Chapter 416: Adding Two More Conditions

Often, it's not just between men and women that a sense of mystery is needed. Between a young man and an elder, a hint of mystery is even more crucial.

In this regard, Chen Jianhai had plenty of experience.

Having successfully obtained the contact information of the old man with white hair, Chen Jianhai contentedly walked into the Xiaolang Barbecue Restaurant.

"Hello, sir. How many will be dining today?" the young waitress warmly greeted him as she approached.

Chen Jianhai responded, "Call your boss out."

The waitress blinked in confusion, "???"

About ten minutes later, a somewhat disgruntled figure walked out from the hotel across the street. "Who's looking for me?"

As soon as that figure stepped into the restaurant, he saw Chen Jianhai sitting in the waiting area, munching on the complimentary snacks.

"Brother Hai!" 

Xiaolang was instantly excited! Then, with a commanding presence, he shouted to the staff in the restaurant, "Everyone, stop what you're doing!"

"This is my blood brother. When he comes, it's like I'm here! Give him the best we have, and don't charge him a penny!"

Xiaolang walked over to Chen Jianhai with grand gestures, "Come on, Brother Hai! Let me give you a tour of the restaurant so that everyone knows you, just in case they don't recognize you in the future."

Chen Jianhai quickly stopped him, "We can do the introductions later. Just get me some food quickly; I'm starving..."

...

After a hearty meal, Chen Jianhai and Xiaolang slumped over the table, their bellies full.

Xiaolang burped and asked, "Bro, when did you get here? When are you leaving?"

Chen Jianhai replied, "I got here this morning, and I'm leaving tonight."

Xiaolang responded, "What time is your train tonight? I'll leave with you."

Chen Jianhai looked puzzled, "??? But what about this barbecue restaurant?"

Xiaolang said, "Let Ruikeya watch it for a couple of days. Without you and Da Bo here, I'm really bored in Zaomen. I want to go home!"

Chen Jianhai sat up suddenly, protectively saying, "No way. Ruikeya has been assigned to manage the small island. Pick someone else."

Xiaolang suggested, "Then how about Fan Ge?"

Chen Jianhai replied, "Keep dreaming!"

They both fell silent.

Feeling wronged, Xiaolang asked, "Then I'll get myself an assistant to watch over the restaurant. Bro, do you have any recommendations?"

Chen Jianhai perked up at this and said, "The male assistant at Yuemei Hotel, Cui Meng, is pretty good. You could give him a try!"

Xiaolang frowned, "Anyone else?"

Chen Jianhai thought for a moment and said, "How about Qin Mengqiu? She's been working as the hotel receptionist for years, has strong business skills, speaks sweetly, and has a great personality."

Xiaolang was pleased! "Alright, lend her to me for a couple of days!"

...

That night, Chen Jianhai and Xiaolang boarded the high-speed train back to Nanhai.

As soon as Chen Jianhai returned to the hotel, before he could call Qin Mengqiu, HR Manager Minister Xie was already knocking on his door.

"Boss, there's a situation I need to report to you."

"After the New Year, a total of 72 employees have submitted their resignations. Should I contact the school to bring in some third-year interns to fill the gap?"

Chen Jianhai was taken aback, "Why did so many leave all of a sudden?!"

The two hotels combined only had just over 400 employees, so losing nearly a quarter of the staff after the New Year sounded quite alarming.

"Do we know why they left?"

Minister Xie explained, "Most of them are leaving to take graduate exams, and others are from out of town and want to return to their hometowns after graduation."

"Here's the list of those who resigned. Please take a look."

Chen Jianhai took the folder, quickly scanning the "Name" column with his finger.

Fortunately, all the old employees who had been with him since the beginning, including the four Baicheng employees, the four doormen, the electricians, plumbers, kitchen staff, and others, were still there.

This eased Chen Jianhai's anxiety slightly.

"Qin Mengqiu..."

Chen Jianhai paused when he saw Qin Mengqiu's name and asked, "Is she leaving to take the graduate exams too?"

Minister Xie shook his head and said, "She's leaving to study abroad."

"Studying abroad?" Chen Jianhai clicked his tongue.

Well, Qin Mengqiu was going far this time. It seemed Xiaolang's hope of getting her as an assistant was over.

Minister Xie looked at Chen Jianhai and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Boss, I did some digging."

"Most of those taking graduate exams are pursuing degrees in related fields. There are a few who are switching to different fields, but even then, they're still within hotel-related studies."

"Although our hotel staff is relatively stable in numbers, we haven't done enough in terms of improving their knowledge structure, updating their professional skills, or providing employee training."

"If they pass their exams and return to work at the hotel, it would be beneficial for the hotel's development."

At this point, Minister Xie stole a glance at Chen Jianhai's expression.

Chen Jianhai appeared deep in thought, making it hard to tell whether he was in favor or against the idea.

Minister Xie couldn't quite grasp Chen Jianhai's thoughts, but he nervously continued, "After all, they were originally hotel employees, who understand and appreciate the hotel's culture and environment, and feel a sense of belonging here."

Chen Jianhai finally spoke, "Do you have a way to keep them?"

Hearing the boss speak, Minister Xie felt there was a chance and quickly suggested, "Boss, I've come up with a solution to offer unpaid leave."

"For those pursuing graduate studies, the hotel could keep their positions open. While they wouldn't receive any salary or bonuses during their studies, they could still enjoy full social insurance and other benefits."

"Do you think this plan would work?"

Chen Jianhai was silent for a moment before saying, "If your goal is to retain employees, this approach would likely be sufficient."

"But if you want to attract someone like Qin Mengqiu, who has the ability to study abroad, this might not be enough."

"And..."

Chen Jianhai thought for a moment before saying, "You should add two more conditions."

"First, after they finish their studies, the hotel will reimburse their tuition fees in full."

"Second, every employee who plans to return to the hotel after graduation must sign a contract with the hotel before leaving."

"Anyone who signs the contract must return to work at the hotel after graduation and cannot leave for at least five years."

Minister Xie immediately understood.

He finally realized why Chen Jianhai had been so quiet earlier.

He had only considered doing his best to retain talent for the hotel but hadn't thought about it from the hotel's perspective.

If someone enjoyed the hotel's benefits while pursuing further education, only to resign after graduation or leave shortly after returning, it would be like the hotel had invested in someone for nothing, which wouldn't be fair to the hotel.