Chapter 226: The Alluring Woman
"Just you coming here already honors us."
Recruiting talent was one of the company's top priorities at the moment.
And based on what they knew about Dai Yingchi, both Li Tang and He Runqi genuinely believed this old classmate was highly capable.
It was a case of mutual intent and perfect timing.
When it came to work, Li Tang was serious.
"We already know your capabilities—you don't have to say much."
Dai looked at Li Tang with a trace of nervousness.
"My expectations aren't high. You both know my grades were just average in university. After graduation, I didn't focus on our field either, so technically, my technical skills have regressed rather than improved."
"As long as you're willing to learn and have the right attitude, I believe everyone has potential."
Li Tang didn't care for eccentric geniuses. The most important thing when hiring was a person's integrity.
"But I do think my strengths lie in coordination and organization. Over the past few years, I've led planning for several cultural tourism events in our county. All of them were a success."
Dai glanced at both Li Tang and He Runqi, keeping his posture modest.
"I'm applying for a regular technician role. I know I have a lot to learn. If possible, assign me to someone more experienced so I can follow their lead."
"A regular technician?" Li Tang was surprised.
"I know exactly where I stand technically."
Dai raised his hand like he was taking an oath.
"You can rest assured. I won't let anyone in the company know I'm your classmate, and I won't expect special treatment. I promise you—within a year, I'll bring myself up to the team's average technical standard. I have strong discipline and a great learning ability."
Li Tang nodded slightly and called to He Runqi.
"Runqi, go grab a copy of our employment contract so Yingchi can look over the compensation and benefits."
"On it."
He Runqi, acting like the head examiner, quickly returned with a contract and a printed list of job positions and their associated salaries.
Li Tang flipped through the materials, pulled out the job list, and set it in front of Dai.
"Pick one."
"I…"
Dai hesitated.
"I get to choose?"
He'd seen this chart before. It was included in the recruitment brochure.
Different positions came with different salaries and sometimes stock options.
"Pick whichever one you like," Li Tang said seriously, though his tone sounded casual.
Dai couldn't quite figure out Li Tang's leadership style.
Back in college, Li Tang had been even more laid-back than He Runqi. Cutting class was a routine.
Now, just a few years later, he'd transformed into someone completely different—almost unrecognizable.
Despite his inner doubts, Dai looked over the document earnestly.
Of course, the most appealing roles were department head positions in HR, legal, or PR. The base salary alone was over 3,000 yuan.
Even more enticing were the equity incentives for these leadership roles—making you more than just an employee, but a partial owner.
As he read, he snuck peeks at Li Tang's expression.
From what Li Tang had said earlier, it seemed like he was free to choose.
But Dai dared not. After some deliberation, he finally put the paper down, looked up with an honest smile, and said,
"I still think a regular technician is the most suitable role for me right now."
"Technicians are needed, but not desperately," Li Tang replied.
"Everyone has strengths. In building this team, I want to match roles to individuals' talents. That way, everyone thrives."
He picked the document back up, gave it a quick glance, and made a decision.
"Since you can't decide, I'll do it for you. We're assigning you as the head of HR. You've seen the benefits—any objections?"
Dai didn't smile. He actually frowned.
"I'm worried current employees might object. I'm new, and it's hard to win everyone over as a manager right away."
A valid concern.
Li Tang thought for a moment and suddenly had an idea.
"Alright, you'll join the HR department. As of now, it's mostly Runqi and Alice handling HR tasks anyway. You saw them managing the recruitment just now."
"Then I'll just join as a regular HR staff member," Dai said firmly.
"You're the only one in HR. So you'll act as the interim department head."
Before Dai could protest again, Li Tang stood and pulled him up with a laugh.
"That's it! Trust me. We both know what you're capable of. Come on, no more work for today—let's go eat!"
"It's barely afternoon. You want to eat dinner now?"
He Runqi didn't hesitate to call out Li Tang.
Outside, the sun was still high. It was clearly too early for dinner.
"Did you have lunch yet?" Li Tang asked Dai.
"I did," Dai replied.
"Then sit. Let's have tea."
They hadn't even brewed new tea yet. What they'd been sipping was left over from the morning—cold and stale.
Li Tang pulled out a few canisters.
"Green or black?"
"Green," Dai answered without hesitation.
Li Tang smiled.
It was a small thing, but it showed decisiveness. Most people would just say, "Whatever you have."
Dai had always been this way, even back in university—clear in his thinking, unafraid to speak his mind.
Li Tang brewed the tea and pushed cups toward both men.
He Runqi took his without shame, blew gently on it, and took a sip.
"Class rep, have you resigned from your job back home?"
"Not yet," Dai replied.
"I figured if I didn't get the job here, I'd just return to work. I hope that doesn't seem disrespectful."
"Don't be so formal." He Runqi wasn't bothered.
"You'll need to process your resignation before we can officially hire you."
"I'll go do that today."
"No rush," He said kindly.
"Drink your tea. You're being way too polite."
Li Tang smiled the whole time.
"We're just chatting now. Don't act like we're county officials evaluating you. You're making me feel old."
"Force of habit."
Years in the government had molded Dai into someone who treated every conversation like a formal meeting.
"Things are different here. My goal is to build a company culture that feels human—a place where people enjoy coming to work, without unnecessary stress."
Sensing Dai still hadn't fully relaxed, Li Tang began talking about the company to help him adjust.
"The HR department is exactly what it sounds like—it manages all employees. Social security, housing funds, gifts for holidays, staff activities—all of that."
"I understand," Dai nodded, looking confident.
"That's the basics. What matters more is shaping company culture—making it feel like home."
"I'll do my best to meet your expectations."
"Take your time. Culture is a long-term thing."
Li Tang turned to He Runqi.
"Anyone with HR experience in this round of hires?"
"Yes, one candidate is pretty much confirmed. A young woman in her twenties. That fills the two HR positions we planned for."
"Perfect. Let her report to the class rep when she starts."
"If there's nothing else, I'll leave you two to chat. I have a few more technician interviews to run," He said, draining his teacup and heading out.
With He gone, Dai suddenly felt more tense and awkward.
For some reason, Li Tang gave him the same pressure he used to feel from senior officials.
Thankfully, He returned quickly—this time with a file folder that had a photo on top.
He closed the office door behind him, grinning mischievously.
"Li Tang, class rep, you've got to see this candidate I just met."
Both men looked up, amused.
"A real talent?" Li Tang asked.
"Look at the photo!"
He placed it in front of them.
A heavily made-up woman stared back—clearly provocative.
"What's this?" Li Tang was startled.
He Runqi grinned.
"She applied for the PR director role. You didn't see her outfit—my god, she was practically spilling out of it!"
"She tried to seduce you?" Dai guessed.
"Exactly!"
He nodded with conviction.
"She even suggested that Alice, our only female interviewer, leave the room so she could 'show more of her talents.'"
"What talents? Singing? Dancing?" Li Tang was intrigued.
"Alice didn't leave, but she still did a little show—took off her jacket and strutted around like a runway model."
He was clearly replaying the scene in his mind.
"It was unreal. Her body practically bounced with every step!"
"Lucky you!" Even the usually proper Dai cracked a joke.
"I was hoping for a taste, too!" He laughed.
"You kept her on the list?" Li Tang asked, more seriously.
"I told her we'd get back to her."
Then, with a slightly more serious tone, He added,
"She said if she becomes PR director, there isn't a man she can't win over."
"You think she was bluffing?" Li Tang asked.
"No," He answered after a moment of reflection.
"I actually believe her."
"In that case… she might be a real asset."
"But she's asking for more. The most we offer in equity for department heads is 1%. She wants 5%."
"That's bold," Li Tang said, laughing.
He leaned in and whispered,
"I think she's wasted in PR. She'd be perfect as a secretary."
"Get lost!" Li Tang gave him a swift kick.
He tumbled onto the sofa, laughing so hard he nearly fell off again.
"I was thinking about your happiness! You ungrateful jerk!"
It was an ordinary moment—the kind that plays out every day between longtime friends.
But in Dai Yingchi's eyes, it meant more.
Just like Li Tang and He Runqi had said, this company's culture really was lighthearted and joyful.
These old classmates might have changed a lot, but their bond was as strong as ever.
And this kind of camaraderie—it was exactly what he'd missed in the sterile halls of county offices.
Li Tang waved a hand, his smile fading into a mock stern expression.
"Our company doesn't hire people who rely on cheap tricks!"
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