As soon as Jiang Ruolan made this announcement, it didn't take long for many people to flood the comments section.
[When's the next recruitment? Tell me quickly, I must work at Huanyu, huhu!]
[Ever since I saw the recruitment conditions CEO Zhou mentioned, I can't stand staying at my current job for another day.]
[I'm 40 years old, can I still apply for an interview?]
[So, is the little assistant Sister Lan?]
[Open the positions already! I can't wait to quit this crappy company!]
[Not only that, but just looking at CEO Zhou's face makes me feel better every day.]
[But he said you can slack off at Huanyu! I'm seriously tempted, guys!]
...
Before, this space was mostly filled with female fans obsessed with Zhou Yi's look—his "face fans."
The Affection Level contributed by face fans are unstable and could drop at any moment.
But now, things are different.
He has gained many "life fans."
What are life fans, you ask?
It means as long as you're alive, I'll like you. No matter what you do, even if scandals explode, fans will convince themselves that "brother is innocent, someone is out to get him! Brother is a pure and innocent boy!"
It's the same logic as idol fandom. It's not just celebrities who have fan circles; now, there are all kinds of circles, and all kinds of fans.
Zhou Yi's fanbase is complex. Their affection for him isn't just typical idol admiration.
His identity isn't limited to being a mere celebrity or a corporate boss. Many people project certain expectations onto him.
His looks attract a large portion of students, while his image as a "CEO with a conscience" draws in many working professionals.
It's safe to say that as long as he continues to treat workers well, the money will keep pouring in for the rest of his life. The amount he's spending on his employees is negligible in comparison.
Zhou Yi opened the panel to check his Affection Level.
Character Attributes:
[Name: Zhou Yi]
[Level: lv27 (Gold)]
[Wealth: $170,399,000 (Wealthy)]
[Appearance: 100 (Unmatched)]
[Combat Power: 100 (Dominant)]
[IQ: 200 (Genius)]
[Reputation: 80 (Well-Known)]
[Attribute Points: 1,699,000]
Mission Progress Panel:
[Xia Qiuzhi Regret Value: 60]
[Chu Han Regret Value: 100]
[Su Ning Regret Value: 60]
[Comeback Progress: 87]
[Affection Level Earned: 1,290,000]
[Admirers: 1 (B-tier Character: Jing Wen)]
[Achievements Unlocked: Rising from Defeat]
[Items/Skills Acquired: Photographic Memory, Exceptional Recall / Level 1 Medical Skills / Light of Entertainment]
[Current Ranking: 28,905]
[System Store Unlocked]
After trending on a hot search, Zhou Yi's Affection Level, Attribute Points, and wealth nearly doubled overnight.
Honestly, this took him completely by surprise.
Zhou Yi looked at the nine-figure number and almost laughed out loud.
Jiang Ruolan could tell Zhou Yi was in a great mood.
Of course, Huanyu didn't even need to advertise; countless people were already eager to join. Their reputation had spread, and they'd gained a ton of free traffic and buzz. Who wouldn't be happy about that?
Keep in mind, they were still a relatively new company. To achieve such recognition in one go, it was only natural for CEO Zhou to be thrilled.
Jiang Ruolan glanced at her phone and tentatively asked, "CEO Zhou, it's already 1 PM. Would you like to grab something to eat? I've ordered food."
Zhou Yi snapped out of his joy and immediately thought of Jing Wen.
He shook his head. "Don't worry about me. You go ahead and eat. I'm heading out for a bit and will be back by 3 PM for the interviews."
Zhou Yi stood up to leave but turned back to Jiang Ruolan before stepping out.
"Oh, by the way, the company will soon have a dedicated meal service brand, and it'll be free. Of course, if employees want to eat something else, the company will reimburse up to $50 per meal."
Jiang Ruolan was slightly surprised but quickly smiled. "Understood, CEO Zhou."
She had initially thought Zhou Yi would arrange for everyone to eat at the employee cafeteria in Huaihai Tower, where many companies in the building had their meals.
But it seemed Zhou Yi had considered that not everyone might enjoy the food there, so he decided to offer more flexibility.
After all, the cafeteria charged extra and offered limited menu options, which wouldn't sit well with everyone.
Partnering with external vendors, though more expensive, provided greater variety and choice—a thoughtful decision that showed how much he valued his employees' satisfaction.
The considerate CEO even proposed a $50 reimbursement limit. Jiang Ruolan couldn't help but worry that Zhou Yi might run the company into the ground with such generosity.
But then again, only a boss like this could earn the unwavering loyalty of employees. At this moment, Jiang Ruolan was already thinking about how to help the company make a hefty profit.
As Jiang Ruolan opened her laptop to look at investment projects, Zhou Yi was already on his way to the fast-food restaurant.
At the fast-food restaurant.
Jing Wen stared at her phone, unable to suppress her smile.
Lao Hai, wiping his hands, leaned over.
"Is that really Xiao Yi?"
"Yes, so many people are praising our Xiao Yi."
Jing Wen's eyes curved as she repeatedly scrolled through the content on Zhou Yi's TikTok fan page.
She felt like a treasure she had discovered was suddenly being seen by everyone.
"That kid's really made it big. Jing Wen, you're in for a good life."
Lao Hai gave Jing Wen a meaningful look, and the woman's face instantly turned red. "That's Xiao Yi's fortune, what does it have to do with me?"
Lao Hai sat across from Jing Wen, tossing a peanut into his mouth as he chuckled.
"Xiao Yi's fortune is your fortune. That kid's the type to remember kindness. I can tell he likes you."
Jing Wen managed a faint, bittersweet smile. "But I can't... It's not good for him to be associated with someone like me. I just want him to do well, that's all I care about."
Lao Hai shook his head but didn't say more.
Just then, Zhou Yi suddenly appeared at the door. Lao Hai was about to call out, but Zhou Yi gestured for him to stay quiet, so he just smiled and kept silent.
Jing Wen was still staring at Zhou Yi's WeChat interface, wondering if she should send him a message. But she was afraid of disturbing him, as Zhou Yi seemed so busy.
Zhou Yi gently pushed open the glass door and walked up behind Jing Wen.
He covered her eyes with his hands and whispered in her ear, "If you miss me, just call. Why hold back?"
Jing Wen was startled at first, then quickly pulled his hands away from her eyes.
She turned to look at Zhou Yi, her beautiful eyes filled with joy and affection.
Lao Hai coughed twice, making an excuse to step outside.
"Xiao Yi, why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be interviewing employees at the company?"
Jing Wen nervously pulled him to sit down. She was both anxious and excited, regretting not dressing up more today.
Zhou Yi smiled and held her hand. "I missed you, so I came back to see you."
Jing Wen's gaze softened even more. She shyly lowered her head and whispered, "I missed you too, Xiao Yi, but I was afraid of disturbing you since you're so busy."
Zhou Yi reassured her, "How could you disturb me? If it's Sister Wen calling, no matter how busy I am, I'll come back."
Jing Wen looked up, stunned for a moment, then smiled and leaned in to give Zhou Yi a sweet kiss.
She had missed him so much that she couldn't help but kiss his lips.
What was meant to be a light, fleeting kiss to express her longing deepened unexpectedly as Zhou Yi pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.
Jing Wen sat on his lap as Zhou Yi kissed her without hesitation.
He kissed her until she was breathless and begging for mercy in his arms.
"Xiao... Xiao Yi... Sister... I can't take it anymore..."
Jing Wen was now as soft as water, leaning against Zhou Yi's chest, her words coming out in broken gasps.
Zhou Yi finally let her go, and Jing Wen caught her breath, panting heavily. Zhou Yi's forehead was also dotted with sweat.
Jing Wen's lips were swollen from the kiss, making her look alluring in an inexplicable way.
Her eyes were like spring water, her face as delicate as cherry blossoms as she leaned against him, catching her breath. Zhou Yi couldn't help but feel a surge of desire.
He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Sister, do you want to?"