Chapter 73: The Grand Repayment Gala [Fourth Update]

On September 9th, 2001, the entire Jiangnan Group factory grounds were ablaze with fluttering red banners and colorful flags. Countless streamers hung across the compound, making it look for all the world like a newly opened enterprise. In fact, it was an event to distribute overdue wages to all employees.

A platform had been set up in the open space at the entrance of the Jiangnan Leather Factory, complete with a full sound system. To the left of the stage stood a waiting area, cordoned off with winding railings, and near the stage, several computers sat on tables.

At eight in the morning, waves of employees began arriving—some had already resumed work, while others had not returned since the previous uproar, coming back only after receiving notice to collect their wages.

By ten o’clock, the open space was packed to the brim. Many outsiders lingered curiously outside the factory walls; after all, celebration events were common, but a wage compensation event was a rare spectacle indeed.

Finally, amid great anticipation, Boss Huang made his entrance.

Many expected him to have a lengthy speech prepared, at least an hour’s worth, recounting how difficult it had been for the company to repay the wages and extolling his own greatness and generosity.

Instead, holding the microphone, Boss Huang spoke in a slightly apologetic tone: “I deeply regret and am saddened that wages have been withheld for so long. But today, thanks to everyone’s efforts, our Jiangnan Leather Factory has come back to life. Today I am here to fulfill my promise—I will personally hand out all the back wages owed, and as compensation for these difficult days, I will also give an extra three months’ salary to each of you!”

“Personally!” The crowd was stunned. There were more than 1,500 people present—was he really going to hand out every wage packet himself?

And so he did. Leng Zhiruo led her team over, instructing everyone to line up at the waiting area with their ID cards.

The crowd surged forward, and those at the front went to the computer stations, presented their IDs, had their identities confirmed, and their wages calculated. After receiving a printed slip, they queued up to the stage, where they could collect their wages directly from Boss Huang.

The wage distribution itself was an impressive sight: behind Boss Huang stood dozens of stacked bank cash boxes. One box was open on a table, revealing a pile of 100-yuan notes.

Each box could hold half a million yuan. With so many boxes piled up, it was enough to tempt anyone into mischief.

But that was impossible: the distribution was done in partnership with GS Bank, who had sent a security team armed with live ammunition—more than a dozen guards to protect the cash. The sight of these armed guards was enough to keep everyone orderly.

Soon, the first employee stepped onto the stage.

“How much do I owe you?” Boss Huang asked with a smile, shaking his hand.

“With the three months’ bonus, it’s 10,480 yuan in total!” the employee replied, visibly moved.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Boss Huang said, giving his hand another firm shake. Leng Zhimeng, standing behind, took a stack of 100 banknotes from the cash box, added five loose bills, and handed them to Boss Huang, who then personally gave them to the employee.

“I must apologize again for the trouble I’ve caused you. I’m truly sorry,” Boss Huang said sincerely, grasping the man’s hand.

“Thank you, Chairman! Thank you!” Although there are some malicious people in the world, most are simple and kind-hearted. Seeing Boss Huang repay his debts personally and so earnestly apologize, the employee was moved to tears, even feeling a surge of loyalty.

As the grateful employee stepped down, Leng Zhimeng leaned in and whispered in Boss Huang’s ear, “Brother-in-law, that took forty-three seconds, way over time. Didn’t we agree each employee should take no more than twenty seconds? Otherwise, it will be dark before we finish giving out all 1,500 payrolls!”

“Ah, the first time threw off my rhythm. I’ll keep it to twenty seconds from now on,” Boss Huang acknowledged his mistake sincerely.

Still, he thought to himself, “This feels oddly like a handshake event!” But such a ceremony was necessary; otherwise, workers wouldn’t know who gave them the money. Meanwhile, over a dozen cameras recorded every moment, capturing detailed and valuable footage for immediate use.

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“Boss, long time no see! I’ve missed you!” Shen Yuequn exclaimed, shaking Boss Huang’s hand excitedly.

“You’ve worked hard up north. Here’s the wage I owe you—12,350 yuan. Check if it’s all there!” Boss Huang replied with a smile.

“Boss, I don’t want this money. I’ve made much more than this in the past three months. Better you keep it,” Shen Yuequn protested.

“Is that so? Then I’ll save it.” Boss Huang nodded and tossed the money back, leaving Shen Yuequn slightly embarrassed. The boss always liked to do things his own way.

“Come to the office tomorrow. I’ll treat you to a meal! Take this money as your meal allowance,” Boss Huang added, patting Shen Yuequn on the shoulder. Shen nodded quickly and hurried off.

It wasn’t just Shen Yuequn; most of the salesmen sent out had returned. They looked entirely different—gone were the shabby clothes, replaced by suits, watches, polished shoes, and sleekly combed hair, the very picture of success. Only a few, like Shen, still dressed as before.

Their transformation made those who hadn’t chosen to become salesmen regretful. If only they had sold blind boxes too, they might have made far more than their current wages.

This face-to-face wage distribution lasted from ten in the morning until after six in the evening. At lunchtime, Boss Huang even had the canteen set up a buffet at the site, with dozens of dishes served in basins for anyone to help themselves.

Even more outrageous, after all the wages were paid, Boss Huang announced that he’d invited three local theater troupes to perform, with shows running until two in the morning. Around ten at night, a fireworks display worth 200,000 yuan lit up the sky, turning the wage payout event into a grand celebration for Jiangnan Leather Factory.

Never before had anyone seen a debt repaid with such festivity.

This became one of the most cherished stories among veteran employees, a legend that new hires heard with longing admiration.