I met my whole family through Baidu Tieba.

Chapter 149 Joining the An Family Saves You Ten Years of Detours; Hear the Applause!

(That's 4,000 words today. I was so busy during the Spring Festival, I was completely overwhelmed. I'll try my best to get back to 10,000 words a day. I'm really sorry. Before picking up Xiao Qingxuan, Shen Kang called Ding Ling.)

When Ding Ling received Shen Kang's call, she was sitting in a private room at a private club.

Xiao Qingxuan pushed open the door and entered from the bathroom in the corner of the private room.

She once again took in the entire luxurious private room:

Pushing open the dark red wooden door of the bathroom, inlaid with gilded copper nails, is like stepping into a magnificent treasure box sealed by time. The fragrance that fills the air is a specially blended scent of rose and cedar, like a thin veil of tranquility that completely shuts out the noise from the outside world.

Upon entering the private room, the first thing that catches the eye is the crystal chandelier hanging from the dome. Thousands of Swarovski crystals are woven into an intricate star waterfall using Baroque craftsmanship. Each facet precisely refracts the surrounding light, casting shimmering gold fragments onto the dark gold walls.

The floor is covered with imported handmade carpets, which feel like walking on clouds when you step on them, so soft that you almost sink into the soles of your feet.

The surrounding walls are not ordinary stone or wallpaper, but are made of whole pieces of imported Italian marble, with textures like surging clouds and dark golden veins meandering on the milky white stone surface, like solidified lava.

The sofa in the center of the room resembles a medieval throne, with Italian imported calfskin covering a gilded solid wood frame, and hand-woven brocade cushions that seem to have a galaxy flowing through them under the light.

The display cases on both sides showcase a number of artifacts: an 18th-century gilt enamel clock, Venetian stained glass from the Renaissance period, and a complete set of famille rose porcelain vases from the Qianlong era—the concealed lighting in the display cases casts a soft, moonlit glow over these artifacts, revealing the patina of time.

Xiao Qingxuan walked to the sofa, her hands and feet still a little stiff.

Although she had been sitting there for a while, the luxuriousness of the private room still made her feel very constrained, but at the same time, it broadened her horizons.

Xiao Qingxuan walked to the sofa opposite Ding Ling and sat down.

Ding Ling had already answered Shen Kang's call: "Yes, she's still with me—"

As Xiao Qingxuan listened to Ding Ling's phone call, her gaze shifted slightly to the right side of the private room: there was a wine cabinet and a bar counter, where two men in suits were sitting.

Those two are Ding Ling's assistants.

Xiao Qingxuan initially thought that Ding Ling, the general manager's assistant, was just an assistant, similar to a secretary, someone who did odd jobs.

But at the end of the day, she realized she had misunderstood: Ding Ling, the general manager's assistant, also had two other assistants.

Ding Ling appears to hold a very high position within the Shengyuan Group.

This can be seen from their itinerary today: Xiao Qingxuan, accompanying Ding Ling, met with many people, including leaders from Qianlin Province, leaders from Yangcheng City, and branch managers from Fortune 500 companies.

Xiao Qingxuan had only seen these people on television and in the news before, but today she witnessed and interacted with them in person.

She also heard from them that the projects they were talking about involved tens of millions, or even hundreds of millions, of dollars, and affected the fates of thousands of people.

Xiao Qingxuan saw a completely new world.

This had a huge impact on her.

At this moment, Ding Ling on the other end of the line had finished her call: "President Shen is done with his work and is coming to pick you up. Let's go."

Xiao Qingxuan quickly stood up and obediently replied, "Okay."

After today, Ding Ling has become a shining, idol-like figure in her eyes.

The group then left the clubhouse and returned to the China Construction Building.

Shen Kang was already waiting in Ding Ling's office. After the two of them came in, he said a few words to Ding Ling and then prepared to take Xiao Qingxuan away.

Just as Xiao Qingxuan was about to change her clothes, Ding Ling said, "If you like it, you can have this outfit. I think you look better in this one."

Xiao Qingxuan was taken aback.

If it were before today, and Xiao Zhongnian or Xiao Bonian had asked her to dress so formally and do her makeup like this, she definitely wouldn't have agreed.

But after a day, she inexplicably felt that this outfit was somewhat beautiful, after all, Ding Ling dressed like this, so she no longer disliked it and even longed for it.

Moreover, Ding Ling herself has now said that she looks better this way.

But—"Did you really give me the clothes?" Xiao Qingxuan couldn't help but ask.

Shen Kang lay lazily on the sofa in Ding Ling's office and said, "Sister Ding already said she'd give it to you, are you worried she'll change her mind?"

She has so many important things to do, she doesn't have time to joke with you. Just keep wearing it.

Xiao Qingxuan thought about it and agreed. After thanking Ding Ling, she left with Shen Kang wearing the outfit. As for her original dress, Ding Ling packed it in a bag and gave it to Xiao Qingxuan to take with her.

Once down in the underground parking lot, Xiao Qingxuan got into the back seat, and Shen Kang got into the driver's seat. Without asking her anything, he drove off, taking her towards Weixiu Garden.

The car was silent. Xiao Qingxuan sat in the back seat, remaining quiet.

She knew that Ding Ling was the person Shen Kang had arranged to persuade her. She had been quite confident before that she wouldn't be persuaded, but after a day, she seemed to be wavering.

Before, she thought that she didn't ask for much. As long as she could keep her father's glasses shop, she would be able to live a life free from financial worries. But after seeing a whole new world today, she found that keeping a small glasses shop and living like her father was a little unacceptable.

She began to want to live a wonderful and successful life like Ding Ling.

Ding Ling, besides introducing Xiao Qingxuan to so many people and things today, also shared some of her own life experiences with Xiao Qingxuan: Ding Ling is a child from a working-class family in a big city. She studied very well, was admitted to Peking University, and after graduation joined Shengyuan Group, working her way up to her current position step by step.

Not only Ding Ling, but also her two assistants shared their experiences, and without exception, they were all graduates of prestigious universities.

Xiao Qingxuan knew that Ding Ling was someone Shen Kang had found to persuade her—although Ding Ling hadn't said a single word to urge her to study hard, she had already shown it through her actions.

Xiao Qingxuan had previously thought she wouldn't be persuaded. But now she realized she seemed to be wavering a little—

The car pulled up at Weixiu Garden and stopped. Shen Kang prepared to take Xiao Qingxuan upstairs.

But just as he was about to open the door, Xiao Qingxuan spoke up: "Shen Kang, I admit, you're quite capable. I spent the whole day with Ding Ling today, and I did waver a bit. But now I've thought it through. Even if I want to be as successful as you, studying isn't the only path."

"Like you, you started a company after graduating from high school and it's quite successful. There are also some bosses who only have primary or junior high school education. So, you shouldn't try to persuade them anymore; studying isn't the only path."

Shen Kang thought to himself, "You're quite the talker, kid. You should join the debate team sometime. No wonder Xiao Bonian's efforts were in vain; this Xiao Qingxuan is indeed a bit difficult to deal with."

Then he spoke up: "Indeed, studying is not the only path."

Xiao Qingxuan was somewhat surprised: she thought Shen Kang would object to her statement.

What surprised her even more was that Shen Kang added to her argument: "Some people with very low levels of education have indeed achieved success. Some people with very high levels of education have indeed not been very successful. For example, didn't the newspaper report a few years ago about a Peking University graduate selling pork at a stall? That's an example."

Are you crazy?! Didn't you come here to advise me to study hard? Why are you taking my side?! Xiao Qingxuan was speechless.

Shen Kang continued, "So, there's no difference between those with low and high education levels; their chances of success are the same. Do you agree?"

Xiao Qingxuan wanted to agree, but couldn't bring herself to say it. Her past common sense and today's experience told her the truth, so she said, "You can't say that. People with higher education do have a higher chance of success. Otherwise, that Peking University graduate selling pork wouldn't have made the news. It's precisely because highly educated people are more likely to succeed that Peking University graduates are expected to have bright futures. The fact that he ended up selling pork is so rare that it became news."

As soon as she said it, she felt a little annoyed: Wasn't he the one trying to persuade her? Why did it seem like she was the one persuading him?

This person is toxic.

But Shen Kang still complained, "Damn it, I can't even agree with you. This is so troublesome."

Xiao Qingxuan was so frustrated she felt like she was going to vomit blood.

Shen Kang continued, "Okay, so people with higher education have a higher probability of success, and those with lower education have a lower probability. According to your logic, studying isn't the only path, but just a shortcut to success. You don't want to take the shortcut, and you believe you can succeed, is that what you mean?"

Xiao Qingxuan's eyes lit up; she felt Shen Kang had summarized it perfectly. "Yes, that's exactly what I meant!"

"That's great."

Shen Kang clapped his hands. "How about this? Since you're not going to study anymore, just come work for my company. You'll avoid ten years of detours!"

"Huh?" Xiao Qingxuan was stunned, never expecting such a result.

Shen Kang continued, "I've planned everything out for you, listen to it. Start with basic cleaning. Don't look down on this job. When the company first started, I, the boss, personally went to do the cleaning—"

Xiao Qingxuan interrupted him, "No, why would I want to work as a cleaner at your company?"

"Didn't you want to succeed, like Ding Ling? This is the path I can think of that's best for you." Shen Kang was a little puzzled. "Otherwise, you want to go to Shengyuan? Impossible, you didn't even graduate high school, Shengyuan won't want you."

Xiao Qingxuan thought about it and realized it was true. In her hometown of Yizhao City, even college graduates who wanted to get into Shengyuan couldn't get in.

Shen Kang added, "And don't look down on Anjia. In just three months, Anjia has grown from nothing to become the largest housekeeping company in Yangcheng! Otherwise, why do you think Ding Ling, the assistant general manager of Shengyuan Group, gives me so much face? I can ask her to take care of you for a day, and she will. Isn't it because Shengyuan Group is very optimistic about Anjia's future and wants to invest in us?"

"Sheng Yuan predicts that our model can be implemented nationwide, and we'll likely become the number one domestic service company in the country. That's why they're so eager to invest, so eager to cultivate a good relationship with me, begging me to let them get involved. If it were someone else approaching Ding Ling, do you think she'd agree to take you out for a day—"

Xiao Qingxuan initially thought she was exaggerating, but then she realized it might actually be true. Otherwise, why would Ding Ling, a high-ranking assistant general manager at Shengyuan Group, take care of her for a whole day when Shen Kang asked her to?

After thinking about it this way, Shen Kang's words seemed more and more real, not like he was just bragging. The An family really did seem to have a very promising future.

Shen Kang continued, "—Given your low education level, having not even graduated high school, you can only work as a cleaner for now. There aren't many educational requirements for this. However, you won't be a cleaner forever. Anjia has a complete promotion system, and we're currently in a period of rapid development, so promotions are very fast. For example, Meng Dawei, the guy you met yesterday who tried to get me drunk, started as a cleaner, and in just two months, he became the store manager in the High-Tech Zone. And Li Xiangjun, the girl you met yesterday, started as a trainer, and now she's a training supervisor."

"This is just the beginning for them. In two or three years, I reckon Meng Dawei will be able to manage the entire Yangcheng. Li Xiangjun has been studying very hard lately, and she might become the head of Anjia Home Service's training department, overseeing Anjia Home Service's training departments nationwide. Wouldn't that be much more prestigious than Ding Ling, who is just an assistant general manager of a provincial branch?"

Shen Kang concluded, "So you see, with your current high school diploma, you don't have many other good options. Isn't our An family the most suitable choice? As long as you're truly talented, you'll be able to rise rapidly in the ranks very quickly."

Xiao Qingxuan thought about it carefully and realized that it was true: she hadn't graduated from high school, so let alone a big company like Shengyuan, even many small companies probably wouldn't want her. Anjia, which was in its early stages and had been favored by Shengyuan, seemed to be the best choice.

"Then I'll—join the An family?" Xiao Qingxuan said hesitantly.

Shen Kang nodded vigorously, "Then join us, I, the boss, have made the decision!" As he spoke, he leaned out from the driver's seat and stretched out his hands.

Xiao Qingxuan subconsciously reached out her hand, which he grasped and shook violently.

Congratulations on joining Anjia!

After recruiting this employee for Anjia, Shen Kang took Xiao Qingxuan to Xiao Bonian's house.

When Xiao Bonian opened the door, he was delighted to see that Xiao Qingxuan had changed into proper clothes and makeup: Shen Kang really knows how to get Xuanxuan to change her clothes and makeup!

He had heard from his younger brother that Xiao Qingxuan regarded his makeup and clothes as her life, and would cut her wrists if anyone prevented her from wearing them. But Shen Kang changed that.

Xiao Bonian was dumbfounded when he heard what Shen Kang said next.

"Professor Xiao, congratulations! Your niece, Xiao Qingxuan, will officially join Anjia Household Services starting tomorrow, becoming a promising employee!"

Shen Kang smiled broadly and offered his congratulations repeatedly.

"What is all this about?!" Xiao Bonian looked completely bewildered.

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