Chapter 398: Investors

The host quickly moved to the next category.

[Early Bird Award]

"This is for the employee who somehow arrives before everyone else every single day." the host announced.

The nominees appeared on the screen. The moment the names showed up, several employees immediately pointed toward one table.

"Oh, it’s definitely him."

"No question."

A few seconds later, the winner’s name appeared.

[Winner: Lion Rivera]

The entire venue clapped at it.

"WOOOO!"

"I KNEW IT!"

Lion, who had been quietly drinking water, nearly choked. He looked like he wanted to disappear from embarrassment.

The crowd laughed as he reluctantly walked up to receive his small plaque and gift bag.

The host continued with the next award.

[Customer Favorite Award]

"This award goes to the employee who somehow manages to befriend every customer that enters the store."

The screen displayed several nominees.

When the winner appeared, the employee immediately covered her face.

The woman was practically dragged to the stage by her coworkers while everyone cheered.

With it, one award followed another.

[Most Helpful Coworker Award]

[Fastest Stocking Award]

[Most Improved Employee Award]

[Best Team Spirit Award]

Each winner received a small prize, a certificate, and a photo on the giant screen.

The awards were well-thought of that it made the atmosphere around more energetic. Even the suppliers and partner brands were enjoying themselves.

The awards themselves weren’t huge, but they made people feel recognized. And Gray could clearly see how much it meant to everyone.

Some employees who rarely received attention during normal work hours were now standing under spotlights while hundreds of people applauded for them.

That alone made the segment worthwhile. Eventually, the host looked at his cue cards and smiled.

"Now then." The crowd immediately quieted down.

The host looked around the venue before smiling. "Let’s give all of our award winners one more round of applause!"

The hall responded instantly.

Clap!

Clap!

Clap!

Cheers and whistles echoed throughout the room as the winners proudly raised their plaques and certificates.

"Congratulations, everyone!"

"You deserved it!"

"Good job!"

The applause lasted several more seconds before the host finally continued.

"And now... the moment many of you have been waiting for."

The giant screen behind him changed and a beautiful image of the buffet appeared. With it, the crowd immediately cheered.

"Finally!"

"There’s food!"

"I’m starving already."

The host shook his head when he heard that, "I haven’t even finished speaking yet!"

"As I was saying, dinner is officially served." The host dramatically sighed.

That was all the employees needed to hear. Gray couldn’t stop himself from laughing as he watched the chaos unfold.

Before it even went worse, the host asked everyone to settle down. The tables would be called before lining up.

Meanwhile, the suppliers and the Vips were served their own foods that was plated well-enough for finness.

While waiting, employees from the two branches started chatting while lining up for food. The catering area became the busiest place in the entire venue.

Fortunately, the catering team worked efficiently, serving plate after plate while the employees excitedly examined every dish available.

"Get some of that."

"No, get me some of that."

"This looks good."

"We even have rib eye!"

The employees looked obviously happy at all the selection they have.

Gray was just looking at everyone on his head. He was already eating at his table, together with the others.

"Mr. Gray."

Gray looked up. He had barely taken a few bites when one of the suppliers raised his glass to him.

"Congratulations." The man smiled warmly.

Several others immediately nodded in agreement.

"Congratulations."

"You’ve done an excellent job."

"I applaud you. Your employees are all lively."

"Thank you, thank you," Gray replied sincerely.

"I’m curious." One of the partner brand representatives leaned forward slightly.

"Hm?" Gray turned to that person.

"What are your plans for next year?"

Gray paused for a moment when he heard that. He noticed that the question immediately attracted the attention of several people at the table.

"Well," Gray said after considering it.

"The priority is still stability."

A few executives nodded approvingly.

"The second branch is doing well, so I’m thinking of opening up another branch now in another city."

"The second branch is doing well, so I’m thinking of opening up another branch now in another city." The moment those words left Gray’s mouth, several people at the table immediately became interested.

"Oh?"

"A third branch already?"

"That’s faster than I expected."

Gray chuckled when he saw their reactions.

"It’s only a plan for now."

"But you’re considering it," one executive pointed out.

"Considering it," Gray admitted.

The representative from one of the partner brands leaned forward slightly.

"Have you already decided on a location?"

"Not yet."

"Any cities in mind?"

"I have a few." Gray kept it vague. He didn’t want to reveal everything tonight, especially since nothing had been finalized yet.

The executives understood that so they didn’t ask further. Still, the fact that he was already considering expansion was enough to capture their attention.

"You know, if you move forward with that plan, I don’t think you’ll have trouble finding support." One supplier smiled.

Several others nodded that Gray could only smile helplessly at that.

A few months ago, nobody would’ve said things like this about him. Now people were treating him like an actual businessman. It still felt strange sometimes.

"Out of curiosity." One of the executives swirled his drink before speaking.

"Hm?"

"Would you be open to investors?"

The table suddenly became quiet. Several people immediately looked toward Gray.

"If you decide to open investment opportunities, I’d definitely be interested." Then another person spoke.

"Same here."

"I’d be willing to look at the proposal."

"Me too."

One after another, several people at the table voiced their interest which made Gray genuinely surprised.

He knew that these weren’t small investors. Some of these people manage businesses larger than his. Yet all of them seemed interested.

When Gray saw everyone’s eyes were on him now, he just chuckled.

"I will definitely inform everyone about it once the plan is finalized."