Chapter 74: Boss Huang Treats Everyone to a Meal (Fifth Update)

“Brother Shen!”

“Old Shen, long time no see!”

“Old Shen, I heard that among the few of us, you’re the only one with your own company now. Tell us, how did you win the chairman’s favor and get to open your own company? We’re all green with envy!”

The next day, when Shen Yuequn attended Boss Huang’s banquet, he discovered that not only was he there, but so were many others. All these people were the same as him: three months ago, they’d taken train tickets and mystery boxes from the factory and, braving hardships, set out in their hometowns to carve out a future of their own.

Of course, none of them had ever imagined that they would strike it rich all because of these mystery boxes. Take Shen Yuequn for example—within just three months, his savings had surpassed half a million. And that wasn’t even the most astonishing; some who had been stationed in wealthier regions and were particularly enterprising had already amassed fortunes in the millions, becoming bona fide millionaires—something they could never have dreamed of.

Shen Yuequn also noticed that those present were only the first batch of sellers. Those who’d joined later, after seeing the mystery box business booming, were nowhere to be seen at this banquet. Clearly, Huang He had invited only the original pioneers. Once again, it proved that in this world, a step taken early could mean heaven, while a step taken late spelled doom.

Still, Shen Yuequn sensed that many present were keeping their distance from him, some even outright isolating him, with only a few showing any warmth. He understood the reason: his company in the northeast was the only one within the Jiangnan Group that Huang He had authorized to operate independently, running the entire market of the northeastern provinces. No wonder so many were gritting their teeth with envy.

The only comfort for Shen Yuequn was that the three who had witnessed Boss Jia’s downfall with him back then all greeted him warmly, showing no sign of rejection. These three had also done well for themselves, ranking among the top performers in the group.

“The chairman is here!” Suddenly, a stir and a round of enthusiastic applause swept through the hall as Huang He entered the canteen, accompanied by Leng Zhimeng. Yes, the gathering was held in the canteen—after all, it was a banquet!

At this moment, several large round tables had been pushed together in the canteen, laden with what must have been over a hundred bottles of Maotai. Clearly, tonight was destined to be a night of revelry.

“Come, everyone, take your seats. Let’s eat and talk at the same time!” Huang He said with a smile. The crowd laughed along, found their seats, and the kitchen staff began serving steaming hot dishes.

Huang He sat alone at a square table, with only Leng Zhiruo as his companion, facing the entire assembly—a display of the unique status of a chairman.

“Three months ago, none of you could have imagined we’d be sitting here today. Back then, you were all cursing me, wishing you could tear me to pieces!” Huang He began, still smiling.

“Chairman, that was our ignorance. We didn’t understand your foresight and grand vision. I, Zhang Yingguo, was blind to your greatness. Allow me to punish myself with three cups and ask for your forgiveness!” Zhang Yingguo was the first to stand, offering a toast and praising Huang He.

“You can’t put it all on yourselves. If I hadn’t rushed things back then, we wouldn’t have ended up in such a predicament. Ultimately, the blame is mine,” Huang He replied with a smile. “I say this only to remind everyone: when I, Huang He, was at my most desperate, you didn’t abandon me. You believed in me, trusted me, and were the first to step forward, braving the unknown and single-handedly opening new territories for Jiangnan Group. For your loyalty and merit, I, Huang He, will never forget you as long as I live.”

“Since you are sitting here today, I’ll speak from the heart: you are my closest people, my own. As long as you stand by me, I will never let you down!”

“Rest assured, Chairman. Even if I, Zhang Yingguo, die, it will be on the battlefield of Jiangnan!”

“That’s right! We’ll follow you for life, Chairman. If anyone dares to betray you, I, Liu Xiangjiang, will be the first to say no!” This time, it was Liu Xiangjiang speaking. This university graduate now exuded a bandit’s boldness, a testament to how much selling goods had transformed him.

After Liu Xiangjiang, many others pledged their loyalty. Most were likely sincere, though expecting everyone’s words to be genuine would be naïve—but it didn’t matter. Boss Huang had achieved his intended effect.

“Enough; words alone mean little. What matters is action. I’ll watch your actions and you’ll watch mine!” Huang He’s smile faded slightly. “Next, I want to discuss some new policies and adjustments regarding the sale of mystery boxes. Although business is booming for now, in truth, things have become rather disorderly, and management is slipping. Therefore, I’ve decided to establish a comprehensive system to ensure our future operations are orderly and efficient!”

Here it came—the real reason for today’s gathering.

Everyone felt a jolt in their hearts. Many had already guessed Huang He’s purpose for this banquet. After all, they knew better than anyone how chaotic the mystery box market had become. It was only a matter of time before Huang He stepped in to regulate and reorganize it.

The key was, what exactly did Huang He intend to do? The best outcome, of course, would be for each of them to become like Shen Yuequn—regional heads with full control over their area’s business and independent financial accounts, free to make as much money as they wished.

At this thought, all eyes turned expectantly to Huang He.

“First, I want to thank Shen Yuequn, whose practical work has provided us with invaluable experience and enabled me to devise a thorough plan,” Huang He began.

“The nationwide sale of mystery boxes is an integrated operation. To maintain the company’s control while ensuring flexibility in sales, I am announcing a policy of regional management with full consumer-side openness!”

“In simple terms, each province will have a provincial branch directly managed by headquarters, and this will extend down to the prefecture-level cities. The plan is to establish company-controlled branches in every provincial capital and prefecture-level city across the country within two years. These branches will oversee and coordinate all local operations.” Huang He’s words sent shockwaves through the room.

He intended to set up branches in every provincial and prefecture-level city in the country. There were currently 290 prefecture-level cities in China, and counting the provincial capitals and directly governed municipalities, that amounted to about 340 branches in total—an enormous investment.

But the cost wasn’t their concern. What truly worried them was whether, with all these branches under direct company management, their once-exclusive sales privileges would come to an end. Would their profits take a serious hit?

Huang He was touching everyone’s cheese—he was forcing these loyal followers to the brink of rebellion!