Guan Jiawen weighed her options, glancing around. It was the start of the workday, and no one was around.
She then slowly began, "It all started on my first day of work. I was an intern then, and you gave me a seven-day probation period."
Xiao Xun gestured for her to sit and speak at length. She turned and sat on the sofa, with Xiao Xun sitting on the other side. "And then?"
Guan Jiawen composed herself and said, "Sister Wenxi told me that I had to wear professional attire to work, and it had to be from a specific brand."
Xiao Xun thought to herself: Lei Wenxi was indeed involved in this. It seemed this troublemaker should have been dealt with long ago.
Guan Jiawen continued, "I went to the store of that brand, but I couldn't afford any of their clothes. I asked my father for money, but he said that since I was living off him and eating his food, and spending so much on clothes, he didn't know when I'd be able to repay him, and told me to just buy any set.
So, I went to the clothing market and bought a professional outfit that looked similar but was very cheap. To my surprise, the next day at work, my colleagues discovered it and criticized me for a long time, saying I absolutely couldn't do anything that would damage the company's image. That outfit was also quite disappointing; nearing the end of the day, the seam under the arm ripped open. This scene was witnessed by many colleagues.
I was desperate and had no choice but to take out a small, interest-free loan online to buy a professional outfit from that brand. But less than a week later, they demanded repayment, threatening to double the interest."
Xiao Xun felt something was off as soon as she heard about "interest-free money." She thought, where could such a good thing exist in this world?
Seeing Xiao Xun's displeased expression, Guan Jiawen added, "After buying the clothes, they then said my makeup was poor and my perfume was too strong, and that standing with them lowered their class. It wasn't just the brands of cosmetics, but also clothes, shoes, and bags they would criticize. To fit in with the group, I could only borrow money online again and again, thinking I could repay it once I received my salary. But unexpectedly, the HR specialist told me that my recent work performance was poor, and the HR department decided not to convert my employment, and to dismiss me."
Xiao Xun frowned as she listened. Guan Jiawen's work performance was irrelevant; if she was to be fired, shouldn't someone at least inform me?
Guan Jiawen continued, "Sister Wenxi suggested I treat the HR specialist in charge of this area to a meal and give him a gift to gain his favor, so he could help me apply for a conversion. She said if that didn't work, I could go to another department. So, I borrowed more money. But I had borrowed from everyone I could; no one was willing to lend me more, and I dared not ask my family.
Finally, a person named Xiao San Mao came to me, saying he could lend me money, but..."
Xiao Xun was taken aback. "Who did you say? Xiao San Mao..."
Guan Jiawen nodded. "He agreed to lend me money at a low interest rate, but I had to..."
She didn't finish. Xiao Xun guessed the general idea. "Does he have any leverage over you? It's okay, tell me, and I'll definitely get it back for you."
"He has a video and some photos of me. The money I earned this month isn't enough to repay it. The debt collection calls have been coming in these past few days, all threatening to inform my family and then my company if I don't repay. How will I be able to show my face then!"
Guan Jiawen choked up as she spoke. "And that Xiao San Mao, he said if I don't repay the money by the deadline, he'll put these photos online and sell them."
This time, Xiao Xun reached out and gently patted Guan Jiawen's shoulder. "Alright, I understand. By tonight, I'll handle this for you, okay?"
Guan Jiawen made a move as if to kneel, but Xiao Xun quickly helped her up. "Go back and treat your parents well. Don't take all your anger out on your family; that's your harbor, not your punching bag."
Guan Jiawen lowered her head, and her tears dripped onto Xiao Xun's hand.
Xiao Xun released Guan Jiawen's arm, bent down, and took a few tissues from the coffee table, handing them to Guan Jiawen. "Okay, don't worry. I said I'd help you solve this, and I will."
After confirming which HR specialist it was and comforting Guan Jiawen, Xiao Xun made a phone call and summoned him over.
A shifty-eyed man walked over, then greeted him with a laugh. "Isn't this the famous Director Xiao? Long time no see, long time no see. Where have you been making a fortune lately?"
He didn't think much of it, as he had heard the rumors about Xiao Xun and knew she had the president's backing, so he didn't dare to be too presumptuous with someone outside the company.
But the moment he opened his mouth, it filled Xiao Xun with disgust. She had been here for a while, when had she ever seen him? And "long time no see."
Coupled with Guan Jiawen's situation, a nameless rage simmered within her.
However, she didn't erupt. "I heard you have the authority for personnel appointments and dismissals within the company? People need to treat you to meals and give gifts to keep their jobs, and you even threw away gifts in front of them if they were too cheap?"
The other party was clearly stunned by this. "Brother Xiao, you can't wrongly accuse me! I'm just a minor HR specialist, how could I have so much power? They're all just talking nonsense."
Xiao Xun narrowed her eyes and stood facing him. "You don't?"
He waved his hands. "Absolutely not."
If the president found out, his job would be gone for sure. "Brother Xiao, don't listen to those people babbling. They're just dissatisfied with personnel changes and are spreading rumors."
Seeing that the other party wouldn't admit it, Xiao Xun got straight to the point. "Guan Jiawen used to be my secretary. The probation period was just a formality; whether she passed or not was my decision. Now, although I'm no longer employed by the company, I've heard that if you don't give you gifts, you'll dismiss her?"
Sweat beaded on his forehead. "I need to explain this to you. It was all a setup with your former assistant, Lei Wenxi. She said to tease this newcomer, and I just accepted a meal. I returned all the gifts through Lei Wenxi. I also know her father is a security guard in our company, and he's not doing too well."
Xiao Xun thought: A perfect "he said, she said" situation. As long as it was related to her, it was all Lei Wenxi's fault.
"Fine! I understand. Pack your things and leave!"
As soon as Xiao Xun said this, the other party's expression changed. "What did you say? I don't understand what you mean."
Xiao Xun raised a finger and poked his chest with each word. "What I mean is, you're fired, understand?"
The HR specialist slapped away Xiao Xun's hand. "Xiao, you're dreaming! Don't try that trick with me. I call you 'brother,' but you really think you're someone important? You don't even know your own worth. You're not my superior, nor are you part of the company. You're a kept man; what right do you have to fire me?"
Xiao Xun grabbed the HR specialist by the collar and pulled him close. "Today, I'm firing you."