smile: "It was said by Romain Rolland, so please don't flatter me for that."

If one does not achieve success, such a resume can only be described with one word: miserable. However, if one does achieve success, it is entirely different; regardless of past experiences, they sound inspiring. Tang Ying asked with a hint of admiration: "So, being able to rise from an unemployed worker in a county to a company manager in the capital, the sense of accomplishment from this process is enough for you to be proud for a lifetime"

She observed for a long time, and the result was, as always, disappointing. Mr. Xie was very focused, seemingly oblivious to everything else, much like how people in the industry referred to him as "Mr. Xie the Eunuch." It was hard to see him cast an envious glance at that woman

"Indeed, this should be said to everyone," replied Xie Jifeng with a smile

Tang Ying was left speechless. She quickly followed Xie Jifeng, who, as if he had just closed a business deal, was filled with ambition. He casually handed a USB drive to Tang Ying and said, "Draft a text message to send to these people’s phones, notifying them to come to the company for an interview the day after tomorrow"

"Of course there must be, Tang Ying. You have been in the industry for several years now; what is your perspective on this?" Xie Jifeng asked leisurely, turning his head only after finishing his words. In front of him was a well-dressed subordinate, experienced and with several years of work experience.

Tang Ying smiled and said, "Aren't we going to resolve this today?"

Midsummer is the hottest season of the year in the capital city

The man lifted his eyelids slightly, indicating that he understood, but did not take the drink she offered. He casually said, "No, thank you. I don't drink carbonated beverages"

Graduated for more than 2 years but less than 5 years

The road to the Third Ring Road was crawling with traffic, the speed gradually slowing until it came to a halt. A business vehicle marked with the words "Harman Business Investigation" was caught in the flow of cars. The window slowly rolled down, and a short-haired female driver with a delicate appearance leaned out, anxiously looking ahead and then behind. There was no end in sight in either direction, and her lovely face was clouded with worry, as if shrouded in a layer of haze

Is it very ... ... difficult? Xie Jifeng's choice of words is somewhat unsuitable for young people

At this point, the female driver quietly glanced at the rearview mirror to check if her appearance had any flaws. Fortunately, she embodied the ideal of a mature businesswoman—dignified and composed. She then looked down at the front of her office lady shirt and was relieved to see that the lines were well-defined and the figure was still adequate.

Of course, send them all. Most of these phone numbers may no longer be local, " said Xie Jifeng

I understand, there must be some who have stayed, and those who haven't changed their numbers indicate that they are doing reasonably well?" Tang Ying asked with a smile

She quickly rolled up the car window; in such weather, it takes fearless courage to be exposed in broad daylight without a mask. She loosened her seatbelt, turned off the engine, and casually took a can of beverage from the small refrigerator in the car, handing it to the man in the passenger seat who had been engrossed in reading the newspaper.

"Is there a problem?" asked Xie Jifeng curiously

Graduates from 985 and 211 universities are excluded; graduates from various types of universities in Beijing are excluded. Graduates from Class 1A universities are excluded, preferably those from ordinary colleges in second- and third-tier cities who come to Beijing.

The car stopped and started, slowly squeezing out onto the shoulder, leaving behind those students who were waving their resumes, jostling in line, and sweating profusely in the rearview mirror. Tang Ying, filled with a belly full of questions, drove towards the next job fair, repeating this unconventional recruitment process.

Tang Ying chuckled softly, deeply agreeing that most outstanding graduates are merely academically excellent. However, she still held a differing opinion and, smiling, posed a question as she stood in front of the car: "But wouldn't there be even more who meet your criteria, facing hunger, struggling to find jobs, and lacking a way out?"

Xie Jifeng rapidly listed a series of conditions. Tang Ying was taken aback, while the two others were left dumbfounded. The chubby girl operating the computer looked at Xie Jifeng as if he were an alien, and the male colleague wore an especially strange expression, almost as if his jaw might dislocate and fall to the ground.

Tang Ying felt somewhat disappointed. Most of the time, remaining noncommittal essentially means a denial. However, given the current situation, what can be done? Many business investigation firms simply rent an office to start operations, primarily focusing on debt collection and investigating extramarital affairs. This has led to an increasing number of civil and criminal cases, and the entire industry is on the verge of becoming synonymous with ambiguity.

Tang Ying smiled awkwardly. Regarding the enigmatic General Manager Xie, she had always found him difficult to understand and unpredictable. She shifted the topic and said, "Actually, for matters like recruitment, there is no need for you to make a personal trip. Nowadays, as long as information is posted online, there are plenty of job seekers. I suggest prioritizing graduates from law and political science colleges."

However, the appearance and essence are often misaligned. In the business investigation industry, half of the people are aware of the name of General Manager Xie Jifeng from Harman Company, while the other half have no direct knowledge of him but are involved in business dealings with Harman Business Investigation Company. Friends, acquaintances, and old associates form this relatively mysterious circle in the eyes of outsiders

The female driver hesitated for a moment, did not open the can, and then set it down. In the workplace, one cannot appear too casual, especially in front of a superior. Moreover, this was in front of the company’s general manager, whom she rarely met.

"Mr. Xie, we will have to wait for a while," she said