Water elemental became a god, ultimately becoming the master of heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers

Chapter 93 is actually Chen Shun'an?

He Qiqiang was both laughing and crying, recalling the hard days he had been pushed out to take the bullets and become a target, feeling extremely aggrieved.

"Boss, how cruel you are..."

Zhou Qing flashed to the side of Shui San'er and instructed the rest of Shui San'er to disarm and leave, not to disturb the people. He told them to fetch water from the well as usual the next day, and then he would take Lin Shouzhuo, He Qiqiang and others to the Zhao residence to report to the landlord.

The atmosphere was relaxed at Shui San'er's place; he went home to sleep with his wife.

Meanwhile, those in the rice mill were in a state of utter despair.

When the news of Zheng Dongjia's sudden death came, they scattered like monkeys.

The boss is dead, why fight to the death?
We hope to divide the family property as soon as possible...

Wait, the boss is dead?!

Who is the new owner of the Wanlong Mill?
Suddenly, many of the Wanlong Duifang gang members began to look at their former relatives and friends with strange eyes.

……

When Zhou Qing and his companions arrived at the Zhao residence, led by the steward, they reached the study and heard Zhao Guangxi's unrestrained laughter—

"Good, good, good! Brother Zheng, you died a good... tragic death!!"

Zhou Qing and the others entered the study.

Then, under the pink wall adorned with Huzhou bamboo-style ink paintings, stood several figures, including Manager Li; almost all the managers under Zhao Guangxi were present.

What is referred to as 'basic'.

It's because we can't reach it, we'll never reach it.

"Master, I'll be waiting tonight..."

Zhou Qing quickly reported on the day's events and the reaction from the mill.

Zhao Guangxi stood behind his desk, clearly already aware of the news. Upon hearing it, he barely suppressed the smile that had been playing on his lips and nodded slightly.

"Zheng Shicheng was an arrogant and eccentric man who had long incurred the resentment of the people. It is only right that he ended up being abandoned by everyone, becoming the target of everyone's hatred, and dying a miserable death."

When everyone heard this, their hearts moved.

The target of public criticism?

Zhao Dongjia's words seem to have a deeper meaning.

Besides the Guolu Association, other forces were also involved in the bombing of Zheng Shicheng tonight.

But Zhao Guangxi clearly had no time to explain; he issued a series of orders with swift and decisive action.

For example, poaching employees, settling old scores, or taking advantage of the fact that Wanlong Daming House is leaderless to pull off another heist?
Although Zhao Guangxi felt a little regretful, with Zheng Shicheng dead, the bet he was waiting for was naturally nullified, and there was no way to talk about the subsequent dividends.

Fortunately, Zhao Guangxi, who is used to making empty promises to others, doesn't like to eat empty promises himself.

After the meeting ended, Zheng Shicheng was immediately asked to make an advance payment of the dividends.

So they barely managed to plug the hole of debt they had borrowed.

It's just a small loss.

Let's just say that the money we lost goes into the pockets of our brothers!
but……

I still have a deficit of twenty thousand taels of silver!

Zhao Guangxi's heart was bleeding.

Finally, Zhao Guangxi knocked on the desk, making a crisp sound that attracted everyone's attention.

"Everyone, please tell me... what should we do with the three vacancies for shopkeepers, the one freshwater well, and the two muddy water wells?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned serious, and they became more attentive.

This concerns our vital interests, so we can't fall behind.

Just three?

Aren't there four?
“Master, in my humble opinion, He Qiqiang has served as a water carrier for many years, is highly capable and loyal, and has made many achievements... He should be promoted to the position of manager of the freshwater well.”

This person was originally the manager of the well-nest of He Qiqiang, and had a close relationship with He Qiqiang.

“Master, He Qiqiang has always been reckless and impulsive, and he can barely read or write. Do you think he can do accounting? I have someone in mind…”

"Zhang Jinghe, how dare you insult me ​​like this! Do you dare to fight me?!"

"Master, these people are all acting out of self-interest and favoring their relatives. Don't trust them! I do have a suggestion for the position of manager of the Freshwater Well... it's me! I have been the manager of the Turbid Water Well for thirty years and have extensive experience."

"Bah! You old thief, have you forgotten how your well was overgrown with sand and algae a few years ago, and you couldn't even sell half a bucket of water a day, losing thousands of taels of silver? You still have the nerve to bark here like a dog?!"

Imagined workplace battles—

Various conspiracies and tricks, framing and slander, and scheming behind the scenes.

Real-world workplace conflicts—

They openly criticize each other, expose each other's shortcomings, and argue while banging on the table.

Seeing the crowd arguing incessantly, Manager Li coughed and stepped forward to speak.

“Master, Lin Shouzhou is a promising talent with an excellent reputation and should be promoted; moreover, Chen Shunan is a late bloomer and is extremely loyal to you. If you don’t reward him, it would be disheartening.”

Lin Shouzhou stood there with his hands at his sides, a slight feeling stirring in his heart, and looked at Manager Li with some gratitude.

Manager Li gave Lin Shouzhou a look.

We're brothers!
Little did anyone know that once Manager Li opened his mouth, he was attacked by everyone.

"Lin Shouzhou? He only has the courage of a common man, and his appearance is coarse and inhuman. How can he be qualified to be the manager?!"

"Chen Shun'an is an old man, half his body is in the ground, yet he's still a shopkeeper. In a few more years, he'll be carried into the mountains in his coffin!"

Lin Shouzhou's face immediately darkened.

Fortunately, Old Chen wasn't there today, otherwise he probably would have remembered these people.

No wonder the other shopkeepers reacted so strongly.

It turns out that a few days ago, Manager Li seemed to have offered some kind of advice to the boss, which earned the boss's repeated praise and made him very prominent in front of the old lug.

In recent days, people have been hearing rumors about a 'water shortage' circulating in Wuqing County.

Contrary to expectations, the nine owners turned a blind eye to this, seemingly unaware of it at all.

All these signs have led to much speculation.

But who is Manager Li? Does nobody know?
He has a little cleverness, but no great talent, and no quick wit!

He even offered advice, but did he offer it clearly?

Therefore, many people speculate that Manager Li simply borrowed someone else's clever idea and presented it to the Buddha.

Therefore, this is what Manager Li wants to strive for.

That's what everyone joined together to oppose!

Enraged by the outcry from the crowd, Manager Li was furious, but he didn't say much. He returned to his original position and remained silent.

There are far more monks than porridge now, and countless people are eagerly eyeing the three vacant managerial positions. Manager Li might still have some hope for Lin Shouzhou, but Chen Shunan…

Difficult.

"All right."

Zhao Guangxi interrupted the commotion and said,

"I intend to change the way wells make profits and sell water... well, in the words of those overseas people, it's reform and transformation!"

Everyone's eyes narrowed sharply.

reform?

Those who are being reformed, aren't they the old folks?

Zhao Guangxi said, "Let's start with this empty well. I, Zhao, will give the person in charge the greatest autonomy."

If you need manpower, I'll do my best to provide it; if you need money, I can offer an advance; the water price, delivery method, the number of watermen hired, and the number of actual or nominal vacancies—all are entirely up to you.

Many people felt a surge of excitement upon hearing this.

That's far too much power!

That's practically like being half the boss!
Then Zhao Guangxi continued speaking.

"But the annual profit from selling water must be no less than 10,000 taels for turbid water wells and no less than 15,000 taels for fresh water wells, and you must not damage my water well's reputation or break the rules."

Upon hearing this, the person who had been so enthusiastic just moments before suddenly felt as cold as eating an ice pop on the coldest day of winter.

The annual water flow from the turbid wells in Wuqing County is generally only about 10,000 taels. If the monthly wages of the watermen, well maintenance, and the amount kept in the accounts are excluded, the profit that can be handed over is only about 5,000 taels.

Freshwater wells weren't much better. After all, the price was higher, so customers saved on water consumption, and the annual profit they handed over was less than ten thousand taels of silver.

Moreover, the actual situation was even more complicated, with severe drought, annual canal dredging in Kyoto, and the Imperial Palace hosting the "Thousand Water Banquet"...

All of these will have a huge impact on the profitability of water wells.

The goals set by Zhao Dongjia are tough.

Seeing the crowd below, completely silent and looking down at their noses, Zhao Guangxi laughed in exasperation.

"What's wrong? You were arguing fiercely just now, why are you so deflated now? If someone is capable of taking on the job, I'll waive their fee for the position of manager!"

This reform of well management is both a challenge and an opportunity.

The money spent on hiring a shopkeeper was also a considerable expense.

After a brief silence, everyone offered their opinions in turn.

This time, however, I'm being much more cautious.

Some people simply give up on the competition!
Moreover, many people seem to have noticed this.

It seems that Mr. Zhao is short of money again?

Ultimately, a list of candidates was drafted to fill the three vacancies for manager.

For each vacancy, there are usually three or four people competing for it.

In terms of both experience and ability, he is the best among the three water spirits.

Moreover, this matter will not be resolved quickly; it will have to be delayed until the situation stabilizes before it can be announced gradually.

While there may seem to be only three vacant manager positions, pulling out one leads to a whole host of other personnel changes.

Lin Shou-chou was not among them; he had more important things to do.

Zhao Guangxi glanced at the list, then casually placed it under the inkstone.
"correct……"

He suddenly looked at Lin Shouzhou and said,

"Old Lin, when will you break through to the first-class level?"

Lin Shouzhou stepped forward and said, "It will take at least one month, and at most two months."

Zhao Guangxi said, "Alright, take this time to adjust your condition. You can find a quiet room in my residence to break through when the opportunity arises. Then... once you have stabilized at the first-class level, I will gradually hand over the tasks you are currently handling, such as delivering the Eight Treasures Mercury, to Chen Shunan."

Someone asked, "Master, delivering the Eight Treasures Mercury is no simple matter. Although Chen Shunan is senior, he has only recently broken through to the second rank, and his strength may not be enough to handle this task."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guangxi gave a half-smile and said,
"Just broke through? Heh..."

Regardless of whether Zhou Qing "saw through" Chen Shunan's true nature the night he killed Ahua, or whether Chen Shunan "barely" fought a mid-stage second-rate martial artist to a draw at the Lingguan Interception a few days ago.

In Zhao Guangxi's eyes, Chen Shunan exuded a kind of stingy temperament, like someone who had a lucky encounter and was gradually showing his talent, yet was also timid and hesitant, adhering to the common sense of not flaunting wealth and being rich.

Old Chen is just too cautious.

They don't trust us at all!

No matter what happens, I, Zhao Guangxi, can handle it all!
Everyone was puzzled, but dared not ask any more questions.

They assumed that Zhao Dongjia might have taken a liking to Chen Shunan's status as a son-in-law and wanted to make connections with the Zhang family.

After a short while, the discussion ended.

The group prepared to leave.

He Qiqiang's eyes darted around, and suddenly he mustered his courage and asked,
"Master, aren't there four vacancies for manager? Where's the last one?"

Many people who had taken the first step quietly withdrew.

His face was solemn and expressionless, but his ears were perked up.

Zhao Guangxi chuckled and shook his head. Without further ado, he dipped his brush in ink on the inkstone and started another entry on the list.

Wusheng Street, Black Sand Well, Zhuoshui Well Shopkeeper—

Chen Shunan (temporary)
When He Qiqiang saw the name 'Chen Shunan', his eyes widened and he stood there stunned, a strange 'ho ho ho' sound coming from his throat.

Seeing this, the others couldn't help but approach out of curiosity and peek out!
They all looked on incredulously!

It was actually Chen Shunan?!
Lin Shouzhou blinked, feeling both shocked and somewhat gratified.

Old Chen, he's finally made it big.

I am a first-rate martial artist, and he is the manager of Black Sand Well. We can help each other out in the future.

This is a good thing...

Manager Li was slightly surprised, then shook his head.

I'm relieved that Old Chen has finally gotten lucky.

Seeing the reaction of his subordinates, Zhao Guangxi smiled faintly.

Just for Chen Shunan's advice and clever scheme to seize the position of Old Lulu Tou, giving Chen Shunan any amount of benefits would be worthwhile.

As for when the word 'temporary' can be removed and the position of manager can be firmly established, that depends on when Zhao Guangxi is promoted.

Zhao Guangxi thought silently,

"I wonder if Old Chen has any way to get some money out of me..."

(End of this chapter)