Chapter 305 - 214: I Sell My Skills, Not My Body (Part 2)

The overall design of this 17-story, high-end office building integrated three core concepts: workplace efficiency, smart technology, and green ecology. The exterior featured a streamlined glass curtain wall paired with a metal frame, which refracted a cool, modern gleam under the sun. The interior was dominated by an open-plan layout combined with modular design, ensuring the functional areas were both clearly defined and flexible.

When the two entered the main hall, the first thing they saw was the lobby reception area. A soaring, eight-meter-high glass dome drew in natural light. The floor was laid with marble-textured tiles and complemented by geometrically cut LED light strips, creating a high-end business atmosphere.

The corporate identity wall featured a backlit metal logo. The name Ruqing Technology was still on it. Serene said, "We’ll change this once we’ve finalized our company name."

Below the logo wall was a curved reception desk with a matte black stone countertop and a built-in smart visitor registration system. Not far from the desk was a waiting area furnished with muted, gray-blue sofas, wooden coffee tables, and a living wall. A curved screen in the background played a corporate promotional video.

Besides the reception center, the first floor also had two large cafeterias. Yang Hui smiled. "The standard for employee meals in the cafeteria should be higher. We can consider it a perk for the staff."

The first floor also had a large auditorium that could hold over a thousand people, meant for company galas and annual meetings.

The second floor had a large gym, free for employees, as well as a library and a lounge area. Yang Hui was very satisfied. ’If we add some coffee, drinks, and desserts to these areas, the employees’ afternoon tea break should be quite nice,’ he thought.

Serene told him this was the main lounge area, and that each floor had a smaller one as well. Yang Hui wholeheartedly agreed. ’It looks like Ruqing Technology treats its employees well,’ he thought. ’Otherwise, they wouldn’t have considered these things in the initial design.’

The office areas began on the third floor. The open-plan offices (floors 3–17) used a honeycomb workstation layout. Each station was equipped with a height-adjustable desk, an ergonomic chair, and acoustic panels suspended from the ceiling.

The glass partitions of the private offices had built-in smart film that could be switched to opaque for privacy with a single touch. "Pods" were used to create functional team spaces—like breakout areas and small meeting rooms—with walls featuring a mix of concrete and wood paneling.

The 18th floor housed the general manager’s office and the executive suites. Custom-made black walnut bookcases gave it an air of prestige, and the decor had a sense of understated, Chinese-style luxury.

The 19th floor was a rooftop garden with several recreational amenities, including a coffee bar, a mini-golf green, and an infinity pool that extended beyond the glass railings. There was also another fitness center, this one with floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls and smart body composition analyzers. The floor of the equipment area was covered in shock-absorbing rubber mats.

Yang Hui was speechless for a long time after the tour. The facilities far exceeded his expectations. ’Serene must have put in a tremendous amount of effort to secure this land and building. It couldn’t have been as simple as she made it sound. The land might not be worth much, but this building alone must have cost at least a hundred million.’

’And yet I don’t have to pay for any of it right now. The land payment is deferred for a year, and the building payment can be delayed for three. What’s the difference between this and just having it handed to me for free?’

He felt like he was taking huge advantage of her. "Serene, about the equity... I think your share is too small. Or you could contribute less money."

Serene turned and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She made the simple gesture look impossibly alluring, and Yang Hui subconsciously swallowed.

"Let’s not change what we’ve already agreed on. The most important thing is to make the company bigger and stronger. We’re both starting this business to pursue a dream, not to make a huge profit. You’re getting caught up in the details."

’Caught up in the details? If I became detached from all worldly things, what would be the point of living?’

"Serene, I just feel bad always taking advantage of you like this."

"I don’t mind, so why are you so conflicted?" Serene led him across the rooftop garden to look down. All they could see for miles were various industrial parks. The plot of land they stood on, however, was originally intended for office use. It had some man-made water features, pavilions, and verandas, but not a single factory.

’You don’t mind?’ he thought. "In that case, I won’t hold back in the future. I’m the type of person who likes to take what he can get."

Serene saw his roguish smile and sensed a hidden meaning in his words, but she didn’t dwell on it. Instead, she continued pointing below and describing the area.

Below the main tower was a four-story annex building. "We can convert that into employee dormitories," she said. This was intended for employees whose families weren’t in Qingzhou and who couldn’t afford to buy a home in the near future.

"So, what do you think? Are you satisfied?"

’Of course I’m satisfied,’ he thought. ’If I wasn’t happy with a place like this, I’d have to be a complete moron.’

The two chatted as they went downstairs. Serene suggested several potential company names, which would also serve as the brand name. In the end, Yang Hui settled on "Mansu."

The name was meant to represent the fluid, casual feel of leisure fashion. It evoked a sense of unhurried style, a relaxed confidence that hinted at tracing back the origins of trends, perfectly aligning with their "simple and stylish" principle.

"Alright, I’ll arrange to register the company in the next couple of days, then—Qingjiang Mansu Sports Equipment Co., Ltd."

"I’ll need your ID for that. We’ll also have to draw up a partnership agreement specifying capital contributions, profit distribution, and the terms for partners joining or leaving."

When she mentioned signing the partnership agreement, her usually composed demeanor suddenly seemed a bit strained. Yang Hui was puzzled. "That’s standard procedure. Just schedule a time, and I’ll be there."

The two didn’t have lunch together. With the site and office space selected, there was still a mountain of work to do.