Lu Jiaying's expression was not the only one that soured. Jiang Jingyu's face also darkened upon seeing the announcement.
He had been involved in the entire matter and understood Manager Zhang's predicament. He knew Lu Jiaying had only acted out of consideration for humane management.
She hadn't sought personal gain, so why was she facing a formal reprimand?
"President Lu, what do you plan to do now?"
He was so angry he felt like going to Hu Jiasheng to discuss it.
The Human Resources department had too much power. They were confronting someone without even investigating?
Lu Jiaying closed the WeChat window on her computer and picked up her phone. With a "swish," she slid her chair back.
"Initially, I was worried about Zhang Xiaoyu not being able to complete her work on time and in the required quantity. I asked her to send me her work for inspection every day before handing it over to other colleagues."
"After observing for two days, I found her work to be excellent. It didn't affect work efficiency or cause any negative impact on our department. Why is it being treated so seriously by them?"
"I can overlook this personally, but I must get Zhang Xiaoyu's salary back for her."
With that, Lu Jiaying opened the office door and walked out.
Jiang Jingyu felt incredibly fortunate to be her assistant, allowing him to follow her.
Upon arriving at the Human Resources department, he went directly to the Director's office and knocked. A voice soon came from inside.
"Enter."
Lu Jiaying walked in and saw Vice President Wang also present. Suddenly, she understood why this matter had escalated so much.
She had offended Vice President Wang in the workshop a few days ago. This must be a coordinated retaliation against her.
"Director Lu, I was just about to look for you. You've come at the perfect time. Please, have a seat."
The HR Director, named Lei, was in her mid-thirties. She was also beautiful and refined, but her beauty carried a hint of world-weary shrewdness.
Lu Jiaying wasn't swayed by her pleasantries and said coldly.
"No need. I'm here about the announcement just issued. I'll be brief and then leave."
"Director Xu, you should have investigated the situation before issuing an announcement. Making accusations without clear evidence, especially with so many people watching, is something I cannot accept."
Xu Lei shrugged.
"I knew about you allowing Zhang Xiaoyu to work from home a few days ago. So, I spoke with her yesterday to understand the situation. The announcement I issued was based on what she told me. Didn't she mention it to you?"
Whether Zhang Xiaoyu had mentioned it or not was no longer important. Given the situation, and that Xu Lei had already spoken to Zhang Xiaoyu, Lu Jiaying felt there was a greater element of intentionality.
"Since you've already spoken with her, you should know that Zhang Xiaoyu is in a difficult situation."
Director Xu couldn't help but chuckle.
"Director Lu, you've been with the company for several years. You're not a workplace novice, so why would you say something so ridiculous?"
"Because her situation is special, we should make special accommodations for her? What is Grey Electric? Are we a charity?"
"If you pity her so much and want to help her, why don't you let her take her annual leave?"
Taking her annual leave in the first quarter of the year meant that if she encountered any issues during the summer or winter breaks, it would be difficult for her again.
Lu Jiaying didn't want to argue with her about this.
"President Zhan has always said that the group should implement humane management. Don't you have any provisions for special circumstances?"
Director Xu chuckled again.
"You're speaking from a position of privilege. If I start making exceptions for every employee with special circumstances based on President Zhan's mention of humane management, will my eight-hour workday be enough? And where do we draw the line for special circumstances? Who will be responsible if something goes wrong?"
"Director Lu, considering our years of working together, I've already shown you considerable courtesy. It's just a formal reprimand, which has no substantial impact on you. Are you still not satisfied with this?"
Lu Jiaying stated, "Whether you issue a reprimand, a demerit, or deduct my salary, I will accept it. But you absolutely cannot withhold Zhang Xiaoyu's salary this time."
Her tone was so firm, and she was interfering in HR matters. Xu Lei, as the head of the department, was naturally displeased.
"Such audacity. On what grounds are you speaking to me like this?"
"On the grounds that Zhang Xiaoyu is a highly capable employee with no prior mistakes, and she has been rated as an outstanding employee in the department for several consecutive years. Furthermore, she is not the first to receive special treatment. Dare you say you haven't made exceptions before?"
Lu Jiaying stood straight, her gaze resolute as she looked at her.
"Some people use their positions to go out for coffee or shopping during work hours. Don't think others are unaware. If you can wander around outside for trivial matters under a respectable guise, why can't she?"
Xu Lei, angered by her words, stood up abruptly.
"Are you threatening me? Lu Jiaying, are you threatening me?"
Lu Jiaying answered frankly, "No. After all, when you were doing those things, I didn't intend to expose you, so I didn't keep any evidence."
"I just want to tell you that it's already difficult for a single mother to survive in this society. As women ourselves, instead of helping, at least let's not step on her."
"A week's salary plus attendance bonus, over 2,000 yuan, is enough for her son to stay in the hospital for two days. Be a little more humane."
Xu Lei's eyebrows shot up, and she almost roared.
"I'm not humane? I'm a bad person? So, Lu Jiaying, you get to play the good person?"
"Disregarding company rules and regulations, privately making exceptions for your employees, and then describing it so elegantly. As expected from someone in marketing, you have a silver tongue!"
"But don't think I'm afraid of you because of this! If you insist, let's go to Director Hu and settle this properly. Let's see who is in the wrong!"
Whether it was out of a sense of collective honor, not wanting their leader to lose, or genuinely believing Lu Jiaying was in the right, Jiang Jingyu's first reaction upon hearing they were going to seek arbitration from Hu Jiasheng was to excuse himself and call Hu Jiasheng.
No matter how busy Hu Jiasheng was, he could ignore anyone's call except his nephew's.
"What's wrong, Jingyu? You didn't even tell me you were coming to the company for an internship."
Jiang Jingyu didn't engage in pleasantries and explained the situation with Zhang Xiaoyu. Hu Jiasheng asked him.
"What do you mean by telling me this? Do you want me to help your President Lu?"
"It's not about helping her, but about fairness. I believe Uncle is a discerning person. It's clear she's in the right, and you wouldn't want her to be disheartened."
"Since you have confidence in me, why are you calling to ask for my favor?"
"..."
Hu Jiasheng seized the opportunity to test him. "I can help, but give me an idea of how to best phrase it. I'll listen to you."
Jiang Jingyu, young and fearless, boldly said.
"Figure out how to help her yourself. Regardless, I've already thought about the follow-up to this matter."
"Introduce a new HR regulation. I'll discuss it with Dad, and even with headquarters. Employees facing special circumstances can apply for remote work with their direct supervisor."
"Since you've recognized your shortcomings, you need to improve quickly."