Chapter 10

In the military, time means life. If a meeting is scheduled for a certain time, it must start at that time. Being even a minute or a second late will result in severe punishment. While Bai Yujiao can't control other departments, in the security department, all the rules she sets must be strictly followed by the security guards. Otherwise, it's considered a violation of discipline and a challenge to her authority.

In the security department, no one has ever dared to directly challenge Bai Lao Da's authority—Xiao Zheng is the first!

And she swore, he would be the last!

Faced with Bai Yujiao's fierce questioning, Tang Ming shrank back, bending over and lowering his head to explain, "Captain Bai, you misunderstood. I was afraid Xiao Zheng wouldn't find the gym, so I waited for him at the entrance..."

"Your enthusiasm is commendable, but why don't you help him find a job instead?" Bai Yujiao crossed her arms, her eyes fierce.

"I was wrong..." Tang Ming said dejectedly.

"Go to work." Bai Yujiao coldly cut off Tang Ming's excuses.

"Yes!" Tang Ming turned and left, afraid of being implicated. But before he left, he gave Xiao Zheng a meaningful look, and Xiao Zheng nodded subtly in response.

Before Tang Ming could walk far, Xiao Zheng immediately explained, "Captain Bai, I have a reason for being late." After a brief pause, Xiao Zheng continued, "Last night, I was so excited about this promising job that I couldn't sleep all night. This morning at seven, I was already prepared to go to work, but my wife started causing trouble, asking me to buy her a steamed bun from Chang Le Street. I was so worried about my job that I argued with her and rushed to the bus stop. On the way, I encountered an elderly woman in her seventies with a limp. She had poor eyesight and was crossing the road recklessly, almost getting hit by a car. I wanted to help her, but before I could get close, she fell and grabbed my leg, shouting for help. I immediately called the police, which saved me from trouble, but it delayed my arrival at work. To get to the company as soon as possible, I didn't even have breakfast..."

Bai Yujiao listened to Xiao Zheng's elaborate explanation, her beautiful but cold eyes flashing with sharpness. She clapped her hands and said, "With your eloquence, being a security guard is a waste of your talent."

"In my view, no matter what position one is in, as long as one works diligently, one can shine and make significant contributions to New Ao," Xiao Zheng said with righteous indignation, sounding like a cult leader.

"You misunderstood." Bai Yujiao said coolly. "What I want to tell you is that the security department doesn't welcome you. You should find another job."

"What!?" Xiao Zheng's face changed, and he stepped forward, demanding, "Just because I helped an old lady cross the road, you want to fire me? I can't accept that!"

"I don't care what you do in your free time, but if it affects your work, I have every reason to fire you!" Bai Yujiao said expressionlessly.

"You have a bias against me!" Xiao Zheng said resentfully, truly worried inside.

Having been back in the country for several months, his savings were already depleted. The long period of idleness made him extremely anxious. A strong sense of emptiness constantly invaded his fragile heart. Every night when he woke up, he felt a strong sense of failure and extreme dejection.

If this continued, Xiao Zheng believed he would eventually suffer from severe depression. Finding a proper job was extremely important and urgent for him.

Now that he had finally obtained an ideal job, Xiao Zheng was determined not to give it up.

"You're right. I do have a bias against you!" Bai Yujiao didn't deny it, her face tense. "Your work attitude is lax, and you lack organizational discipline. You were late on your first day of work. Someone like you, who lacks responsibility and doesn't follow rules, I don't think you can handle this job!"

Her words were sharp, and her attitude was strong, showing that Bai Yujiao was determined to fire Xiao Zheng.

Faced with Bai Yujiao's vicious attack, the anxiety on Xiao Zheng's face gradually faded. He lit a cigarette and said calmly, "Bai Lao Da, I remember you are just the head of the security department, right?"

By addressing Bai Yujiao by her nickname, Xiao Zheng was clearly prepared to face her head-on.

"So what? As the head of the security department, I have the authority to clean out the rats in the team," Bai Yujiao said in a low voice.

"You're right. If a security guard seriously violates company rules, you do have the authority to fire them," Xiao Zheng said casually, exhaling a puff of smoke and smiling. "But I was only late once, and there was a reason. It wasn't a serious absence. Even if you are my direct superior, I don't think you have the power to fire me, do you?"

Others feared the notorious Bai Lao Da in New Ao, but Brother Zheng wasn't afraid. As long as he could keep his job, even if it meant offending Bai Yujiao and facing her increased harassment, Xiao Zheng was willing to accept it.

Bai Yujiao, of course, knew the company's rules and was well aware that only Lin Huayin, the big boss, had the authority to fire Xiao Zheng for being late once. Even if the company didn't pursue the matter due to her position, it would still invite criticism, which didn't align with her style.

Moreover, Xiao Zheng had the support of Lawyer Deng, who had good relations in New Ao. Firing Xiao Zheng over this late incident would be even more difficult.

Most importantly, Bai Yujiao could see that Xiao Zheng wasn't an easy person to deal with. Forcibly firing him would likely cause him to make a big fuss.

After weighing the pros and cons, a sharp look flashed in Bai Yujiao's clear eyes, and she said sharply, "You're right. So far, I don't have enough reason to fire you."

"I will work hard in the future and not disappoint Captain Bai!" Xiao Zheng stood up straight and declared confidently. "Captain Bai's requirements are my goals! Captain Bai's thoughts are my actions!"

"Shut up." Bai Yujiao's eyes turned cold, and she said sternly, "According to New Ao's rules, I can't fire you. But according to the security department's requirements, you are not yet a regular employee."

"I'm already wearing the security uniform..." Xiao Zheng said in confusion.

"That's just a favor to Deng Jian." Bai Yujiao said indifferently. "To become a qualified security guard in the department, you need to pass several evaluations. If you don't meet the standards, I can still fire you!"

Xiao Zheng was surprised, "What evaluations?"

Isn't it just a security job? Walking around, chatting, and maintaining order in the company—why do you need evaluations? Are you playing an online game?

"Follow me inside." A strange look flashed in Bai Yujiao's eyes as she pushed open the door to the gym.

Xiao Zheng followed closely behind, about to step in when his phone rang inappropriately. It was a text message from Tang Ming.

"If Bai Lao Da asks you to enter the gym for an evaluation, I suggest you quit immediately!"

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