123: The most expensive is the free one.

The Television Program Crew's filming.

It lasted for quite a while before finishing.

They scanned everything from the entrance of the wet market to the various stalls.

The camera showed that whether it was the pork stalls, vegetables, or poultry and seafood stalls, they were so clean that one couldn't find a single flaw.

People entering the wet market walked gingerly, as if afraid they might accidentally dirty the spotless market again.

The vendors, who were usually accustomed to slacking off, were unsure if it was because the TV crew was present.

Even as they placed goods onto their stalls, they continuously wiped down areas that had been dirtied or might potentially be dirtied with a cloth.

At this moment, the television camera had just returned to the ground from the top of the wet market awning.

The shock on Xiao Le's face had yet to dissipate.

He looked at the camera, his face full of admiration.

"As everyone can see, our camera previously conducted a 360-degree comprehensive shoot of the wet market, yet we couldn't find any filth, not even a single spiderweb, on the roof of the awning. This truly is a miracle.

So, our question returns to where we started: can wet market sanitation really be cleaned completely?"

"Host, is that even a question? Facts speak louder than words."

"I said earlier, there is no mess that can't be cleaned, only people unwilling to clean it."

"Exactly! Just like the Host said, that Housekeeping Company managed to finish it in just half a night with only a few dozen people. With hundreds of vendors in this market, if every family sweeps the snow from their own door, why wouldn't it be clean?"

As he spoke, the person who had argued with the vendors earlier couldn't help but mock them aloud.

Xiao Le's mouth curved up.

He gave a look to the cameraman, who immediately turned the lens toward the vendors whose expressions had already turned sour.

Xiao Le stepped forward a few paces and handed the microphone to the pork stall owner.

"Vendor, do you still stand by your previous opinion regarding this matter?"

"I..."

The man froze. He looked at the audience around him, whose gazes were fervent and tinged with schadenfreude.

He shook his head with a wry smile.

"To be honest, I really wanted to stick to my opinion, it would save a lot of trouble. But seeing the wet market in this state now, I can't maintain that stance anymore."

Xiao Le's spirits lifted, and he quickly brought the microphone closer to the man.

"Oh? Could you elaborate on why?"

"Does that even need to be said? Who genuinely wants to do business in a filthy environment? Before, we were forced to, but now... any normal person wouldn't have the heart to ruin their own spotless stall, right?"

As he spoke, the vendor couldn't help but wipe the countertop again with a tissue, looking utterly delighted.

Xiao Le smiled slightly.

"So, this vendor supports the Administration Bureau's actions this time?"

"I support it. I thank the leaders for recreating such a clean and tidy business environment for us."

"Then do you think the wet market sanitation can be maintained like this?"

"This... I still feel it will be difficult!"

The pork stall owner glanced around and smiled wryly again.

"Where is the difficulty?"

"It's a mixed bag of people. Even if I can ensure I clean properly and don't ruin it, others are bound to be careless. Sanitation, once it has a bad start, is contagious."

"So, you approve of the policy from above this time?"

"What policy?"

The pork stall owner asked confusedly.

"The Bottom-Ranking Payment System. This cleanup was led by the Sanitation Administration Department, with Tianxia Housekeeping Company providing free service. However, with this amount of work, we can't expect Tianxia Housekeeping to provide free service every time. Therefore, the best way to maintain good sanitary conditions is to conduct a major cleanup regularly. The policy for this cleaning fee is to waive the usual sanitation fee and adopt the Bottom-Ranking Payment System: selecting the 10 vendors who maintain the worst sanitation among all market vendors to cover the cost of the next cleanup."

"Great!"

"This policy is good, I support it."

Before the pork stall owner could speak.

The surrounding audience burst into cheers of approval.

The pork stall owner was slightly stunned.

He also nodded heavily: "This policy is good; it has rewards and punishments. Previously, a large part of the reason we didn't maintain sanitation well was due to shared sanitation management fees, which led everyone to slack off, feeling that if others weren't cleaning, there was no need for me to either. But now, I estimate that anyone who isn't completely averse to money wouldn't dare mess around anymore."

"What about the other vendors? What are your opinions?"

Receiving an affirmative answer, Xiao Le smiled contentedly. He then looked at the other vendors.

Everyone exchanged glances, their brows slightly furrowed.

But with the camera right in front of them, who dared to object?

Daring to object now would clearly tell everyone that they were the troublemakers, wouldn't it?

After a moment of silence, the vendors nodded one after another.

The mission of the Television Program Crew for this trip was considered a perfect conclusion.

Soon, the television crew's vehicles slowly drove away.

But before the crowd dispersed.

Sharp-eyed people noticed several sky-blue vans and electric bikes driving over.

A group of Girls in uniform disembarked from the vehicles.

Each person held an advertising board.

"Tianxia Housekeeping? That's the Housekeeping Company the Host mentioned earlier!"

Someone saw the advertisement name on the vehicle and cried out softly.

As they watched intently, the young Girls, wearing charming smiles, began their presentation.

"Everyone, to cooperate with the Administration Bureau in creating civilization and establishing new customs, Tianxia Housekeeping is holding a free pest elimination event. The first 100 users who download and register the Tianxia Housekeeping app will receive immediate, free, on-site Cockroach elimination. Furthermore, we promise here that any Copper City member user of Tianxia Housekeeping will receive permanent free pest elimination service."

The Girls' synchronized voices faded.

The crowd immediately descended into noise and chatter.

"Free elimination? Can they really kill them all?"

Someone couldn't help but ask.

"Hehe, Ma'am, you can try for yourself whether we can clean it thoroughly. Also, this is another event we're holding today: 'Everyone Find the Flaws.'

We completely eliminated pests in this South Gate Wet Market in front of you last night. Starting now, everyone can go inside and search for Cockroaches. If you find one, Tianxia Housekeeping will reward you 1,000 yuan. Of course, to prevent cheating, the time limit is half an hour. If you are interested, feel free to try your luck."

"Such a good deal? If we find one, can we really get 1,000?"

"Our word is our bond. Our Housekeeping Company staff will be promoting at the wet market all morning. 1,000 yuan per Cockroach within half an hour. Absolutely valid. The countdown starts now, everyone can begin."

The Girls patiently explained, but the onlookers had already started turning around.

In just a moment, not a single person was left. They all rushed into the wet market.

The Girls, smiles plastered on their faces, couldn't help but look at Ye Tian, who was leaning against the vehicle.

"Boss, is promoting like this really okay?"

"What problem could there be? We cleaned such a huge wet market for free, and we can't even promote ourselves a little?"

Ye Tian laughed.

"You really are capable, Boss. Without making a sound, you managed to get our company on TV again, and this time, it's in cooperation with the Administration Bureau, with the program content entirely about Tianxia Housekeeping. Who knows how much our business volume will increase after this."

The Girls said, beaming with joy.

"The more the better. But remember, our main task right now isn't business volume, it's customers. Follow what I told you before: the first 100 registrations get free elimination. Those who register afterward and want free elimination only need to share our app with 10 people to register."

"What if the people they share it with aren't Copper City residents?"

"It doesn't matter. Just like Pinduoduo before, as long as the snowball starts rolling and expands, that's our victory. Besides, unlike Pinduoduo, we offer genuine on-site elimination, not opportunistic tricks. Moreover, our goal is definitely not limited to Copper City. I believe that in the near future, Tianxia Housekeeping will radiate across the entire Xia Nation."

As Ye Tian finished speaking.

The Girls all widened their eyes. Surprise and excitement shone in everyone's eyes.

Was this still the hands-off boss they knew? What had gotten into him? Why was he suddenly so passionate!

However, none of The Girls doubted Ye Tian's words.

Because as insiders, they deeply understood the power of the company's two great divine tools.

And now, with the divine tools combined with the impending massive traffic, Ye Tian's words were definitely not bragging.

Immediately, whether they had initially joined the company just for a job or genuinely wanting to develop their careers, they all made up their minds to ride the Tianxia Housekeeping chariot of hope and treat it as their life's work.

Looking at The Girls' sparkling eyes.

Ye Tian smiled with satisfaction.

He then assigned The Girls their next tasks.

Ye Tian did not plan to personally handle the next two wet markets; he would leave it to The Girls to live stream the cleanup. Since the Potent cleaning agent was sufficient, there was no need to worry about sanitation issues.

In addition, the issue of staff expansion must be implemented quickly.

The current batch of Girls would also be promoted to future core staff.

Listening to Ye Tian's various plans and promotional methods, The Girls were once again fired up.

However, as they listened, one of The Girls still raised a question.

"Boss, our current promotion is definitely fine, but what about income? The cost of pest elimination, plus the cost of cleaning up the market—these combined costs are not low. If this continues, won't the company face financial pressure?"

Fan Sisi, acting as the company's temporary accountant, couldn't help but say.

Ye Tian smiled slightly: "Sisi, do you know what is the most expensive thing in the world?"

"What?"

"The free thing is the most expensive!"

"Free?"

Fan Sisi frowned, seemingly not understanding Ye Tian's meaning.

Ye Tian, however, smirked and looked ahead.

In his line of sight, several vendors rushed out of the market, their faces full of resentment.

After seeing Ye Tian and his group, they walked straight over.

"You... you are from Tianxia Housekeeping Company, right?"

"Yes, sir, can we help you?"

"I want to ask about your fee for cleaning individual stalls in the wet market."

"Individual stalls?"

The Girls were stunned. Did wet market stalls need individual cleaning? Thinking this, they looked toward Ye Tian.

Ye Tian smiled: "Individual cleaning is 200 yuan per session. There are discounts if you purchase a membership."

"200 yuan?"

The latter's eyes lit up: "How do I become a member then?"

Ye Tian pointed to the advertising board The Girls had made early that morning: "Scan the code to register, and just follow the prompts."

The vendor nodded and quickly scanned the code.

After clicking through the registration, he began browsing the service items.

Soon after, Ye Tian's and Wang Jia's phones chimed simultaneously.

The two couldn't help but take out their phones to look. A joyful expression appeared on their faces.

That boss also raised his phone.

"I registered for a Bronze Member. According to what's written here, scheduling cleanups is based on membership registration time. So, if someone places an order at the same time as me, I'll be prioritized for cleaning, right?"

"Of course, as long as the other party's membership level isn't higher than yours, you will certainly be prioritized."

"There's that rule? Wait, let me check again."

With that, the man frowned. After checking again, Ye Tian's and Wang Jia's phones chimed once more.

The man raised an eyebrow.

"I should be safe now!"

After speaking, he raised his head proudly before slowly walking away.

Once the person had walked far away, Wang Jia looked at Ye Tian in surprise.

"Boss, he just charged five thousand yuan directly and got a Silver Member."

"Mm, a smart person."

Ye Tian nodded, looking satisfied.

"But why? He's just a vendor. Why would he be willing to charge so much?"

"So much? I don't think so. Look at this wet market, over 100 stalls. Normally, one cleanup would cost us at least twenty to thirty thousand yuan. Now, with their bottom-ranking cleanup system, the last ten have to share the cost. Each of those last ten people has to pay at least two to three thousand yuan every time. He charged five thousand yuan, spending 200 yuan per session, essentially guaranteeing he won't be one of those last ten again. Do you think he gained or lost?"

"Uh, you can play it like that? Doesn't that mean we can get paid twice for doing one job?"

Wang Jia realized, and couldn't help but swallow.

"So, do you understand now what I meant by 'the free thing is the most expensive'?"

"The Boss is still thinking far ahead. I was wondering why we had to offer it for free, but now I see the Boss used 'free' to silence these people. Otherwise, if we had told them in advance that they had to pay to clean the wet market, they definitely wouldn't agree. But they couldn't refuse the free service, which successfully allowed us to set this standard, and no one can find fault with it."

Wang Jia praised him.

"But I still don't quite understand how we can collect money twice."

Fan Sisi, standing nearby, asked confusedly.

Wang Jia laughed heartily.

"You still don't get it? These bosses are going to 'involute' (compete internally). Many people will definitely hire us to clean at the critical moment to escape the fate of being ranked last. And the time they choose will surely be right before the inspection. When we do the actual major cleanup, won't the stalls that have already been cleaned once require less work?"