Chapter 369

Chapter 369: The Chairman’s Arrival

“Hmm, that person has such a presence; could they be an actor? They give off a star-like vibe,” joked Lou Keliang, a five-star designer at the Moonlit Lotus Design Center, seizing the opportunity to join in the conversation.

Qi Fei had established a rule at the company: for each star a designer earns, their base salary increases by one thousand yuan, capping out at five stars. A five-star designer, without including commissions, would make over seven thousand yuan a month. If they landed a big deal, the earnings could be substantial. Qi Fei generously shared the fruits of success with capable and talented employees.

This rule reassured the true elite employees and encouraged them to work hard for Qi Fei.

“Hmph, he’s only a college classmate of Qi Fei. He’s not her boyfriend,” Yang Zhenwen unconsciously snorted, attempting to comfort himself.

“Hey, Xiao Yang, you’ve been with Qi Fei for months. Why doesn’t she seem to have special feelings for you?" Bi Zupeng, the construction team leader, couldn’t resist stirring the pot further.

“Yeah, yeah! I can sense a jealous tone in Xiao Yang’s words!” designer Lou teased, fanning the flames of gossip.

“Stop talking nonsense! If Qi Fei hears you, will you still have your jobs?” Yang Zhenwen warned, trying to intimidate the two. If they kept it up, their gossip would definitely reach the company.

Yang Zhenwen had no intention of letting his feelings be known. If Qi Fei developed a negative impression of him, that would truly be a loss.

……

“Jin Jun, the Chairman has arrived.”

At that moment, Ni Dahai, the deputy manager of the Dragoon Hangzhou store, rushed in after inspecting every detail of the shop with Qi Fei.

“What? The Chairman is here? He arrived this morning?” Jin Jun was taken aback. Although he knew the chairman of the Dragoon company had traveled from Afghanistan to China and was operating in Shanghai, he didn’t expect him to arrive in Hangzhou so soon.

Perhaps he was confirming the locations of exclusive stores in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chongqing, while also stopping by to inspect this newly opened model store in Hangzhou. If the Chairman was satisfied, it was likely that the Hangzhou store’s branding would be used as Dragoon’s international strategy.

“Dragoon” chose the picturesque city of Hangzhou to establish its first standard image store, investing greatly in branding and design, fully considering future development.

With their rich experience in store marketing, Jin Jun and Ni Dahai exchanged glances. They easily grasped the higher-ups’ expectations and worked hard to maximize the effectiveness of their execution.

“Old Ni, have we sent the digital photos of our completed store to the headquarters for the Chairman to see?” Jin Jun’s mind buzzed with calculations as he tried to anticipate the Chairman’s thoughts, hoping to leave a good impression.

“Dragoon” offered him a generous salary, comparable to luxury brands like Cartier, considering that it was just starting to establish itself in the country and had great potential for future growth. Jin Jun was determined to work hard and justify such a lucrative salary.

While Jin Jun, as the general manager, handled client relations and external promotions, Ni Dahai, who managed the internal operations, nodded, “Yes, I’ve been sending daily progress photos to headquarters since the work began, each time with at least fifteen pictures.”

In the two months leading up to the grand opening, Jin Jun and Ni Dahai took over the tasks assigned by the Shanghai office, ensuring smooth cooperation and making active preparations for the jewelry store’s launch, with the Shanghai branch providing them with the necessary authority and financial backing.

“Since the Chairman is here, we can delay settling the construction payment with Moonlit Lotus. You understand what I mean,” Jin Jun winked at Ni Dahai. With the Chairman’s presence, it was not their decision to approve the store’s inspection; it had to receive the Chairman’s acknowledgment.

After all, they hadn’t paid yet, which meant there was room for improvements. Only by satisfying the Chairman could their work be truly completed.

“Got it!” Ni Dahai nodded, shaking his phone, “The Chairman’s dedicated vehicle just crossed the intersection of Xihu Avenue and Nanshan Road. They’ll be here in five minutes. I’ll arrange for everyone to take their positions and prepare for the welcome.”

“Okay! Let’s not mess this up! Everyone check their appearances and stay sharp,” Jin Jun nodded, quickly starting to make arrangements.

Clap, clap, clap!

Deputy Manager Ni Dahai clapped his hands to catch the attention of the jewelry image consultants and security personnel. He spoke loudly, “Our Chairman, Ms. Sally, will arrive shortly! Everyone take your positions. Today is a trial operation, and we must make a great impression on the Chairman!”

Every staff member had undergone at least a month of dedicated training, instilling the importance of following the rules deep within them. In the silence, footsteps made soft sounds as everyone quickly positioned themselves.

Once in place, everyone slightly lifted their heels, a small trick they learned during training that helped them stand straighter and appear more alert.

Moments later, a Mercedes S600 smoothly parked, intentionally not blocking the entrance of “Dragoon,” but stopping within twenty meters of the store.

“Chairman Sally, we have arrived.”

As her personal translator, Yuan Yihui, who graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University, glanced at the newly renovated store and its nearby address from inside the car, confirming this was their destination.

A burly bodyguard stepped out from the front passenger seat, opening the right door and placing his hand against the top of the door, allowing a Persian beauty to elegantly emerge from the car.

With her dark brown hair styled in an updo, deep-set eyes, and striking black brows above her bright, expressive eyes, she had a gracefully aquiline nose and lush lips. Although she didn’t meticulously apply makeup, her angelic beauty was evident.

Wearing a black business suit, she exuded a noble and elegant aura, leaving no room for disrespect.

“Yahan, thank you for your hard work.” The beautiful woman, displaying distinct Central Asian features, spoke in Pashtun, while her bodyguard, also with thick brows and a sturdy build, was clearly not of East Asian descent.

Sally’s gaze immediately focused on the store’s entrance, where simplicity and luxury perfectly combined. The shiny stainless steel letters spelling “Dragoon” made her nod in satisfaction. The meticulously designed font was unique worldwide, representing the core image of the enterprise.

This image had an impressive visual effect during the day, and at night, the LED lights behind the letters would outline the brand name, making it even more eye-catching.

Unfortunately, Lin Mo sat in the VIP lounge, unaware that an old acquaintance had come all the way from Afghanistan to this close proximity.

Since Lin Mo’s departure, the Chinese military had stationed a secret unit in Gem Valley, establishing a base. The Pashtuns in Gem Valley quickly gained a foothold in northern Afghanistan with Chinese support, promptly opening transport routes to connect northern Afghanistan with China.

Weapons, food, and all kinds of necessities streamed into Gem Valley. The transition from hell to paradise made the Pashtuns cherish their current life, realizing that armed strength was the only guarantee for maintaining such a lifestyle.

Mercenaries had transformed into Gem Valley’s guards, rapidly enhancing their combat capabilities under the guidance and training of Chinese officers.

There is no such thing as a free lunch; the Chinese were not helping the Pashtuns without reason. Under Sally’s leadership, the newly established “Dragoon” mining company sold several batches of Lapis Lazuli, generating significant liquidity and quickly initiating business with the Chinese.

After a while, no one anticipated that the profitable “Dragoon” mining company, as it expanded, would fund the establishment of vital facilities in the valley, including water, electricity, and communication, incorporating all Pashtuns as employees of the company.

The jewelry industry’s profits rivaled those of the arms trade. With control over upstream mines and initial sales channels, “Dragoon” mining company expanded repeatedly, establishing its brand and making a strong impact in Afghanistan’s gemstone market, rapidly growing into an economic giant.

Through connections in China, “Dragoon” extended its sales channels to the country, gaining immense popularity among consumers for its exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality gemstones, resulting in substantial sales.

The incredible profits generated a massive cash flow, enabling Sally to recruit and attract talent. Senior managers collaborated with headhunting companies to develop a large company’s operational framework, giving rise to a brand new high-end jewelry label emerging in China.

Sally’s role was undoubtedly pivotal, and her growth exceeded many expectations.

To a certain extent, the “Dragoon” mining company fully controlled Gem Valley, something the Elders had not foreseen.

The former village chiefs, now Elders of Gem Valley, had no worries. They supported the decisions made by their own Sally, believing this was what the Knight deserved. They simply basked in the Knight’s glory, free from the suffering of war while receiving aid from the Chinese military.