Chapter 170: First Steps into the Corporate World

The HR department was on the third floor, while the Planning Department was straight to the top floor. After a long journey, Xiao Yufan finally arrived at the place where he would be working from now on—the core department of the company, the Planning Department.

“We haven’t had a new colleague joining the Planning Department in a long time. Let’s give him a warm welcome…”

Just as Xiao Yufan appeared at the entrance of the Planning Department, a round of applause erupted from inside the office. It seemed that the HR department had already reported his arrival.

“I’m new here, so I hope everyone can take care of me!”

Xiao Yufan wasn’t shy at all. His eyes swept across every employee without a hint of arrogance usually associated with a superior. At this moment, he was just an ordinary staff member. Among these people, Xiao Yufan spotted the familiar figure of Lin Pingle.

“He’s so handsome, I’m going to faint…”

“Don’t fall for him already—it’s definitely not your type…”

“Not my type? Then is he your type? Don’t tell me you aren’t drooling over him too!”

Everyone nearly collapsed in unison. These two women, who always claimed to be tough and fearless, indeed had no filter on their mouths. Although they were somewhat attractive, after being accustomed to seeing Yihan and others, it was hard for him to feel anything for other women.

“It’s rare that someone finally joins our Planning Department. If you two scare him off, don’t think I won’t deduct all your bonuses this month…”

A dry cough came from behind. Xiao Yufan turned around and saw a man in his early thirties walking toward him. The surrounding crowd immediately parted to make way—this must be the person in charge of the entire Planning Department.

“You must be Xiao Yufan. Welcome to the Planning Department, Team Two. I’m Han Mo, the team leader. I hope you can gradually adapt to the environment here. If you’re talented, you’ll definitely climb higher in Huihuang Enterprise!”

“Thank you, team leader. I’ll do my best!”

Xiao Yufan’s tone was very sincere, which left Han Mo a bit puzzled. From Qingluan’s phone call, he had sensed that Xiao Yufan must have a special background. But judging from his current demeanor, there seemed to be nothing particularly unusual about him.

“That’s your seat,” Han Mo pointed to the spot behind Lin Pingle, then turned to the chattering employees and continued, “Why aren’t you all working yet? Do you want to skip lunch today?”

Everyone dispersed unenthusiastically. However, a few female employees still continued whispering about Xiao Yufan. Han Mo chose to ignore it—after all, everyone in Team Two was somewhat eccentric. As long as they could deliver results, letting them relax a bit wasn’t a big deal.

“Damn, we really are destined! This company is so huge, yet we not only ended up in the same department, but even the same team…”

Seeing Xiao Yufan approaching, Lin Pingle grinned in a rather provocative way, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Many people felt a chill run down their spine, fearing that Lin Pingle might be gay.

“Please, don’t make me want to punch you every time I see you. I already have a girlfriend, so don’t even think about me…”

“Get lost! My orientation is perfectly normal. If you keep badmouthing me, just wait—I’ll tell Madam Yu not to let you into her bed tonight…”

Lin Pingle leaned back and adjusted himself into a very comfortable posture. As soon as he said that, the entire office atmosphere froze for a moment, and everyone’s eyes once again turned toward Xiao Yufan.

“Could this guy really be the one who won over Deputy General Manager Yu? Damn, looks like our Planning Department has a real tough one now…”

Han Mo had just walked a few steps away when he heard Lin Pingle’s words and was momentarily stunned. The “Madam Yu” mentioned by the latter was none other than the goddess in the hearts of all male employees in the company—Yu Yihan.

“No way! My goddess already has someone? What does he have that I don’t? Okay, maybe he’s a bit better looking and taller than me… Heavens…”

“Teach me how you did it, master!”

A chorus of wails filled the air. Xiao Yufan was a bit taken aback, looking at the smug Lin Pingle with a helpless expression. But at least now, he wouldn’t be too bored in this company.

News about Xiao Yufan and Yu Yihan spread like wildfire. Within just half a morning, everyone in the company knew that a new employee had joined, and this newcomer was closely connected to Deputy General Manager Yu.

“All because of you, I haven’t even settled in yet and you’ve already stirred up so much trouble. Are you sent here by heaven just to torment me?”

Throughout the entire morning, Xiao Yufan had certainly drawn enough attention. It was the busiest day for the Planning Department, with many curious visitors flocking to the top floor, making it completely packed. Xiao Yufan had to struggle hard to finally escape.

“Alright, this time it’s indeed my fault. I didn’t mean to say that on purpose…”

“Then you must have done it on purpose! I know exactly what you’re up to…”

On the way to the staff cafeteria, Xiao Yufan gave Lin Pingle a thorough scolding. If it weren’t for this guy, so many troubles wouldn’t have occurred today. Originally, he had planned to quietly settle in for a few days and get a feel for the company atmosphere, but things never go as planned.

“Hey, by the way, did you really win over Madam Yu? You’ve been gone for a whole year. Do you know how much pressure she’s endured during that time?”

“If I can’t even win over my own woman, then I’m not worthy of my reputation as a charming guy. What about you? A whole year has passed—haven’t you found someone you like yet?”

Although Xiao Yufan was still upset, he couldn’t just take it out on Lin Pingle entirely. He vaguely sensed something off in the guy’s mood, something similar to how he himself had felt when Cheng Ying left him.

“What’s the point of having someone you like? People these days are too pragmatic. Without money or power, where can you find true love? It’s better to be alone…”

A bitter smile appeared on Lin Pingle’s lips. Xiao Yufan could tell that this guy must have experienced some kind of blow. Otherwise, someone as optimistic as him wouldn’t show such pessimism.

“Don’t generalize all women as gold-diggers. I was nothing too, yet Yihan still chose me. Believe me, one day you’ll definitely find someone better who will walk with you through life.”

“You were nothing?” Lin Pingle snorted, not buying it for a second. From the occasional mentions by Yu Yihan and others, he could sense the kind of enviable background Xiao Yufan had.

Chuckling awkwardly, Xiao Yufan knew Lin Pingle must have found out something. But he was curious—what kind of woman could make this guy fall so deeply…