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On the first day of the new interns' employment, the company held a simple welcome party.

Gao Yue, the host, said: "Welcome to our six new colleagues at Jin Chen Capital. The next three months will be your internship period. After that, we will decide whether to retain you and which department you will be assigned to based on your performance. Now, let's announce the temporary assignment plan."

The six people waited anxiously.

"Gao Sicong, assigned to the Energy Group, report to Director Ma Jianguo."

Gao Sicong remained calm; this assignment was within his expectations…

During his interview, he highlighted his research capabilities in the new energy industry.

"Lan Qianyi, assigned to the technology team, report to Director Jiang Jiang."

Lan Qianyi nodded; the technology group was the one she most wanted to join.

"Hao Shuai, go to the technology group too."

Hao Shuai's eyes lit up; being able to learn from Yu Wenli was exactly what he wanted.

"Zeng Hao, Comprehensive Group Two, New Business Formats Department."

Zeng Hao frowned slightly.

The second comprehensive group has a relatively low status in the company, not as well-resourced as the energy and technology groups, but considering that they already have families and need stability, they accepted it.

"Qiu Shuang, Strategic Development Department."

The strategy department isn't a frontline investment department, but it has access to the company's overall strategy, which Qiu Shuang thinks is alright.

"Li Xiaoxian, Risk Control Department."

Li Xiaoxian's professional background is suitable for risk control, so this allocation is reasonable.

After announcing the assignment, Gao Yue added, "This is only a temporary assignment. Those who remain after the internship will be re-evaluated. Okay, group leaders, come and collect your people."

Ma Jianguo was the first to walk over and pat Gao Sicong on the shoulder: "Xiao Gao, come with me, let me introduce you to the colleagues in the group."

"Thank you, Mr. Ma."

Then Yu Wenli took Lan Qianyi and Hao Shuai away.

Wang Yunlai personally took Zeng Hao to the Comprehensive Group Two and handed him over to Zhou Qingyu, the investment director of the group.

The people from the strategy department and the risk control department also took their people away.

The welcome party ended, leaving only Gao Yue and a few group leaders who hadn't been assigned anyone in the meeting room.

Wu Kezhi remained quite calm, since the fourth comprehensive group had never expected to be assigned an intern.

Gao Yue walked over and said, "President Wu, the reason why the interns weren't assigned to your group this time is mainly because Group Four doesn't have many projects right now, and we were worried about delaying the training of newcomers."

That sounds nice, but it's just an excuse.

The real reason is that Group Four's position within the company is awkward...

They perform well, but because they don't belong to any faction, they always suffer in resource allocation.

“I understand.” Wu Kezhi said calmly, “Our group is small, which makes us more flexible.”

“If needed, you can borrow people from other groups,” Gao Yue said. “For example, the technology group has two members this time, you can ask General Manager Yu for one.”

“No need,” Wu Kezhi said. “We have Suning, that’s enough.”

When Suning was mentioned, Gao Yue's expression became somewhat subtle: "How's Suning doing lately?"

"They've made rapid progress and are already able to complete basic research independently."

"That's good." Gao Yue nodded. "Contact me anytime if you need anything."

……

After Gao Yue left, Lin Yuming came over and said, "Boss, does our team really not want a single intern? They're just free labor."

"What would we do with it?" Wu Kezhi retorted. "We spend so much time teaching them, and they're just getting the hang of it. Once their internship is over, they'll either be snatched up by another group or eliminated. It's a waste of time."

“That’s true.” Lin Yuming sighed. “But seeing how lively the other groups are, it’s a bit lonely with just the three of us.”

"It's better to be quiet and peaceful."

Back in the office area of ​​the fourth comprehensive group, it was indeed deserted.

One of the four workstations in the entire office area is still empty: Wu Kezhi's desk by the window, Lin Yuming's investment manager's desk, and Suning's analyst's desk.

The other workstation was still empty and all alone.

"Look, our Group Four is like an illegitimate child," Lin Yuming said self-deprecatingly. "The Energy Group has a dozen or so people, and the Technology Group is about the same. What about us? Three people are barely making it into a group."

Suning was reading an industry report when he looked up and asked, "Why aren't you hiring?"

Lin Yuming said, "The situation is a bit complicated and can't be explained in a short time."

"It's mainly a problem with the company's resource allocation," Wu Kezhi explained, rarely looking up. Of course, he couldn't say that it was because of Qu Zhonghui's suppression. "We don't get the good projects, and newcomers have nothing to do, so naturally we can't stay."

"And what about this new energy battery project now?" Su Ning asked.

"This is a project we found ourselves, not one assigned by the company," Lin Yuming explained. "Our boss got the project through personal connections, which is why he was able to follow it from start to finish. But that's all; the energy team still snatched it away."

Just then, a commotion arose in the corridor; it was the newcomers from the energy team introducing themselves.

"Hello everyone, I'm Gao Sicong, a graduate student at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. Looking forward to your guidance..."

The voice came through the glass, full of energy.

Lin Yuming curled his lip: "Listen to this, how lively it is. Our place is so lifeless."

“If you’re envious, you can apply to be transferred to the energy group, and I’ll sign it,” Wu Kezhi said.

"No, I'll stick with the boss," Lin Yuming quickly said. "It's quiet, but it's comfortable."

"Hmph! Then stop with the nonsense."

……

In the afternoon, several interns began to familiarize themselves with the company environment.

Gao Sicong was led around by Ma Jianguo to meet people. When they passed the Fourth Comprehensive Group, Ma Jianguo pointed out: "This is the Fourth Comprehensive Group, the group of Deputy Director Wu Kezhi. There are few people, but they are very capable."

Gao Sicong glanced inside and met Su Ning's gaze.

He nodded politely, and Suning nodded in response.

After they walked away, Lin Yuming said, "I heard that Gao Sicong did very well in the interview, and Ma Jianguo treats him like a treasure."

“That’s normal,” Wu Kezhi said. “The energy group is full of sycophants, and they really lack capable people. Ma Jianguo will definitely focus on training them.”

A short while later, Lan Qianyi and Hao Shuai were also led by Jiang Nan on a tour.

When they passed the fourth group, Jiangnan simply said, "This is the fourth group," and then hurried past.

Hao Shuai curiously peeked inside a couple more times.

"Look, they can't even be bothered to give an introduction." Lin Yuming shook his head.

Suning didn't care: "There are advantages to having fewer people; at least you don't have to deal with complicated interpersonal relationships."

“That’s true,” Lin Yuming agreed. “You haven’t seen the people in the energy group. They’re all scheming and backstabbing, and they’re all natural actors. Boss Ma often takes his anger out on his subordinates. In front of Boss Ma, everyone in the energy group is like a quail. We’re so innocent, just the three of us. We can’t even start a fight.”

"..."

……

When working overtime in the evening, Lin Yuming and Su Ning ate takeout together.

"Honestly, don't you feel wronged?" Lin Yuming suddenly asked. "Look at the other interns, they went to the big groups, they had mentors to guide them, and they had team support. You here, you only have me as your half-baked mentor, and the boss is always busy."

"Manager Lin, you've taught me very well," Su Ning said earnestly. "And I think you grow faster in a small team. You have to do everything yourself, so you learn more comprehensively."

"It's good that you think that way." Lin Yuming sighed. "Actually, although I haven't made a name for myself over the years with the boss, what I've learned is real. The boss has a foul mouth and a bad temper, but he's really good at teaching."

"I can tell."

"By the way, there's an intern training program at the company next month, and you'll have to attend," Lin Yuming said. "Even though you weren't recruited this time, you're still officially an intern. The training content is pretty basic, but it won't hurt to go and listen."

"it is good."

……

The next day, Suning ran into Gao Sicong in the break room.

Gao Sicong took the initiative to greet him: "Hello, I'm Gao Sicong, the new intern."

"Suning, Group 4."

“I know,” Gao Sicong said. “President Ma mentioned you, saying that although you’re not an intern this term, he heard you’ve made rapid progress.”

"Mr. Ma, you flatter me."

The two made coffee together, and Gao Sicong asked, "What projects is your team mainly working on right now?"

"We're collaborating with your energy group on a new energy battery project."

"What a coincidence!" Gao Sicong said. "Maybe we'll cross paths in the future."

"possible."

We chatted briefly before returning to our respective groups.

When Lin Yuming saw Su Ning return, he asked, "Did you talk to Gao Sicong?"

"Yes, very confident!"

“That’s normal! If you have the ability, you’ll naturally be confident,” Lin Yuming said.

A week later, the interns began their official work.

The energy team assigned Gao Sicong the task of writing an industry research report, which he was required to complete within two weeks.

The technology team assigned Lan Qianyi and Hao Shuai to work together on an AI company.

Group Two assigned Zeng Hao to take meeting minutes and organize documents—all miscellaneous tasks.

The task assigned to Qiu Shuang by the strategy department was to research the company's strategic direction for the next five years.

The risk control department asked Li Xiaoxian to create a stress test model.

Meanwhile, Suning and Lin Yuming are preparing for next week's due diligence trip, as part of the four teams.

“When you go to the battery factory this time, you need to focus on a few things,” Lin Yuming said, pointing to the list. “First, the level of automation on the production line; second, the laboratory’s R&D capabilities; and third, the quality control system. I will teach you how to ask questions and how to observe details.”

"it is good."

"Also, you'll write the first draft of the due diligence report," Lin Yuming said. "I'll revise it; that way, you'll learn faster."

"Thank you, Manager Lin."

Watching Su Ning diligently taking notes, Lin Yuming thought to himself: While other interns were still doing odd jobs, Su Ning was already writing due diligence reports independently.

The difference is not small.

However, if it weren't for the shortage of manpower in Group 4, Suning wouldn't have had so many opportunities for practical experience.

Good fortune lies within the shadow of misfortune, and misfortune lies within the shadow of good fortune.

Perhaps, the quiet fourth division is actually the most suitable place for Suning to grow.

As for those large, lively groups, let them have their fun.

True ability isn't learned in the midst of excitement, but honed through practical experience. Lin Yuming understood this very well.

Wu Kezhi understood it even better.

……

Lan Qianyi is indeed beautiful.

This was Suning's first thought when he saw her at the company.

She wasn't the kind of beauty that was flamboyant, but rather a cool and intellectual air. She wore a well-fitting business suit, had elegant manners, and a pleasant voice.

But that's where it ends at the level of "thinking it's pretty".

I've bumped into Lan Qianyi a few times in the break room. She always keeps to herself and rarely greets anyone.

Several times, male colleagues from other groups tried to strike up a conversation with her, but she would just nod politely and then quickly leave.

Lin Yuming also noticed: "Lan Qianyi from the technology group is quite aloof."

"Maybe that's just my personality," Su Ning said.

"I heard she just left Youwei Capital." Lin Yuming, who was well-informed, said, "The competition at Youwei is fierce. It's not easy for a girl like her to survive there."

“Youwei Capital?” Suning remembered this company. It was very famous in the world’s financial circles, but it was also known for its high-pressure and high-intensity work.

“Yes, she worked there for a year or two and was said to be doing well, but I don’t know why she wasn’t retained.” Lin Yuming lowered his voice. “There are also rumors that she had a boyfriend there, a rising star investor from Youwei Capital, but they broke up, and it wasn’t a pleasant affair.”

Su Ning nodded without asking further questions, because he wasn't interested in other people's private affairs.

……

A few days later, the company organized training for interns, and Suning also participated.

In the training room, six new interns plus Suning, seven people sat in a row.

When the trainer was explaining the company culture, Suning noticed that Lan Qianyi was listening very attentively and taking detailed notes.

During the break, everyone else gathered together to chat, but she sat alone in a corner looking at her phone.

Gao Sicong picked up a cup of coffee and walked over: "Lan Qianyi, what do you think of the case you just mentioned?"

Lan Qianyi looked up, her expression indifferent: "The teacher explained it quite clearly."

“I think that valuation model can be optimized.” Gao Sicong sat down next to her. “If we use Monte Carlo simulation, it might be more accurate.”

"Hmm, that makes sense," Lan Qianyi replied perfunctorily, continuing to look at her phone.

Before Gao Sicong could say anything more, Lan Qianyi stood up and said, "I'm going to the restroom."

After she left, Hao Shuai came over and patted Gao Sicong on the shoulder: "Bro, you ran into a snag, huh? This one's notoriously aloof."

Gao Sicong was a little embarrassed: "You misunderstood! I was just discussing some professional issues."

"Come on, you're obviously up to something." Hao Shuai laughed. "But let me warn you, this girl isn't easy to win over. I heard that back in Youwei, there was a long line of men pursuing her, but none of them succeeded."

"I didn't intend to pursue her," Gao Sicong explained. "I just thought she was capable and wanted to communicate with her more."

"Okay, okay, let's communicate." Hao Shuai winked. "Then keep up the good work."

Su Ning sat on the other side, not participating in the discussion at all, but just quietly looking at the training materials.

In the afternoon, there was a group discussion, with the seven people divided into two groups.

Gao Sicong, Lan Qianyi, Hao Shuai, and Su Ning formed one group, while the other three formed another group.

The case study discussed is an investment analysis of a technology company.

Gao Sicong was very enthusiastic: "Let's divide the work first. Lan Qianyi, you'll be in charge of the financial analysis part? You've worked at Goldman Sachs, so you're definitely good at it."

Lan Qianyi shook her head: "I'll take charge of the business model analysis; Suning can handle the financial part."

Suddenly called out by name, Su Ning looked up: "Me?"

“Aren’t you in the fourth comprehensive group working on projects? You should have done financial analysis,” Lan Qianyi said.

"I've done some, but I don't have much experience."

“Then consider it practice.” Lan Qianyi’s tone left no room for refusal.

Gao Sicong was a little disappointed, but still said, "Then I'll do the industry research, and Hao Shuai will do the technical analysis."

With the division of labor completed, everyone began their preparations.

Lan Qianyi was very efficient; she put together the framework of the business model in just half an hour.

She looked up at Su Ning: "What kind of data do you need? I can help you find it."

"No need, I can do it myself." Suning was already checking the database.

Gao Sicong wanted to discuss industry data with Lan Qianyi, but Lan Qianyi turned to Zeng Hao instead: "Zeng Hao, what do you think of this company's technological barriers?"

“I looked at their patents. The core technology is in image recognition algorithms, but competitors also have similar technologies,” Zeng Hao said. “The key is the speed of iteration and customer loyalty.”

“That makes sense.” Lan Qianyi nodded. “Then you should focus on this part in your analysis.”

They completely ignored Gao Sicong.

Suning observed the situation closely and figured out something...

Lan Qianyi was repulsed by Gao Sicong's attentiveness, but felt more at ease with someone as weak as Zeng Hao.

During the break, Hao Shuai and the chubby Zeng Hao went to the restroom, and Gao Sicong finally found an opportunity: "Lan Qianyi, how about we have dinner together after the training tonight? We can discuss tomorrow's report."

"I have something to do tonight," Lan Qianyi refused directly.

"Then tomorrow at noon?"

"I have an appointment for tomorrow at noon." Lan Qianyi packed her things. "Sorry, I'll go prepare for the next part now."

She left again.

Gao Sicong's expression was not good. He turned to look at Su Ning and asked, "Do you think she has a problem with me?"

Suning didn't even look up: "Maybe he just doesn't want to socialize."

"I think I'm quite polite," Gao Sicong said, puzzled.

Suning did not respond.

He understands this type of woman all too well; she has just come out of a failed relationship and instinctively repulses "strong" and aggressive men.

Gao Sicong's prestigious university background, strong abilities, and proactive attitude might be a "danger signal" in Lan Qianyi's eyes.

On the contrary, it was Zeng Hao, a chubby guy who seemed a bit clueless, who made her feel safe.

However, Suning was too lazy to explain these things to Gao Sicong.

The second day of training involved group presentations.

Lan Qianyi represented her group on stage, delivering a clear and logical presentation with solid data and a steady stage presence.

Even the training instructors said, "This level of skill is good enough to be reported directly to the investment committee."

After stepping down, Gao Sicong immediately approached him: "That was excellent! What were your thoughts on the assumptions of that valuation model?"

Lan Qianyi frowned: "It's just a standard assumption."

“I think we can be more aggressive, which would result in a higher valuation.”

“A higher valuation isn’t always better,” Lan Qianyi said coldly. “It has to be reasonable, otherwise it will be questioned during due diligence.”

Before Gao Sicong could say anything more, Lan Qianyi turned to Suning and said, "Suning, you need to label a few of the data sources in your financial analysis, otherwise it won't be rigorous."

“Okay, I’ll add it.” Su Ning nodded.

Once again ignored, Gao Sicong finally got a little annoyed.

He returned to his seat and complained to Hao Shuai next to him, "Why is she like this? I was just trying to give her advice."

Hao Shuai patted him on the shoulder: "Brother, take my advice. The more enthusiastic you are with this kind of girl, the more she'll avoid you. Just let things take their course."

"I just don't accept it," Gao Sicong said. "What makes me unworthy to discuss issues with her?"

The voice wasn't loud, but Lan Qianyi clearly heard it.

She glanced back at Gao Sicong with a cold look in her eyes, then turned away and never looked in his direction again.

After the training, Suning packed his things to return to his team.

Lan Qianyi walked over and asked, "Su Ning, can I ask you a question?"

"what?"

"Is Group 4 still hiring?" she asked directly.

Su Ning was taken aback: "I don't know about that, you'll have to ask Mr. Wu."

"Deputy Director Wu Kezhi?"

"Correct."

Lan Qianyi nodded: "Thank you."

After she left, Lin Yuming leaned over and asked, "What did she want with you?"

"Ask if Group Four is hiring."

"She wants to transfer to Group Four?" Lin Yuming asked in surprise. "The Technology Group is so much better. President Yu and Jiang Nan both value her highly. Why would she want to come to our small, insignificant place?"

"I don't know," Su Ning said. "There might be some reason."

“But then again,” Lin Yuming stroked his chin, “if she really wanted to come, the boss might take her. This girl is indeed very capable.”

"That's the boss's decision."

Back at his workstation, Suning continued working.

He didn't think much about Lan Qianyi's matter.

She is beautiful, but that has nothing to do with him.

Whether Gao Sicong is willing to fawn over others is his business.

He, Su Ning, had seen countless women, but Lan Qianyi was a different story...

What he has been hurt, what he is wary of, and what he needs to be carefully protected are precisely the things he least wants to touch.

Too tired.

Instead of wasting time, you should research more projects and learn more.

After all, in this world, I still have tasks to complete and more important memories to recover.

Romantic relationships? That's not in my plans for now.

As for Gao Sicong's little schemes, Suning simply couldn't be bothered to pay attention.

Everyone has their own path to walk, and their own stumbles and falls to make.

Some truths can't be understood just by listening to others; you have to experience them yourself to truly understand them.

...(End of chapter)