Yes!!!
Chen Jianhai slapped his thigh.
Dynasty Fisheries' deep-sea fishing boats were permanently docked at Little Pony Island's northern waters.
If he could negotiate with Dynasty Changye to package their premium fish exports in the bamboo baskets,
Their sales channels would be permanently secured!
"Brother Yong, you're absolutely brilliant!"
This time, Chen Jianhai's praise was genuine.
"It's your brain that's lacking," Xu Yong retorted bluntly.
"Haha, true, my brain's no good."
Chen Jianhai cheerfully picked up the wine bottle to refill Xu Yong's glass.
"Brother Yong, you're truly magnanimous!"
"I never expected you'd help me with advice!"
Xu Yong, known for holding grudges, could've easily sabotaged this. Yet here he was offering solutions—
It was like the sun rising from the south.
Xu Yong snorted coldly: "Don't mistake me for kind. I help people, not causes."
Anyone else could go to hell!
"Haha I know! You're like my own brother!"
"Come, a toast to you!"
Chen Jianhai clinked glasses with Xu Yong, both draining their cups.
...
Xu Yong's advice was indeed invaluable—if only he weren't so foul-mouthed.
Over dinner, he detailed factory site selection, construction processes, and government procedures.
He highlighted pitfalls, areas requiring heavy investment, and critical considerations—all explained so clearly even Chen Jianhai understood.
This was miraculous!
During Nanjiang CEOs' dance class banquets, discussions about IPOs and stocks left him utterly lost.
Yet Xu Yong's simple explanations made perfect sense.
"As for workers, that's easiest."
"Nanjiang's dozen surrounding islands have fishermen at sea while elders and women seek work."
"These elders have woven baskets for decades—skilled and needing supplemental income."
"They'll support your factory wholeheartedly."
"Of course, large orders may require machinery for consistency and speed."
"Whether to prioritize artisanal craftsmanship or mass production is your call."
"Not that your pea brain can comprehend this."
"You couldn't even spot Dynasty's boats docked at your doorstep."
"Come find me if you need further clarification."
Xu Yong's "advice" came laced with insults.
"Yes yes, you're absolutely right!"
Chen Jianhai nodded obsequiously. Today, Xu Yong was his god!
"Only my Brother Yong could advise on Nanjiang affairs while exiled in Zaomen!"
Xu Yong scoffed: "Fools focus only on their turf."
"With markets evolving rapidly, ignorance means death."
A flash of bitterness crossed his eyes—his downfall stemmed from ignoring Nanjiang's supply shifts.
For himself and Wang Wanwan, he'd reclaim Nanjiang someday.
These words warned Chen Jianhai as much as himself.
...
With a wife and infant awaiting at home,
They concluded dinner by 9:30 PM.
At checkout, Chen Jianhai discovered Xu Yong had already paid.
"Chairman Chen, where shall I take you next?"
Chen Yu stood attentively nearby.
"You waited here the whole time?" Chen Jianhai was surprised.
"Yes." Chen Yu smiled.
"You paid too?"
"Indeed, Chairman Chen."
Well now...
Perks of being chairman?
Chen Jianhai raised an eyebrow. Su Jie had mentioned association operational funds,
But this was his first encounter.
Not wanting to embarrass Chen Yu by reimbursing on the spot,
He simply thanked him, planning to clarify procedures with Su Jie tomorrow.
"Chairman... Chen?"
Xu Yong stared bewildered at the outdated black Volkswagen and their exchange.
Knowing Chen Jianhai,
He'd rather take taxis than let his hotels use such old vehicles.
Chen Jianhai explained: "Brother Yong,"
"I was elected chairman of Shell Intermediate Hotel Association. This is my driver, Chen Yu."
Xu Yong: "...?!!"
After a prolonged silence, Xu Yong gaped as if seeing a ghost.
"You... chairman?"
Chen Jianhai sighed mournfully: "Against my will!"
"You know me—slow-witted, blind... But they insisted!"
Watching Xu Yong's stunned expression,
Chen Jianhai exhaled contentedly.
After enduring insults all evening, he'd finally scored a point.
Satisfaction!
...
As Xu Yong's designated driver took him home,
Chen Jianhai waved cheerfully, already planning to maximize his chauffeur privileges.
The prestige!!!
Though his hotels provided luxury cars like BMWs and Bentleys,
They attracted unwanted attention.
This humble Volkswagen, despite its age, delivered incomparable satisfaction!
Since Tong Tongsheng's faction installed him as chairman,
He'd fulfill responsibilities while enjoying every privilege!
Though Chen Yu insisted he'd eaten while waiting,
Chen Jianhai still ordered him a takeaway hot pot set for later.
That night, returning to the association,
Though past 10 PM, the streets buzzed with post-work revelers.
If life had surface and underworld realms,
Commuting marked the portal between them.
Office exits triggered carefree underworld modes, where even breezes carried joy.
Their Volkswagen drove down Cheese Road, turning left at the third traffic light onto Cream Road—
Directly facing East Sea Dragon Palace Seafood BBQ.
The six-story restaurant blazed with lights,
Packed diners visible through windows, with crowds waiting outside.
Business boomed spectacularly.
Though under new ownership, the iconic "Lang" character still adorned the facade—
The new boss cared only for profits, not aesthetics.
"Chairman, visiting East Sea Dragon Palace?"
Chen Yu asked at the red light, noticing Chen Jianhai's gaze.
"Not today. Back to the association."
Chen Jianhai shook his head. Responsibilities left no leisure time.
But someday, he'd reclaim East Sea Dragon Palace for Xiaolang!
...
That night,
Chen Jianhai slept in his office, as did Chen Yu.
Though merely a driver, Chen Yu proved remarkably efficient.
Mentioning next-day Nanjiang plans during the ride,
Before Chen Jianhai alighted, Chen Yu had already booked his train tickets after obtaining his ID number.
No more asking Wen Zifan to handle such tasks—sheer convenience!
Meanwhile across properties:
At Lion Castle Hotel,
Men Youcai and Xiang Dianqian welcomed the first fan from the copywriter's group into Room 1703.
The amusement park's Ferris wheel construction proceeded around the clock.
Lin Suyang and Zhao An's team worked overnight with Zhu Tingting on Summer Momo Café's new ad.
At Lang'ai Hotel,
Xie Zhulongxiong screened autumn recruitment resumes and bodyguard candidates.
Mantou's security team conducted nightly inspections.
Xu Bo and chefs developed competition dishes.
Wen Zifan smiled at her phone's "Returning tomorrow" message,
A floral bookmark beside her pillow.
At Jasmine Hotel,
Rui Keya adjusted services per nursing home residents' feedback.
Lu Bin and An Xia mixed cocktails to guitar melodies in the sunset bar,
Alcohol and music tinting the night indigo—
A dreamy convergence of surface and underworld lives.
...
Next morning,
Chen Yu awaited outside Chen Jianhai's office post-toiletries.
"Good morning, Chairman."
"You're here early."
"Since your meal card hasn't been issued, I waited to accompany you to breakfast before driving you to the train station."
Impressive attentiveness!
"How old are you?" Chen Jianhai asked approvingly.
"Twenty-four."
"Two years my junior." Chen Jianhai nodded. "Excellent."
Association breakfasts were mediocre—congee, steamed buns, noodles, pickles, boiled eggs.
Noodles sat in a communal basin,
Breaking into chunks when served—more like dough soup.
Spoiled by hotel cuisine, Chen Jianhai only took congee and eggs,
Planning proper meals back at Lang'ai.
"Are breakfasts free?"
"No—two yuan per person."
At that price, Chen Jianhai reconsidered his disdain.
"Variety's limited, but we're grateful," Chen Yu said.
"Originally 7:00-8:20 for 8:30 workdays."
"Secretary Su extended it to 8:50 so colleagues could eat after clocking in."
"Though many just grab eggs post-8:30 to avoid tardiness."
Chen Jianhai nodded.
Su Jie's kindness shone through—well-regarded since Coconut Umbrella days.
A 30-minute extension, though small, warmed hearts.
But the food quality... unacceptable!
"First order after resolving the fish basket factory: replace this chef!"
Chen Jianhai plotted murderously.
Mid-meal,
Chen Yu answered a call, returning with a blue access card.
"Chairman, this handles doors and cafeteria payments—preloaded with 500 yuan."
"Thank you." Chen Jianhai accepted it, increasingly impressed.
Su Jie had chosen well—
A sharp, thoughtful driver after just one night's interaction.
If he retained his chairmanship, splendid.
If ousted—
He'd poach Chen Yu without leaving the association anything worthwhile!