Volume One, Chapter 20: Three Flames

After the appointment letter arrived, the newly appointed officer, Xiang Zheng, swiftly convened a full assembly.

Members from the sales team, advertising agency, new media company, and engineering department filed in one after another, filling the modest meeting room with a dense crowd, the atmosphere heavy with tension.

During the pause before the meeting began, the attendees exchanged pleasantries to break the silence. The congratulations for Xiang Zheng’s promotion sounded warm and enthusiastic, yet beneath them lay subtle probing.

“My ‘mountain’ is moving, and from now on, the championship seat of the sales department will change hands. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing all of you showcase your talents,” Xiang Zheng said with a hint of a smile, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.

“Rest assured, Sister Zheng. Everyone is brimming with energy, cracking their knuckles and raring to go!”

The first to respond was Wang Wandi, impeccably made up and dressed in designer clothes, standing out conspicuously among the group. Privately, she was the closest to Xiang Zheng, rumored to be the beloved daughter of a high-ranking executive. She had been polishing her credentials in the company for three years without a single transfer.

The customary weekly report followed immediately.

Usually, this was just a formality, with everyone casually sharing last week’s contract signing data, comparisons of competing projects, and promotional activities. The meeting room would fill with a harmonious “you’re good, I’m good, everybody’s good” atmosphere. But today felt different.

The presenter, coincidentally, was Wang Wandi again.

In the past, she would deliver this content as if chatting casually, but now, under the piercing gaze of Xiang Zheng’s bright, almond-shaped eyes that seemed to see through one’s soul, she found her palms sweating and her voice faltered.

Xiang Zheng’s slender fingers skillfully twirled a carbon-fiber pen before she calmly issued her instructions.

“Last week, Jinhai Real Estate’s new project grandly opened its sales office. Let me ask, who among us went for an on-site investigation?”

Xiang Zheng’s voice was low but carried a decisive weight that struck straight at everyone’s heart.

The salespeople all lowered their eyes, silent and uneasy. The room was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

After a long pause, a young salesperson in the corner slowly raised his hand. That lonely arm stood out in the oppressive stillness—among the seven or eight elite salespeople present, only he had ventured out.

“Was it an overt or covert investigation?” Xiang Zheng posed the sharp, soul-searching question again.

An overt investigation meant boldly revealing one’s identity to probe the situation. But the sales circle was small, and the person receiving you might easily be a former colleague. Due to competitive sensitivity, the information obtained was often superficial and worthless officialdom.

A covert investigation was entirely different: disguised as a hopeful prospective client, one would plunge into the sales office, uncovering many hidden truths.

Potential flaws in the housing, real discount secrets, seemingly low prices hiding sinister dual contracts, and even the tricks rivals used to close deals—all would be laid bare.

Xiang Zheng always favored covert investigations. Her strikingly beautiful and cool visage, paired with refined taste and poise, was normally an advantage. Yet, being so young, she was often mistaken for one of those gold-digging mistresses. She never minded, for every piece of explosive intelligence she brought back turned into rich commissions, rewarding her boldness and fearlessness.

The young salesperson, perhaps unnerved by Xiang Zheng’s intense scrutiny, flushed deeply and stammered, “Everyone always talks about General Manager Xiang’s legendary exploits. I... I thought I’d imitate her, dressing sharply in a suit to go undercover, but...”

Some who wear suits are either wealthy heirs or domineering CEOs; others are insurance salesmen or real estate agents. This salesperson was clearly the latter.

“I got caught chatting and was recognized, so...”

What remained in the report was naturally just the official, hollow praise broadcasted loudly by the media—empty and meaningless.

Xiang Zheng furrowed her brows slightly. She had no strong impression of this inexperienced face, surely a newcomer.

Youth was no excuse to shirk responsibility. At twenty-one, Xiang Zheng had already navigated cunning veterans with ease, allowing no room for such weak excuses.

“All sales staff, this afternoon you’re all going out to visit the sites. Move in groups, use your connections, and get moving quickly!”

Raising her elegant brows, her tone suddenly sharpened, “Seven Oaks Garden is down to its final phase, still based on the designs from four years ago. How can its product competitiveness compare to those newly emerging developments? We see the sales pace slowing this year. You can’t just stand by and watch clients get poached. We must devise an immediate, effective product packaging, pricing strategy, and promotional plan targeting the competitors. Don’t drop the ball!”

Everyone knew the new boss was lighting three fires upon taking office. This time was different, and all responded affirmatively.

Only Wang Wandi hesitated, frowning slightly as she hesitantly asked, “Sister Zheng, do I... really have to go?” In her heart, site visits were grueling, exhausting, and humiliating work she deeply wished to avoid.

Hearing this, Xiang Zheng slowly lifted her gaze and countered, “Why not? If anyone thinks it’s unnecessary to understand our competitors and can sell houses with their eyes closed, fine, then you don’t have to go. I won’t force you.”

Everyone knew Wang Wandi’s pitiful sales performance ranked near the bottom almost every month. It was an open secret that management occasionally had to parachute orders to bail her out. How could she possibly claim exemption from site visits?