The Wanlong Symbiotic Business Alliance ostensibly promotes a win-win proposition, even appearing to favor suppliers on the surface, but in reality, it conceals ulterior motives.
This is Wanlong's strategy of binding interests through contractual terms, laying the groundwork for future equity infiltration and resource control—like casting a vast net that gradually tightens its grip on suppliers.
Had they cooperated obediently and refrained from hostile power plays, Liu Yutong might not have felt the need to tighten her control over the supply channels—at least not so soon.
One could say they forced her hand.
In many cases, supermarkets exert little control over suppliers, but once they join the Wanlong Symbiotic Alliance, they become subject to Wanlong Supermarket's authority.
Wanlong Supermarket not only dispatches personnel to oversee operations but also secures priority investment rights, controlling stakes, and the power to regulate half of the production lines, among other privileges.
This model not only significantly strengthens Wanlong's grip on supply channels but also ensures product quality and stable deliveries.
Later, Wanlong Supermarket will integrate data systems, requiring suppliers to share real-time production, inventory, and cost data under the guise of "optimizing supply chain efficiency."
While it appears to enhance collaboration, the true intent is to uncover suppliers' actual profit margins.
Should any supplier show disloyalty or defiance, Wanlong can leverage this detailed data for precise retaliation, even gaining the upper hand in acquisition valuations.
Additionally, all alliance members must use Wanlong Logistics for distribution, not only boosting the logistics division's business but also effectively eliminating counterfeit goods while ensuring delivery efficiency.
The ultimate goal of the Wanlong Symbiotic Business Alliance is vertical integration.
Upstream, it controls supply channels and manufacturers; midstream, it enhances efficiency through proprietary logistics and future-built warehouses and distribution centers; downstream, it dominates retail supermarkets, local group purchasing, and online sales platforms.
This model somewhat resembles a certain e-commerce giant's self-operated system from a past life, though Wanlong's primary sales channels remain offline supermarkets, with even tighter control.
When Liu Yutong raised her glass, all Wanlong members stood in unison to respond.
After a brief hesitation, the supplier representatives also rose and raised their glasses.
"Cheers!" Liu Yutong downed her red wine in one gulp, embodying the commanding presence of a formidable businesswoman.
After drinking, she turned to Pan Xing, who remained seated at the head table, and flashed him a smile.
To Pan Xing, however, that smile was as alluring as it was dangerous, instantly putting him on high alert.
Among the dozens of men Pan Xing had brought, most were undercover agents planted by Wanlong, but a few were loyal members of his original Yilian Society.
Watching Liu Yutong effortlessly subdue and control the suppliers while demonstrating such formidable influence left them deeply shaken.
The young mistress was a born leader!
As soon as Liu Yutong returned to her seat, she signaled the hotel staff to serve the meal and then struck up a conversation with Pan Xing.
"No wonder you chose this place for our meeting, Miss Liu. You’ve given me quite the lesson today."
"You’re overthinking it, Boss Pan. I simply found this location more convenient."
"Is that so? Still, I’ve learned a great deal today. I should thank you."
"If you really want to thank me, then I’ll take 60% of the development rights around Beilong Plaza in the city center."
Pan Xing’s face darkened instantly. "Why don’t you just rob me instead?"
Liu Yutong: "Boss Pan, do you really think you can swallow this piece of cake alone? Without me, do you think the East Sea Alliance factions will leave even a drop of soup for you? Or do you honestly believe Chu Yang alone can outlast a battle of attrition?"
She had already grasped the rules of the tournament from Yun Cheng.
Each side could field three fighters, and the last one standing would claim victory, securing control over the disputed territory.
This was no fair duel—it was a war of endurance.
"Boss Pan, you have Chu Yang, while I have Yun Cheng and Ji Yu. I’m contributing two fighters to your one, so it’s only fair I take the lion’s share, isn’t it?"
Seeing Pan Xing still hesitate, Liu Yutong leaned forward slightly, gesturing to the stacks of cash piled on the table. "This money actually belongs to Zhao Father and Son from the East Sea Alliance. I borrowed it—with no intention of returning it. Oh, and I suspect they already know we shared a meal today."
Pan Xing understood her implication perfectly.
Even if he personally explained to Zhao Father and Son afterward that he was merely here to eat, with no involvement in the money, would they believe him?
Of course not.
Liu Yutong had silently dragged him into the mud, leaving him no clean way out. And now, after pulling him in, she wouldn’t even share a slice of the pie.
"You’ve crossed a line this time!"
Liu Yutong smirked. "Crossed a line? Compared to what you’ve done, this is nothing."
Pan Xing stiffened. He couldn’t deny it.
The orders to abduct Liu Yutong—including the incident near the university district—had indeed come from him.
"Think it over. The dishes are just served; no need to rush."
With that, Liu Yutong signaled everyone to eat, digging in with relish, utterly indifferent to Pan Xing’s turmoil.
Pan Xing, however, had lost all appetite.
Facing this girl head-on, he realized just how terrifying she was.
A part of him was grateful she hadn’t returned to the Righteous Union immediately back then—otherwise, he’d have been sidelined long ago.
As the meal wound down, the highlight of the annual gathering arrived: bonus distribution.
The 100 million in cash on the table wasn’t just for show—a portion was earmarked for rewards.
First, distinctions were made between regular employees and core members, with differing bonus amounts.
Core members received 5,000 yuan each, totaling over a million.
Regular employees got 2,000 yuan per person, amounting to roughly four to five million for the crowd present.
Liu Yutong delegated the distribution to department heads rather than handling it herself.
The employees’ faces lit up as they received their envelopes.
The young mistress was incredibly generous!
Many had worked for barely six months, with most joining Wanlong Hui just one or two months prior. Three months already qualified as seniority.
Yet the company still gave each a 2,000-yuan year-end bonus.
In this era, such sums were exceptionally lavish. Most competitors would hand out nothing more than a bottle of oil or a bag of rice—paltry by comparison.
After the employee bonuses came Liu Yutong’s moment.
"Yun Cheng."
"Young Mistress!" Yun Cheng stepped forward promptly.
Liu Yutong directly handed him a stack of cash—one hundred bundles, each worth ten thousand, totaling exactly one million.
Yun Cheng held the thick pile of money with an impassive expression, showing no trace of excitement. To outsiders, it seemed as though he genuinely had no interest in wealth.
Shortly after, Liu Yutong announced that she would also reward Yun Cheng with a portion of company shares.
Though Yun Cheng was far less experienced in business compared to Yang Xin, he had been the first to stand by Liu Yutong’s side. He had devoted himself wholeheartedly to protecting her, and his subordinates respected him deeply. These rewards were well-deserved.
Next, Ma Da, Zhao Tianyi, Yang Xin, Yu Xin, Li Xiaohui, and other senior executives each walked away carrying their own stacks of cash.
Beyond them, a few exceptional performers were also awarded bonuses by Liu Yutong, each starting at ten thousand yuan.
Once the rewards were nearly distributed, the real highlight of the event was about to begin.
