Chapter 44: A New Beginning

Jiang Han's parents' voices and smiles appeared in his mind as he answered the reporter's question, "Our head office is in Hedong. The company was founded by my father, and I am in charge of the branch office's business."

The reporter's curiosity deepened as he observed Jiang Han closely. "You look even younger than most of these job seekers. It's impressive that you're taking on such a huge responsibility at such a young age."

Jiang Han simply shrugged. "It's nothing."

The reporter pressed further, "Mr. Jiang, offering a monthly salary of 4,000 is rare for a job fair like this. Is this just a marketing gimmick?"

Jiang Han smirked slightly. "I don't need gimmicks. In half a year, everyone in China will know about Huaifeng Company."

The sheer confidence in his words left the reporter stunned. Half a year? That was an audacious claim. Could this company really achieve such fame in such a short time?

Still trying to wrap his head around Jiang Han's boldness, the reporter asked, "This job fair runs for three days. What qualifications do job seekers need to be considered for your company?"

Expecting rigorous selection criteria, the reporter braced himself for the answer.

Jiang Han thought for a moment before responding, "A bachelor's degree. And the courage to take on challenges."

That was it?

The reporter was dumbfounded. That was all it took? No extensive experience requirements, no connections—just education and drive?

For a moment, he thought about his own situation. He had spent years working as a low-paid reporter, struggling to climb the ranks in a foreign-owned media company. He hesitated before lowering his voice and asking in a barely audible whisper, "Uh… Mr. Jiang, does your company hire media professionals?"

Jiang Han smirked but didn't respond.

---

A Long but Rewarding Day

The day flew by in a blur. By 7 p.m., after interviewing the last candidate, Su Qingyi slumped into her chair, utterly exhausted.

She glanced at the towering pile of resumes on the desk and let out a small chuckle. "I didn't expect our company to be this popular!"

Jiang Han leaned back, stretching his arms. "Money can make a ghost work."

That day alone, they had received over 900 resumes and had personally interviewed more than 200 people.

Among them, over 50 candidates were graduates from prestigious 985 and 211 universities, making them top-tier talents in the country.

Flipping through the resumes, Su Qingyi was amazed. There weren't just fresh graduates with stellar academic records—many of the applicants had substantial experience in marketing as well.

"Boss, I never thought we'd attract talent from elite schools so easily!" she exclaimed.

Jiang Han nodded in satisfaction. Huaifeng's reputation was already growing.

Just then, a loud grumble interrupted the conversation.

Su Qingyi's stomach.

She turned beet red and quickly looked away.

Jiang Han smirked. "Hungry?"

She pursed her lips and nodded shyly.

"Let's go," Jiang Han said as he stood up, stretching. "Dinner's on me."

Su Qingyi's face lit up. Her eyes turned into crescent moons as she playfully patted Jiang Han's shoulder. "I didn't expect our boss to be this considerate."

Jiang Han grinned and casually slung an arm over her shoulder. "Of course. I'm handsome, rich, and generous. Are you falling for me already?"

Su Qingyi's face turned scarlet. She quickly shoved his arm away and muttered, "Stop being annoying. I'm starving."

---

A Simple Dinner, A Different Jiang Han

Thirty minutes later, they found themselves in a small Mala Tang shop.

Su Qingyi eagerly picked up a fish ball with her chopsticks and popped it into her mouth.

"Ahh—hot! Hot!" she yelped, quickly fanning her mouth with her hand.

Jiang Han burst out laughing. It was the first time he had seen the usually composed Su Qingyi in such an embarrassing situation.

"I never thought the ice-cold goddess from our class would have this side to her."

Despite her humble background, Su Qingyi was known for her stunning looks. She had a natural elegance that made her stand out even in simple clothing.

During university, she had always kept her distance from Jiang Han, seeing him as a playboy. Now, things had changed.

"If Li Chengcheng saw this, he'd probably stop chasing you," Jiang Han teased.

Li Chengcheng had been pursuing Su Qingyi since freshman year.

Rolling her eyes, Su Qingyi shot back, "I don't care about him."

She took another bite but suddenly paused. After spending more time with Jiang Han, she realized that he wasn't the arrogant flirt he used to be. He had changed—he was more mature, considerate, and focused.

At that moment, Jiang Han's phone rang.

"Yes, yes. Have their ashes buried in the Lake Heart Cemetery," he said before quickly hanging up.

Hearing his words, Su Qingyi froze.

Her chopsticks hovered in the air.

After a long pause, she hesitantly asked, "Did… your family pass away?"

Jiang Han took a sip of beer, his gaze darkening. "Yeah. My parents had a car accident not long ago."

Su Qingyi's heart clenched. So that's why he changed.

She had heard rumors that Jiang Han's family owned a successful computer manufacturing business. Now, she finally understood the truth behind his transformation.

"I'm sorry…" she whispered.

Jiang Han let out a slow breath. "I wasn't a good son. I never truly appreciated them. And when they left, I finally understood what it meant to regret."

For the first time, Su Qingyi saw him in a different light. This wasn't the carefree Jiang Han from their school days.

No matter how much money a person had, in the end, family was irreplaceable.