Super Zoo

3A is neither here nor there, tasteless to eat, yet a shame to discard. Suming doesn't dream of a one-time leap to 5A, but rating a 4A wouldn't be bad either.

To be fair, not only does Suming think this way, Mr. He surely also hopes to have a 4A scenic area within his jurisdiction. If he had his way, he'd happily grant the zoo 5A directly. A 5A scenic area can significantly boost the economy and solve employment issues.

However, the current hardware conditions of the zoo do not meet the standards for a 4A rating.

The zoo scenic area includes the original animal zoo landscape, the conservation area in the rear mountain, and if we stretch it, the fishery area of the reservoir and the Dasheng Liquor Industry Zone.

Although the rear mountain has attractions like hot springs and ancient tombs, most are still under construction, and even the roads are not fully repaired yet.

The only attraction that is fully operational is the Ancient Moon Xian Residence. After its completion, with its distinctive ancient charm, not only has the number of visitors surged, making it a signature attraction of the zoo, but it has also been used by several film and television companies as a filming location: the Ancient Moon Xian Residence is a miniature of an ancient, out-of-this-world Taoyuan village. It is perfect for shooting panoramic scenes of historical drama.

Since it is a zoo scenic area, there can't just be architectural attractions; animals must be the main draw.

At present, the variety and number of animals in the zoo are only slightly above second-rate on a national level, still some distance away from top-tier. Although Suming has continuously developed new projects and introduced many rare animals over the past year, and although the zoo's funding has increased sufficiently to support more animals, due to the zoo's previously thin foundations, there is still a significant gap from being a first-class zoo.

To give a more direct comparison, Shu Zoo and Shanghai Wild Animal Park are both national top-tier zoos. These two are rated 4A, but haven't been upgraded to 5A. Communicating with the leaders of these two zoos in the group chat, it seems that getting a zoo rated 5A is an expectation as forlorn as a widow's for her deceased son.

Mr. He analyzed patiently with Suming one by one, it really wasn't that he didn't support the effort, but that the zoo truly wasn't up to par yet.

Not meeting standards isn't something to fear, striving toward meeting them is the way to go. Suming asked, "Then, what can we do? How can we quickly get the zoo up to standard?"

"Either a significant increase in the variety and number of animals, or," Mr. He paused for a few seconds and smiled, "the zoo becoming a unique cultural phenomenon... But I'm afraid it's too late for this time. Neither animal increase nor cultural formation is something that can be accomplished in a short period of time."

Creating a unique culture is easy to say but hard to do. Through the live streaming platform, the zoo has already developed a unique cultural atmosphere, but it's still not enough to warrant an exceptional 5A rating.

Mr. He's words were sensible, and after some thought, Suming realized there was no need for the competent authorities to hold back the zoo. A higher rating for the zoo is a good thing for the tourism bureau as well. Since Mr. He had made himself so clear, it seemed there wasn't much hope for the moment.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. It's better to secure the 3A first, and then figure out a way forward.

After talking with Mr. He for over an hour, the details for the 3A application were settled. A variety of materials were needed, and he specifically left a staff member to work with the zoo office to organize the documents. Suming reciprocated by personally escorting Mr. He to the main entrance of the zoo.

After returning, Suming had to deal with the upcoming conference that Wang Hao would attend and also the matter of the model of spiritual civilization.

For the model of spiritual civilization, Suming initially had three candidates in mind.

Wang Hao, Mrs. Tong, and Shen Yan.

Wang Hao had the closest relationship with himself, having worked with him for the longest time, and his merits and seniority were more than sufficient. However, Wang Hao's identity was a bit sensitive; his father was a high-ranking official. If he were chosen, who knows what others might think? Besides, he'd already represented Suming at a meeting in the capital and had been seen. This ruled him out.@@novelbin@@

As for Mrs. Tong, she had dedicated half her lifetime to the zoo, always diligent and scrupulous. It's not to say she deserves enormous credit, but her dedicated hard work is undeniable, managing the internal politics of the zoo like a major housekeeper, organizing everything in perfect order.

However, precisely because she had been at the zoo for half her life and was older, having seen more of the world, she might not be that enthusiastic about this 'honor title.' Women of her age with such a title aren't many, but also aren't few. If she had to choose, she'd probably prefer a raise in salary over a title.

Shen Yan was different, though.

First, Shen Yan was about the same age as Suming, both young people, and more craving for recognition; second, his previous work in the computer company never promised any chance of a city-level honor. For him, a few thousand in cash bonus would be less meaningful than receiving a title; third, Shen Yan was indeed very capable, satisfying Suming with his technical skills, work attitude, and leadership abilities—worth cultivating as a talent who could take charge in the future.

Young people like him who worked hard aspired to make money, but at the same time, also sought validation. Therefore, after deliberation, Suming finally decided to bestow the title of the model of spiritual civilization to Shen Yan.

As for Suming himself, the 'city model of spiritual civilization' had already lost its significance.

As expected, when Shen Yan heard the news, his usually impassive face, like a circuit board, showed a clear flush of excitement.

"Shen, can't you be a bit more ambitious? It's just a title," Suming patted Shen Yan on the shoulder and joked.

"Mr. Su..." Shen Yan didn't even know what to say, and finally he forced out, "You're not unaware, in college, I never even received an outstanding student award."

Suming knew a bit about Shen Yan's college experience. His family was financially struggling, and he spent all his time in college buried in technical research and working odd jobs to earn money. He rarely interacted with the student council or the school teachers, and he was not the kind of bookworm who only knew how to pass exams; he had strong technical skills, but his grades were just average.

So, although he was capable, he didn't receive any honors or awards over the years; he didn't even manage to join the Party. He didn't say it, but deep down he felt quite frustrated.

"I almost forgot, let's handle your Party membership this time! I'll be your introducer! After you get back, write an application, Mrs. Tong is the Party branch secretary in the Zoo, ask her about the specific process, and don't forget to submit a report every month," Mr. Su said.

...

Shen Yan was in charge of technology, Wang Hao managed marketing, Zhao Yun was the connector of social networks, and then there was Liang Shi, responsible for steady income sources. These people were Suming's most valuable 'financial resources'.

Shen Yan cheerfully left, and next up was Wang Hao.

"Old Wang, in the upcoming live streaming platform meeting you will attend, take one male comrade from Shen Yan's data analysis team to discuss industry conventions. Having solid scientific data as support will make our position more credible; additionally, bring another male comrade from the live streamers. They are frontline workers and are among the most directly affected by the legislation of the convention, so it's necessary to hear their opinions,"

"Why do they all have to be male comrades? God dammit, I'm not into guys, why bring two men?" Wang Hao complained grumpily.

"Cut the crap, you think this is a comedy sketch? Why bring two men, I'll explain later," said Mr. Su, glaring at Wang Hao but first getting to the main point, "Remember this one important principle at the meeting."

"What principle? Is it to completely nail down Boiling Platform so they have no chance to turn things around?" Wang Hao asked.

"Exactly what I'm talking about! Enough with Boiling Platform, remember, any discussion about Boiling Platform during the meeting, don't say a single word, and definitely don't kick them when they're down," Mr. Su instructed.

"Huh? Why is that?" Wang Hao was confused.

"A big platform like Boiling has backers supporting it; completely shutting them down is almost impossible—they can just register a new company and change the facade. Plus, finishing off Boiling in such a life-and-death struggle is of no benefit to us. It's meaningless.

We've already achieved our objective. There's no need to make an enemy of Boiling's backers, and certainly no need to offend the financiers behind all live streaming platforms. That's what I need to emphasize to you."

"Uh-huh… you say…" Wang Hao was lost in thought, seeming to get it but not fully understanding.

"Just remember, we are part of the live streaming platform industry. This affair with Boiling was a forced counterattack, and now that our goal has been reached, we don't want to press them to their doom. Not just Boiling, but Taoyuan Entertainment doesn't wish to have such unpleasantness with any peer ever again," Mr. Su articulated.

Shen Yan walked the technical path, while Wang Hao was on the standard market route, thoroughly seasoned in the ways of the world. With just a casual mention from Mr. Su, he immediately understood Mr. Su's intent.

"Oh, I get it. It's to make other companies nationwide understand that our actions against Boiling were due to a private dispute between two platforms. Boiling struck at us first, and we responded. It was purely a business struggle to avoid making other platforms worry about joining forces against us," Wang Hao realized.

"That's exactly the point," confirmed Mr. Su.

"No worries, I know exactly what to say in the meeting," Wang Hao laughed.

"And hey, wasn't Peng always wanting to visit the capital?" Mr. Su suddenly broached a seemingly unrelated subject.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"How about you show a little heart for her? Take her with you this time, make it a government-funded trip," Mr. Su prodded Wang Hao's plump belly, "Having someone to take care of you eases my mind."

"We've already been in bed, how am I not caring? No wonder you wanted me to bring men. I'll also bring along my future father-in-law, your mentor, Mr. Peng," Wang Hao said with a shrug.

"Good!" Mr. Su nodded. Mr. Peng was getting on in years, his biggest worry was his daughter, accountant Peng. If Suming could create an opportunity, he'd give it a nudge. With someone like Mr. Peng, an old employee, reassured, the zoo would be even more stable and united.

Next, let's check on the big-bellied pandas! Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire