As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 534: The Torch Foundation!

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Once Lao Ma, Xiao Ma, Lao Wang, and the rest entered the venue, chaos ensued in the media area. Phones were quickly whipped out as everyone scrambled to update their editors and bosses. The presence of these prominent figures was already surprising enough, but nobody could have anticipated the grand finale!

Meanwhile, Zhou Chao stood nervously beside that individual. He felt a bit tense because this person was usually only seen on TV. He never expected to meet him in person under such circumstances.

“Why are you standing so far away, kid? Am I that scary?

“No, not scary at all. It’s just… I’m excited, yes, very excited,” Zhou Chao struggled to describe his feelings. His usual composure had been thrown out the window.

“That’s not like you. I’ve heard from Xiao Lao that you’re quite clever. Why are

you acting dumb now?”

“Well, I’m just excited. I’ve only ever seen you on TV before. Meeting you in person today is a bit nerve-wracking,” Zhou Chao explained, finally calming his emotions.

Sensing Zhou Chao’s change, the person nodded in satisfaction. Just as he was about to discuss foundation matters with Zhou Chao, a clear voice interrupted them. “Uncle Li, what are you doing here?”

Jiang Li approached them with brisk steps. This scene left the nearby people stunned, especially Lao Ma and Xiao Ma, whose expressions changed several times. They whispered to Lao Wang, “What’s Zhou Chao’s background? He seems like the Monkey King, capable of anything!”

Unexpectedly, Wang Jianlin remained silent, not fully understanding the situation. Only Si Cong and the other second-generation heirs wore expressions of nonchalance.

“Hey, Xiao Jiang Li, what are you doing here?” Li Lao was also surprised to see the Jiang family’s little girl here.

Li Lao wasn’t aware of Zhou Chao’s connection with Jiang Li. He had come across Zhou Chao’s name a few times due to his notable contributions, which had drawn their attention. Moreover, Xiao Lao frequently praised Zhou Chao’s abilities and hard work, which made a lasting impression on Li Lao.

“Hehe, Uncle Li, this is my husband,” Jiang Li said happily, linking her arm with Zhou Chao’s.

Hearing this, Li Lao’s gaze softened a bit, losing its initial severity.

“Alright, little girl. Your husband is quite impressive.”

“Of course, if he wasn’t excellent, I wouldn’t have chosen him!” Jiang Li said proudly.

Hearing this, Zhou Chao and Li Lao both chuckled involuntarily.

“Alright, little girl, I need to discuss some serious matters with this young man. You know I’m busy all day.”

Jiang Li nodded and got up to leave.

After Jiang Li left, Li Lao turned his gaze to Zhou Chao, assessing him for a moment before saying, “Let’s talk. How do you plan to operate this foundation? What are your plans for the future?”

After a brief pause, Zhou Chao began, “Li Hao, the foundation…”

Just as he began speaking, Li Lao stopped him, saying, “Don’t call me Li Lao.

Just like Jiang Li, you can call me Uncle Li.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure, saying with joy, “Yes, Uncle Li.”

“Alright, continue,” Uncle Li’s calm demeanor now had a hint of a smile. “Currently, the foundation has assets exceeding tens of billions. I don’t intend to accept any social donations. Instead, all future funding will be borne by my Dragonfly Group. Our initial goal is to establish Hope Primary Schools and develop new rural areas to ensure that children in remote mountainous areas can afford and safely attend school. We plan to collaborate with local governments and domestic agricultural colleges to create integrated eco- farming communities. This is our initial goal, and our future development will depend on the results of this initial phase.”

After speaking, Zhou Chao looked at Li Lao quietly, waiting for his guidance. Meanwhile, Li Lao tapped the armrest of his chair rhythmically, deep in thought.

After some time, Li Lao turned to him and said, “The idea is good, but the pace is a bit fast. However, it’s not a big deal. I see you’ve found quite a few partners, so go ahead boldly. But make sure to handle things meticulously and steadily. Don’t let any mistakes occur, especially with the Hope Elementary School project being of utmost importance.”

“Uncle Li, you can rest assured. I’ve already made arrangements, and there will definitely be no mistakes.”

“Hmm, focus on your work. You don’t need to worry about other things.” Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao’s eyes lit up. He knew what Li Lao meant and nodded heavily in agreement.

“Alright, it’s getting late. Let’s arrange the ribbon-cutting ceremony. After you’re done here, I still have other matters to attend to.”

Zhou Chao immediately got up and called Ling Chen over to arrange the ribbon-cutting ceremony. As for any speeches or programs before the ceremony, they were all bypassed, heading straight to the final ribbon-cutting. Soon, Ling Chen had everything organized smoothly. After about five or six minutes, he hurried over to Zhou Chao and whispered, “Boss, earlier there were only eight golden scissors prepared for the ribbon-cutting. 1 counted, and besides you and that individual, there’s only one slot left for either Lao Ma, Xiao Ma, Director Wang, Director Zhang, Director Qin, or Director Guo. Who do you think should be chosen?”

Zhou Chao pondered for a moment, then said, “You go up with me later. As for si Cong and the others, I’ll go talk to them. 1 don’t think they’ll object.” “Thank you, Boss!” Ling Chen said without much excitement. He knew very well the significance of participating in today’s ribbon-cutting alongside these influential figures in the country. Especially with that particular individual present.

“We’re all on the same team. No need for these formalities,” Zhou Chao said, patting Ling Chen’s arm before heading towards Si Cong and the others. Meanwhile, Jiang Li was indeed sitting beside Uncle Li, engaged in conversation. After all, they couldn’t neglect such a prominent figure.

Seeing Zhou Chao approaching, Si Cong and the others immediately straightened up.

“We originally planned for you guys to participate in the ribbon-cutting today. However, there’s been a slight change of plans. I’ll have to trouble a few of you, and Brother Hu can only watch from the sidelines.”

“Young Master Zhou, even if you asked me to go up, I wouldn’t dare. We’re still not on par with this level of grandeur!” Si Cong hurriedly replied.

Qin Fen also nodded in agreement, “Exactly, we’re still a long way off from them!”

“Alright, I’ll go handle some matters first. Let’s have dinner together after the ceremony.” After Zhou Chao finished speaking, he turned and left. Time was tight, and there were tasks to accomplish.

Soon, the venue was set up, and the dozens of media outlets on-site had been sifted through. Only the top ten most renowned domestic ones were selected. Even the audience present consisted mostly of Dragonfly Group’s senior management, albeit numbering in the tens.

“Li Lao, the ribbon-cutting ceremony has begun.” Zhou Chao whispered as he approached the two who were chatting.

“Mmm.” Li Lao nodded, stood up, straightened himself slightly, and then walked towards the stage amid the exciting music.

Zhou Chao, as the president of Dragonfly Group and the founder of the foundation, naturally took the lead, after all, he was the host of today’s event. Walking right behind him was Li Lao, and as soon as the two stepped onto the stage, the media below were astonished.

“Why is that young man walking in front? Even Li Lao is walking behind him. Could it be that the young man is the boss of Dragonfly Group?” exclaimed the middle-aged reporter from Xinlang, holding his camera in disbelief.

“Who knows? It seems like Dragonfly Group is quite a treasure trove. You never know until you see it. It’s quite surprising,” remarked the journalist from the state media, eyeing the situation and contemplating how to approach it for an interview, unsure if it would be successful.

Meanwhile, the following individuals also made their way onto the stage one after another. Following Zhou Chao and Li Lao were Ling Chen, and then came Lao Wang, Lao Zhang, Lao Qin, and finally, Xiao Ma, each taking their positions. After everyone was in place, the emcee arranged for the ceremonial ladies to deliver the golden scissors to each person’s hand.

Zhou Chao and Ling Chen stood on either side of Li Lao. After all, how could such a prestigious event allow outsiders to gain an advantage? Lao Wang and Lao Zhang stood nearby, while Xiao Ma was positioned at the far end on either side. However, they all wore cheerful smiles, surprised that they had managed to join in the excitement.

As the sound of eighteen ceremonial cannons rang out, everyone cut the red silk in front of them.

Watching this lively scene, Zhou Chao multitasked in his mind and called out to the system, “System, check-in!”

“Check-in successful. Congratulations to the host for receiving a mysterious gift package!”

“A mysterious gift package? What could it be?” Zhou Chao muttered involuntarily.

“Kid, what are you staring at? You’re done cutting the ribbon but still hesitate to pass the scissors to others.”

Upon hearing Li Lao’s words, Zhou Chao snapped back to attention, realizing that the ceremonial lady was standing right in front of him, with Lao Wang and the others watching.

“Sorry, got a bit carried away there,” Zhou Chao apologized, feeling a surge of excitement. The others didn’t dwell on the matter, understanding that Zhou Chao was young and naturally excited. Even they were quite thrilled at the moment.

“Li Lao, let’s cut the ribbon together!” Zhou Chao looked at Li Lao expectantly. Li Lao chuckled and glanced at Zhou Chao. “You’re quite cunning, kid. Since everyone is here, what’s the harm in fulfilling this request?” Zhou Chao and Li Lao stood on either side of the plaque, each holding a piece of red cloth. They exchanged a glance and gently pulled the cloth in their hands. As the red cloth fell from the plaque, the characters of “Torch Foundation- appeared before everyone.

“The Torch Foundation!”

Li Lao chuckled as he looked at the five characters on the plaque. “Well done, ■Torch.’ Let the torch be passed on, and may you all remember your original intentions.” Li Lao happily patted Zhou Chao on the shoulder.

“Li Lao, rest assured. Just watch my performance!

Li Lao nodded and then looked at Lao Ma, Xiao Ma, Lao Wang, and the others. Instantly, they felt a sense of pressure and lowered their heads, preparing for a scolding. However, after a while of silence, they looked up to see Li Lao already walking away, with Zhou Chao following closely behind.

“Lao Wang, I envy you so much right now!” Lao Ma looked at Wang Jianlin beside him, feeling somewhat melancholic.

“Hahaha, you know, some things are just fate,” Wang Jianlin laughed heartily and stepped down from the stage. Seeing this, the others followed suit. After all, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was over, and there was no need to linger on stage.

At this moment, Ling Chen had also arranged the remaining tasks and approached Lao Wang and the others, saying, “Everyone, the boss has already arranged lunch. Let’s head straight to the dedicated venue.”

“Let’s go.” Everyone got up and headed out upon hearing this.