The Stepmother’s Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era
Chapter 646 - 645: A Man’s Responsibility

Chapter 646: Chapter 645: A Man’s Responsibility

Shen Mingzhu spoke in a calm voice that interrupted the other, "Whether it’s a well-intentioned concealment or some other reason, I can judge for myself. Tell me, what’s the situation?"

Wen Xiaoqin had no choice but to tell the truth, "We saw Aunt Hongmei, she seemed to be looking for a job. I saw her submit job applications to several companies."

Although Shen Mingzhu hadn’t deliberately inquired about the Zhao Family’s circumstances, she had heard quite a bit through various channels and knew that Dafa Construction was having a difficult time lately.

But that Shen Hongmei had given up her business venture so quickly and was preparing to rejoin the workforce was something she hadn’t anticipated.

"I don’t think Aunt Hongmei has any plans to come back. She probably doesn’t want to be the subject of gossip, so she’s trying to keep it a secret..."

Facing Shen Mingzhu’s cold and indifferent almond-shaped eyes, Wen Xiaoqin didn’t continue.

"Xiaowen, I’m a woman too, and I’ve been through what you’re going through at your age. I’ve experienced more or less the same things, so I know what you’re worried about."

"Worry and defensiveness won’t solve the fundamental problems. You’d be better off spending more time thinking about how to secure your position and make it irreplaceable by anyone."

With her thoughts exposed, Wen Xiaoqin couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

Knowing that Shen Hongmei was looking for a job, her greatest worry was that Shen Mingzhu would invite Shen Hongmei back, and then she would have to make way for her as the acting manager of the administrative office.

She had worked hard for three years to climb to this position and naturally wasn’t willing to hand it over easily.

"Govern according to one’s position, exert one’s duty in one’s job, that’s the most basic quality of a manager. Of course, everyone has flaws, and it’s inevitable to have personal feelings in work, including myself."

"I won’t blame you for this, but as someone who has been through it, I still want to give you some advice. Look further ahead, be more open-minded, and with your ability and perception, it’s just a matter of time before you get promoted."

"You have a long road ahead of you. If you go slower and more steadily, your future achievements and heights might not be lower than those of Deputy Director Du or any of the managers like Shen."

It must be said, Shen Mingzhu now had a profound knack for managing subordinates.

She exercised both kindness and authority, criticized while also giving full affirmation and encouragement, and dangled a big carrot, filling the employee with anticipation for the future.

And looking at Wen Xiaoqin, there was no trace of embarrassment from having her motives laid bare; instead, she was full of fighting spirit, "President Shen, I was too narrow-minded. I will remember your teachings and focus all my thoughts on my work in the future, to not let down your cultivation!"

Shen Mingzhu felt a sense of gratification as if seeing a teachable young charge, "I’ll give you a chance to redeem yourself. Go and talk to Hongmei, see if she is willing to return to the food factory."

Wen Xiaoqin hesitated, "Can I really do it?"

"You’re now the person in charge of the administrative office, responsible for personnel recruitment. It couldn’t be more appropriate for you to take the lead."

"Then, what position are you planning to offer to Aunt Hongmei?"

"Just handle it like any other public matter. However, since she is a former employee, you can waive the probation period and hire her at once as a regular employee, and you can also give her a fair advantage in terms of salary."

Wen Xiaoqin’s heart, which had been lifted in concern, instantly fell back to its original place, "Okay, I understand!"

Shen Mingzhu didn’t reveal the other’s little scheme, knowing it was enough to imply it, always leaving the person some dignity and time to grow.

"Let’s test you again, why do you think I want to hire Hongmei back?"

Wen Xiaoqin thought hard, "Aunt Hongmei is talented, and our food factory needs talent."

"It’s not just for that, Hongmei is an outstanding manager that I trained myself. She’s familiar with everything about the food factory. If she were to go to a competitor, it would be a loss for us as well as a threat."

"Shouldn’t we then offer her a higher package, otherwise, we can’t compete with other companies."

"If she wants to come back, she will definitely come back."

Wen Xiaoqin seemed to understand but didn’t dare to ask further, to avoid appearing foolish.

...

Shen Hongmei returned home to find that the sky had already turned somewhat dark.

"Where have you been? Why couldn’t I reach you on the phone?"

As soon as she stepped through the door, she was taken aback to see Zhao Dafa coming towards her with urgency.

Lately, Zhao Dafa had been leaving early and returning late every day, not getting home until eleven o’clock, but today he had come back early.

Ah, it must be because of that case of money...

A whirlwind of thoughts flashed through her mind, causing Shen Hongmei to momentarily forget to answer.

Seeing her dazed and stunned, Zhao Dafa sighed and embraced her.

"It’s okay now, good that you’re back."

The familiar embrace and scent made Shen Hongmei’s nose sting uncontrollably.

She could not remember how long it had been since she had been passionately hugged like this by the other person.

She also belatedly realized that his question about where she had been was out of concern and not an accusation or any other motive.

She sniffled lightly and said in a muffled voice, "I went to a job fair, my phone ran out of battery, and I didn’t manage to switch to a new one."

Zhao Dafa loosened his hold on her a bit but didn’t let go completely, his hands affectionately gripping her shoulders. "What were you doing at a job fair?"

"I wanted to see if there were any suitable jobs."

Zhao Dafa looked at her. "You’re not starting a business anymore? And where did that money come from?"

"I sold my stocks and went to get the rent deposit back from the landlord. Since it was a breach of contract on my part, the landlord took a 10% penalty fee. Also..."

Shen Hongmei stammered, "I sold the sports car, I’m sorry, I didn’t discuss it with you beforehand..."

Seeing Zhao Dafa remain silent, she took out several receipts written by Yi Ling.

"I’ve taken care of the troubles I caused myself, you don’t have to worry about them coming to the door looking for trouble anymore."

After she had said everything, Zhao Dafa stroked her hair. "Do you think that’s what I’m worried about?"

An idea sprung to mind, and tears welled up in Shen Hongmei’s eyes. "You rushed back because you were worried about me?"

"What do you think? You threw a case of money at me with a duang, then disappeared, and your phone was unreachable. I was really afraid you’d become despondent and do something foolish."

Feeling the concern and worry in the man’s eyes, Shen Hongmei could no longer hold back her tears.

"I’m actually someone with little ability or talent. I’ve just been lucky to have the protection of you and Mingzhu, which made everything go smoothly for me. But I arrogantly took that as my own ability, and only now do I realize how ridiculously wrong I was."

"Zhao Ge, thank you for still willing to give me a chance to make amends, for not giving up on me, thank you..."

Time rewinds to yesterday.

When Zhao Yun asked Zhao Dafa whether he intended to divorce, Zhao Dafa’s answer was, "No."

He told Zhao Yun, "From the day I married your Aunt Hongmei, she became a member of our family. We can’t just abandon her because she made a mistake, treat her as a burden, and think about leaving her, because no one can guarantee they won’t ever make mistakes themselves."

"A hundred years to cross the same boat, a thousand years to share the same bed, the next one may not be any better, and perhaps the romance you have right now was something you banged your head over to get in your last life."

"As a man, you must never abandon your woman for the sake of benefits, at any time. That is the responsibility and duty of a man."

These words that Zhao Dafa said to Zhao Yun, were a wake-up call that struck Shen Hongmei directly, filling her with immense shame, but also bringing her to an awakening.