Everything is Ready

"Manager Zhu, I really appreciate your help this time. If there's ever anything you need from me in the future, just let me know."

Kent sincerely expressed his gratitude to Zhu Yeyan. Although he knew that Zhu was following Qian Zhenqian's instructions, he had indeed helped a lot, and Kent still felt the need to thank him personally.

Zhu Yeyan was a seasoned professional with extensive social experience, and he understood human nature well. Despite Kent being only eighteen—about the same age as his own child—he never dared to treat him casually. Instead, he maintained a respectful attitude, just as always.

Because even though Kent was absurdly young, his status and position were undeniably far above Zhu's own. More importantly, he hadn't achieved his success through family connections but rather through his own capabilities. This made Zhu respect him even more.

After three days of working together, Zhu became even more convinced that Kent was ambitious, meticulous, and a man destined for great things. Being able to establish a good relationship with him was truly a blessing.

"Please, don't say that. I'm merely fulfilling a duty assigned to me by Chairman Qian. Mr. Kent, there's no need to be so formal," Zhu Yeyan responded humbly.

Kent nodded and then suddenly asked, "Manager Zhu, would you be interested in leaving your promising career to join my newly established but growing enterprise?"

Right now, what Kent lacked the most was talent, and truly capable individuals were even more crucial. He had been observing Zhu Yeyan's competence and attitude, and he was quite satisfied. Since his company was in its early stages, having someone like Zhu on board would be invaluable in accelerating its growth and development.

However, Zhu Yeyan hadn't expected Kent to extend an offer so quickly. After a slight moment of surprise, he didn't immediately refuse. Instead, he carefully considered it before finally replying, "If it's about handling city affairs, business negotiations, and management, I believe I am capable. However, I am just an ordinary person and cannot participate in any mercenary activities. Mr. Kent, I hope you understand."

Kent chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "I completely understand, and I wouldn't ask you to go on dangerous missions. What I need is someone to handle business affairs—negotiations, cooperation, management, and logistics. As for salary, I'll offer you thirty percent more than what you're making now."

Once again, Zhu Yeyan fell into deep thought. The salary increase wasn't what mattered to him; what he truly valued was the opportunity to apply his skills effectively. He had always been a man of action, and what he desired most was a stage where he could truly shine and achieve something significant.

Kent had the resources, the strength, the status, and the ambition. More importantly, he urgently needed someone like Zhu. If he took the offer, he would have full room to operate and make an impact.

After only about twenty seconds of consideration, Zhu decisively nodded and agreed. He smiled and said, "Then let's have a successful partnership. As for Chairman Qian, I will personally inform him."

Zhu Yeyan was a man of action and responsibility. Normally, since Kent was the one poaching him, it would be Kent's responsibility to handle the transition. But Zhu had taken the initiative to handle it himself, showing his decisiveness and sense of responsibility.

Kent nodded in agreement. Since Zhu was willing to take care of it, it saved him the trouble. Besides, given his relationship with Qian Zhenqian, there shouldn't be any major issues. Of course, he would still notify Qian out of respect.

After Zhu Yeyan left, Kent took out his phone and contacted Long Buyu and his three teammates, asking them to return to the city.

"What?! Boss, you started a company and formed a mercenary group?!"

The four of them were ecstatic upon hearing Kent's words and immediately rushed back from the wilderness.

Long Buyu had originally been a lone wolf, but after becoming Kent's subordinate, he followed Kent's instructions and started working with A-Long, Green Hair, and Mouse to improve teamwork and efficiency. Having a squad made tasks much easier and faster.

After hanging up, Kent thought of his high school deskmate, Zhou Yun. Last year, he had asked Zhou to enlist in the military to train in reconnaissance, close combat, and stealth tactics.

Typically, military service lasted two years, with the shortest term being one year. There were still more than two months left before Zhou could return, so summoning him now was out of the question.

Two days later, Kent received two official notifications. The first was the approval of "Earthstar United Inspection Company," and the second was the authorization to establish the "Xuanhuang Mercenary Group."

After receiving the necessary permits and documents, Kent stored them in his spatial pouch. Now, everything was in place—only the final steps remained.

"Wow, boss, you sure work fast! You got everything done so quietly. I thought we'd have to wait years for this!" Green Hair's eyes shone with excitement.

They had all assumed that Kent would follow the conventional path and graduate normally, which would have taken another three years.

But to their surprise, in just under two months since they last met, Kent had already made such incredible progress. To them, it was a huge and thrilling development.

Kent simply smiled. Ever since the news of his early graduation spread, many people had been watching his moves closely. However, since Long Buyu and his team had been out in the field, they had only just found out now.

"I've established the Xuanhuang Mercenary Group. Right now, it's only at level one, meaning we can have a maximum of thirty official members. Later, you guys should go to the Earthstar Mercenary Network and submit your applications to join. That way, your profiles can be transferred over."

Kent then booked a limousine and took the four of them, along with Zhao Mengxi, out for a meal. As his subordinates, it was only natural that they meet their boss's girlfriend.

During dinner, Kent approved their applications.

Since Long Buyu and the others were already rank-three mercenaries, they had accumulated a decent amount of wealth, and even carried spatial rings. It wasn't unusual for them to have laptops with them wherever they went.

"Long Buyu, I'm giving you vice-captain privileges. Over the next few days, your main task is to recruit official members for the mercenary group. The top priority is reliability—they must have a clean background, no shady dealings, and real potential. The age range should be between eighteen and thirty…"

Kent listed several requirements, but at the same time, the benefits he offered were quite generous. Anyone with a keen eye could see that the Xuanhuang Mercenary Group was aiming for an elite path.

Long Buyu nodded firmly. He let out a breath of relief—after all this time, his persistence had finally paid off. This was his turning point. He didn't know if the road ahead would bring fortune or peril, but one thing was certain: if he did well, his future would be far brighter than anything he had previously imagined.

"Boss, don't worry. I'll take care of it."

Kent nodded. Tomorrow, he would be attending the graduation ceremony alongside the senior class.

With Zhu Yeyan officially coming on board tomorrow, he and Zhao Mengxi would start looking for a suitable office location, recruiting staff, and acquiring necessary equipment. The main focus would be on laying a solid foundation for the company.

As for Kent himself, he planned to leave for a while—about ten days to two weeks. His goal was clear: heading straight for the Changguo Mountains to seek an opportunity for his stone monkey, Wukong, to evolve.

Of course, this wasn't something he needed to discuss at the dinner table. It was a matter he would share privately with Zhao Mengxi later.