Financial Independence through Cracked Apps

Chapter 351 - 189: High-Profile Entrance

"Listen to me, I really didn’t mean anything else. You have to try and understand where I’m coming from, don’t you?"

"A guy like Lin Shen—tall, rich, and handsome—drives you home. Any man would feel uncomfortable about that!"

"Then why didn’t you come with me to the interview? Why didn’t you pick me up? Is it because you just don’t care?"

Xu Lei’s questions left Zhang Xu speechless, and she couldn’t be bothered to continue the discussion.

Once broken, some things can never be mended.

Once a crack appears in a relationship, it only grows wider.

This is especially true for the one taking the initiative. If their attempts to please aren’t met with a response, they’re left utterly disappointed.

’Maybe Zhang Xu and I have no future together.’

Previously, Xu Lei would have never even considered this. When she ran into problems, her first instinct was always to find a solution.

But now, it seemed she had no choice but to face the possibility.

[Upgrade Mission: Hire a secretary to help arrange your daily schedule, with a salary no less than 10,000 (Completed).]

[Employee Direct Hire LV.2→LV.3]

[Decryption Effect: When you recruit an employee, you will receive a 35%→40% cash rebate on their base salary.]

[Reward: Random Employee Benefit x1]

[Upgrade Mission: Poach talent from other companies with high salaries and retain them with high-end benefits (0/10).]

"Sure enough, the mission’s complete."

After returning home, Lin Shen first checked on his Employee Direct Hire status.

The truth was, regardless of whether Xu Lei passed the second interview, he was going to offer her the secretarial position.

The only reason Lin Shen had stressed the point was to put some pressure on her.

The subtext was:

’This isn’t a position I have to give you. If a better candidate comes along, I’ll definitely choose them. If you really want this job, you’ll have to earn it.’

Clearly, this was a blatant case of workplace manipulation.

But the high salary Lin Shen offered was undeniably tempting—few people could resist it.

’I hope she performs well.’

Recalling the hostile glare from Zhang Xu earlier, Lin Shen chuckled. He actually felt a little sorry for the guy.

’If I put myself in his shoes... back before I had the system, if my girlfriend became the secretary for some tall, rich, and handsome boss...’

’I’d probably feel just as conflicted as Zhang Xu does right now.’

But that’s just how society is. Nothing to be done about it.

Winner take all.

The most Lin Shen could do was not actively make a move on Xu Lei.

As for whether she’d come on to him, well, that was her business...

Just as Lin Shen was lost in thought, his WeChat buzzed with a message from Zhou Qiang.

[Zhou Qiang: Shen, the office space is renovated and all cleaned up. Want to come over and take a look?]

[Zhou Qiang: [Photo]]

Lin Shen’s eyes lit up when he saw the photo Zhou Qiang sent.

In the wide-angle shot, the newly renovated office space looked exceptionally clean and tidy.

Even with the overcast sky and drizzling rain outside, the office was still spacious and bright.

The desks, chairs, water cooler, printer, and other equipment had all been replaced with brand-new models, giving the place a comfortable feel.

At the very least, it was much better than the office where Lin Shen used to work.

[Lin Shen: I’m on my way.]

After sending his reply, Lin Shen went to the bathroom to touch up his hair.

Since Qin Yuenan wanted him to be a bit more "S," a slicked-back hairstyle was a must!

Once that was done, Lin Shen sprayed on some hairspray, then put on a pair of black, half-rimmed glasses.

Paired with his suit, worth tens of thousands of yuan, he really looked the part.

"Not bad."

Very satisfied with his appearance, Lin Shen went downstairs and drove to Huamao Mansion.

3:00 PM. The first-floor lobby of Huamao Mansion.

Zhou Qiang and Zhang Xin were already there, waiting.

A moment later, Lin Shen strode in.

One hand tucked in his pocket, his stride steady, his posture erect.

Dressed in a formal suit, Lin Shen seemed to be in a different league from everyone around him, and he quickly drew a great many admiring glances.

Zhang Xin was among them.

"President Lin, you look very handsome today."

Zhang Xin hurried forward, offering a compliment with a smile as she extended her right hand.

Lin Shen returned the handshake warmly.

"Thank you. I hear the office space is renovated?"

"Yes."

Zhang Xin made an inviting gesture.

"This way, please. I’ll give you a tour."

"Alright."

As Lin Shen followed Zhang Xin upstairs, Zhou Qiang, who was standing to the side, seemed rather reserved.

’After all, one was his direct supervisor, and the other was his old buddy.’

’Now they were equals, and he was just a third wheel.’

’To be honest, Zhou Qiang felt a little bitter and uncomfortable, but what could he do about it?’

’Lin Shen was capable and had risen quickly.’

’You had to latch onto a guy like that, not make an enemy of him!’

So, Zhou Qiang started to butter him up with a smile.

"Shen, you have a date today or something? You look even sharper than usual!"

"I’m meeting someone later."

Lin Shen clapped Zhou Qiang on the shoulder, chiding him with a laugh.

"You used to be so straightforward, always joking and shooting the breeze with me. Why are you so uptight now?"

"Heh heh."

Zhou Qiang scratched his head in embarrassment, but a warm feeling bloomed inside him.

’Even though Lin Shen had hit the big time, his personality hadn’t changed. He was still gentle and easy to talk to.’

’A guy like that deserved to be successful!’

The group took the elevator to the 14th floor. Zhang Xin switched on all the lights and took the lead on the tour.

"We’ve decorated the hallways with pictures of small animals, just as you requested, to create a cozier atmosphere."

"The office’s air circulation system has been upgraded as well. It provides much better ventilation, so people won’t get drowsy even with many of them working together."

"Most of the old equipment has been replaced, and we converted the former break room into a dedicated ’cat lounge.’ It’s spacious and a much better environment for the pets."

...

Zhang Xin led the way as Lin Shen toured the office space he had leased. He was quite satisfied with the attention to detail.