Chapter 32: This Boss Has Such Nerve
Half an hour later, they arrived at Yongfeng Building.
“Our company is on the 16th floor. The office setup is a bit basic for now, but we’ll improve it gradually,” Lu Liang said, setting expectations for Tang Caidie and Chen Jinchun.
He made it clear that the company consisted of just the three of them, some funds, and an office space—nothing more.
Tang Caidie smiled lightly, clearly prepared for this situation.
Chen Jinchun, on the other hand, was visibly shocked. Her mouth hung open, and she was already reconsidering her decision.
Her teacher had emphasized the importance of securing a good job as a recent graduate, warning that it would be much harder to find one later if she let this opportunity slip.
As they exited the elevator, they heard a familiar voice from down the hallway.
“Yes, tilt it a bit more that way,” instructed Meng Changkun.
“This is our company,” Lu Liang said, leading them on a quick tour.
The 200-square-meter area could be walked through in just a few steps.
He pulled out the business registration documents and a copy of the operating license.
“Miss Tang, if you’re free today, let’s get you started. Please handle the onboarding process for yourself and Miss Chen. Set up social security and housing funds as needed.”
Chen Jinchun’s eyes widened. It was her first time seeing a company where new hires processed their own onboarding. Her doubts deepened.
Sensing Chen’s hesitation, Tang lightly nudged her hand for reassurance and replied, “Understood, Mr. Lu.”
Pleased with Tang’s attitude, Lu Liang handed her a company debit card.
“This has 100,000 yuan. The office still needs computers, printers, telephones, internet setup, and other equipment.
“Make a list of what’s needed, send me the procurement details, and take Chen with you for the purchases. Keep the receipts for meals and transportation, and let me know if you need more funds.”
Lu Liang didn’t want to deal with trivial tasks and felt confident entrusting them to a Ph.D. from Shanghai Finance.
“Also, tomorrow, buy some tea and fruits. We need to visit the companies that sent flower baskets today and deliver thank-you gifts.”
As they spoke, Lu Liang’s phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:
[Uncle Lu, is that you? It’s Xiaoguai.]
The message conjured an image of a sweet little girl in his mind: Zhang Yu, also called Zhang Xiaoguai, Zhang Qian’s daughter.
He replied: “It’s me. What’s wrong?”
[Uncle Lu, do you have time? My teacher just called my mom, but she didn’t answer.]
Smiling faintly, Lu Liang stepped out to make a call. “Xiaoguai, did you get into trouble at school?”
“Uncle Lu, I didn’t cause trouble! Zhao Jiaqi bullied me first, so I hit him!”
On the phone, the background was noisy, with a woman shouting angrily nearby.
“Wait for me—I’ll be there soon.”
Lu Liang was startled but quickly informed Tang and Chen: “I have to leave. Contact me if anything comes up.”
Grabbing his car keys, he dashed out like the wind, leaving the two women staring after him.
Tang, despite her experience, looked at the debit card in her hand and chuckled wryly. “Mr. Lu has such nerve.”
But she quickly got to work, jotting down items to purchase and tasks to complete.
Meanwhile, Chen hesitated before nervously saying, “Miss Tang, maybe you could tell Mr. Lu tomorrow that I’m not staying.”
The office environment and location were great, but she felt the company and its boss were unreliable.
“Chen, you should reconsider. I think our company has strong potential,” Tang said with a warm smile.
She explained that Meng Changkun was a well-known figure in Magic City’s venture capital circles, with total assets likely exceeding 3 billion yuan.
Lu Liang’s equal footing with Meng suggested he was no ordinary entrepreneur.