Chapter 177 - 143: Advance to Attack, Retreat to Defend

"This is the only way to maximize your expertise!"

He had even considered how Yang Qi’s current employer would react.

"As for Donghua Zoo, Junior, you don’t need to worry about direct competition. The preliminary location I’ve selected is over in Laishan County."

The Donghua City District is southeast of Cangshan.

Laishan County is to the northwest of Cangshan.

When residents of Laishan County go out for recreation, like visiting a zoo, they mostly go to the neighboring Yongliang City.

That’s because Yongliang is closer.

If a new zoo were built in Laishan, any competition for visitors would be with Yongliang Zoo and Mingguang Zoo.

"Also, Junior, you might be worried about your permanent position."

As if afraid Yang Qi still had reservations, Pang Yunrui continued to offer reassurances. "I did some research. There’s a policy for public institution employees called ’Leave of Absence for Entrepreneurship.’ I don’t know if you’ve heard of it."

"This policy is designed specifically to encourage personnel from public institutions with specialized skills, like you, to start their own businesses or participate in innovative projects while retaining their original permanent position, post, base salary, and social insurance benefits."

"The leave of absence can last for as long as five or six years."

"During that time, it won’t even affect your performance reviews or consideration for promotions at your original workplace."

"So, Junior, you have absolutely no need to worry about losing your permanent position at Donghua Zoo if the new zoo doesn’t do well."

In short, he could advance if he succeeded and retreat if he failed!

After hearing all this, Yang Qi was thoroughly convinced.

His senior had truly done his homework to persuade him, considering every angle and blocking off nearly every possible reason for refusal.

From career prospects, the application of his personal expertise, and guaranteed managerial authority, to avoiding conflict with his current employer and even resolving the biggest worry for someone within the system who decides to "jump into the sea" of private enterprise.

His permanent position and a way out!

"Senior, you win."

Yang Qi exhaled and gave him a thumbs-up. "You’re so well-prepared. I don’t think I can find a reason to say no."

Upon hearing this, Pang Yunrui’s eyes lit up.

"But I have two points to make."

Yang Qi said seriously, "First, the new zoo. I’m fine with it being primarily commercial, but any performances must be initiated by the animals themselves. They should be playful in nature, and we can’t force them."

"A zoo is a place for people to understand and protect animals, and in doing so, protect the ecosystem. It’s not a place just for watching animal shows!"

"Of course."

Pang Yunrui nodded. "We’re opening a zoo, not a circus. You can rest assured on that point, Junior. You’ll have the final say on everything."

"Second, the people we hire must have no connection to your Dazhuang Group."

Yang Qi said bluntly, "I can’t stand nepotism!"

"Haha, I can’t stand nepotism either."

Pang Yunrui laughed and agreed. "You can rest easy on that point too, Junior. The team I’m putting together is new and has no ties to the group."

"One last question."

Yang Qi continued, "Opening a private zoo, especially the kind you envision with high standards, unique animals, and top-tier facilities, requires a significant amount of startup capital and follow-up investment."

"A halfway decent one would probably require an initial investment of tens of millions, or even over a hundred million. That money..."

"Money isn’t an issue."

Pang Yunrui cut Yang Qi off, his tone as casual as if he were commenting on the weather. "I have six ’small goals.’ It’s a ’startup fund’ my dad gave me when I graduated from college. It’s just been sitting in the bank collecting interest, untouched."

"That’s more than enough for the startup capital. If it’s not enough later on, Dazhuang Group will just invest more."

Yang Qi was speechless.

He opened his mouth, but for a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

’Rich dog?’

’No, he’s not just rich, he’s a damn... No, a tycoon!’

’So rich it’s inhuman!’

’Six hundred million in "pocket money" just gathering dust in a bank?’

’Now *that’s* what you call a real "small goal"!’

Seeing the look of sheer shock from the "power of money" on Yang Qi’s face, Pang Yunrui laughed heartily. "So? Funding, personnel, animals—all taken care of. Can I get a ’yes’ now, Director Yang?"

Yang Qi collected himself. Since the most critical temptation—his "identity"—and his biggest practical concerns had both been resolved, what reason did he have to refuse?

This was practically a golden path paved for him by the system!

He immediately stood up, clasped his fists toward Pang Yunrui, and said half-jokingly, half-seriously, "Since everything’s settled, I’ll be in your care from now on, Boss Pang. I’ll do my utmost to ensure your investment doesn’t go down the drain!"

"I’m not the one who needs to take care of you."

Pang Yunrui also stood up, laughing, and clapped Yang Qi on the shoulder. "You’re a boss too! Junior, I’m not just hiring you as an employee. For the new zoo, you’ll contribute your expertise as equity. I’ll give you thirty percent of the shares."

’Shares?’

Yang Qi’s heart skipped a beat when he heard this. He quickly waved his hands in refusal. "No, no, absolutely not. I can’t accept any shares."

"Senior, I’m already grateful that you’re giving me this platform to realize my ambitions. I don’t deserve any shares. Just hire me as the director and give me a high salary. You really don’t need to give me equity."

’Thirty percent?’

That meant with Pang Yunrui investing six hundred million, he would be getting assets worth nearly two hundred million out of thin air.

The gift was too generous. Yang Qi didn’t want to owe such a huge favor.

"Of course, the salary won’t be low, but you must have shares as well."

But Pang Yunrui was insistent. "Without shares, you’re just a high-level employee. You might not truly treat the zoo as your own business and give it your all."

"With shares, you’re one of the owners. The zoo’s success or failure will be directly tied to your personal interests, so you’ll be more invested."