Chapter 87: Talent Broker Xu Yong

"What is there to study about this restaurant?"

Inside the Huangting Elegant Restaurant, Xu Yong looked through the window at Chen Jianhai, who had been standing in front of the restaurant since getting out of the car, seemingly lost in thought.

Curiosity piqued, Xu Yong's mind quickly began to race. 

For business managers like them, even if they were in different industries, sometimes the internal management concepts and business strategies could be mutually referenced and learned from. 

Although Chen Jianhai's hotel was still small in his eyes, one could never be sure if the "little brother" would become the "big brother" one day. Seeing Chen Jianhai so focused on Huangting Elegant Restaurant, Xu Yong's curiosity was stirred, and he secretly observed the restaurant, looking for any noteworthy points.

After a while, aside from the good ambiance, beautiful decor, and meticulous service, he still didn't find any highlights.

When he looked down again, he found that Chen Jianhai had already entered the restaurant.

...

"Good day, sir. How many are dining today? Do you have a reservation?"

As soon as Chen Jianhai walked into the Huangting Elegant Restaurant, a hostess warmly greeted him. After Chen Jianhai mentioned his table reservation, the hostess led the way for him.

"Squeak... Squeak..."

Hearing the familiar creaking of the floorboards, Chen Jianhai looked down in surprise. He hadn't been here for years, and the floorboards were still the same.

Seeing Chen Jianhai's surprised expression, the hostess smiled and said, "The floorboards under your feet are part of the original structure of the restaurant."

"Although the restaurant has undergone several major renovations over the years, we've chosen to preserve the original look of the first generation of the restaurant."

"Many local and out-of-town guests love to come here to experience the history and nostalgia."

Walking up the stairs to the third floor, the hostess said, "Sir, here we are. Enjoy your meal."

The hostess led Chen Jianhai to his table and then left with a smile.

At the table, Xu Yong looked as if he had been waiting for a while.

Chen Jianhai extended his hand and spoke with a sincere and apologetic tone. 

"Mr. Xu, I'm sorry for the delay. I apologize for keeping you waiting..."

Xu Yong stood up and warmly shook hands with Chen Jianhai, smiling as he said, "Oh, I just got here too. Please, have a seat."

After they both sat down, Chen Jianhai glanced at Xu Yong, who seemed to be in high spirits and looked very healthy, obviously enjoying his newlywed life.

"Mr. Chen," Xu Yong began, "My wife and her parents were very pleased with the wedding at Lang'ai Hotel. I was very happy too."

"This meal is to specifically express my gratitude to you."

Xu Yong's words were heartfelt, and Chen Jianhai's eyes brightened upon hearing them.

He had been anxious about how to bring up the seafood supply issue, but Xu Yong had already opened the door for him!

Just as Chen Jianhai was about to respond, Xu Yong continued, "However, I don't think a usual thank you would be enough for you."

"I heard you were looking for an assistant. Have you found a suitable candidate yet?"

"Uh..." Chen Jianhai was momentarily at a loss for words.

He was just about to talk about seafood, but the topic had suddenly shifted to an assistant.

Xu Yong continued, "I have a junior, who has been working abroad and has excellent skills!"

"She is currently in the process of leaving her job and should be back in the country next month."

"When we last spoke, she asked me to help her find a job in the hotel industry, and you were the first person I thought of."

"Are you interested?"

An assistant, an assistant?! Chen Jianhai's heart leaped with joy. 

What he needed most right now was a competent assistant!

Xu Yong had studied abroad; though Chen Jianhai wasn't sure which university he graduated from, he had risen to the position of General Manager at Nanjiang Broad Seafood Company through his own abilities, proving his competence.

Anyone he recommended shouldn't be too bad.

If Xu Yong could help make the connection, it would definitely secure the assistant position!

While Chen Jianhai was pondering, Xu Yong had already taken out his phone and opened a photo.

When Chen Jianhai looked at the phone, he saw a long-haired girl in a graduation gown, exuding confidence and bravery. Though not as beautiful as Liu Qinglu, she appeared much more approachable.

Chen Jianhai's eyes lit up!

"Not bad!"

Xu Yong said, "My junior was a senior manager at a multinational company, with impeccable work skills."

"She decided to return home because she missed her family in Nanjiang after being abroad for so long."

"Would you consider giving her a chance?"

Xu Yong spoke sincerely, almost like a friend making a request.

Seeing this rare humble attitude from Xu Yong, Chen Jianhai's heart skipped a beat.

Wait a minute! Could this be a trap?

Overseas work experience, native of Nanjiang, outstanding work ability... does such a talent really need you to help her find a job?!

If she was truly excellent, she'd probably be snapped up even before returning home.

Moreover, with Nanjiang Broad Seafood Company interacting with so many enterprises and hotels, why push her into my hotel instead of other larger hotels?

"Not reliable!"

Instinctively, Chen Jianhai mentally marked a big X over this candidate.

However, since Xu Yong had already brought it up, he needed to give him face.

Plus, he still had to discuss the seafood supply with Xu Yong. Refusing him now might negatively affect future hotel supplies!

With the hotel business growing, hiring one more person wouldn't hurt. At worst, she could be a spare.

Understanding this, Chen Jianhai immediately put on a serious face and said, "Mr. Xu, you're mistaken!"

"Talented individuals and companies always choose each other."

"How can you say I should give your junior a chance? It's I who should thank you for introducing such a great talent to us."

"It's settled then! I'll reserve the assistant position for her."

"When she returns from abroad, let me know. I'll personally pick her up from the airport!"

Xu Yong was taken aback. He didn't expect Chen Jianhai to agree without even asking for more details.

"Mr. Chen, aren't you being a bit hasty to agree just based on a photo and my introduction?"

Chen Jianhai laughed, "What's hasty about it? Mr. Xu's recommendation is undoubtedly reliable!"

"My only concern is that she's used to working in big companies and might find my small hotel lacking."

Xu Yong was amused by this and said, "Don't worry about that! She definitely won't!"

"Since you've agreed, I'll inform her to contact you once she returns."

Chen Jianhai smiled, "It's a deal!"

Now that I've helped you, it's your turn to help me.

Thinking of this, Chen Jianhai decided to cut to the chase and said, "Mr. Xu, about the seafood supply we discussed last time, could we get it at the lowest wholesale market price?"

Xu Yong almost spat out his tea.

He stared at Chen Jianhai, seemingly thinking it was a joke.

Seeing Chen Jianhai's most timid voice saying the most audacious thing, Xu Yong couldn't help but laugh.

"Are you kidding me?!"

"The lowest market wholesale price for seafood?!!"

"Do you think you're the president of the Coconut Umbrella Hotel Industry Association?!"