That short sequence of actions didn't just change Chen Xueer's expression.
Even Fang Yuan's gaze toward Jiang Cheng now held a trace of newfound admiration.
Down below, the young female office workers were practically dizzy from Jiang Cheng's handsome looks and commanding aura.
"I already thought our boss was hot, but his son is on another level."
"Right? He looks so young, yet he's way hotter than those pretty boys I stan. I'm deleting their photos tonight."
"Same here. If President Jiang wanted to date—no, sleep with me, I'd agree even if everyone called me too ugly for him."
"Dream on. You're too old for him and you're married. We're about the same age, so I could sleep with him; you can't."
"Who says a married woman can't? If he wants, I can be single in a second."
…Most of the young female employees felt the same way.
But for the majority of male staff and senior employees,
Jiang Cheng's swift decisiveness and steady maturity
only made them more uneasy.
"Who knows what new policies this boss will bring in—maybe layoffs like other companies," one veteran muttered.
"Exactly. He's so young, probably full of ideas. Life'll get tough for us old-timers. Things are good now; few firms are this stable," another chimed in.
"Right. Our benefits are great, always people-focused. I'm scared this new boss will wreck everything we've built for over a decade."
While the chatter continued, Jiang Cheng stepped onto the podium.
"Hello everyone, I'm Jiang Cheng. Today is the eighth day of the new year, so the holiday's almost over. Once again, I wish you all success and good fortune in the coming year."
The moment he finished, Wang Wei stood up.
As Wang Wei rose,
the senior managers around him followed suit.
Led by Wang Wei, a wave of applause erupted.
Jiang Cheng glanced at him—no wonder his father trusted the man;
he really knew how to set the tone.
Without waiting for a cue,
Wang Wei waved for everyone to quiet down and sit.
The whole sequence flowed like water,
a flawless display of putting Jiang Cheng first.
Though Jiang Cheng admired the performance,
he kept his expression neutral and continued calmly.
"Today is Jiang Tai's start-of-work banquet and my formal introduction. Over the past year Jiang Tai has grown from a small builder to a mid-sized firm, expanding in scale and staff."
He paused, looked around, then went on.
"In the new year I hope we'll keep Jiang Tai's philosophy—staff interests first, integrity, innovation, excellence—so we can rise even higher in the industry."
After that routine summary,
he shot Wang Sheng a look.
Wang Sheng understood instantly, leading several men pushing a glass trolley forward.
Stack after stack of bright red banknotes sat on it, dazzling the eye.
At the sight, the quiet room erupted.
Is this money??
Most present had never seen so much in their lives.
Even the hardest laborer might earn barely a hundred grand a year.
This cart had to hold several million.
After the gasps died down, Jiang Cheng spoke again.
"In past years we handed out uniform red packets. This special year, we'll do a lucky draw instead."
"The box contains one hundred first-prize envelopes of ten thousand yuan, two hundred second-prize envelopes of five thousand, and the rest third-prize envelopes of two thousand. Anyone absent today can collect theirs later."
The hall instantly buzzed with excitement.
Applause rolled on and on.
A hundred top prizes already meant a million yuan.
Two hundred second prizes another million.
With nearly two thousand employees on site—and more to come—the total handout would exceed six million.
The new boss was staggeringly generous.
All worries about the new leadership vanished.
Everyone decided Jiang Cheng, like his predecessor, had their interests at heart.
Even without a top prize,
everyone would get at least two thousand yuan.
Far above the usual eight-hundred-yuan packet.
Senior staff weren't upset either;
their traditional opening bonus had been two thousand.
Whatever they drew would meet expectations,
and with luck might exceed them.
The sum had been calibrated perfectly:
exciting hopes,
yet no chance of disappointment.
Watching the thrilled staff, Jiang Cheng's lips curved slightly.
Exactly the effect he wanted.
"Now the draw begins." He pressed the start button himself.
"Winners, bring your name tags to redeem your prizes," he announced clearly across the hall.
Then he turned to Fang Yuan.
"The payout will be hosted by Ms. Fang Yuan, Finance Director of Zhengde."
Startled to be singled out, Fang Yuan's eyes widened briefly.
She quickly composed herself,
yet her trembling hand betrayed her nerves.
She knew Jiang Cheng trusted her with the cash.
Taking a steadying breath,
she rose with graceful poise,
smiling and nodding to those around her,
and walked to the side of the stage.
She didn't notice,
though, that being chosen in front of everyone stirred resentment among some of the Young Ladies.
Especially the finance girls of Jiang Tai.
Their eyes flashed jealousy and discontent,
as if the role should have been theirs.
"Why her? Zhengde's just a small outfit we bought."
"Probably because she's pretty. Last time she came for year-end inventory, Manager Lin couldn't keep his eyes off her."
"Everyone knows. After one visit the whole office of men went crazy."
"And she's ancient—thirty-eight! I checked her résumé. Dressing like a Little Girl at that age, shameless."
"Thirty-eight? I thought she was twenty-five. You think… President Jiang might be fooled into thinking she's a girl in her twenties?"