Chapter 117: Selection of the District Manager

The so-called signing intention fee refers to a sum of money a client pays in advance to the agency to demonstrate their genuine interest in purchasing a property. If during negotiations the property owner agrees to sign the contract under the stipulated terms, this intention fee can then be converted into a deposit paid to the owner.

Chen Sixuan hesitated for a moment but quickly agreed to Zhang Wei’s proposal. She truly liked this type of unit, and if she could secure a high-floor apartment, she would not hesitate to place a reservation.

Before bringing the client, Zhang Wei had thoroughly prepared, bringing along various contracts. After finding the rental intention letter in a kraft paper bag, he wrote Chen Sixuan’s requirements on it and signed it according to standard procedures.

After signing the rental intention letter, Chen Sixuan promised to transfer the 10,000 yuan intention fee to the account designated by Zhang Wei as soon as possible. The three then drove away from Lecheng Residence, with Aben dropping Zhang Wei off on the way at the Mingmen Grand Hotel.

By the time Zhang Wei drove back to Yayuan Community from the Mingmen Grand Hotel, it was nearly ten o’clock at night. He noticed that the Zhongtong store was still open, but having been exhausted from a full day, he had no interest in checking who was still there.

The next day, the sky was overcast with endless dark clouds, rain drizzling continuously, and distant thunder rolling. Yet, the rain had washed the air clean and fresh. Upon stepping out of the hallway, Zhang Wei opened his newly purchased umbrella and took a deep breath of the refreshing air.

Zhang Wei had overslept again that morning, arriving at the Zhongtong store close to nine o’clock. However, only half of the staff had arrived, evidently delayed by the heavy rain.

Assistant Wen Fang had come early. Zhang Wei greeted her, clocked in with a fingerprint scan, and handed her the rental intention letter he signed the previous day for safekeeping—one of her main duties.

Zhang Wei particularly enjoyed gloomy rainy weather in summer. Not only did it chase away the summer heat, but it also provided a perfect excuse to be lazy. Since he had no pressing tasks today, and such weather was unsuitable for community promotions, he contemplated finding an excuse to go home and catch some extra sleep.

However, his pleasant thoughts were soon shattered. It was the fifteenth—the day for salary distribution. Traditionally, employees collected their wages around noon at the regional manager’s store.

At exactly nine o’clock, Xu Ming stood up, clapped his hands, and smiled: “Everyone, finish up your current tasks. We’ll head to the district office to pick up our wages at nine-thirty.”

“Brother Xu, why so early this time? Didn’t we usually go around eleven? I guess the district assistant hasn’t brought the money back yet,” Guo Bin asked eagerly, always particularly excited on payday.

“Brother Han just told me to hold a brief meeting when we collect wages this time. We must all be there before ten. Anyone late will be fined one by one,” Xu Ming explained with a grin.

The “Brother Han” Xu Ming mentioned was Regional Manager Han Zhong, the direct superior of Xu Ming and Su Ning. Han was about to be promoted to Regional Director, leaving the regional manager position vacant. He wielded significant authority in the region.

“What? Brother Han wants another meeting? Didn’t he just hold one a few days ago? Why again so soon?” Liu Ziqi closed her notebook and tossed her pen on the table, her round face scrunching as if she had just tasted something bitter.

“Exactly! Brother Han’s meetings always last hours. Doesn’t he give us a break?” Li Lin also voiced her grievance.

Not just the two of them, but all the sales agents, including Zhang Wei, wore expressions of dread. The thought of enduring the old monk’s long sermons for several hours dampened their joy of payday.

“Alright, seeing all your faces, once Brother Han is promoted, you won’t even qualify to attend his meetings if you keep this up,” Xu Ming teased sternly.

When Xu Ming first entered the real estate agency business, Han Zhong was his first store manager—he had been personally trained by Han and held deep gratitude for him.

Though Xu Ming found Han’s long-windedness tiresome and occasionally grumbled privately, he could not tolerate anyone speaking ill of his old boss. At such moments, his usually stern face would fall.

“You have twenty minutes to finish your current work. If anyone is late, don’t blame me when your salary gets docked,” Xu Ming warned with no room for argument.

“Brother Xu, do I have to go today?” Wen Fang asked, puzzled. Assistants operated on a different system than ordinary sales agents and often did not join them.

“You’re coming too. Consider it a farewell to Brother Han,” Xu Ming nodded.

Hearing this, no one dared complain further. Though still frustrated, they hurried to finish their work; otherwise, if Brother Han’s meeting dragged on for hours, everything would be delayed.

Half an hour later, led by the store manager, two groups of sales agents set out punctually. Normally, they took taxis to collect their wages, but this time Zhang Wei drove his BMW 730, so there was no need for a taxi.

Zhang Wei parked his BMW at the door, and everyone admired the elegant car body. Xu Ming promptly took the front passenger seat. Li Lin pulled Wen Fang into the BMW, leaving only one seat remaining.

Wang Jianfa and Guo Bin stood outside, both hesitant to get in. Wang was righteous and worried that Guo Bin would lose face if he took the seat first. Guo Bin, on the other hand, did not get along well with Zhang Wei and felt awkward to get in ahead of Wang.

“Stop standing there. Call Store Manager Su Ning over. You two will take a taxi later,” Xu Ming rolled down the window, gesturing at the two men outside.

Xu Ming had no choice; there were five sales agents in their group. If four rode in the BMW and one took a taxi, it would be unfair and risk isolating that person. So he decided both would take taxis.

“Zhang Wei, unity is the most important thing in a store. You should communicate more with your colleagues. Guo Bin is a bit impatient but hardworking. Learn to tolerate him,” Xu Ming said earnestly as he closed the window.

Zhang Wei was momentarily taken aback by Xu Ming’s words. Though they seemed straightforward, on reflection, it was as if Xu Ming already regarded him as the future Zhongtong store manager. Otherwise, why advise him to tolerate a colleague? If both were ordinary salespeople, there would be no need for such guidance.

“Brother Xu, are you sure about becoming regional manager?” Zhang Wei asked.

Since nearly fainting last time, Zhang Wei had refrained from using his mind-reading ability unless there was a clear benefit. So he did not probe Xu Ming’s thoughts but asked directly.

His question was tactfully worded. He did not ask why Xu Ming treated him like a store manager but whether Xu Ming was moving up to regional manager. If Xu Ming were not, he would not be freeing up the store manager position.

“Haha... When the time is right, you’ll know,” Xu Ming said, patting Zhang Wei’s shoulder with a confident smile. Though not explicitly stated, his expression said plenty.

“So, Brother Xu really is going to be regional manager. Will my store manager position be confirmed? And how does Brother Xu have such confidence to beat other competitor managers?” Zhang Wei furrowed his brow, pondering silently.

Wen Fang and Li Lin sat in the back seat, listening closely to the conversation. Wen Fang’s face showed surprise, while Li Lin appeared unfazed, as if she had known all along.

“Many clients have been received in the BMW, but this is my first time riding in one,” Su Ning’s voice came from outside just as Zhang Wei was lost in thought. She opened the door and got in.

At first, Su Ning had not intended to ride in Zhang Wei’s BMW. Though not a jealous person, she felt uneasy sitting in a car belonging to another group’s sales agent. But since Xu Ming asked Wang Jianfa and Guo Bin to invite her, she could not refuse their kindness.

“Having a beauty like Store Manager Su in my BMW makes this car truly shine,” Zhang Wei chuckled, greeting the other colleagues outside before stepping on the gas and driving off. The remaining Zhongtong agents stood in the rain, staring with wide eyes, still waiting for a ride.