Chapter 568: Busy
Chapter 568: Busy
With the addition of Jack Jones to Lu Jiahxin's portfolio, her workload increased exponentially. On top of overseeing the acquisition, she was also determined to revamp the customer service and after-sales support for Green Forest.
Lu Jiahxin was once again immersed in work until the end of the day, heading home with a stack of documents. She refrained from reviewing them in the car, adhering to her principle of avoiding anything detrimental to her health.
Nie Zhan returned late that night around nine o'clock due to a business engagement. Upon entering their room, he found her still poring over the documents and smiled, saying, "It's quite late already. Why don't you continue tomorrow?"
Lu Jiahxin replied with a hint of frustration, "If I don't finish going through these documents today, there will be even more tasks piling up tomorrow. Sigh, being a boss is tough!"
Nie Zhan, seeing her exasperation, teased, "I thought you wanted to venture into the cosmetics business as well. I was even considering acquiring a cosmetics company for you."
Lu Jiahxin's face instantly soured, and she waved her hand dismissively, "If you come across a suitable opportunity, then go ahead. But for now, find someone else to manage it first. I'll take over once Green Forest and Jack Jones are on the right track."
Nie Zhan offered a suggestion, "You could entrust Xin Xin Property and Five Blessings Jewelry to professional managers. That way, you won't have to work so hard."
However, Lu Jiahxin declined, "I want to get these two companies in order first, and then I'll recruit professional managers to assist. That way, they won't dare to take advantage of me."
The operations of Xin Xin Property were not complicated, and with her increased attention, she could prevent the previous issues from reoccurring. As for Five Blessings Jewelry, Liang Weibo was dedicated to expanding the company, and under his management, it was thriving, requiring minimal intervention from her. Green Forest and Jack Jones, on the other hand, were in the apparel industry, her area of expertise. Although she lacked experience as a boss, she believed that hard work and dedication could make up for it. As for professional managers, if they were incompetent and ignorant, they might also harbor ill intentions to usurp the company.
"Alright," Nie Zhan agreed.
From then on, Lu Jiahxin's life resembled her previous 996 work schedule—working from nine in the morning to nine in the evening, with the occasional Saturday shift. The demanding schedule took a toll on her physically, and she lost five pounds in just two weeks.
Zong Shimeng, returning from Siyou City, invited Lu Jiahxin for an afternoon tea catch-up session. Seeing her friend, she exclaimed in surprise, "We haven't seen each other for just over three weeks, but you've lost so much weight!"
Lu Jiahxin rubbed her face, "Lately, there's been a lot going on with the company, and I've been busy non-stop. But it's fine, once I get through this busy period, it should get better."
Zong Shimeng had returned three days prior and specifically chose Saturday for their get-together, knowing that Lu Jiahxin worked during the weekdays. "I heard from Huihui that Nie Zhan helped you acquire an Australian clothing brand. Is that what's been keeping you busy lately?"
"Yes," Lu Jiahxin confirmed. "We acquired the Australian brand, Jack Jones. Additionally, I found that the service and after-sales support for Green Forest were lacking, so I've implemented mandatory retraining for the staff. If they don't pass this training, they'll be dismissed."
Training was just the first step; she also planned to conduct periodic spot checks to ensure they didn't revert to their old ways. Of course, store performance would be a key metric in the evaluation as well.
Zong Shimeng tried to reassure her, "Don't stress yourself out too much. You can't rush these things. You didn't have any prior experience managing companies, so it's natural that you're learning as you go and there might be some oversights. But don't worry, with Nie Zhan keeping an eye on things, they won't dare to pull any tricks."
Lu Jiahxin shook her head, "I can't rely on him forever, and neither does he want me to. That's why he noticed the issues with the company but didn't remind me; he wants me to identify and solve problems on my own."
After a moment of silence, she added with a hint of frustration, "I used to see those big bosses going on vacations, playing golf, or fishing, living such leisurely lives, and I thought being a boss was easy. Sigh, who knew it would be this challenging!"
Coming from a family with a four-generation business legacy, Zong Shimeng could relate, "Those big bosses can afford to take vacations, play golf, or go fishing because they have capable helpers. Take my father-in-law, for example. He often goes golfing or fishing with his old friends, and sometimes when he's bored, he even stays at the manor for a few days."
"My husband handles all company matters," Nie Zhan's mother replied. "My father-in-law has overseen the company for many years, and with his experience and authority, any issues are immediately brought to his attention. If there are any problems, they are reported and addressed, with appropriate penalties for those involved. It's all thanks to his vigilance and the respect he commands within the company."
"My husband, on the other hand, has to work from Monday to Friday and often ends up working on weekends as well. You, on the other hand, are managing four companies at such a young age, and you've done an impressive job of keeping them all afloat. I know I couldn't do it."
Every company has its slackers and freeloaders; it's inevitable.
These words comforted Lu Jiahxin. Although she had the advantage of living an extra life, in her previous life, she had only been a designer and not a boss, so she still had a lot to learn.
Seeing that Lu Jiahxin was feeling better, Zong Shimeng changed the subject and brought up Gu Xiuxiu. "The other day, we invited some opera singers to perform at the house, and I was curious, so I went to listen. It was quite interesting. Your aunt may have dementia, but she takes her opera very seriously. Jiahxin, it's a blessing for Aunt Gu to have a great-niece like you."
Zong Shimeng had also encountered elderly people with dementia; those from well-off families were sent to elderly care homes, while those from less fortunate backgrounds were often confined to their homes. She didn't need to elaborate on the plight of those locked away at home, but for those sent to care homes, their well-being depended on the kindness and competence of the caregivers. No one else would go to the lengths that Gu Xiuxiu had, with six caregivers taking turns to ensure her aunt was well looked after, enjoying opera, storytelling, and daily walks. And as for her diet, the culinary skills of the two chefs were exceptional.
Lu Jiahxin smiled and said, "It was Aunt Gu who brought me to Hong Kong, and that's why I have everything I do now. If I had stayed in Siyou City, I wouldn't be where I am today. I want to repay her kindness and ensure she enjoys her golden years."
Zong Shimeng disagreed. "With your abilities, even if you hadn't come to Hong Kong, you would have built a successful career. But Aunt Gu is different. Without you, the He family would have left her to fend for herself. In her condition, without proper care, her health would deteriorate quickly."
Although Zong Shimeng's mother-in-law found Lu Jiahxin's personality a bit strong, she couldn't praise her character enough. It was truly admirable that she had come this far.
Lu Jiahxin smiled and then steered the conversation in a different direction. "You've been in Siyou City for quite some time. I hope your health has improved."
Zong Shimeng nodded. "My health is fine now, but during my last check-up, the doctor reminded me to take it easy. I've come to realize that my health is the most important thing. If I collapse from the stress, it will only hurt my three children and benefit those scheming women out there."
Lu Jiahxin inclined her head in agreement. "You should have realized that sooner. If men want to stray, there's not much we can do to stop them. We might as well focus on getting the most out of the situation."
Zong Shimeng's eyes lit up as she said, "After I returned from Siyou City, my father-in-law rewarded me with a shopfront in Causeway Bay. When my mother-in-law saw it, she gave me a set of Zhifei jewelry. And Zhifeng transferred one million to me, telling me to buy whatever clothes and bags I like."
Lu Jiahxin laughed and said, "From now on, take them on trips once a year. Plan ahead and expose them to different experiences."
Zong Shimeng already had an idea for their next destination. "Next summer, I plan to take them to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to stay for a while. There are many world-renowned universities there, and the cultural atmosphere is rich. It will be a great opportunity for the kids to broaden their horizons."
"That sounds wonderful," Lu Jiahxin replied.
(End of Chapter)
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