Chapter 32: This Boss Has Such Nerve
Half an hour later, they arrived at Yongfeng Building.
“Our company is on the 16th floor. The office setup is a bit basic for now, but we’ll improve it gradually,” Lu Liang said, setting expectations for Tang Caidie and Chen Jinchun.
He made it clear that the company consisted of just the three of them, some funds, and an office space—nothing more.
Tang Caidie smiled lightly, clearly prepared for this situation.
Chen Jinchun, on the other hand, was visibly shocked. Her mouth hung open, and she was already reconsidering her decision.
Her teacher had emphasized the importance of securing a good job as a recent graduate, warning that it would be much harder to find one later if she let this opportunity slip.
As they exited the elevator, they heard a familiar voice from down the hallway.
“Yes, tilt it a bit more that way,” instructed Meng Changkun.
The 200-square-meter office was bustling with over a dozen people helping set things up. Some were hanging the signboard, others laying carpets or arranging flower baskets, creating a festive atmosphere.“Brother Ge, what’s all this?” Lu Liang asked, recognizing the young workers.
Some were from his floor, while others worked downstairs in companies funded by Meng Changkun.
“Brother Lu, you’re back so soon! I was hoping to surprise you,” Meng said with a laugh. “I’m here to wish your business prosperity and success. May it grow big and achieve greatness!”
Since Lu Liang rented an office in his building and was also a friend, it only felt right for Meng to show his support on the company’s opening day.
Seeing Meng bring flower baskets and offer congratulations, the companies he invested in had also come over to help. As a result, the number of people and flower baskets kept growing.
“Brother Ge, you’re so thoughtful. I don’t even know what to say.”
“We’re friends; no need for formalities over such a small gesture.”
Lu Liang didn’t stand on ceremony. Bowing slightly, he addressed the helpers: “Thank you all for lending a hand today. I apologize for the lack of preparation, but I’ll make sure to visit and thank you properly soon.”
“Mr. Lu, you’re too polite. We’re neighbors now, so feel free to reach out if you need anything,” one of them replied with a smile, handing over his business card.
The crowd exchanged a few words with Lu Liang before leaving amicably.
---
At the doorway, Meng Changkun glanced at Tang Caidie and hesitated.
“Have we met before?”
Tang smiled faintly. “Mr. Meng, four years ago at Xunlei Technology.”
“Ah, so it’s Sequoia’s Miss Tang! My memory’s failing me—my apologies,” Meng said, finally recalling their encounter at a financing gala for Xunlei Technology years ago.
“No need to apologize, Mr. Meng. It’s natural for important people like you to forget,” Tang replied graciously.
After seeing off the guests, Lu Liang turned to Meng, curious. “Brother Ge, you two know each other?”
“We’ve crossed paths a few times. Back then, Miss Tang worked at Sequoia Capital, the top-tier venture capital firm in the country.”
Meng praised Sequoia’s strength but didn’t specifically compliment Tang, recognizing the firm more than the individual.
“Those were years ago, Mr. Meng. I resigned from Sequoia long ago,” Tang said, knowing that without the firm’s backing, she was now just an experienced finance professional.
“A wise bird chooses the best tree to nest in. Miss Tang, you’ve made a good choice this time,” Meng remarked, patting Lu Liang’s shoulder.
“Brother Lu, I’ll leave now. Come by for tea when you’re free.”
“Take care, Brother Ge.”
The excitement dissipated as quickly as it had come, but Lu Liang wasn’t overly concerned. He had never placed much importance on ceremony.
---
Inside the office, the space was clean and tidy. On the desk sat a seven-inch pi xiu statue, undoubtedly a gift from Meng Changkun.
“This is our company,” Lu Liang said, leading them on a quick tour.
The 200-square-meter area could be walked through in just a few steps.
He pulled out the business registration documents and a copy of the operating license.
“Miss Tang, if you’re free today, let’s get you started. Please handle the onboarding process for yourself and Miss Chen. Set up social security and housing funds as needed.”
Chen Jinchun’s eyes widened. It was her first time seeing a company where new hires processed their own onboarding. Her doubts deepened.
Sensing Chen’s hesitation, Tang lightly nudged her hand for reassurance and replied, “Understood, Mr. Lu.”
Pleased with Tang’s attitude, Lu Liang handed her a company debit card.
“This has 100,000 yuan. The office still needs computers, printers, telephones, internet setup, and other equipment.
“Make a list of what’s needed, send me the procurement details, and take Chen with you for the purchases. Keep the receipts for meals and transportation, and let me know if you need more funds.”
Lu Liang didn’t want to deal with trivial tasks and felt confident entrusting them to a Ph.D. from Shanghai Finance.
“Also, tomorrow, buy some tea and fruits. We need to visit the companies that sent flower baskets today and deliver thank-you gifts.”
As they spoke, Lu Liang’s phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number:
[Uncle Lu, is that you? It’s Xiaoguai.]
The message conjured an image of a sweet little girl in his mind: Zhang Yu, also called Zhang Xiaoguai, Zhang Qian’s daughter.
He replied: “It’s me. What’s wrong?”
[Uncle Lu, do you have time? My teacher just called my mom, but she didn’t answer.]
Smiling faintly, Lu Liang stepped out to make a call. “Xiaoguai, did you get into trouble at school?”
“Uncle Lu, I didn’t cause trouble! Zhao Jiaqi bullied me first, so I hit him!”
On the phone, the background was noisy, with a woman shouting angrily nearby.
“Wait for me—I’ll be there soon.”
Lu Liang was startled but quickly informed Tang and Chen: “I have to leave. Contact me if anything comes up.”
Grabbing his car keys, he dashed out like the wind, leaving the two women staring after him.
---
Tang, despite her experience, looked at the debit card in her hand and chuckled wryly. “Mr. Lu has such nerve.”
But she quickly got to work, jotting down items to purchase and tasks to complete.
Meanwhile, Chen hesitated before nervously saying, “Miss Tang, maybe you could tell Mr. Lu tomorrow that I’m not staying.”
The office environment and location were great, but she felt the company and its boss were unreliable.
“Chen, you should reconsider. I think our company has strong potential,” Tang said with a warm smile.
She explained that Meng Changkun was a well-known figure in Magic City’s venture capital circles, with total assets likely exceeding 3 billion yuan.
Lu Liang’s equal footing with Meng suggested he was no ordinary entrepreneur.
Chen was stunned, realizing the middle-aged, slightly chubby man was far more influential than she had imagined.
“Thank you, Miss Tang.”
Embarrassed, Chen decided to stay, at least for a few days, to observe how things unfolded.
“Enough of that. I remember there’s a telecom office downstairs. Go check their rates for corporate broadband,” Tang said, kindly assigning her a task to help her integrate.
Tang herself found the company promising. The boss had both capability and resources, and the startup phase offered a chance to ease back into her career while avoiding overwhelming responsibilities.
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