Chapter 379 - 228: Preparing for the Expedition

Chapter 379: Chapter 228: Preparing for the Expedition

Zhao Hui had no idea how much Xu Jun envied him. He would have loved to be conscripted by President Chen.

"Brother Hui, come have a seat!"

The moment Zhao Hui walked in, Chen Xiao pulled him over to the table to eat.

"Sorry for pulling you away from your networking. Today is a great opportunity to build connections."

Zhao Hui smiled. "Nothing is more important than this."

The words might have sounded a bit cheesy, but it was exactly what Zhao Hui felt. Without Chen Xiao, he wouldn’t have any of this. His roots were here.

With this foundation, all those so-called connections would come looking for him.

Just look at Xu Wu. Did she need to go around networking?

Plenty of big shots went to offer her a toast, and all she did was smile and nod. Even those typically imposing tycoons were flattered by the brief acknowledgment.

Gazing at the sumptuous feast on the table, Zhao Hui felt his own appetite stir. He knew Chen Xiao’s personality all too well.

So he didn’t hold back, smiling as he said, "This food seems a bit different from what they’re serving downstairs!"

Chen Xiao laughed. "The head chef made this specially. Of course it’s different from the food made in a big pot for everyone else!"

The two of them opened a bottle of Maotai. It had been a while since they had a chance to talk alone. The last time they’d shared a meal was with his fourth uncle and the others, but with so many people at the table, they couldn’t speak freely.

"It’s pretty lively downstairs, isn’t it?"

Zhao Hui topped off Chen Xiao’s glass and replied with a smile, "Yes, it’s an unprecedented success! I’ve never been part of anything like it."

"This is just the beginning," Chen Xiao said calmly.

Looking at Chen Xiao’s overflowing confidence, Zhao Hui felt deeply inspired.

"Yes! I’m sure that by the time we have our annual meeting next year, all of today’s accomplishments will look like just a starting point!"

Chen Xiao raised his glass and clinked it against Zhao Hui’s.

"And you’re going to play a major role in that."

Hearing this, Zhao Hui knew that Chen Xiao had another assignment for him.

"In the Hanjiang Region, Junxiao Business Management’s expansion has been quite smooth. This was mainly because Wansheng Group was short on cash and underestimated us, which allowed us to grow strong."

"Our rapid growth has put Wansheng Group’s business in the Hanjiang Region in a precarious position. Because of that, replicating this success is going to be more difficult."

"At the very least, Wansheng Group will never again sell us a large number of properties within the same province."

"According to reliable sources, they’re already preparing to contain us. Our strategy is too aggressive for them. Once we breach a region, we pour in capital, and they have no room to counter."

"So, from now on, they’ll be watching our every move."

"President Xu has been out there expanding our territory all by herself, and she’s clearly getting stretched thin. You’re young and in your prime, so it’s time for you to take on some of that pressure."

’I haven’t even been officially made the General Manager of Junxiao Square yet! I’ve only been acting GM for a short while, and now I’m being transferred again!’

But there was no other way. People were needed everywhere, and Chen Xiao didn’t have many he could truly rely on. He intended to groom Zhao Hui for a major role in the future, and at a critical juncture like this, he had to be sent out to see if he could handle the pressure.

One could only grow by weathering storms. The future Junxiao Business Management Association would be a massive ship, and the current Junxiao Square Store was merely a single rivet on that vessel.

"I await your command!"

Zhao Hui didn’t hesitate for a second. He was willing to be a sharp blade in Chen Xiao’s hand—to strike wherever he was pointed.

"President Xu will speak with you. You’ll follow the Hanjiang Province model and start work in a neighboring province. The goal is to make a breakthrough there within the first half of this year."

"Don’t worry about funding. President Xu will also instruct Xu Jun to give you full authorization."

Zhao Hui wasn’t worried about that in the slightest. This was Chen Xiao and his sister’s company; the authority he’d be granted would naturally be significant.

"The only thing is, this means you’ll likely be on long-term business trips from now on. You’ll have less time to take care of your family, and that might be hard on your wife."

Zhao Hui said quickly, "Hard on her? Not at all. She never even dreamed of the life we have now. She’s completely supportive of anything related to my work."

Zhao Hui’s wife, Wang Yan, didn’t have a high level of education, just a three-year college diploma. She was currently working at their residential complex’s property management office, mainly for a relaxed job that allowed her to take care of their child.

In truth, with Zhao Hui’s current income, Wang Yan could easily be a stay-at-home wife. But she had her own circle of friends from her previous job, and now she just worked to pass the time.

Zhao Hui explained that Wang Yan had already spoken with the property management company. Her main focus was raising their child; she just helped out at the office when she was free and wasn’t concerned about how much she was paid.

He was mainly afraid President Chen might misunderstand and think that Mr. and Mrs. Zhao were the only ones raising the child, which might displease him.

Chen Xiao nodded, understanding Wang Yan’s situation. She wasn’t working for the money, but simply to have something to do.

"Brother Hui, your wife probably won’t be able to keep that job."

Zhao Hui didn’t understand the reason, but he replied decisively, "Then she’ll quit. She was just doing it for fun, anyway."

’If they actually needed her income, I could find her a much better-paying job myself without President Chen having to get involved.’

’He had already arranged positions for the entire Zhao Family; how could he fail to arrange something for his own wife?’

Chen Xiao smiled. "I mentioned this before, but I’m planning to buy a house in the city and move my grandma, uncle, and aunt over. It’ll be more convenient for Xiangjun to visit, too."

Zhao Hui was stunned for a moment. Chen Xiao had mentioned this before, but from his tone... ’Is this a done deal?’

"I bought a few villas in Xiangshan Forest Language. You can pick one and move in. But just to be clear, it’s for you to live in. The property will remain in my name."

’Xiangshan Forest Language? The community known as the most luxurious in all of Jiangzhou? I heard the villas there sell for over 130,000 yuan per square meter!’