Chapter 256: Huang Baichuan's Invitation to Drink

Su Jie truly gave Chen Jianhai the full picture. He explained the background, reasons, and the association's stance. The final decision rested with the hotel owners. The association was merely an organization, not a governing body. It had oversight and service functions for its members but no managerial authority. Hotel services were tied to business and profits. Every decision had financial implications. Although the owners often smiled and claimed to follow the association's lead, if their interests were harmed, they would either leave the association or pretend not to hear the directives.

It's difficult!

Su Jie sighed heavily in his heart. Being the secretary-general of the association was a tough job. He had to liaise with the city and deal with the hotel owners. If things went well, everyone was happy. If not, he would be stuck in the middle, facing complaints from all sides. "Why would anyone work so hard for a few thousand yuan a month?"

After a moment of silence, Chen Jianhai asked, "Su Ge, have any other hotels given you their responses?"

Su Jie smiled wryly, "Everyone is cautious. No one wants to be the first to step up. Even Wanrong Hotel, which is run by the president, is waiting to see what others decide."

Chen Jianhai raised his eyebrows slightly. As the association president and the only platinum five-star hotel in Nanjiang, Wanrong's hesitation showed a lack of confidence in the initiative. So he decided not to rush his decision either.

Honestly, he wasn't optimistic about the event. Although most five-star hotels in Nanjiang were clustered along Huanhai Road and it only took about ten minutes to walk from Lang Ai to Tide Plaza, a five-star hotel dining area would require top chefs. This would leave hotel guests without their expected gourmet meals, leading to dissatisfaction and bad reviews, possibly even losing return customers.

Despite his reservations, Chen Jianhai sincerely said, "Su Ge, I'm inexperienced and only know about running a hotel. But I believe every decision by the association is for our benefit. If other hotels respond positively, Lang Ai will fully support it!"

If other hotels didn't support it, Lang Ai would quietly stand aside without making a fuss. Chen Jianhai would never say this part out loud. Su Jie, guessing Chen Jianhai's response, exchanged a few more polite words before ending the call.

...

Island Hotel Restaurant

At 3:45 PM, the restaurant had few guests. Employees, having just finished the busy lunch peak, were taking a short break. They sat together, drinking and enjoying the sea breeze. The legendary order-taker was chatting and laughing with the other employees.

Chen Jianhai watched the order-taker's back with frustration, wondering what position would suit this talented person. Being an order-taker seemed like a waste, but finding a suitable role was challenging.

At that moment, Chen Jianhai's phone rang. It was Huang Baichuan.

"Chen Boss, are you free the day after tomorrow? Let's have a drink?"

Chen Jianhai replied instantly, "I'm free!"

Huang Baichuan: "Great, the day after tomorrow at 6 PM, at Royal Elegant Restaurant. Does that work for you?"

Chen Jianhai: "Perfect! See you then!"

Huang Baichuan: "[Smile]"

...

Early the next morning, Chen Jianhai, wearing sunglasses, boarded the luxury cruise ship Ocean Star, heading back to Nanjiang. He hadn't returned to Lang Ai since arriving on Xiao Ma Jia Island and was feeling a bit homesick.

"I wonder how the employees at Lang Ai are doing. Will they miss me after so long?" Chen Jianhai closed his eyes and imagined a dramatic scene where he makes a surprise return, and everyone tearfully runs to him, expressing how much they missed him. He even pictured Wen Zifan, overwhelmed by hotel duties, almost in tears, until he arrived like a savior.

Thinking of Wen Zifan's admiring gaze, Chen Jianhai clenched his right fist in excitement. He couldn't wait to fly back. Amidst the surprised looks of the passengers, Chen Jianhai stood proudly at the bow, cutting through the waves.

...

As the cruise docked at Fumanyu Pier, a dedicated Lang Ai hotel shuttle was waiting to pick up tourists. To surprise his employees, Chen Jianhai wore sunglasses, a sunhat, and a mask. He sat at the back of the bus, looking quite mysterious.

The bus driver eyed Chen Jianhai cautiously through the rearview mirror. Fortunately, the bus's air conditioning was just right, so Chen Jianhai's mask didn't stifle him. At every red light, the driver glanced at Chen Jianhai, wary of any suspicious behavior.

Unaware of the driver's scrutiny, Chen Jianhai enjoyed the view from the back, observing the changes along Huanhai Road. His sneaky behavior made the driver increasingly uneasy. Suddenly, Chen Jianhai bent down to scratch his mosquito-bitten leg and then lounged back lazily.

The driver, initially suspicious, suddenly recognized Chen Jianhai, his eyes lighting up with excitement and surprise.