Chapter 199: Whispers of Corporate Growth

Three days after the graduation ceremony.

In the corridor outside the general manager’s office at Zheng Shi Company, Jiang Jingshi entered by keying in the password on the door.

She opened the window, as usual, to air out Lin Zheng Ran’s office.

Then she stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the vast city below.

Two years ago, after discussions with Lin Zheng Ran, they decided to establish Zheng Shi Company’s headquarters in a seven-story building south of Ziteng City.

That’s right here.

Since the company currently has only three branches, it’s not yet a full group; they still call it the headquarters.

Over these two years, though Lin Zheng Ran didn’t come to the company every day due to time constraints and didn’t attend all the various meetings,

just his occasional visits to train the students at the three branches have boosted the company’s profits by nearly tenfold.

That’s way beyond the seventy percent increase he originally promised—it’s almost double, and then some. Even Jiang Jingshi didn’t expect the company to grow this fast; it’s like it’s skyrocketing.

Now, the sports division has recruited a lot more students, and the formal staff is about six or seven times what it was before.

The branch offices are also expanding their space.

With few competitors in the sports market and Lin Zheng Ran on board, students improve as soon as they arrive, spreading the word like wildfire. Now, sports enthusiasts from all over come to see what’s going on.

Some are professionals, others are amateurs who pay membership fees to join, all just to hear Lin Zheng Ran teach a class and exchange knowledge with other pros.

That’s how resource concentration works—good places draw crowds, and if you keep them coming, it turns into more money, better facilities, and a virtuous cycle.

The other two branches follow the same pattern. The music company has surged ahead under Lin Zheng Ran’s guidance, leaving peers stunned by the rapid rise in student levels at Zheng Shi Music.

Countless girl groups and solo artists are making names for themselves online or on shows, raking in profits for the company.

And that’s without even touching Lily’s contributions, since her music copyrights have brought in a fortune over these two years.

As for the streaming company, Lin Zheng Ran visited less because of exam prep, but he still elevated many broadcasters’ skills, multiplying the company’s profits several times over.

Outsiders have no idea how Zheng Shi Company managed to multiply its profits several times in just two years.

But those who know Jiang Jingshi well and have met the elusive boss understand that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

Every time that young boss shows up, the company’s profits spike the next month, and everyone’s bonuses double.

And Jiang Jingshi stays in high spirits for days.

Right now, in the seventh-floor general manager’s office, Jiang Jingshi stared out at the streets below, her mind replaying the company’s rapid growth over the years.

She thought that at this rate, it wouldn’t be long before Zheng Shi Company dominated the sports, music, and streaming industries in Ziteng City—surpassing the Jiang Group was just a matter of time.

Lin Zheng Ran really is an irreplaceable gem. Getting him was the best luck she’s had in years, though what Jiang Jingshi wants isn’t just his talents—it’s him, too.

A knock came at the office door; it was secretary Pan Lin, holding a file. “Boss Jiang, the company’s revenue and income reports for this month are ready.”

Jiang Jingshi acknowledged and reached out her hand.

Pan Lin walked over and handed her the reports.

Watching the changes in her boss over the past few years, Pan Lin noticed Jiang Jingshi seemed to swing between joy and longing every day.

Dressed in an elegant women’s suit, Jiang Jingshi flipped through the pages briefly. “This month’s income has jumped again.”

Pan Lin smiled:

“It’s up twenty percent from last month, and that’s even with Lin Zheng Ran only visiting for three days. If he came more, profits would soar even higher! With the city’s focus on exams lately, entertainment profits have dipped a bit, but that’s normal.”

Jiang Jingshi laughed and said:

“He’s busy with his exams, so I don’t want to bother him too much. Still, the company’s grown so fast, and we’re hiring like crazy. Tell everyone to schedule a meeting for two this afternoon—

I need to discuss company policies. With all the new hires, a lot of our systems need fine-tuning.”

Pan Lin nodded. “Got it. I’ll send the notice. Oh, and Boss Jiang, the Jiang Group seems to be expanding some projects—they want you at a meeting next week for a few days.”

Jiang Jingshi shrugged it off, as if she’d expected it. “Figured as much. We’ll deal with next week when it comes. Just sort out my schedule.”

Pan Lin nodded, but with a touch of concern: “Your schedule’s packed for next week, but I can push back the less important stuff. Boss Jiang… I have something on my mind, not sure if I should say it.”

“Speak freely. You’ve been with me for years; no need to hold back.”

“It’s just… you’re juggling too much between here and the Jiang Group. You’re not getting enough rest. With Zheng Shi Company already demanding so much, and them calling you over there all the time,

I think it’s time for the Second Miss to step in and take on some work. What do you say?”

Jiang Jingshi smiled and pondered. “I’ve thought about that. And once her exams are over, I bet our father will start handing her important tasks anyway. She might even volunteer—my sister has a stronger sense of family duty than I do.”

Pan Lin nodded happily. She knew Jiang Jingshi and her sister got along well, with no hidden tensions, which is why she felt comfortable bringing it up:

“That would be perfect. Then you could focus entirely on Zheng Shi Company and have it easier.”

Hearing about easing up, Jiang Jingshi’s face didn’t light up as expected.

She handed the reports back to Pan Lin and turned to the window again. “Being less busy doesn’t sound all that great. Without work to fill the time, I’ve been wanting to dive into more projects lately.”

Pan Lin said, “Didn’t you used to enjoy driving around the city district or hanging out at your cat cafe? At least that helps you unwind.”

A gentle look crossed Jiang Jingshi’s eyes, as if picturing someone.

“That was before. Now… my heart’s not in those things anymore. I don’t feel like doing them alone, let alone relaxing.”

Pan Lin knew exactly what—or who—Jiang Jingshi was thinking about most.

Lately, Jiang Jingshi was truly happy only when with him.

Jiang Jingshi let out a soft sigh, leaning against the massive window, thinking that three days had passed since the exams ended—why hadn’t Lin Zheng Ran dropped by the company or even called?

What could he be up to right now?

Suddenly, a message notification on her phone snapped her out of her thoughts. For the past three days, she’d grabbed her phone at every alert,

mostly to disappointment. But this time, her gentle eyes lit up—it was from Lin Zheng Ran.

Happiness washed over her visibly.

Pan Lin could tell from Jiang Jingshi’s ecstatic expression who the message was from.

Jiang Jingshi quickly opened it and read: “Jiang Jie, I didn’t call because I figured you were busy. I saw those files you sent. I’ll come to the company the day after tomorrow to discuss them. First, I need to wrap up some work.”

She replied hastily: “Great, I’ll be waiting for you at the company the day after tomorrow.”

They exchanged a few more lines, and a faint blush colored her cheeks. Suddenly energized, she turned to Pan Lin with excitement:

“Lin Zheng Ran’s coming the day after tomorrow. Move the afternoon meeting up to twelve-thirty sharp. After that, come with me to the mall to pick out a couple of outfits and some jewelry. I won’t be in tomorrow—I’ve got things to prepare at home.”

Pan Lin caught Jiang Jingshi’s enthusiasm and grinned. “Lin Zheng Ran’s visiting?! That’s fantastic. I’ll go send the meeting notice right now!”

“Hurry up.”

Once Pan Lin left, Jiang Jingshi pulled out her phone to reread the messages. As she looked out at the city, her mind wandered no further—it was all about how to dress up for the day after tomorrow.

Maybe they could grab a meal together afterward. She just had to find a way to keep him around longer.