Perhaps it was because Chen Jianhai mentioned the "guobaorou" (crispy fried pork).
Xu Yong specifically took Chen Jianhai to Zaomen Industrial University. After parking the car by the roadside, he led Chen Jianhai through a large iron gate beside the university.
Inside the gate was an older residential area.
The narrow pathway was crowded with parked vehicles, leaving little space for pedestrians. To make matters worse, delivery riders zipped through on their motorbikes, forcing Chen Jianhai to step aside and let them pass every few steps.
Chen Jianhai looked up at the neighborhood, then glanced at Xu Yong, who was leading the way, his eyes filled with curiosity.
They say the real culinary masters are hidden among the people.
Some of the best, most satisfying food isn't found in restaurants but in these tucked-away, nondescript residential areas.
These small, dingy eateries often have a unique taste that's hard to find elsewhere.
Just as he was thinking about this, a wave of mouth-watering fragrance wafted through the air.
Chen Jianhai was already starving. The moment he caught the scent of food, his eyes lit up like a weasel spotting a hen.
After walking about 50 meters, Chen Jianhai saw a few small tables set up in front of the ground floor of a residential building.
Though there weren't many tables, they were all occupied by people eating.
"Boss, one plate of guobaorou, one plate of stir-fried vegetables, one plate of braised pork intestines, one plate of shredded pork in garlic sauce, two large bowls of rice with pickled meat gravy, and two bowls of sauerkraut soup," Xu Yong ordered as he found an empty table and motioned for Chen Jianhai to sit down.
He then said, "This place serves the most authentic northeastern cuisine in Zaomen. The only downside is that it's so popular you often have to wait for a table, and they don't allow alcohol."
Chen Jianhai glanced around.
This residential area was indeed bustling.
Opposite the northeastern restaurant was a barbecue shop, to the left was a dumpling restaurant, and to the right was a rice noodle and smoked meat shop.
Sitting at the small table, the aroma of smoked meat occasionally wafted over.
It might look a bit chaotic, but the lively atmosphere was palpable, a stark contrast to the sterile environment of a hotel.
In such small eateries, the ingredients are usually prepared in advance, so the food comes quickly.
As soon as the tangy sauerkraut soup hit his stomach, Chen Jianhai's appetite was fully awakened. He began eating and chatting with Xu Yong.
"So you really came for the interview?" Xu Yong asked in shock.
"Yeah!" Chen Jianhai replied, stuffing a piece of pork intestine into his mouth and washing it down with a gulp of cola.
"And you were really headhunted?" Xu Yong's voice rose in disbelief. "Is that headhunter stupid or something?"
Chen Jianhai wasn't pleased.
"Watch your words! Clearly, they have an eye for talent, which is why they scouted me."
"Hey? How's business going for you in Zaomen?" Chen Jianhai asked.
Xu Yong gave a carefree smile, "Starting over from scratch, rebuilding step by step. It's going well. Life always finds a way."
Chen Jianhai raised an eyebrow, looking at Xu Yong with renewed respect.
Xu Yong used to be arrogant, always looking down on everyone with his nose in the air.
Now, though he was still proud, he kept all his sharpness hidden, like a sheathed sword lying in wait.
"By the way, don't forget to let me know when your hotel opens. I'll bring a big opening gift!"
"But let me make one thing clear: I won't accept any gift worth less than 6 million!"
...
In the General Manager's Office of Zaomen Headhunting Company,
"The company has received two complaint calls."
A middle-aged man sat in his office, his face flushed with anger, his voice trembling as he glared at Liu Jiale. "Did you call Chen Jianhai from the Langai Hotel?"
Liu Jiale immediately nodded and proudly said, "Yes, and he agreed."
The middle-aged man took a deep breath and asked again, "Did you also call Wang Bocai from Nanjing Guangkuo Seafood Company?"
Liu Jiale nodded again, somewhat dejected, "I did, but he didn't agree. I actually think Zaomen Huihuang Seafood Company is pretty good."
The middle-aged man tried to suppress his anger, gritting his teeth as he said, "That Wang Bocai is the father-in-law of Xu Yong, the general manager of Zaomen Huihuang Seafood Company! Why the hell didn't you just try to poach Minister Huang from our head office while you were at it!"
Liu Jiale looked aggrieved, "I actually thought about it, but if I had poached him, you'd be out of a job."
The middle-aged man was so furious that he laughed, "So I should be thanking you for helping me keep my job?"
Liu Jiale blushed and shyly replied, "No need to thank me. It's all part of my job."
The middle-aged man stared at Liu Jiale for a long moment, then sighed deeply, "Your courage is commendable... But next time, think about the reality a bit more."
"When choosing your targets, weigh your options carefully."
"I'll cover for you with these complaints this time, but there better not be a next time!"
...
Seven working days later,
Chen Jianhai had neither received news of being hired nor of being rejected.
Meanwhile, the recruitment of employees for Xie Zhulongxiong was still in full swing.
Due to the limited number of trainers from the association and the long training period, to ensure the Zaomen hotel could open in the second half of the year, Xie Zhulongxiong decided to train employees in batches of 100.
Once 100 people were selected, they were immediately sent for training with the association. After another 100 were selected, the association arranged for another training session.
Time flew by,
During the new employees' training, the comprehensive mall on Little Majia Island was officially completed.
In the following days, the island's dock became incredibly busy, with common fast-moving consumer brands and chain stores gradually setting up shop.
Since all matters regarding the entry of the "Xiarimeme" brand into the mall were previously handled by Ruikeya, who is now also in charge of the island's hotel, the coordination with the mall and finalization of entry arrangements were smooth and timely.
Soon, the "Xiarimeme" brand successfully moved into the mall as per the previously signed contract.
Once the renovations were complete, it could officially start operations.
"Haige, are you sure you don't need me to handle the renovations, supplies, equipment, and gifts for Xiarimeme?" Feng Di's uncertain voice came through on the phone. "If you're too busy, I can take care of it."
"Don't worry, brother!"
Chen Jianhai replied as he held the phone, gazing at the system panel before him.
The system panel was filled with a dense list of items.
"Xiarimeme Refreshing Blue-Green Themed Wallpaper, 300 points."
"Xiarimeme Refreshing Light Fashion Minimalist Tables and Chairs, 300 points."
"Xiarimeme Refreshing Series Angel Coffee Cups, Thermos Cups, Portable Cups, 450 points."
"Xiarimeme Deep Roast Coffee Beans, 350 points."
"Xiarimeme Picnic Bag, 40 points."
"Xiarimeme Refreshing Blue-Green Uniforms, 300 points."
...
"Ding!"
"Would the host like to confirm spending 2,000 points to purchase the full set of Xiarimeme products?"
"Confirm, purchase!"
"Ding!"
"The system has detected that the host has purchased the full set of Xiarimeme products. Construction will begin at 2 AM tonight."
"Completion time: 7 days."