60: Chapter 60 Welcome to come and cause me trouble

As the morning market rush subsided and the crowd inside the store thinned, a new wave of consumers began to emerge. Young customers preferred areas like daily necessities; they were skilled at comparing and good at discovering. The neatly displayed brand-name goods had visible and tangible quality, yet their prices were not much higher than online shopping, and in some cases, even more advantageous. This "seeing is believing" shopping experience kept them entertained.

Long lines formed at the checkout counters, with the "beep" of barcode scanners sounding one after another; stock clerks bustled between the shelves, busy and content. Such scenes were not isolated; among more than a hundred stores, almost every one was like this, every single day.

Chu Zhenghong and his team were currently in the massive surveillance center at headquarters. On a wall-like screen, real-time footage from various stores was divided, and data streams refreshed continuously on the adjacent screens. Chu Zhenghong's gaze was sharp and focused; he would occasionally furrow his brows, observing the customer density at a certain store, and then relax his brow, nodding slightly as he saw the checkout counters operating efficiently. His fingers tapped unconsciously on the table. He felt both relief at the smooth start and deep contemplation about the future: "This is just the beginning," he said to himself, "The popularity is just a facade; the real test lies in whether this heat can be converted into lasting word-of-mouth. The stability of supply, the control of quality, the details of service—there can be no slack in any aspect. What we need to do is not just create a momentary buzz, but to become an indispensable part of the lives of the people in this city."

Small profits but quick turnover; although the profit per item was low, the huge market share was enough to support considerable earnings and, more importantly, win the people's word-of-mouth. This was the cornerstone of the success of the Vegetable Basket chain supermarkets.

The nine wedding company stores, like nine meticulously carved pearls, had all finished renovations and were shining brightly. From the storefront to the interior furnishings, every detail highlighted high-end quality and taste. Recruitment was also fully completed, and after systematic training, the staff were full of Spirit, professionally skilled, and the entire team began to operate efficiently.

Although it was not the golden season for weddings like May Day, National Day, or the Spring Festival, thanks to the massive and precise publicity beforehand, the brand effect had quietly formed. Choosing this place was not just a service; it had become a symbol of status and taste, making the newlyweds feel "respected." The nine flagship stores, in addition to their decor, offered meticulous and thoughtful service, or swift and efficient work efficiency. Everything seemed so formal and professional, making people feel at ease.

The business scope went far beyond traditional wedding planning. Romantic marriage proposal surprises, precise matchmaking, aesthetic photography... A series of derivative projects centered around "love," like stars surrounding the moon, jointly built a complete emotional service ecosystem, presenting a scene of prosperity.

Especially exciting was the increasingly large customer database. It not only recorded every bit of trust and expectation but also became a valuable asset for the company's future development. Through the company's meticulously crafted APP, users in some neighboring cities had already begun to inquire and book, and the brand's influence was gradually expanding.

Behind all this was the hard work and dedication of Liu Yifei and Zhou Li. They had poured almost all their energy into it; overtime had become a daily occurrence, and the office lights often stayed on late into the night. Being able to achieve such dazzling results in the traditionally off-season left them filled with relief and pride. They knew that a good beginning is half the battle, and they had now taken a solid first step. With the continuous growth of the customer base and the continuous fermentation of word-of-mouth, the company's development would surely reach a higher level.

In the top-floor conference room of Junlin Capital, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows shut out the city's hustle and bustle, leaving only silence and majesty. Beside the long mahogany conference table, the atmosphere was solemn and intense. President Wang Ya sat at the head, her posture upright, her gaze like a torch; Vice President Liu Qingyan sat beside her, holding a tablet in her hand, her expression focused.

On both sides of the conference table sat the directors of the four core departments—Investment, Finance, Administration, and Human Resources—four elite women with different styles but equally capable. Beside them were the "Young Masters Group," representing the core of the Food City's future operations, as well as Director Wu, the person in charge of the security company, Liu Zhenhong from the construction contractor Hongyuan Company, and heads of several outsourcing units.

The core topic of the meeting was only one: to ensure that tomorrow's 3,000-mu livelihood project—Junlin Food City's groundbreaking ceremony—would be foolproof, and to make comprehensive deployments for the subsequent start of construction.

"Everyone," President Wang Ya's voice was steady and powerful, breaking the brief silence before the meeting began, "Tomorrow is the big day for the groundbreaking of Junlin Food City. This is not only a key project for our Junlin Capital but also a livelihood project highly valued by the Municipal Committee and the municipal government. I have gathered everyone here today to make final checks and fill in any gaps, ensuring that every link is seamless."

The Director of the Administration Department opened her folder first and reported clearly: "President Wang, President Liu, regarding the preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony, our department has proceeded according to the established process. Seven days ago, we sent formal invitations to the Municipal Committee, the municipal government, and relevant functional departments. This morning, we received a definitive reply from the Municipal Committee Office."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over every person in charge, her tone carrying a hint of excitement: "At that time, Secretary Wang of the Municipal Committee will personally attend, and Vice Mayor Wang, who is in charge of urban construction, will also grace us with his presence. In addition, the main leaders of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Planning Bureau, and the Construction Bureau have also confirmed their schedules. This fully reflects the importance and support of the higher-level leadership for our project."

The Director of the Investment Department added: "Regarding media invitations, we have contacted mainstream media at both the provincial and municipal levels, including television stations, daily newspapers, and several influential online media outlets. They will provide full coverage to ensure the project's social impact."

Director Wu spoke on behalf of the security company, his voice resonant: "Regarding security, we have formulated a detailed plan. From perimeter traffic control to security in the core area, and to the guidance and emergency handling of VIPs, every point has been assigned to specific personnel. We will increase manpower tomorrow to ensure that the site is orderly and foolproof."

Liu Zhenhong also said in a deep voice: "On the side of Hongyuan Company, construction machinery and personnel are all in place. As soon as the groundbreaking ceremony ends, we can immediately begin substantial operations, ensuring that the task is completed with quality and quantity, according to the established schedule."

President Wang Ya nodded slightly, her eyes showing approval: "Very good. The attendance of Secretary Wang and Vice Mayor Wang is the greatest affirmation of our work, and it also means that the responsibility on our shoulders is even heavier. Every department must brace themselves and take their Spirit to the highest level, making the details perfect. Secretariat, please keep detailed meeting minutes and formulate the final execution plan for the items confirmed today, and distribute it to every person in charge."

Vice President Liu Qingyan also spoke at the right time, her voice cold and penetrating: "Remember, tomorrow is not just a ceremony, but a display of Junlin Capital's strength and responsibility. We must use the most professional attitude and the most rigorous style to lay the most solid foundation for the smooth start of this livelihood project."

The meeting continued in a tense and orderly atmosphere; every detail was repeatedly scrutinized, and every link was confirmed. Outside the window, the sunset cast a golden rim on the city, while the lights in the Junlin Capital conference room heralded the brilliance and hope of tomorrow's grand event.

Just as the meeting was in full swing on one side, in an office on the other side, Lin Yu opened his sleepy eyes and sat up from Tang Man's soft lap. His voice was hoarse from just waking up: "Is the meeting not over yet?"

"Not yet," Tang Man handed him a cup of warm water, "President Wang Ya and the others are finalizing all the details of the groundbreaking ceremony."

As soon as she finished speaking, Tang Man's phone rang suddenly. After she answered it, her face changed instantly: "What? Tangtang has been kept at school? Because she hit someone? We have to go to the office now? And she might be expelled?!"

After hanging up the phone, Tang Man said goodbye to Lin Yu in a hurry and was about to leave. Lin Yu grabbed her: "Don't worry, let's go together. Kids fighting shouldn't lead to expulsion!" As he said this, he sent a message to Fatty.

The three of them took the elevator downstairs, and the Phantom sped toward Ze City Le'ai International Bilingual Kindergarten. The guard caught a glimpse of the imposing black Phantom, skipped the registration, and raised the bar to let them through.

Just as they walked outside the administration building, they heard a sharp female voice from the office: "Our child has been pampered since he was little; when has he ever suffered such grievances? This wild child without upbringing must be expelled!"

Tang Man's parents were smiling apologetically on the side, their voices trembling: "Our Tangtang is usually very well-behaved; it must be a misunderstanding..."

"Misunderstanding?" The woman raised her volume, "Your Tangtang pushed my son down! What else could be a misunderstanding?"

"Principal Zhao, I don't care what rules your kindergarten has," the noblewoman crossed her legs, pointing at Tangtang not far away, her voice sharp, "A child from a single-parent family like this has personality defects. Not only did she hit my son, but she also affects other students. She must be expelled today, otherwise, I will withdraw my investment, and I will expose your poor management in the parents' group!"

Principal Zhao wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to look at Tang Man's parents, his tone severe: "Old Mr. Tang, you also heard it. Mrs. Zhu is one of the major shareholders of our kindergarten. Her son was wronged. If Tangtang continues to stay here, it is indeed... not very appropriate. For the sake of the big picture, you should take the child back."

"How can you be like this!" Tang Man's mother stomped her feet in anxiety, "It was clearly that little Fatty who snatched Tangtang's things and cursed at people, that's why Tangtang pushed him!"

"Cursed? What did my son curse?" The noblewoman sneered, her eyes sweeping over Tangtang with contempt, "It was just kids playing around. Besides, my Haohao was just telling the truth. This child doesn't even have a father, a wild child whose dad is dead. When she grows up, she will be a burden to society..."

"Shut up!" Tang Man's father was trembling with anger.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" The noblewoman stood up and pointed at Tangtang's nose, "Little girl, didn't your father die a long time ago? No one taught you manners. Today, auntie will teach you a lesson for your dead father!"

As she spoke, she actually reached out to grab Tangtang's arm.

Tangtang shrank back in fear, tears welling up in her eyes, but she bit her lip hard to keep herself from crying out, her small hands clutching the corner of her clothes, shrinking behind her grandfather.

Just then, a large hand appeared out of nowhere and firmly caught the noblewoman's wrist as she swung it down.

"Are you done?"

The noblewoman was stunned for a moment as she looked at the man who had intruded into the office, then became furious out of shame: "Who are you? How dare you stop me? I am from the Zhu Group..."

"Who you are is not important." Lin Yu casually shook off her hand. He squatted down and gently wiped the tears from Tangtang's face, his voice softening instantly: "Tangtang, tell big brother, who bullied you just now?"

Seeing Lin Yu, Tangtang's grievance burst like a dam; she threw herself into his arms and cried loudly: "Brother Lin Yu... they cursed my dad... said my dad is dead... said I'm a wild child... woo woo..."

Lin Yu's heart gave a sharp tug. He stood up slowly, his gaze scraping over the noblewoman like a knife edge, and finally fixed on Principal Zhao's face.

"Principal Zhao, right?" Lin Yu's tone was terrifyingly calm, "Le'ai Kindergarten is the best aristocratic school in Ze City. I always thought the educational philosophy here was 'education without discrimination.' I didn't expect that you not only condone bullying but also allow such uncultured remarks to exist?"

Principal Zhao felt his heart turn cold under his gaze, and said stutteringly: "Mr. Lin, but I really have no choice. This is Mrs. Zhu, she..."

"What about her?" Lin Yu sneered and interrupted him, "Just because she invested a little money, she can point at a little girl and curse in the kindergarten? Tangtang's father was a hero who sacrificed his life to save others, a martyr posthumously honored by the country! In your mouths, he became an unwanted wild child?"

As soon as these words came out, the office was in an uproar. Tang Man's parents sighed, and Tang Man's eyes were even red.

The noblewoman's face changed, but she remained stubborn: "Wh-what martyr or not, he's dead anyway, isn't he just a..."

"Slap!"

A crisp slap echoed sharply, but it wasn't Lin Yu who hit her, but Fatty, who had rushed in from behind Lin Yu at some point, slapped the noblewoman, sending her stumbling a few steps and almost falling.

"Keep your mouth clean!" Fatty Wang pointed at her nose: "This is a martyr's daughter! You dare to curse her as a wild child? Believe it or not, I'll tear down your lousy group!"

The noblewoman clutched her face, completely stunned.

Lin Yu turned to look at the fat little boy who was scared silly, his voice deep: "Little friend, bullying a girl and cursing someone else's father, is this the upbringing your mother taught you?"

Lin Yu didn't look at them again, bent down to pick up Tangtang, and strode toward the door. When he reached the door, he stopped and said with his back to everyone:

"As for that Zhu something Group, I am Lin Yu of Junlin Capital, welcome to come and trouble me. And Principal Zhao, we are not withdrawing from this school. But starting today, if Le'ai Kindergarten doesn't give me a satisfactory explanation, by tomorrow, this school will no longer exist in Ze City's education sector."