Chapter 123 Employee Community
The blueprints for the Hua'e Xianghui Tower were a reward from the system after Li Guinian fulfilled his wish.
His wish was to restore the Rainbow Dance Dance from the time of Emperor Xuanzong (Li Longji). Modern scholars have actually made similar attempts, but many of the musical scores have been lost in the course of history, making it almost impossible for them to accomplish. However, this was not the case for Li Guinian.
The "Rainbow Skirt Dance" was one of Emperor Xuanzong's masterpieces. He ordered the musicians of the Pear Garden to rehearse it many times. Li Guinian, as the Grand Master of Music in the Tang Palace, naturally participated in it as well. It can be said that he had the details of the entire dance and music in his mind, and only needed to bring it out.
The only problem was the personnel. The traditional music troupe only had about twenty people, so he had to fill the gaps with modern musicians and dancers. Being separated by several eras, he needed to spend time fine-tuning their different playing styles to ensure they were fully integrated.
There were some twists and turns along the way.
Li Guinian is exceptionally talented and has an open and inclusive mindset. The original version of "Rainbow Dance" already incorporated a lot of music from the Western Regions and India. After arriving in the modern era, he was influenced by modern instruments and musical styles, which sparked his inspiration, leading him to add many new elements to "Rainbow Dance".
After the arrangement was completed, the wish progress showed no signs of happening.
Gongsun Jin reminded him, "Your wish is to restore the Rainbow Dance Dance, but does the restored version have to be exactly the same as the one we had back then?"
Li Guinian then realized what was going on, so he abandoned those new ideas and obediently followed the previous plan.
But this time, there was still no response.
After racking his brains for over a month, Li Guinian was on the verge of madness when the pipa player Fuyun suddenly had a flash of inspiration while tuning his pipa—
"The pipa of today is different from the pipa of ancient times in both shape and technique, so is the restoration not thorough enough?"
Even the instruments and techniques must be replicated exactly.
Li Guinian was speechless and could only go through all the problems with the instrument and playing techniques again.
And so, after several setbacks, he finally restored the original version of the Rainbow Dance Dance a few days ago! Sure enough, the system announced that his wish had been fulfilled, and he had obtained the special ability of "Feast of Bliss", while Lu Xiaoqi obtained the blueprints for the Flower Calyx Radiance Pavilion.
The Feast of Bliss can be used in the Flower Calyx Pavilion to host banquets, where all participants' senses will experience ultimate enjoyment and elevation. Moreover, immersing oneself in the artistic atmosphere of the Feast of Bliss helps to stimulate the participants' creativity and enlightenment.
After hearing this, Lu Xiaoqi clicked her tongue. Isn't this just a large-scale "catnip" for artists?
Very good, very good. This ability is a good match for Li Guinian.
Another ability of the "Feast of Bliss" is that it can mobilize the power of the Flower Calyx Pavilion to create corresponding fantastical scenes according to the theme or the host's wishes. For example, there may be dreamlike scenes such as petals falling like rain, ethereal crane shadows swirling around, and moonlight condensing into ribbons, greatly enhancing the immersive and extraordinary experience of the banquet.
This is somewhat similar to the stage design generation capabilities of the Illusionary Sound Pavilion.
Li Guinian is now the director of the performing arts department of the entire Qinghe Ancient Town. After discussing with Lu Xiaoqi, they decided to build the Hua'e Xianghui Tower as soon as possible. When the second phase opens, they can hold a grand banquet in the Hua'e Xianghui Tower and then perform the Rainbow Dance.
So, while everyone was resting that night, Lu Xiaoqi and Su Jun used the architectural blueprints for the Hua'e Xianghui Building.
After clicking "use", the small island in the center of the lake was immediately enveloped by the rising curtain, just like the previous times.
"It will take three months." Lu Xiaoqi clapped her hands in satisfaction, turned around, sat down at the bow of the boat, and prepared to go back.
She usually brought Su Jun along for confidential matters related to the system, and this time she had him act as the boatman as well. She sat down at the bow of the boat, revealing a teasing smile: "Young Master Su, please go back."
Su Jun rowed the boat, quite skillfully, and looked at her with amusement: "Go back to the cabin, it's cool at the bow."
It's late autumn and early winter is approaching, and even the breeze carries a hint of chill.
Lu Xiaoqi felt refreshed after blowing on the wind and refused to go back to the cabin. Instead, she lay down on the bow of the boat, put her hands behind her head, and looked at the full moon in the sky, feeling very relaxed.
"It'll be the fifteenth again soon," she said leisurely.
Time flies, and Qinghe Ancient Town will soon be open for a year.
"I was quite nervous when it opened last year. I didn't know if it would be successful or how long it could last." She recalled watching the live stream of the first ticket sale and felt like it was a lifetime ago. With a smile on her lips, she said, "I never thought that Qinghe Ancient Town could reach such a scale now."
Qinghe Ancient Town is now famous and has no shortage of visitors. The daily visitor flow is close to "crowded," and during holidays it is definitely "saturated." They only need to rack their brains every day to provide tourists with a better visitor experience.
Qinghe Ancient Town is always on the list of "Top Ten Scenic Spots" or "Which Scenic Spots You Feel Are Worth the Price After Visiting" whenever there is an online poll.
It achieved a win-win situation in terms of both popularity and reputation.
This greatly pleased Qinghe City, as it was a rare opportunity for the city to showcase its cultural tourism strengths, which had indeed generated substantial tax revenue and created numerous jobs. Consequently, many resources began to flow towards Anping County and Qinghe Ancient Town.
Recently, the government even helped Anping County secure a high-speed rail station, which is about to start construction. Once construction begins, it will be much more convenient for tourists from other places to visit Qinghe City, and it's easy to imagine how much more tourist traffic it will generate.
However, Lu Xiaoqi is not worried, because the second phase will open next year, which will be able to accommodate several times more tourists.
The oar in Su Jun's hand cleaved the calm lake surface, creating ripples that broke the moon's reflection in the water. The shimmering silver light on the lake reflected in his eyes, creating a gentle, sparkling glow.
Lu Xiaoqi suddenly asked him curiously, "Were you worried when you opened last year? What if Qinghe Ancient Town didn't succeed...?"
If they fail to succeed, these people may have to find their own way to make a living.
Su Jun frowned slightly: "...I really hadn't considered that possibility."
Lu Xiaoqi's expression turned cold, then she burst into laughter: "So, Young Master Su trusts me that much?"
Su Jun raised an eyebrow at her and nodded: "That's true."
At the time, everyone thought that with the system at their fingertips, possessing godlike abilities, how could it possibly fail to accomplish anything? But now, with a greater understanding of business operations in this era, they realize it's not that easy. The system can only provide some assistance; many things still require Lu Xiaoqi to make judgments and drive progress.
And her judgment and actions never faltered.
So Su Jun added with a smile, "I've always believed in you."
He said it so naturally and confidently.
Lu Xiaoqi blinked, caught off guard by his sudden direct question. Her heart felt as if it had been gently bumped by something, causing a slight ripple.
What's wrong with this guy? He actually flirted back? She wondered to herself.
In the past, she usually couldn't resist teasing him gently and watching him blush, but this time she actually lost!
Just as she was about to say something, the night breeze, indeed cool, ruffled the stray hairs on Lu Xiaoqi's forehead. She slightly hunched her shoulders and sneezed.
Su Jun immediately stopped rowing, and the small boat glided gently on the water with the help of inertia. He unbuttoned his cashmere cardigan, took two steps forward, and gently draped the still-warm coat over Lu Xiaoqi's shoulders.
"I told you the wind is cool at the bow of the boat." His tone carried a hint of helpless reproach, but his movements were incredibly gentle.
The sudden warmth startled Lu Xiaoqi. The faint, crisp scent of Su Jun lingered around her nose, emanating from the coat and mixed with the dampness of the night. She instinctively grabbed the coat's lapel and turned to look at Su Jun standing beside her.
The moonlight outlined his tall figure and sharp jawline.
This guy...
"Thank you," Lu Xiaoqi said softly, feeling a strange warmth creeping onto her cheeks, thankfully concealed by the darkness. She pulled her coat tighter, feeling much warmer. "Aren't you cold?"
Su Jun returned to the oar: "I'm warm from exercising."
"Okay," she said softly. Now that she had a coat, she could continue sitting on the edge of the bed, gazing at the lake and the moonlight.
But at that moment, she couldn't wait to say something to distract herself, and just then she caught sight of the second phase construction site and suddenly remembered: "I heard you want to buy your own villa? Isn't the house they gave you enough to live in?"
Su Jun: "......"
Listen to this! What kind of talk is this? What man can live comfortably in a house given to him by a girl he likes?
Although it wasn't a personal gift, it was sent in the company's name.
Although Lu Xiaoqi is his boss and owns the entire ancient town, she is far richer by any measure, so there's no comparison.
But you definitely have to buy the house yourself.
He gave a perfunctory "hmm" and said, "A villa is still more down-to-earth."
“That’s true.” Lu Xiaoqi agreed.
The company's newly built employee housing complex is about to go on sale, exclusively for internal staff. The complex mainly consists of nine-story apartment buildings with elevators, and also includes a section of villas. Lu Xiaoqi originally planned to give each of the most contributing employees, such as Yuwen Kai, Song Wu Sao, and Su Jun, a house of about 100 square meters, so they wouldn't have to pay separately. However, it seems they all prefer the villas with yards.
"How about we upgrade the house to a villa...?"
It's not like she can't afford to give it to him.
Su Jun paused, his body stiffening for a moment.
He glanced at Lu Xiaoqi helplessly: "No, if you say that, things will get messy."
He started rowing again, his voice particularly clear in the night: "Established rules are rules. Only by following the rules can fairness and justice last. If this loophole is opened, future management will be difficult."
The previously agreed-upon rule was profit sharing. He and Yuwen Kai, among others, would receive cash dividends at the end of the year, while those like Song Wu Sao, who owned their own restaurants, would receive a separate share.
"You've allocated houses to us, but what about the others? Won't they want them too? Will you give them to them or not?"
Should we give it to a villa or a small apartment?
Bonuses can be decided by personnel and finance, but the house is an extra.
Including Chen Yingying and others, didn't they make a significant contribution to the ancient town? So, should we give them gifts or not? If only executives receive gifts, won't ordinary employees object?
It would be better to follow the previously agreed-upon application and welfare policies, give employees a discount, and then pay only the amount due.
That makes sense, and Lu Xiaoqi understands it too.
She muttered, "But you guys are different..."
The voice was very soft, almost blending into the wind, but Su Jun's hearing was excellent, and he caught the subtle complaint.
The sound of oars subsided slightly, and the small boat rocked gently again. Using the momentum of stabilizing the boat, he naturally took a step closer to Lu Xiaoqi, leaned down to look at her, and asked with a playful yet tender light in his eyes, "Oh? How is it different?"
The distance between them suddenly shortened, and his cool breath, mixed with the moisture, enveloped her more clearly. Lu Xiaoqi could even see the faint shadow cast by his long eyelashes in the moonlight. Her heart skipped a beat for no reason, and she instinctively leaned back, but was stopped by the edge of the boat, with nowhere to retreat.
She was speechless for a moment, her cheeks began to burn again, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "You are the elders among the elders, and you have made the greatest contributions, so of course you are different!"
And she said "you guys"! Why is he leaning in like that?! Ugh!
Su Jun looked at her slightly flushed cheeks and her forcedly defiant gaze, and chuckled softly, a sound like a feather gently brushing against his heart. He didn't immediately back away; instead, he maintained this slightly intimate distance, his voice softening, carrying a coaxing tone:
“I appreciate your kindness. But rules are rules, and I’m sure Teacher Yuwen and the others will understand.” He paused, his gaze falling on her fingers clutching her coat tightly, his tone softening slightly. “I’ll buy that villa myself. Don’t worry, I have the money.”
Thanks to the video platform, his monthly bonuses plus salary now easily exceed six figures, and he will also receive bonuses at the end of the year.
Although I can't compare to Lu Xiaoqi, I still have more than enough to buy a house.
However... Su Jun's eyes darted around for a moment. The money she had now seemed far from enough compared to her. She deserved better... Or, as Liu Chan suggested, could she take on some advertising jobs?
Lu Xiaoqi's eyes darted around, but she finally nodded: "Okay, you're right. Then..." Her tone became excited again, "Our villas will be next to each other, we'll be neighbors."
She had already kept one set for herself.
After saying that, Lu Xiaoqi realized her mistake, her face turned bright red, and she stammered incoherently, "I, I meant, our houses can be next to each other."
"Of course." Su Jun couldn't help but laugh, then straightened up, widened the distance again, resumed his usual composed demeanor, and continued rowing.
The lake breeze blew again, but Lu Xiaoqi felt that the warmth left from that brief moment of closeness seemed even warmer than the coat she was wearing. She quietly took a breath and cast her gaze toward the outline of the second phase construction site in the distance, her mind still lingering on the words "What's different about me?" and that soft laugh.
Tsk, this guy... he's definitely gone astray.
Back at the dock, I saw Xiao Meiyun chatting with Han Shanggong.
"Mom, wait for me?" Lu Xiaoqi was flattered.
Xiao Meiyun silently rolled her eyes: "I went out for a walk and happened to run into Han Shanggong returning. Besides, you went out with Xiao Su, what do I have to worry about?"
Upon seeing this, Han Shanggong smiled slightly, curtsied to the group, and then took her leave.
"So elegant, so incredibly elegant." Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Meiyun couldn't help but sigh, then turned to her daughter and said, "Look at you, you skinflint! Han Shanggong is getting off work so late."
Lu Xiaoqi cried out that she was wronged, saying that she had not interfered at all with the internal management of Qinghe Textile Bureau, and that Han Shanggong arranged her working hours herself.
Su Jun greeted Xiao Meiyun politely and modestly. Lu Xiaoqi felt that her mother's eyes were shining when she looked at Su Jun.
After Su Jun left, Xiao Meiyun and Lu Xiaoqi walked home together. On the way, she couldn't help but bump into her daughter and pointed in the direction Su Jun had left, asking, "How... are you two doing?"
Lu Xiaoqi rolled her eyes at her: "You should stop worrying about these things."
Xiao Meiyun scoffed lightly: "I can't care about you."
But as soon as he finished speaking, he couldn't help but add, "You should be careful. Su is such a good guy, don't let anyone make a move on him first. Haven't you seen the girls you meet on the street asking for his WeChat?"
There was clearly potential between the two, but they kept making no progress, which made her feel exhausted.
Lu Xiaoqi snorted and didn't say anything, walking ahead by herself: "Let's go back, let's go back, it's cold."
Xiao Meiyun: "Aren't you still wearing Xiao Su's coat? She didn't even complain about being cold."
Lu Xiaoqi slapped her forehead: "..."
I forgot to return it, oh well.
Xiao Meiyun and Lu Xuejun arrived in Qinghe Ancient Town last month. They originally said they would return in about six months, but they ended up staying for more than half a year, which is understandable since Xiao Meiyun couldn't bear to leave her old mahjong partners. However, this time when they returned, the two brought a lot of luggage, so they must have been prepared to stay for a long time.
Moreover, some buildings in the second phase are about to be completed, and the elderly couple will have a lot to do next.
......
"Have you heard? Qinghe Ancient Town is about to release new houses!"
"Wow, really? Are you sending it directly?"
"The benefits are amazing. Tsk tsk, it's a pity my son applied for the job last year and didn't get it. Damn it, he didn't even pass the written test."
"Things are different now! It's getting harder and harder to get in. College students from outside are flocking to get in, and even the security guards have to have college degrees. So we have to be stricter."
The topic quickly circled back to: "Is it really possible to allocate housing?"
Just then, Zhao Simin walked by and was immediately stopped by her uncles and elders who knew her: "Hey, Simin, are you really going to be allocated houses?"
Zhao Simin smiled helplessly.
The news that the staff housing complex in Qinghe Ancient Town has been on sale for the past few days has spread throughout Anping County. Everyone on the streets and alleys is talking about it, some are envious, some are regretful, and some are overjoyed. The discussion is in full swing.
She had to explain again: "No, Uncle Yang, it's not a direct split. We also have to pay, but the company didn't raise the price. We just sell it at cost price, which is cheaper than outside."
The employee purchase policy was released a couple of days ago. Employees must have worked for at least one year to be eligible to apply. Different discounts apply based on the employee's registration. The property will be jointly owned by the company and the employee for the first five years, after which it can be freely transferred.
Qinghe City has a good economy, and houses in the city center range from 1,000 to 20,000 yuan per square meter. Although Anping County is remote, houses are not cheap either, costing around 5,000 yuan per square meter. However, according to her employee level discount, she could buy a house for only 3,000 yuan per square meter, and a 100-square-meter house would only cost a little over 200,000 yuan. This is purely an employee benefit, so even though Zhao Simin's family doesn't lack housing, she plans to buy one.
She had already seen the design plan for the staff housing complex; it was beautiful, and the quality was top-notch—it was a worthwhile purchase.
After hearing her explanation, everyone understood.
"That's great! It's so much cheaper than the market price!" Uncle Yang, who had asked the question earlier, widened his eyes and counted on his fingers, "Wow, that's a saving of tens or hundreds of thousands! This benefit is even more substantial than a year-end bonus!"
An older woman next to her, spitting out the sunflower seed shells, clicked her tongue in amazement: "Who says it isn't true! These days, which young person getting married doesn't worry about housing? Simin, your job not only earns you money, but it's almost solved the big problem of settling down! I'm so envious!"
Another middle-aged man in overalls, who looked like he had just finished get off work, sighed, his face showing genuine regret: "My daughter also applied for a job last year, but she felt there was no future in working in the county and went to work in the city. Now look... sigh, I really should have persuaded her again. This isn't a job, it's practically a golden ticket!"
“Exactly,” someone else chimed in. “I heard that those who do well, like Simin, get even better positions? And maybe villas too?”
Zhao Simin quickly waved her hand: "There are only a few villas available. According to the conditions, only senior executives can purchase them, and they have to pay for them themselves."
The villas in the area had already been reserved in advance, and she wasn't even ranked high enough to be considered an employee. Otherwise, she would definitely have borrowed some money from her dad to get a villa to live in, how awesome would that be!
A buzz of amazement and envy rose from the surroundings.
"Incredible! Incredible! This ancient town of Qinghe is truly remarkable!"
"Think about what Anping County used to be like? It's really changed a lot now!"
"President Lu is so generous! He's really making Anping rich!"
"If any family's child can get a job in Qinghe Ancient Town in the future, they'll have a lot of pride! It's no worse than taking the civil service exam!"
Listening to the chatter around her and seeing the undisguised envy and admiration on the faces of her uncles and aunts, Zhao Simin couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. She was not only a beneficiary of this benefit, but also a witness to and one of the builders of Qinghe Ancient Town's growth from nothing to its current strength.
This sense of pride made her even happier and more at ease than saving money to buy a house.
Besides Zhao Simin, the news of buying a house also caused a huge stir among the employees of Qinghe Ancient Town. Employees who hadn't been there for six months were regretting it, while a few of those who had been there for six months were still hesitant about whether to buy, since not everyone was a local. Many more employees, however, had already prepared their money and were just waiting for the opening of the sales office to make their purchases.
Some employees came to Qinghe Ancient Town after graduating last year. Due to their family's financial difficulties, they hadn't saved much money in a year. Although they were eligible to subscribe, they didn't have enough money and were about to give up.
This includes Xiaoliu, a girl who works in the cultural and creative industry.
She comes from a remote rural area in a neighboring province and was a college student supported by her family. She came to the newly opened Qinghe Ancient Town right after graduation last year. She works diligently and has a gentle personality, making her well-liked by her colleagues.
Xiaoliu also wants to buy a house, but she doesn't have enough money.
"How could it not be enough?" a colleague asked in surprise. "Our company provides meals and accommodation, so you don't have to spend any money at all, and you're not usually extravagant."
Another older woman in the office frowned and asked, "Did you send money home again?"
Xiao Liu finally couldn't hold back her tears and they fell: "Well, my mom said my younger brother is dating someone, and the girl's family is asking for a house in the city... I gave them 50,000 yuan."
She sends most of her monthly salary home, keeping only a small amount for living expenses, leaving her with almost no savings at the end of the year. This time, when buying a house, she originally planned to discuss with her family whether she could send fewer months' worth of money to help with the down payment, but instead, her family pressured her to send even more.
"How could you be so foolish!" His colleague was both angry and distressed. "Your younger brother is perfectly capable. Why should you be the sole provider for buying a house? You need to think about yourself too!"
“Exactly,” the older sister said, taking Xiaoliu’s hand. “Xiaoliu, this is such a rare opportunity, it’s practically a buy-one-get-one-free deal! It would be such a shame to miss it! Besides, given your situation, you really need to buy your own place, even if it’s small. We can lend you some money if you don’t have enough, and we can chip in and pay the down payment!”
"Yes, yes, I can squeeze out ten thousand!"
"I don't have much left. I also need to buy a house. I only have five thousand left. You can take it!"
Xiaoliu was overwhelmed with gratitude: "Thank you everyone, I, I... let me think about it first."
The pressure of owing money was too great; she was afraid that if she couldn't pay it back on time, she would be letting down her kind-hearted colleagues.
Outside the office door, Chen Yingying, who was about to come looking for someone, seemed to be deep in thought.
She turned around and went to find Lu Xiaoqi, and proposed a solution.
Lu Xiaoqi had plenty of cash flow, so she agreed almost without thinking: "No problem, we'll do it your way."
So, just as Xiaoliu was struggling internally and was almost forced to give up this long-awaited opportunity due to the pressure of reality, a new notification popped up in the company's internal announcement system.
Notice Regarding Providing Interest-Free Loans to Employees Who Meet Eligibility Requirements but Face Genuine Difficulties in Purchasing Homes
To effectively address the housing needs of outstanding employees and ensure that every employee who contributes to the development of the ancient town can share in its success, the management has decided to establish a special support fund. Employees who meet the eligibility requirements but face temporary financial difficulties due to special circumstances can apply for a special interest-free loan. The loan amount can be up to 20% of the property price, with a repayment period of up to five years. Monthly installments will be deducted from their salary, and employees can choose the deduction percentage themselves.
The notice concluded by emphasizing: "Qinghe Ancient Town is committed to creating a large family where employees feel a sense of belonging and fulfillment. We hope that every member of our family can live and work happily here."
The announcement caused an uproar among the employees! Those who couldn't afford the down payment of 50,000 or 60,000 yuan or even 100,000 yuan before due to various reasons are now all planning to buy.
Xiaoliu could hardly believe her eyes. She read the notice over and over again. Every word was like a warm light shining into her heart, which was almost in despair.
"Is this true?" she asked, grabbing the office lady's arm in surprise.
"Really! Of course it's true!" The older sister was happy for her too. "Quick! Go fill out the application form! Now you can finally buy it, right? The company will lend you the rest of the down payment interest-free. It'll only deduct a small amount from your salary each month, so it won't affect your life at all! You'll have to learn to save some money for yourself from now on!"
Her colleagues gathered around, happy for her: "Xiao Liu, that's great! Now you can have your own house!"
Xiaoliu nodded vigorously, the heavy weight on her heart instantly lifted, replaced by boundless gratitude for the company and anticipation for the future. She had never imagined she would own her own house so soon after graduation.
I originally thought this was something that was out of reach...
No more huddling on the balcony, no more having to worry about what others think; it's a home that truly belongs to me.
Besides Xiaoliu, Grandma Chen and her family also had their lives changed by Qinghe Ancient Town.
That day, Granny Chen, who ran a snack shop selling specialty fried mochi in Zone 2, rushed home after closing up shop. She hadn't even caught her breath before she eagerly began to speak:
"Ah Fang, let's buy one too!"
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