The two entered the room and saw Tang Nannan dressed as if she were about to go out. They rushed over with kind smiles.
“Nannan, what are you doing? Dressed so neatly so early in the morning, where are you going?”
It was Mrs. Gao who spoke.
She put down the fruits and flowers in her hands and, as she did, linked her arm with Tang Nannan's.
She looked Tang Nannan up and down and said gently,
“I received a call from President Ma before five this morning. She said something happened to you at her place last night, and it even escalated to the hospital. I was so scared that I quickly dragged her over to see you.”
“How are you? Are you alright? I was the one who introduced you to President Ma. If anything were to happen, how could I face myself…”
Tang Nannan didn’t know how she had ended up in the hospital last night, nor did she know that Hu Jiasheng hadn’t revealed which hospital or which ward she was in.
If they hadn’t investigated deliberately, how could they have known so much?
“Auntie, I’m fine. Please don’t say that.”
Thinking that Mrs. Gao wasn’t present during yesterday’s events and that the other party hadn’t acted intentionally, merely introducing her to a job out of kindness, Tang Nannan felt it was wrong to shift the blame onto her.
Mrs. Gao appeared both concerned and relieved.
“You child, why didn’t you tell me you had offended someone in Suzhou? If I had known that fellow surnamed He had fallen out with you like this, I would have stepped in to deal with him for you no matter what.”
“But it’s better now. I’ve already spoken to your Uncle Gao. He won’t be getting out for at least ten years. All of his businesses in Suzhou will be investigated from top to bottom.”
“People like him are bound to have exploited loopholes. It’s a certainty that problems will be found, and bankruptcy is only a matter of time. I’m sorry you had to suffer.”
“There, there, are you satisfied with what Auntie has done?”
Just because of what happened last night, she was going to have Third Brother He imprisoned for ten years and have all his businesses in Suzhou investigated?
It had to be said, people with influence really did things based on their mood. Ruining someone was as simple as crushing an ant.
Tang Nannan hated Third Brother He immensely, so naturally, she couldn’t be happier.
“Auntie, you’re too kind. Won’t this be too much trouble for Uncle Gao?”
“Not at all. Your Uncle Gao handles this kind of work. Just consider it a formal report from you.”
Mrs. Gao patted her hand again gently and turned to look at President Ma.
“President Ma has something to say to you. Come, let her speak with you for a moment.”
With that, President Ma walked up to Tang Nannan with an apologetic expression and handed her a bouquet of flowers.
“Nannan, I’m so sorry. I had dealings with Old Man He before regarding business matters. I thought since he was also coming to Nancheng this time, I’d do him a favor and invite him for a meal. Who knew the two of you…”
“But it’s fortunate I intervened, and nothing serious happened. However, no matter what, the incident started because of me. I apologize to you, a sincere apology. I’m sorry.”
Hu Jiasheng, listening from the side, found it amusing.
*You intervened? Heh, she doesn’t even bother to draft her lies.*
*With a witness right here, she’s telling blatant falsehoods. You truly are something.*
After speaking, as if afraid Tang Nannan wouldn’t forgive her, President Ma took Tang Nannan’s hand.
“This gentleman is your boyfriend, isn’t he? He came looking for you last night and said you wouldn’t be working at my company anymore, asking me to settle your salary for one month.”
“I’ve already instructed finance to transfer 30,000 yuan. Have you received it?”
Tang Nannan was astonished.
She woke up to find herself jobless, but with an extra 30,000 yuan in salary?
30,000 a month, was that the price Hu Jiasheng negotiated for her? He really dared to negotiate.
They had said her starting salary was 4,800 yuan.
She hadn’t even had a chance to check her phone. In fact, her phone was still at President Ma’s house.
Just as Tang Nannan was about to mention her phone, President Ma respectfully handed it to her.
“The head chef found it on top of the kitchen cabinet. I’ve already charged it and brought it over for you. Here, please take a look.”
“It was my fault for what happened last night. You suffered significant mental and physical trauma, so I’ve also transferred an additional 30,000 yuan to you as compensation. If you feel it’s not enough, we can discuss it further.”
“Nannan, I hope you don’t hold last night’s events against me. For Mrs. Gao’s sake, please don’t take it to heart.”
So, Tang Nannan woke up to find 60,000 yuan mysteriously appearing in her account?
Although she was indeed startled by Third Brother He and almost got into trouble, this 60,000 yuan felt a bit too easy for her.
After all, nothing had actually happened.
Moreover, President Ma was Mrs. Gao’s friend, and she had come to apologize so early in the morning with such a good attitude.
If she accepted it, how would Mrs. Gao perceive her? What kind of image would she project in Mrs. Gao’s eyes from then on?
Tang Nannan felt embarrassed to accept it.
Just as she was about to say that no compensation for emotional distress was needed, Hu Jiasheng reached out and pulled her.
“The fellow surnamed He was quite ruthless. You inhaled a large amount of ether yesterday and almost didn’t make it. Is 30,000 yuan really enough for a life like hers? Isn’t that a bit cheap?”
Hearing him say that, President Ma blushed and quickly nodded.
“Yes, yes, yes. I didn’t consider it thoroughly. I didn’t mean it that way.”
“This 30,000 yuan is just for Nannan’s nutritional expenses during her hospital stay. We still have compensation for mental distress and physical injury later.”
“After all, I’m not professional in this area. This is the first time I’ve encountered such a situation. Uh, perhaps, sir, you could tell me how much you think is appropriate? As long as you say it, I won’t have any objections.”
Hu Jiasheng glanced at her indifferently and then at Mrs. Gao.
“If something had happened to her last night, I believe it would have cost at least seven figures to settle. However, considering we all know each other, are acquaintances, and after all, nothing serious happened, how about a discount? Give her 500,000 yuan. I won’t pursue this matter further.”
Tang Nannan’s pupils widened in disbelief.
Hu Jiasheng, fearing she would embarrass herself, put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his embrace.
“She’s my friend after all. To dismiss her with a mere 500,000 yuan is truly letting you down. If you feel I haven’t handled this properly, we can adjust it. Anyway, whether these people are friends or not is up to you to decide.”
“Yes!”
President Ma quickly responded.
“Of course, she’s a friend. Nannan has performed exceptionally well during her days at the company. I like her very much and plan to cultivate her talents.”
“You’ve certainly grown by working with me, haven’t you, Nannan?”
“Actually, you don’t need to leave because of such a small matter. I believe you’ll have great development in your career. I sincerely hope you’ll return to work.”
Although working with her was indeed tough, and Tang Nannan had indeed considered quitting yesterday, thinking about it clearly, she still needed to eat.
The fact was, she lacked formal education, and she didn’t even qualify to apply for jobs at other companies.
If she could gain some experience here and then find another company through a headhunting firm…
She didn’t have Hu Jiasheng’s solid technical skills or background, nor did she have the confidence to quit whenever she pleased.
She also couldn’t expect Hu Jiasheng to always stand up for her and help her for the rest of her life, so…