Chapter 150: A New Stage, First Paint a Big Pie

After the third heavy snowfall in Shangjing, the ground promotion campaign for Ganfanren was drawing to a close.

This was thanks to the cold weather. Because the colder it got, the less people wanted to go out to eat. Especially the white-collar class, who, after a long day at work, had no energy to cook.

Thus, Ganfanren quickly won over this demographic. Since takeout mainly served office workers and students, Shangjing’s user base was nearly saturated.

The next challenge was nationwide expansion.

Ground promotion was still necessary, but it was hard to control from a distance. Jiang Zhou decided to start with the online front.

He split his plan into two parts.

Ground Net: in-person promotion by sales staff, supported with flyers, posters, and promotions.

Sky Net: search engine pop-ups, beauty ads across major websites, plus product placement in TV shows and films.

Since Shangjing was the birthplace of Ganfanren, Jiang Zhou could oversee every detail locally, using ground promotion to build momentum.

But once they expanded elsewhere, things would be harder to control.

That’s why he decided to launch the Sky Net plan first.

The easiest entry point was banner ads on major portals to get potential users in other cities familiar with and curious about the brand.

Next would be costlier moves like film and TV product placements.

Once the Sky Net plan reached halfway, they’d set up branches in target cities to do ground promotion.

—

On December 31st, the last day of 2009, Jiang Zhou cleared out the biggest empty room in the brick building.

He set up five round tables and invited all the staff for a hotpot feast.

Steam rose, aromas filled the room, and under the incandescent lights, the atmosphere was warm and lively.

Jiang Zhou raised his glass toward the team leaders who had contributed the most.

“These past six months, you’ve all worked hard for Ganfanren. I know many of you still think this is just a part-time gig. Some of you may even believe I’ll quit after graduation, right?”

At this, the group exchanged glances.

Except for Su Nan of the content team, everyone nodded.

“That’s normal. After all, you’re still students. But today, I want to share some good news.

Ganfanren has been officially registered with the Bureau of Industry and Commerce. It’s no longer just a school project.

“I’ve also established a company, into which Ganfanren will be integrated.

“That means, while you may have joined as student part-timers, you’re now social professionals.”

Mu Xiaoxiao raised her hand. “Boss, are you saying Ganfanren is officially a company now?”

Jiang Zhou nodded. “Exactly. And you’re entitled to list Ganfanren on your resumes.”

The moment he said that, excitement filled the room.

Students had knowledge and brains, often more than older employees. But why couldn’t they land high-paying jobs after graduation? Lack of work experience.

Now, with Ganfanren covering all of Shangjing, where almost everyone knew the brand, these people were part of its founding team.

When they graduated, even if they left Ganfanren for another company, they could proudly write this down in their resumes.

That kind of experience was worth more than a regular part-time job.

A mock interview flashed through their minds.

HR: “Any part-time experience in college? Any work experience?”

Applicant: “I was part of the founding team of Ganfanren, management level.”

HR: “The takeout platform used across the city?”

Applicant: “That’s right. The boss and I were so close, we shared pants. Even though I’m a girl, he didn’t mind sharing skirts either.”

HR: “Annual salary: one million. Welcome aboard.”

The room filled with laughter.

But just as imaginations ran wild, Jiang Zhou gestured for silence.

His expression grew serious. “Covering Shangjing may seem impressive, but it’s far from enough. My goal is nationwide expansion.

“In the future, whether it’s Beihai, Shangjing, or any other city, Ganfanren will be known.

“So after the Spring Festival, I want everyone to shift your mindset. Don’t see yourselves as students anymore.

“The Marketing Group will become the Marketing Department. Mu Xiaoxiao, you’ll likely travel often.

“Delivery Group becomes the Delivery Management Department. Lu Qiang, that’s on you.

“Content Group becomes the Planning Department. Su Nan, your responsibility.

“Finance Group becomes the Finance Department. Senior Xu Yurong will lead.

“The rest of the groups will also formalize as official departments, registered with the Bureau.”

Everyone’s eyes widened. A simple student part-time had grown into a company in half a year. Their small “groups” had been elevated to full “departments.”

For students still on campus but longing for the professional world, this was electrifying.

Jiang Zhou, satisfied with their reaction, continued, “I know some of you still struggle with the role shift. Some will need to prepare theses or exams.

“If you don’t have time, you can submit your resignation after the new year.

“Because 2010 will be a sprint year. I can’t afford anyone dragging us down. Think it over and give me your answer after the holiday.”

He then pulled out a small bag, taking out sleek black boxes.

He circled the tables, placing one in front of each team leader.

Inside were business card holders and not empty ones.

“Ganfanren Planning Dept. Manager & Deputy General Manager, Su Nan…”

“Ganfanren Marketing Dept. Manager, Mu Xiaoxiao…”

“Ganfanren Finance Dept. Manager, Xu Yurong…”

“Ganfanren Delivery Management Dept. Manager, Lu Qiang…”

“Ganfanren Logistics & Support Dept. Manager, Cai Dongjian…”

“Ganfanren Customer Service Dept. Manager, Sun Qiu…”

Everyone stared at their cards, eyes burning with excitement.

Real business cards. Real managerial titles.

If Jiang Zhou’s earlier words had felt like dreams, now it was tangible.

“I’m still in college, but I’ve become a manager of a company?!”

The thought ran through their heads like wildfire.

“This could be a web novel: I Just Wanted a Part-Time Job, But Somehow Became a Manager!”

Jiang Zhou looked around, smug.

This was the essence of being a boss — painting big pies.

What had he really done? Nothing.

He just hosted a hotpot, gave a toast, and printed some cards.

No office rented. No desks bought. Yet his employees were already moved to tears.

Naive students,

he thought with a sigh, but also lucky. Because unlike empty promises, I fully intended to deliver.

Later, Jiang Zhou coughed lightly and gave Su Nan a look.

She followed him out into the cold night.

The moon cast deep shadows. The two walked along the bamboo-lined path from the brick building to Ganfanren’s base.

“Feels like a dream, doesn’t it?” he asked.

Su Nan nodded. “Even the scenes in my head don’t feel real.”

“You’ll get used to it.”

She clutched her business card tightly, emotions swirling.

Jiang Zhou didn’t interrupt, walking silently with her.

After a while, a chubby orange cat darted out from the bamboo.

It brushed against Su Nan’s legs.

“That’s the little ‘Fat Hero’ you and Han Rou are raising?” she asked.

“Yup. Cute, right?”

She squatted to pet it gently. Jiang Zhou just watched quietly.

After a moment, Su Nan looked up at him. “Boss, is there something you want to say?”

“I’ve asked Han Rou, Huang Qi, and Feng Siruo to wait at Ganfanren. Where should we eat?”

Su Nan nodded. “Anything else?”

Jiang Zhou paused. “Ganfanren can’t do without you.”

“Oh…”

“Let me be blunt. Others can leave if they want. You can’t. Not now, not even after graduation.”

Su Nan stood. “So I’m kidnapped? No freedom anymore?”

He tapped her head lightly. “You’ve been with me since day one. You can’t escape now.”

“Bah, I’ll just join a big company after graduation!”

“I’ll raise your salary. Happy?”

Su Nan snorted. “Boss, I’m practically a little rich woman already. Even without part-time, I could live comfortably.”

Jiang Zhou rubbed his forehead. “Damn, that’s because I paid for too many dance subscriptions…”

“I don’t need money. Give me a reason to stay.”

“Ganfanren really can’t do without you.”

“Oh? Then I’ll write my resignation tomorrow!”

“You little brat, what reason do you actually want?”