After enduring a prolonged state of astonishment, the trio gradually regained their senses, one after the other.
Their minds were consumed by a singular thought: Liu Yong had truly amassed a fortune. He had expended an astounding sum of million yuan to procure a lavish villa.
The guests who had arrived hailed from esteemed ancestral lineages. Liu Hongfu and Zhou Xiuying felt an inherent familiarity and warmth towards them, prompting them to engage in heartfelt conversations revolving around their shared place of origin.
They discussed various matters related to their hometown, such as marriages within families and the advent of new grandchildren.
The dialogue was replete with enthusiasm and animated speculation.
Gradually, the topic veered toward the plight of migrant workers in the village. Liu Jianping interjected, "The village is immensely grateful to Liu Yong. During the last recruitment, hundreds of individuals were enlisted as crew members, receiving monthly salaries ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 yuan."
Liu Hongfu chimed in gleefully, "Given Liu Yong's current capabilities, he should extend his assistance to everyone."
Liu Jianping added, "There are still some robust laborers in the village who, due to various circumstances, were unable to join the crew last time. They now regret their decision and want to become crew members. I've been tasked with inquiring about the next recruitment phase. They are eager to seize the opportunity."
Liu Hongfu responded, "I'm not entirely privy to the specifics. I must consult with Liu Yong himself. We will have lunch together later, and you can inquire directly."
The primary purpose behind Liu Jianping and his companions' visit was to discuss the prospects for the remaining youngsters in the village with Liu Yong. Evidently, they too harbored aspirations of becoming crew members.
In comparison to toiling away elsewhere, joining Liu Yong's crew offered greater stability and substantially higher income.
News had circulated that official crew members could settle in Huahai City, and even bring their spouses and children along, as the company provided shared accommodation.
To the villagers, possessing a house within the county was a momentous achievement, let alone owning a residence in the dreamlike realm of Huahai City.
Many were skeptical, assuming it to be mere exaggeration, but the fact remained that dry crew members earned a minimum monthly income of 20,000 to 30,000 yuan, occasionally supplemented by additional bonuses.
Liu Hongfu and Liu Jianping engaged in congenial conversation, punctuated by laughter, as time effortlessly slipped away.
Soon, noon arrived, and Liu Hongfu received a call from Liu Yong. Rising from his seat, he gestured, "Come, let us dine. Xiaoyong has sent a car to pick us up."
Leading the way, Liu Hongfu escorted everyone outside, where two brand-new Cullinans were prominently parked in front of the grandiose villa.
The Global Shipping Group exuded opulence and authority. Last month, they had acquired over a dozen new cars in a single transaction, each one no less than an S600, with several being Cullinans. Two of these magnificent vehicles stood before them now.
Upon witnessing the sight, Liu Jianping examined them intently and cautiously asked, "Hongfu, are these the legendary Rolls-Royces?"
Liu Hongfu smiled and replied, "Indeed, I'm not entirely certain either, but it would seem so."
The driver alighted and took the initiative to enlighten them, saying, "These are Rolls-Royce Cullinans, with each one exceeding six million in value."
-OMG, such exorbitance!
Beside them, Liu Wenkang and Liu Hongyuan wore expressions of astonishment, exchanging glances that revealed a shared sense of exhilaration.
Never in their wildest dreams had they anticipated the prospect of riding in such a high-end automobile.
This marked their inaugural experience within the confines of such luxurious transportation. Upon entering the vehicle, Liu Jianping remarked, "This surpasses the quality of our county magistrate's car by leaps and bounds."
Liu Wenkang added, "There's no comparison at all. Our county magistrate's car is merely an Audi, far inferior to this splendid automobile."
The two cars slowly departed. Liu Jianping and Liu Wenkang shared a ride, their hearts ever restless, consumed by contemplations regarding Liu Yong's vast wealth and the sheer magnitude of his enterprise.
How much capital did Liu Yong currently possess? And how extensive had his company grown?
Approximately forty minutes later, the vehicles halted before an upscale restaurant, and the driver led the way, guiding everyone towards a private room. "Mr. Liu has arrived; you may enter now."
As soon as the driver finished speaking, the sound of movement reached Liu Yong's ears, prompting him to voluntarily swing open the door, his face alight with happiness and enthusiasm. "Mom, Dad!"
He warmly greeted Liu Jianping and the other three, inviting them to take their seats with utmost courtesy.
In due time, an array of dishes cascaded onto the table, a lavish feast in its own right.
Alongside the various culinary delights stood two bottles of vintage Moutai, each valued at tens of thousands.
Liu Yong personally uncorked the wine, filling everyone's glasses while exclaiming, "Uncle Jianping, it's a rare occasion for you to grace us with your presence. Please, indulge in the delicacies and libations without reservation."
Liu Jianping, beholding the two bottles of Moutai, inquired, "Mr. Liu, this is an exquisite vintage. Each bottle is worth several thousand yuan."
Liu Yong responded, "Why concern yourself with the price of the wine? If you find it to your liking, have a few more bottles, and take some back with you to enjoy later."
He intentionally avoided divulging the individual value of each bottle, fearing it might overwhelm them. Moreover, he refrained from mentioning that the dishes adorning the table amounted to a sum well over 100,000 yuan, lest it cause further consternation.
Liu Jianping and the others perceived the culinary spread to be of exceptional quality, estimating its worth to be several thousand yuan at the very least.
Never having experienced such a lavish banquet, they abandoned all formalities, clinking glasses with Liu Yong and relishing the food with unrestrained enthusiasm.
Amidst the feast, resounding praise filled the air as they delighted in the delectable flavors.
After a couple of glasses of wine, the ambiance grew increasingly animated, with conversations flowing more freely.
Liu Jianping even steered the discussion toward business matters, saying, "Mr. Liu, there are quite a few young people in our village who express a unanimous desire to work with you as crew members."
Before he could finish his sentence, Liu Yong waved his hand dismissively and declared, "As long as they have a high school education and good health, I will accept anyone who wishes to join. The more, the merrier."
He considered the sentiments of his hometown and relaxed the requirements. In reality, to become a crew member at Global Shipping Group, the minimum prerequisite is a college degree or above, and the number of college students recruited remains relatively limited, with most candidates holding at least an undergraduate degree.
Observing Liu Yong's candid response, Liu Jianping's spirits soared, and he raised his glass in a special toast to Liu Yong on behalf of the village's young population.
Liu Wenkang asked, "Mr. Liu, I've heard that all crew members employed by your company receive an allocated house. Is that true?"
Liu Yong nodded and affirmed, "Indeed. All regular employees of our company are entitled to a fully furnished residence measuring over 90 square meters, comprising two bedrooms and two living rooms. They can relocate to Huahai City with their spouses and children."
My God, it's true!
Liu Wenkang glanced at Liu Yong in disbelief, his eyes seemingly conveying the message that his company was truly extraordinary—perhaps one of the few across the entire country offering such exceptional benefits.
And so the meal lasted for over an hour.
Liu Jianping and the others were overjoyed and deeply satisfied. Their objective for this trip from their hometown had been accomplished: Liu Yong readily agreed to accept the village's young population as crew members.
After the meal, Liu Yong urged Liu Jianping and the others to spend a few more days in Huahai City, instructing his parents to host them warmly.
After issuing his instructions, Liu Yong departed in his car, needing to return to the company.
...
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