She has a good memory and had a bit of an impression of this name because they had previously had drinks together at a bar.

But that’s about it since he was just an ordinary mid-level manager, and she wasn’t interested in the internal affairs of Zhongcheng Group.

Jing paused, then continued in a casual chatting tone among friends: "Your department seems to be working on channel penetration lately. My dad mentioned it a few times, saying a lot of money was spent but the results weren’t very promising.

Brother Lei, you’re on the front lines of business, so you must know the situation better than us.

If you have any good ideas or suggestions, feel free to tell me, and I’ll pass them on to my dad.

He’s a person who likes to hear the truth."

Her words were impeccable, showing her stance while giving Zhang Lei face.

Zhang Lei felt his heart racing, warmth surging from his chest to his heart, and his eyes felt a bit teary.

He was about to express his gratitude.

Tang Song suddenly spoke up: "Jing, Zhang Lei received a notification from the company’s HR a couple of days ago that he didn’t pass the probation and was going to be laid off."

Jing’s smile froze for a moment, "Ah? What happened?"

Zhang Lei glanced at Tang Song, picked up his glass, and took a big sip.

Then, calmly, he briefly explained how he was transferred from Quan City Branch to the headquarters, then got replaced, and HR informed him he hadn’t passed the probation.

Jing gave him a really good impression.

Moreover, with her impressive status, he felt a sense of confidence within.

"So that’s how it is..." Jing muttered with a hint of displeasure in her voice, "Brother Lei, rest assured, this matter is an internal issue of Zhongcheng Group, and you won’t be wronged."

Zhang Lei’s eyes reddened, "Thank you, Jing! I’m grateful for your help!"

"No need to be so polite, Brother Lei. We’re all friends, it’s no trouble for me."

Tang Song patted her leg and whispered, "Jing, while you’re at it, check who brought in Ding Furong."

"Mm-hmm, alright!" Jing nodded, seeing Tang was quite concerned, she stood up straight away and said, "I’ll make a call."

With that, she took her phone and walked briskly to a quieter corner.

Watching her tall, elegant figure disappear into the light and shadow.

Zhang Lei took a deep breath, picked up the beer bottle, filled his cup, foam "sizzling" up.

Then he refilled Tang Song’s as well, the liquid was clear.

"Tang Song." He raised his glass, his voice filled with unprecedented gratitude and seriousness, "No need to say anything, it’s all in the drink. Wherever I, Zhang Lei, can be of use in the future, just let me know!"

With that, he tipped his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

As if he wanted to swallow all the frustration from the past few years and the excitement of this moment.

Tang Song watched his good buddy from middle school, didn’t raise his glass immediately, just quietly watched him until he put down his glass.

Only then did he pick up his own glass, clinked it against his empty one, and also drank it all in one go.

...

On the other side.

Jing found Qin Hua’s contact and dialed directly.

Actually, she could reach many big leaders, knew some executives, but Qin Hua was her best friend after all, so it was easier to talk to her.

Besides, she was a supervisor in the president’s office, well-informed, and familiar with Zhongcheng’s internal operations.

"Beep beep beep—" The phone rang for quite a while before it was answered.

Qin Hua’s low voice came through the receiver: "Hello? Jing, why suddenly call me?"

"Still busy at this hour?"

"I say, my dear aunt, where can I be as relaxed as you!" Qin Hua complained, "President Li is doing another organizational structure optimization, pulling us into meetings every day, my head’s going to go bald. Just say what you want, I’m busy here."

Jing said directly: "In the modern channel business department, under Liu Huixiang, there’s an employee named Zhang Lei, who received a layoff notice a couple of days ago. Can you help me check his records in detail, see what’s the problem, and who’s behind this mess."

Hearing her words, Qin Hua paused: "A specialist in the modern channel department? You know such grassroots employees?"

"You don’t need to worry about that," Jing’s tone was firm, "He definitely can’t leave Zhongcheng. Also, see if he has any opportunity for promotion now, and I’ll find someone to deal with it."

"Wait a minute!" Qin Hua’s voice suddenly raised, "Is it your precious boyfriend who found this job for you again? You’ve just started dating, and he’s already been using you! First Lu Ziyue, now Zhang Lei, can you wake up? Or just tell your dad to come to Zhongcheng and be CEO!"

Jing raised her eyebrows, chuckled softly: "Hehe, this isn’t using, we’re a couple, if I don’t help him who should I help? Besides, Zhongcheng is stagnant now, what development does it have? He doesn’t care for it."

"You—I’m really impressed with your love-crazed brain!"

Jing interrupted bluntly: "It’s my birthday this weekend, Qingli and the others will come, remember to arrange your work in advance, don’t need to work overtime that day. Come half a day early with me, there’s a lot to prepare."

"Got it!" The voice on the other end was indignant, then the call was dropped.

Listening to the disconnected dial tone.

Jing’s eyes flickered, she found another contact and dialed.

This time, she switched to a sweet and soft voice: "Sister Yang, is it convenient to talk now?"

"Oh, it’s like this, I have a friend in our company’s food and beverage business department named Zhang Lei, who received a notification from your HR department saying he didn’t pass the probation."