The Stepmother’s Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era
Chapter 736 - 735: Prioritizing One’s Own Interests

Chapter 736: Chapter 735: Prioritizing One’s Own Interests

As Du Juan assumed her new role, the workers at the food factory had mixed opinions.

Some were pessimistic, believing that Du Juan, a rural woman who hadn’t even completed middle school, was unfit to lead those who had vocational and even university education.

Others felt that Du Juan’s rise from a rural wife, through her own hard work and struggle to her current position and achievements, was nothing short of legendary.

Regardless of the differing views, they had no impact on Du Juan’s appointment as Deputy Director.

...

Although Shen Mingzhu successfully helped Du Juan to her position, she didn’t immediately arrange work for her, but rather let her familiarize herself with the different departments and understand their operations.

Du Juan first went to the marketing department, where she was most skilled.

Shen Mingzhu assigned Shen Hongmei to help Du Juan get acquainted with the marketing department.

The marketing department mainly had three segments—product development, marketing, and sales—and among the entire department, Shen Hongmei was the most experienced and the least busy because she was pregnant.

Currently, she was only responsible for some clerical work.

...

"Hongmei, long time no see. How have you been?"

Upon seeing Shen Hongmei, Du Juan was particularly happy.

The last time the two met was three years ago at Shen Hongmei’s wedding.

According to the customs of Shenjiagou, pregnant women do not attend celebrations or funerals, so Shen Hongmei did not appear at Qin Jinlian’s funeral.

"I’m fine, take care. Jinlian Auntie’s passing was so sudden, I still can’t believe it," Shen Hongmei sighed.

Du Juan lamented, "Life and death are fated. I never thought this return would be the last time."

After saying this, she changed the subject and showed concern for Shen Hongmei, "I haven’t congratulated you yet. When is your due date?"

"End of April."

Talking about her unborn child, Shen Hongmei’s face showed the joy of a first-time mother.

"That’s soon, just two months left before you can ’unload.’ It’ll be easier after giving birth."

"Mm."

After some casual chat, Shen Hongmei brought out documents she had prepared in advance.

The documents contained a detailed introduction to the entire department and each business segment, personal information of employees, and the achievements obtained, to help Du Juan quickly grasp the situation of the entire marketing department.

Du Juan flipped through the thick pile of documents, quickly immersing herself in her work.

Shen Hongmei sat beside her, observing her meticulous makeup and clothing, feeling a faint sense of melancholy and regret.

If it hadn’t been for a momentary lapse, she might have been the one promoted to deputy director or factory manager today.

One truly must not take the wrong path.

One wrong step, and all subsequent steps are wrong.

Luckily, she had realized her mistake and returned to the right path.

Although she was behind Du Juan now, it didn’t matter; she was determined to catch up.

Shen Hongmei quietly set a goal for herself in her heart.

...

Du Juan adapted quickly.

She spent one week getting acquainted with various departments and, in the following week under Shen Mingzhu’s guidance, assisted in handling various affairs.

Managing a food factory with nearly six hundred employees was no easy task.

It’s lonely at the top.

Moreover, as an outsider parachuted into the position, Du Juan’s every word and deed were under scrutiny, and any slip could lead to criticism and ridicule.

Fortunately, she withstood the pressure, excellently completed all tasks assigned by Shen Mingzhu, and proved her worth through her capabilities.

As Du Juan’s performance continued to improve, Shen Mingzhu planned to start delegating authority and gradually transfer her duties to Du Juan.

But before that, a qualified assistant needed to be equipped for Du Juan.

"Have you got your eye on anyone for the assistant position?"

At the beginning of Du Juan’s new appointment, Shen Mingzhu had Wen Xiaoqin draft a list of potential assistants for selection.

After receiving the list, Du Juan did not choose immediately but planned to observe for some time before making a decision.

"Let’s tentatively go for Mai Qiu."

"Okay, then go find Xiaowen yourself and ask her to arrange Mai Qiu’s transfer as soon as possible."

"Okay."

Du Juan nodded and turned to leave.

Noticing Du Juan glance at Huang Ju before leaving, Shen Mingzhu turned her head and saw Huang Ju’s face filled with despondence and melancholy, understanding the situation at once.

Huang Ju’s name was indeed on the list prepared by the administration department.

Huang Ju had been with her for quite some time, her capability was beyond question, and she had also accumulated some connections and reputation in the factory.

Compared to the novice, Mai Qiu, Huang Ju was completely capable of helping Du Juan to stabilize her footing quicker and handle the job more adeptly.

Du Juan’s choosing Mai Qiu over Huang Ju was understandable to Shen Mingzhu.

New sovereigns prefer their own followers, not every ruler has the vision and magnanimity to make use of the former dynasty’s high officials.

"You probably understand without me saying, your not being chosen is not due to a lack of ability."

Huang Ju gently nodded.

"Rather than dwelling on the unchangeable outcome, you should think about your future path, I can arrange any department you wish to go to."

Huang Ju folded her hands nervously in front of her, her expression blank and despondent.

"I don’t know; I don’t know how to do anything but assist."

"You can always learn slowly, no one is born competent in everything, the key is whether you are willing to push yourself."

Huang Ju hesitated, "I’ll think about it."

Shen Mingzhu watched her, her fingertips idly spinning a pen, "Have you considered changing the environment? The Jiangcheng branch needs a new head."

Huang Ju was initially stunned, then she hurriedly waved her hands, "I can’t."

"What are you afraid of, you think I’d just give the entirety of Jiangcheng’s business into your hands? I’d be afraid you’d mess it up."

Hearing Shen Mingzhu say this, Huang Ju couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

"I plan to transfer someone to take over President Shen’s duties, if you’re willing to go together, you could start as an assistant and gradually learn, this would also be a way for you to gain experience and grow."

Huang Ju hesitated, "I need to go home and discuss it with my parents."

From her tone, it was clear she was tempted to go to Jiangcheng but was afraid her parents wouldn’t agree.

Shen Mingzhu gave her two days to consider.

...

Inside Du Juan’s office.

Upon learning that she had been chosen by Du Juan to be her assistant, Mai Qiu immediately packed up her personal items and reported to Du Juan jubilantly.

Du Juan was quite satisfied with Mai Qiu’s initiative.

After work, she invited Mai Qiu to a steakhouse to celebrate her promotion and to foster a better relationship.

In addition to a lavish Western meal, Du Juan also opened a bottle of red wine.

After two glasses of wine, Mai Qiu grew somewhat more daring, "Deputy Director Du, can I ask you a question?"

"Feel free to ask."

Du Juan, with a smile, helped herself to pour some more wine into her glass.

The choice of wine reflects the quality of a person. Her purpose in opening the wine was to gauge the depth of her new assistant.

"Huang Ju is superior to me in every aspect and is President Shen’s person. By choosing me and not her, aren’t you afraid that President Shen will be unhappy? Her putting Huang Ju’s name on the list clearly hinted that she wanted you to choose Huang Ju."

Du Juan leisurely sipped her red wine before responding, "When in doubt, prioritize your own interests."