Reborn in 2008: All My Employees Are Suit-Wearing Thugs

Back in 2008, Shen Du took over a security company on the brink of bankruptcy, one that was about to become a prime target in a crackdown on organized crime.

Looking at the hundred-odd men under his command, their arms covered in tattoos and their only skills fighting and brawling, Shen Du waved a hand. “Times have changed. Put down the knives, put on black suits, and come with me into the internet takeout business!”

To boost efficiency, Shen Du introduced the strictest, most cutthroat performance reviews.

But he never expected these tough guys, most of them poorly educated, to interpret corporate management in such an aggressively literal way.

A competitor tries to sabotage them? Three hundred six-foot-plus men in suits line up in front of the shady shop and bow in unison. “Boss, your order preparation speed fails to meet our company’s KPIs. We’ll be staying here to supervise and support you!” Their competitors are so terrified they clear out of the market overnight.

A customer leaves a malicious bad review? The customer service department’s enforcer pays a late-night visit, fixes the customer’s plumbing with a smile, and politely asks, “Dear customer, are you satisfied with our service now?”

Years later, after takeout, errands, and ride-hailing have all been monopolized, a colossal business empire called Heguang takes the world by storm.

In an interview, Shen Du spreads his hands helplessly. “When I started, I really just wanted them to earn an honest living for their hard work...”