Chapter 395: Struggles North and South

The feeling of working in the internet industry versus real-world industries is distinct. The internet feels more illusionary, like a bubble. Yet, at this very moment, seeing skyscrapers rise because of one’s efforts does bring an unmatched surge of pride.

“It’s crucial to ensure proper safety training on the site. All safety equipment must be regularly checked. Also, given the recent heat, ensure timely disbursement of heatstroke prevention subsidies for the workers.”

Jiang Qin descended from the platform above, speaking to managers and supervisors behind him as he walked.

Hearing this, the group behind nodded repeatedly, “President Jiang is right, we always follow the regulations.”

“Just following the rules isn’t enough, they need to be understood fully. Oh, and how much longer is the project for Wanzhong expected to take?”

“It’s estimated to take another six months or so.”

Jiang Qin stepped off a steel ramp designed for trolleys and asked another question, “How is the food arrangement for the workers being handled?”

Manager Wu from the construction company caught up and replied, “We have chefs in the nearby factory district cooking large pot meals, delivered to the site twice daily.”

“We can’t always have large pot meals. When there’s time, take them to a restaurant for a buffet to improve their meals.”

At this, the builders and Wanzhong Group representatives exchanged looks, a bit baffled.

How much does a large pot meal cost? And a buffet? There’s a world of difference.

A decent buffet, especially one with seafood, could feed dozens with the cost for one.

President Jiang is still too young, not grasping the low standard of workers’ meals. His suggestions seemed too light-hearted and somewhat naive.

“President Jiang, you must be joking. Buffets are way beyond our budget.”

Taking a break in the shade at the doorway, Jiang Qin responded, “Group buying.”

Manager Wu hesitated, “What?”

“Haven’t you heard of group buying websites working here in Shanghai?”

“I’ve heard, sure. The city’s plastered with their ads. I step out and get a dozen flyers, all from the same company. Not sure what the point is.”

Taking a tissue from a secretary to wipe his brow, Jiang Qin explained, “The discounts with group buying are significant. Just like paying for a couple of large pot meals, and you get air conditioning while eating.”

Manager Wu appeared puzzled, “That hadn’t crossed my mind, but how would that work with accounting?”

“Just keep the usual accounts. Any extra costs, get an invoice to me and consider it my treat for the workers.”

“Alright, President Jiang. I’ll arrange for them to take turns on their days off to enjoy a buffet soon.”

Jiang Qin nodded, thinking to himself about skimming a bit from the capitalists to help the workers. This could become a regular thing.

He then strolled around the perimeter before leaving the construction site and drove to Wanzhong Group’s project department, meeting with He Yijun and He Manqi.

The project was entering its late stages. Old He wasn’t as busy as before, but thanks to Linchuan city’s impressive recent performance with Wanzhong, more opportunities to overhaul old malls were forthcoming.

And with the news that Wanzhong could build malls in Shanghai, many cities were keen to invite them.

Recently, half of Old He’s time was spent handling these prospects, and the other half on brand merchandising.

It was like the difference between selling properties on blueprint versus ready-made; though Wanzhong in Shanghai wasn’t finished, many large franchises were already eager to pay up, considering the premium location.

Taking money while upgrading old malls, and vice versa, Wanzhong Group had transformed magnificently and was now in a positive development cycle.

Of course, the brands Jiang Qin helped launch out of Linchuan had already picked prime locations and signed tenancy agreements.

He Yijun had reserved some prime retail spots in several of his mall renovations for them.

That’s why the business owners in Linchuan were devotedly following Jiang Qin. He truly knew how to bring everyone together, leveraging one thing to another, creating a thriving atmosphere.

“Uncle Jiang, where’s Sister Nanshu?”

“She didn’t come. She’s back home.”

He Manqi sighed with slight disappointment, “I wanted to invite her to my entrance ceremony.”

Jiang Qin chuckled, “Didn’t you enroll at Linchuan University? You’ll be schoolmates. You can meet her for meals daily, no rush.”

“But I’m nervous. The cut-off points for Linchuan University rose a lot last year. Several of my classmates who repeated a year missed the grades, and it might increase again. Even my dad thinks it’s because of you.”

“Me? They raised the scores because of me? What, do cut-off points depend on looks now?”

“It’s based on admission rankings. Linchuan has been using your achievements as part of their recruiting material, which has increased applications within the province, hence raising the cut-off scores.”

Jiang Qin patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry. You didn’t waste your year of hard study. If life underestimates your effort, I’ll come with you to spill the beans to the dean!”

As they were talking, He Yijun hurried out of a meeting room, “Long time no see, President Jiang. Let’s grab some food and catch up properly.”

“Looking a bit worn out, aren’t you, President He?”

Jiang Qin looked him over, noting how thin he had become and wondered how much worry that entailed.

He Yijun sighed deeply, “It’s been a tension-filled few months overseeing this major project. I’ve only just started to relax.”

“I’ve had a rough few days in the market myself, turned quite tan. My team has stopped comparing me to Daniel Wu, now saying I resemble Kwok Kin Leung.”

“…”

He Yijun thought, definitely not the same, not reaching Jiang’s unshakable boldness.

Then, the trio picked a restaurant and had a Huaiyang cuisine meal, a pre-celebration for He Manqi’s outstanding college entrance results.

He Yijun had a lot to be thankful for regarding his daughter. Initially, university seemed a stretch; technical school was more her speed.

Yet in just two years, scoring over six hundred thirty on her exams—now that was something to talk about!

If Wanzhong Group’s business could make him thankful to Jiang Qin for a lifetime, He Manqi’s situation would make him grateful for generations, yet he could never voice this.

Not for lack of sentimentality but because Jiang Qin’s cleverness made him wary of double victories.

He Yijun then steered the conversation back to the project, “Manager Wu from the construction site called me. He mentioned you arranged for group buying coupons to take the workers out for buffets?”

“Yes, that was me. Current group buying sites are copying my model. They might become competitors soon, so I needed to secure a win-win situation first.”

“…”

He Yijun’s heart missed a beat, thinking it was a good thing he hadn’t expressed his gratitude just then. Such a risky gamble.

Who would dare contest Jiang Qin and not worry about biting off more than they could chew? He Yijun didn’t know those running the group buying platforms, but he already admired their courage.

From their conversation, he gleaned that group buys were still on the agenda.

That was excellent news. With Wanzhong malls opening nationwide, they could launch another dazzling marketing campaign. Who could oppose them?

“Need funds?”

“How much can you provide?”

“Well, your share could be tens of millions, and I could personally contribute thousands…”

He Yijun broke off, sweat beading on his forehead as a chilling thought passed, narrowly avoiding a major blunder.

Jiang Qin was taken aback, “Millions? Did you swallow the word ‘millions’?”

“Just thousands. I’ve tied up all my assets in projects.”

“Then save up. We’ll discuss once the franchise fees from the malls start coming in. I don’t need it just yet.”

Jiang Qin, backed by a powerful team, wasn’t worried about funding. Wanzhong’s funds might never even be needed, but no one turns down extra leverage.

More backup meant more stability down the line. That was inevitable.

After they had eaten their fill, Jiang Qin bid farewell to He Yijun and returned to the group buying division to prepare for a business trip to other cities.

Before leaving, Jiang made sure to complete an important task—posing for photographs.

He changed settings several times: the office, the meeting room, adopting poses of deep thought, stern speaking, and vigorous hand-waving, all outrageously flamboyant.

On July 9 in Shanghai, the 13th in Guangzhou, the 15th in Kyoto—Jiang Qin toured the top-tier cities, getting a fresh handle on the main battlefield.

He also visited half a dozen second and third-tier cities and their neighbors, treated various teams to meals, and then flew back to Linchuan.

Back home, there were branding campaigns for Linchuan Business Group and the Golden Silkwood Fund to manage, not to mention keeping an eye on Su Nai’s project progress. Jiang Qin wished he could clone himself.

Fortunately, even without cloning capabilities, the work capacity of Room 208 was commendable.

Under Xu Yu and Lai Cunqing’s supervision, the third branding campaign was smoothly on track, and Su Nai’s project was also progressing orderly, with a primary version of the internal management system in place.

This system was tiered, with structured oversight up to the frontline markets before shifting into a campaign mode.

Only two accounts had full system access—Jiang Qin’s and Feng Nanshu’s.

Although the boss’ wife didn’t engage in the operations, Wei Lanlan had made it clear to Su Nai: non-involvement didn’t mean no influence; her voice had to be preserved here.

That’s workplace politics for you.