I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

The office door had just closed when it was gently pushed open again.

It was Secretary Yang Chunjuan.

Holding a brand-new white porcelain teacup and an enamel kettle with the words "Serve the People" printed on it, she said softly, "Director, let me pour you a glass of water." Her steps were light, as if afraid of disturbing Li Jing'an. The light in the corridor shone through the half-open door, casting a soft shadow on her. Her work clothes clung to her figure, outlining her gentle curves.

Li Jing'an sat in a chair, a cigarette between his fingers, watching her movements with a smile: "By the way, I remember you said your surname was Yang outside, right?"

"Yes, Director. My name is Yang Chunjuan." She bowed slightly, placed the kettle on the desk, her movements swift and respectful, but she dared not look him directly in the eye.

"How old are you?" Li Jing'an lit a cigarette, the smoke slowly rising and blurring his vision, but his gaze lingered on her without restraint.

Thirty-two.

"Thirty-two, not young anymore." Li Jing'an said meaningfully, his gaze fixed on Yang Chunjuan.

Yang Chunjuan poured the water and gently pushed the cup in front of him. She stood properly in front of the desk with her back straight, but her heart was pounding. She just hoped to end the conversation and leave as soon as possible.

Li Jing'an looked at her and slowly said, "This is the second time we've met. You were there when I had dinner with Lao Lu last time, right?"

"Yes, Director." Her voice was soft, tinged with nervousness.

"Hehe, so you were promoted by Old Lu, right?"

"Yes..." Yang Chunjuan's voice was even lower, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her palms already sweating.

"So you're one of Lao Lu's men?"

Yang Chunjuan's face turned pale, and a layer of fine sweat appeared on her forehead. She hurriedly explained, "Director, no, it's not me, I just... I was just doing my job and following the leader's instructions."

Li Jing'an raised his hand to interrupt her, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, making a crisp sound: "No need to explain. If you're not one of his people, you wouldn't be in the secretary position." He leaned forward slightly, squinting at her, his gaze sharp and imposing. "My secretary must be one of my people. Do you understand? Here, I only recognize my own people. Whether they're old subordinates or newcomers, if you don't stand on my side, you can't stay in this institute."

Yang Chunjuan's face turned pale instantly, and her lips trembled slightly.

She had long understood the principle of "a new emperor, a new court," but she hadn't expected it to come so quickly and directly. She had already prepared for the worst—at worst, she would be transferred to cleaning and suffer all kinds of cold looks. In this era where seniority and position determined one's status, being demoted from secretary to cleaner was tantamount to falling to rock bottom.

Seeing her flustered state, Li Jing'an chuckled and leaned back in his chair. Through the swirling smoke, his smile held a deeper meaning: "I think you understand that you definitely can't continue as secretary. Once I find a replacement, I'll take your place. I can't keep Old Lu's men around as confidants; that's the rule."

Yang Chunjuan's heart sank, her fingertips turned icy cold, and a sense of despair instantly overwhelmed her.

"However, I won't treat you unfairly." Li Jing'an's tone suddenly softened, his gaze falling on her face as he offered bait, "I'll arrange a supervisor position for you, so do a good job."

Yang Chunjuan suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with surprise and joy, her eyes slightly reddening. She bowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, Director Li! Thank you, Director Li! I will definitely do my job well and follow your instructions!"

She had thought she would be laid off, but unexpectedly, she managed to keep her respectable position, ensuring her future wouldn't be too difficult. Seeing her constantly thanking him, her voice trembling with emotion, Li Jing'an waved his hand, his tone softening: "Alright, alright. You'll continue as my secretary for the next few days. We'll adjust things after the handover is complete. Also, help me get a clear understanding of the personnel situation in the department; consider it a test for you."

He paused, then instructed, "Over the next few days, arrange for the personnel in each department to meet with each one individually, speak with selected individuals, and gain a thorough understanding of everyone's work performance and the actual situation within the institute. Once the situation is clear, those who are unqualified or unsuitable should be transferred or adjusted as needed, ensuring that everyone is put to the best use."

"Yes, Director, I'll pass the notification down immediately." Yang Chunjuan replied hurriedly, the handwriting on the notebook still clear, her voice carrying a hint of relief and relief, as if she had been given a way out.

"Which department would you like to meet with first tomorrow?"

Li Jing'an had already made a plan in mind—the guest room department had the most people and the most young and beautiful girls, so he could take this opportunity to take a good look at the "face" of the guesthouse.

"Let's start with the housekeeping department, tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll take care of it right away!" Yang Chunjuan turned to leave.

"No rush, we'll arrange it this afternoon." Li Jing'an looked at her, a meaningful smile in his eyes, his fingertips lightly stroking the cigarette pack. His tone suddenly became deep. "Before that, I want to talk to you first and get a better understanding of the situation. Go lock the door."

Yang Chunjuan was taken aback, and subconsciously exclaimed softly, "Huh?"

"Come on, jump!"

Yang Chunjuan understood what Li Jing'an meant from his eyes and had no choice but to do as he said.

Li Jing'an watched the fluctuating curve of the character's lips rise and fall, thinking to himself that Old Lu really hadn't let him go hungry.

"Stop for a second, unbutton it, or it'll burst open."

Flying up and down.

The light was a bit dazzling, so Li Jing'an squinted even more.

"Alright," Li Jing'an said, looking at Yang Chunjuan who had stopped panting. He stood up, walked behind her, and supported her with both hands.

A series of matchmaking efforts.

…………

Li Jing'an stood in front of her and looked at her.

Until Li Jing'an placed his hand on his waistband.

She then realized what was happening.

…………

"Ouch, ouch."

"My goodness."

"Shut up!"

"My goodness!"

"Shut the fuck up, did you hear me?" Li Jing'an said angrily.

…………

"Get out!"

After tidying herself up in a disheveled state, Yang Chunjuan went out.

Li Jing'an frowned, looking disgusted, wondering what the hell was wrong with this old Lu.