Chapter 92: Selection

This was a typical case of giving a sweet after a bitter lesson. They had just beaten people until their heads bled, and now they were assigning rooms and giving out bonuses. Only five people were chosen directly, which instantly made the others feel envious. At the same time, they regretted their earlier rebellious actions.

Liu Liwa secretly admired Wu Liniang’s clever tactics. However, he did not understand the next part. She also wanted to select five men to work as servants and errand boys, and Liu Xiaoqi was to pick them personally. Since when did he start handling human resources?

The young masters and mistresses with serious injuries were carried back to the Backyard. After simple treatment, they were left to fend for themselves. The others had minor injuries and were not greatly affected. Under the threat of the cane, they all behaved like children who had done wrong. A few of them had a determined look in their eyes and wanted to compete for the five valuable slots.

Wu Liniang solemnly said, “From now on, Liu Xiaoqi will be in charge of the first floor. Yang Xiaosi will go to the second floor. Anyone who dares disobey will be severely punished!”

The big boss simple announced the new personnel appointments. Shen Zuijin came downstairs, walking in an odd way with her knees turned slightly inward. Still, she quickly made her way to Wu Liniang’s side. The big boss instructed, “Zuijin, you are responsible for choosing five girls from among them. Teach them well how things should be done. As for the rest, leave it to Liu Xiaoqi.”

“Yes, boss!” Shen Zuijin bowed to accept the order, but the look she gave Liu Liwa was full of resentment.

Soon, the big boss left, the thugs dispersed, and Yang Xiaosi looked like he was about to cry. If he had been transferred to the second floor a few days earlier, it would have meant a promotion and a raise. But recently, business on the first floor had been exceptionally booming. Even the usually neglected girls had transformed into celestial maidens, earning mountains of money and generous tips. The guests had become increasingly generous, and the silver tips given to Yang Xiaosi alone exceeded his salary. However, Yang Xiaosi also understood that the reason for the prosperity on the first floor was entirely because of Liu Liwa. He told stories, created celestial maidens, gave the guests a fresh experience, and helped the girls regain their charm. Making money was only natural, and his promotion to foreman was completely justified.

Now, Liu Liwa was at the peak of his power, shining brightly. Yang Xiaosi was also glad that he had chosen the right path earlier. He had not made things difficult for him but had instead become friends. As long as he continued to send mutton and radishes in the future, there would still be good days ahead.

Yang Xiaosi made plans for his own future. At this moment, the big boss had left, and the general manager began to face a dilemma. Shen Zuijin looked at the dozen or so girls in front of her. Each of them, after the earlier cold-blooded and ruthless suppression, was scared out of their wits and trembling all over. Their recent experience made them see the true face of the Pleasure House clearly. It also prompted them to adjust their attitudes and accept their positions. Two paths lay before them. First, smile and accept their fate, enjoy good food and drink, but lose their dignity and self-respect. Second, hold on to their last shred of dignity, go back to washing clothes and cleaning toilets, with the constant risk of starving to death, dying from abuse, or being beaten to death.

Faced with the choice between survival and death, dignity and material comfort, almost everyone leaned towards the former. They lifted their heads one by one, straightened their clothes and hair, and some even forced smiles despite their injuries, hoping to be chosen this time.

Faced with their transformation, Shen Zuijin began to feel troubled. This time, there were only five slots. Who should she choose and who should she not? Should she pick the pretty ones or the ones with positive attitudes? For a moment, she had no idea. Instead, she asked Liu Liwa beside her, “Hey, the boss said you should also choose five men to work as your servants. There are over a dozen people here. How will you choose them?”

Liu Liwa could see she was in a difficult spot and wanted to learn from his method. It did not matter. Seeing that she already had an inward-turning leg stance, he decided to teach her a couple of tricks.

Selection seemed like a difficult problem. For example, when judges pick outstanding contestants from a group, they had to consider many aspects. Even an auntie going to the market to buy vegetables had to compare repeatedly, considering factors like quality, price, and her relationship with Boss Cai.

However, if it was a leader choosing subordinates, it became much simpler. When a boss chooses a secretary, of course, they pick someone pretty and obedient. If they were choosing a male secretary, they would naturally choose someone who could offer money when the leader was short, bring medicine when the leader was sick, smile along when the leader was angry, dance along when the leader sang, clear the way when the leader traveled, intentionally lose at cards when the leader played, keep watch when the leader visited brothels, wear mourning clothes when the leader’s father died, and not report the leader when they did something wrong.

Of course, such subordinates required long-term nurturing. But during the initial selection, the most basic requirements were cleverness and obedience!

So, Liu Liwa glanced at Shen Zuijin, picked up the chair he had thrown earlier without a word, set it upright, lazily sat down, and stretched. “Ah, I have been so tired lately. My back aches, my legs feel sore, and now I am a bit thirsty…”

No one understood why he suddenly said this out of the blue. Shen Zuijin was especially furious, gritting her teeth. This guy had just been promoted and already looked down on everyone. After all, she was still the Hall Manager, his direct superior!

They did not understand because they had no connection to Liu Liwa. But those who were attentive would surely understand. Sure enough, from the group of men about to be chosen by Liu Liwa, four immediately stepped forward. Some had injuries on their faces, some could not even lift their arms, but they all tried hard to put on smiles and diligently divided themselves to massage Liu Liwa’s arms and legs with just the right pressure. They truly were young masters from wealthy families, people who knew how to enjoy life. Conversely, their massage techniques were quite skillful. At this moment, everyone finally caught on. One of them disappeared with the speed of an Olympic runner and soon reappeared with a teacup, smiling cheerfully. “Brother Xiaoqi, this is Longjing tea. It quenches thirst and soothes. Please accept it!”

Indeed, they knew the drill. Liu Liwa was secretly pleased. Holding the teacup, he suddenly realized that this guy was just a water-carrying servant. Where did he get Longjing tea? He urgently asked, “Where did you get this tea?”

The young master smiled faintly, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, “Yesterday, the Intoxication Pavilion received a new batch of good tea. I helped carry it into the kitchen, so I know exactly where it is. Just now, while the kitchen was empty, I went to get some to offer to you, Brother Xiaoqi!”

Wow… Liu Liwa was both surprised and delighted. Someone who could steal for the leader would surely be able to take the blame for the leader in the future. Truly a great talent!

Liu Liwa sipped his tea while the four carefully massaged him. He felt incredibly comfortable. The others watched in astonishment. Their thoughts varied. Many, of course, despised his smug look of a petty person gaining power. But more were envious and admiring, especially the other young masters from the same group. They had all been demoted to servants, sharing the same fate. Yet, in just over ten days, he had become the prime minister’s son again, towering over them. And those five who abandoned their dignity and switched sides—were they not just like how Liu Liwa had curried favor with Yang Xiaosi back then? But from then on, they would not have to carry water or go hungry.

In that moment, Liu Liwa was like a guiding light, illuminating everyone’s hearts. In summary, it all came down to one phrase: adapt to circumstances, know when to yield and when to stand firm, and recognize the current situation to be outstanding.

At the same time, Yang Xiaosi understood that to be a superior, one must first know how to use power for personal gain. Shen Zuijin also understood that when a superior chooses subordinates, they need not pick the most capable ones, but rather those who are beneficial to themselves!