Chapter Nineteen: The Early Stages of Entrepreneurship

"Hello, Ms. Duan. I am calling from Huachuang Headhunting. We have a very promising job offer we'd like to discuss with you..."

"I'm sorry, I'm currently starting my own business and am not interested." Duan Fei hung up the phone abruptly and continued discussing recruitment matters with Chen Yu.

"It seems we need to step up our promotional efforts; the number of resumes we're receiving is dismal," Chen Yu said, pointing at the sparse list on the computer screen with a worried tone.

"Stay calm. It’s only the first day; the best is yet to come." Though Duan Fei spoke lightly, she felt a bit anxious deep down.

The first day of interviews brought only fresh graduates. While their resumes looked impressive, their practical experience was nearly zero. Duan Fei and Chen Yu exchanged a look, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.

By the second day, the situation had improved slightly, as a few candidates with actual work experience arrived. Among them was a marketing director named Li Qiang, whose resume was stellar, boasting tenures at several well-known companies.

"Ms. Duan, if I may be blunt, I feel your startup project carries significant risks," Li Qiang said, adjusting his glasses with a serious expression.

"Oh? Director Li, do tell—where do you see these risks?" Duan Fei raised an eyebrow, watching him with interest.

"Your project faces severe market homogenization, immense competitive pressure, and furthermore..." Li Qiang spoke at length, listing a series of issues that made sweat bead on Chen Yu's forehead.

"Director Li’s analysis is quite logical, but," Duan Fei smiled slightly, "have you considered that it is precisely because the competition is intense that it becomes more challenging and offers a greater opportunity to stand out?"

"Ms. Duan, entrepreneurship is not child's play; the market is cruel," Li Qiang replied, his tone remaining stern.

"I know, but I am not afraid." Duan Fei’s gaze was resolute. "I believe in my team, and I believe in my project."

The two went back and forth, the atmosphere growing tense. In the end, Li Qiang shook his head, stood up, and left.

"Sister Fei, that guy was really..." Chen Yu couldn't help but grumble.

"It's fine. The next one will be more agreeable," Duan Fei waved her hand, signaling him to continue the interviews.

By the end of the day, they had interviewed over a dozen candidates, but not one was a good fit. Looking at the empty office, Duan Fei rubbed her temples.

"Why is hiring people even harder than running the project?" Chen Yu sighed.

Duan Fei walked to the window and looked at the bustling crowd below. Suddenly, she spoke: "Chen Yu, don't you feel... like we're missing something?"

"Missing what?" Chen Yu was stunned for a moment, then gave a bitter laugh. "Sister Fei, look, this company hasn't even landed a major project, and we lack any name recognition. Naturally, top talent doesn't want to come."

Duan Fei nodded, her eyes firm. "You’re right. We must find a way to increase our visibility to attract more excellent talent."

She turned back to her desk, opened her laptop, and began browsing major social media platforms and industry forums. As time ticked by, the only sound in the office was the clicking of keys, and a tense atmosphere hung in the air.

"Chen Yu, go contact my old friends. Tell them I'd like to treat them to a meal and catch up on things," Duan Fei said with a smile.

Chen Yu was surprised. "Sister Li, you don't mean to rely on your connections to get them to join, do you?"

Duan Fei smiled faintly. "You know, this world still relies on appearances and connections, after all. Since we have these advantages, why not use them?"

A few days later, several like-minded friends arrived at Duan Fei’s office. Some were marketing experts, some were technical gurus, and others were human resources specialists; each brought a wealth of resources and experience. The office atmosphere suddenly became vibrant, with everyone offering ideas and strategies for Duan Fei’s project.

"Sister Fei, the market potential for this project is indeed huge, but we need a systematic marketing strategy," said Zhang Miao, a marketing expert, his tone full of confidence.

"Exactly, and our technology and products must keep up; we can't rely solely on marketing," added Li Ming, a tech expert.

Listening to everyone’s advice, Duan Fei felt a sense of gratitude and renewed confidence. "Thank you all for your trust and support. I will do my best to lead this team to new heights."

Just then, Duan Fei’s phone buzzed. She pulled it out and saw a message: "Sister Fei, I just saw someone inquiring about our company's recruitment information. It feels like they have ill intentions."

Duan Fei frowned slightly and replied softly: "Understood. Keep an eye on it."

Duan Fei set her phone down. Elsewhere, Bei Mo sat in his study, tugging at his tie in irritation. Since the divorce, he had utilized every contact he could to keep a close watch on Duan Fei's every move. He knew her startup was struggling in its early stages, especially with recruitment, which was fraught with difficulties. He clenched his fists, struggling internally over whether to step in and help.

Help? He feared Duan Fei would refuse, and even more, that she would misunderstand.

Not help? He couldn't stop himself from worrying about her. This feeling of wanting to be close but not daring to approach was more agonizing than swallowing a fly.

On the other side, Duan Fei was meeting with a potential investor. This investor was known for his sharp eye and was not easily fooled. In the past, to secure investment, Duan Fei would have been tempted to talk up the project to the skies. But today, she did the opposite.

"Mr. Wang, to be honest, our company is currently like a sinking ship, leaking from every side. We lack staff, we are short on capital, and market competition is fierce. I honestly don't know if we can hold out until next month." Duan Fei’s tone was calm, with a level of honesty that was surprising.

Mr. Wang was stunned. He had seen all kinds of entrepreneurs—those who bragged, those who cried poverty, and those who feigned vulnerability—but this was the first time he had seen someone lay their cards on the table like Duan Fei. He looked at her with interest, trying to read something in her expression.

"Ms. Duan, you are very unique," Mr. Wang said meaningfully. "Your sincerity has moved me. I will seriously consider your project."

After seeing Mr. Wang out, Chen Yu looked bewildered. "Sister Fei, what’s gotten into you today? Did you take the wrong medicine? Why expose our own flaws?"

Duan Fei shrugged. "Reverse psychology, understand? Sometimes, showing weakness is more effective than acting tough."

As it turned out, Duan Fei’s "reverse operation" had indeed worked. After Mr. Wang returned, he immediately arranged for his team to conduct an in-depth investigation of Duan Fei’s company. At the same time, several other investors became interested in the project and expressed a desire for further negotiations.

The company gradually started to pick up, but Duan Fei did not dare to let her guard down. She knew that the path of entrepreneurship had only just begun, and countless challenges awaited her.

Meanwhile, watching Duan Fei’s company gradually get on the right track, Bei Mo finally made up his mind to become more actively involved in her life. He picked up his phone and dialed a number: "Help me check where Duan Fei has been lately..."