Perhaps sensing her subtle expression, Hu Chenrui added a few words of explanation: "Little Chu, you might not be familiar with our bureau's situation. We've always had a good relationship with the Yinhai Bureau. Over the years, they've helped with our operational funding, and Director Ye often discusses management matters with me. He even provided advice for the Economic Development Department. They have various income sources and are quite well-off."
Chu Zhishui nodded: "Indeed, I've heard that Yinhai Bureau employees receive good performance bonuses."
"Well, that's just because of their good location. In terms of actual business operations, they're not as good as us..." Hu Chenrui said, "Anyway, you don't need to have any concerns!"
Chu Zhishui seemed to understand something. Although Hu Chenrui claimed the two bureaus had a good relationship and received funding support from them, it must have come at the cost of constant flattery. He had probably been pressured by Director Ye before, which explained why he was now showing no mercy with the pricing.
While Director Hu and Director Ye were of equal rank, Huaijiang City's development lagged far behind Yinhai City, making it impossible to compete in terms of other benefits. Just like how Chu Zhishui's salary was cut when she returned to Huaijiang City, even though Director Hu and other supernatural beings might be stronger than those at the Yinhai Bureau, they were naturally at a disadvantage when it came to making money.
Understanding the situation better now, Chu Zhishui responded: "Alright, why don't I take a look at the tea quality and help determine the appropriate pricing? Or you could suggest a price range, and we can think it over."
If she could understand the Yinhai Bureau's financial situation, she could work backward to determine Director Ye's bottom line.
"Good, good, let's discuss it now, no need to deliberate later!"
Hu Chenrui took out clean tea sets from under the coffee table and began heating water to brew tea, casually opening the tea container. When Chu Zhishui reached out to help, Director Hu politely declined, clearly being much more skilled at tea preparation.
As hot water was poured, white steam rose, and the curled tea leaves unfurled themselves, transforming into a clear, fragrant tea liquid.
Hu Chenrui's nose twitched slightly. He suddenly straightened his back, paused his tea-making, and asked in surprise: "How did you make this tea?"
"Xin Yunmao used supernatural energy to nurture the tea garden. They say tea leaves grown this way have nourishing effects for supernatural beings," Chu Zhishui answered honestly, "though I'm not sure if that's true."
As a human, she was extremely insensitive to supernatural energy and could only tell that the green tea tasted good, unable to experience the amazement felt by supernatural beings.
"You always address him so directly by name?" Hu Chenrui hesitated, then frowned, "Wait, he actually did this? Why would he be willing to?"
Chu Zhishui asked puzzled: "What's wrong with that? It's work assigned by the department, why wouldn't he be willing?"
Hu Chenrui gave her an odd look, and seeing her completely unaware expression, he suddenly felt deep respect and said sincerely: "Little Chu, you truly are a talent for management. The bureau didn't make a mistake in hiring you."
It was like a newborn human fearless of supernatural beings, truly a pioneer who dared to think and act.
"You flatter me."
"Then charging a high price is even more justified, as this value is completely different."
Before long, the human and supernatural being had agreed on a price.
Hu Chenrui indeed quoted an astronomical price. When Chu Zhishui calculated it in her mind, after deducting costs and taxes, they would nearly reach their small goal with profits approaching one million. If distributed as year-end bonuses spread across monthly payments, it would amount to five thousand per person per month.
Of course, she could also reserve some funds for new product development, striving to create something noteworthy in the remaining days of the year.
Hu Chenrui couldn't stop praising Chu Zhishui's money-making ability: "Little Chu, if we had recruited you twenty years ago, our bureau's accounts would probably look much better!"
Chu Zhishui: "Director Hu, twenty years ago I was still in kindergarten. Employing child labor is illegal."
"That's true." Hu Chenrui nodded warmly, "No matter, the bureau will consider promoting you more over these decades, after all, we don't have as much time as you do, retiring at fifty or sixty."
"...Thank you for your consideration."
After discussing the price, Hu Chenrui repeatedly confirmed that Xin Yunmao was willing to maintain long-term production before finally putting his mind at ease and chatting with Chu Zhishui about recent matters.
"How are you adjusting lately? If you have any problems, tell me, or you can find Xi Ming if you can't reach me."
"Everything is fine so far." After answering, Chu Zhishui suddenly remembered something and asked curiously, "By the way, do you know what Xin Yunmao's true form is?"
Hu Chenrui smiled wryly: "You're already calling him directly by name, why not ask him face to face?"
"I did ask him directly, but he wouldn't tell me."
Chu Zhishui wanted to investigate but didn't want to keep asking Xin Yunmao directly, fearing it would seem like she was too interested in him. She absolutely wouldn't give him a chance to be narcissistic, so she decided to ask Director Hu indirectly to avoid more teasing remarks.
"Little Chu, you might not know this, but supernatural beings' names are different from humans' - they possess special power," Hu Chenrui explained diplomatically. "So when you call out his name, it might not be appropriate for me to tell you today."
Chu Zhishui froze: "By not appropriate, you mean..."
Hu Chenrui smiled and said: "Calling someone's name directly is like dialing their phone number. Our current conversation might be heard by him. If he doesn't want to tell you, it would be quite impolite for me to overstep."
Of course, what Director Hu didn't mention was that most supernatural beings wouldn't bother listening in, as it was too troublesome and time-consuming.
Chu Zhishui: "..."
No wonder they never called Xin Yunmao by name - how could there be such an embarrassing rule!?
She had originally asked privately because she didn't want him to get smug, but now it felt more like having a guilty conscience and trying to cover up something. He was probably already grinning from ear to ear in his office.
Seeing her troubled expression, Hu Chenrui quickly consoled her: "Don't worry, don't feel pressured. Maybe he didn't hear it."
Chu Zhishui felt even more suffocated and weakly said: "This is Murphy's Law."
Whatever you fear most tends to happen.
When Chu Zhishui returned from the director's office, she stood at the Economic Development Department's doorway, not immediately stepping in, casually scanning the room.
Jin Yu wasn't in the office, apparently having gone to the Logistics Department to move something, and only Xin Yunmao was there, resting with his head on the desk. His raven-like eyelashes hung down quietly, perhaps tired from nurturing the tea garden, lost in gentle dreams.
Chu Zhishui breathed a small sigh of relief and carefully pushed open the door, tiptoeing back in, not daring to be careless. Just when she thought her luck was holding out, she heard a rustling sound behind her, making her heart skip a beat.
Xin Yunmao slowly stretched, gently lifting his eyelids. Seeing Chu Zhishui's stiff back, he leisurely propped his head up to enjoy the view, staring at her without moving, his thoughts unknown.
Chu Zhishui tried to maintain composure: "Did I wake you?"
Xin Yunmao remained silent.
She continued soothingly: "Go back to sleep."
Preferably fall completely unconscious and don't mention anything.
Unfortunately, what was meant to happen would happen.
"So eager to know about me?" His voice carried traces of drowsiness, but he had clearly heard the conversation, saying casually, "Afraid I'd be angry if you knew my true form, so you secretly ask others?"
Chu Zhishui's embarrassment suddenly surged: "You misunderstand."
"I misunderstand again?" Xin Yunmao said meaningfully, laughing, "You have quite a lot of misunderstandings, twice in one day."
Chu Zhishui's face turned wooden, and she gave up entirely: "It just happens that there are many misunderstandings today."
"Do you really need to ask Hu Chenrui about such things? If you're really that curious, just promise to properly worship me, and I might graciously tell you."
"..."
Humiliation! What utter humiliation!
She swore she'd be a dog if she ever got curious about his affairs again.
Wanting to quickly escape the awkwardness, Chu Zhishui changed the subject: "Won't he hear you when you mention Director Hu's name?"
"He can't hear it." Xin Yunmao's attitude was certain.
"Why not? Isn't it said that names have power, and mentioning a name means being heard?" Chu Zhishui grew suspicious, "Wait, you heard last time too, but I didn't even mention your name then."
She had once complained to Jin Yu about their childish cold war, but that time she hadn't used Xin Yunmao's real name, yet he had somehow heard it.
Xin Yunmao choked on his words: "...Did I?"
"How could you not have? That time I didn't say your name, but you still heard and teased me about kindergarten." Chu Zhishui was confused, "What exactly are your name-calling rules? I can't figure it out."
"You're remembering wrong." Xin Yunmao's gaze flickered, becoming oddly uncomfortable. His tone turned stiff, "Besides, I'm different."
"Why are you so impatient? I'm just asking you two questions," Chu Zhishui raised her eyebrow. "Being able to hear without using names, just like nurturing plants - is that another one of your unique abilities?"
"I suppose so," he lowered his gaze. "...I'm not impatient."
Chu Zhishui didn't suspect anything, simply assuming he had a special talent, though she found it strange that he wasn't bragging about it for too long this time.
Xin Yunmao relaxed his tense expression only after she stopped inquiring further.
This wasn't actually his unique ability at all. He couldn't possibly tell her that he was so curious about her that during that period, his attention was intensely focused on her. Even without mentioning her real name, just describing her would catch his special attention.
Demon names possess power, and they can indeed hear when others discuss them, but most don't care or pay attention - otherwise, being "online" all the time would literally work them to death. Generally speaking, if prayers to gods and Buddha are answered once, that's considered conscientious enough; no one would respond to believers at every moment.
Xin Yunmao felt it would be too embarrassing if she knew about this, as it completely lacked the dignity befitting a demon lord, so he naturally didn't want to discuss it further.
The Observatory Bureau Brand Green Tea wasn't produced in large quantities, and as an internal sales product, it was sold at a high price to the Yinhai Bureau. After the Economic Development Department completed the process verification with them, they quickly signed the contract and received the first deposit. Next, they just needed to use the deposit to continue production, complete all the green tea orders, and they would receive the full payment.
Moving funds required approval from the Finance Department. Chu Zhishui had heard Jin Yu talk about their efficiency, so she prepared the application form in advance.
The Finance Department and Observation Department were located on the second floor of the office building. Compared to the tranquility of other floors, the second-floor corridor was quite bustling.
As soon as Chu Zhishui stepped onto the second floor, she saw figures moving through the narrow corridor - all demon-type creatures covered in dark demonic energy. Their faces were unclear, and as they moved, they left several dense black afterimages, like messengers from the netherworld appearing and disappearing without a trace.
Black cloaks, silver eye-shaped buttons on their chests, and ever-present eerie demonic energy - these were the characteristics of Observation Department personnel.
Although Chu Zhishui had been briefed about the Observatory Bureau's duties, she still felt uncomfortable on her first visit to the second floor. The scene was too otherworldly, and even the temperature was lower. Jin Yu and Xin Yunmao usually appeared no different from normal people, rarely releasing their demonic energy, occasionally making her forget about their special work environment.
To reach the Finance Department, one had to pass by the Observation Department. The Observation Department's door was tightly closed at the time, but strange sounds could be heard from within, faintly mixed with shrill screams, which soon fell into complete silence.
Chu Zhishui pretended not to hear and quickened her pace, hoping to rush past the Observation Department in one go, but the door happened to open. She faced a group of black-robed demons coming out of the Observation Department office, their faces obscured by the demonic energy surrounding their bodies, shrouded in a hazy and dark mist.
"This is so annoying. That ginseng demon is good at tunneling underground, but we can't really utilize that in the mountain area."
"Director Hu's deadline is approaching, what should we do now?"
"Director Miao, are you listening?"
Chu Zhishui brushed past them, vaguely hearing the conversation within the black mist. She walked straight toward the neighboring Finance Department, unaware of the gaze following her.
Only after the Finance Department door quietly closed did the lead black-cloaked demon turn his head: "I'm listening. Search from the east and drive him toward the outside of the mountain."
While the second-floor corridor was full of dark shadows, the Finance Department was quite normal, no different from any ordinary office.
A female demon inside was typing on her keyboard while complaining: "The next room is too noisy. Why does our department have to be next to them?"
"Don't even mention it. Their compensation exceeded the budget again last month. The accounts have never looked good."
"What about transferring from the cafeteria?"
"Transfer again? Won't Old Niu get angry?"
"Excuse me, is Director He in?"
The chatting female demons were startled by the voice. They looked up to see Chu Zhishui and hurriedly put aside their complaints, frantically pointing in a direction: "Director He is in the small room inside..."
"Thank you," Chu Zhishui walked inside with her reports.
"Is that a human? Looks like a human?"
"We actually have a human joining the bureau this year!?"
Hearing the whispers behind her, Chu Zhishui simply stopped and turned around, saying kindly: "I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself earlier. I'm Chu Zhishui from the Economic Development Department. I just joined the bureau recently, and yes, I am human."
The two demons hadn't expected her to hear and stop, and their faces immediately turned red.
"We're sorry, we didn't mean any harm, we were just too surprised. We didn't expect anyone would be willing to come here, and they must be quite... desperate..." They waved their hands frantically, "No, that's not right either!"
Chu Zhishui: "It's fine, I've actually thought it through, it's just that the pay is a bit low."
"You're really amazing then. I've been at the bureau for over a hundred years, and I still can't get over how low the pay is."
"..."
After getting acquainted with the Finance Department ladies, Chu Zhishui walked to the innermost room to find the Finance Department Director He Shougui.
The female demons had mentioned that their director was hard of hearing and confused, but Chu Zhishui hadn't taken it seriously. Only when she actually met Director He did she realize why demons shouldn't work past retirement age regardless of labor laws.
He Shougui was a hunched, withered old man. He sat alone in the small room, staring blankly at the screen, slowly hitting the keyboard - the scene looked almost like a still image.
Chu Zhishui politely handed over the report: "Director He, I'm Chu Zhishui from the Economic Development Department. I need your approval for some funds. This form has been signed by Director Hu."
He Shougui slowly turned around: "What form?"
Chu Zhishui explained: "Research funding for the Economic Development Department. We have an order with the Yinhai Bureau and need to advance some money for production."
He Shougui looked confused: "Which department?"
Chu Zhishui patiently continued: "The Economic Development Department. Director Hu should have mentioned this to you..."
He Shougui stared blankly: "Which director?"
"...Director Hu, Director Hu Chenrui."
"Which Hu?"
"..."
No wonder Jin Yu said the Finance Department's work efficiency was low - apparently, every conversation turned into a "Who's on first?" routine!
Seeing her silence, He Shougui shook his head, his eyes vacant as he said: "I'm getting old, my memory isn't good."
Chu Zhishui held her forehead: "...Never mind, could you first help me check a payment from the Yinhai Bureau? They said they recently transferred the deposit to the company account."
This time he heard clearly, and He Shougui immediately started checking. When he saw the huge number on the screen, he turned around shakily, looking at her in disbelief, and confirmed again: "...Payment from the Yinhai Bureau?"
"Yes, could you check if it has arrived? It should have been transferred a couple of days ago," Chu Zhishui asked uncertainly, "Has it not arrived?"
"It has, it has!" He Shougui's lifeless eyes suddenly lit up, and even his keyboard typing became quick and forceful. He eagerly asked, "What form did Section Chief Chu want to get approved just now?"
"...The form requesting production funds."
He Shougui completely changed his previous slow pace and started typing rapidly.
Since Chu Zhishui mentioned there would be final payment after production and delivery, he was typing so fast he almost set the keyboard on fire, afraid of delaying the Economic Development Department's money-making venture.
After completing the procedures, Chu Zhishui walked out in a daze, not understanding Director He's dramatic change in demeanor.
Outside, when the Observation Department staff saw her leave, they immediately knocked and entered the room with their reports, also going into He Shougui's small office.
Soon after, the conversation between the two drifted out to Chu Zhishui's ears.
"Director He, this is yesterday's compensation form from the mountain..."
"Which mountain?"
"Not the mountain, the compensation form. Director Miao asked me to bring it to you."
"Which director?"
"Director Miao, and the compensation form—"
"Which Miao?"
"Not Miao, the compensation form... why is it so difficult every time?"
Standing at the door, Chu Zhishui listened to the familiar routine and suddenly understood everything.
A moment later, when the Finance Department female demons saw Chu Zhishui return, they casually asked: "Was Director He confused today?"
"Your director isn't confused at all, he just needs proper activation," Chu Zhishui pondered for a few seconds. "It's like downloading software - usually it's super slow, but as soon as you activate the VIP membership, the speed instantly becomes lightning fast."
"?"
