Chapter 61 Remember the Promise
Morning.
Xu Yang picked up Xu Xiaoyu and the other two from the hotel and took them to the company.
He had Xiao Dongsheng sign contracts with the three of them and arrange training.
During this period, the company had signed many streamers, and the three of them would train alongside these streamers.
From now on, he, the hands-off boss, wouldn't have to worry.
Xu Yang didn't know where to go, so he stayed in the company's lounge, drinking tea and playing on his phone.
After playing two games, his phone rang.
Looking at the caller ID, it was Lin Junyi.
"Brother Yi," Xu Yang answered the phone.
"Xu Yang, are you back in Jiangcheng?" Lin Junyi asked.
"I'm back, just got back yesterday," Xu Yang replied.
"That's good. Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, I said I'd treat you and Zhao Yuxin to a meal. How about tonight?" Lin Junyi said.
"No problem," Xu Yang didn't decline.
Anyway, with their relationship, a meal was nothing.
He hadn't seen Lin Junyi at the company just now; Lin Junyi was probably out filming videos.
He didn't ask about these things; Lin Junyi didn't need anyone to urge him.
Lin Junyi himself was tirelessly enthusiastic about such matters.
He hung up the phone, and it rang again.
The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number.
"Hello," Xu Yang answered the phone.
"Hello, I'm Wu Jing. May I ask if you are President Xu?"
The person calling was indeed director Wu Jing.
"That's right, it's me," Xu Yang nodded.
"I heard from Han Yanghui that you are interested in investing in my movie, is that right?" Wu Jing asked.
"I am interested, but I still need to discuss it in person, understand it more clearly, and then make a decision," Xu Yang said.
"That's understandable. How about we meet tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock at the Jiangcheng Grand Hotel?" Wu Jing asked.
He was in Beijing and had received Han Yanghui's call the day before yesterday.
But Han Yanghui said that Wu Jing would only return to Jiangcheng yesterday.
So, he only called Xu Yang today, just in case he disturbed Xu Yang's life.
"No problem, see you tomorrow," Xu Yang was very straightforward; he had no plans for tomorrow anyway.
"Okay, see you tomorrow," Han Yanghui said.
That evening.
Xu Yang, Zhao Yuxin, and Lin Junyi had dinner together.
It was a high-end restaurant that Lin Junyi had visited and reviewed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, saying the food was excellent, so he brought the two of them to try it.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, their streamers didn't have a holiday; when people rested, that was when these streamers were busy.
Xu Yang didn't treat them harshly; in addition to overtime pay for working on statutory holidays, he also gave every company employee a thousand yuan bonus.
This made all the company's employees highly motivated.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes.
Lin Junyi asked, "How's the taste?"
Xu Yang and Zhao Yuxin both praised, "It's very good."
Lin Junyi smiled, "In the future, you can watch more of my videos and go to the restaurants I review. As long as it's a restaurant I've chosen, it's definitely good."
Zhao Yuxin smiled, "Okay, we'll follow you to eat all over Jiangcheng, but we might not be able to keep up with your pace. You visit a new restaurant every two or three days, and we can't eat out every two or three days."
Lin Junyi said, "It doesn't matter, just go whenever you have time."
In a small private room next to the three of them, two people were having dinner.
These two people were none other than Zhao Yulu and Chen Guanglei.
"Yulu, my dad wants me to meet a director tomorrow to see if the movie he's making is worth investing in. Do you want to come with me?" Chen Guanglei asked.
Tomorrow was already Saturday, so Zhao Yulu didn't have to work.
"Meet a director? Your dad's company also invests in movies?" Zhao Yulu was a bit surprised; she really didn't know about this.
"Yes, my dad's company invested in two TV series before, but they both lost money, so he stopped. This time, a director approached him with a movie, and he wants to see if it's worth investing in, so he asked me to get in touch," Chen Guanglei said.
His father wasn't very interested in this investment, but since the other party approached him, he asked his son to get in touch, just to give his son some experience.
"Which director is it?" Zhao Yulu asked.
She still had some curiosity about directors or celebrities in the film and television industry.
If she could meet them in person offline, she would be quite interested.
"Wu Jing," Chen Guanglei smiled.
"It's him! He became a director?" Zhao Yulu was a bit surprised.
She knew a little about Wu Jing.
"Yes, I looked into it. Wu Jing's acting career was quite smooth when he was young, filming historical TV dramas that were quite popular."
"Later, he went to Hong Kong to make movies but never made a name for himself, always playing supporting roles, mostly villains."
"Unable to make it in Hong Kong, he came back and wrote, directed, and starred in a movie. The movie was halfway through filming when the budget was exceeded, and filming couldn't continue."
"Now he's looking for investment everywhere. Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, he approached my dad's company, and my dad asked me to meet him."
Chen Guanglei explained the situation in detail.
"So that's how it is." Zhao Yulu nodded. "What kind of movie is he making? Is it still an action film?"
Chen Guanglei said, "It's a military action film."
Zhao Yulu frowned, "That kind of subject matter isn't very popular, is it? I've seen military action films in recent years, and their box office hasn't been ideal; some even get no attention at all."
Chen Guanglei smiled, "There's not much potential, otherwise he wouldn't be short of investment funds. Anyway, I'm just going to take a look and understand the specifics."
Zhao Yulu nodded, "Okay, I'll go with you to see him, and meet Wu Jing."
Chen Guanglei smiled, "That's great! The time is set for two o'clock tomorrow afternoon, at the Jiangcheng Grand Hotel. We'll have lunch together tomorrow and then go."
"Okay." Zhao Yulu nodded, then asked, "How's that Southwest Chamber of Commerce matter coming along?"
Chen Guanglei said, "It should be settled in the next two days, don't worry. My dad said he'll meet and have dinner with that Vice President again tonight, and it should be settled by next Monday."
Actually, he was even more anxious than Zhao Yulu.
After all, Zhao Yulu had said that as long as he handled this matter, she would be his girlfriend.
Zhao Yulu said, "That's good then."
Chen Guanglei reminded her, "Zhao Yulu, you must remember your promise."
Zhao Yulu knew what Chen Guanglei was referring to: "Don't worry, as long as this matter is handled well, I will naturally agree to be your girlfriend."
Chen Guanglei's smile was brilliant: "Good, as long as you remember."
In his opinion, this was already a done deal.
He decided that on the day Zhao Yulu became his girlfriend, he would try every possible way to take her to a hotel room.
He had pursued Zhao Yulu for so long, and finally, there would be a result.
When they got to the room, he would definitely ravage Zhao Yulu fiercely.
Afterward, how could Zhao Yulu still act so proud in front of him?
A woman in his hands had no right to be proud in front of him.
Chapter 62 Everyone is Happy
Jiangcheng Grand Hotel.
2:30 PM.
Zhao Yulu and Chen Guanglei walked out of the hotel.
Chen Guanglei shook his head and said, "Wu Jing's military action film—I thought there'd be something new, but it's such trash. 'Promote our military and national prestige,' who's going to watch that?"
Zhao Yulu nodded in agreement: "Indeed, who watches these kinds of movies now? This film is definitely going to lose money."
Chen Guanglei said, "Wu Jing really must have lost his mind to make a film like this. Even a random historical drama would probably be better. I thought that after his setbacks in Hong Kong, he would dedicate himself to polishing a script and come up with a good one. I never expected it to be like this. It's truly disappointing. It seems his failures are well-deserved; he probably won't ever be able to turn things around."
Zhao Yulu said, "Actually, Wu Jing is still a good actor, but historical dramas and action films have declined. He probably hasn't realized this yet and still wants to rely on them to make a comeback."
Chen Guanglei said, "Whoever invests in him is an idiot. Let whoever wants to invest, but I certainly won't."
Zhao Yulu said, "Not investing is the right choice, otherwise, you'd definitely lose money."
As they spoke, they got into their car and left.
Not long after their car left, a rolls-royce cullinan arrived and parked in the spot where their car had just been.
A young man got out of the car.
The young man was Xu Yang.
He was scheduled to meet Wu Jing at 3 PM, so he wanted to arrive a bit early.
No matter what, he couldn't be late.
Even though he was wealthy now and Wu Jing was seeking him out, giving him the right to be late...
Only tasteless people would do that.
Xu Yang's character was sound; he disdained such behavior.
He arrived at the agreed-upon private room and met Wu Jing and Han Yanghui.
Han Yanghui made introductions, they greeted each other, and the three sat down.
"Director Wu, I only got a general idea of your film from Han Yanghui. Could you tell me more in detail?" Xu Yangasked.
Actually, whether he spoke or not didn't really matter; it was mainly to make a gesture.
He couldn't just say he'd invest without asking anything or understanding anything.
That wouldn't do; people would think he was an idiot, and Xu Yang didn't want to be an idiot in anyone's eyes.
"Alright, my film..." Wu Jing explained the situation, mainly discussing the plot, selling points, an analysis of the film market, and his attitude towards the film.
He concluded by saying that the film was highly likely to be profitable once produced.
He couldn't give an exact guarantee on the box office.
No one could give such a guarantee.
"Not bad." Xu Yang nodded, pondering for a moment, "How much more funding do you need?"
Wu Jing's heart swelled with joy.
Xu Yang asking this indicated an intention to invest.
Xu Yang was the last investor he had scheduled to meet; if he couldn't secure funding again, the film would truly have to be shelved.
Shelving it basically meant it would be stillborn.
The rich second generation named Chen earlier didn't think highly of the film and criticized the script to no end.
This annoyed him greatly, but he didn't dare to say anything.
Unexpectedly, things had taken a turn, and Xu Yang was interested in investing.
He absolutely had to secure Xu Yang as an investor; he was his benefactor.
So, he quickly said, "Over the past few days, I've also brought in two investors, but their investment amounts are relatively small, totaling only five million. To finish this film, at least another fifteen million is needed."
Xu Yang asked, "Director Wu, since I'm investing, I hope to make the film the best it can be. I want to ask you, is fifteen million enough for you to make the film the best it can be?"
Wu Jing was stunned, then immediately said, "Mr. Xu, to be honest, fifteen million is only enough to complete filming according to ordinary requirements. In my mind, to make it the absolute best, twenty million is needed."
Xu Yang said, "If we're going to do it, we should do it the best. I can invest twenty million."
Wu Jing was overjoyed: "That's wonderful, Mr. Xu! Rest assured, I will do my utmost to make the film the best it can be."
Xu Yang said, "Director Wu, according to what you just said, your film was initially planned for fifty-five million in investment. You secured another five million, and I'm investing twenty million, bringing the total investment to eighty million. I will have a twenty-five percent investment stake, correct?"
Wu Jing nodded and said, "That's right, that's correct."
Xu Yang said, "Box office revenue will also be split according to this proportion, right?"
Wu Jing nodded again: "It will be according to this proportion."
Xu Yang said, "I want to add a condition."
Wu Jing was surprised: "Mr. Xu, please tell me what condition. As long as I can meet it, I will definitely satisfy you."
This film had his entire heart and soul poured into it; it was his hope for a comeback.
As long as the condition Xu Yang proposed wasn't too harsh, he would compromise.
Xu Yang said, "I hope it's clearly stated in the investment contract that if you film 'War Leopard 2,' I will have a thirty percent investment stake."
The system said that the box office for war leopard 2would reach five billion, so he had to participate in the investment.
However, after the success of "War Leopard," when Wu Jing filmed "War Leopard 2," there would definitely be large capital investments.
If he didn't propose this condition now, with Xu Yang's current influence, he would definitely not have the opportunity to invest.
Proposing this condition and having it written down in black and white would solve the problem.
Wu Jing's eyes widened: "Mr. Xu, you're so optimistic about 'War Leopard'? You're already thinking about me filming 'War Leopard 2'?"
To be honest, he had expected Xu Yang to propose other conditions to increase profits, such as a share of future copyright sales or something similar.
He never expected Xu Yang to propose such a condition.
war leopard hadn't even been released yet, and Xu Yangwas already thinking about "War Leopard 2."
To be frank, even he himself hadn't thought about "War Leopard 2."
Only if war leopard performed well at the box office could he start writing the script for "War Leopard 2."
Otherwise, if the box office wasn't good, writing it would be pointless.
Xu Yang nodded and said, "From your attitude towards this film and the quality of the film's script, I believe the box office for 'War Leopard' won't be bad. If the box office is fine, you should film 'War Leopard 2.'"
Wu Jing said, "Okay, no problem. If I film 'War Leopard 2,' I'll give you a thirty percent investment stake."
As long as war leopard was released and did well at the box office, he would make his comeback.
Giving Xu Yang a thirty percent investment stake in war leopard 2 was nothing.
Xu Yang smiled: "Alright, then let's sign the contract."
The matter was settled, and everyone was happy.
Both parties found lawyers to draft the contract.
After signing the contract, Xu Yang transferred twenty million to Wu Jing.
"Mr. Xu, rest assured, I will definitely make the film well and live up to your expectations," Wu Jing promised again.
"I believe you." Xu Yang nodded, glanced at Han Yanghui, "Director Wu, Han Yanghui is my high school classmate, and we have a very good relationship. He has the ambition to continue working in the film and television industry. If possible, I hope you can give him some appropriate consideration."
Hearing this, Han Yanghui's eyes welled up.
He knew the weight of Xu Yang's words.
As an investor, Director Wu would definitely take Xu Yang's words seriously.
Chapter 63 A Big Gift
"Mr. Xu, don't worry. When Little Han auditioned, I told him his acting was very good."
"If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have had the chance to meet you, and I wouldn't know where to find investment."
"His role in this film is already set and is unlikely to change. In the future, when I make movies, as long as there's a suitable role, I will definitely use him again."
"I also have some friends in this industry. If there's an opportunity, I'll introduce him to them."
If it weren't for Xu Yang's investment, Wu Jing truly wouldn't know who to approach for funding.
It could be said that Xu Yang was already his benefactor, and he felt deep gratitude in his heart.
Naturally, Wu Jing had no reason to refuse the request from his benefactor, Xu Yang.
It could be said that this was the greatest promise he could make.
He was a man who kept his promises; if he said he would do something, he would definitely do it.
"Then thank you," Xu Yang nodded.
"Xu Yang, thank you," Han Yanghui clenched his fists, his eyes a little red.
He knew that the opportunity was there; whether he could go further depended on himself.
"We're all brothers, no need to be so polite with me. Alright, I'm leaving now." Xu Yang stood up, patted Han Yanghui's shoulder, and then left.
Han Yanghui and Wu Jing quickly stood up and escorted him to the door. Only after seeing Xu Yang drive away in his rolls-royce cullinan did the two men withdraw their gaze.
Wu Jing said, "Little Han, thank you this time. If it weren't for you, my film would probably have truly died prematurely."
Han Yanghui said, "Director Wu, you don't have to be so polite. I just told Xu Yang about your film. The main thing is that your film is good; otherwise, Xu Yang wouldn't have invested in it."
Wu Jing smiled and said, "Don't worry, the promise I just made to Xu Yang wasn't just talk. In the future, I'll find an opportunity to introduce you to my friends."
He still had quite a few friends, and by introducing Han Yanghui to them, Han Yanghui would definitely not be without roles.
Although they might be small roles at first, this was already very rare.
Who knows how many people run around as extras all day, seeing no hope.
Having small roles increases exposure, and the chances of making a name for oneself will greatly increase.
"Then thank you, Director Wu," Han Yanghui said gratefully.
"Let's go, we're heading back to the capital and starting work immediately!" Wu Jing was in high spirits.
With these twenty million, he was full of confidence that he would be able to produce a good film.
Let those who rejected him see that rejecting him was a mistake... Xu Yang drove home.
On the way, his phone rang.
He looked at it and saw that it was Jiang Yuhang calling.
"Young Master Jiang," Xu Yang answered the phone.
"Xu Yang, where are you now? Do you have time?" Jiang Yuhang asked.
"I'm out, just finished up, and I'm on my way home. Is there something you need?" Xu Yang said.
"Thank you for what happened last time. I only just finished handling everything today. I wanted to see you and thank you in person. Let's have dinner together tonight," Jiang Yuhang said.
During this time, he had sent people to keep an eye on Xu Yang, Liang Yurui, and Ye Jingjing separately.
No problems were found. Xu Yang indeed had no relation to Liang Yurui and Ye Jingjing, so there was no possibility of them colluding to deceive him.
That incident was indeed done by Liang Yurui and Ye Jingjing, and had nothing to do with anyone else.
As for how Xu Yang knew, that remained unknown.
Xu Yang's reminder had prevented him from being kidnapped.
Being kidnapped carried the risk of being killed.
It was no exaggeration to say that Xu Yang had saved his life.
He had told his father, Jiang Dahai, about this matter, and also mentioned Xu Yang's earnings from futures and antique picking.
Based on the potential Xu Yang had shown, Jiang Dahaidecided to build a good relationship with Xu Yang and made a major decision: to give Xu Yang a grand gift.
Jiang Yuhang was there to give Xu Yang a gift.
"Young Master Jiang, I consider you a friend, so you don't need to be so polite," Xu Yang said.
"Xu Yang, please just give me this chance. Let's have dinner together tonight," Jiang Yuhang insisted.
"Alright, send me the address, and I'll head over," Xu Yangsaid, resigned, and could only accept.
"Okay, I'll send it to you right away," Jiang Yuhang said.
After ending the call, Xu Yang quickly received the address from Jiang Yuhang, immediately turned his car around, and headed towards the destination.
On the way, he called Zhao Yuxin, saying that Jiang Yuhang was inviting them to dinner, and asked if Zhao Yuxin wanted to go.
Zhao Yuxin wasn't interested and said she would eat at her father's small restaurant.
Xu Yang could only let her be.
More than half an hour later, he arrived at a high-end restaurant and went to the private room Jiang Yuhang had mentioned.
After a few pleasantries, both parties took their seats.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes.
"Young Master Jiang, is there something you wanted to talk about?" Xu Yang asked.
"Xu Yang, from now on, don't call me Young Master Jiang. Just call me by my name or Old Jiang," Jiang Yuhang said.
"Wouldn't that be inappropriate? You're a top young master in Jiangcheng, and I'm just an ordinary person," Xu Yang shook his head.
"There's nothing inappropriate about it. Besides, you're not an ordinary person. Can an ordinary person make so much money in the futures and antique markets? Can an ordinary person know such secret things?" Jiang Yuhangrolled his eyes.
"Alright, I'll call you Old Jiang then. What exactly did you want to see me about today?" Xu Yang was helpless and could only change his address.
Since Jiang Yuhang didn't mind, he naturally wouldn't mind either.
"Xu Yang, take a look at this." Jiang Yuhang took out a folder from the briefcase he brought and placed it in front of Xu Yang.
"What is this?" Xu Yang asked, full of doubt.
"You'll know once you see it," Jiang Yuhang smiled.
Xu Yang opened the folder, took out the documents inside to examine them, and found that it was a share transfer agreement, transferring three percent of Wanda Film and Television's shares.
The transferor was Jiang Dahai, and the transferee was Xu Yang.
Xu Yang knew that Jiang Dahai was Jiang Yuhang's father's name.
"Old Jiang, what does this mean?" Xu Yang was a bit startled.
One must know that Wanda Film and Television owns Wanda Cinema Line and is a behemoth in the film industry.
Wanda Film and Television's shares were extremely valuable.
Moreover, Wang Dalin, the boss of Wanda Group, highly valued the shares of companies under his group and would not easily transfer them.
Very few people who obtained shares in a company under Wanda Group would transfer them out.
This was not just for making money; more importantly, holding these shares meant having incredibly powerful connections.
"Xu Yang, this is what my father and I decided after discussing it. Please accept it." Jiang Yuhang took a pen from the briefcase and placed it in front of Xu Yang.
"Old Jiang, this isn't appropriate. I've already said we're friends; you don't need to be so polite," Xu Yang shook his head.
He wanted this item, but felt the weight was too great.
His reminder was just a matter of speaking; he had no intention of receiving anything in return.
Jiang Yuhang persuaded, "Xu Yang, if you consider me a friend, then sign this contract. In your eyes, isn't my life worth at least three percent of these shares?"
Chapter 64 Capital Business
"Old Jiang, you really don't have to do this," Xu Yang said with a wry smile.
"Xu Yang, just sign it. This is what my dad told me. He said if you don't sign, I won't be allowed to go home anymore. You can't let me wander the streets, can you?" Jiang Yuhang urged again.
"..." Xu Yang was somewhat speechless, caught between laughter and tears. He could only reluctantly agree and sign the contract.
From then on, Xu Yang became a shareholder of Wanda Film and Television.
Although he only held three percent of the shares, no major figure in the film industry dared to underestimate them.
"Oh, right. I remember last time we had dinner together, you said your wife works at a bank, didn't you?" Jiang Yuhang asked.
During the last dinner with Lin Junyi and others, they learned a bit about each other's situations.
Jiang Yuhang knew that Xu Yang had resigned from his company and was currently trading stocks and futures at home, with nothing else to do for the time being, and was also thinking of starting something new.
As for Zhao Yuxin, she worked at a bank.
"Yes, why?" Xu Yang was puzzled, not knowing why Jiang Yuhang would ask this question.
"It's like this: my dad is the president of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce. The member companies of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce jointly established a special investment fund. I've been busy setting up this fund recently, and it's basically done now."
"Next Tuesday, the funds from the member companies will be in place, a total of one billion yuan."
"These funds need to be managed by a bank, and many banks have approached us. We are currently discussing which bank to choose for the custody."
"I remembered your wife seems to work at a bank, so let's entrust the funds to the bank where she works."
Jiang Yuhang explained.
"Will this have any negative impact on you and your dad?"
Of course, this was a good thing for Zhao Yuxin.
Working in a bank, one also needs performance.
A billion yuan in funds is a huge sum for any bank.
This kind of cooperation between the two parties is long-term.
Once a custody agreement is signed, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the bank will generally not be changed.
If this type of special investment fund performs well, its capital will increase in the future.
Given that so many companies jointly established this investment fund, the projects it invests in are generally very stable.
Considering these points, this single piece of business alone would significantly increase Zhao Yuxin's importance at the bank.
Undoubtedly, this was also Jiang Yuhang's way of showing gratitude.
However, Xu Yang wondered if Jiang Yuhang doing this would have any negative impact on Jiang Yuhang and his father.
Xu Yang didn't want to affect Jiang Yuhang and his father because of himself.
This was not what he wanted to see.
"There's no negative impact. These are all decisions I can make. The members' opinions are just for my reference. Whichever bank I say to entrust the funds to, that's where they'll be entrusted," Xu Yang said.
"That's good then. I'll go back and tell my wife. You can have someone contact her then. I'll send you her phone number."
As long as there was no negative impact, Xu Yang sent Zhao Yuxin's phone number to Jiang Yuhang.
"Alright, I'll have the fund's financial manager contact your wife to handle it. We'll open a special account tomorrow, and the funds should be in place the day after," Jiang Yuhang said.
"Thank you," Xu Yang said gratefully.
"There's no need to be so polite between us," Jiang Yuhang said with a smile. "Oh, right, I heard from Old Lin that you acquired a live streaming guild, and he even signed with your live streaming guild. With your guidance, he started shooting videos and transitioned into a food vlogger, and now he's a minor internet celebrity."
Xu Yang smiled and nodded, "Yes, I think Brother Yi was right. The short video field has potential, and I myself don't like being on camera or being a streamer like Brother Yi. So I simply acquired a live streaming guild. Brother Yi wasn't popular before mainly because he hadn't found his niche. I just tailored videos for him based on his personality and strengths."
Jiang Yuhang said, "That's still very impressive. I watched his latest video; it's genuinely hilarious and captivating. It makes people want to go and dine at those restaurants. Before, when he was doing outdoor entertainment, I thought it was just average."
The two chatted, ate their meal, and then parted ways.
Back home, Xu Yang told Zhao Yuxin about the Southwest Chamber of Commerce Special Investment Fund entrusting one billion yuan in funds.
Zhao Yuxin was greatly surprised upon hearing this.
The bank manager had already told the employees about this matter, urging everyone to leverage their networks to secure this business.
He even promised a hefty reward to whoever could secure the business.
Aside from the manager's position, any other position could be freely chosen.
Zhao Yuxin knew her own situation and did not expect to be able to secure such a business.
She hadn't mentioned this to Xu Yang.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Yuhang's father turned out to be the president of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce, and Jiang Yuhang was also in charge of the preparatory work for the Southwest Chamber of Commerce Investment Fund, with the power to make a decision on his own, to entrust the funds to the bank where she worked.
It was foreseeable that after handling this matter, she would no longer be a mere new recruit at the bank; she would definitely be an employee even the manager would value.
For an employee who had just started working at the bank less than half a year ago, this was an enormous surprise... Monday.
As soon as Zhao Yuxin arrived at the bank, she received a call from the financial manager of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce Investment Fund. The manager explained the situation and asked when it would be convenient to open an account at the bank.
The financial manager spoke very politely.
There was no other way; this was a task personally assigned by Jiang Yuhang, so she had to be polite.
She even suspected that Jiang Yuhang wanted to pursue Miss Zhao Yuxin.
Seeing her gaze, Jiang Yuhang explained, and only then did the financial manager realize she had misunderstood.
It turned out that Miss Zhao Yuxin was the wife of a good friend of Jiang Yuhang.
Entrusting the funds to the bank where Zhao Yuxinworked was a gesture of goodwill towards his good friend.
"You can come over anytime; I'm available," Zhao Yuxinreplied.
"Alright, I'll be there at ten o'clock. See you then," the fund's financial manager said.
"Okay, see you then."
After hanging up, Zhao Yuxin went to find the manager and explained the situation.
The manager was surprised and excited.
Originally, he had not held much hope for this matter.
After all, he was very familiar with his own situation and that of his employees.
The likelihood of securing this business was zero.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Yuxin gave him such a huge surprise.
It seemed that Zhao Yuxin was not as simple as she appeared.
"Little Zhao, can you tell me how you managed to do this?" The manager looked at Zhao Yuxin deeply and asked.
"Manager, Jiang Yuhang, the son of the president of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce, is in charge of the establishment and operation of this investment fund. My husband happens to be friends with him, and when Jiang Yuhang learned that I work at a bank, he decided to entrust these funds to our bank," Zhao Yuxin answered truthfully, without hiding anything.
"Your husband is friends with Jiang Yuhang, the son of the president of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce?" The manager's eyes lit up.
He really hadn't known about this.
He only knew that Zhao Yuxin was married because she had given wedding candies to everyone at the bank.
At that time, he had only casually asked what Zhao Yuxin's husband did.
Zhao Yuxin said he worked at a listed company.
He hadn't thought much of it then, but now it seemed Zhao Yuxin's husband was not so simple.
He had also heard that Jiang Yuhang was a top-tier rich second generation in Jiangcheng.
To be friends with Jiang Yuhang, didn't that mean Zhao Yuxin's husband was also a top-tier rich second generation?
Chapter 65 Powerless
"Yes," Zhao Yuxin nodded.
"Is your husband a rich second-generation heir?" the branch manager asked directly.
"No, my husband isn't a rich second-generation heir; it was just a coincidence that he became friends with Jiang Yuhang," Zhao Yuxin said.
"It seems your husband is not simple," the branch manager remarked again.
He believed that Zhao Yuxin wouldn't lie to him, and there was no need for her to.
Zhao Yuxin's husband wasn't a rich second-generation heir, yet he could become friends with Jiang Yuhang.
This indicated that Zhao Yuxin's husband was absolutely not simple.
"Branch Manager, you're joking; my husband is just an ordinary person," Zhao Yuxin said modestly.
"Haha, Zhao Yuxin, you are too modest. Regardless, you successfully secured this business deal, which is a great service to the bank. I will not go back on my word; you can choose any position in the bank, and when I have time another day, I'll treat you and your husband to dinner."
The branch manager was in a great mood and wanted to take this opportunity to meet Zhao Yuxin's husband.
Befriending someone like Zhao Yuxin's husband would be beneficial for both the bank and his personal development.
"Okay, thank you, Branch Manager. I'll get back to work now," Zhao Yuxin said gratefully.
"Go ahead. When the fund's financial manager arrives, let me know," the branch manager said.
When the other party arrived, he naturally had to meet them in person to show his respect.
"Okay." Zhao Yuxin exited the branch manager's office... Kaixuan Investment.
Chen Guanglei arrived at the CEO's office.
"Dad, what's up?"
Upon entering the office, Chen Guanglei flopped onto the sofa.
He had been flirting with a beauty in his department when he received a call from his dad, telling him to come to the office.
He was interrupted at a crucial moment of flirting, which greatly annoyed him.
"The Southwest Chamber of Commerce deal fell through."
Chen Guanglei's father, Chen Ankang, was a bald middle-aged man around fifty years old.
He hadn't managed his personal health well, and his body was severely overweight.
However, this did not hinder his success.
He started from scratch and became a business mogul worth billions.
After achieving success, he failed to uphold a man's integrity, kept a mistress, and eventually divorced his wife.
This did not diminish his charm; his wealth ensured he was never short of beautiful women.
Anyway, he was rich, already had a son, so having a wife or not was irrelevant.
Upon hearing this, Chen Guanglei's expression changed drastically: "How did it fall through? Didn't you say this was a sure thing?"
Chen Ankang smiled bitterly: "I said it was a sure thing, but there was still that one uncertainty. This matter originally had no problems, but someone intervened."
Chen Guanglei frowned: "Who intervened?"
Chen Ankang said: "Jiang Yuhang, the son of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce's President."
Chen Guanglei was shocked: "It's him!"
As a rich second-generation heir in Jiangcheng, he naturally knew that Jiang Yuhang was a top rich second-generation heir in Jiangcheng.
Moreover, he very much hoped to become friends with Jiang Yuhang.
Unfortunately, he had only seen Jiang Yuhang twice from a distance, once at a racing event and once at a banquet; he never had the chance to meet Jiang Yuhang.
He couldn't just go up to him, greet him, and say he wanted to be friends.
That would be ineffective and make him look like an idiot.
These things required an introduction.
Unfortunately, he hadn't found an introducer yet.
He just didn't expect Jiang Yuhang to intervene in this matter.
In that case, the matter of Zhao Yulu becoming his girlfriend had fallen through.
In other words, Jiang Yuhang had ruined his good fortune.
Regarding this, he only dared to harbor a small resentment towards Jiang Yuhang in his heart.
Or at home, when no one was around, he might curse a few times.
He absolutely dared not show it in front of others.
Otherwise, if Jiang Yuhang found out that this minor rich second-generation heir was dissatisfied with him, he would be in trouble.
Chen Ankang nodded: "He is in charge of the fund's preparation work. Originally, he wouldn't get involved in such matters, but who knew, this morning, he told others that the fund custody was designated to a specific bank. How could that Vice President dare to object? You must know that Jiang Yuhang's father is the President, and his influence is far beyond what that Vice President can compare to."
Chen Guanglei asked doubtfully: "Why did he suddenly designate a bank?"
Chen Ankang shook his head: "I don't know; that Vice President didn't say anything about it."
Chen Guanglei said bitterly: "Then there's nothing we can do."
He walked out of the CEO's office, left the company directly, and got into his car.
Then, he dialed Zhao Yulu's phone number.
Soon, the call connected.
"Chen Guanglei, have you settled the matter of the one billion yuan fund?"
Zhao Yulu had been thinking about this matter constantly.
She remembered that Chen Guanglei said there should be a result today.
Calling at this time, there should be an outcome.
"Yulu, I was just about to tell you about this. I'm very sorry, but this matter didn't work out," Chen Guangleisaid bitterly.
"What happened? Didn't you say there was no problem?" Zhao Yulu's heart sank. She had already told her colleagues that she would secure this business deal, and even the branch manager knew and had come to inquire about the situation.
If the matter didn't go through, her colleagues would laugh at her, and the branch manager would be displeased with her.
How could she continue to work at the bank?
This Chen Guanglei was always so confident, but the results were always bad.
This time, it even concerned her job, and it still went wrong.
"Yulu, you can't blame me. My dad has a very good relationship with that Vice President, and he said he would help, but someone intervened, and he was powerless," Chen Guanglei said with helplessness and bitterness.
To be honest, he hoped this matter would succeed more than anyone, even more than Zhao Yulu herself.
After all, as long as it succeeded, Zhao Yulu would be his girlfriend.
He could then use various legitimate excuses to take Zhao Yulu to a hotel.
But in the end, his wish could not be fulfilled.
It was all that damned Jiang Yuhang's fault for getting involved in this matter.
Having missed this opportunity, he didn't know when he would get another one.
He wanted to give up, but he had pursued her for so long, invested so much time, energy, and money.
The money wasn't too bad; it was just for treating Zhao Yulu to meals and such, and he hadn't given Zhao Yuluany gifts.
It wasn't that he was unwilling to give them, but that Zhao Yulu didn't want them.
Zhao Yulu would at most go shopping and have meals with him.
In this regard, Zhao Yulu behaved better than many women.
Since she wasn't in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship with Chen Guanglei, she didn't accept any gifts from him.
It was precisely this point that made Chen Guanglei's pursuit of Zhao Yulu much more difficult.
If Zhao Yulu accepted gifts, it would be easy; he could just throw money at her, as he was rich anyway.
But since Zhao Yulu didn't want gifts, he had to spend time and energy.
Having invested too much time and energy, Chen Guanglei was unwilling to give up now.
"You're always like this; it's been so many times," Zhao Yulu said coldly.
"Yulu, these were truly accidents," Chen Guanglei said bitterly.
"You confidently said there was no problem. I already told my colleagues and the branch manager about it, and now it didn't work out. How can I continue to work at the bank?" Zhao Yulu was extremely agitated.
"Yulu, if you don't work at the bank anymore, I can arrange for you to work at my dad's company. I guarantee the salary will definitely be better than your bank job, and the work will be easier."
Chen Guanglei's eyes lit up, and he even thought this was a good thing.
If Zhao Yulu went to work at his dad's company, he would have more opportunities to interact with Zhao Yulu, and the hope of winning her over would greatly increase.
Chapter 66 Planning Guidance
"We'll see," Zhao Yulu said, her mood slightly improving after hearing Chen Guanglei's words. "By the way, who intervened?"
Chen Guanglei replied, "It was Jiang Yuhang, the son of the Southwest Chamber of Commerce's president."
"Jiang Yuhang?" Zhao Yulu frowned slightly. "Is that the one known as Jiangcheng's top second-generation rich kid?"
Chen Guanglei nodded, "That's him. He's in charge of organizing and operating that special investment fund."
Zhao Yulu then asked, "Which bank is the capital Hostingwith?"
Chen Guanglei shook his head, "I don't know that. Since things already turned out this way, my father didn't ask, and I don't know either."
Zhao Yulu was utterly disappointed. "Alright, I understand. I still have to work, so I'm hanging up now."
Chen Guanglei quickly said, "Yulu, this was an accident. I'll treat you to lunch to apologize. I'll pick you up then."
Zhao Yulu coldly replied, "No need, I'll be busy at noon too."
With that, Zhao Yulu hung up the phone.
"What the hell is going on?"
Chen Guanglei listened to the dial tone from the phone, wishing he could smash it... In the blink of an eye, it was December.
On this day, Xu Yang came to Fengcai Guild to find Xiao Dongsheng and understand the company's operations.
"Mr. Xu, most of the people on the list you provided have signed contracts, a total of thirty-five people."
"And according to the plan, we've guided them in live streaming and video production, and they've all become influencers with over a million followers."
"Three of them have even become super influencers with tens of millions of followers, including your friend Lin Junyi."
"Also, your cousin, even though she live streams and shoots videos in her hometown, has also become an influencer with a million followers."
"Our company's original streamers have also benefited greatly. We've formulated new development plans for them, and they've all become influencers with a million followers."
"Due to the large influx of streamers and a significant increase in support staff, our original office space is no longer sufficient."
"So I rented two more offices in this building. Now half of this building is our company's office space."
"Last month's net profit exceeded ten million, reaching thirteen million."
"It's safe to say that the company's development is pleasing, and the employees are full of confidence in the company's future development."
Xiao Dongsheng briefly reported on the situation.
"Not bad, really good. Under your leadership, the company is developing better and better," Xu Yang was also very happy.
"Mr. Xu, it's still largely thanks to the list you provided. If it weren't for that list, even if the company developed, it wouldn't have developed so quickly. I just followed your instructions."
Xiao Dongsheng's words were both flattery and truth.
When dealing with the boss, appropriate compliments are necessary.
Of course, the facts were exactly as he said.
Without the list Xu Yang provided, even if Xu Yang had money and the company had ample funds, it would not have developed so quickly.
"Haha, Lao Xiao, you're being too modest. You are very capable," Xu Yang was quite pleased with Xiao Dongsheng's compliment.
He was now experiencing what it felt like to be flattered.
It had to be said, this feeling was great.
No wonder so many leaders liked people to flatter them.
It was just so satisfying!
"By the way, now that the streamers have signed contracts, besides regular live streaming and short videos, what else do you think could increase the company's revenue?" Xu Yang asked.
He came today, first, to hear Xiao Dongsheng's report on the company's situation, and second, to ask Xiao Dongsheng if he had any methods to further increase the company's revenue.
"Well, we could let the streamers take on some advertisements; that's one source of income," Xiao Dongsheng thought for a moment and said.
"That is indeed a source of income, but it's not a large one, not enough to drive an explosive increase in the company's revenue," Xu Yang naturally knew that taking advertisements was an income.
But what he wanted was not that kind of income.
"Explosive growth?" Xiao Dongsheng was stunned, then immediately gave a wry smile. "Mr. Xu, achieving explosive growth for a company is easier said than done."
Xu Yang knew that Xiao Dongsheng hadn't thought of it, so he said, "There's an opportunity right now."
Xiao Dongsheng's eyes lit up, and he pressed, "Mr. Xu, what opportunity?"
After the matter of the streamer list, Xiao Dongshengwas completely convinced by Xu Yang.
If Xu Yang said there was an opportunity, then it must be an opportunity.
Xu Yang smiled, "Let the streamers live stream sales!"
Xiao Dongsheng was taken aback, then immediately said, "Mr. Xu, Douyin doesn't have that feature yet."
It wasn't that he hadn't thought of having streamers live stream sales.
After all, other platforms, such as Kuaishou Short Video and Taobao's live stream sales, were very popular, making all parties a fortune.
However, Douyin didn't have this feature yet.
Douyin had risen too quickly, and its various features were not yet fully developed.
"Lao Xiao, Douyin is developing so well now, it should soon surpass Kuaishou and become the number one in the short video field."
"Live stream sales is a huge pie, and Douyin can't possibly ignore it. I estimate that this feature will be launched very soon."
"What our guild needs to do is seize this opportunity and become Douyin's first live stream sales guild."
"When Douyin launches the live stream sales feature, there will definitely be a pilot program, and we will be that pilot."
"This can not only build good relations with Douyin but also bring a lot of popularity and revenue to our guild."
"With our current strength and so many high-quality streamers, I believe we can still cooperate with Douyin and become a pilot guild for Douyin's live stream sales."
"This is an opportunity. You contact Douyin; you understand the specific work better than I do."
Everything Xu Yang said was mentioned in the email sent to him by the system.
Douyin's future strategic development plan detailed the launch time of Douyin's live stream sales and its popularity.
What Xu Yang needed to do was point this out and let Xiao Dongsheng contact Douyin to facilitate this cooperation.
After hearing these words, Xiao Dongsheng felt as if he had a sudden realization.
"Mr. Xu, you're right. Douyin will definitely want a share of the live stream sales pie; it just hasn't launched this feature yet."
"At this rate of development, Douyin should launch this feature very soon."
"This is indeed an opportunity. If we can cooperate with Douyin as a pilot for Douyin's live stream sales, it will not only bring popularity and revenue but also promote further cooperation with Douyin."
"I also believe that our guild has the strength to cooperate with Douyin; our guild consists of high-quality streamers."
Xiao Dongsheng grew more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see the scene of the guild cooperating with Douyin, making a big splash, and earning huge profits in the live stream sales field.
He owned twenty percent of the guild's shares; for every dollar the company earned, he received twenty cents.
This further motivated him to do every task well.
Live stream sales was definitely an operation that would bring explosive growth to the company and his income.
Chapter 67 Low-key celebration
Xu Yang saw Xiao Dongsheng's excited look and couldn't help but say, "Lao Xiao Dongsheng, I must remind you, the products we sell through live streaming must be strictly screened. They must be of excellent quality and have a good reputation. I don't want live streaming to plant a huge bomb for our guild. You must strictly control this aspect!"
He was just afraid that Xiao Dongsheng would be blinded by profit and, for money, let streamers sell any kind of product.
If that happened, they would earn a lot in the short term, but in the long run, it would be a net loss.
When Xu Yang runs a business, he considers long-term development.
He is not the kind of person who works for a few years, makes a quick buck, and then leaves.
Therefore, he had to remind Xiao Dongsheng.
Xiao Dongsheng's heart trembled, and he quickly said, "Mr. Xu, don't worry. I'm not the kind of person who would resort to unscrupulous means just to make money. I have a bottom line and I know how to ensure the company's long-term development. I would never do anything that harms the company's interests. As long as we finalize the partnership with Douyin, I will strictly vet the products for live streaming. They will definitely be of excellent quality and have a good public reputation."
To be honest, even without Xu Yang's reminder, he wouldn't engage in such activities or let streamers sell fake and shoddy products just to make money.
However, he certainly wouldn't have paid as much attention to product quality and reputation.
With Xu Yang's reminder, it became a top priority.
The selection of products must be the best of the best.
Xu Yang nodded with satisfaction: "Good, then you prepare these next few days and contact Douyin. Once the partnership is settled, choose high-quality, reputable brand products. If you need me to step in, call me as soon as possible."
Xiao Dongsheng immediately responded, "Okay."
"Alright, then I'll be going." Xu Yang got up and left... That evening, at the Yang Family home.
Liu Yujuan finished cooking and called everyone to eat.
Yang Tiancheng took out his treasured Maotai.
He also took out two glasses and poured two drinks.
One was for him, and one was for his son, Yang Jingsheng.
Zhao Yulu and Liu Yujuan don't drink baijiu, so Yang Tiancheng didn't pour for them.
Yang Jingsheng saw his father's actions and couldn't help but say, "Dad, is there something good happening today?"
Yang Tiancheng took a sip of Maotai, let out a comfortable "Ah," smacked his lips, and then smiled slightly: "Today, the boss held a high-level meeting and discussed the hotpot chain plan I proposed. The plan was approved, and I will be in charge of the hotpot chain venture. We will first open twenty hotpot chain stores in Jiangcheng. As long as the hotpot chain stores in Jiangcheng operate smoothly, we will expand to major cities across the country. The boss also promised that if this plan succeeds, he will make me the Meiwei Group's Executive President."
The company Yang Tiancheng works for is called Meiwei Group. Liu Yujuan and Yang Tiancheng both rely on him, and he holds a management position in the company.
He had discussed his hotpot chain plan with Liu Yujuanand Yang Tiancheng before.
He is currently a Vice President of the Meiwei Group. The Meiwei Group has several Vice Presidents, each managing different areas.
As an established catering group in Jiangcheng, Meiwei Group has several brands, including fast-food brands, high-end restaurant brands, and various snack brands specifically catering to the tastes of people from different regions, and so on.
In short, Meiwei Group is a large catering group.
Meiwei Group had not yet entered the hotpot sector.
Yang Tiancheng's proposal perfectly aligned with the boss's ideas.
All the senior executives also felt that this shortcoming should be addressed.
So, after discussion, they decided to start a hotpot chain.
Many of Yang Tiancheng's ideas received the boss's support, so the boss made Yang Tiancheng the person in charge.
If Yang Tiancheng could do a good job, he would be made President.
The boss's promise made the other senior executives of the Meiwei Group extremely envious.
It can be said that with the boss's support, there was almost no possibility of failure for this matter.
Yang Tiancheng becoming the Meiwei Group's President was a foregone conclusion.
After the meeting ended today, the other senior executives of the Meiwei Group all came to show goodwill to Yang Tiancheng, which made Yang Tianchengfeel extremely pleased.
How could such good news not be celebrated?
To be honest, if he hadn't been afraid of leaving a bad impression on the boss, he would have invited the other senior executives of the company out to dinner to celebrate.
Now, coming home and drinking some treasured Maotai with his son was already very low-key.
"That's great!" Yang Jingsheng was so happy he almost jumped up.
With his father becoming President, his position in the company would definitely be promoted as well.
It could be said that his father's success was his success.
His success depended on his father's success.
He himself didn't have much ability; the height of his career was determined by Yang Tiancheng.
"Tiancheng, this is a testament to perseverance. You finally got your chance." Liu Yujuan was also very happy.
Whether she lived well also depended on Yang Tiancheng.
The more Yang Tiancheng earned, the more pocket money she would have.
Only Zhao Yulu ate silently, not speaking.
She didn't care much about these matters; in fact, she had always felt unable to integrate into this family.
Whether Yang Tiancheng succeeded or not had nothing to do with her.
Yang Tiancheng treated her, his stepdaughter, very differently from how he treated Yang Jingsheng, his biological son.
From childhood to adulthood.
Yang Tiancheng would take Yang Jingsheng on trips but wouldn't take her.
Yang Tiancheng would agree to Yang Jingsheng's requests to buy anything but wouldn't agree to hers.
Yang Tiancheng would spend a lot of money to send Yang Jingsheng to the best schools but wouldn't care for her, only letting her attend ordinary public schools like other children.
Moreover, if Yang Jingsheng made a mistake, Yang Tiancheng would not blame him.
But if she made a mistake, Yang Tiancheng would hit and scold her.
All these things made it difficult for her to accept Yang Tiancheng as her stepfather and Yang Jingsheng as her half-brother.
"Dad, I toast to you, to you, the future Meiwei GroupPresident, haha!" Yang Jingsheng, with an excited smile, raised his glass.
"Tiancheng, I'll also toast you with tea." Liu Yujuanpoured a cup of tea and then poured one for Zhao Yulu. She even gave Zhao Yulu a look, fearing she wouldn't be sensible.
Helplessly, Zhao Yulu could only raise her teacup.
"Good, today our family will toast to this matter." Yang Tiancheng was in a great mood. He clinked glasses with them, drained his drink, and then let out another "Ah," smacking his lips.
When he drank at home and was happy, he would do this.
Anyway, it was just family watching, so he didn't need to be so reserved.
When eating and drinking out, he naturally wouldn't make such gestures.
Otherwise, he would definitely be laughed at.
"This treasured wine is truly different." Yang Jingshengalso drained his drink and smacked his lips.
Afterward, he very thoughtfully refilled Yang Tiancheng's glass and then his own.
Zhao Yulu and Liu Yujuan, on the other hand, took a sip of tea and put down their teacups.
Zhao Yulu continued to eat silently, not speaking.
Chapter 68: Killing Two Birds with One Stone
Yang Tiancheng took two bites of food and said, "The first step for this Hotpot Chain Plan to succeed is choosing the location. Stores in good areas will naturally have better business. Starting tomorrow, we need to begin site selection. Jingsheng, I'm putting you in charge of this. Once this plan succeeds, I will report your achievements, and promoting you then will be a matter of course; no one will have anything to say against it."
Yang Jingsheng was overjoyed: "Dad, don't worry, I will definitely handle this well and won't disappoint you!"
Yang Tiancheng nodded in satisfaction and looked at Liu Yujuan: "Yujuan, you must also be involved in this matter. Prepare yourself first. When the time comes, I will let you manage one of the stores. Once you achieve success with one store, if I promote you later, no one will object."
Liu Yujuan was ecstatic: "Alright, don't worry, I will definitely prepare well and manage the store properly."
"Mm." Yang Tiancheng nodded contentedly.
Perhaps saying that when one man achieves the Dao, even his pets ascend to heaven, is a bit mismatched here.
But Yang Tiancheng becoming President certainly allowed Liu Yujuan and Yang Jingsheng to get promotions and raises.
As for Zhao Yulu, working at the bank was none of his business.
Working at the bank was also quite good.
In this regard, Zhao Yulu had done relatively well.
Zhao Yulu entered the bank relying on her own abilities.
His son, Yang Jingsheng, graduated and couldn't even find a good job; it was only because he leveraged his position as Vice President that he arranged for him to work at Meiwei Group.
Later, he was gradually promoted to Supervisor.
If it weren't for him, his son would definitely be doing the lowest-level work, and getting a promotion or a raise would be harder than reaching the heavens.
Although he knew this, Yang Jingsheng was his son, so he didn't say anything.
Even if the son lacked ability, it was enough that he, the father, possessed it.
Anyway, all the money he earned would eventually be left to his son.
As for his daughter, she would eventually marry out.
Moreover, since she wasn't his biological daughter, he naturally wouldn't spend too much effort on her.
In fact, if he hadn't seen that Zhao Yulu was beautiful and likely to marry into a good family in the future, he wouldn't have bothered with her at all.
In his view, Zhao Yulu's only purpose was to find a good husband and bring benefits to the family.
That was why he made Zhao Yulu break up with Xu Yangand had his son introduce Zhao Yulu to Chen Guanglei.
If Zhao Yulu married Chen Guanglei, it would definitely be a major benefit for the Yang Family and would also help his career.
Chen Guanglei's father is a billionaire Boss. With such in-laws, his standing in the company would naturally be different.
Furthermore, this would provide a fallback for the Yang Family. Even if Meiwei Group collapsed, he could still seek a decent job through Chen Guanglei's father, his in-law.
It must be said that his calculations were loud and clear, but only when the time came would he know the result.
Yang Jingsheng said, "Dad, I think the location for the hotpot restaurant should be chosen where there is heavy foot traffic. Once there is foot traffic, the business will naturally pick up."
Yang Tiancheng nodded in agreement: "That's right. When doing catering, especially hotpot, you must choose places with heavy foot traffic. Only with sufficient foot traffic can the business thrive."
Yang Jingsheng's eyes darted around, and he looked at Liu Yujuan, saying, "Mom, I think your ex-husband's restaurant location would be a very good choice for opening a hotpot restaurant."
Yang Tiancheng's eyes lit up: "Exactly! The foot traffic there is huge. There are many office buildings and shopping malls nearby; it's an absolutely prime location. Otherwise, Xu Yang wouldn't be able to live so well just relying on a small restaurant, even having money to support his daughter buying a house. Moreover, his store hasn't been fully utilized yet. After renovation, the space is definitely large enough to open a hotpot restaurant."
Speaking of which, he and Zhao Hai had a history of bad blood.
Back then, both of them worked at Meiwei Group.
He used a bit of scheming to push Zhao Hai out, successfully becoming a Manager, and then gradually rising to Vice President.
Not only that, but he also stole Zhao Hai's wife, Liu Yujuan.
In the struggle against Zhao Hai, he was the definite winner.
If they opened this hotpot chain and managed to lease Zhao Hai's small restaurant, Zhao Hai's expression would probably be quite something.
Just thinking about it made him feel truly expectant.
Yang Jingsheng laughed: "Mom, why don't you talk to your ex-husband and ask him to rent the store to us? He doesn't earn much running that small restaurant. This way, it helps us, and he can be relieved and retire early. Wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone?"
Yang Tiancheng also said, "Yujuan, Jingsheng makes sense. Call Zhao Hai."
His tone was filled with an air of non-negotiation.
"Alright." Liu Yujuan did not refuse; she immediately took out her phone and went to the balcony to make the call.
She returned shortly, her expression rather unpleasant.
"What's wrong? He doesn't agree to rent the store to us?" Yang Tiancheng asked, frowning.
"He said he absolutely wouldn't rent it to us and told us not to dream." Liu Yujuan's face was grim.
Zhao Hai's words were extremely heartless; he rejected her outright, completely disregarding their past relationship as father of her daughter, which made her very angry.
"He probably just can't accept it temporarily. Do this: tomorrow after work, go to his restaurant and talk to him in person. As long as he is willing to lease the store, we can appropriately raise the rental price a bit. That's fine. Anyway, once the hotpot restaurant becomes popular, the rent will be earned back quickly," Yang Tiancheng said.
"Then I'll go talk to him tomorrow. I refuse to believe I can't persuade him," Liu Yujuan said.
Although this matter was first proposed by Yang Jingsheng, it also received Yang Tiancheng's approval.
It could also be said that Yang Tiancheng personally entrusted it to her.
This concerns Yang Tiancheng's Hotpot Chain Plan and must be successful.
She needed to demonstrate her value.
Only then would her life at home improve.
"Mom, then I wish you instant success." Yang Jingshengsmiled, a look of someone watching a good show.
Liu Yujuan disliked that smile, but she didn't say anything.
"Oh right, Yulu, you go with your mother tomorrow too." Yang Tiancheng remembered something and looked at Zhao Yulu again.
"Can't Mom just go by herself?" Zhao Yulu didn't want to go.
"If you go along, the effect will be better. Regardless, you are Zhao Hai's biological daughter. Maybe if you say something, your biological father will soften and rent the store to us. You are now part of our Yang Family, and you should contribute to this matter." Yang Tiancheng said.
"That's right, my dear sister. You should go. Whether we can secure this store depends on the two of you." Yang Jingsheng wore that strange smile again.
This kind of smile was also extremely repulsive to Zhao Yulu.
To be honest, if she had the means to rent a place outside, she would have moved out long ago.
With her salary, she could only afford to rent a poor apartment outside, which was far less comfortable than living at home.
"Fine, I'll go with Mom tomorrow." Having no choice, Zhao Yulu could only agree.
Chapter 69 Get Out of Here Now
The next day.
After work, Liu Yujuan drove to the bank to pick up Zhao Yulu, then headed to Zhao Hai's small restaurant.
After parking the car, the two got out and saw a rolls-royce cullinan parked nearby.
"Driving a rolls-royce cullinan and coming to Zhao Hai's small restaurant to eat?" Liu Yujuan was full of confusion.
Zhao Yulu was also very puzzled; people who drive such luxury cars should be going to high-end restaurants, right?
Why would they come here?
However, when they saw the two people who got out of the car, Zhao Yulu and Liu Yujuan were stunned.
These two people were none other than Xu Yang and Zhao Yuxin.
"Xu Yang, Yu Xin, why did you come in a rolls-royce cullinan? Whose car is this?" Liu Yujuan couldn't help but ask.
She hadn't even considered that it might be Xu Yang or Zhao Yuxin's car, which is why she asked.
To be honest, Xu Yang and Zhao Yuxin were also surprised to see Zhao Yulu and Liu Yujuan.
They didn't know why the two of them would appear here.
They had arranged to meet their Cousin Zhao Yuqing here for dinner.
Their Cousin was craving Zhao Hai's cooking, so she invited them over.
They didn't expect to run into Zhao Yulu and Liu Yujuanhere.
"This is my husband's car. If we don't take this car, what car should we take?" Zhao Yuxin replied indifferently.
Their Cousin had invited them to eat at her father's restaurant tonight. This morning, Xu Yang had to go to the guild, so Zhao Yuxin didn't drive to work. Instead, she had Xu Yang drop her off at the bank and then pick her up later.
Xu Yang naturally had no objections and thought it was an excellent arrangement.
Otherwise, if they each drove a car home later, it wouldn't feel right.
"Xu Yang's car?" Liu Yujuan's eyes widened, her face full of disbelief. "Didn't you say you bought a maserati quattroporte and a villa? How do you still have money to buy a Rolls-Royce?"
Zhao Yuxin said coldly, "My husband has the ability to make money; is that any of your business?"
Seeing Zhao Yuxin like this, Liu Yujuan immediately retorted angrily, "Zhao Yuxin, I am your mother! How can you talk to me like that?"
Zhao Yuxin said coldly, "I never considered you my mother. Don't flatter yourself."
"You!" Liu Yujuan's face turned ashen with anger, and she was about to give Zhao Yuxin a good lecture.
Zhao Yulu, however, tugged at her arm: "Mom, we're outside, and a lot of people are watching. Let's talk about it once we're inside the restaurant."
Liu Yujuan took a deep breath and said, "Fine. When I see Zhao Hai later, I'll ask him how he taught his daughter to the point where she doesn't even acknowledge me as her mother."
Zhao Yuxin wasn't afraid of this and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Liu Yujuan snorted coldly, "We're here to give your dad money. You'd better persuade him later to seize this opportunity, or it'll be gone."
"Give money?" Zhao Yuxin frowned. "What money? Are you being so kind?"
"You'll know later." Liu Yujuan didn't want to say it now. Anyway, she was going to see Zhao Hai, so she would say it all at once later to avoid repeating herself and wasting time.
"If you're not going to say, then forget it. Husband, let's go." Zhao Yuxin took Xu Yang's hand and entered the restaurant.
Then, they went directly to a small private room.
Zhao Hai had already told them that this room was specially reserved for them and would not be open to others tonight.
The employees in the restaurant all knew that these were the boss's daughter and son-in-law, so they didn't say anything. A waiter directly served tea and went to inform the boss.
Another waiter saw Zhao Yulu and Liu Yujuan and came forward to greet them: "Hello, how many are in your party?"
"Don't worry about me; I'm with those two people who just went in." Liu Yujuan waved her hand and, with Zhao Yulu, entered the small private room.
They sat directly opposite Xu Yang and Zhao Yuxin.
Zhao Yuqing hadn't arrived yet; she had sent a message earlier saying that she suddenly had a client to entertain in the afternoon and would be late.
Zhao Yuxin glanced at the two of them but didn't speak.
Liu Yujuan, however, said, "Yulu, go call your dad over."
Zhao Yulu nodded and was about to get up and go.
At this moment, the private room door opened.
"Yu Xin, you and Xu Yang…"
It was Zhao Hai who came in, smiling broadly. Halfway through his sentence, he saw Zhao Yulu and Liu Yujuanthere, looking somewhat surprised. "What are you two doing here?"
Liu Yujuan said, "Zhao Hai, regarding what I told you last night, I still hope you can think it through clearly. It's good for you, for me, and for everyone."
Zhao Hai finally understood why Liu Yujuan had come, and his face darkened slightly: "You don't need to say anything. I've thought it through very clearly. You two should leave."
Zhao Yuxin asked curiously, "Dad, what exactly is going on?"
Zhao Hai said, "That Yang Tiancheng got the group owner's approval to open a hotpot chain. He's currently looking for storefronts and wants to lease my shop. Last night, this woman called me, and I explicitly refused her. I didn't expect her to show up at my door today."
Liu Yujuan said, "Zhao Hai, we're renting your shop, and this is for your own good. How much money can your shop make in a year? We're giving you two hundred and fifty thousand a year, which is a lot. You won't have to do anything all year long and can still earn two hundred and fifty thousand. How can you not be content? You work yourself to death in this shop every year, and you probably don't even have two hundred and fifty thousand in net profit."
Zhao Hai said, "Whether I have two hundred and fifty thousand or not is none of your business. I'm happy to be this busy. Is that any of your concern? I'll say it again: I will not lease the shop to you. Tell Yang Tiancheng to give up. Now, please leave."
Liu Yujuan said, "Zhao Hai, you really don't know how to assess the situation. The matter between you and Yang Tiancheng has been so many years ago; what's the point of still holding a grudge?"
Zhao Hai's face was grim: "You still have the nerve to bring up old matters? Get out of my sight right now!"
Liu Yujuan frowned, took a deep breath, and said, "Alright, let's not talk about old matters. Zhao Hai, if you think the rent is too low, we can increase it. How about three hundred and fifty thousand a year? I'm telling you, no matter who you rent to, it's impossible to get this much rent."
This is what Yang Tiancheng told her; she didn't just add it on a whim. He said they could offer a maximum rent of three hundred and fifty thousand per year.
As long as they secured it, it would be fine.
Zhao Hai said, "I'll also tell you clearly: no matter how much money you offer, I will not lease the shop to you."
Liu Yujuan's face became ugly. Knowing that reasoning with Zhao Hai was pointless, she looked at Zhao Yuxin: "Yu Xin, look at your dad. He doesn't know how to make money. For a little bit of pride, he's giving up such a good money-making opportunity. He doesn't consider himself, but you should consider him, right? Are you willing to see him work himself to death here every day?"
Zhao Yuxin indeed didn't want her father to be so tired.
To be honest, an annual rent of three hundred thousand is indeed a lot; very few people can offer such high rent.
Her father's annual earnings are roughly that amount.
But her father has to work hard for it.
If her father leased out the shop, he could earn that much without having to work.
This would be beneficial to her father.
But she also knew that her father could lease this shop to anyone, but he would absolutely not lease it to Yang Tiancheng.
Thinking of this, Zhao Yuxin could only say, "I respect my father's choice. Whatever he does, I will support him."
Chapter 70 Please Leave
"You!" Liu Yujuan's face turned ashen with anger. She turned to Zhao Hai and said, "Zhao Hai, look at you! This is the daughter you raised. She doesn't care about your life at all. She lives in a villa and drives a luxury car, yet she lets you work yourself to death!"
How could Zhao Hai not understand the meaning behind Liu Yujuan's words? He said calmly, "I think I raised my daughter very well. I'm not like you, only knowing how to make your daughter find a rich boyfriend."
After a pause, he added, "You said my daughter doesn't care about my life. My daughter gave me eight million for my retirement. Did your daughter give you that much money?"
Xu Yang and Yu Xin had already bought a luxury car and moved into a villa, so naturally, they wouldn't forget Zhao Hai.
After Xu Yang and Yu Xin discussed it, they directly gave Zhao Hai ten million. Two million of that was to repay Zhao Hai for the money he gave Yu Xin to buy a house.
Originally, Zhao Hai didn't want it.
Besides, he had a house and enough money for himself, so what would he do with so much money?
In the end, it was only after Xu Yang and Yu Xinrepeatedly persuaded him that he accepted it.
His thoughts were the same as Xu Yang's parents': he wouldn't use it himself but would save the money in the bank. If Xu Yang and Yu Xin needed it in the future, he would give it to them.
"What! Yu Xin gave you eight million!" Liu Yujuan stood up in surprise.
Zhao Yulu also looked at Yu Xin in surprise, then at Xu Yang.
If nothing unexpected happened, this should be money Xu Yang earned.
But didn't Xu Yang spend the money he earned on buying a car and a house? He shouldn't have that much money left, right? How could he still give Zhao Hai eight million?
This made her a bit confused.
"Yu Xin, did you really give your dad eight million? How do you have that much money!" Liu Yujuan asked Yu Xin.
"My husband can earn money," Yu Xin said proudly.
"Didn't he just get lucky, earning a few million from futures trading and fifty million from a leaked painting? Buying a car and a villa should have used it all up, so how does he still have money?" Liu Yujuan still couldn't quite believe it.
"My sister told you, didn't she? Can't my husband earn money again?" Yu Xin sneered.
"Earning money again? Futures trading and finding leaked calligraphy and paintings are just blind luck. How else can he earn money?" Liu Yujuan's understanding of Xu Yangwas still stuck in the past.
"Blind luck is just you deceiving yourselves. I know you don't believe it, and I don't need to prove anything to you. Speaking of which, my sister and Xu Yang breaking up must have been partly your doing, right? You always advised my sister not to be with Xu Yang. I should even thank you; if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to be with Xu Yang," Yu Xin said mockingly.
"You!" Liu Yujuan trembled with anger but didn't know what to say. She couldn't help but look at Xu Yang, "Xu Yang, tell me, where else did you earn money?"
Xu Yang said indifferently, "In your eyes, my earning money is just blind luck. I don't care. You be happy. Since Yu Xin isn't saying, then just think that."
He remembered very clearly how this woman had looked down on him and despised him when he was with Zhao Yulu.
Since he had already broken up with Zhao Yulu, there was no need to be polite with Liu Yujuan.
In front of Liu Yujuan, he couldn't maintain his previous attitude.
Liu Yujuan immediately became unhappy: "Xu Yang, how can you talk like that? No matter what, Yu Xin is my daughter, and I am your mother-in-law!"
Before Xu Yang could speak, Yu Xin said, "Liu Yujuan, I told you, I've never considered you my mother. Don't shamelessly claim that identity!"
Liu Yujuan was furious again but didn't say anything more to Yu Xin. There was no point in saying more about this matter.
Yu Xin's opinion of her was already deeply ingrained.
Remembering the purpose of her visit today, she turned to Zhao Hai and said, "Zhao Hai, are you going to rent out the storefront or not?"
Zhao Hai said indifferently, "I've already made it very clear. Even if I rent it to anyone else, I won't rent it to you."
Liu Yujuan took a deep breath and said, "Zhao Hai, you should be very clear that Yu Yulu and I are here today because Yang Tiancheng sent us. You understand Yang Tiancheng's personality. If we don't convince you to rent the storefront to us, when we return to the Yang Family, Yang Tiancheng won't give us a good look. I don't care, but can you bear to see Yu Yulu suffer? After all, Yu Yulu is your daughter, isn't she?"
This was playing the emotional card with her daughter.
Zhao Hai found it amusing: "Liu Yujuan, how can you have the face to say such a thing? If you don't want Yu Yulu to suffer, you can take Yu Yulu and leave Yang Tiancheng."
Liu Yujuan's face turned ugly. She said to Zhao Yulu, "Yu Yulu, your dad is so heartless. I can't communicate with him anymore. You talk to him."
Zhao Yulu was about to speak, but Yu Xin interjected, "Sister, I don't care what you do, but if you help this woman speak ill of Dad, don't blame me for falling out with you!"
Zhao Yulu opened her mouth but ultimately didn't speak.
She still owed Yu Xin two million, and she clearly lacked confidence when facing Yu Xin.
Moreover, she was forced to come today.
Since that was the case, she simply wouldn't say anything.
Anyway, she had already come, and Yang Tianchengshould not say anything.
Liu Yujuan, however, said angrily, "Yu Xin, is that how you talk to your sister?"
Yu Xin retorted, "How I talk, what does it have to do with you?"
"You..." Liu Yujuan was furious again.
She really came here today to get angry.
Whether it was Zhao Hai, or Xu Yang and Yu Xin, two out of three sentences they spoke made her blood boil.
Zhao Hai said coldly, "Don't say anything more. My restaurant doesn't welcome you. Please leave immediately!"
"Alright, alright, Zhao Hai, you'll regret this!" Liu Yujuanreally couldn't stay any longer and got up to leave.
Zhao Yulu got up and left with her.
The mother and daughter walked out of the restaurant.
"This Zhao Hai, and Xu Yang and Yu Xin, they're really making me so angry!"
Liu Yujuan was still incredibly angry.
"Mom, actually, this result was predictable. You know better than anyone about the matter between Dad and Yang Tiancheng. How could Dad possibly rent the storefront to Yang Tiancheng?"
"Besides, Jingsheng suggested renting Dad's storefront with the intention of making fun of us and causing trouble for Dad."
"I don't believe Yang Tiancheng couldn't see that. He still let us come, probably with that intention as well."
Zhao Yulu still referred to Zhao Hai as Dad, and Yang Tiancheng by his full name.
Unless absolutely necessary, she would not call Yang Tiancheng 'Dad,' nor would she call Jingsheng 'Brother.'
"Even if that's the case, what can we do? We still had to come." Liu Yujuan was also very unhappy about this point.
However, she had to rely on Yang Tiancheng for her livelihood and had no choice but to do certain things.
"Anyway, we've already come, and Yang Tianchengshould know that Dad won't rent the storefront to us. We'll just look at the storefronts nearby, give Yang Tiancheng some references, and consider it completing the task he assigned," Zhao Yulu said.
"That's the only way," Liu Yujuan nodded, and taking Zhao Yulu, she looked around the vicinity. She found quite a few storefronts for transfer, and two of them were quite suitable.
After looking, they left.