Chapter 900: Sometimes Being Too Smart Can Be Lonely

Three days later, the first Xia Country Fashion Show concluded, causing quite a stir among enthusiasts.

Though it couldn’t compare to the traditional big shows abroad, considering it was the first show organized by the local fashion tribe, its standard was commendable and deserving of recognition; one shouldn’t set expectations too high.

Of course, a single show alone couldn’t completely transform the fashion tribe brand, it could only enhance its image and visibility to a certain extent. This is the path of rise for many big brands, you have to take it one step at a time and not expect to achieve everything all at once.

In comparison, Nanaz’s popularity in the circle soared.

Whether speaking as a founder or walking the runway as a model, Nanaz’s performance at the show was exceptional.

A young girl like this, who founded her own brand right after graduating from university, while her peers were securing stable jobs or working for private firms, she carved out a unique path, embodying what many aspiring trendsetters longed for.

Moreover, this girl was beautiful, independent, and had a distinctive personality.

So, she easily became an idol for this group.

After the fashion show, Nanaz was somewhat at the center of attention, any post she made on a forum would receive a huge response, indicating her high popularity.

Additionally, the Qilu girl also became the main topic in the class group chat during this period.

Milk Candy: “Nanaz, I watched the video of the fashion show your company organized. You’re so stylish and incredibly cool, just like a domineering female CEO in a pocket novel [face palm].”

Single Nobility: “I didn’t expect that apart from our class leader, there’s also a talent like Nanaz in our class. Nanaz was really overlooked during our university days [smile].”

Sakura Blossom: “No worries, there are many late bloomers, besides Nanaz is still young!”

Nanaz: “You all flatter me, I’m not that amazing [cover mouth].”

Old Hou: “Nanaz, stop being so modest, alright? Oh, by the way, I heard the class leader invested in your company, is that true?”

Nanaz: “Well, okay, that’s true.”

Old Hou: “Class leader’s vision is truly sharp [thumbs up].”

Future Hed Tycoon: “Of course, our Third Brother knew Nanaz would achieve great things [silver laugh].”

Misty Dawn: “I really envy Nanaz, I hope I can become like her someday, but I don’t know how much longer I have to work hard [cry hard].”

Disturbing Dreams: “Wow, Ah Xi, you want to start your own business too? If you succeed, our class would have another strong woman, putting us guys to shame?”

“…”

The university class group chat was always lively during off-hours.

Su Zelin was also at his computer watching the chat group, but this time he chose to be a quiet bystander without speaking up.

He stayed like this until Qin Shiqing walked into the office, then he closed QQ and the computer.

After graduation, Nanaz overshadowed everyone except himself, even Ah Xi seemed to fade into the background, something those university classmates probably never expected.

…

In late July, New Era welcomed two pieces of good news.

The first one— the first office building at the new headquarters was successfully handed over.

However, it just meant the construction team completed the task on schedule, and it couldn’t be officially used yet.

After all, the construction team only completed the main structure and exterior wall decoration; the interior was still rough and needed time for finishing, but it was expected to be ready for moving in before the year’s end, ending the days of renting office space at Dingsheng Mansion.

The second piece of good news was particularly exciting for long-time employees.

The first batch of employee apartments, totaling more than 500 units, was completed, and aside from important management, the main recipients of purchase slots were the company’s long-standing employees.

These apartments were company-sponsored housing, with the company working with banks to offer ultra-low down payment loan plans, allowing every eligible employee to afford a home.

Su Zelin didn’t need to buy, as he was both the company’s big boss and a senior executive, he could be directly assigned a housing unit. Brother Xiao Yang and Kang Baohong similarly had this status, though both had already bought homes elsewhere.

Managers from various departments and some important special positions could receive company housing subsidies, such as exempting the down payment with only the subsequent mortgage payments needed.

Song Yuwei also received such a special allocation, as she was promoted to deputy director of the operations department, thus considered part of the management team.

Though she already had a house at West Lake. Impression Wind and Moon, this incredibly valuable employee apartment was impossible to pass up, the price was low, the company helped with the down payment, and living in the apartment would definitely make commuting more convenient, like going home for a great nap during lunch break instead of resting at the office.

Of course, buying an employee apartment wasn’t without conditions, besides identity and seniority, one had to sign a lifetime employment contract with the company, binding the employee until their retirement at New Era, as the company couldn’t let you buy a house only to have you quit in a few years, which would completely negate the benefit.

These employment contracts were legal, provided they were mutually agreed upon by the company and employees, with no deceit or coercion involved.

Few were willing to sign such contracts, since spanning decades from work to retirement, many might face better opportunities and choose to switch jobs.

However, nearly all New Era employees who got housing slots signed, as the employee apartments were incredibly valuable, almost half the price of equivalent-quality houses on the market, saving potentially tens of thousands, making it a hard-to-resist benefit.