Hu Chenrui's face showed a moment of embarrassment, but he recovered quickly, apologizing, "I'm truly sorry, the bureau is indeed facing budget constraints, so the compensation might not be as satisfactory as we'd like."
Chu Zhishui hurriedly replied, "It's alright, Director Hu. I understand. There are standard pay scales, and no one is intentionally withholding anything. That's why I said it's for personal reasons."
In this kind of organization, salaries are regulated, and the gaps between levels are never too large. It's impossible to raise one person's salary individually. Even for bureau leaders, the base salary is only slightly higher. Without performance bonuses and awards, if you calculate from the bottom up, even Hu Chenrui's income is probably average.
That's why she didn't want to bring it up earlier. There really wasn't any solution, so it was best for both parties to part ways amicably.
"Actually, it's like this. Although Ximing put you in the Logistics Department, she should have told you at the time that it was just to help you get familiar with the environment," Hu Chenrui said in a pleasant tone. "I know you have excellent academic credentials and performed well after graduation. We mainly recruited you for the bureau's Economic Development Department."
"Economic Development Department?"
"That's right. You should be aware that in organizations like ours, revenue and efficiency are linked to employee performance. The Economic Development Department doesn't deal with supernatural matters. Its main purpose is to help increase the bureau's income and provide some benefits for everyone."
In simple terms, it helps the bureau make money and then pays the employees.
Chu Zhishui was silent for a moment, then asked, "Director Hu, if I may ask, how is the Economic Development Department's performance currently?"
"It's a new department, so it's not appropriate to discuss performance yet," Hu Chenrui answered diplomatically.
"Then how many people are in the department?"
"We've tried to set it up before, but the results haven't come that quickly," Hu Chenrui said with a laugh, slapping his leg. "I remember you came in through the talent recruitment program, so you should start as a deputy director. You're fully capable of independently organizing the new department's work!"
"..."
Hearing this, Chu Zhishui couldn't help but understand his implication. He wanted her to start from scratch as a one-person team.
"I may not have expressed myself clearly earlier, but I really don't think I'm suitable..."
Hu Chenrui's eyes were light-colored, with a hint of orange-brown if you looked closely. He asked quite solemnly, "Xiao Chu, do you plan to stay in Huaijiang in the future? Or will you go to other cities?"
For a moment, the bustling night view of Yinhai City's Jinmao Center flashed through Chu Zhishui's mind, but now it seemed as distant as an old memory, with even the details of the past gradually blurring. Clearly, that wasn't her place either.
She lowered her eyes and said, "My parents are in Huaijiang, so I probably won't move again."
"Then I think you have no reason to refuse right away. First, although the bureau doesn't have performance bonuses now, our sister organizations have decent salaries. Once the Economic Development Department gets on track, the compensation might be better than private companies in Huaijiang. Second, sometimes people care about social status. Regardless of the internal situation, certain titles can still impress people when presented externally."
"At least in the Huaijiang area, the Observation Bureau still carries some weight."
Chu Zhishui knew Director Hu's words weren't wrong, otherwise she wouldn't have chosen this place initially.
It's not difficult for people to survive, but to live with dignity, one must inevitably exert all efforts and pay a price.
"Director Hu, do you have any materials on the Economic Development Department?"
"Ximing, can you help me get them?" Hu Chenrui instructed. "You know where they are."
Hong Ximing quickly handed them over.
There weren't many materials on the Economic Development Department, and various projects could only be considered half-finished.
The Observation Bureau wouldn't directly make money, but would register a small company for operations. Of course, there was no profit yet, and even operating costs were being incurred. If such organizations perform well, employee bonuses are substantial, and there are many ways to generate income, such as universities' technology equity investments.
Chu Zhishui quickly flipped through the materials, scanning them to understand the situation.
Hu Chenrui's almond-shaped eyes narrowed as he quietly waited for her response.
"Director Hu, as you just said, the premise is that the Economic Development Department gets on track, but it's clearly far from the goal right now," Chu Zhishui said, feigning difficulty. "If the final result isn't good, or if there are changes later, then I'm afraid..."
Hu Chenrui replied amiably, "Of course, if you can make it work, the bureau definitely won't ignore your efforts."
After some back-and-forth with the old fox, Chu Zhishui finally nailed down the specific details.
Director Hu promised her: First, as long as the Economic Development Department achieves profitability, regardless of how much profit, she would be promoted to full director after two years. Of course, this was somewhat of an empty promise, as there were no people in the new department, so discussing ranks was meaningless. Second, Chu Zhishui's performance coefficient would be adjusted to the highest level, as an incentive for more work, more pay. Third, she could transfer personnel within the bureau as she saw fit, to quickly get through the difficult period of the Economic Development Department.
"The Observation Department is the bureau's core business unit, and has long been dealing with conflicts between humans and supernatural beings, and between supernatural beings themselves. They may no longer have the capacity to do other things. Except for the Observation Department, you can use anyone else as you see fit, as long as you think they can help increase the bureau's revenue."
Hearing him be so generous, Chu Zhishui couldn't help but ask impertinently, "Including you, Director Hu?"
Hu Chenrui was taken aback for a moment, but he wasn't angry. He smiled and said, "Of course, if you think I'm up to it."
The leader was showing respect for talent, so she couldn't be ungrateful. It was just a test of his attitude.
Holding the Economic Development Department materials, Chu Zhishui knew she shouldn't agree immediately. She should have made an excuse to discuss it with her family, then go home and carefully weigh the pros and cons. But this scene was very similar to when she first joined her previous company. Or rather, it wasn't even a company then, just a small studio. Later, they moved to an office building near the school, and then to the spacious Jinmao Center building.
Someone had once similarly thrust materials into her hands, but in the end, they racked their brains trying to get her to return her shares.
She had thought more than once, if she had been the one building the team, would the outcome have been different? The impulsiveness of youth had not died out, but rather, with a gust of wind, it flared up again, burning hot in her chest.
Suddenly, Chu Zhishui didn't want to make excuses. She made a decision on the spot and said gently, "Director Hu, I think Jin Yu from the Logistics Department might be more suitable for the Economic Development Department..."
The new department had no one yet, so they needed to at least form a team. Niu Shi was in charge of the cafeteria and landscaping, so he couldn't possibly leave the Logistics Department. There weren't many other personnel left.
"No problem, Ximing, please arrange that," Hu Chenrui agreed readily, adding generously, "Anyone else?"
"Also Xin Yunmao from the Logistics Department."
The name sounded somewhat unfamiliar at first, mainly because people in the bureau rarely called him by name.
Both Hu Chenrui and Hong Ximing were stunned. They looked at each other, momentarily at a loss for words.
Hong Ximing hesitantly confirmed, "Xiao Chu, do you mean..."
Chu Zhishui maintained a normal expression and explained, "Sister Hong might rarely see him, but he's also in our Logistics Department."
"Actually, he..."
Hu Chenrui stopped Hong Ximing's next words with a look, and asked curiously, "Do you think he's suitable for the Economic Development Department?"
Chu Zhishui naturally noticed the exchange of glances between the two supernatural beings. To be honest, Xin Yunmao wasn't particularly diligent or capable, which explained their strange expressions and hesitation. In the Logistics Department, he was lazy and listless, appearing and disappearing unpredictably, not looking like someone who could handle important tasks.
Chu Zhishui cleared her throat lightly, feeling a bit guilty, and said objectively, "He does seem quite scattered now, but that's partly due to the department environment. I think if we put him in a new environment and find more suitable work for him, it might motivate him."
This was her honest opinion.
She felt that Xin Yunmao wasn't as aloof as he appeared on the surface, it was just that the current environment wasn't good enough. It was like how some people might be on the fringes of social groups in middle school, but inexplicably become more sociable when they enter high school. If he truly had a cold personality, he wouldn't have thought about reciprocating after being treated kindly.
To be honest, she wasn't sure what he was suitable for at the moment, but stagnating in the old environment was like a dead pond. Sometimes, just providing an opportunity for change can make anything possible.
Hu Chenrui's brows furrowed slightly. He pondered for a while, then probed, "...Do you think he wants to become more active?"
Chu Zhishui answered decisively, "Of course, wanting to improve can be said to be an instinct."
Besides, if she couldn't slack off, he shouldn't be able to idle away his days either.
She thought slyly to herself.
Hu Chenrui nodded, "Alright, I promise you, I'll arrange this matter."
She had come in planning to resign, but ended up becoming a business pioneer. This was unexpected when she first entered the door.
Fortunately, Chu Zhishui's attitude changed quickly enough. She proceeded to discuss with Hu Chenrui, clearly putting forward some future ideas.
Hu Chenrui listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement: "Xiao Chu, I think your ideas are great. I really am not good at these things, otherwise the new department wouldn't have been delayed until now. Just follow your plan, I trust your abilities."
Chu Zhishui relaxed slightly. Once bitten, twice shy. She had been probing to see if Director Hu was really going to stay out of the matter.
The exchange went smoothly.
"Oh, by the way, there's one more thing. Now that you've decided to stay, you need to be careful in how you interact with your colleagues," Hu Chenrui said after finishing the main business, his tone suddenly becoming serious.
This was likely the reckoning for the incident of confronting the section chief.
Chu Zhishui's heart tightened, but she maintained a respectful and obedient demeanor, pretending not to understand: "What does Director Hu mean?"
She had guessed that Section Chief Wu would complain, but she didn't believe he would dare mention the spreadsheet, as that would expose his long absences.
Hu Chenrui sighed: "Wu Changgong said you dismembered a sea crab in the cafeteria to intimidate him, expressing resentment and dissatisfaction, which left a strong psychological shadow on him. The scene of a serial murder case has made him uneasy ever since."
Chu Zhishui: "?" Dismembered in the cafeteria? Serial murder?
She suddenly realized, absurdly: "But I was just eating stir-fried swimming crab. Eating crabs involves breaking them apart. Section Chief Wu is overthinking."
These monsters' thought processes are ridiculous!
She thought that a useless leader would only make her lose her appetite, how could she possibly use such a method to show cruelty and threaten him!?
It really opened up a new way of thinking about workplace bullying. She wondered what kind of crab Wu Changgong was, maybe she should have her parents visit the market more often.
"He said if it wasn't intentional, why did you only bring sea crabs and not river crabs?"
"Because river crabs aren't in season," Chu Zhishui said truthfully. She was always quick-witted and added meaningfully, "And Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs are expensive, Director Hu, you know how the bureau's salary is..."
Hu Chenrui wouldn't fall into the same trap twice. He immediately clapped his hands and laughed, changing the subject: "Actually, I think sea crabs are fine, there's nothing wrong with them!"
This meant he wouldn't pursue the matter further.
Before leaving, Hong Ximing also found the key to the Economic Development Department and handed it over to the newly appointed Chu Zhishui.
"Xiao Chu, the Economic Development Department is also on the third floor. You can check tomorrow if anything is missing and make up for it in these two days," Hong Ximing said enthusiastically. "I'll inform Jin Yu."
"If you need anything, just let me know. You know where my office is."
Chu Zhishui took the key and thanked her: "Okay, thank you, Sister Hong."
The ancient trees in the courtyard were lush and dense, casting a thick shade.
Hu Chenrui stood by the window on the fourth floor, watching Chu Zhishui leave through the gaps in the leaves until her car slowly drove away from the Huaijiang Observation Bureau. He stood in a daze for a long time before sighing and muttering to himself: "Alright, I should go inform them too."
The Huaijiang Observation Bureau was vast, but due to limited funds, many areas were abandoned and no buildings were erected. By the shallow beach, the stream gurgled, and the stones were slippery with moss, easy to slip on.
Hu Chenrui looked at Xin Yunmao sitting far on the cliffside, wondering how the other had found this place. The black-haired deity often wandered around the Huaijiang Observation Bureau, or rather, he had always roamed this vast wilderness, not knowing what he was searching for.
Xin Yunmao's existence predated the Huaijiang Observation Bureau. It would be more accurate to say they built the bureau in his active area. They had always maintained a safe distance, neither interfering with the other.
Before becoming the director, Hu Chenrui had never seen a deity-sealed monster, let alone understood their temperament. In fact, even now, he couldn't figure out Xin Yunmao. Occasionally, he felt the other was like a wandering soul, with all emotions scattered in the great battle, indifferent to everything.
Just like now, even as Hu Chenrui approached the cliffside, Xin Yunmao didn't turn to look at him.
Xin Yunmao sat alone on the high stone, his ink-black hair cascading down, with clear eyes and sparse eyebrows, exuding an ethereal elegance. He stared unblinkingly at the water, and if he held a fishing rod, he would indeed resemble someone fishing in the cold river. But his hands were empty, only a dark green paper umbrella beside him.
After removing the illusion, he no longer wore modern attire. Instead, he wore a light green ancient robe, the hem fluttering but revealing dark black marks, like ink spreading on a light-colored paper, or the hem being scorched by surging black flames.
These were scars from dragon flames.
He had been burned through by black fire and had severed the other's hand.
Hu Chenrui subconsciously glanced at the dark green paper umbrella, then subtly withdrew his gaze and spoke up: "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Xin Yunmao sat motionless, his back to him.
Hu Chenrui was used to it and continued: "A new human girl named Chu Zhishui has joined the bureau. You might have met her in the Logistics Department. She originally planned to resign from the bureau today..."
Xin Yunmao was startled and finally turned his head to look down at Hu Chenrui.
"But after discussing, we decided to appoint her to the Economic Development Department, and she wants to transfer you there as well," Hu Chenrui said, struggling to persuade. "Actually, the deity wasn't really part of the Logistics Department to begin with, it was just a place to rest. Now, changing to another..."
Before Hu Chenrui finished, Xin Yunmao decisively said: "Okay."
"Huh?"
"Yes, okay."
Hu Chenrui had prepared mentally for a long speech, but Xin Yunmao agreed without even hearing the beginning. He was used to the other's indifference, so this quick response was quite unusual.
Seeing Hu Chenrui's puzzled expression, Xin Yunmao repeated emotionlessly: "I said okay."
"…Alright, the Economic Development Department is next to the Logistics Department," Hu Chenrui quickly regained his composure, feeling something was off.
After pondering, Hu Chenrui decided to clarify in advance to avoid future disputes: "Deity, she's just an ordinary human without any monster aura. If she offends you in the future, I hope you can be lenient."
They weren't in a superior-subordinate relationship, and Xin Yunmao wasn't even on the bureau's payroll. But Hu Chenrui was always polite, always addressing him as "Deity," unlike many monsters. He hoped Xin Yunmao wouldn't be harsh on Chu Zhishui, his attitude becoming increasingly courteous, even bowing slightly.
Usually, as long as Hu Chenrui said something similar, Xin Yunmao wouldn't care much. The other was cold and distant, rarely speaking, basically silently agreeing.
But today, Director Hu's attempt backfired, as Xin Yunmao didn't follow the usual script.
"Hu Chenrui, you just met her, right?" He raised an eyebrow, disdainfully mocking, "Don't I know her better than you?"
"…"
The tone was even stranger, almost like he was competing with someone.
After pondering, Hu Chenrui realized what was off. Xin Yunmao seemed to have picked up some human-like sarcasm recently.
