Leveling Up With My Pet



Ah, how splendid!

Whether enveloped within the confines of its walls or casting its majestic aura upon the world outside, this ethereal abode transcends the mere realm of photographic portrayal, offering a splendid panorama that elicits an all-encompassing warmth and a sense of refined elegance, capable of captivating the very soul of those who behold it.

Observing the unmistakable expression on Liu Yong's countenance, Zhou Jingkang couldn't help but utter, "Well, my dear friend, how does my endeavor fare in your esteemed estimation?"

Liu Yong enthusiastically responded, "The effect has been splendidly materialized, leaving me astounded by an overwhelming sense of astonishment."

Upon hearing such words, a beam of joy played upon Zhou Jingkang's visage, its radiance rivalling the sun.

This magnificent villa, the epitome of architectural brilliance, was meticulously conceived by a renowned design firm within the bustling confines of Huahai City. With masterful blueprints, Zhou Jingkang rallied his dedicated team and embarked on an arduous construction journey. After months of tireless efforts, this splendid mansion, with its lofty aspirations, finally breathed life into existence.

Guiding Liu Yong through an enchanting expedition within the villa's opulent confines, Zhou Jingkang ensured no stone was left unturned in their exploration. Having perused every nook and cranny, the duo traversed again towards the villa's rear sanctuary.

Enveloped by verdant foliage, the villa's backyard unveiled a splendid private garden, a testament to its timeless allure. Bridges spanning crystalline streams, pavilions and pagodas emanating an air of regality, and meticulously manicured greenery in abundance—all harmoniously intertwined to create an immersive ambience akin to stepping foot into an ethereal wonderland.

Ambling along the cobblestone path, one couldn't help but be entranced by the sensory tapestry woven by the surrounding vista, each step akin to embarking on a metaphysical journey into the heart of a magical oasis.

Seated gracefully within the confines of a gazebo nestled amidst this idyllic haven, Liu Yong spoke, his words resonating with a sense of familiarity and camaraderie, "Old classmate, it appears your prowess knows no bounds, rivaling even the most illustrious construction teams of grand metropolises."

Zhou Jingkang, touched by this sentiment, replied, "Our technical prowess and wealth of experience stand resolute, leaving no room for comparison. However, what we lack is a platform for further development. Many a time have I pondered venturing forth into the promising landscape of Huahai City, yet the absence of an affiliated construction company left me no choice but to abandon those aspirations."

A stir of intrigue took hold within Liu Yong's heart, for his unwavering trust in Zhou Jingkang rendered him ever-confident in entrusting his special projects to this invincible force.

"Old classmate," Liu Yong's voice rang with assurance, "our esteemed company has commissioned the construction of a residential area for our valued employees. The initial phase is nearing completion, and preparations for the subsequent phase are about to commence. How would you feel about embarking on this journey alongside me and spearheading the construction of a residence?"

Utterly amazed, Zhou Jingkang beheld Liu Yong with a gaze rife with astonishment. Such an opportunity, so rare and fortuitous, seemed an offering from the heavens.

Wearing a gentle smile, Liu Yong offered a brief overview of the Huahai International Garden project, disclosing that the investment for the upcoming phase had exceeded a staggering one billion units of currency.

Awestruck, Zhou Jingkang found himself teetering on the precipice of disbelief. The magnitude of this endeavour defied all expectations.

Trembling ever so slightly, he managed to stutter, his voice laden with trepidation, "Brother Yong, you truly grant me the privilege of partaking in such a monumental undertaking?"

Liu Yong firmly declared, "Indeed, my dear friend. I shall allocate responsibilities commensurate with your capabilities. I shall arrange a detailed discussion between yourself and our esteemed General Manager, Qiu Yang."

Overwhelmed with joy, Zhou Jingkang realized that his path would be paved with fortune's opulence.

As the lively conversation lingered, Liu Yong and Zhou Jingkang strolled towards the front yard, where an air of exuberance permeated the atmosphere.

News of Liu Yong's return had reached the ears of villagers spanning eight nearby hamlets, prompting an influx of eager faces. Amongst them, numerous families boasted a member employed in the prestigious Global Shipping enterprise, rendering Liu Yong, a patron of their prosperity.

In their eyes, Liu Yong stood as the patriarch responsible for their sustenance, a benefactor of immeasurable worth.

Husbands, sons, and brothers toiled as crew members aboard Global Shipping vessels, their monthly earnings ranging from a handsome twenty to thirty thousand units of currency. Some even ascended to the esteemed chief engineer or bosun positions, commanding even greater financial rewards.

However, there existed those families whose loved ones, not yet initiated into the esteemed ranks of the crew, found solace in the hopes of a brighter future. The aged and less educated, their aspirations held hostage by circumstance, beseeched any chance of inclusion within this esteemed fraternity.

"Jianjun, your son possesses immense promise. Word has it that he has ascended to the rank of second officer, reaping monthly remuneration amounting to fifty to sixty thousand units of currency."

"That young lad of yours is truly exceptional. Having completed his collegiate education, he now assumes the esteemed mantle of chief engineer."

Such jubilant exchanges saturated the air like ancestral spirits awakened, brought to life by the newfound fortune bestowed upon their progeny. Previously confined to menial earnings of a meagre few thousand units, they now revelled in the abundance of twenty, thirty, and even fifty to sixty thousand units.

"Rumor has it that joining forces with Liu Yong grants one the privilege of securing an apartment. Can this be true?"

"Indeed, my dear, it is no fabrication. My son assures me that housing allocations will commence next month, affording them residences exceeding ninety square meters in area."

"Indeed, the tales hold veracity. My husband, too, has relayed the same news. We shall soon embark on a journey to Huahai City alongside our third mother. Never in our wildest dreams did we envision a life within the grandeur of a metropolitan expanse."

Euphoria permeated the collective consciousness, fanning the embers of anticipation. Amidst the vibrant discussions, a cry pierced the air like a clarion call.

"Behold, a procession of automobiles approaches!"

In unison, all gazes converged upon the villa's gate, witnessing a fleet of vehicles gracefully traversing the concrete road.

The cars came to a halt at the very entrance of the villa, releasing a group of individuals who bore the unmistakable air of officialdom.

"Look, that's Mayor Qi."

"And there stands County Magistrate Wang, accompanied by others of even higher rank."

This spectacle surpassed all expectations, with more than a dozen dignitaries gracing the scene. Led by County Magistrate Wang, they stepped forward, their footfalls echoing the gravitas of their positions.

Liu Yong promptly recognized County Magistrate Wang, advancing with a cordial smile while extending his right hand in greeting.

County Magistrate Wang hastened his approach, clasping Liu Yong's hand and earnestly proclaiming, "Mr Liu, welcome home. On behalf of the 560,000 residents in our county, I extend a warm welcome."

Liu Yong reciprocated the gesture, his smile unwavering as he replied, "Mayor Wang, the welcome is much appreciated."

Polite pleasantries ensued, and County Magistrate Wang introduced Liu Yong to the other officials present. Each one took turns approaching Liu Yong, engaging in a formal handshake.

The onlooking villagers, eyes wide with disbelief, regarded these figures as paragons of authority. Mayor Qi, already an esteemed official, now paled compared to the ranks of those accompanying him.

County Magistrate Wang's visit to the villa served dual purposes: offering a warm reception to Liu Yong and attending to other matters of significance.

In the front yard, Liu Yong and County Magistrate Wang settled down, surrounded by a crowd of officials.

Conversations flowed effortlessly between the two, Mayor Wang expressing gratitude, "Mr. Liu, we extend our thanks for recruiting 352 crew members from our county, providing employment to hundreds."

Following the expressions of gratitude, County Magistrate Wang inquired, "Our county boasts a significant number of young individuals. Does Mr. Liu have plans to recruit crew members from our region?"

Joining Global Shipping as a crew member held an allure akin to the sweetest nectar. Countless individuals harboured aspirations of becoming part of this renowned enterprise.

Liu Yong responded assuredly, "We have acquired over a dozen large vessels, our group's total tonnage exceeding 10 million. Consequently, we require a substantial number of crew members."

The notion of surpassing the ten million-ton mark left County Magistrate Wang awe-stricken, for it exceeded the scope of his imagination. The actual might and magnitude of the Global Shipping Group became readily apparent.

Once more, the beckoning call of recruits resonated!

Overwhelmed by this revelation, County Magistrate Wang inquired eagerly, "How many individuals do you intend to recruit from our county?"

Liu Yong replied, "We plan to recruit an additional 30 individuals from Dongmen Village and 200 from the county at large, totaling 230 individuals."

230 individuals!

Magnificent! Magnificent!

County Magistrate Wang rejoiced, extending his gratitude, "Mr. Liu, thank you. Thank you so much."

The jubilant atmosphere spread among the onlookers, especially within Dongmen Village, whose residents would witness the recruitment of an additional 30 crew members. To them, this news held the promise of a brighter future.

Those who had yet to join the esteemed ranks of the crew, but possessed family members fitting the criteria, eagerly reached for their phones. They dialled home, eager to share the joyous tidings.

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