Chapter 104: A Dinner Invitation

Zhang Wei had no objection to Fang Wenjun’s proposal. After all, the commission from renting out a single apartment wasn’t substantial, and splitting it between two people made it even less appealing.

“Alright, I agree with your idea. Whoever finds a suitable three-bedroom and closes the deal with the client will have that sale credited to them,” Zhang Wei responded.

“Since it’s a team competition, there should be some incentive!” Liu Ziqi, ever the instigator, chimed in.

“Ziqi, stop stirring trouble. Zhang Wei and I are splitting clients to improve efficiency. We’re colleagues in the same office; there’s no need for competition,” Fang Wenjun tugged at Liu Ziqi’s arm, signaling her to stop making a fuss.

Zhang Wei wasn’t particularly interested in Liu Ziqi’s idea of team competition either. He didn’t believe a small rental deal could truly reflect an agent’s capability, nor did it represent the honor of a team. So, he simply ignored Liu Ziqi’s suggestion.

“Tch, you two are no fun. Without some stakes, where’s the motivation? Adding a bit of fun while working isn’t a bad thing,” Liu Ziqi said with a dissatisfied lift of her chin.

Before she could continue, Su Ning emerged from the office, clapping her hands. “Everyone, pause your work. It’s getting late, time to prepare for the evening meeting.”

Originally, Su Ning’s and Xu Ming’s two teams held separate meetings, but Su Ning felt that would harm the unity of the office and might create a rift between the teams. So, she proposed a joint meeting, with hosting duties alternating between herself and Xu Ming.

Tonight happened to be Su Ning’s turn. She gathered all the agents and took a seat at the front, holding a black leather notebook. Seeing everyone ready, she announced, “Alright, let’s start the meeting.”

“Everyone, summarize today’s work. Those who showed properties, report on that. If you didn’t, share any new listings you found. After all, you’ve worked all day; there should be some results,” Su Ning tapped her notebook with a fine pen.

After a moment of silence, she furrowed her brow. “Wenjun, didn’t you and Zhang Wei show a client a property today? You start.”

“We did. The client was satisfied with the house but thought the price was a bit high, so we didn’t close the deal then. When we contacted the owner again this evening, the apartment had already been rented out,” Fang Wenjun lowered her head and recounted.

“So, what’s your plan for this client? Do you have other listings?” Su Ning’s face remained composed as she asked.

“Oh, Zhang Wei and I think it’s inefficient to show clients together. We want to split up; whoever closes the deal gets the credit,” Fang Wenjun replied.

“Showing clients together is normal. Why would that be inefficient? What’s the main reason?” Su Ning was puzzled.

Since Su Ning had suggested Zhang Wei and Fang Wenjun work together, and now they wanted to split up after less than a day, she felt a bit uneasy and wanted to understand why.

“Sister Su, isn’t it obvious? The deal is too small; splitting the commission means too little reward,” Liu Ziqi said bluntly.

“Is that what you two think?” Su Ning asked.

“More or less. We’re used to working solo and have our own styles. I also think splitting up is better,” Fang Wenjun said, somewhat reserved in front of Su Ning, though Zhang Wei wouldn’t mind admitting it.

“Manager Su, since they both feel that way, let them split the clients,” Xu Ming agreed.

Xu Ming had also considered having the two work together this morning but hadn’t insisted, so he was more accepting of the arrangement than Su Ning.

“Since Manager Xu says so, we’ll go with your plan,” Su Ning consented.

“Sister Su, since they’re from two different teams but working on the same client, how about treating it as a competition between the teams?” Liu Ziqi proposed again.

Hearing this, Su Ning frowned. She had just encouraged the two to cooperate in the morning, and now they were splitting up. This already embarrassed her. If she accepted the idea of a team competition as well, it would make her seem inconsistent, as if she were contradicting herself.

“That’s not a bad idea. I agree,” Xu Ming’s eyes glittered with a shrewd gleam. Experienced and sharp, he immediately sensed Su Ning’s awkward predicament and seized this chance to undermine her authority.

“In my opinion, whoever closes the deal brings honor to the team, and the one who doesn’t has to treat the other to a meal. How about that?” Liu Ziqi, carefree and fond of mischief, didn’t notice Su Ning’s discomfort and continued her suggestion.

“Ziqi, stop stirring things up. You’re just putting more pressure on Wenjun,” Han Xue, one of the “Five Golden Flowers,” nudged Liu Ziqi’s arm.

Han Xue, delicate and tall, usually quiet, was sharply perceptive. She immediately recognized Su Ning’s situation and promptly stopped Liu Ziqi’s antics.

“Hey, I think this suggestion is good. Colleagues should maintain unity but also have healthy competition at work. Only then can we all improve. I support Liu Ziqi’s idea,” Xu Ming smiled.

As a store manager, Xu Ming’s words carried weight. Li Lin and Wang Jianfa also expressed support. Even if Su Ning wanted to oppose, she couldn’t. Reluctantly, she agreed.

Zhang Wei found it somewhat amusing that a simple rental deal had turned into a team competition. Yet, since the idea came from Xu Ming, even if he felt reluctant, he wouldn’t bring it up at the meeting. Otherwise, he’d be publicly contradicting his manager, which was not like the carefree Liu Ziqi.

After the meeting, Zhang Wei wrote a few hundred words summarizing his work in the housing system. It was almost time to eat, so he and Wang Jianfa left the Zhongtong office together. Wang Jianfa’s wife happened to arrive then.

Her name was Zhao Ting. She was short, with slightly dark skin but a pretty, delicate face. Sharp and capable, she was more assertive than Wang Jianfa, practically having him wrapped around her finger.

After greeting Zhao Ting, Zhang Wei smiled and asked, “Sister-in-law, what do you want to eat? It’s on me.”

“I’m fine with anything. You two decide,” Zhao Ting smiled. Though strict with Wang Jianfa at home, she always gave her husband face in front of others, which was her cleverness.

“How about barbecue skewers?” Zhang Wei suggested since Zhao Ting didn’t offer an opinion, and he wasn’t going to be shy with Wang Jianfa.

“What’s so good about barbecue? Let’s go to Jingxuan Zhai for Buddha Jumps Over the Wall! They have a chef from Hong Kong, and the flavor is authentic,” Wang Jianfa countered.

“Weren’t you a fan of beer and barbecue before? Why don’t you want to go today?” Zhang Wei asked.

“I was poor back then and couldn’t afford anything else. Now that I’m rich, who wants to eat street food?” Wang Jianfa laughed. “You’re a wealthy man driving a BMW now; if I don’t take advantage, who will? Besides, I probably won’t be around to treat you much longer.”

“What do you mean by that?” Zhang Wei asked in surprise.

“Zhao Ting and I have decided to return to our hometown to get married. After that… we probably won’t be coming back to the capital,” Wang Jianfa said with a hint of sadness.

“Could it be that what I feared is really happening? Wang Min left, and now Jianfa is leaving too,” Zhang Wei’s heart sank as he sighed deeply.