Zi Ye possessed a broader life experience than Ling Yin or Tang Wan, making her quite accepting of eccentrics like Yun Lan. "Don't worry, we'll give him a professional test tomorrow to see where he stands. His character is actually quite good; he has nerve."

Tang Wan was noncommittal. "Rushing up to shake hands the moment he sees a girl—is that nerve?"

Zi Ye knew Tang Wan had formed a poor initial impression of Yun Lan and harbored some reservations, so she smiled by way of explanation. "I hadn't met him before. When I told him we were establishing a Mecha Group and wanted him as our designer, he dared to drop everything and rush over. That kind of boldness is truly commendable."

Tang Wan pursed her lips. "That still doesn't prove anything."

Zi Ye countered, "Exactly. That's why An Jun Lie was tasked with picking him up. And he acted completely naturally in front of An Jun Lie—neither overly flattered nor overly insecure. That, too, is a form of nerve."

Tang Wan shot a sidelong glance at Yun Lan. He wasn't just unconcerned; he was supremely indifferent, easily becoming chummy with Xiao Hei and Xiao Bai, completely uninhibited.

Zi Ye saw through her thoughts and chuckled lightly. "You think his appearance is lacking?"

Tang Wan nodded. "More than lacking—he has no image whatsoever. If he were in the Tang Clan, he would have been beaten into a pulp long ago."

Speaking of the Tang Clan, Zi Ye couldn't help but recall Tang Wen, who was always dressed like a celebrity, and shook her head slightly. "The Wolf's Den is different from the Tang Clan. The Tang Clan is highly developed, so high standards for etiquette are normal. The Wolf's Den is a prison... no, it's a grassroots legion. Everyone here has struggled in the lower echelons of society. As long as you have ability, any oddity can be accommodated among us."

As Zi Ye spoke, her heart felt as clear as a mirror.

Yes, precisely because of this, she could live so freely in the Wolf's Den.

She loved this feeling of being unbound.

This was the life that those who had spent too long on Silver Rune Star sought: being their best selves, working with comrades, and building a homeland together.

Ling Yin listened silently, then remarked with feeling, "I finally understand something."

Zi Ye looked at her. "Tell me what it is."

Ling Yin smiled. "Haven't many experts been studying the reasons for the success of the Budding Sprout Group over the past two years? They believe the Budding Sprout Group must have some secret, otherwise, such chaotic management shouldn't have achieved success."

The chaotic management of the Budding Sprout Group was widely known because it had been featured in the annual Business Weekly as the biggest cautionary tale.

A reporter went to interview Blackbeard, but he said nothing, merely releasing the second half of the year's work report.

The report, spanning only a few thousand words, contained one key idea: The Budding Sprout Group always left sufficient room for employee innovation. The group's annual assessment targets were set, but they only supervised the results, allowing freedom in the process.

Zi Ye spread her hands. "The Budding Sprout Group truly has no secret."

Ling Yin said, "If it were before, I wouldn't have believed it, but now I do. Based on my conjecture, the Budding Sprout Group probably isn't chaotic, but rather its style of operation is quite open—what the CEO calls 'free play.'"

Zi Ye nodded, suddenly remembering something. "You're due for graduation internships this year. Have you decided where to go?"

Ling Yin asked, "Why? Do you have a good suggestion?"

Zi Ye chuckled slyly. "You have good insight. If you haven't picked a good corporation yet, you can consider spending a few months at the Budding Sprout Group to gain some experience before managing the Budding Sprout Junior Group."

Ling Yin nearly jumped up.

Xie Er staggered over, clearly a bit tipsy, his eyes blurry. "What are you girls up to?"

Ling Yin placed a hand on his head and pushed him back towards Xiao Hei, exclaiming with surprise, "Really?"

Zi Ye nodded. "Go straight in to learn how to be a general manager. It should suit you well."

Ling Yin laughed so hard she was nearly foolish, hugging Zi Ye's side and rocking back and forth. "Zi Ye, I love you so much!"

Zi Ye smiled gently. "If possible, perhaps skip the volunteer work for now and shadow Sha Xinni. She manages the beauty salon; she should have plenty of experience to share."

Ling Yin was ecstatic, flashing a bold smile at Xiao Hei. "Bring the wine!" Tang Wan watched Ling Yin so quickly integrate into the 'guy' group, looking completely at ease, and pouted pitifully. "Xiao Ye Zi, if you let her be a manager, what about me?"

Zi Ye asked, "Do you want to be one too?"

Tang Wan puffed out her cheeks. "I know I can't be one right now, but still..."

Tang Wan was fundamentally quite rational and understood the difference between herself and Ling Yin.

Ling Yin had founded her own club in her freshman year and made it thrive. After partnering with Bobo in her sophomore year, she gained an in-depth understanding of the high-level operations of the Interstellar Federation. By her junior year, she had recruited many followers, and nearly every project she managed was a success. In her senior year, her volunteer activities were equally enthusiastic.

She studied business operations and was a top student at Lingsi; ability was not an issue.

As for Tang Wan, before meeting Zi Ye, she had been excessively sheltered by her family.

Zi Ye patted her shoulder. "Isn't it good to be by my side?"

Tang Wan nodded with puffed cheeks. "It is."

Zi Ye explained, "Ling Yin is suited for the commercial path, so I'm letting her be a manager. Your specialty isn't commerce, but rather overall strategic vision. After the break, go get your pilot's license, and you can be in charge of strategic weapon coordination, alright?"

Only then did Tang Wan smile, hugging Zi Ye tightly. "Xiao Ye Zi, you are the best!"

That evening, Xiao Hei directly booked a room at the Li Gong Hotel, had a robot toss Yun Lan inside, and the whole group headed home in a grand procession.

The next morning, Zi Ye sent a formal email to Yun Lan containing only one test question: The Wolf's Den will feature mechas as escorts during next year's warship exhibition. Design an appropriate escort mecha.

After sending it, Zi Ye leisurely took Xiao Dou Ya to class.

An Jun Lie was currently auditing courses on legion management and wasn't with her.

After school, Zi Ye detoured to the library to find Bronan and give him the bank card containing the average share of the profits.

Bronan sat in his usual spot, smiling benevolently. "I won't take this card."

Zi Ye hurried to explain, "You helped us so much in making this energy panel; it's only right that you get a share of the money. Please accept it!"

Bronan merely smiled. "How are you spending this money of yours?"

Zi Ye replied, "The team members decided to pool our money to establish a corporate group, so we've invested it all."

Bronan said, "Then help me invest mine in it as well."

Zi Ye pondered briefly. "Alright, then I'll thank you on behalf of all the partners first. I'll send you the shareholder contract shortly."

Bronan's face remained calm and unruffled. "Dispose of it as you see fit."

Zi Ye could tell he didn't place much value on money, so she didn't dwell on the issue, changing the topic. "I have an impertinent request: I would like to invite you to be the Wolf's Den Legion's Strategic Weapon Consultant."

Bronan gazed at her steadily for three seconds, then chuckled. "Zi Ye, you don't need to be so formal. Tang Shan is my good friend. You are his granddaughter; if you don't mind, you can call me Grandpa."

-RS