C129 She Is also Here!?
Chen Dafu was taken aback.
Once he collected himself, he responded with a hearty, "Young Master Chen, just say the word. If it's within my power, I'll give it my all!"
Director Zhu's eyes shone with even greater respect.
Zhang Chen said with a smile, "Here's the thing. I'm on the lookout for a suitable property because I'm planning to open another hotel branch."
At this, Chen Dafu was momentarily stunned.
That quickly?
Without any hesitation, Chen Dafu asked, "Young Master Chen, what are your requirements?"
After a brief pause, Zhang Chen replied, "You're more familiar with this than I am. Any location that's good for a hotel will do, whether it's in the southeast, northwest, or north of the city."
"I've only got enough funds to open one branch at the moment."
Chen Dafu didn't miss a beat, "Well, it just so happens I have a property going up for auction this afternoon! How about I just give it to you directly?"
Director Zhu's eyes bulged in disbelief at his words.
For free?
Zhang Chen quickly shook his head, "Director Chen, I'm grateful for your generous offer, but there's no need to give it to me for free. The property is being auctioned this afternoon, right? I'll just head over and see if I can secure it."
"If I don't manage to acquire the property, it'll simply be a reflection of my own limitations."
Chen Dafu hesitated, "But..."
Zhang Chen cut in firmly, "No worries. I prefer to advance on my own merits. Just give me the address."
A complex emotion flickered in Chen Dafu's eyes.
After a moment's hesitation, he provided Zhang Chen with the time and address.
With no further delay, Zhang Chen departed.
Watching Zhang Chen's retreating figure, Chen Dafu's gaze was filled with an unusual sentiment.
"His potential knows no bounds," he murmured after a while.
Director Zhu's eyes were wide with astonishment; she had not anticipated such high praise from Chen Dafu for Zhang Chen!
Chen Dafu spoke up after a brief pause, "Today, take some discreet action. Make sure that Young Master Chen ends up with the property."
"Yes!" Director Zhu responded with reverence.
Zhang Chen was blissfully unaware of Chen Dafu's thoughts, but he himself was filled with anticipation for the upcoming auction. Stepping out of the office, he spotted Wang Yunan with a backpack slung over one shoulder, pacing nearby. With a broad grin, Zhang Chen said, "Let's go."
"Okay!"
Wang Yunan's excitement was palpable as she hurried to keep pace with Zhang Chen, who felt an unexpected surge of exhilaration himself.
He genuinely appreciated Wang Yunan's character and integrity. If her skills were up to par, she'd undoubtedly become a significant asset to him.
Exiting the building, they were greeted by a sleek black Mercedes-Benz waiting at the curb. Zhang Chen ushered Wang Yunan into the car, and they set off for the Hongtai Hotel.
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived and stepped out of the car. Zhang Chen, with a cheerful smile, asked, "This will be your workplace from now on. What do you think?"
Wang Yunan paused, momentarily taken aback. She raised her head for a better look, her eyes sparkling with ecstatic delight. "Big brother, are you with Hongtai? I..."
Overwhelmed with joy, she struggled to find the words. "My greatest dream while in school was to work at the Hongtai Hotel!"
"I hadn't seen any job postings from Hongtai! I..."
Her voice trailed off as she fought back tears of happiness. The four years she'd dedicated to studying hotel management were finally paying off!
Zhang Chen chuckled and reassured her, "I'm glad you're happy. Now, focus on doing a good job here, and don't worry about a thing."
"Okay!"
"I can handle anything!"
Wang Yunan declared, her voice steady despite the tremble of excitement in her body.
Together, they entered the hotel, and Wang Yunan couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow! This hotel is incredible!"
Zhang Chen felt a wave of contentment wash over him. He had earned the approval of a true professional.
With a smile still playing on his lips, he said, "Take a look around and get to know the place. I've got some matters to attend to."
"Okay!"
Wang Yunan agreed without a moment's hesitation.
Zhang Chen returned to his office, where Secretary Wu was waiting with a substantial stack of documents.
The auction was set to begin at 4 PM, giving Zhang Chen a leisurely three hours to spare. He wasn't rushed at all.
In no time, Zhang Chen had finished processing the documents. Han Qiqi's designs had been instrumental, leading to a notable increase in the hotel's sales.
A couple of stomach growls later, Zhang Chen finally set aside the paperwork and rode the elevator down to the first floor. He flagged down a waiter, ordered two dishes, and settled into a quiet corner seat.
Glancing up, he noticed Wang Yunan still buzzing around with excitement. With a helpless shake of his head and a smile, he called out, "Come over and grab a bite."
Wang Yunan paused, then scurried over, saying sheepishly, "No need, big brother, I can get my own meal."
Zhang Chen rolled his eyes and retorted, "When I say sit, you sit."
"Alright then." Wang Yunan shot Zhang Chen a grateful look before slowly taking a seat across from him.
Curious, Zhang Chen probed, "So, what do you think? Got any thoughts?"
Wang Yunan began eagerly, "The design..."
But she was cut off by Zhang Chen, who said with a hint of irritation, "Skip the positives. I want to hear the negatives."
Wang Yunan playfully stuck out her tongue and began, "The negatives are mostly details. The restrooms have an unpleasant odor, and there seems to be a shortage of waitstaff. Earlier, a guest couldn't even find one."
"And it's missing some wow factors."
Zhang Chen nodded, deep in thought. The mention of a wow factor piqued his interest, and he asked with a smile, "What kind of wow factors do you think we're missing?"
With an innocent smile, Wang Yunan replied, "Just something to draw in a steady stream of repeat customers. Maybe a unique dish that's not found elsewhere, or some other service that's lacking in other hotels but greatly needed by the guests."
At her words, Zhang Chen's eyebrows shot up. He had a feeling he had stumbled upon a gem. Just these few sentences were enough to showcase some of Wang Yunan's capabilities!
And then, a lightbulb went off for Zhang Chen. He had been fretting over whose identity to use for the auction, but now it seemed that Wang Yunan might just be the perfect candidate.
As the thought crossed his mind, excitement began to bubble up inside Zhang Chen.
He made up his mind – he was going to invest in Wang Yunan's development and have her step into his shoes!
That way, he wouldn't have to constantly make public appearances.
The meal arrived.
Zhang Chen said cheerfully, "Make sure you eat up; I've got a task for you later."
Wang Yunan nodded eagerly.
Before long, they had finished their meal and left the Hongtai Hotel.
Loong San was behind the wheel, and soon the car pulled up in front of an office building.
However, as Zhang Chen stepped out, he caught sight of a familiar silhouette.
What was she doing here?