Chapter 142: Store Grading

The meeting lasted for a long time.

Merging departments and establishing new ones isn't something that can be explained in just a few words.

Li Dong didn't expect to settle everything in one meeting; this task would take at least two or three months to sort out completely.

However, the main framework is now established, so any future changes will still fall within this structure.

After discussing matters related to the headquarters, Li Dong shifted the focus to adjusting the grading of the branch stores.

Previously, all branches were simply referred to as "stores," but now that Li Dong plans to introduce community stores and convenience stores, the old, vague classifications no longer suffice.

Based on the size of the stores, their market share, and staff composition, Li Dong decided to categorize the stores into five levels.

For example, community stores and convenience stores, which are smaller in scale, would be classified as fifth-level stores.

Ordinary township-level stores, unless there are special circumstances, would typically be classified as fourth-level stores.

Following this logic, county-level stores would be third-level, and urban stores would be second-level.

Of course, there are exceptions.

For instance, in Li Dong's plan, the Dongping branch is classified as a second-level store, and the Longhua branch is classified as a first-level store.

Even though Yuanfang has very few stores at present, with even fewer in operation, it's still essential to plan ahead.

On this basis, Li Dong also established the roles of city manager and regional manager.

For example, Qi Yunna is currently the city manager of Fucheng, while the role of regional manager is still just a concept in Li Dong's mind; it will only be officially established once Yuanfang has expanded throughout Jiangbei.

With the classification system in place, there will naturally be differences in benefits.

Store managers who had been nonchalant about the meeting were suddenly alert when they heard what Li Dong said next.

"In the future, first-level store managers and city managers will have access to company-provided cars."

As soon as he said this, Qi Yunna couldn't help but smile. It seemed like only she and the store manager of the Longhua branch were eligible for this benefit.

However, since the Longhua branch's store manager role was still being handled by Sun Tao, it meant that she was currently the only leader in the store system entitled to a company car.

Li Dong wasn't finished yet. He paused and then continued, "In addition to the car, first-level store managers and city managers will receive a tenth-level base salary."

Seeing that some people looked confused, Li Dong explained, "The base salary is set at 1,000 per level, so tenth-level means a base salary of 10,000."

Many people in the meeting room swallowed hard. A base salary of 10,000—what kind of concept is that?

This is 2005!

Even without any bonuses or commissions, a base salary alone would bring in over 100,000 yuan a year. That's extravagant!

And there will definitely be bonuses and commissions, so a first-level store manager or city manager could easily earn over 200,000 yuan a year. They could even buy a house in Pingchuan!

Everyone was envious, but it was clear that for now, only Qi Yunna was eligible.

In the next moment, she found herself the target of countless envious and murderous glances. A car and a salary increase—this was beyond unfair!

Qi Yunna was grinning from ear to ear and didn't mind those hostile looks.

Li Dong glanced at the crowd, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

He then announced the benefits for managers of other store levels, with base salaries starting at 2,000 yuan for fifth-level store managers, going up to 8,000 yuan for second-level managers.

This series of favorable announcements left the store managers nearly delirious with excitement. A minimum base salary of 2,000 yuan—people like Fang Hao in Dongping and Xie Hong in Qingyang were looking at an 8,000-yuan base salary. This was a massive windfall!

Even the directors were feeling a bit envious.

While they earned decent salaries, that was just their salary. They might receive some bonuses, but commissions were out of the question.

Even the financial director, Liu Hongmei, wouldn't take home more than 200,000 yuan in a year.

But if Qi Yunna's performance was good, she could easily surpass that figure.

As everyone continued to discuss, Li Dong added, "So, everyone needs to work hard. We still need a city manager for Tongshan, as well as a second-level store manager. Any store managers who are confident can come to me for an interview. If you pass, you know what the benefits are."

The store managers were on the verge of losing their minds with excitement—there was still a chance for them to become city managers or second-level store managers!

After delivering all the good news, Li Dong moved on to something less pleasant.

"Starting next month, Yuanfang will implement an elimination system for underperformers."

The mere mention of this elimination system brought everyone back to reality. Anyone with a brain knew what this meant.

Li Dong didn't explain further. He turned to Qi Yunna and said, "You're currently the only city manager, so the company will issue performance targets. If you can't meet them, you'll either be demoted or eliminated. It's up to you."

Qi Yunna's face turned bitter—there's no such thing as a free lunch.

As for the performance targets Li Dong mentioned, she didn't need to guess to know they wouldn't be low. Li Dong certainly wouldn't be satisfied until the company had earned back the salaries and benefits.

Every boss is the same; who would keep paying someone who doesn't make money?

After settling the store and administrative systems, Li Dong felt a sense of relief.

These were the two main themes of the day, and now that they were handled, the meeting was almost over.

Glancing at the time, it was already past 2 p.m., and everyone had been working non-stop since the morning without eating.

Li Dong wasn't stingy; he said to Liu Qi, "Book ten tables at a good restaurant. Today, I'm treating everyone out of my own pocket!"

Liu Qi left with a big smile, not because of the free meal, but because she was still the assistant to the president.

With the meeting winding down, people began to relax, smoke, and chat with friends.

However, Qin Hai had been keeping a close eye on Li Dong. When he saw Li Dong heading out, Qin Hai quickly followed.

At the restroom door, Qin Hai intercepted Li Dong.

Li Dong was exasperated—his father-in-law was being a bit too eager. Couldn't he at least let him use the bathroom first?

After holding it in all day, Li Dong was at his limit.

Before Qin Hai could say anything, Li Dong quickly said, "Let me use the restroom first, and we'll talk afterward."

Qin Hai opened his mouth to speak, but seeing Li Dong rushing inside, he had no choice but to wait outside.

It happened to be a busy time for the restroom. A few people who knew Qin Hai saw him standing by the door and curiously asked, "Director Qin, are you waiting in line?"

Since Qinghua Logistics had merged with Yuanfang, Qin Hai had naturally been promoted to Director Qin.

Before Qin Hai could respond, the person added, "If Director Qin is in line, I'll use another restroom."

Then they walked off, even announcing as they went, "Director Qin is in line. Let's find another restroom."

Qin Hai's mouth twitched. Which eye of yours saw me in line?

He wanted to explain but decided against it. Maybe it was better to let that guy suffer! 

As Li Dong was finishing up in the restroom, Qin Hai was still standing outside, waiting impatiently. After what felt like an eternity, Li Dong finally emerged, looking much more relieved.

Seeing Qin Hai still there, Li Dong couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright, I'm done now. What's so urgent that you had to block me at the restroom door?"

Qin Hai, who had been holding back, quickly got to the point. "Li Dong, I've been thinking about the logistics integration. There are a few issues we need to address..."

Before he could continue, Li Dong interrupted, waving his hand. "I know, I know. But can we talk about this later? The meeting was long, and we've all had a tiring day. How about we discuss this tomorrow? We'll have fresh minds and can work through it better."

Qin Hai frowned slightly, but he nodded in agreement. "Alright, tomorrow then. But don't forget, these issues are crucial."

Li Dong smiled reassuringly. "I won't forget. Trust me, we'll tackle it first thing in the morning."

With that, Qin Hai finally let it go, allowing Li Dong to leave the restroom area.

As Li Dong walked away, he couldn't help but chuckle at the persistence of his father-in-law. Though he appreciated the dedication, sometimes the timing just wasn't right.

Later, as everyone gathered in the restaurant that Liu Qi had booked, the atmosphere was lively and relaxed. The tension from the long meeting had dissipated, replaced by the comfort of good food and drink.

Li Dong, true to his word, was treating everyone from his own pocket, which only added to the good mood.

As the meal progressed, people began to unwind, sharing stories, laughing, and getting to know each other better outside of the work environment. Even those who had felt envious earlier, like the directors who saw the store managers getting better perks, started to relax.

Qi Yunna, who had been the center of attention all day, was now just another person enjoying the meal. Although she still received a few envious glances, the mood was friendly, and she felt comfortable joining in the conversations.

Li Dong, meanwhile, was moving from table to table, chatting with different groups, making sure everyone was having a good time. He knew that these moments were important—not just for morale, but for building the kind of team spirit that could carry the company through tough times.

As the evening wore on, the restaurant filled with the sound of clinking glasses and cheerful voices. The day had been long and challenging, but now, in the warmth of shared success, it felt worth it.

For Li Dong, this was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of progress, a toast to the future, and a moment to appreciate the hard work of everyone involved.

As he raised his glass one last time before the night ended, Li Dong smiled, knowing that days like this were the real foundation of Yuanfang's future success.