After breakfast, Zhang Dalong followed Zhou Juan'er out the door.
Being a low-profile pragmatist, he had always believed that seeing was believing, and only firsthand experience was truly reliable. This was why he had suddenly decided to tag along with Zhou Juan'er to investigate the businesses owned by the Wanlong Society.
Upon arriving at the supermarket, Zhang Dalong experienced a kind of shopping he had never encountered in the South.
Next to every item, alongside the standard price tag, sat a detailed information disclosure card. It clearly listed the product's wholesale price, gross profit margin, origin traceability, and even the purchasing agent's name and contact information. There were also thoughtful recommendations attached; for instance, noting that a certain snack, while delicious, had a high sugar content and should be consumed in moderation.
Zhang Dalong even witnessed a stock clerk patiently helping an elderly woman compare the ingredient lists of two different soy sauces. The clerk gently explained which one was healthier, speaking to her with the same warmth and respect one would show their own grandmother.
Furthermore, the supermarket offered a plethora of complimentary convenience services. These included free phone calls, charging stations, tea, microwave access, first-aid kits, temporary pet boarding, and even free repairs for small home appliances, all manned by dedicated staff.
Moreover, he could tell that the employees here genuinely loved their jobs from the bottom of their hearts.
One look at their benefits made it easy to see why.
For instance, they offered perks he had never even heard of before, such as the "Grievance Bonus" and "Unhappy Leave," with real-life examples proudly displayed on the notice board.
In one case, an employee had strictly followed service protocols and stood their ground, only to face unreasonable scolding from a customer. The company not only publicly cleared the employee's name but also awarded them the Grievance Bonus.
Right next to it was a template for a leave request. The notes explicitly stated that if an employee was feeling down or emotionally unwell, they could apply for a paid Unhappy Leave, and their supervisor was required to approve it.
"Is this... is this really a supermarket?" Zhang Dalong felt as if his decades of life experience had been completely turned upside down.
The benefits at his current employer, Big Goose Company, were already quite impressive. Yet, compared to the overwhelming sense of happiness and belonging exuded by the staff here, they still seemed to fall woefully short.
And to think, these employees were merely working ordinary, entry-level service jobs.
"It sure is!" Zhou Juan replied, her hands skillfully organizing the shelves as she spoke with pride. "Our boss said that employees should be able to work with dignity, and customers should be able to shop with dignity. Everything is clearly priced and completely transparent. We never want anyone to second-guess their purchases or feel cheated."
Seeing the exact same look of absolute adoration in Zhou Juan's eyes that he had seen in Zhang Tao and Chu Yang's, Zhang Dalong's curiosity only deepened.
Just what kind of organization was this Wanlong Society?
After finishing his tour of the supermarket, Zhang Dalong went off on his own to inspect other businesses owned by the Wanlong Society, including an internet cafe, a restaurant, and a bubble tea shop.
Without exception, every single one of these establishments exuded a level of cleanliness, standardization, and profound human warmth that was incredibly rare to find in other companies.
After a full day of exploring, Zhang Dalong found himself back downstairs at the temporary headquarters of the Wanlong Group. Gazing up at the company logo, a look of anticipation crept onto his face, one that even he himself failed to notice.
What would it really be like to work under that legendary Eldest Miss?
...
When he saw Liu Yutong again, Zhang Dalong got straight to the point.
"Liu... um... Eldest Miss, I need to make a trip back home." After saying the words, he actually felt quite apprehensive.
After all, she had gone to great lengths, even using some rather unconventional methods, to recruit him. Now, asking to leave right after their very first meeting, would she think he was trying to back out? Would she try to stop him?
However, Liu Yutong's reaction completely caught him off guard. She didn't hesitate for even a second before giving a crisp, decisive nod.
"Alright. I'll have someone drive you."
She didn't ask a single question about why he was going back or whether he might never return, acting as if she was absolutely certain he would come back to her.
This extraordinary level of trust and grace made Zhang Dalong realize, once again, just how remarkable the young leader of the Wanlong Society truly was.
"Thank you, Eldest Miss. I will return as soon as possible."
On the way to the airport, Zhang Tao was the one driving Zhang Dalong.
Zhang Tao barely said a word during the drive. Compared to his demeanor the night before, it was like night and day; he seemed incredibly displeased.
It wasn't until the car merged onto the highway that the familiar intro of a Cantonese song began playing through the car's speakers.
"Commanding the winds and clouds, I roam freely while the masses look up to me~
Commanding the winds and clouds, I never need to look back~"
Zhang Dalong froze. The tune was all too familiar, it was the theme song from the classic Hong Kong triad movie Young and Dangerous.
However, what was playing wasn't a full movie clip, but a montage of edited scenes and familiar lines.
"When you're out in the underworld, you gotta keep your word. If you say you're gonna kill his whole family, then you kill his whole family!"
"The rules of our syndicate dictate that anyone who steps out of line must suffer the punishment of three knives and six holes..."
"He who betrays his brothers shall be executed by all!"
Zhang Dalong: "..."
He suddenly understood why Zhang Tao had been giving him the silent treatment the entire ride. So he was using this to send a not-so-subtle message?
How ruthless!
"Ahem... I... I'm just going back to handle my resignation paperwork and pack my things. I'll be back real soon."
Zhang Tao finally turned his head, flashing a bright, toothy grin as he laughed. "I know that, brother! I have absolute faith in you. After all, we're sworn brothers."
"Oh, by the way, do you want me to send a few of my boys down to Yangcheng to help you move? I know your home address, after all."
Zhang Dalong: "..."
Like hell I believe you!
For the remainder of the drive to the airport, Zhang Dalong lost count of how many times he was forced to watch those edited clips on the MP4 player. He was on pins and needles the entire time; every second felt like an eternity.
It wasn't until he finally stepped out of the car that he could breathe a sigh of relief, hurriedly dragging his luggage into the airport terminal.
Watching his panic-stricken retreat, Zhang Tao couldn't help but burst into laughter before turning the car around and speeding away from the airport.
Meanwhile.
Not long after Zhang Dalong arrived back in Yangcheng, Yu Xin spent 5.2 million yuan over in Magic City to acquire a company called Six Minutes. Immediately after the buyout, she packed up the entire development team and relocated them to Pearl City.
The average person had probably never even heard of this company's name.
However, they were the creators of a famous social game that countless people had played.
—Veggie Stealing Farm.
