Chapter 98: Rewarding Merit

Zheng Qian actually hated the act of poaching, especially when it involved his women.

Although Xia Xixi wasn't his woman yet, she was his secretary, and Zheng Qian had a good impression of her.

Back then, when Jin Lu brought over that lawyer from Shanghai, Zheng Qian had thrown money around, paying ten million to make him get lost from Jin Lu's side, and even took that lawyer in as a dog.

Regardless of whether Xia Xixi had any relationship with him, Xiao Xinhao shouldn't have gone behind Zheng Qian's back to ask for her WeChat; the intention was too obvious.

Zheng Qian admitted that Xia Xixi was fresh and refined, but that wasn't a reason for Xiao Xinhao to poach his territory.

If they couldn't reach a consensus on this, they couldn't be brothers.

"President Zheng, as far as I know, he didn't just add my WeChat. You decide what to do; it's not my place to say more."

"Hmm, is there anything else?"

"Yes, I'd like to take some time off." Xia Xixi hadn't finished speaking.

"Time off? What for?"

Since Zheng Qian came to the company, Xia Xixi had been diligent and conscientious every day. Even for things outside of work, he would hand them to Xia Xixi to handle, yet he had never heard her complain of fatigue.

"I want to rest for a day and go home to visit."

"Alright, approved."

"By the way, help me call the people from the Public Relations Department in."

The encirclement operation had come to an end, and Zheng Qian called his subordinates in to reward them for their contributions.

And by the way, farm some system cashback.

"President Zheng, the people are here."

Xia Xixi brought Zhong Xiaoyao, Qin Xueli, Yao Manman, Hao Ruxue, Chang Mengmeng, and He Yanyan—the six team members—into Zheng Qian's office, standing neatly in front of the desk.

Anyone who didn't know better would think it was a beauty pageant.

Since they were all standing right in front of him, Zheng Qian took a glance at how much Favorability they had for him.

Zhong Xiaoyao's current Favorability: 91 points.

Qin Xueli's current Favorability: 90 points.

The Favorability of the others was generally between 70 and 80.

Xia Xixi's Favorability was the lowest; after rising and falling, it was only left with 30 points.

The group felt anxious, not knowing why Zheng Qian had suddenly called them over.

Qin Xueli could vaguely guess.

Rewards for merit, was it coming so soon?

Would she be chosen as the team leader?

"This encirclement operation, you all did well, especially you three: Zhong Xiaoyao, Qin Xueli, and Yao Manman."

"Thank you for the compliment, President Zheng!"

"President Zheng, this is what we should do, you are too kind."

"It's all thanks to President Zheng's leadership!"

The three said humbly.

"Hmm... I heard from Secretary Xia that our Public Relations Department hasn't appointed a team leader yet. I've been observing for the past few days and have found a suitable candidate. I'll take this opportunity to tell you."

Zhong Xiaoyao and Qin Xueli's hearts were in their throats.

They were particularly looking forward to Zheng Qian saying their names, but didn't want him to announce it so quickly; neither of them was ready.

As for Yao Manman, she felt that although Zheng Qian had praised her by name, it was unlikely he would choose her as team leader.

Although unwilling, Yao Manman knew that Zheng Qian had already given up on her, so she withdrew from the battle for Zheng Qian.

"Zhong Xiaoyao, in the days to come, you will be the team leader of our Public Relations Department."

Zheng Qian announced the candidate for team leader.

For a moment, Zhong Xiaoyao didn't react.

She gave Qin Xueli a contemptuous look.

"This round, this young lady won!"

"You newcomer, stand aside."

What are they if not that?

Zhong Xiaoyao's Favorability +3, current Favorability: 94 points.

And Qin Xueli's Favorability -5, extremely disappointed, head hanging low, current Favorability: 85 points, only 5 points higher than the marriage stage Favorability.

After hearing this, Yao Manman's Favorability -20 points. She had confirmed that Zheng Qian no longer had that passion for her, feeling relieved, so her Favorability dropped sharply. Current Favorability: 60 points, not quite lovers, still in the close friend zone.

The others' Favorability remained unchanged, as they knew they weren't going to be chosen as team leader anyway, and didn't have the ability to hold the position.

"This colleague, Qin Xueli, hasn't been with the company long, but her performance has been very good. If I give her the position of deputy team leader, would you have any objections?"

The crowd looked at each other, silent for a long time.

You are the Vice President, who would dare to have objections to your decision!

"Since there are no objections, then Qin Xueli will serve as deputy team leader."

"She was my colleague before, and I trust her ability to handle the position of deputy team leader."

"From now on, you and Zhong Xiaoyao will be responsible for the overall affairs of the team. Let's all progress together."

Zhong Xiaoyao's Favorability -1, current Favorability 93 points.

There are only a few people in the team, and he's setting up a primary and deputy position.

What does this mean?

Zhong Xiaoyao couldn't quite understand Zheng Qian's move.

Qin Xueli's Favorability +8, current Favorability 93 points.

She also copied Zhong Xiaoyao's expression, returning the white-eyed look she had just received.

Even she hadn't expected Zheng Qian to appoint her as deputy team leader.

Although she couldn't quite understand it, Qin Xueli could infer why Zheng Qian did this based on experience.

Zheng Qian didn't want Zhong Xiaoyao to get too carried away, and didn't want her to be wronged under Zhong Xiaoyao, which is why he gave a position half a level lower.

In fact, according to common sense, for a colleague who had just joined the team to be appointed as deputy team leader so quickly, it was already special treatment from above.

She concluded that Zheng Qian was taking care of her.

Why take care of her? Not taking care of others?

Isn't it because he still has feelings for her.

Qin Xueli felt that this was a signal Zheng Qian gave her.

She and Zheng Qian had a chance.

"Thank you for your trust, President Zheng. I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

In reality, Zheng Qian hadn't thought that much.

His rewards for merit were truly just rewards for merit.

Zhong Xiaoyao's contribution was the greatest, so she's the team leader.

Qin Xueli's contribution was second, so she's the deputy team leader.

Qualifications or whatever, Zheng Qian felt they weren't important.

"Alright, for this counter-encirclement operation, everyone has contributed. After work, come with me to Luyuan Villa to have some fun."

"Yay!"

The girls cheered in unison.

With such a loud noise, even the soundproof glass couldn't completely block it, attracting the gaze of many colleagues outside.

"Is President Zheng holding another team-building event?"

"Must be, look how happy they are."

"Sigh, why didn't I think of it back then? The future leader of the Public Relations Department is so good."

"If I had known, I would have joined the Public Relations Department too. I wonder if they are still hiring."

At the same time, Zheng Qian received a message on his phone from Deng Shuxin, asking if he was free tonight and wanting to treat him to a meal.

Zheng Qian's mind turned: Deng Shuxin was also one of his subordinates, it would be good to call her over as well.