Chapter Thirty-Five: One Word Awakens the Dreamer

Bian Xiaoqi returned to her office, settled into her desk chair, closed her eyes, and began pondering how to initiate communication with the university.

Although she had presented Gu Zhengyang with a highly persuasive proposal, actually implementing it and ultimately securing a partnership was far from simple conversation.

She was self-aware enough to know that her humble position carried little weight; it was impossible for her to directly deal with top-tier university administrators, especially elite Chinese institutions like Peking University and Tsinghua University.

How should she proceed? She pondered for a long time without finding a thread of inspiration. Then she thought of her mother, Professor Jiang Sumei. Yes, perhaps her mother could help. Consequently, she dialed the office phone of Professor Jiang Sumei at Xizhou University and explained her thoughts.

"Mom, do you and Dad have any close friends with influence at Peking University and Tsinghua University?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"Well, we do, but they are purely academic professors holding no administrative positions at the university. I'm afraid they don't have much sway," Jiang Sumei replied.

"Then what should we do? Our company wants to do a good turn for the university, is it really going to come to nothing?" Bian Xiaoqi said with some disappointment.

"When your company does a good turn for a university, surely it's not without reason, is it?" Jiang Sumei noted.

"You see right through me, Mom. It's mutually beneficial, and doing this also builds our company's reputation," Bian Xiaoqi admitted.

"Why don't you go find your aunt? Your uncle, Tian Changhe, is the Deputy Director of the Department of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education," Jiang Sumei reminded her.

"Thank you, Mom, I know what to do now," Bian Xiaoqi said happily, awakened from her maze by a single remark from Professor Jiang.

"You arrive in Beijing without even bothering to proactively visit your aunt, and only remember her when you need a favor. You really are something," Jiang Sumei scolded playfully.

"Mom, I'll go visit my aunt today. I promise I'll do what I say," Bian Xiaoqi beamed.

"How is your work? Any difficulties? Is the pressure heavy?" Jiang Sumei asked with concern.

"To be entrusted with such heavy responsibilities at my age—it would be a lie to say there's no pressure, but I have the confidence to do the job well. You and Dad can rest easy," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Good. Don't exhaust yourself too much. And call us often," Jiang Sumei instructed.

"When it counts, one still has to rely on Mom. Professor Jiang, it is so wonderful to have you. I love you to pieces," Bian Xiaoqi flattered sweetly.

"How come I can't hear any sincerity in those words?" Jiang Sumei teased.

"Mom, every single day I quietly think of you from the bottom of my heart, and you can sense it every day too," Bian Xiaoqi said with a laugh.

"You're just full of slick talk. When you get to your aunt's place, give her and your uncle my regards."

"Yes, my dearest Mom. Goodbye, my revered Professor Jiang."

Bian Xiaoqi's aunt was named Jiang Sulan, a name imbued with poetic charm. Five years younger than Jiang Sumei, she entered Beijing Medical College in 1977. After graduation, she stayed in Beijing, working at the Third Hospital of Peking Medical College, where she was currently an attending physician in internal medicine.

When Bian Xiaoqi was little, she would run off to Beijing every summer vacation and stay at her aunt's place for a month. During her college years, she had also visited once and stayed for half a month. Jiang Sulan was very affectionate toward her, treating her just like her own daughter.

Following the phone number provided by Professor Jiang, Bian Xiaoqi immediately dialed Jiang Sulan.

"Auntie, it's Xiaoqi. How are you?" Bian Xiaoqi said happily.

"Oh my, it's Xiaoqi! Your mother said you came to Beijing. Where are you staying in the city? Why haven't you come to see me? I've missed you so much," Jiang Sulan scolded affectionately upon hearing her voice.

"Dearest Auntie, I've missed you terribly too. I've only been in Beijing for two days, just got settled, and immediately called you," Bian Xiaoqi hastened to butter her up.

"Then come over for dinner tonight. The two of us can have a nice, long chat."

"Auntie, I'll be at your place before 6 PM. Is Uncle in Beijing too?" Bian Xiaoqi asked in passing, fearing her uncle might have left town on a business trip.

"Your uncle is here too; he just returned from a business trip out of town. With you coming, it'll be even livelier."

"Auntie, that's wonderful. See you tonight then." Hearing that her uncle was in Beijing, Bian Xiaoqi's heart finally settled.

Zhang Qinqin knocked on the door and entered shortly after Bian Xiaoqi finished her call with Dr. Jiang Sulan. Smiling, she said, "Director Bian, hello. I have completed my transfer procedures and am here to report to you."

Gu Qiuyun's efficiency was impressively fast, leaving Bian Xiaoqi thoroughly satisfied. Smiling at Zhang Qinqin, she said, "Qinqin, welcome to the Sales Department. Come, you're coming with me to the sales center right now."

Without notifying Dong Minglou in advance, Bian Xiaoqi alighted from a taxi at the very same public bus stop where she had previously alighted. She noticed a striking new signboard erected at the stop, pointing the way to "Qinghe Homeland Sales Center."

Walking toward the sales center, she saw a prominent bright red banner hanging above the entrance reading, "Qinghe Homeland Phase I Hot on Sale!" The dirt road in front of the sales center had been swept and sprinkled with water, putting an end to the billowing dust. Two large floral baskets flanked the main doors; one brimming with vibrant camellias, the other filled with golden sunflowers. A red carpet covered the entrance steps, extending inward into the sales hall. Standing at the door was a tall, smiling welcome hostess wearing a red qipao, presenting a thoroughly pleasing sight. A minibus was just about to depart for the construction site, with Luo Aimei busy ushering customers aboard, too occupied to even greet her.

Bian Xiaoqi was highly pleased with these changes, feeling that Dong Minglou's execution capability was truly commendable.

Without disturbing Luo Aimei, she walked straight toward the main entrance. The hostess did not recognize her, but greeted her with a radiant smile: "Hello! Welcome to the Qinghe Homeland Sales Center. I am Han Wentian. How may I help you?"

Stopping to look at the polite and pretty Han Wentian, Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "I am Bian Xiaoqi. Thank you for your hard work, Han Wentian."

Han Wentian had long since heard about Bian Xiaoqi from Peng Juan. Beaming, she said, "Director Bian, hello! It's no trouble at all."

"Wentian, are you newly joined? Are you the only hostess?"

"Director Bian, I was temporarily transferred here from the Sales Support Division today. There are two of us in total, alternating shifts every two hours."

"Mm, keep up the good work. Carry on."

"Take care, Director Bian." Watching Bian Xiaoqi walk through the doors, Han Wentian turned back to await other incoming customers.

Stepping inside, Bian Xiaoqi cast her gaze across the hall. Two large-screen televisions were mounted on the left and right walls directly opposite, scrolling promotional images of the Qinghe Homeland property. Sales agents were busy consulting with customers, and the number of people viewing the property was noticeably higher than the previous two days.

The property model and sand table remained the same. A newly installed children's play area occupied a corner of the hall, where several children were playing gleefully.

Dong Minglou spotted her from afar and walked toward her, followed by a young woman under thirty. "Director Bian, you're here," Dong Minglou said first.

"Director Dong, your efficiency is remarkably high," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"Director Bian flatters me. The only things lacking now are the property model and sand table; the new ones are already made. To avoid disrupting daytime sales, we can only install and calibrate them tonight after midnight. All credit goes to Manager Huang Qiong; she organized the setup overnight," Dong Minglou said, gesturing to the young woman beside him.

"Director Bian, hello! I am Huang Qiong from the Sales Support Division," the young woman immediately greeted her with a smile.

"Manager Huang, thank you for your hard work, and thank you for your tremendous support," Bian Xiaoqi shook Huang Qiong's outstretched hand and smiled.

"If there's anything you're unsatisfied with, I'll arrange for corrections immediately," Huang Qiong said.

"I think it looks great," Bian Xiaoqi said with satisfaction.

Noticing that the placed piano was completely vacant, Bian Xiaoqi remarked, "It's a pity for the piano to sit there untouched. If any of our staff know how to play, someone can take the initiative to liven up the atmosphere on the sales floor."

"I've already asked, but no employees have stepped up to play, nor have any customers expressed interest," Huang Qiong said.

"They might be hesitant. Let me set an example by playing a welcoming tune, 'Joyfulness,' to draw out the others."

With that, Bian Xiaoqi walked over to the piano and sat down gracefully. Opening the lid, she tested the keys with both hands before her fingertips began to dance. A cheerful, relaxed melody full of festive spirit immediately rippled through the sales hall, instantly drawing several parents and their children to gather around. When she finished and stood up, they applauded her smooth and fluent performance.

Through a single piano piece, Bian Xiaoqi instantly shortened the distance between herself and the customers. Standing up, she smiled at them and said, "Hello everyone, I am Bian Xiaoqi, Sales Director of Zhengyang Real Estate. Welcome to the 'Qinghe Homeland Phase I' sales center. We will provide you with the most enthusiastic and attentive service, and we hope you can select your ideal home here."

"Please trust the quality of Zhengyang Real Estate. I am also a renter myself and am preparing to buy a home here; in the future, we might even be neighbors. At the same time, we welcome your valuable feedback on our services and property. Please write down your real name and contact information, and drop it into the suggestion box in the hall. We will improve our services based on your suggestions, which will also aid us in developing Phases II and III, allowing us to build homes better suited to your needs. We will offer material rewards for exceptionally good suggestions. Thank you all!" Bian Xiaoqi bowed in gratitude.

"Parents and children are both welcome to play this piano. Don't be shy about your playing, and don't worry about damaging the instrument. If there are many people, take turns; each person can play for ten minutes. There will also be dedicated staff looking after the children in the play area over there, so parents can view the properties with peace of mind," Bian Xiaoqi continued.

"Well said!" The customers applauded once more, and several children eager to play immediately formed a line.

"Director Bian, you are not only multi-talented, but your way of communicating with customers is also unique and extraordinarily effective. You are amazing, you've really opened our eyes," Zhang Qinqin, Huang Qiong, and Dong Minglou exclaimed in unison.

"Creating a good house-viewing atmosphere for customers and putting them in a pleasant mood helps harmonize our communication with them. Ultimately, we still have to rely on the superior quality of our homes and the enthusiastic service of our staff to touch customers and promote their willingness to buy," Bian Xiaoqi smiled as she told them.

"Director Dong, have you briefed the frontline sales staff on the company's newly introduced 'Proposed Improvements to Zhengyang Group Real Estate Internal Sales Regulations'?" Bian Xiaoqi asked.

"All sales agents have been informed. They are greatly encouraged and full of drive. Both their work morale and their attitude toward receiving customers are vastly different from before," Dong Minglou said.

"As for employees doing sales support work, such as the greeting hostesses, please inform them to set their minds at ease regarding their primary duties. Their work is equally important, and the company sees their hard work and will treat them equally; their bonuses will not be shortchanged," Bian Xiaoqi added.

"Understood," Dong Minglou replied.

"Thank you for understanding, Director Bian. Now the people in our support division can rest easy," Huang Qiong chimed in appropriately.

"Manager Huang, over the next two days, you must give your full cooperation to Director Gu Qiuyun of the Human Resources Department to recruit the necessary sales agents as quickly as possible, complete their training, and get them on the job. The faster, the better," she said, turning to Huang Qiong.

"Understood. Please rest assured, Director Bian; we will fully cooperate to complete the task of recruiting new employees."

"Additionally, please make a set of work uniforms for our Sales Department management team just like the ones the staff wear. From now on, any managers visiting the sales center must also wear work uniforms; no special privileges allowed."

"I've made a note of it, Director Bian," Huang Qiong said.

Bian Xiaoqi walked over to Peng Juan, who had a free moment. The moment Peng Juan saw her, she beamed and said, "Director Bian, you look stunning today. Your piano playing just now was wonderful, and your words were so heartwarming. The customers I've served can't stop praising you. Do you have any instructions?"

"How many customers have you served today? Any disputes over customers? Do you have any feedback on the new sales incentive policy?" Bian Xiaoqi smiled and asked.

"I've already served three customers, and one has paid a deposit. Everyone has been quite conscious about taking turns waiting to receive new arrivals. I'm very satisfied with the company's new policy; now I have plenty of drive. Not just me, everyone else is fired up too. I believe I can definitely win the sales championship." Peng Juan was full of confidence.

"I have high hopes for you too. If you win first place in sales, I'll treat you to a meal," Bian Xiaoqi encouraged.

"Thank you, Director Bian, that gives me even more motivation." Peng Juan was thrilled.

"Peng Juan, this is Zhang Qinqin, who joined the Sales Department today. I'm placing her under your guidance. While you mentor her, all sales performance generated during this period will be credited to you until she can independently serve customers," Bian Xiaoqi said, gesturing toward Zhang Qinqin beside her.

"Sister Peng, hello. I am Zhang Qinqin, newly joined in the Sales Department. Please take good care of me." Quick-witted, Zhang Qinqin immediately greeted Peng Juan with a smile.

Peng Juan sized Zhang Qinqin up for a moment and smiled, "Director Bian, rest assured, I'll have Zhang Qinqin working independently within two days."

"Very good. Both of you keep up the effort," Bian Xiaoqi told them.

Watching the two leave, Bian Xiaoqi walked over to the suggestion box and opened the lid; there were no slips dropped inside by customers yet. However, she believed there certainly would be.

Lunchtime arrived. Bian Xiaoqi did not leave the sales center; instead, she sat down with Dong Minglou, Huang Qiong, Peng Juan, Luo Aimei, and Zhang Qinqin, picking up a box lunch provided by the company just like the rest of them. The box lunch consisted of one meat dish, two vegetarian dishes, and white rice; she had chosen the pork rice. As she ate, she asked them for their evaluation of the meal's quality. Everyone agreed the box lunch was decent and filling. She asked if all the box lunches were pork.

Huang Qiong replied, "Director Bian, not all of them. Considering that visiting customers might be Muslim, we also reserved a portion of chicken rice."

"Manager Huang's support division does meticulous work, well worth everyone's study," Bian Xiaoqi praised.

"Aimei, what feedback do customers viewing the construction site have?" She looked at Luo Aimei.

"Director Bian, since the building is less than half finished, customers are worried about whether we can deliver on schedule," Luo Aimei said.

"Aimei, tell the customers to rest easy. According to the housing purchase contract, if the company fails to deliver on time, penalty fees must be paid. We will fully coordinate with the engineering department to deliver on time, but the premise is absolute assurance of construction quality," Bian Xiaoqi answered.

"Director Dong, the dinner box lunches shouldn't be identical to lunch; let's have some variety. Also, we can buy some bread and instant noodles for the employees working overtime tonight," she instructed Dong Minglou.

"Director Bian, I'll arrange that this afternoon," Dong Minglou said.

"Next, we must strive to expand the reputation of Zhengyang Real Estate and attract even more clients," Bian Xiaoqi said, as much to herself as to the few of them.