Reborn As Super Heiress

Chapter 859: Chapter 855: Qiao Zhenhuan Calls

After the goods were delivered, Huo Sining had some free time and hadn’t yet decided what her next move would be when she received a call from an unknown number.

”Miss Huo, thanks to you, I got fired by my uncle. May I ask, when exactly is your antique shop opening? I’m almost starving here, you can’t expect me to starve to death, can you?”

Huo Sining had barely picked up the phone when the person on the other end started complaining unceremoniously, with a palpable sense of displeasure in their tone.

It took Huo Sining a few seconds to recognize the voice: ”You are... Qiao Zhenhuan?”

”Finally remembered? A week ago, you made an agreement with my uncle. I’ve already handed over my work as you wished and been kicked out by him. I’m homeless now. From your tone, it seems you’ve forgotten about our bet?”

Qiao Zhenhuan’s tone was mournful, with a trace of sarcasm.

Huo Sining felt a bit embarrassed. She had been busy with the balsam deal recently and indeed had forgotten about Qiao Zhenhuan. However, she didn’t care about how Qiao Zhenhuan felt. This guy was self-centered and had many schemes. She thought it wouldn’t hurt to let him wait a few days to humble him a bit.

”Since you’ve quit your job, come join mine. Prepare your resume and head to the Imperial Capital today. Contact me once you arrive. I’ll be there today and tomorrow.”

The last time Huo Sining was in the Imperial Capital, she came and went in a hurry. She didn’t have time to visit Gu and Lu and Huang’s families, nor to talk with Gu Xu about the Chicken Blood Stone mine. Now she could finally take a breather. Since she had to arrange matters for Qiao Zhenhuan, she decided to make another trip to the Imperial Capital.

Jin City was not far from the Imperial Capital. As it was a last-minute decision, Huo Sining didn’t go to the airport but headed straight to the train station, where she bought a high-speed rail ticket to the Imperial Capital.

Upon arrival, Huo Sining contacted Li Quan directly. He had been in the Imperial Capital these days, managing the Jade Beauty branch with Jiang Xiaoqin, and overseeing the renovation of the antique shop in Liulichang. The renovations were nearly complete, and since Huo Sining hadn’t checked it out yet, she planned to visit this time.

After meeting up with Li Quan and Jiang Xiaoqin, the three took a cab to Liulichang.

Over the past half year, Li Quan had changed a lot after being involved in the company’s management and operations, becoming more stable and mature.

”I heard you brought your grandmother to the Imperial Capital?” Huo Sining asked with a smile.

Li Quan nodded: ”My grandmother is old now. Working here, I rarely get a chance to visit her or take care of her, so I brought her over. At least I can accompany her after work every day.”

Huo Sining laughed: ”That sounds great. How’s your place now?”

At this question, Li Quan felt a bit embarrassed: ”Living in the Imperial Capital is expensive. Rent is high. For now, I’ve only found a place to make do. I’ll move once I find something suitable.”

”No need to look anymore. Once the antique shop is renovated, you and your grandmother can stay at the Liulichang back courtyard. Though it’s not spacious, there’s enough room for a few people. You can both live there. Also, I’ve hired an FCA Ph.D.-level appraiser to join us. You can learn from each other and oversee the shop’s daily operations normally.”

Huo Sining had always been good to her employees. Wu Jun, who had been with her for a long time, was practically her right-hand man. Naturally, she relied on Wu Jun, and wasn’t stingy in rewarding him, including taking meticulous care of his sister Wu Ya, and planning to give Wu Jun a house at the end of the year.

Of course, she hadn’t mentioned the house to Wu Jun yet, intending to surprise him at year-end.

Though Li Quan hadn’t been with her as long as Wu Jun, she didn’t favor any employee over another. Li Quan was smart, had a talent for appraisal, and was humble and steadfast; hence, Huo Sining was willing to rely on him and didn’t mind rewarding him generously once he achieved results.

But Qiao Zhenhuan was different. He had many flaws and liked to be smart. People like him’d require a lengthy test before becoming a trusted member of Huo Sining’s team.

Though she didn’t voice this thought, Li Quan’s interpretation turned out differently.

”A Ph.D.?!” Both Li Quan and Jiang Xiaoqin, whose education levels weren’t very high, were startled hearing Huo Sining mention a Ph.D. They exchanged concerned glances.

They had planned numerous things for the antique shop’s opening, but now hearing that a Ph.D. would join, they immediately felt threatened.

Compared to a returned Ph.D., they felt inadequate with their mere middle and high school diplomas. It dawned on them that this Ph.D. would probably be the store manager, relegating them to assistants.

Feeling disappointed, their previous efforts suddenly seemed pointless.

Huo Sining, skilled in reading expressions, noticed the drastic change in their demeanor. She smiled and explained:

”I’ve stated my promise. You’ll still manage the antique shop. This Ph.D. will follow your instructions. If needed, just ask him to do it. Don’t feel insecure or awkward!”

”Really?” Li Quan, puzzled, said shyly, ”Miss Huo, isn’t it inappropriate for us to command a Ph.D. around? It’s a waste of talent.”

Huo Sining couldn’t help but glare at Li Quan: ”There’s nothing inappropriate. He’s an employee like anyone else. Treat him equally! You’ve been with Jade Beauty for long enough to know this - being a boss isn’t about doing everything yourself but utilizing talent effectively.”

”But, he’s still a Ph.D. Would he be willing to be managed by uneducated folks like us? What if he quits?” Li Quan remained doubtful.

Huo Sining’s eyes glinted mischievously: ”Quit? He wouldn’t dare. He’s bound by honor. If he quits, I’ll make sure he’s ostracized in this field!”

Sitting in the airport lounge, Qiao Zhenhuan suddenly sneezed for no apparent reason.