Chapter 5

Around 10 o'clock in the morning, the locksmith arrived. Fang Wenxiu and Zhong Wei were buried under various personnel files and documents. Zhong Wei spoke until his throat was dry, while Fang Wenxiu listened intently, neither of them paying attention to anything else.

When Zhao Zhensheng entered, Fang Xiuwen was sitting there in a daze, propping her chin and staring at a certain spot on the carpet, lost in thought and seemingly wandering elsewhere. He walked over and placed an item in front of her, saying: "This is your father's death certificate. I have frozen all his accounts in the name of the company." Zhao Zhengsheng glanced at her, but Fang Wenxiu remained in that position. He suspected that she might not be listening at all, yet he continued to explain the task: "The properties under his name should be in that safe." He pointed to a safe placed in the corner of the room. Fang Wenxiu finally turned her gaze in the direction of his finger.

The receptionist, seeing Zhao Zhengsheng's agitation and about to report, was calmly interrupted by Fang Wenxiu, who turned around and said, "I am waiting for you." The receptionist immediately understood and closed her mouth.

Fang Wenxiu followed closely behind Zhao Zhengsheng, until Zhao Zhengsheng reached the end of the corridor and opened a door. The two entered, and Zhao Zhengsheng said: "This is your father's office"

After saying this, Fang Wenxiu fell silent, her hands clasped in front of her chest, silently watching him. In that moment of silence, Zhong Wei felt a sense that Fang Wenxiu was not giving him much time. If his next response was incorrect or if he provided an ambiguous answer, she would immediately choose another way to achieve her goal. She wanted to use him, but he was not her only option. She asked him if he was willing to accompany her on this journey. In fact, it was an invitation to him, and also a form of respect. However, coming from a nineteen-year-old girl, Zhong Wei found it somewhat strange.

Secretary Liu is a woman in her early thirties, married with children, and a graduate of a formal secretarial program. She has served Fang Yuanshan for three years. Their relationship, while not entirely innocent, can at most be described as a bit of flirtation. She originally thought she would be serving a nineteen-year-old young man, which she found interesting but also concerning for her future. However, after she entered and prepared a cup of tea to bring to Fang Wenxiu, she realized that Fang Wenxiu didn't even glance at her.

The company currently has three vice presidents, generally divided into three areas: Mr. Sun is responsible for human resources, Mr. Zhao is in charge of business operations, and Mr. Zhuang oversees finance

After a while, Zhong Wei indeed brought his resume. To employ someone, one must first understand them. Rather than listening to their own words, it is better to look at some documented written materials, as at least the written word does not lie

Zhao Zhengsheng did not care much about Fang Wenxiu's gaze, and he continued to ask her: "When do you plan to hold a meeting so that the people below can meet you?"

Secretary Liu spent over half an hour with the locksmith trying to open the safe, but ultimately had no choice but to use an electric welding cutting machine to cut the safe open directly

Zhao Zhengsheng approached from behind with a briefcase and asked, "What are you doing?"

As the lights came on in the evening, Fang Wenxiu finally released Zhong Wei. He returned home and drank two pots of cold tea in succession, deeply feeling that this day had not been easy. At that time, he was not yet aware that he had been a teacher to Fang Wenxiu for an entire day, nor did he realize that his actions would grant Fang Wenxiu many conveniences and a level of respect that others did not receive in the future

Fang Wenxiu did not promise Zhong Wei any money, possessions, or status. Wealth and power are things that can change at any moment; today you give it to him, and he follows you, but tomorrow someone else may offer him more, and he can choose to follow them instead. To retain someone for the long term, friendship is sufficient

Fang Wenxiu looked around, and the room was quite spacious, approximately thirty to forty square meters in size. On the east wall hung a landscape painting, and a large office desk faced the entrance. On the desk, facing the door, was a large gilded golden leopard, which was the only item that somewhat matched Fang Yuanshan's style

Fang Wenxiu's attitude was somewhat unexpected for Zhao Zhengsheng. In fact, ever since the incident occurred, all of Fang Wenxiu's actions had been beyond his expectations. He even felt a bit sorry for Fang Yuanshan, realizing that he had such a child but had never known about it.

Fang Wenxiu looked at this social elite who was seven or eight years older than herself, pondering how to start the conversation, and then she said: "Shall we have a talk?"

When someone entered, Fang Wenxiu was thoughtfully tapping on that iron object

Zhao Zhengsheng said to Fang Wenxiu: "You familiarize yourself with the environment first, I will go over to handle something, and I will come back to discuss matters with you later"

Fang Wenxiu spent four to five minutes reading the company profile and, combined with her prior knowledge, summarized the following conclusions: Huashan Construction originated from a group of laborers pulled out from the mountains by Fang Yuanshan. The true Huashan Construction was registered fifteen years ago, with a registered capital of 1.2 million, which was already quite remarkable at that time. Currently, Huashan Construction has 15 construction teams, equipped with various heavy construction machinery, and has over a hundred subordinate suppliers. Its fixed assets amount to 40 to 50 million, but these are not the most valuable aspects. Huashan Construction also holds a special grade qualification for general contracting of construction projects. Looking across the country, there are very few private enterprises with such installation qualifications. This qualification certificate cannot simply be obtained with money; it requires connections—very deep connections. This is the intangible asset of Huashan Construction.

The two remained silent for a moment, and then Fang Wenxiu began to speak slowly: "I study history. For the past seventeen years, I have lived in a village called Longxigou in Heilongjiang. Just six days ago, I was still playing basketball at school." At this point, Fang Wenxiu rubbed his cheek, straightened his posture, and solemnly asked him: "Are you willing to accompany me on this journey?"

Fang Wenxiu realized that she was facing a significant undertaking. Fang Yuanshan had left behind a solid entity in the real economy, with thousands of people relying on Huashan Construction for their livelihoods. Huashan Construction was not a joint-stock company; it was entirely a family-owned enterprise with a dominant position. She pondered where to lead these people and how to develop and expand the company. Her responsibilities far outweighed her rights. Fang Wenxiu looked up at Zhong Wei and suddenly said to him, "Please bring me a refill of water."

Fang Wenxiu said: "Please take a seat on a chair."

The front desk of the company does not recognize Fang Wenxiu, and it can be said that basically no one in the company knows her. Fang Yuanshan has never brought her to any formal or informal occasions involving the company's senior management.

Fang Wenxiu nodded slightly, knowing that this person must have considered it, but is still observing for now. She said, "Go get your resume."

Zhong Wei went to fill a cup with water and returned. Fang Wenxiu drank it down and stood up, extending a hand to Zhong Wei: "Thank you for staying. From now on, if you have aspirations, I will do my utmost to help you realize them. If you encounter difficulties, I will certainly lend you my full support. If I achieve prosperity, you will surely share in the glory."

Fang Wenxiu nodded. Indeed, a person like Fang Yuanshan needs someone to manage various affairs for him. However, Zhong Wei's temperament is somewhat sharp, which does not quite match Fang Yuanshan's character. But how well does she really know Fang Yuanshan? Since she can remember, the encounters she has had with Fang Yuanshan can be counted on her fingers and toes.

Fang Wenxiu turned around, clapped her hands, and walked over: "How should I address you?"

Fang Wenxiu sat on the ground fiddling with the safe, trying combinations from her grandmother's birthday to her mother's and brother's, and then she casually attempted her own, but it did not open. The safe, half a person tall, was a heavy iron object. Fang Yuanshan kept his fixed assets in it, almost always keeping an eye on it. In that luxurious penthouse garden, Fang Wenxiu had searched carefully, but there was actually nothing of real value. Fang Yuanshan had lived half his life without a single truly intimate and trustworthy person, which is quite sad.

Fang Wenxiu looked at Zhao Zhengsheng with curiosity; she was unaware of what had transpired in the past. Yan Lihua seemed to hold Zhao Zhengsheng in great apprehension, while Zhao Zhengsheng did not think highly of Yan Lihua.

Miss Fang. When Zhao Zhengsheng left, he did not close the door, and she did not close it either; instead, she deliberately pulled the door open a bit wider. She did not think that Zhao Zhengsheng would arrange anything for her after he left, but rather wanted to see who would be the first to come in voluntarily. The person entered directly and stood in the center of the room facing her direction

Fang Wenxiu turned around; the newcomer was dressed in a suit and leather shoes, exuding an elite demeanor. His posture was as straight as a golf club, and he was somewhat handsome, with single eyelids and a sharp gaze

You can find a way to unlock the password yourself; if you really cannot open it, then find a locksmith to assist you

Fang Wenxiu was making a table on paper, nodding her head. Zhong Wei continued, "As for the current financial situation of the company, we need to adjust the accounts from the finance department, and this requires cooperation from General Manager Zhuang. The current business of the company and the situation of each construction team cannot be summarized in just a few sentences; you need to gradually delve into it yourself. I can provide some past construction contracts for you to slowly familiarize yourself with the business process."

Fang Wenxiu walked back to her desk and sat down, lowering her head in thought. The room was silent, and Zhong Wei stood quietly there. Suddenly, Fang Wenxiu lifted her head and unexpectedly asked, "Do you want to resign?" Her tone was calm, yet her gaze carried an air of superiority, emanating the presence of someone in a position of power.

Fang Wenxiu returned home under the moonlight, clutching a stack of money and a dozen property certificates. The house was quiet; Yan Lihua was still not home. The housekeeper had prepared a meal for her, which she ate casually before heading to her room to take a shower. She opened her computer to go online, waiting for Yan Lihua. Yan Lihua had been avoiding her, or rather, avoiding everything she did not want to confront. However, today she had to bring her out; there were certain matters that needed to be discussed.

Zhong Wei continued, "The company is generally divided into several departments: Administration, Engineering Projects, Design, and Finance. Among these, the Administration Department is further divided into Human Resources and Logistics, while the Engineering Projects Department is subdivided into Engineering Technology and Safety Production. Design and Finance are separate departments. Do you also need the files of the managers of these departments?"

Zhong, I was originally the special assistant to General Fang when Zhong Wei was here

Zhong Wei sat down on the chair in front of his desk, feeling a strange sensation. Psychologically, he felt some resistance towards a nineteen-year-old girl, yet physically, he could not help but comply.

"What does Miss Fang want to discuss?" Zhong Wei asked in a conventional manner

Zhong Wei returned and placed a folder in front of Fang Wenxiu: "This is the company profile, which is required for every bidding process and is quite detailed. Please take a look first, and I will gradually explain other company matters to you later"

Fang Wenxiu, holding a large glass cup belonging to Fang Yuanshan, took a sip of tea and said with drooping eyelids: "You can go out first; I will call you if there is something."

Fang Wenxiu said calmly and unhurriedly: "There is no rush, let's talk about it in a couple of days"

Fang Wenxiu discarded the pencil in her hand, pinched her brow, and roughly formulated a direction. Those who labor with their minds govern others, while those who labor with their hands are governed by others. She needed to first assert her authority over several department managers in the company before discussing the company's direction and how she would steer the ship.

Fang Wenxiu lifted her teacup and took a sip, not looking at him as she said lightly, "Just call me General Fang." Zhong Wei straightened his back slightly and replied, "Alright, General Fang." Fang Wenxiu lowered her eyelids; she did not wish to impose her authority on others, but unfortunately, she was too young and lacked any capital.

According to the records, Zhong Wei was born into a middle-class family in this city, with parents who were likely workers. By the time he was born, family planning policies had already been implemented, so he may have been an only child. He did not become a worker; instead, he was admitted to a prestigious university. In a photo from six years ago, he appears to be a somewhat relaxed young man, indicating that his parents must have cared for him deeply and provided him with a good education. The sharpness that comes from social experience must have been cultivated alongside Fang Yuanshan, suggesting that he is a very ambitious person. He was admitted to a prestigious university, and in a photo from six years ago, he appears to be a somewhat relaxed young man, indicating that his parents must have cared for him deeply and provided him with a good education. The sharpness that comes from social experience must have been cultivated alongside Fang Yuanshan, suggesting that he is a very ambitious person.

Zhao Zhengsheng glanced at the two of them inexplicably, then turned and left. There was a dedicated elevator for Huashan Construction in the building, but Zhao Zhengsheng walked into the stairwell, and Fang Wenxiu naturally followed him.

Fang Yuanshan's Huashan Architecture is located in a commercial building in the city center. The lower eight floors are entirely occupied by Huashan Architecture. On the side of the building entrance, there is a piece of granite embedded with several gilded characters representing Huashan Architecture, alongside several flagpoles adorned with colorful flags. The legacy left by Fang Yuanshan is indeed substantial

"Hmm, I understand now." Fang Wenxiu suddenly sat up straight, instantly becoming more spirited

Secretary Liu took out a dozen property certificates from the safe, along with one hundred thousand yuan in cash, and handed everything over to Fang Wenxiu. Fang Wenxiu instructed her to find a paper bag to pack it all up casually, and then withdrew several bills to pay off the locksmith, never once getting up to inquire about the situation.

Zhong Wei sat up straight, and he began to realize that since he entered the room, he had not once taken control of the conversation. Gradually, he set aside his dismissive attitude and started to take the matter seriously

Zhao Zhengsheng could not help but add, "Your father did not leave a will. According to reason, these belongings should belong to you and your mother. However, I think it is best for you to keep them yourself."

Fang Wenxiu looked up at the ceiling for a while, idly opened the drawer in front of her. There were not many items in the drawer; the most prominent were half a pack of red Soft Zhonghua cigarettes and a silver-gray lighter. These were items used by Fang Yuanshan when he was alive. She touched the lighter and then pushed it along with the cigarette box to the very back of the drawer

The receptionist asked Fang Wenxiu whom she was looking for and whether she had an appointment. Fang Wenxiu lowered her head, pondering how to tell her that she was the boss coming to work. It seemed somewhat intimidating, making it difficult to express. She mentioned that she was looking for Zhao Zhengsheng and was unsure if he was at work. Unconsciously, Fang Wenxiu rested one hand on the reception desk, striking a thoughtful pose as she seriously contemplated. The receptionist looked at her with a mix of suspicion and uncertainty, increasingly giving her a look as if she were a lunatic.

Zhong Weiwei paused for a moment, and Fang Wenxiu casually glanced at him. She simply said, "A gentleman's actions must be open and aboveboard"

Zhong Wei is intelligent and understands that Fang Wenxiu is currently in a state of confusion. He cannot teach her any business acumen, but at the very least, there are certain things she must be aware of. Since he has decided to stay, the two of them are in a relationship where they share both honor and disgrace. He can only assist her wholeheartedly.

Secretary Zhuang stepped out with somewhat unsteady steps, feeling a bit dazed

Fang Wenxiu sat down in Fang Yuanshan's enormous boss chair; her feet could touch the ground, but her head could not reach the headrest. Fang Yuanshan was too tall, and she could not sit very steadily.

However, Zhong Wei actually understands that the high salary and social connections he currently possesses, which far exceed those of his peers, are all derived from being around Fang Yuanshan. Although Fang Yuanshan has passed away, these resources will not disappear with his death. As long as Huashan Construction remains, and it is about to belong to Fang Wenxiu, Zhong Wei is very surprised by this girl's ability to grasp the situation.

Fang Wenxiu took a sheet of A4 paper and began to write and draw without lifting her head: "Notify the archives room to send over their materials in a moment."

Zhao Zhengsheng glanced back at her, then turned around and continued to ascend. The two of them remained silent all the way, climbing to the eighth floor with composure. Zhao Zhengsheng looked back at her again, and Fang Wenxiu smiled at him. Zhao Zhengsheng pushed open the door to the stairwell and walked out

Zhong Wei said, "Go pour a cup of tea for General Manager Fang." He stepped aside and walked over, while Secretary Zhuang opened his mouth, unsure of how to express himself

Fang Wenxiu sat back down, straightened her shoulders, and, shaking off the slightly dejected demeanor from before, said to Zhong Wei: "Now you may speak. I need to know the current personnel structure of the company, the general flow of funds, the situation of each engineering team, as well as the external circumstances"

Zhong Wei was momentarily taken aback, then reached out to shake hands with her. Having lived to the age of twenty-seven or twenty-eight, he had passed the age where one could be easily swayed by words. He sensed a sudden surge of determination emanating from Fang Wenxiu, and he suddenly felt that this person, this young girl, might indeed be speaking the truth. She possessed a weighty power in her promises, not because of her youth, but rather because she was not hasty. Perhaps she did not even need him to believe in her promises; she was simply expressing what she wanted to say, what she ought to say. This young girl might indeed be speaking the truth; she possessed a weighty power in her promises, not because of her youth, but rather because she was not hasty. Perhaps she did not even need him to believe in her promises; she was simply expressing what she wanted to say, what she ought to say.

Zhao Zhengsheng walked in front, while Fang Wenxiu followed him up the stairs. Zhao Zhengsheng said, "What is there to argue with a receptionist?"

Fang Wenxiu said behind: "This left a deep impression on her, so next time she won't stop me again"

The elevator across from them just opened its doors, and several people stepped out, both men and women, none particularly young. They all calmly greeted Zhao Zhengsheng first, to which Zhao responded in kind. These individuals engaged in conversation with one another, and someone offered a smile to Fang Wenxiu, who returned it. No one greeted her, and they all entered their respective offices.

Zhao Zhengsheng finished speaking and left, not even casting an extra glance at Fang Wenxiu. Fang Wenxiu watched him close the door behind him without saying a word. Sometimes, when the words 'thank you' are said too often, the speaker gradually loses the initial sincerity, and the listener also finds it uninteresting

After noon, when the lunch hour had passed, the two remained seated in the office without moving. When Secretary Liu went down to the cafeteria for lunch, she had the foresight to bring two lunch boxes back for them. Finally, she received a glance and a thank you from Fang Wenxiu.

Zhong Wei is a university student from the class of 1995, graduating from a nationally renowned institution. In the mid-1990s, gaining admission to university was not an easy task; relatively speaking, university students at that time were still considered quite valuable. He majored in civil engineering and construction, and after graduation, he joined Huashan Construction. He is also a local resident, and from the address noted in his file from six years ago, it appears to be an old industrial area

Zhong Wei's gaze flickered slightly as he said: "No."

At that moment, Zhong Wei did not directly respond to Fang Wenxiu's words. He remained silent for a while, then stood up and said to her: "General Manager Fang, please wait a moment."

Zhong Wei hesitated for a moment, said "Alright," and turned to leave. Fang Wenxiu called out to him again: "By the way, call a locksmith to come over." Zhong Wei nodded and walked out. Outside, Secretary Liu approached and asked: "How is it?"

Fang Wenxiu stroked his chin and flipped the file back to the first page, where there was a one-inch photo of Zhong Wei. He was wearing a white shirt, and his somewhat unkempt hairstyle gave him a slightly disheveled appearance. His spirit seemed a bit scattered, and his gaze was not yet sharp. Fang Wenxiu looked up at him; he stood there like a pillar, supported by an inner vitality that made him appear steadfast.