A reborn mother longs for her daughter's happiness.

Chapter 140 First Encounter at Work: A Low-Key Path to Inheritance

During his years in the UK, Zhang Chen navigated the theoretical jungle of business management and the artistic realm of photography, a busy yet fulfilling period. The graduation ceremony concluded, and the gold-embossed degree certificate in his hand signaled the end of one journey and the beginning of a new one. Filled with anticipation for the future, he boarded a flight back home. As the plane slowly landed on Chinese soil, Zhang Chen took a deep breath; the familiar air filled him with both warmth and a touch of nervousness.

Zhang Chen's father is a prominent figure in the business world, owning numerous businesses. As a potential heir to the family business, Zhang Chen didn't want to ride on his father's coattails to instant success. He had an idea: he wanted to interview at one of his father's subsidiaries—the one across the street owned by Li Yuan—and start from the bottom, quietly accumulating experience. When he told his father about this idea, a hint of surprise flashed in his father's eyes, and he readily agreed.

“Dad, I just want to rely on my own abilities and see how far I can go. I don’t want anyone to give me special treatment because of you,” Zhang Chen said sincerely.

His father patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Good lad, you have ambition! Do as you say, I believe you can do it."

With his father's support, Zhang Chen felt much more at ease. He thought of Li Shiqing; the two had known each other since junior high school and occasionally kept in touch while studying in England. He took out his phone and sent Li Shiqing a WeChat message: "Hi, Shiqing, I'm back in China. I heard you graduated too, what are your plans?"

A moment later, the phone screen lit up, and Li Shiqing replied: "Zhang Chen! What a coincidence, I was just about to go for an interview at my mom Li Yuan's subsidiary. My mom said not to let the people at the subsidiary know my identity yet, and she wants me to start from the bottom."

Zhang Chen smiled and quickly replied, "What a coincidence! I'm also planning to go for an interview. Maybe we'll run into each other. We can have a good chat then."

"Haha, that's really interesting. See you in the interview!" Li Shiqing replied.

A few days later, Zhang Chen meticulously prepared a resume, making no mention of his relationship with his father, only highlighting his study experience and relevant internships in the UK. He arrived early at Li Yuan's subsidiary, a reputable company in the industry, focusing on the emerging e-commerce sector and experiencing rapid growth. Upon entering the company building, he immediately sensed a busy and vibrant atmosphere.

At the same time, Li Shiqing entered the building through another door. She was dressed in a simple yet appropriate business suit, with her long hair tied up high, making her look capable and energetic. The two met unexpectedly at the elevator entrance.

"Zhang Chen!" Li Shiqing exclaimed in surprise.

Zhang Chen turned around, saw Li Shiqing, and said with a smile, "Hi, Shiqing, long time no see. I didn't expect to actually run into you here."

"Yeah, it feels like a dream. What if we all got interviews?" Li Shiqing winked playfully.

Zhang Chen was amused by her words, "That's so dramatic. But we have to perform well and not let others know about our background."

"Don't worry, I'm prepared to rely on my abilities. By the way, why did you also want to come here for an interview? With your qualifications, you could easily go to a higher-level company," Li Shiqing asked curiously.

The elevator doors opened, and the two stepped inside. Zhang Chen pressed the button for the interview floor and said, "I want to learn from the very basics; I don't want to take shortcuts because of family connections. Besides, your company has a great future, and I'm very optimistic about the e-commerce industry. As for you, why didn't you choose the easier job back home?"

Li Shiqing tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said earnestly, "I think about the same thing as you. Although my mother is the chairman of the company, I don't want people to say that I got in through connections. I want to prove my abilities and make a name for myself in this industry."

"That's ambitious! It seems we share the same goals. I hope we both pass the interview smoothly," Zhang Chen said with a smile.

The elevator arrived at their floor, and the two stepped out. They saw that many people were already seated outside the conference room for interviews. They found two empty seats and waited for their number to be called.

"Are you nervous?" Zhang Chen asked Li Shiqing in a low voice.

"A little, I guess, since it's my first formal interview. What about you?" Li Shiqing asked in return.

"I'm a little excited, but mostly I'm looking forward to it. I hope I can join this team smoothly." Zhang Chen's eyes revealed a hint of determination.

At that moment, the conference room door opened, and a young HR person walked out and called out, "Next, Zhang Chen."

Zhang Chen stood up, straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and walked into the conference room.

In the conference room, three interviewers sat behind a long table, their expressions serious. Zhang Chen walked to the chair in the middle, smiled, and greeted the interviewers: "Hello, interviewers, I am Zhang Chen."

"Please have a seat," said one of the interviewers in the middle. "First, please briefly introduce yourself."

Zhang Chen gave a clear and organized account of her study experience in the UK, emphasizing her business management coursework and related practical projects, as well as her passion for photography and her achievements in the field.

"Why did you choose our company?" another interviewer asked.

“I understand that your company is developing rapidly in the e-commerce field and has strong innovation and market competitiveness. I have always been very interested in the e-commerce industry and hope to learn and grow in such a dynamic company, applying my business management knowledge to my work. Moreover, I believe that photography can provide unique perspectives and creativity for product display and other aspects of e-commerce business,” Zhang Chen replied.

Next, the interviewers asked Zhang Chen questions about some professional knowledge and practical cases in business management, which he answered fluently.

After the interview, Zhang Chen walked out of the conference room, and Li Shiqing immediately went to greet him.

"How is it?" Li Shiqing asked anxiously.

"It went well. The interviewer's questions were all within my prepared range. Keep it up, I believe you'll be fine," Zhang Chen encouraged.

A short while later, Li Shiqing was also called into the conference room. She confidently introduced herself and demonstrated a deep understanding and unique insights into the e-commerce industry when answering questions.

After the interview, Li Shiqing and Zhang Chen met at a coffee shop outside the company.

"It's finally over. I feel so much lighter," Li Shiqing said, picking up her coffee and taking a sip.

"Yes, no matter the outcome, we've done our best," Zhang Chen said with a smile.

"If we both get the job, which position do you plan to start with?" Li Shiqing asked.

“I’d like to start from a basic operational position to familiarize myself with the company’s operational processes and business model. What about you?” Zhang Chen replied.

“That’s what I think too. I believe that starting from the most basic work is the only way to truly understand the company and accumulate experience. By the way, what are your thoughts on the company’s future development?” Li Shiqing asked with interest.

Zhang Chen put down his coffee cup and said seriously, "I believe the e-commerce industry has huge potential for future development, especially in digital marketing and personalized services. Our company can further strengthen the application of data analysis to provide more accurate product recommendations and personalized shopping experiences based on consumer needs and preferences. At the same time, in terms of brand building, we can use social media and influencer marketing to expand brand influence. What are your thoughts?"

Li Shiqing's eyes lit up, and she said, "I completely agree with your point of view. I think our company can strengthen cooperation with suppliers, optimize supply chain management, reduce costs, and improve product quality and supply efficiency. In addition, in terms of logistics and distribution, we can introduce intelligent logistics technology to improve delivery speed and accuracy and enhance customer satisfaction."

The two hit it off as they talked, as if they could already see the future development blueprint of the company.

A few days later, Zhang Chen and Li Shiqing both received job offers from the company. They were overjoyed and immediately shared the good news with the company.

"Great! We both got the job! We'll be colleagues from now on, let's keep up the good work!" Zhang Chen said on the phone.

“That’s right, I’m sure we can achieve great things in the company,” Li Shiqing replied happily.

On their first day at work, Zhang Chen and Li Shiqing arrived at the company early. After completing their onboarding procedures at the Human Resources Department, they were taken to their respective departments.

"Zhang Chen, from now on you will work in Business Unit 1. Learn from Manager Wang," the HR said.

"Okay, thank you," Zhang Chen replied with a smile.

At the same time, Li Shiqing was taken to the marketing department.

"Li Shiqing, this is your workstation. If you have any questions, please contact your department head," the HR said.

“Okay, I will familiarize myself with the work environment as soon as possible,” Li Shiqing said.

Zhang Chen and Li Shiqing met again in the company corridor. They smiled at each other, their eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

"Keep it up, Shi Qing," Zhang Chen said.

“You too, Zhang Chen. Let’s work together and show everyone our strength,” Li Shiqing said firmly.