It was the vernal equinox in March.
The weather became increasingly warmer.
Some jerk's birthday was also approaching.
"Boss Xu, your birthday is coming up, what kind of benefits are you planning to give us?"
In the milk tea shop, Zhou Hangyu spoke with a cheeky grin.
"Yes, I've decided to give you guys a 20% discount on your salaries, so I can leave some money for the missus as pocket change."
Musen said with a chuckle, as if thinking himself mad to consider giving benefits on his own birthday.
"I take it back, forget I said anything."
Zhou Hangyu immediately wilted and hastily shook his head.
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Laughter erupted amongst the group.
Only Zhao Lianmai was silently lost in thought.
"Alright, let me tell you something first. Recently, we've opened nearly twenty branches, and every day there are various problems, especially with the deliveries. Also, working on the school campus is somewhat inconvenient, so I plan to rent an office in the city center first. From now on, we will mainly work off-campus, so you all should prepare yourselves mentally.
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Of course, we still need people on campus, but that work will just be to oversee the shop. You can think it over carefully."
Musen was now starting to slowly shift his focus outside of the campus, wanting to expand and strengthen his business since just relying on the university's impoverished students was clearly not sustainable.
The downside was that once they got busy with work, they inevitably couldn't give their studies the same level of attention.
Those who were able to attend Huhai University were considered good students in the eyes of most people.
And they usually regarded their studies as quite important.
Musen had a more open-minded perspective regarding education. What's the purpose of most people studying?
Isn't it to land a good job in the future, earn more money, and live a better life?
Certainly, there were many who came with dreams, wishing to delve deeply into a specific field. Musen would never dream of holding back students with such lofty ambitions.
But as a businessman, in business terms, he needed people who could bring in profits.
If their goals did not align, parting on good terms was also not a bad outcome.
Musen's eyes swept over the group.
Ma Yaxing and Li Rundong, who were usually more reserved students, scratched their heads hesitantly.
"Ha, Boss Xu, I'm fine. I'm not one for grand ambitions. If it weren't for my Huhai residency, with my grades, I'd be just another undergrad. In Huhai, you throw a brick and hit several postgrads looking for jobs. I might as well earn some money while I'm young and live it up!"
Zhou Hangyu was rather open-minded. His family was quite well-off, and he didn't hold a deep fixation on the idea of knowledge changing fate.
He also valued opportunities more than hard work and believed in enjoying life while he could.
"Um, Brother Sen, I'd like to continue working as well."
Usually the most honest Ma Yaxing was the second to speak up.
He scratched his head but his tone was sincere, "My family isn't that well off. Over the past six months, the money I've earned has really helped out at home. During the New Year, my family was very happy and proud of me. I know studying is important, but I feel that working is also a form of learning. I'm really grateful to have met you, Brother Sen.
Without this job, given my family's situation, I probably wouldn't even have enough money for meals at Huhai. So, I'm willing to keep working."
In reality, Ma Yaxing was like many students from ordinary rural families, carrying the hopes of his family.
And that hope was merely for basic sustenance and well-being.
Dreams are for those who've secured their basic needs and wish to challenge themselves further.
The reason why many graduates are reluctant to shed their Kong Yiji personas is that they haven't accepted the reality of being ordinary.
Of course, societal issues played a part.
But for most people, a more stable lifestyle is the best choice.
Musen smiled and nodded.
He turned to look at Zhao Lianmai, who was still at the front desk checking the accounts, and said with a smile, "Xiao Mai, what about you?"
Zhao Lianmai quietly flicked a strand of hair behind her ear, "Whoever ensures that my family and I can eat, I'll follow them. A hungry person won't think about saving money to buy a piano."
Zhao Lianmai's words were unadorned yet so profound that no one could refute them.
Her words came from personal experience; she knew what it was like to be hungry and how it felt to dig for wild roots in the snow-covered fields during winter, going months without tasting meat...
With a chuckle, Musen said, "Xiao Mai, you see things clearly. But with me, in the future, you'll have both bread and a piano."
Zhao Lianmai looked up at him, not saying a word, just curving her lips into a smile.
Zhao Lianmai was quite good-looking with her wheat-colored skin and resilient character, adding a rare charm that few girls possessed.
This smile brightened up the eyes of everyone in the shop.
"I feel like our Supervisor Xiao Mai still has plenty of charm! Xiao Mai, let's team up!"
Zhou Hangyu cheerfully went over, but Zhao Lianmai replied with just one word.
"Scram."
"Got it."
Zhou Hangyu scampered back, and the laughter continued in the shop, as the group was used to their playful banter.
One by one, they expressed their willingness to continue working with Musen.
After all, despite regularly teasing Musen about his capitalist tendencies, there was no ambiguity when it came to their salaries and bonuses—he was always fair.
Finally, Li Rundong spoke up.
"Brother Sen, I want to continue with you, but I'm worried about my family's concerns. Could you let me discuss it with them at home first..."