Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten-Chapter 198: Jiang Jingshi’s Longing

Three days after the graduation ceremony.

Outside the hallway of the General Manager’s office at Zhengshi Company, Jiang Jingshi entered the office by inputting the password. She opened the window, as part of her daily routine, to ventilate Lin Zhengran’s office. Then, she stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the vast city before her.

Two years ago, after a discussion with Lin Zhengran, they decided that Zhengshi Company's headquarters would be established in a seven-story building south of Zitong City. And now, this very location stood as a testament to that decision.

Since the company currently had only three subsidiaries, it wasn’t yet considered a conglomerate. For now, it was still referred to as the headquarters.

In these past two years, Lin Zhengran, limited by his schedule, didn’t visit the company every day or participate in every meeting, big or small. But even with just the occasional visits to train the trainees at the three subsidiaries, the company’s profits had increased more than tenfold.

Originally, he had promised a 70% increase in profits—less than doubling the original amount—but what actually happened far surpassed expectations. Even Jiang Jingshi hadn’t anticipated such explosive growth.

Now, the sports company had significantly expanded its enrollment, with official employees growing to six or seven times their original numbers. The branch offices continued to expand as well.

Because the sports industry had few competitors, and with Lin Zhengran’s presence, many trainees experienced rapid improvement upon joining. Word spread like wildfire, attracting both professional and amateur sports enthusiasts willing to pay membership fees just to attend one of his lectures or exchange knowledge with other skilled athletes.

This was how resource concentration worked—the better a place was, the more people it attracted. If people stayed, the business would grow;the more money it made, the better it became, forming a positive cycle.

The same principle applied to the other two subsidiaries. The music company, under Lin Zhengran’s guidance, had flourished at an astonishing rate. Many competitors were shocked by how quickly Zhengshi Music’s trainees were improving.

Countless girl groups and independent singers were making a name for themselves online and on various shows, generating substantial profits for the company.

And this was without even factoring in Jiang Xueli—who had earned an overwhelming amount from music copyright alone over the past two years.

As for the streaming company, Lin Zhengran had visited less frequently due to his college entrance exam preparations. Even so, many streamers had improved under his influence, and the company's profits had increased several times over.

Outsiders didn’t understand how Zhengshi Company, in just two years, had managed to achieve such an exponential growth in profits.

Only those who were well-acquainted with Jiang Jingshi and had met the elusive young CEO knew the truth—people really couldn’t be judged by appearances.

Every time that young CEO showed up, the company’s profits for the following month would undoubtedly rise, and everyone's bonuses would double.

Even President Jiang herself would be in high spirits for several days.

At this moment, in the General Manager’s office on the seventh floor, Jiang Jingshi was still gazing out the window, reminiscing about the company's rapid development over the years.

At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before Zhengshi Company monopolized the sports, music, and streaming industries in Zitong City. Surpassing the Jiang Corporation was only a matter of time.

Zhengran was truly an invaluable treasure. Having him was undoubtedly the greatest stroke of luck she’d had in recent years.

Though, what Jiang Jingshi wanted wasn’t just Lin Zhengran’s talent—she wanted him.

A knock on the office door interrupted her thoughts. It was her secretary, Pan Lin, holding a document.

“President Jiang, the company’s financial report and income statement for this month have been compiled.”

Jiang Jingshi responded with a hum and reached out her hand.

Pan Lin walked over and handed her the report.

Having worked closely with President Jiang for years, Pan Lin had noticed her recent changes—constantly caught between happiness and longing.

Dressed in a stylish women’s suit, Jiang Jingshi exuded elegance and warmth as she casually flipped through the pages.

“This month’s revenue has increased again.”

Pan Lin smiled. “Profits are up another 20% from last month, and that’s with President Lin only coming in for three days. If he had been here more often, the numbers would be even higher! With the city’s focus on college entrance exams, a slight dip in entertainment revenue is expected.”

Jiang Jingshi chuckled.

“He’s been busy with the exams. I don’t want to disturb him too much. But with the company growing so fast and new hires constantly joining, I think it’s time to improve our policies. Schedule a meeting for 2 PM today. I need to discuss the company’s regulations—there are too many new employees, and our policies need further refinement.”

Pan Lin nodded. “Understood, I’ll send out the notice. Also, President Jiang… The Jiang Corporation seems to be expanding into new projects. They’ve asked you to attend a few meetings next week.”

Jiang Jingshi responded nonchalantly, as if she had expected this.

“I figured as much. We’ll deal with that next week. Just arrange my schedule accordingly.”

Pan Lin hesitated for a moment before speaking cautiously.

“Your schedule is already packed next week, but I can push back the less important meetings. President Jiang… if I may?”

“Go ahead. You’ve worked with me for years—no need to be so formal.”

“It’s just… you’ve been juggling too much. You barely have time to rest. Managing Zhengshi Company is already demanding, and now the Jiang Corporation keeps calling you in as well… I think… since Second Miss has finished her college entrance exams, it’s time for her to take on some responsibilities. Don’t you think so?”

Jiang Jingshi smiled, pondering for a moment.

“I’ve thought about that already. And honestly, I don’t even need to say anything—Father will definitely start handing over important tasks to Qianqian now that her exams are over. She might even ask for them herself. My little sister has an even stronger sense of responsibility toward the family than I do.”

Pan Lin was delighted to hear this. She knew that President Jiang and her sister were close, with no sense of rivalry between them, so she dared to bring it up.

“That’s great! Then President Jiang can focus entirely on Zhengshi Company. You’ll finally have some breathing room.”

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However, rather than looking relieved, Jiang Jingshi’s expression dimmed.

She handed the report back to Pan Lin and turned toward the window again.

“Honestly, having more free time isn’t necessarily a good thing. With nothing to do, I’d rather keep myself busy with work.”

Pan Lin suggested, “Didn’t you used to enjoy driving around the city or spending time at your cat café to relax?”

A gentle light flickered in Jiang Jingshi’s eyes, as if a certain someone had come to mind.

“That was before. Now… my heart isn’t in those things anymore. I don’t even feel like doing them alone, let alone consider them relaxing.”

Pan Lin understood exactly what—or rather, who—was on Jiang Jingshi’s mind.

Lately, she was only truly happy when he was around.

Suddenly, the sound of a message notification interrupted Jiang Jingshi’s thoughts.

For the past three days, every time her phone chimed, she had immediately checked it—only to be disappointed.

But this time, when she looked, her gentle eyes clearly saw the sender’s name: Lin Zhengran.

Her joy was visible to the naked eye.

Pan Lin also guessed who it was from Jiang Jingshi’s radiant expression.

Jiang Jingshi quickly opened the message.

"Jiang Jie, I didn’t call because I figured you’d be busy. I saw the files you sent me. I’ll come to the company the day after tomorrow to discuss them with you. I’ll take care of these tasks first."

She immediately replied: "Alright, I’ll be waiting for you at the company the day after tomorrow."

After exchanging a few more messages, a faint blush appeared on Jiang Jingshi’s face. She suddenly felt reinvigorated and turned to Pan Lin excitedly.

“Lin is coming the day after tomorrow! Move today’s meeting to 12:30. We’ll start as soon as the workday begins. After that, come shopping with me—I need new clothes and accessories. I won’t be coming in tomorrow. I need to prepare at home.”

Pan Lin, swept up in her enthusiasm, grinned.

“Lin is coming?! That’s great! I’ll send out the meeting notice right away!”

“Go quickly.”

After Pan Lin left, Jiang Jingshi reread the messages, looking out at the city once more—no longer reminiscing, but thinking about how to dress up for their meeting.

“Two more days… But I don’t want to wait that long.”