Chen Jianhai was in a great mood.
The afternoon sun cast shimmering reflections on the azure sea behind them, turning the water into a sparkling expanse of emerald. In the distance, verdant mountains stood tall, while coconut trees lining the road cast dappled shadows on the ground. The sea breeze, flowing through the convertible's open roof, carried a raw sense of freedom.
Chen Jianhai stretched his hand out of the car, cupping his palm slightly. The smooth, forceful wind brushed against his skin, as if he could grasp the very essence of autumn with his fingers.
...Though it'd be even better if he could grasp cold, hard cash instead.
*Sigh!*
Last night, Xie Zhulongxiong had come to report on work and handed him the list of employees for the second round of overseas training.
Instantly, Boss Chen's blood pressure spiked.
This was all money…!!!
But when it came to training, you either did it right or not at all.
So Chen Jianhai could only force a smile, praising Xie Zhulongxiong's work and even throwing in a few compliments.
However, Xie Zhulongxiong also brought good news.
This time, many veteran HR employees were included in the training.
Under Xie Zhulongxiong's influence, these employees had fully internalized the principles of effective HR management.
While other employees focused on studying hotel culture and service standards, the HR team dedicated themselves to networking and building international relationships.
Within days, they'd befriended several staff members at their respective training hotels.
Though these connections were mostly entry-level employees rather than management, they could still assist with last-minute room bookings, local recommendations, or small errands.
Most importantly, Langyi Hotel's employees had transformed from being hesitant and passive to confidently engaging with others and forming friendships.
The progress was so remarkable that even Xie Zhulongxiong was surprised, let alone Chen Jianhai.
Besides, the hospitality industry was all about building connections.
After hearing Xie Zhulongxiong's report, Chen Jianhai generously allocated additional funds for the HR team to prepare small domestic gifts—either to mail or bring along during the next training trip.
Money should be spent wisely, with clear purpose.
But some investments were long-term, their returns not immediately visible.
Like… investing in relationships.
Gifts were a universal language.
Though cultural differences existed, nobody disliked kindness and respect.
It wasn't about the price tag—it was the thought that counted.
A trinket worth a few bucks back home could carry immense sentimental value when sent overseas.
As long as his employees were proactive in seizing opportunities for the hotel's future, Chen Jianhai was willing to spend on their behalf.
And who knows?
If even one employee managed to befriend a hotel executive and secure a partnership, the initial investment would pay off instantly!
But… even small expenses added up!
And as relationships deepened, those "few bucks" would inevitably grow.
*"If only we could land a corporate event or something…"*
Chen Jianhai sighed, gripping the steering wheel as the sea breeze brushed his face, his expression briefly troubled.
All of this was observed by Huang Ning beside him.
Since getting in the car, Huang Ning had shamelessly studied Chen Jianhai through the rearview mirror, shielded by her sunglasses.
From his demeanor, it was clear—he was preoccupied with something!
Just then, Chen Jianhai's phone rang.
*Ring ring~*
He answered via Bluetooth. "Hello?"
"Brother Qin?"
"Yeah, I'm in Nanjiang."
"Got it! I'm dropping off a guest now. I'll meet you in two hours."
Hanging up, Chen Jianhai's earlier gloom vanished instantly, replaced by renewed enthusiasm. He floored the accelerator, racing back to the hotel.
Huang Ning: *"This man's mood swings are unreal!"*
---
Forty minutes later, Chen Jianhai dropped Huang Ning off at the hotel. As they stepped out, a bellboy rushed over to assist.
To Huang Ning's astonishment, Chen Jianhai strolled toward a nearby shared bike.
After scanning the QR code and adjusting the seat, he pedaled leisurely toward the city center.
Huang Ning: *"…Does your boss not own a car?"*
The bellboy hesitated, sizing her up.
Since Chen Jianhai had personally picked her up from the airport and she knew his identity, they must be acquainted.
With a polite smile, he replied, "No, our boss is very frugal."
"Aside from hotel expenses, he rarely spends on himself."
"Please, follow me—"
Gesturing warmly, the bellboy escorted Huang Ning to the reception desk to complete her check-in.
---
Unlike the coastal highway, Nanjiang's city center was congested with traffic and frequent red lights. A sports car was more hassle than convenience—prone to scratches and impossible to speed in. A bike was far more practical.
Thus, Chen Jianhai preferred cycling.
Half an hour later,
Chen Jianhai parked the shared bike outside Digital Spark Game Development's headquarters.
The 17-story building was semicircular, each floor lined with massive curved windows. From the outside, it resembled an enlarged version of a futuristic system interface.
Chen Jianhai gaped.
*Damn… Brother Qin's company is this massive?!*
Earlier, Qin Li, chairman of Digital Spark, had called, asking to discuss something.
Normally, someone of Chen Jianhai's status would expect meetings at teahouses or restaurants—not a cross-town trip.
But Qin Li was a titan among Nanjiang's entrepreneurs, a respected veteran among the younger generation.
His assets dwarfed Chen Jianhai's, and the two were nightly gaming comrades—Qin Li being the one who'd carried Chen Jianhai to the highest rank.
Given their rapport and Qin Li's standing, this visit was no slight.
Besides, Chen Jianhai dropped by Xiao Lang's barbecue joint all the time. Visiting each other's turf was no big deal.
Unlike Langyi Hotel's aesthetic,
the moment Chen Jianhai stepped into Digital Spark's lobby, he was hit with a wave of futuristic, virtual-reality vibes.
The bright, sleek space was populated by life-sized game characters, lounging on sofas, gazing at potted plants, or leaning against water coolers—as if they were real employees.
Even the company logo was a holographic game controller.
As Chen Jianhai moved, the controller dynamically adjusted its angle, its buttons occasionally lighting up—as if he could grab it and start gaming at any moment.
Chen Jianhai was awestruck.
*Now THIS is magic!*
Forget his Lion Castle Hotel or Magic Century Theme Park—this holographic controller alone outclassed them all.
If Digital Spark ever ventured into themed parks or hotels, the experience would be unimaginable!
This trip was already worth it!
Excitement bubbled in Chen Jianhai.
Though Lion Castle Hotel was complete, there were still details to refine and embellish.
If he could draw inspiration here, the results would be explosive!
Just as he began plotting how to explore the company further, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Boss Chen!"
Turning, Chen Jianhai saw a middle-aged man striding toward him, hand extended.
"Brother Qin!"
Chen Jianhai eagerly returned the handshake.
"Brother Qin! Your company is insane!"
His praise was genuine.
"Just now, I was thinking—thank goodness you haven't branched into hotels. Otherwise, the rest of us would be out of jobs!"
Qin Li laughed.
"You flatter me, Boss Chen."
"Even here in Nanjiang, I've heard how impressively you've built Lion Castle Hotel in Zaomen, partnering with Magic Century Theme Park recently."
"If I tried hotels, I wouldn't even come close to matching you."
---
After exchanging mutual admiration, both men were thoroughly pleased.
Chen Jianhai and Qin Li now regarded each other as increasingly handsome and agreeable.
As Qin Li led the way, he explained,
"This is our Game Corridor. Since we're constantly developing new projects, we designed this virtual-AI hallway to stimulate creativity."
"It displays rotating clips of fantasy, mythology, and animated cutscenes."
"We didn't just focus on visuals—the floor has pressure sensors that adjust animations based on footfalls, creating layered effects."
"Currently, our flagship game is *God Sealing Summoner*, a cyberpunk take on ancient mythology."
"So the corridor features *Investiture of the Gods* themes with cyberpunk twists."
Chen Jianhai walked slowly, mesmerized.
The corridor was a riot of colors.
The screens depicted Nezha wielding the Red Armillary Sash, standing atop Wind-Fire Wheels, reborn from blazing lotuses.
With each step, lotus blossoms bloomed beneath his feet, as if he were walking on flowers.
Glittering embers resembling flames drifted from above, accompanied by faint, chant-like whispers.
Chen Jianhai instinctively reached out, trying to catch the glowing particles—but they passed through his fingers, vanishing into the virtual lotuses below.
*Mind. Blown.*
Chen Jianhai stared, humbled.
He'd thought his system made him unrivaled.
But Digital Spark proved human creativity was even more formidable.
*"System!"*
He summoned it mentally.
*"Ding."*
The familiar, mechanical voice responded.
*"How many points would it cost to replicate this scene?"*
*"Ding."*
*"Request received… Current scene is not a system product. Calculating estimated cost… Analysis time: 20 seconds."*
A massive system panel unfolded before Chen Jianhai's eyes.
Countless numbers scrolled upward, performing complex computations.
*"Ding."*
*"Replication is 100% feasible."*
*"Estimated cost: 1,000 points."*
*"Proceed with replication?"*
Chen Jianhai nearly choked.
*Just copying it costs 1,000 points?! Buying it outright would be 10,000!*
*His entire Jasmine Hotel Water Villas only cost 40,000!*
*How is a single hallway this expensive?!*
*"Cancel. Dismiss."*
He shut the system down decisively.
*Poof—*
The panel vanished.
"You seemed deep in thought just now," Qin Li remarked with a smile.
Chen Jianhai grinned. "I was wondering if you'd give me a beta account to try this game out."
Qin Li chuckled. "Easy!"
"If you're interested, I can set you up with an S-tier account."
"But *God Sealing Summoner* isn't just PvE—it's a gacha game."
"Nezha is our latest 5-star hero."
Chen Jianhai blinked. *"Gacha game?!"*
Qin Li nodded. "Indeed. The hero/weapon banners updated yesterday, featuring Nezha."
"And last night,"
"A streamer drew at your Lion Castle Hotel's wishing pool—and emptied our entire 5-star roster and weapon stock."
Chen Jianhai froze, staring blankly.
*"Come again?"*
"In my hotel… someone pulled every 5-star hero and weapon in your game?"*
He whispered cautiously, *"Was it a bug?"*
Qin Li sighed.
"That's what we thought too."
"Since midnight, our entire 14th-floor dev team has been debugging—with no luck."
"Boss Chen…"
"Could *you* be the bug?"