d Su Cen, slapping them down on the table: "Here, let's check your answers. I'll see which problems you've done, and maybe even give you some review suggestions!"Cheng Yun and her sister Cheng Lan, wh...Chapter Thirty-Eight: A Better Quality of Life

The headquarters of Faceplate Chinese in Yiluo Tower had been renovated shortly after the recruitment in July. Su Cen put a lot of effort into it and envisioned that the office should be simple yet meticulous in detail. The important departments' offices were all uniformly made with tempered glass steel frames, light-steel trusses, plywood, soundproof cotton partitions, and venetian blinds to ensure adequate lighting while also maintaining privacy when needed.

The partition in the main hall used low partitions, although many well-known companies opted for full-height partitions. Full-height partitions made offices look grander, more elegant, and better reflected corporate culture.

However, from Su Cen's perspective, except for the necessity of essential office spaces, low partitions in the main hall could provide a clear view, better reflecting Faceplate Chinese’s "simplicity" ethos.

Upon entering the Faceplate Chinese headquarters, one would see an orderly and beautiful layout. The vast office space felt majestic. At this moment, slanting sunlight poured through the windows, with golden particles like fine gold dust slowly covering the office area, resembling a gossamer veil woven from gold threads.

Su Cen couldn't help but wonder how many people would sit there under the sun and illuminate their workstations at night as they contributed to building China's vast internet network. They would start their day here and work alongside this massive project towards tomorrow.

Although there were only fifty new employees, compared with such a grand headquarters, it did feel somewhat desolate. However, every startup team starts small, and Su Cen looked forward to the moment when Faceplate Chinese's staff would fill up the place.

To celebrate the establishment of Faceplate Chinese, the American Facebook headquarters had dispatched several core members led by Dustin, who arrived in Shanghai a few days ago.

Dustin informed Su Cen that Mark Zuckerberg couldn't make it to China temporarily as he needed to handle affairs at the headquarters and attend a Dow Jones conference. However, he expressed his desire to visit and mentioned American girl Catherine, saying she had initially been on the list but declined due to work.

When Dustin said this with an ambiguous smile, Su Cen couldn't help recalling the charming moments in that small corner of Stanford. He coughed twice before changing the subject.

In Palo Alto days, Dustin picked up Su Cen in a second-hand Ford Mustang he had bought from California's market. Back then, Facebook was just a handful of people, more like a studio. Who would have thought that their lives changed so drastically thereafter The headquarters in Palo Alto now featured fireproof carpets and became a place for both work and revelry.

Su Cen returned to China with his studies and career on the go.

Now, they met in China and were naturally excited to see each other. Qiao Shuxin even gave Su Cun a warm embrace. During the period when Dustin was preparing for employee training at Facebook's Chinese office, he also shared some stories about Facebook's headquarters in America, which were very engaging.

Today marked the first day of operations for Facebook China, and almost all of the initial team members had gathered in the conference hall. Su Cun would give a speech to kick off the first day at Facebook China.

"I see that many of our new employees are still not fully engaged and lack confidence. Don't be surprised if I'm direct; it's mainly because I have doubts about you. You should go in and talk with them for a bit, Qiao Shuxin advised Su Cun while presenting his report. Although the fifty interviewees were all thoroughly vetted through three rounds of interviews by two people personally overseeing the recruitment process, once the team was assembled, there were still some additional issues to address.

Among these new hires, those recruited from campus and others who came from prestigious foreign companies or had relevant experience found Su Cun's youth surprising. They also questioned his qualifications given that he was a college student at Nanjing University.

But if someone so young could establish Facebook as a social platform, especially while still an undergraduate, it inevitably raised some doubts among the recruits. Many came to Facebook China because of its reputation in America, but Su Cun's youth cast doubt on his ability to lead.

"That’s normal; I can’t expect everyone to be so devoted and impressed with me from day one." From the moment he entered Facebook headquarters earlier, many people had been eyeing him. During the final round of interviews, Su Cun sat at the back and seemed inconspicuous. He only asked questions to a few candidates, making it hard for others to guess his identity.

Afterward, word spread about Su Cun’s identity, naturally drawing much attention from people around him.

The conference hall was about to hold its first official meeting after the intensive preparation; Su Cun needed to boost everyone's morale.

Lin Guangdong came out of the door and motioned for Su Cun with a nod, signaling that preparations were complete. At this moment, Jiang Ming from Bolo Media in a light blue suit stood at the entrance and nodded to Su Cun, unaware she had already captured many people's attention.

Su Cun and Qiao Shuxin entered one after another; Qiao stayed behind, signaling for Su Cun to go up first.

Before him were nearly fifty men and women of various ages. The group didn't appear imposing in number but their presence was enough to make Su Cun feel nervous. Facebook China’s employees gazed openly at this boss they had heard so much about, stripping away the mystique that contributed to his authority.

The audience was not ordinary; there were graduates from Tsinghua University and other highly accomplished individuals with foreign company experience or deep family backgrounds among the new hires. Who would believe a first-year college student, barely twenty years old, could lead this diverse group of talented people

In traditional Chinese notions, the image of a leader is one of solemn dignity and shrewdness, like an old ginger root. Su Cen clearly does not fit the mold created by these traditional ideas. Of course, it's unlikely that Su Cen would point his nose at many people present and tell them, "Don't be不服氣 (disgruntled), I'm actually older than you."

Everyone watches Su Cen expectantly, their eyes sparkling with interest, as if hoping to hear him expound on some grand plan.

In fact, aside from a few who are truly fresh out of university and full of憧憬 (yearning) for their future life and work, along with some women who are extremely curious about Su Cen and have great好感 (favorable feelings) or ambitions towards him as this so-called diamond man, most people are just going through the motions.

There are also veterans in the workplace who know that when a leader is speaking, it's necessary to look directly at them and pretend to take notes seriously. Even if your mind is filled with thoughts of pornographic magazines or you're drawing turtles on your notebook, it's often such details before superiors that can yield unexpected results. There are many examples in Chinese officialdom and workplaces where people have been favored by their superiors for these kinds of behaviors.

Therefore, although there is great doubt towards Su Cen, nobody openly displays any inner thoughts. Instead, they all think it's yet another standard high-and-mighty speech from a superior before adjourning.

"I know that today, regardless of what I say up here, whether it’s pompous or not, you will clap and cheer," Su Cen said looking at the eager eyes below him. "Deep down, you must be thinking to yourselves that as an inexperienced youngster compared to many of those present in terms of both age and experience, why should I assume such a presumptuous air of leadership"

Laughter immediately broke out in the hall, with many people blushing; clearly Su Cen's words touched upon their thoughts but they would never admit it.

Su Cen then walked down from the stage and entered among the rows of tables in the conference hall, standing amidst the crowd. "Indeed, most of you present are more experienced and knowledgeable than I am in terms of seniority, experience, technical skills, etc., so speaking to you up there is clearly inappropriate. Personally speaking, I also shouldn't be leading anyone."

Many were confused; this was the first time the highest leader had spoken, yet it seemed as though he intended to卸下擔子 (abdicate responsibility). But his actions were strangely novel and fresh, coming from a young founder with an enigmatic background who gave an unprecedented inauguration speech.

The more experienced individuals present narrowed their eyes, finding Su Cen intriguing. He didn't seem the immature and inexperienced figure they had imagined.

Lin Guangdong was somewhat puzzled; he thought that trying to win people over with a friendly approach could be done anytime but not now, as it was crucial to establish authority. New leaders needed to start off strong, establishing their dominance or else internal strife within the company would run rampant.

Jiang Ming, vice president of Pineapple Media, glanced at Lin Guangdong, her lake-like eyes revealing a hint of worry.

"I said that I don't lead everyone; within this company, everything is as simple as what we have now. I am the nominal CEO leader, but in fact, I serve you all. Whether it's promotion, advertising, customer service, architecture, marketing or any other position within the company, if you need something, reach out and I'll provide the resources you require. Everything revolves around driving the entire team forward and achieving our ultimate goals. In Chinese Facebook, roles are clearly defined and there are differences in responsibilities, but office politics has no place here. Privately, we're friends who can enjoy each other's company, which is why I set up a bar and game room at the entrance; you can fully enjoy all the benefits that Chinese Facebook offers. But when it comes to work, focus solely on your job. Some of you are recent graduates stepping into society for the first time, some have wives and children, some struggle to buy homes, while others strive for money to feed their babies. Our common goal is to live a better life."

Su Can pointed at one person among them who was blushing; he was a senior from Nan Da University. "You want to earn enough money to buy an apartment in this city and get married." Everyone gave the embarrassed graduate a friendly smile.

Su Can then pointed at another man in his thirties who seemed somewhat arrogant, saying, "You need to earn money to purchase a decent car."

The man smiled. "I already have a car; now I’m earning money for my child’s milk formula."

Su Can ignored the laughter and nodded seriously. "Therefore, our core principle is simplicity: clear interpersonal relationships and straightforward work responsibilities. Focus your energy on your job. We are a team that needs someone to lead the charge in buying homes, earning money for cars or supporting families, while ensuring no one stabs us from behind!"

The laughter abruptly stopped.

Many people began to take it seriously; this was a real issue. How many of them had not struggled through being sold out and counting the money Some who left their respected multinational corporations or large state-owned enterprises to join Chinese Facebook saw it as a descent into a different kind of life, but how much of that was due to sheer exhaustion

But Su Can’s words felt refreshing.

"I won't talk about empty ideals or say how we will change the world around us. I’ll just focus on making every team member's life a little better: enabling our people to afford homes, drive nice cars, and have assets for their old age. We'll compete for resources, money, and territory—yes, in essence, my hope is that future Chinese Facebook will be an extraordinary company where even the most basic employee can become a millionaire." By the time Su Can finished speaking, he had walked around the entire venue before taking his final bow.

The applause started off sparse but quickly turned thunderous; although it was chaotic in rhythm, it lasted for a long time without stopping.

Due to recent difficulties with updates and some personal matters, I must apologize. I know that no amount of apologies can ease everyone's frustration, so the only thing left is to push myself harder to write more updates.

No further words needed; hand over your metaphorical whip and go ahead and use it as you see fit! Midnight sobs!Hai's real estate circles and even served as a city People's Congress Representative; at this moment, her demeanor remained quite steady despite apologizing. Her words carried an implicit tone that br...