Super Zoo-Chapter 705 - 695: A Garage? Who Needs a Garage!
Suming rarely bypassed the chain of command in the office.
Whether it was subordinates bypassing their superiors to seek approval, or leaders issuing orders over the heads of intermediate managers, neither behavior was conducive to a healthy corporate culture. Once it became habitual, the company's management structure would be rendered merely for show. The authority and power of the various levels of leadership would be stripped away, leading to chaos and disorder within the company.
However, this time was an exception.
The management of the film company was almost entirely overseas, leaving only an Assistant General Manager in charge of daily affairs. In terms of rank, this assistant was several levels below Suming.
The moment the door to the screening room opened, many heads in the large office opposite swiftly turned, shifting their gaze from the entrance of the screening room to their own work, pretending to be busy.
"Meeting," Suming said curtly, then walked into the conference room.
Before long, employees filtered into the company, one after another. Seeing Xin Linli sitting to the left and slightly below Suming, first in line, they couldn't hide the flames of gossip on their faces.
The meeting wasn't long. Suming was concise, discussing only two matters.
First, from today on, Taoyuan Film and Television would establish a Film Research Department, headed by Xin Linli as the department manager.
The main tasks of this department were several. When there was no specific project, as its name suggested, the department would spontaneously discuss and research various types of films and television productions; when Taoyuan Film Industry had filming tasks, it was to provide suggestions and ensure the quality of the productions.
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The first task resembled a research center, or a specialized library, and did not wield much power; but the second was somewhat intimidating. Making suggestions was manageable, as they could either be adopted or ignored, but quality assurance was different.
Put simply, it was censorship. This department had the authority to review all films produced by Taoyuan Company.
The extent of this review power and its boundaries, whether it was autocratic or advisory in nature, were not spelled out by Suming during the meeting. He did not wish to create a situation where one department became overly dominant. Instead, he hoped, under the leadership of Cai Liming, that the various departments within the film company would actively coordinate with each other to naturally form a cooperative method best suited to the company's needs.
Second, they confirmed rankings. The current level of Xin Linli, the manager of the Research Department, was the same as the leaders of several other departments—mid-level management, one rank below a deputy general manager.
Looking at the work content and responsibilities of the Research Department, both the department's name and rank seemed inappropriate. The name should be associated with 'quality supervision,' and given its authority, its level should be higher than the average department—at least at the deputy general manager level, or possibly directly managed by General Manager Cai Liming. Xin Linli herself should have been at the same level as the Assistant General Manager.
Power and rank do not always correspond directly. By granting significant authority while slightly suppressing the rank, it served as protection for Xin Linli, a newcomer who had been rapidly promoted.
Finally, Suming spoke privately with the Assistant General Manager Chen Jun, asking him to represent the company in swiftly addressing Xin Linli's housing issues.
When Cai Liming came to Taoyuan Film Industry, he brought only one person with him—Chen Jun.
Back at Huashi, Chen Jun was Cai Liming's assistant. The two had a tacit understanding, and when Cai Liming changed jobs, he had poached Chen Jun to serve as his assistant.
"This young lady is somewhat clueless about everyday life. The company should take good care of her," Suming said privately to Chen Jun.
As it was a private conversation, Chen Jun was more candid. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Mr. Su, does the apartment she rents need to come with a garage?"
Suming was initially taken aback, not understanding what Chen Jun meant.
Whether she needs a parking space or not, what does it have to do with the availability of a garage in the building? Xin Linli seems to own no car, right? Besides, even if she did have one, why would she need a garage when there are parking spaces in the community?
Ultimately, whether or not she has a parking space, such a trivial matter hardly warrants reporting to me, right? Is it expected that employees consult their CEO about what brand of toothpaste to buy or which color curtains to hang at home? Do I even have a life left if that's the case?
Reporting is fine, but it has to depend on the issue at hand. If Chen Jun can't manage such trivial matters on his own, constantly needing to report back on them, he wouldn't be fit to be the assistant to the general manager. Cai Liming would have been annoyed to death by now.
Without answering and giving Chen Jun a somewhat puzzled look, Suming immediately understood from his expression.
The matter of needing a garage carried a deeper implication.
The garage wasn't for Xin Linli's consideration; it was for his own, as the CEO.
Xin Linli's sudden rise might have left Chen Jun unsure about the nature of their relationship and whether there was anything inappropriate going on.
If he and Xin Linli had a romantic relationship, he would definitely visit her residence. Owning a car, especially a relatively conspicuous Wrangler, having a garage would not only be convenient for parking but would also serve a confidential purpose. He would certainly hope for a garage at Xin Linli's place;
Conversely, if there was no relationship between them, it didn't matter whether she had a garage or not. Even if Xin Linli bought a car, there would be no need for the company to consider her parking situation.
The treatment of a mid-level company official compared to the treatment of a CEO's lover who also happened to be a mid-level official is completely different. As assistant to the general manager, Chen Jun needed to be clear about the situation to continue with his work. But even Cai Liming would find it inappropriate to ask Suming directly, hence the roundabout query.
Suming looked at Chen Jun with a bit of surprise; it was unexpected. This guy seemed quiet and reserved, but he handled matters quite reliably. With just a simple sentence, he showed thorough consideration in all aspects. No wonder Cai Liming always said this assistant was competent.
"Don't overthink it. What I value is Xin Linli's talent. We can forgo the garage; she doesn't have a car. Besides, a garage isn't cheap—whatever benefits we give to normal mid-level officials, that's what she'll get," said Mr. Su.
Chen Jun nodded, "I understand. Oh, Mr. Su, some members of the inspection team will be back next weekend. They're arriving at the airport on Sunday evening at eight o'clock."
"Got it," said Mr. Su.
The initiator of it all, Xin Linli, had been an ordinary receptionist just half a day ago, but in the blink of an eye, she had transformed into a mid-level company official. After Suming left, she found herself immediately surrounded by a bunch of colleagues, bombarding her with questions amidst their chatter.
"Not bad, you caught the CEO without making a sound..."
"Sister, share some tips with me. I don't expect to catch a high-quality stock like our CEO, but half as good would do..."
"I heard Mr. Cai is still single; Minister Xin, why don't you whisper a word to Mr. Su, help a sister out..."
Xin Linli's eyes widened in bewilderment as she looked at the flock of chattering women surrounding her.
That's just how it is in the film industry—Suming didn't even need to see it to know. Rumors and gossip are everywhere, even in places like a zoo where animals outnumber people. Wasn't the gossip about Hong Feifei, Ding Jing, and him still flying around?
Returning to the office, he first made a call to Long Wu.
Among the proposals Xin Linli had provided, there were two suggestions that, in Suming's opinion, would be greatly beneficial for the epic project.