Chapter 53 Immediate Results

(1)
Gu Zhengyang invited Fan Aiming and Tian Changhe to ride in his Passat; Bian Xiaoqi invited Ouyang Hui and Yu Chuan to ride in her Passat; Huang Qiong invited Tian Ge and He Peng to ride in her Passat; the empty Passat followed behind them as all four vehicles headed toward the Jade Palace Hotel.

Before getting into the car, Bian Xiaoqi called Feng Gaocheng. Feng Gaocheng told her that he was already waiting for them at the Jade Palace Hotel; the private dining room he had booked was the same large one they had used on Sunday night; the menu for today's lunch had been changed to Cantonese cuisine; and the six gifts were all ready.

In the car, Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said to Ouyang Hui and Yu Chuan, "Director Ouyang, Secretary Yu, you both worked hard today."

Yu Chuan smiled and replied, "I didn't work hard at all. Director Bian is the one who has been working hard."

Ouyang Hui was in her forties. She smiled and said, "Director Bian, you are young, beautiful, and so talented. Your future is boundless."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled. "Director Ouyang, you flatter me. I still need to learn from and consult graceful teachers from prestigious universities like yourself. Please look after me in the future." With that, the two of them exchanged mobile phone numbers.

In the car, Tian Ge asked He Peng, "What is your major? What year are you in?"

"Electronic Engineering. First-year graduate student," He Peng replied.

"You looked quite professional when you were taking pictures," Tian Ge remarked.

"I love photography, so I work a part-time job as a campus newspaper reporter. Compared to Journalist Tian, you are the professional, and I am just an amateur," He Peng answered modestly.

"Young man, keep up the good work. I have high hopes for you!" Tian Ge said playfully.

"I still look forward to much guidance from Journalist Tian," He Peng hurriedly replied.

Huang Qiong, sitting in the front passenger seat, almost burst out laughing as she listened to Tian Ge's tone of voice.

Because everyone still had work to do in the afternoon, they substituted tea for wine at the lunch banquet. Gu Zhengyang kept Fan Aiming and Tian Changhe company in conversation; Bian Xiaoqi chatted with Ouyang Hui and Yu Chuan; and Tian Ge and He Peng conversed happily as well. The hosts and guests spoke with great pleasure, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After lunch, Bian Xiaoqi arranged for one car to take Fan Aiming and Ouyang Hui back to Tsinghua University; another car to take Tian Changhe and Tian Ge to their workplace; and a third car to take Yu Chuan and He Peng back to Tsinghua University.

She handed all three gifts intended for Fan Aiming, Ouyang Hui, and Yu Chuan to Yu Chuan; and handed the two gifts intended for Tian Changhe and Tian Ge to Tian Ge. When giving He Peng his gift, He Peng felt embarrassed and repeatedly tried to decline. Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "Classmate He, you ran around busily serving the signing ceremony, and this small gift is just a modest expression of our company's appreciation. Who knows, we might still cooperate in the future, so please don't decline."

Tian Ge chimed in beside them, "Why are you putting on false modesty? If you don't want it, I'll take it. I'll never turn down extra gifts." Hearing Tian Ge say this, He Peng finally accepted the gift and repeatedly thanked Bian Xiaoqi.

Seeing Bian Xiaoqi staring at her with a peculiar gaze, Tian Ge's face suddenly turned red. Observing Tian Ge's demeanor, Bian Xiaoqi couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

Gu Zhengyang and Bian Xiaoqi personally saw every guest off to their cars, shaking hands and bidding them farewell.

As they watched the three cars drive away, Gu Zhengyang said to Bian Xiaoqi, "Xiaoqi, your speech today was brilliant, and the results are bound to be excellent."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "Director Gu, I couldn't let your generous investment go without making a splash."

Returning home that evening, Bian Xiaoqi said to Qin Ke, "Guess who I saw today?"

Knowing that she had attended the signing ceremony between the Zhengyang Group and Tsinghua University today, Qin Ke smiled and said, "You didn't happen to see Qin Yan, did you?"

"Smart. Correct answer, plus ten points," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"How is Qin Yan? What did she say to you?" Qin Ke asked immediately.

"Qin Yan looked well. She seemed to have a lot of things she wanted to tell me, but under today's circumstances, she couldn't show it," Bian Xiaoqi replied.

"I've been in Beijing for so many days and still haven't gone to see her. I'm a terrible older brother," Qin Ke said.

Bian Xiaoqi handed him the note written by Qin Yan and said, "Starting this weekend until the end of the National Day holiday, I'm going to be very busy and will have to stay stationed at the sales office. How about this: the two of us will treat Qin Yan to dinner this Friday night. Here is Qin Yan's dorm address and phone number, and you can pick the restaurant."

"Let's go eat roast duck," Qin Ke suggested.

"How was your experience at Tsinghua University today?" Qin Ke asked again.

"I felt very welcome, and the promotional effect should be wonderful. College students hope that rich people's charitable deeds are as many as possible. The young teachers basically all have the desire to buy a house, they just lack a catalyst to help them make up their minds," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Man proposes, God disposes. Hard work will definitely be rewarded. I think your company's apartments won't be enough to meet the demand," Qin Ke smiled.

"I think so too," Bian Xiaoqi said with absolute confidence.

On Thursday morning, the signing ceremony for the Zhengyang Group's scholarship donation to Peking University also concluded successfully.

After the lunch banquet, Bian Xiaoqi said to Huang Qiong, "Sister Huang, in the name of the Sales Department, issue a notice to all departments in the company today, and send a copy to Director Gu. First, from now until the end of the National Day holiday, all employees of the Sales Department are not allowed to take leave. Everyone must go all out and remain firmly stationed on the frontline of sales work. Second, the logistics department must provide foolproof support, giving the Sales Department the strongest backing. If anyone slacks off and affects property sales, there will be no leniency."

"Xiaoqi, I understand," Huang Qiong said.

(2)
Before eight o'clock on Friday morning, Bian Xiaoqi arrived at the sales office and saw Dong Minglou directing a group of cleaning staff as they sprayed clean water and wiped down the doors, windows, glass, desks, and chairs.

The moment Dong Minglou saw her, he smiled and said, "Director Bian, good morning!"

Bian Xiaoqi also smiled and replied, "Director Dong, you're even earlier! You've worked hard!"

"Keeping the sales office clean and tidy makes customers comfortable to look at and gives employees a pleasant environment to work in," Dong Minglou said.

"Director Dong is right. This is also a reflection of our service quality," Bian Xiaoqi remarked.

As they were talking, Gu Weiliang drove an old Santana to the sales office. Seeing that he was wearing his work uniform, had his hair neatly trimmed, and no longer looked dejected, Bian Xiaoqi paused for a moment in surprise as he looked at her. Without hesitating further, Gu Weiliang walked up to her and said, "Director Bian, good morning!"

Checking her watch and seeing it was not yet a quarter past eight, Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "You're very early too! How is it? You haven't scared any customers away these past few days, have you?"

Hearing Bian Xiaoqi's words, Gu Weiliang's face instantly flushed red, and he said with a hint of nervousness, "Director Bian, I wouldn't dare offend the customers. If you don't believe me, you can ask the others."

Bian Xiaoqi smiled. "I'll observe your performance in a moment."

After Gu Weiliang walked into the sales office, Dong Minglou said to Bian Xiaoqi, "Director Bian, Gu Weiliang has seemed like a completely different person these past few days. No late arrivals, no leaving early, and zero trace of his young-master attitude."

Bian Xiaoqi said, "If Gu Weiliang can keep this up long-term, half of Director Gu's worries will be lifted."

At half-past eight, Bian Xiaoqi saw Meng Changxue and Ruan Zongkai walking toward the sales office one after the other. Meng Changxue was wearing a skirt suit work uniform, with her long hair draped over her shoulders and wearing light makeup. Ruan Zongkai was dressed in a suit work uniform and looked full of energy. The moment they saw Bian Xiaoqi, they also paused slightly before saying respectfully, "Director Bian, good morning!"

Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "You're very early as well! How has the customer volume been these past few days? Can you handle it?"

Meng Changxue reported, "Director Bian, it feels about the same as last week. But even if there are more, we can handle them."

Ruan Zongkai said, "Director Bian, we are all hoping more customers will come."

"High work enthusiasm is a good thing. I estimate that starting today, customers will become more and more numerous, and you won't find it so relaxing anymore." Just as Bian Xiaoqi was speaking, her phone rang. Seeing an unfamiliar number, she said to Meng Changxue and Ruan Zongkai, "If I'm not mistaken, this must be a call from a new customer."

Answering the phone, Bian Xiaoqi said with a smile, "Hello! This is Bian Xiaoqi."

Following that, a woman's voice came through the earpiece: "Director Bian, hello! I am Ge Fei from Peking University. Today, a few teachers who have no classes and I want to come to your company to view properties. Will you be at the sales office today?"

"Teacher Ge, hello! I am right at the sales office now. I will be here all day long. You are welcome to visit at any time," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

After hanging up Ge Fei's call, Bian Xiaoqi said to Dong Minglou, "The customer who just called me said she's bringing a few people to look at apartments together. It looks like there will definitely be quite a few new customers today. Director Dong, how about this: in ten minutes, gather all employees for a brief morning meeting."

As Dong Minglou, Meng Changxue, and Ruan Zongkai walked away, Bian Xiaoqi's phone rang again. Seeing that it was Jiang Sulan, she immediately walked to the parking lot, answered the call, and said with a smile, "Aunty, hello!"

"Xiaoqi, I'm off today and want to come over to look at apartments. Are you there?" Jiang Sulan said.

"Aunty, I'm here. Come on over," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

Just as she hung up with Jiang Sulan, Bian Xiaoqi received another call from Ouyang Hui. Smiling, she said, "Director Ouyang, hello! Do you have any instructions?"

"Director Ouyang said, 'Director Bian, a few of my colleagues and I want to go to your place to look at apartments. Fearing it might be too crowded on the weekend, we want to go today. Are you there?'"

"Director Ouyang, I will be at the sales office all day today. You and the teachers are welcome to visit anytime," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

At this moment, Peng Juan, Zhang Qinqin, and Huang Qiong arrived at the sales office one after another. Bian Xiaoqi's phone was ringing continuously. When they greeted her, she couldn't reply verbally and could only smile and nod at them.

At forty-five past eight, Bian Xiaoqi stepped into the meeting room. Dong Minglou announced, "Director Bian, the staff of the Sales Department are all present."

Looking at the room full of employees, Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said, "Good morning, everyone! I am very glad to see that you have all arrived ahead of schedule. Let's use these few minutes for a quick morning meeting. Starting today, your workload will increase exponentially, but I hope you will not let your service quality drop in the slightest. In the short space of ten minutes just now, I have already received six calls. Shortly, more than a dozen new customers will arrive to view properties. To better serve our customers and facilitate personnel management, I have decided to divide you into three groups of ten people each, with a supervisor appointed for each group."

With that, Bian Xiaoqi assigned Peng Juan and nine others to the first group, Ruan Zongkai and nine others to the second group, and Meng Changxue and nine others to the third group. She then announced, "I appoint Peng Juan as the supervisor of the first group, Ruan Zongkai as the supervisor of the second group, and Meng Changxue as the supervisor of the third group. Please step forward, everyone, let's welcome them with applause."

After a round of applause, Bian Xiaoqi continued, "Each supervisor's monthly salary will be increased by 500 yuan. Not only must the supervisors personally receive customers, but they must also assign and coordinate the reception work among their group members; the three of you must treat every single member of your group fairly and impartially; before leaving work every day, hold a group meeting where the three of you summarize the day's achievements and problems, and report them to me and Director Dong in a timely manner. Do you understand clearly?"

Peng Juan, Ruan Zongkai, and Meng Changxue answered in unison, "Understood clearly!"

"Manager Huang and the colleagues in the support section must also remain on duty at all times. When any of the three groups is short-handed, you must step in and fill the vacancies promptly," Bian Xiaoqi said to Huang Qiong.

Huang Qiong replied, "Director Bian, our support section is on standby at all times."

"To facilitate your work, the company will subsidize 1,000 yuan in cash to each person for purchasing a mobile phone. To save time, report the brand and model of the phone you wish to buy to your respective group supervisors, who will then report uniformly to Manager Huang. Manager Huang will be responsible for contacting Director Feng Gaocheng of the company to purchase mobile phones for everyone uniformly. Those who already have a phone will receive the 1,000 yuan in cash, while those without a phone will have the price difference made up. Manager Huang, without delay, you must buy the phones for everyone today," Bian Xiaoqi instructed.

Huang Qiong said, "Director Bian, right after the meeting, I will get right on it."

"In addition, don't worry about phone bills. The company will subsidize 200 yuan per person per month for communication expenses, which will be issued along with your salaries. From today until the end of the National Day holiday, weekends will be counted as double daily wages, and the three days of National Day will be counted as triple daily wages. Unless there are special circumstances, Director Dong and I will stay right alongside you; if you have any problems, you can find Director Dong and me at any time. Today, I will be responsible for welcoming customers at the entrance of the sales office. Let us all work hard together!" As Bian Xiaoqi's voice fell, warm applause immediately erupted in the meeting room.

(3)
With her long hair pinned up and wearing a beige dress, Bian Xiaoqi looked gentle, elegant, and noble. She and Han Wenting, who was wearing a red cheongsam, stood on either side of the main entrance of the sales office, quietly waiting for the customers coming to view properties. Standing gracefully upright, the two of them formed a picturesque scenery at the entrance of the sales office.

Looking at Bian Xiaoqi, Han Wenting smiled and said, "Director Bian, you are truly beautiful. Customers who are fortunate enough to be received by you would feel embarrassed not to buy an apartment."

"Wenting, you are also very beautiful today. Making customers feel pleased is also a part of our service quality," Bian Xiaoqi smiled and said.

"I've only stood here for a little over ten minutes, and I already feel quite tired. Your job is even harder than a sales representative's. How about this: your monthly salary will also be increased by 500 yuan," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Thank you, Director Bian," Han Wenting hurriedly expressed her gratitude.

At half-past nine, Jiang Sulan arrived at the sales office by taxi. Bian Xiaoqi personally went out to greet her, smiling and saying, "Dr. Jiang, hello! Welcome."

Hearing the way Bian Xiaoqi addressed her, Jiang Sulan understood implicitly and smiled, "Director Bian, you look truly beautiful today. I was worried about Tian Ge, so I came in person."

"Dr. Jiang, you are our first customer today. We will definitely serve you wholeheartedly and guarantee your satisfaction."

Linking arms with Jiang Sulan, Bian Xiaoqi walked into the sales office. Finding Huang Qiong, she whispered a few words into Huang Qiong's ear. Huang Qiong immediately walked over with a smile and said, "Aunty Jiang, hello! I am Huang Qiong. Journalist Tian and I are very close friends, and I will be receiving you today."

Jiang Sulan looked at Bian Xiaoqi, who immediately smiled and said, "Dr. Jiang, I need to personally welcome guests from all directions today. Rest assured, Manager Huang will make you satisfied."

"Ah? You even have to stand at the entrance personally welcoming customers, and it's this exhausting?" Jiang Sulan asked in surprise.

"By experiencing the hardships of every position, can one do the job thoroughly and comprehensively," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

Watching Jiang Sulan walk away with Huang Qiong, Bian Xiaoqi returned to the front entrance. Ten minutes later, seeing Ouyang Hui lead five or six people toward the sales office, she immediately stepped forward to welcome them with a smile, saying, "Director Ouyang, welcome."

Ouyang Hui pulled Bian Xiaoqi aside and whispered, "Director Bian, my cousin also came along to look at properties with me. She wants to use my husband's Tsinghua University faculty ID card—is that allowed?"

"Director Ouyang, that's not a problem at all." With that, Bian Xiaoqi led Ouyang Hui into the sales office. Finding Peng Juan and explaining the situation, she instructed Peng Juan to arrange a few capable sales representatives to receive Ouyang Hui and her party.

A dozen minutes later, Bian Xiaoqi saw a young woman in her thirties leading a group of people up to her, saying, "Hello! I am looking for Director Bian Xiaoqi."

"Hello! I am Bian Xiaoqi. How may I..." Bian Xiaoqi said with a smile.

Before Bian Xiaoqi could finish speaking, the young woman interrupted, "Director Bian, I am Ge Fei from Peking University. I called you just earlier. After your speech at our university, your elegance spread rapidly among the teachers. Seeing is believing—you truly are beautiful."

"Teacher Ge, hello! You flatter me. Welcome," Bian Xiaoqi smiled, and immediately summoned Ruan Zongkai to arrange sales representatives to receive Ge Fei and her group.

Following that, more teachers from Peking University and Tsinghua University arrived one after another, either alone or in groups of two or three. Bian Xiaoqi called Meng Changxue over and instructed her to assign sales reps to host them. In no time, the sales office became bustling and lively. The sales representatives all rallied their spirits, dedicating themselves to serving the sudden influx of customers.

Han Wenting smiled and said to Bian Xiaoqi, "Director Bian, the volume of customers you've received in this past hour is more than what we receive in two days. With you standing here, I'm about to be put out of a job."

"Wenting, National Day is just a few days away, and there will be even more customers. You mustn't complain about being tired," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"Director Bian, I don't feel tired. If I also wanted to do sales work, would you agree?" Han Wenting probed, looking at Bian Xiaoqi.

"Wenting, phases two and three of Qinghe Homeland will start sales very soon. You will definitely have your chance," Bian Xiaoqi said.

Two hours later, the groups of teachers led by Ouyang Hui and Ge Fei had all selected the properties of their choice. They paid their deposits and signed intent-to-buy contracts, planning to return in a couple of days to process their loan paperwork.

After Bian Xiaoqi saw these teachers off, Jiang Sulan walked over and smiled, "Director Bian, the apartment I want to buy has also been settled. The location, floor, orientation, and price all satisfy me. Did you buy one too?"

"Dr. Jiang, Tian Ge and I live right across from each other," Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

"It's wonderful that the two of you can be neighbors," Jiang Sulan beamed.

Bian Xiaoqi accompanied Jiang Sulan to the roadside to catch a taxi. Pulling out two brand-new mobile phones, Jiang Sulan whispered, "Xiaoqi, Tian Ge asked me to bring these two new phones to you."

"Aunty, you should keep them for yourself," Bian Xiaoqi said.

"Tian Ge suddenly ended up with three new phones, and your uncle has two as well, so we can't use this many. You should mail these two phones to your parents for them to use. Besides, these are all perks Tian Ge got from you."

"My younger sister is so sensible. On behalf of Professor Jiang and Professor Bian, I thank younger sister Tian Ge." Accepting the two phones, Bian Xiaoqi smiled.

By six o'clock in the afternoon, Peng Juan's group had signed 3 official housing purchase contracts and 10 intent-to-buy contracts; Ruan Zongkai's group had signed 4 official contracts and 12 intent-to-buy contracts; Meng Changxue's group had signed 4 official contracts and 13 intent-to-buy contracts; and Huang Qiong's support group had signed 2 intent-to-buy contracts. Extremely satisfied with today's sales results, Bian Xiaoqi told the four supervisors, "Everyone has worked hard. At this rate of sales, our apartments will be completely sold out before the National Day holiday even ends."

"Are there still sales representatives in each group who haven't secured a single contract yet?" Bian Xiaoqi asked next.

"Director Bian, our group has 3 people," Peng Juan replied.

"Director Bian, our group has 2 people," Ruan Zongkai reported.

"Director Bian, our group has 3 people," Meng Changxue stated.

"What about Gu Weiliang?" Bian Xiaoqi asked Peng Juan.

"Director Bian, Gu Weiliang received 2 customers today, but didn't sign any contracts," Peng Juan answered.

"What was the reason the customers didn't sign? Did they have any objections?" Bian Xiaoqi pressed further.

"Director Bian, Gu Weiliang didn't report back, so I'm not clear on the details," Peng Juan said cautiously, watching Bian Xiaoqi's expression.

Looking at Peng Juan, Bian Xiaoqi said sternly, "Supervisor Peng, you shouldn't worry about Gu Weiliang's background. He is just an ordinary sales representative. As a supervisor, your answer of 'I'm not clear' is unacceptable to me. Right now, I have other matters to attend to. Tomorrow morning, the three of you supervisors must clearly explain to me the reasons why your respective group members failed to secure any contracts."