Time really flew by, two weeks had passed, and "Broken Hearted Woman" continued to stir up the Internet. The click-through rate and download numbers were through the roof on major video sites. Nearly everyone, regardless of age and gender, was singing this classic song.
Wang Jingwen's Weibo exploded as she gained millions of new followers, increasing from nine hundred thousand to ten million followers. Her fans were all joyfully shouting in unison, demanding more. They wanted to hear new songs as soon as possible.
That was the effect of publishing on the internet!
At this point, statistics indicated that Wang Jingwen's fans across all social media numbered more than forty million. She wouldn't lose in popularity to any of the popular singers in Huaxia.
Zhang Xiaohua also felt that the time was ripe. One could only imagine what kind of horrifying effect Wang Jingwen's first album would produce if it was released at this time.
Surely, 300,000 records would not be enough!
Now that everything was ready, Zhang Xiaohua could only hope for Sparrow Records to complete the production of the records as soon as possible.
Today was Labour Day in Huaxia, a national holiday provided by the government to all...
While the whole country was enjoying the leisure time brought by the long holiday, HuaXiang Entertainment was still operating as normal on this day. Except for Wang Jingwen, the whole staff was on the scene, but no one was working. In fact, they were all waiting for Sparrow Records to see whether the records were ready or not. Today was the deadline set by Zhang Xiaohua to Sparrow Records.
Wang Jingwen could not come today because of Zhang Xiaohua's orders: she had to stay at home and not recklessly go outside. The most important thing right now was to protect her image, so she was also forbidden from eating anything too fattening in order to maintain a perfect figure.
At first, with such a demanding request, Wang Jingwen naturally refused to agree. But she gave in immediately when Zhang Xiaohua said just five words—Everything is for the concert!
.....
Ring… Ring… Ring…
At ten o'clock in the morning, the sudden ringing of a telephone broke the silence in the company, and they all gathered together, surrounding the phone.
Zhang Xiaohua immediately answered, and, his face was instantly filled with a pleasant smile.
Before Zhang Xiaohua even finished hanging up the phone, he heard Yuan Datong eagerly ask, "How is it going? Are the records ready for sale?"
Zhang Xiaohua nodded. "They have completed the production mark, all that is left is to go to the factory for inspection. If there is no problem, then they can be sold at anytime."
"That's great!"
"I really want to take a quick look at our first album!"
"It feels like I'm dreaming!"
"I didn't expect that we would not only open a company, but also produce an album within a month. These things that I would never have even dreamed of before, they actually come true today. This is so incredible!"
"This is all thanks to Boss Zhang. Without you leading us, we would still be nothing even now!"
Emma's last few words directly hit a soft spot in his heart. Listening to her words, Zhang Xiaohua felt very proud and ecstatic.
Zhang Xiaohua couldn't help reaching out and gently squeezing Emma's little cheeks, looking at her like a sister. He smiled and said: "Well, those praises were good. To reward you, this boss will take you to inspect the albums. Let's witness the fruits of our labor."
"Ahaha... thanks boss!" Emma was so happy that she looked like a little girl who had just gotten her favorite candy.
"Boss, can we go now?" Xiaohai interrupted the conversation, his eyes full of pleading. For them, the album was like their child, they devoted all their hard work in it. Now that the child had been born, they naturally wanted to see it.
Zhang Xiaohua understood their feelings, so he didn't refuse them. "You go call a taxi, and we will go there by car."
"Thank you very much, boss!" They exclaimed, full of gratitude.
At this time, Zhang Xiaohua looked around and found that Yuan Datong had disappeared. He suspiciously asked, "Well, where is big head?"
"I just saw him go out." Emma answered with a smile.
As Zhang Xiaohua went out to take a look, Yuan Datong had already quietly gotten into the car and was currently sitting in the copilot position. He was still wearing a white vest worth ten yuan, the same less than ten Yuan's casual shorts, feet that a pair of plastic slippers on, coupled with less than 20 yuan face plastic frame glasses; people who saw him would feel an urge to give him the middle finger.
The most important thing was that he looked like he hadn't changed his clothes for weeks. The color were already faded and worn out as if they got dirty during the day, washed overnight, and then worn again in the next day; giving it a faded colour.
However, this kid was actually their general manager and music director. Naturally, he did not have to care about his looks if he was just representing himself, but his entire image represented the company now.
Turning around and staring at Emma's ripped costume, Zhang Xiaohua shook his head again helplessly.
Before slowly going into the car, Zhang Xiaohua knocked on the window, laughing at Yuan Datong: "Brother, what are you doing?"
"Aren't we going to the Sparrow company to inspect the goods? What are you waiting for, hurry up and jump in, or do you want to walk?" Yuan Datong said in an almost desperate tone.
"Apart from this outfit, do you have no other clothes?" Zhang Xiaohua carefully tried to phrased his words, lest he hurt his best friend self-esteem.
"Yeah, I have three such outfits," answered Yuan Datong, clutching his vest and sniffing. Suddenly,saying, "Well, I've been wearing these clothes for like three days straight. It really is starting to smell bad. You wait for me, I will go change my clothes."
After saying that, Yuan Datong just got out of the car, but Zhang Xiaohua grabbed him. It just happened that a taxi also rushed in at the same time, so he said to Emma and co, "Okay, let's go, but before we go to see the albums, we need to go somewhere else first."
Soon, Zhang Xiaohua and the rest arrived at local clothing store in the city centre.
As soon as a group entered the store, the clerk immediately became alert.
Everyone says that the customer is God, but this time, it was not difficult to see that the clerk greeted them not as gods but as a group of thieves.
Recently, there were many gangs going around posing as customers before robbing the place.
Some members were responsible for distracting the clerk's attention. Others would be responsible for taking the opportunity to steal the goods.
Now, from Yuan Datong's disastrous outfit, the clerk automatically labeled them as such a gang. After all, they didn't look like they had the ability to spend money here, so they could only be treated as a group of thieves.
In fact, that was the main reason why Zhang Xiaohua brought them to buy clothes.
He didn't want them to be treated as paupers, so he decided to help them change their looks. At the very least, others wouldn't judge them as poverty stricken just because of their simple outfits.
Although they did not feel embarrassed about that, if people looked down on them because of it, then he as their boss could only drown in shame.
If the rest of the flock looked weak, people would naturally assume that their leader was also weak.
Ignoring the existence of the staff for the time being, Zhang Xiaohua said to Yuan Datong, "Go pick out one, I'll pay for it."
"Xiaohua, why did you wanna buy clothes for us?" Yuan Datong asked.
Zhang Xiaohua looked seriously at him and earnestly answered : "You are not a child anymore. Plus I'm afraid your clothes might just rip if you wear them any longer. If you like it, you can just buy some cheap accessories... This kind of outfit is no longer suitable for you. You need to remember; you guys now represent HuaXiang Entertainment, you're a part of the leadership of an officially listed company, so you have to look at yourself, you can't be as casual as you used to be. Okay?"
They first looked at each other and then shook their heads while looking at Zhang Xiaohua with confused gazes as if he just spoke Hebrew to them.
Zhang Xiaohua really wanted to cry. He didn't want to force himself to say that they were dressed like thieves.
"Do you like the clothes here?" Zhang Xiaohua, who still couldn't bear to destroy their self-esteem, asked again euphemistically.
This time, everyone collectively nodded, but they felt that Zhang Xiaohua's question was a little pointless.
Although the clothes here were all made in Huaxia, they weren't much worse than those international brands. They each cost two or three thousand yuan. Who wouldn't like it?
Seeing that everyone looked at him like a fool, Zhang Xiaohua nearly threw up blood. These guys were too ruthless! How dare they look down on this great granddaddy!
Zhang Xiaohua was depressed and irritated: "Since you like them and you don't have to spend your money, what are you waiting for? Go pick one and change into it. Remember to pick a pair of shoes, I will pay for that too."
"Where are you getting so much money?" Yuan Datong asked curiously. He knew that Zhang Xiaohua was generous, but his family was no longer in the same position as before. Now, how could he go and buy such expensive clothes?
"I am still a shareholder of New Century. Although it isn't big money, there is still enough to buy clothes. Therefore, no need not be polite, you can just pick what you like." Zhang Xiaohua said with impunity, but also with honesty.
Just last night, Zhang Xiaohua had checked his account and found that he had received 30,000 yuan in dividends from New Century.
However, seeing that only 30,000 yuan was allocated a month, Zhang Xiaohua was speechless.
It should be noted that the market value of New Century was 50 Billion, and the company was also involved in lots of projects. Therefore, the government also helped support them. As such, it could be imagined that the profits shouldn't be that small.
However, as a shareholder, he only received up to 30,000 yuan. Obviously, Cao Dequan was somehow interfering in the middle.
Of course, he wasn't some generous fool, and he planned to get his money's worth after finishing up with everything else. He was ready to sue them if necessary.
Under the supervision of the clerk, everyone began trying out their chosen clothing.
Among them, Yuan Datong was the most active. He hadn't been shopping for years. He picked the most expensive one in the store. After he changed, his whole person seemed to glow radiantly.
Zhang Xiaohua sat silently in the reception, looking uncertain. He peeked at Yuan Datong, looked at Emma for a while, and then happily smiled at Xiaohai's face. Zhang Xiaohua couldn't help but laugh at their attitudes and expressions.
He had already started treating these people as his brothers and sisters, always feeling that as long as they were happy, he too would be happy. Deep down, there was also an urge to protect them from being bullied.
A few moments later, after everyone had put on new clothes and new shoes, Zhang Xiaohua stared at them.
Gorgeous clothing and vibrant vigour added to the youthful atmosphere and superior temperament. If someone walked past without knowing them, they would think these handsome men and women were wealthy second generations, or at least, senior level white-collar workers of a big company.
"Boss, what do you think about my clothes?" Emma stood shyly in front of Zhang Xiaohua with her pair of small hands behind her back, deliberately making her body visible. Of course, she wasn't trying to seduce Zhang Xiaohua, but instead asking Zhang Xiaohua's genuine opinion.
Zhang Xiaohua looked up and saw that Emma had put on women's professional suit. The top was black collarless suit. The following was a black miniskirt. Her slender legs were covered with seductive black tights, combined with that eye-catching short hair, she looked like a graceful swan. Even Yuan Datong was stunned and unconsciously swallowed his saliva.
Yuan Datong and the rest had to admit that, in the past, they really had dog eyes. They actually didn't notice such a gorgeous golden duckling in their own team. Unfortunately, they were so used to seeing her as just another part of the team that they could not see her as an individual woman.
At this moment, they secretly begged for repentance. It really was true that those with abundance never truly appreciate its value!
They all thought that if they knew she could be so ladylike, they would have talked about love with her, not been so idiotic and settle with just friendship.
Suddenly swallowing his saliva, Zhang Xiaohua got up and shamelessly put his arm on Emma's scented shoulder. Holding her body close, he wickedly said, "Are you interested in being this boss' private secretary in the future? You name it: sports cars, houses, and diamonds, they will be the minimum standards for you."
Emma grinned silently, Yuan Datong took the first step while waving his hand and directly fanned Zhang Xiaohua's pig hand out of her shoulder: "Don't listen to this kid, he is a well known playboy, and you'd better stay away from him later."
Saying this, Yuan Datong actually learned from Zhang Xiaohua and shamelessly put his hands on Emma's shoulders. Taking advantage of the situation, he laughed evilly. "If you want to be a secretary, naturally, you have to be this big brother's!"
"True, you have always been my big brother in my heart!"
When Emma said this, Yuan Datong felt like he got shot in his heart. His face was fully red, and he froze in position as if he had been electrocuted.
The other person thought of him as a brother. If he still continued to have unreasonable thoughts about her, wouldn't it just be a mess? Yuan Datong didn't know how to react.
"Haha, did you hear that? She sees you as a — big brother." Zhang Xiaohua was happy. He poured salt straight into Datong's wounds.
"In fact, in my heart, you are already my older brother as well, boss. It's just that you look younger than I am, so I'm usually embarrassed to call it out loud."
"..."
Zhang Xiaohua silently withdrew his outstretched arm which was hovering over Emma's shoulder. Although he admitted that he was not a good person, when a girl called you her brother, there wasn't much you could do.
Could a brother eat his sister's tofu?
Such things were just pure evil. Zhang Xiaohua dejectedly walked to the counter.
Everyone laughed at his expense.
...
At the counter, Zhang Xiaohua took out a bank card and asked the cashier, "How much is it?"
"Sir, we are doing a bargaining event, so we've given you a 10% discount, a total of 26,000." The cashier had a strange smile on her face. It appeared that she seemed to believe that he did not have the ability to check out.
"Swipe it." Zhang Xiaohua didn't want to waste time and threw the bank card on the counter.
The cashier first froze, then reacted after a while. She took over the bank card and proceeded with the operation, quickly completing the transaction.
It was not until this moment that the cashiers and other clerk showed their true smiles to Zhang Xiaohua.
This really was a big boss. They really regretted their earlier attitude, thinking that if they had warmly welcomed them earlier, maybe they would have received a tip.
At this time, in Emma's heart, Zhang Xiaohua not only appeared generous and caring, but he also gave her a vague sense of affinity; not like a boss, but like a caring brother: mature and cordial. When beside him, she felt both safe and warm.
Meeting such a good boss, this life was truly worthwhile!
Seeing Yuan Datong and co still holding their old clothes, Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "What are you doing with those clothes? Throw them away!"
"Ah! Throw it?" Emma looked at the clothes in her arms and murmured, "This dress can still be worn, throwing it away would be a pity!"
"Oi, what's wrong with you guys? Say, you're all about to become millionaires.. Do you still want to wear rags again?"
"Millionaire?"
For a time, they failed to understand what Zhang Xiaohua meant. In their view, the word "millionaire" did not seem to have anything to do with them. It was a far cry from what was expected.
"Did you forget? I promised you a month ago. At the time, I said that in two months, you all would each earn a million yuan. Now it's one month from the deadline. One month later, I guarantee that you will all be millionaires!" Zhang Xiaohua reminded with a smile.
When he mentioned it, they looked back to that day and figured that he did indeed say so. It was just that no one took him seriously at that time, but now they did.
"I remember, I said that would trust you kid. You must not let my brothers end up empty-handed." Yuan Datong also took the opportunity to remind Zhang Xiaohua.
Yuan Datong did not expect himself to become a millionaire with this fraternity. He only hoped that he and his brothers would not starve.
"Then, do you believe me?" Zhang Xiaohua's eyes are filled with expectations. This was the first time he asked this question, and he hoped to get everyone's approval.
After this question, the crowd almost nodded in a candid manner and expressed their confidence in Zhang Xiaohua, but this did not include believing that Zhang Xiaohua would make them become millionaires. They just believed in Zhang Xiaohua's leadership ability.
No matter what, earning someone's trust would always be the happiest thing. At this time, Zhang Xiaohua felt not only happy but also deeply touched because in this strange world, he had a group of familiar friends. He felt less lonely and helpless.
Therefore, in order to live up to everyone's expectations, he must make a return!
"Well, since you believe me, then why are you not throwing away those old clothes in your hands? I once again promise you that, from now on, I, Zhang Xiaohua, will certainly make sure you are well-fed and become well-to-do. I will be sure to completely change your image, making full use of your talents and turning you into the greatest musicians in the world. I don't want you to be treated like a beggars ever again!"
Every time they listened to Zhang Xiaohua's impassioned speech, they would feel like they were listening to the head of state's speech. Unconsciously, they would be deeply inspired.
At this time, the old clothes that were originally held in their arms had fallen to the ground. It was clear that everyone, once again, had chosen to believe in Zhang Xiaohua, which was also involuntary.
Zhang Xiaohua nodded satisfactorily, but in turn, changed his face and said to the clerk, "The old clothes, please take care of them, and please, remember that not everyone is a thief. Sometimes, respecting others is equivalent to respecting yourself."
Hearing that, the clerk blushed and bowed his head to show his apology for Zhang Xiaohua.
"What thief? Who is a thief?" Emma opened her big eyes wide and looked around, asking Zhang Xiaohua sloppily.
"Nothing. Let's go, people at Sparrow Company are still waiting for us."
After that, Zhang Xiaohua led the group out of the clothing store, and they immediately attracted a lot of envious eyes of passers-by. The return rate was 100%. This made Yuan Datong and co increase their self-confidence in an instant!