Population raids were a long endeavor, possibly spanning the entire winter.
At this point, aside from the winter wheat planting that hadn’t stopped, the entire focus of Dawn City had shifted to seizing new population.
Though it was busy, City Hall had the capability to handle it all. And that meant he actually had time to resume his magical research.
Because he no longer needed to do everything himself, he just needed to stay here to stabilize morale, and to make decisions if Harrison encountered something he couldn’t settle on his own.
Unlike last year, he no longer had to run around arranging food, clothing, or even farm tools for Dawn City.
He had spent a whole year resolving those problems.
Which meant that, right now, even though the city was busier than ever, Li De was actually the most relaxed person here.
“As you wish, Patriarch.”
After reminding Harrison of a few more matters, Li De returned to his manor.
A whole year of nonstop work, he could finally spare time to return to his magical research.
But before that, Li De first went back to Earth to handle some business with Crimson Moon.
Zhao Yue, his vice president, happened to have something to discuss with him.
“President Li, shouldn’t you consider hiring a few assistants? Otherwise, there are so many matters we simply can’t reach you for.”
Mentioning this, Zhao Yue’s tone carried a hint of grievance. After Li De acquired Crimson Moon, he had handed all the authority to her. Now, practically the entire company was under her management alone.
Though the company had quite a few senior staff, in reality, she was the only one actually making decisions.
At first, she’d been happy, thinking this showed Li De’s trust in her. But later she realized that Li De simply didn’t plan to run the company at all.
“Fine, you can handle recruiting them.”
Hearing Li De’s completely casual reply, Zhao Yue’s mouth twitched hard. At that moment, she really wanted to question him, when did I become your personal secretary?
But when she remembered Li De’s cold and unapproachable aura, she obediently agreed. This mysterious boss honestly left her with some trepidation. Even if she was dissatisfied, she didn’t dare to let it show.
“No problem. Do you have any preferences about the assistants? Either men or women?”
Li De thought for a moment, then said casually, “Just find ones like you.”
I… Zhao Yue was stifled with frustration again. So you really have been treating me like your secretary?
I’m at least the vice president now, can’t we speak on equal footing by this point??
“Alright. I’ll have Tianyue Headhunters handle it.”
“Thank you for your trouble.” Li De nodded indifferently. He was actually quite satisfied with this secretary… vice president. She was highly capable in all areas.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, he spoke up directly. “From now on, each year the company will allocate 30% of its profits for bonuses and distribute them to all employees. The management will receive half of that total. You can work out the detailed plan yourself.”
Zhao Yue, who had been simmering in annoyance, instantly found Li De unbelievably lovable.
This boss… he was so generous.
Thirty percent of the profits, unheard of.
“Thank you, President Li. I’ll arrange this right away~” Her voice instantly grew much sweeter.
Li De didn’t think much of it. He didn’t lack money, what he lacked were people willing to work for him.
Only when the company’s interests aligned with the employees’ would they work harder. He couldn’t be bothered to feed them empty promises. He would rather just hand over real benefits. If they wanted to earn more, then they could work for it themselves.
“Mm. Anything else?”
Hearing that, Zhao Yue finally remembered the main business she’d come for today.
“Last time, the clubs that bought Gold Pucks from us have come back asking to purchase more. And other clubs that heard about it are also requesting to buy.
I did a preliminary estimate, their current demand totals eight thousand pieces.”
Li De was slightly stunned. Eight thousand? That was nearly four hundred million. These clubs really were rich.
“There aren’t that many available. We can only release five thousand.
Make arrangements. Lower the share going to the clubs that bought from us last time. For the clubs that haven’t purchased yet, you can increase their allocation.
This time we’re the sellers, it’s fine to raise the price to the market rate.
Also, once this batch of Gold Pucks is sold, keep the funds on the books. If the budget for establishing the data analysis center isn’t enough, you can continue to allocate from that money. There’s no need to be frugal.”
Hearing this, Zhao Yue’s mood instantly brightened.
The main reason she’d called today was because of Li De’s ambitious plans. Not only had he recruited large numbers of professional players, he also planned to establish a 300-person data analysis center.
The thirty million still left on Crimson Moon’s books wouldn’t sustain that for long. She had been thinking she’d have to talk to Li De about cutting expenses.
But then Li De casually committed several hundred million.
With this money, her heart was completely at ease.
When your household has ample grain in storage, there’s no need to panic.
“Yes, President Li.”
“We’ve already recruited players with early-access accounts, correct? Have our own people go to Green City to collect the funds from my NPC subordinates.
Also, I’ll likely be busy for a while. If anything major comes up that requires my decision, just call me directly. And once you’ve found suitable assistants, let me know.”
At these words, Zhao Yue couldn’t help smiling faintly.
Li De’s meaning was perfectly clear: I’m very busy, don’t bother me unless it’s really important.
“Yes, President Li, I understand. I’ll find suitable assistants for you as quickly as possible.”
After hanging up, Li De sent a message to further confirm the details of the Gold Puck transaction. Once everything was settled, he entered Glory.