Chapter 235: The First Task

Chapter 235: The First Task

Quinn looked Phoebe up and down, and after a long while, finally said, "Come in."

"Thank you, Ms. Archer." Phoebe walked into the office holding her books. Without waiting for Quinn to assign her any work, she sat down on the sofa and started reading.

In the past, she had put all her energy into dancing and hadn't learned much else very well.

Back then, she was able to get into a good university mainly because of her excellent dancing skills—the school had made an exception to admit her.

For her, reading these highly specialized books was both boring and exhausting.

But compared to three years in prison, this little difficulty was nothing at all.

Quinn's eyes swept over the professional books beside Phoebe. When she saw titles like "Investment Portfolio Management for Financial Analysts," "Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Control," and "International Taxation," she snorted with disdain. "You haven't even got the basics down, and you're already trying to read these. Aiming too high, just like your dad!"

Phoebe put away her books and, pretending not to hear the mockery in her words, asked with a sincere expression, "Then what books do you think I should start with?"

Quinn was speechless.

Give her an inch, and she takes a mile!

"Accounting Principles, Introduction to Tax Law, Tax Planning Techniques." Quinn rattled off more than ten book titles in one breath.

Phoebe blinked and said seriously, "I've pretty much memorized what you said, but memory alone isn't reliable. Could I add you on messaging so you can send me these book titles?"

Quinn looked at her coldly without saying a word.

The current Phoebe wasn't going to be intimidated by this kind of attitude. "I believe you're an excellent leader who definitely wants to see new employees grow."

"No basic knowledge at all, can't do anything, but the first thing you think of is sucking up to your boss—is this what your dad taught you?" Quinn didn't like this kind of smooth talker and stared straight at Phoebe.

Phoebe's expression remained calm. "I think building a good relationship with your boss and sucking up to your boss are two different things."

Quinn didn't respond.

Phoebe continued, "Besides, you were once my grandparents' capable assistant."

"Even though I've only heard stories about them and don't have many memories of them, I've always respected them very much. I'd also like to get closer to you and learn more about them."

The office fell silent.

Quinn seemed to remember something, and a trace of nostalgia flashed in her eyes.

After a moment, she opened her phone. "Didn't you want to add me? What are you waiting for?"

Phoebe nodded and sent Quinn a friend request on WhatsApp.

"Don't think that just because you brought up your grandparents and said a few nice words, I'll go easy on you!" Quinn looked at her carefully.

Phoebe nodded. "Okay."

She hoped Quinn would be strict with her so she could learn more.

After all, even if Quinn took care of Phoebe for her grandparents' sake, Vivian and the others wouldn't let Phoebe off easily.

After making her point clear, Quinn pulled out a document from a stack of files and tossed it on the desk. "There's a job right now that doesn't require professional knowledge. You can do it. Take a look at the materials first."

Phoebe said okay, but just as her hand touched the document and before she could open it, Quinn pressed down on it.

She looked up at her, puzzled.

"You won't understand this document even if you look at it now. Read it tonight when you get home." Quinn paused and added, "If there's anything you don't understand, come ask me. Don't show it to Mr. White, got it?"

Phoebe nodded. "Okay."

Actually, this wasn't any important confidential document, but she'd dealt with Noah a few times, and those experiences still made her uneasy.

Noah could deduce the development trend of a project from tiny details and turn it into an advantage for the White Group.

An excellent leader doesn't necessarily need super strong professional abilities, but must have long-term vision and the ability to set the right strategic direction for the company.

And Noah had all these qualities.

Given time, he would definitely become someone even more formidable than Larry.

Only after Phoebe promised repeatedly did Quinn give her the document. "Foster Enterprises and the Bell Group partnered on a project called 'Starry Project.' Three days ago, they were supposed to transfer the final payment of twenty-five million dollars, but now they want to delay it again."

"You want me to collect the payment?" Phoebe asked.

"That's right." Quinn tapped on the desk. "Don't confuse this with those shady debt collection operations. This is legitimate payment collection!"

Phoebe fell silent.

Quinn gave her three days. If she could successfully collect the payment within these three days, Quinn would personally mentor her in the future.

If she didn't collect it, Quinn didn't say what the consequences would be, but her attitude probably wouldn't be very good.

It was worth noting that today counted as one day!

"Ms. Archer, could you give me a few more days?" This was Phoebe's first time collecting payment, and she worried things wouldn't go so smoothly.

Quinn glanced at her and said firmly, "Don't bargain with me. Either give me back the document now and leave, or get moving right away!"

There was absolutely no room for negotiation.

Phoebe felt this task was really tricky, but in the end, she agreed and went to the finance department to find the partner Quinn had arranged for her.

"You're looking for Roman, right? Wait a moment, I'll call him." A plump woman said.

The woman walked to the back of the office area, tapped on a desk, and then brought over a man in a suit.

When he saw Phoebe, he looked her over calmly and extended his hand. "Hello, Ms. Foster. I'm Roman Cross."

Hearing this, the woman's eyes widened in surprise as she looked Phoebe up and down, as if seeing some rare treasure.

"Roman, hello." Phoebe smiled and shook his hand.

Roman nodded, let go, and asked, "Shall we head out now?"

"Yes." Time was tight, and Phoebe didn't want to waste a single second. She walked outside by side with Roman.

When the two took the elevator to the first floor, they happened to run into William, who was about to go out.

Seeing Phoebe walking outside by the side of an unfamiliar man, William frowned. "It's your first day here. Instead of working properly, where are you going?"

"It's like this, Mr. Foster. Ms. Archer arranged for me and Ms. Foster to handle something at the Bell Group," Roman quickly said.

"I see." William looked at him and said gently, "Phoebe has never been involved in this kind of thing before, so please look after her."

Roman quickly said, "No trouble at all. Every new person goes through this."

"I'm just worried Phoebe doesn't have experience and won't be able to handle this work. Anyway, please take care of her," William said. "By the way, what's your name?"

Phoebe's expression remained calm. People in the company were already unhappy about her being parachuted in as assistant to the CFO, and William giving these instructions in front of everyone would probably make even more people think she was just here to coast.

Roman pushed up his glasses. "My name is Roman. I'm an accountant in the finance department. I was just transferred to headquarters last year."

"Young people who can make it to headquarters, I believe they all have the ability. Keep up the good work!" William patted him on the shoulder, encouraged him a bit more, and then left with his assistant.

Phoebe turned to look at the smiling Roman. "Roman, does the company have a car?"

"Yes, I've already got the car keys. Let's go." Roman said.

The two got into a business car together. Roman was very talkative. Throughout the ride, he was basically the one talking while Phoebe listened, occasionally chiming in.

The two arrived at the Bell Group. Just before getting out of the car, Roman asked, "Do you have any ideas about this job, Ms. Foster?"

"Roman, no need to be so formal. Just call me Phoebe," Phoebe said. "I don't have any good ideas at the moment."

Roman raised his eyebrows thoughtfully. "Do you have a way to complete this task?"

"Sort of," Phoebe answered vaguely and changed the subject. "Roman, you work in the finance department. Do you run into this kind of situation often? How do you usually handle it?"