Ji Wei’s face was full of confidence and determination. She looked nothing like a naïve, inexperienced young girl, but rather like a professional woman who had been navigating the business world for years, with a sharp mind to match.
With the conversation reaching this point, the anger of the crowd had mostly dissipated.
Compared to the last few times they came to make a fuss, only to be turned away without even meeting anyone responsible, at least this director’s attitude towards resolving the issue was commendable.
"Fine, we’ll believe you this time," Uncle Zhang said in a deep voice.
"Thank you for your trust." Ji Wei responded with a polite smile.
Uncle Zhang led the group of residents away in orderly fashion. No one expected this crisis to be resolved so quickly. The other project managers nearby visibly breathed long sighs of relief.
Some of them had even thought they were about to be physically assaulted by the angry residents. It seemed the newly appointed Director Ji had some real skills after all.
The only person who seemed unhappy was Zhu Jianian. Her face had gone pale, and her hands, hanging at her sides, were clenched tightly into fists, as if she were struggling to suppress a deep sense of unwillingness.
Seeing Ji Wei walk back, a few of the managers immediately gathered around her. Someone couldn’t wait to start flattering her: "Director Ji, you’re incredible. The moment you stepped in, those troublesome locals instantly fell into line..."
Ji Wei shot him a glare. "Troublesome locals? They’re ordinary citizens. You are the project managers, meaning you’re the face of the Gu Group. Watch your words and behavior—don’t disgrace the Gu Family!"
Ji Wei’s voice wasn’t loud, but her tone was stern, making several people freeze in embarrassment, not daring to say another word.
As Ji Wei passed by Zhu Jianian, she suddenly stopped and gave her a meaningful look. "Manager Zhu, come to my office. I have something I’d like to discuss with you privately."
Zhu Jianian’s heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained composed. She quickly nodded and replied, "Alright."
Watching the two women walk away, the remaining managers exhaled heavily. Someone couldn’t resist muttering, "What’s the deal with this Director Ji? She’s a woman, but why is her presence so intimidating?"
"All I know is that Manager Zhu is Mr. Gu’s friend. I could understand her suddenly parachuting into the project. But this woman with the last name Ji—I have no idea where she came from."
"She also shares the last name Ji. Do you think she could have something to do with Mr. Gu’s fiancée? Manager Zhu got her position through connections. This Director Ji might be the same."
These project managers had spent years in the field and rarely paid attention to gossip or news. They knew Mr. Gu’s fiancée by her surname but had never seen her in person, so it made sense they didn’t recognize Ji Wei.
The group exchanged knowing looks. "Could be..."
The project department director’s office.
When Ji Wei reached the door, she motioned for Ling Ling to stay outside. Then she pushed the door open and walked in.
Zhu Jianian followed a few seconds later, hesitating briefly before stepping inside.
Ji Wei gestured towards the sofa, her tone calm and composed.
Zhu Jianian walked over to the sofa and took a seat.
"What can I do for you, Miss Ji?" Zhu Jianian still wasn’t willing to address her as Director, but Ji Wei couldn’t be bothered to fuss over such petty details.
Ji Wei also sat down on a single-seater sofa across from her, studied her carefully, and spoke bluntly, "Was it you who instructed someone to cut off the water and electricity to those residents’ homes?"
Zhu Jianian’s hands, resting on her knees, froze for a split second. She hadn’t expected Ji Wei to catch on so quickly. Forcing herself to stay calm, she shook her head with a faint smile. "No, I didn’t give anyone such instructions."
Without any evidence on Ji Wei’s part, even if Zhu Jianian outright denied it, there was nothing Ji Wei could do.
(Today’s third update is here! For Tutu’s hard efforts, throw some votes this way! To new readers and those who’ve supported Tutu all along, love you all—sending hearts your way~)