Chapter 7
Fang Wenxiu was still led to the reception area, where Vice President Sun had all the necessary tea utensils. He cheerfully washed the tea, rinsed the teapot, and brewed the tea with a smooth series of actions. Fang Wenxiu observed and thought that he was probably the most knowledgeable about life among the few people present
Fang Wenxiu looked up and saw Zhao Zhengsheng turning his face to speak with Wang Kai, his gaze shifting momentarily before returning. Fang Wenxiu quietly thanked Zhuang Jinrong.
On Friday morning, Fang Wenxiu arrived at the company half an hour early, boiled water to make tea, and sat in silence for thirty minutes. Just after nine o'clock, Secretary Liu entered the room to inform her that the meeting in the large conference room was about to begin
After leaving Zhuang Jinrong's office, Fang Wenxiu answered a phone call. Zhong Wei said on the line: "The other party wants to see the child." Fang Wenxiu replied with two words: "No way." Her tone was resolute and cold-hearted, yet the action of hanging up the phone was hesitant and indecisive. She stood still for a while, staring at the wall of the corridor as if trying to will a flower to bloom. Finally, she raised her hands and rubbed her face vigorously before heading to Vice President Sun's office.
Vice President Sun handed a small cup of tea to Fang Wenxiu and said, "Your father is quite a person!" He sighed deeply, and there was an unspoken meaning in his words
Vice President Sun was momentarily taken aback, the smile on his chubby face replaced by a cautious wisdom. He asked Fang Wenxiu, "Xiao Fang, what is your major?"
Yes. Fang Wenxiu nodded.
Vice Sun remained silent for a moment, then looked carefully at Fang Wenxiu from top to bottom and asked: "Have you been studying since childhood?"
Understood. Zhong Wei withdrew his hand and said: "I will arrange for someone to take you back."
Fang Wenxiu took over and said: "My father, throughout his life, founded Huashan Construction, and his friendship with you has lasted for over twenty years. Today, I am here to enjoy the shadow he left behind. He is not someone whose life ends like a extinguished lamp; rather, he is a remarkable person who, though deceased, lives on in my heart.
Because your father is named Fang Yuanshan and your mother is named Yan Lihua
She said: "I will not introduce myself, as everyone should have inquired about my situation over the past few days. I am not very old and my educational background is not high. Since this concerns everyone's future and destiny, it is natural to have questions. What virtue or capability does such an inexperienced person possess to lead us? With someone like this at the helm, where will the fate of the company head?"
Fang Wenxiu had arranged for a large package. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, revealing Fang Hengxin in front of her, which astonished everyone.
After she finished her drink, everyone's attitude became considerably more casual. Moments later, someone came to toast her, saying, "From now on, call her General Fang." With someone addressing her as General Fang, others naturally followed suit. Everyone understood that at this moment, calling her General Fang and having a drink was not merely about the drink itself or just a simple phrase. Consequently, more and more people began to toast her. Fang Wenxiu never felt that drinking with these people was her giving them face; rather, it was these people giving her face. Therefore, she welcomed everyone without exception, adopting a very humble demeanor, almost saying to each person, "I look forward to your guidance in the future." With a calm expression, she shared a drink with nearly everyone, fully aware that at this moment, she had to drink even if it meant drinking to excess. A drink was not just a drink, nor was it merely a simple phrase, and thus the toasts continued to increase. Fang Wenxiu never felt that drinking with these people was her giving them face; rather, it was these people giving her face. Therefore, she welcomed everyone without exception, adopting a very humble demeanor, almost saying to each person, "I look forward to your guidance in the future." With a calm expression, she shared a drink with nearly everyone, fully aware that at this moment, she had to drink even if it meant drinking to excess.
Fang Wenxiu lowered her head in acknowledgment. As the two conversed until their tea was finished, Fang Wenxiu stood up to take her leave. Just as she was about to exit, Zhuang Jinrong called out to her from behind: "Wenxiu, do you know why the company is named Huashan?"
Zhao Zhengsheng quietly opened the door and walked out amidst the applause. He pushed open a window in the corridor, and the red sun rose in the eastern sky, its dazzling light penetrating everywhere. He lit a cigarette and exhaled a long puff of smoke.
Fang Wenxiu knew that Vice President Sun was a person of understanding, so she said little and simply smiled.
Vice President Sun looked at the table and asked: "A table full of dishes? I find the abalone and sea cucumber to be quite ordinary."
During this time, Vice President Sun introduced the person, and Zhao Zhengsheng got up to step out for a moment. He returned shortly, and soon after, dishes began to be served. Within a quarter of an hour, the main courses were mostly ready. Vice President Sun, with a smile, asked Fang Wenxiu: "Wenxiu, you invited us to dinner today; surely there must be a topic to discuss. What is it?"
Fang Hengxin sat on Fang Wenxiu's arm, following her as she looked around, not crying or making a fuss, which particularly brought honor to his sister. Fang Wenxiu held Fang Hengxin up in front of everyone and said with a smile, "This is my brother"
On Sunday evening, Fang Wenxiu invited three vice presidents of the company to dinner, stating that it is a family gathering and that family members must be invited to attend
Vice President Sun is a person who enjoys drinking. It is estimated that he is usually strictly managed by his spouse, but today he seizes the opportunity to liven up the atmosphere in various ways, looking for excuses to drink. At the table, apart from the three other women who do not drink, even the usually quiet Wang Kai has had quite a bit to drink.
Fang Wenxiu took a sip of tea and casually glanced at the bookshelf in his room, saying: "I don't read many miscellaneous books, but I was taught quite a bit of the Four Books and Five Classics by my grandmother when I was young. To this day, it has become a habit for me to enjoy reading the Tao Te Ching during my leisure time."
No need. Fang Wenxiu stood up straight and said, "Just have the driver bring the car over."
The second place Fang Wenxiu went to was at Zhuang Jinrong's. Fang Wenxiu knocked on the door, entered, and stood at the doorway calling out: "Aunt Zhuang"
Fang Wenxiu nodded, and Vice President Sun asked again: "At what age did you begin your studies?"
Halfway through the drinking, Fang Hengxin shifted from Zhuang Jinrong's embrace to Aunt Liao's lap, and even urinated. Fang Wenxiu took the opportunity to get up and change his diaper, while also asking the waiter to prepare a bottle of milk to feed him before slipping away. Once Fang Hengxin was full, Fang Wenxiu carried him back to the table. The little rascal, having eaten and drunk enough, began to flail about, trying to climb onto the table. Fang Wenxiu pulled him back, dipped the chopsticks into the soup for him to lick, and only then did he settle down a bit.
Fang Wenxiu placed the teacup back down: "Wenxiu has been at the company for three days, and it is only today that I come to visit you. I have acted thoughtlessly this time, please forgive me"
Zhuang Jinrong stepped forward and took Fang Hengxin from Fang Wenxiu's arms, giving him a gentle shake: "Oh, Hengxin has grown up. At the full moon celebration, he looked just like a little mouse, but now he's so chubby. This child has been raised very well"
When the banquet had reached its halfway point and the atmosphere at the table had completely relaxed, Fang Wenxiu quietly slipped out. Zhong Wei had been paying attention all along and discreetly followed her out.
Dinner lasted until after 10 o'clock. Vice President Sun had a bit too much to drink, his face was flushed, and his tongue was tangled. He was supported by Aunt Liao as they walked out. The Zhuang family drove themselves home, while Zhao Zhengsheng also drank quite a bit and called for a driver. Fang Wenxiu was holding Fang Hengxin, helping everyone to their cars. That kid, Fang Hengxin, was still full of energy, calling out cheerfully and waving excitedly at everyone, as if bidding them farewell, which amused them greatly
On that day, Fang Wenxiu was dressed in a set of iron-gray suit trousers, paired with a white shirt, exuding a mature demeanor for someone so young. The company's large conference room was filled to capacity with over one hundred people seated. Zhao Zhengsheng gave a brief summary of the meeting from the stage, and then extended his hand to invite Fang Wenxiu up.
Fang Wenxiu said: "The focus is not here, but on the two words 'eating and drinking'"
Zhuang Jinrong leaned back into the sofa, looking into Fang Wenxiu's eyes: "Since the incident in Yuanshan, I have seen all your actions. Initially, I was somewhat worried, but now it seems that you can manage the family business of Yuanshan. " Then she shifted her tone: "Wenxiu, my daughter will graduate from medical school next year. I am very content. Given the friendship with Yuanshan, if you need me, I can still work for you for a few more years. You can rest assured about everything else."
Her few sentences contain a lot of content and information, Fang Wenxiu slightly lowered her head: "Wenxiu is incompetent and cannot do without your help"
After sleeping, I woke up at noon the next day, brushed my teeth, took a shower, ate something, and then made a phone call to continue hosting guests
Vice President Sun nodded knowingly and said, "Your grandmother is remarkable"
Once the situation opened up, Fang Wenxiu shifted her tone: "The era we are in is a remarkable one. From a broader perspective, the national fortune is showing signs of auspiciousness coming from the east. For us merchants, this is an unprecedentedly favorable environment. Huashan Construction has grown from a workforce of over twenty laborers to a scale of thousands today. As we stand on the shoulders of our predecessors, we should not merely reap the fruits of their labor; we should also have a far-sighted vision. The rise and fall of a business cannot be separated from people, and this does not refer to a single individual but rather to a team that appears in a collective form. Each of us is a member of this team, including myself. Therefore, it does not matter what kind of person I am, how old I am, what high level of education I have, or how much experience I possess. What truly matters is the kind of decisions I can make in my position. I urge everyone to understand that the direction and pattern of Huashan Construction, as well as our personal futures and destinies, all depend on the spirit, choices, and efforts of each one of us."
Before Fang Wenxiu went out, she bowed at a ninety-degree angle to Zhuang Wenxiu. Zhuang Jinrong stared blankly at the closed door for a long time.
Fang Wenxiu walked up with empty hands, without a script, smiling as she stood still for five seconds before slightly nodding her head: "Hello, colleagues and friends." Her voice was clear and penetrating, resonating throughout the entire venue. The conference hall, filled with over a hundred people, fell silent in an instant
Vice President Sun acted as if he had not heard, shamelessly slurping it down in one go, while Fang Wenxiu merely smiled without speaking and also finished it in one gulp
The two stood silently, and Zhuang Jinrong suddenly sighed: "Yan Lihua has hated me for half a lifetime, but there is one thing in which I cannot compare to her: my child is not as good as hers"
Zhao Zhengsheng turned around and glanced at Zhuang Jinrong, offering a meaningless smile without saying a word. Zhuang Jinrong walked to his side and took a deep breath of the fresh air outside, suddenly sighing: "Fang Yuanshan! What a pity. If I had such a child, I would be secretly overjoyed."
Fang Wenxiu smiled as she poured a glass of Wuliangye for Vice President Sun, saying, "Isn't it just a meal and drinks?" While speaking, she turned and handed the bottle to a nearby waitress, instructing her to pour drinks for others. Turning back, she continued, "However, our Chinese culture is vast and profound. Many matters, from the nobility to the common folk, have been resolved through these two words: eating and drinking. As the saying goes, 'In the vast world, three cups of wine; in the long history, a pot of tea.' Come, Vice President Sun, let us have a toast together."
Zhuang Jinrong wore a look of disbelief, and Fang Wenxiu did not say much more. Until the banquet was over, she could not extract any information from Fang Wenxiu's lips.
Fang Wenxiu lowered her head to drink porridge, while Fang Hengxin reached out to grab the bowl. Fang Wenxiu fed him half a spoonful, and Zhuang Jinrong watched them for a while before leaning over to ask her in a low voice: "Did your mother agree to let Hengxin in?"
In the house, apart from Zhao Zhengsheng's wife who is divorced, and his son who is alone abroad, Zhuang Jinrong brought along his family of three, and Vice President Sun also brought his spouse with him
Upon her mentioning it, Fang Wenxiu realized that these individuals were all acquainted with Fang Heng, indicating that her brother had a deeper standing in this circle than she did
The child is sound asleep, with an expression of complete ignorance and unawareness
Zhong Wei continuously escorted Fang Wenxiu to the car. Fang Wenxiu walked calmly all the way, and after exiting the door, she took off her suit jacket and held it in her hand. She stood at the hotel entrance, enjoying the breeze for a while. In the end, Zhong Wei could not discern whether she was drunk or not. It was not until the car drove away that he stood still for a moment before turning to go back.
Fang Wenxiu smiled and pointed her chopsticks at the table: "The topic is right here."
You stay here and arrange the activities for the second half, and report the expenses to the company.
Fang Wenxiu replied: "History"
Zhuang Jinrong's daughter is a young woman in her twenties, with an elongated face, willow-leaf eyebrows, single eyelids, and an average-sized mouth. She has long hair cascading over her shoulders and wears a long dress that gives her a graceful appearance. Fang Wenxiu calls her Sister Wang, and she smiles at her, saying, "Wenxiu, hello." She appears quite generous in demeanor.
Zhao Zhengsheng took a couple of puffs from his cigarette and suddenly said, "I guess he must be secretly enjoying himself right now." The two exchanged a glance and shared a silent laugh.
Fang Wenxiu's work report was delivered in a fluent manner for over an hour. After the meeting, many people were left in doubt, and some privately discussed who had written the speech for Fang Wenxiu. Later, Li Tao, the head of the Human Resources Department, clarified for everyone, saying: "It is likely that Vice President Sun wrote it, as he is the best writer among the three leaders." Li Tao is someone who was mentored by Vice President Sun, making him a direct disciple. His words enlightened everyone, and they unanimously agreed that being able to deliver the speech at such a level was impressive. At the very least, they concluded that their boss could not be an incompetent person.
As her words fell, the audience fell completely silent. Some began to sit up straight, their attention genuinely focused on her. Then she smiled again and said: "Of course, I would like to express this situation in my own plain language: having an academic degree does not necessarily equate to having culture, because academic degrees are managed by the Ministry of Education, while culture is overseen by the Ministry of Culture. These are actually two different matters". The audience erupted in laughter.
On the way to the hotel, Fang Hengxin finally fell asleep in Fang Wenxiu's arms. When she handed him over to the nanny, this little guy clutched her clothes tightly and wouldn't let go. Fang Wenxiu felt a pang in her heart, bent down, and kissed his face, saying, "Good boy, sister will take you home tomorrow." She gently traced his face with a finger and said, "You have the surname Fang, sister will properly take you back."
Fang Wenxiu stood upright, turned, and walked forward, feeling somewhat disconnected from her legs and unable to find her feet. She concentrated all her mental energy on her legs, taking a step forward, then extending another leg. The ground was covered with carpet, as if she could trip and fall at any moment, but she could not allow herself to fall. At this moment, she absolutely could not collapse; she had no one to care for her, and if she fell, no one would help her up. She had to remain upright at all times and continue walking forward.
Zhuang Jinrong did not know when her seat was changed to sit next to her, and pushed a bowl of seafood congee towards her: "Zhao Zhengsheng asked for this for you just now, have some to ease the effects of the alcohol."
The door to the conference room behind him closed once again with a sound, and a voice came from behind him: "Old Sun has been shouting about retirement for many years, and now he can finally retire with peace of mind."
Zhuang Jinrong kept smiling, without responding to her words, and prepared a cup of tea to hand to her. Fang Wenxiu accepted it with both hands, taking a small sip. Zhuang Jinrong sat down beside her, smiling gently as she watched her. She had slightly gained weight, her face was round, her skin fair, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes were prominent. She wore an A-line dress and a white shirt that made her chest feel a bit tight. Her figure had somewhat changed, but Fang Wenxiu did not perceive any slackness in her demeanor. In fact, one can discern what time has left on a person through their appearance. Fang Wenxiu at least observed a calm acceptance of aging in her.
Vice President Sun, in terms of appearance, is the least impressive among several individuals. Even though Fang Yuanshan has gained some weight later on, at least he is tall and looks decent. However, this Vice President Sun is balding, has a potbelly, and a short stature. He is the oldest among the four who fought alongside Fang Yuanshan back in the day, nearing sixty years of age, and has also had the smoothest journey in life. It is said that he has already become a grandfather.
Fang Wenxiu shook her head: "I really don't remember this."
Intelligent individuals communicate with ease. Fang Wenxiu visited three people in one morning, receiving a glass of water, a cup of tea, and a very exquisite tea respectively. The water symbolizes kindness, the tea represents composure, and the exquisite tea embodies wisdom. Having gained much from these encounters, she returned to the office and summoned Secretary Liu to announce that a meeting for team leaders and above would be held on Friday.
His office is also the most stylish and lush among several people, furnished entirely with vintage solid wood furniture. Under the window and at the entrance, there are large potted plants, and on the windowsill, there are four or five small bonsai, all looking vibrant and fresh
Fang Wenxiu arrived only when most people were already present. Upon entering, she wore an apologetic expression and repeatedly cupped her hands in greeting, saying, "I apologize, everyone. I had some matters at home and arrived late. I am truly sorry." Regardless of whether she was genuinely late or not, her demeanor at least made everyone feel that she was down-to-earth.
Fang Wenxiu called her Aunt Liao, who had grayish-white hair and a round, plump face. Aunt Liao smiled and said, "Wenxiu, hello"
Fang Wenxiu said with a smile: "Manager Fang is a symbol of my stability and foundation. Aunt Zhuang, please do not make fun of me. Above the seventh floor, we will always maintain the relationship of Aunt Zhuang and Wenxiu."
Vice President Sun beckoned Fang Wenxiu to come over and introduced her to others. He placed particular emphasis on introducing Zhuang Jinrong's husband, Wang Kai. Wang Kai appeared to be in his forties, well-preserved, exuding an air of authority, yet he was very amiable. He worked at the Municipal Urban Construction Bureau, holding the position of Deputy Director. Fang Wenxiu was taken aback internally, though she did not show it on her face. After sitting down, she stood up again, nodded, and extended her hand to shake hands, politely addressing him as: "Uncle Wang"
In the afternoon, Fang Wenxiu left home early and detoured to the hotel to bring Fang Hengxin out. The nanny, feeling uneasy, packed a bag of the child's belongings for her to take along. After leaving, they encountered some traffic on the way, and they arrived at the agreed hotel a little late.
Zhuang Jinrong invited Fang Wenxiu to take a seat on the sofa nearby where guests were received, personally preparing tea to serve her
Fang Wenxiu gathered her thoughts and then calmly said: "Hengxin was brought back by my mother"
As Fang Wenxiu entered, before she could say anything, he burst into laughter and said, "Xiao Fang is here, come in quickly, come in quickly." Fang Wenxiu noticed that he was the only one who did not call her by her name but referred to her as Xiao Fang. Although he also regarded himself as an elder, his position was distinctly different.
After the meeting on Friday, Fang Wenxiu invited the middle management and key personnel of the company to dinner on Saturday. A large private room was reserved in a seafood restaurant, accommodating nearly thirty people at two large tables
Fang Wenxiu turned her face to look at her. This woman had a face full of gossip, resembling a typical middle-aged woman. Fang Wenxiu deeply felt that if her mother were clever enough, there would be no need to bother with this woman. The expression on her face was nothing but the schadenfreude typical of women competing against each other. She finally understood that the reason Fang Yuanshan still kept a woman with whom he had an ambiguous relationship around was entirely because her husband was the director of the Urban Construction Bureau.
Wang Kai spoke little, and said in a particularly polite manner: "Xiao Fang, please take a seat"
Within the confines of the room, Fang Wenxiu's voice flowed out smoothly: "In the context of this era, the scale of a business is always more important than its profitability. Money can be earned endlessly, but the spirit and longevity of a business cannot be created with money. Please pay attention, the core of a business is the spirit of the team, not how much money you have made. As long as the positive and proactive spirit of the team endures, the business can thrive for a long time"
Vice President Sun gently asked, "What books do you usually read?"
As Fang Wenxiu's words came to an end, Sun, the deputy general manager among the three decision-makers from the company standing to one side of the stage, suddenly raised both hands in applause, and the audience erupted into thunderous applause.
Finally, Vice President Sun said: "It has been said since ancient times that starting a business is easy, but maintaining it is difficult. You are still young, so cherish it."
Vice President Sun, with great enthusiasm, raised his cup to his lips, when Aunt Liao suddenly said, "Wenxiu, don't listen to his nonsense; he is just trying to trick you into drinking."
Fang Wenxiu stood in the corridor, one hand resting against the wall, her stomach churning. When Zhong Wei approached, intending to lend her a hand, she turned her head, her eyes clear and bright.
After the banquet commenced, Wen Xiu raised a small wine cup and said to everyone: "All of you are my seniors. I am immensely grateful for your support. I will drink three cups to express my appreciation, and everyone is welcome to join me."
At this point, Fang Wenxiu paused briefly, smiled, and scanned the audience before continuing: "Therefore, I would like to borrow a dialogue from over two thousand years ago between Mencius and King Hui of Liang to answer everyone. The king said: 'Old man, having traveled a thousand miles, will it be beneficial to our country?' Mencius replied: 'Why must Your Majesty speak of benefits? There is only benevolence and righteousness.'"
Zhuang Jinrong looked up and saw her, immediately smiling as she stood up: "It's still Aunt Zhuang, but I should call you General Fang now, please come in."
Vice President Sun expressed some disappointment: "Did you call us here just for this meal?"
Vice President Sun, in the end, introduced his spouse in a rather casual manner, pulling her over and pointing, saying: "This is my spouse, you can call her Aunt Liao"
Zhuang Jinrong waved her hand and said earnestly: "Wenxiu, your father rose from a humble background in a mountain valley to achieve what he has today. I believe the most valuable legacy he has left behind is not those material possessions, but the reputation of Huashan Construction. You must cherish it."
Vice President Sun appeared energetic and immediately continued, "Well said, let's do it."
Fang Wenxiu endured the tumultuous feeling in her stomach until she returned home, where she vomited into the toilet, then crawled onto the bed and collapsed onto it, falling into a deep sleep.