Chapter 359: Establishment of the Group-Buy Technical Department

After the physical fitness test, people from Class 3 and Class 4 hurried to the cafeteria.

People from both classes knew each other, so many joined tables to eat, making the scene lively.

Throughout, Feng Nanshu followed Jiang Qin closely and sat next to him at the meal, looking obedient and clingy.

She had previously participated in a team-building event with Class 3, so she wasn’t unfamiliar with its members. Despite the noisy dining environment, she didn’t seem uncomfortable, just a bit aloof.

Jiang Qin quickly got their food — a bowl of dumplings and one of hot and sour noodles.

But as he sat down, he noticed Song Qingqing’s phone, the sharply cut letters on it catching his eye — MEZIU.

“Got a new phone?”

Song Qingqing looked up, “The old one wasn’t working well…”

Jiang Qin reached out, “May I see it?”

“Sure thing, crush.”

Jiang Qin was already the center of attention at the table, and now all eyes were drawn to the phone.

Students generally have limited spending power, and many still use flip phones, so this Meizu model with its large screen was quite impressive.

However, Feng Nanshu was focused on something else. She muttered under her breath, irked that Song Qingqing’s wallpaper featured her big teddy bear…

Jiang Qin’s focus was different too; he was curious about what lay behind the phone.

In the age of mobile internet, the essential core tech is the smartphone, enabling the execution of mobile payment scenes. Without such a device, even the best ideas can’t take off.

In China’s smartphone market, Meizu has always had a special place not for its high-end status, but for pioneering the era of domestic smartphones.

Back then, Lei, the CEO of Xiaomi, was still recruiting his team, and Huawei was working on 3G networks while Meizu had already become a trailblazer in the market.

Its downfall was partly due to poor branding and marketing and a narrow, often delayed supply chain that couldn’t meet demand, eventually fading into historical obscurity.

Jiang Qin remembered frequently seeing news about Meizu attempting a comeback during its decline.

“Meizu launches a new device. Strong comeback!”

“Meizu returns, act fast if you want one!”

“The long-awaited new Meizu device. It’s back!”

Unfortunately, despite the loud promotional campaigns, Meizu’s market share continued to shrink until it was ultimately acquired.

Seeing this M8 model, Jiang Qin thought it was time to start setting up the app, as pre-installed software can dominate the user experience — unavoidable even after purchase.

He had recently discussed forming a tech team with Su Nai, and recruitment adverts were already out.

As expected, Wei Lanlan called the next day to invite them to interview the applicants.

Arriving at the Wanzhong Building, they stepped out of the elevator to see a group dressed in sweaters and jeans or shirts and jeans awaiting interviews.

“Hello Mr. Jiang, Ms. Su, I’m Sheng Qiang, 29 years old.”

“You’re 29?”

“Yes… yes.”

Jiang Qin held his breath, “Su Nai, I think I see your future.”

Su Nai, annoyed, slapped the table, “Less talk from those who don’t know the tech, Mr. Sheng, please continue.”

“Alright, I graduated from…”

By noon, the group-buy tech department had gained five experienced programmers and five ‘interns’ — essentially, each master craftsman got a helper.

Surprisingly, these ‘masters’ weren’t old at all, still in their prime.

However, their project experience with Android programming was lacking, mostly at a superficial understanding level.

That was fine. They’d figure it out. Spending mornings on website upgrades and afternoons studying with paid learning time meant job stress was low, and they even could nourish their hair.

Jiang Qin even had Luo Dawei, head of Wanzhong’s logistics, bring in some goji berries and chrysanthemum and arrange for regular deliveries from a catering supplier.

For programmers used to debugging into distress and jumping at weekend calls, this was practically retirement.

Nevertheless, Jiang Qin set a firm deadline: something presentable by the year’s end.

“Boss, what about the office for the tech department?” asked Wei Lanlan.

Jiang Qin pointed across the way, “Let’s use Old He’s office for now. He’s mostly in Shanghai and won’t need it.”

“Could work, but should we inform President He first?”

“I’ll handle it. You get some strong young men to tidy up President He’s office.”

Watching Wei Lanlan summon help, Jiang Qin pulled out his phone to call He Yijun.

With He Yijun deeply involved in a major Shanghai project, attending meetings, site visits, and research kept him extremely busy. Even his phone calls were rushed.

“Old He, grabbed a bite yet?”

Phone wedged on his shoulder, He Yijun shuffled papers, “Just had lunch. What’s up, Jiang? This project’s about to start, and I’m swamped. Got another meeting soon. If it’s nothing urgent, we can talk during my New Year visit.”

Jiang Qin tentatively asked, “Define ‘urgent’?”

“Unless Wanzhong is collapsing, it’s not urgent!”

Jiang Qin got it. Only a collapse constituted an emergency; his office takeover clearly didn’t qualify. “Take care, don’t overwork,” he advised He Yijun, hearing thanks before hurriedly ending the call.

At that moment, Wei Lanlan and several logistics guys arrived.

“Boss, did President He agree?”

“I think he did.”

Wei Lanlan waved them forward: “Go for it!”

Two hours later, He Yijun’s office was transformed, becoming the third department after the business and marketing departments: the group-buy technology department.

Hearing Jiang Qin was in the building, Yue Zhu hurried to the top floor after lunch and was stunned by the change to President He’s office.

Facing her, Jiang Qin asked, “Manager Yue, how’s Manqi been lately?”

“President He is now based in Shanghai and doesn’t have time to look after her. She’s living at school full-time now but manages quite well on her own.”

“Which school?”

“Linchuan First Middle School.”

“Old He’s so busy he likely doesn’t even have time for day and night. Let’s see how she’s doing this afternoon. Give me her mobile number.”

“Sure.”

At over three in the afternoon, Jiang Qin left Wanzhong Mall and drove to Linchuan First Middle School, calling He Manqi out.

Life as a full boarding student wasn’t easy; the food and sleep were subpar, leaving the girl quite lean.

Jiang Qin treated her to a hearty meal and gave her some pocket money: “Your dad’s swamped in Shanghai, might not return soon. Call me if you’re in any urgent situation.”

“Got it, Uncle. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine!” He Manqi was confident.

“Don’t overdo it. If something’s too much, say so. How are your studies going?”

“Pretty good. Plus, I’ll make sure I get into Linchuan University this time!”

Impressed by her ambition, Jiang Qin praised her warmly. After dropping her back at school, he even chatted with her homeroom teacher and left his number, asking them to call if needed.

This was why He Yijun liked working with Jiang Qin.

Despite Jiang’s tendency to freeload, those he’d ‘exploited’ rarely ended up worse off.

Like now: Jiang Qin might be using his office, but he was also taking care of his daughter, so He didn’t lose out.

At nightfall, after a day filled with meetings and smoking two packs of cigarettes, He Yijun left the hotel feeling rather dizzy and called Yue Zhu to ask how things were back home.

“Everything’s fine on this end, President He.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“Oh, by the way, where should we move the filing cabinet from your office? To the storage?”

“In my office? Just leave it there.”

Confused, Yue Zhu thought to herself, ‘But you don’t have an office anymore,’ and He Yijun was equally baffled, wondering what had gone on in his absence.

As she stammered through today’s events, He Yijun’s jaw dropped.

Realizing he’d been sidestepped, he was about to make an angry call when his daughter’s homeroom teacher rang.

Initially fearing the worst, he was surprised by their message.

“Mr. He, a Jiang Qin visited today, claiming to be Manqi’s uncle and said to contact him for anything while you’re away. Just confirming with you.”

He Yijun paused before responding, “Ah, right, Jiang is a friend. Call him if Manqi needs anything.”

“Okay, since you’re aware, I’m relieved. He seemed quite young, a bit…”

“Like a scoundrel, I know.”

After hanging up, He Yijun felt a complex mix of emotions. He thought, ‘Damn it, I’m completely at Jiang’s mercy because he plays the emotional card.’

Sitting roadside, He Yijun took out his phone and texted Jiang Qin: “Manqi’s in your hands now, thanks.”

Just as Jiang Qin climbed into bed, he saw the message and chuckled, thinking, ‘See? I use his office, and he has to thank me!’