Upon hearing the Zhang Family Old Master's derisive remark pinpointing the fatal flaw in Xu Hao's idealism, everyone fell silent.

Indeed!

Even if Xu Hao's company offered better benefits, what of it?

He could never provide good job positions for everyone.

However, Xu Hao remained unflustered, his tone resolute as he said, "Perhaps I cannot employ everyone at my conglomerate, but I can initiate a trend, a trend of wage increases."

"Hmph! Naive boy, spouting nothing but nonsense!"

The Zhang Family Old Master disdainfully said, "You are courting disaster on a massive scale. By doing this, aren't you afraid other companies will band together to crush you?"

"When have I, Xu Hao, ever feared others?" Xu Hao retorted coldly, "Anyone who's displeased with me and wants to crush me, just let them come. I will take it all upon myself!"

Xu Hao's words instantly inspired countless people behind him.

Their gaze towards Xu Hao changed.

Initially, many people thought that although Xu Hao was different from the scions of noble houses, they were aware that he might have come here to win people over and to take revenge on the Zhang Family.

But now, they no longer believed that.

How could someone who spoke such words be so calculating?

Even if there were any ulterior motives, many felt that Xu Hao truly had everyone's interests at heart; otherwise, he wouldn't have implemented those welfare measures in North district three.

Once Xu Hao declared these statements, if he acted on them, he would inevitably stand against those vested interests and become hostile with the large families.

If he did not act as he had declared, then he would be betraying his own words and opposing the general populace, while those noble families would delight in his misfortune and perhaps even kick him while he was down.

Therefore, now that Xu Hao had pronounced these words, he must strive to fulfill them, or else he would displease all sides.

Xiao Lan lifted her head up to look at Xu Hao, her eyes filled with surprise, amazement, and admiration …

"Young Master Xu, you still have us behind you!" a young man shouted excitedly, "Before, my life was so strained with mortgage and car loans pressing down on me, I could barely breathe. Since you've unified and raised our wages, my quality of life has markedly improved."

"Yes! Young Master Xu, as long as you are willing to seek welfare for us ordinary people, then I will always support you!"

"I ain't much educated and don't know what to say, but I want to say, I feel the same way!"

One after another, people began to voice their support, rallying behind Xu Hao.

Seeing the ever-rising wave of support, Zhang Tian's expression finally changed.

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When the voices reached their peak, Zhang Tian could no longer hold back and snorted coldly, "Is it just about raising wages? Do you think the Zhang Family can't do that? Starting now, all wages in the positions across Zhang Family businesses will increase by fifteen percent!"

Upon hearing Zhang Tian's announcement, many Zhang family members felt displeased.

Why must they yield to these foolish and lowly people?!

Yet, upon hearing Zhang Tian's words, everyone spontaneously cheered.

Their greatest goal had always been a wage increase.

Now that their wish was granted, of course, they would cheer and rejoice.

Moreover, he had suddenly offered an increase of fifteen percent, which was more than the ten percent increase at Xu Hao's own conglomerate, and the increments in North districts three and four paled in comparison to this fifteen percent.

Zhang Tian smirked, "See that, Xu Hao? Acting as if you are the only one who can win people over."

He looked at the crowd and shouted, "Now, those of you who are working in my Zhang Family businesses, is there anyone else who wants to leave? I would very much welcome your departure!"

However, the place went completely silent.

Zhang Tian burst into laughter, and the Zhang family members laughed even more heartily, some even pointing at Xu Hao and jeering.

Those who were previously righteously indignant against the Zhang Family now fell silent one by one.

All this was because the Zhang Family offered greater benefits.

Zhang Tian laughed heartily, "Haha! Xu Hao, look, see, this is the crowd you lead to oppose our Zhang Family. I just offered a little small gain, and I've completely dismantled their opposition. This is hilarious! Are you kidding me?"

"Hmph! No matter how many people, they cannot bring down our Zhang Family; this rabble is nothing but a joke!" laughed a member of the Zhang Family.

They mocked and ridiculed Xu Hao relentlessly, sparing no effort in their sarcasm.

Just then, a young man who looked like a student said, "Everyone, don't be fooled by Zhang Tian! He's playing tricks! Today we might have forced him to raise wages by leveraging Young Master Xu's influence, but tomorrow he will use all sorts of means to lower your wages, such as nitpicking faults to dock your pay, or making you download apps under various pretexts while they earn from ads, yet you won't see a penny. If you don't comply? Well, sorry, but this will affect your performance evaluation…"

Upon hearing the young man's analysis, everyone suddenly realized.

Zhang Tian's move was a mere delaying tactic, a scam!