What was even more remarkable was that this spun-off business unit had gone public in the United States only this September.
This meant Huang Xiaojue, who owned five percent of the company’s equity, saw his net worth suddenly magnified by hundreds, if not thousands, of times. He instantly became a multimillionaire.
He had become a legend in the entire group and was its youngest top executive. Now, his ride was a company-provided BMW 7 Series.
Naturally, he became the target of pursuit for all the unmarried women in the company—a typical tall, rich, and handsome man.
Recently, one of the country’s most renowned personality magazines had done a special feature on him. He had also been invited to appear on a finance channel. Large photos of him were featured; given his tall stature and distinct features, he looked even more handsome and striking in the magazine, like an idol superstar.
Yan Xixi read this interview two or three times in detail. Truly, she was very happy for Xiaojue. This was what he deserved and the reward for his extremely hard work.
She put down the magazine, feeling dazed.
"Xixi, don’t worry. It’s no big deal if we don’t buy a house in the next couple of years. Plenty of people who *don’t* have the burden of a sick mother still opt for a ’naked marriage’—marrying without a house—so what do we have to fear?"
In her daze, she almost jumped up.
Across from her, team leader Fu Mei had started her patrol.
She immediately perked up, took a deep breath, and secretly told herself, Yan Xixi, you can’t be too greedy. Everything in the past is long gone. A metaphorical knife rose in her heart, forcefully severing her from the past. I must become a new person.
That day, she dared not slack off, and many tasks were still left undone when the workday ended.
When it was time to clock out, the rookies, eager to make a good impression, showed no intention of leaving. Everyone was still engrossed in their work when Fu Mei came in, her tone as stern as ever. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by novᴇlfire.net
"Our company does not permit overtime."
Everyone looked at each other in surprise.
"This is a rule set by Mr. Huang. Mr. Huang has stated that, except in special circumstances, the company, in principle, does not permit employees to work overtime. Working overtime means you simply weren’t fully focused on your tasks during work hours. We require everyone to give their all during the seven hours of work, but after that, you are free to arrange your own time. Only if you are well-rested, have sufficient physical strength, and enough leisure activities can you fully dedicate your energy to your work."
Everyone dispersed immediately, heading to the break room for coffee to replenish their energy.
During the month of intensive training, everyone had become very familiar with each other. Because they were all rookies and hadn’t yet learned the art of office politics, they still retained the naivety of their student days and spoke candidly.
"It’s great the company doesn’t require overtime. I’m so afraid of overtime. I have a relative who works at a state-owned enterprise. It’s said they practically have to bring a quilt to the office because they work so much; it’s exhausting enough to kill you..."
"What’s that compared to my brother’s job? He practically works year-round. Although he earns a lot, he doesn’t even have time to spend it. He’s nearly forty and still hasn’t gotten married..."
"Haven’t you heard? Mr. Huang admires the German approach and advocates treating work as a hobby to unlock maximum creativity. If employees are well-rested and creative, only then can the company truly possess core competitiveness..."
"This is our company culture! It’s fantastic. To be honest, there are too few people like Mr. Huang."
Even Yan Xixi was amazed. She had been in the workforce for several years and had experienced a few different companies. Many domestic firms were notorious for working women like men, and men like beasts. Numerous bigwigs frequently advocated a "wolf culture," demanding employees engage in intense competition, work overtime, and relentlessly push themselves.