WWFILABR 111 to120

 Chapter 111: Love Can Hardly Be Hidden

TL: Etude

Every word from Cao Xingyue seemed like a veiled hint, suffocating Jiang Qin a little.

Indeed, you’re innocent, you have no ulterior motives, but why would you give a gift? For a birthday or the New Year?

Jiang Qin agreed with her words but not entirely. Not all gifts had a purpose. What’s wrong with wanting to cheer up a friend? Could all the gifts in the world stem from affection? It didn’t make sense, not at all.

These darn university students, all their minds occupied with love and romance.

He was a man in his thirties, having tasted more salt than the roads she had traveled. Listening to her babble and take her advice would be like asking for trouble. After returning to the dormitory, it was already late. Only Old Zhou was there, eating a hand-grabbed pancake while reading a novel on his phone, the crunching and clicking sounds unceasing.

The first crunch was from biting the pancake, the second click from pressing the page-turn button. The two sounds intertwined, creating a distinct rhythm.

“How come you’re the only one here? Where are the others?” Jiang Qin asked, puzzled by the dim and empty dormitory.

Zhou Chao chuckled: “Ren Ziqiang went to see his god-sister.”

“And Old Cao isn’t here either?”

“Old Cao went out. He was acting weird when he left, even sprayed himself with perfume. Brother Jiang, I remember after you doused him during the military training, he hasn’t used perfume since.”

“Could he be in love?” Jiang Qin thought of a possibility.

Zhou Chao abruptly sat up from the bed: “Impossible, aside from you, I’m definitely the first one in this dorm to get a girlfriend!”

“Don’t exclude me, I’m single too!” Jiang Qin felt both Zhou Chao and Cao Xingyue, and everyone else in the world, were blind.

“Being single, what’s there to be agitated about…”

Jiang Qin glanced at him: “So, do you have someone in mind?”

“Yeah, I recently met a senior, a sophomore. She’s gentle and cute, speaks very softly,” Zhou Chao said animatedly.

“What’s her name? Do I know her?”

“I definitely can’t tell her name. I’m not like Old Ren. It’d be embarrassing if I can’t win her over, but I can tell you her nickname, Yanzi.”

Upon hearing this name, Jiang Qin immediately laughed: “Then you’re doomed. No one in this world can catch up with a ‘swallow’.” (Yanzi means swallow)

“??????”

Jiang Qin climbed onto his bed and started a casual chat with Zhou Chao. Shortly after, Cao Guangyu walked in, radiating happiness and excitement, obviously in love.

No need to ask, it was evident. His face beaming, anyone could see it.

It was hilarious. People, can you really believe someone in love can remain calm without showing it?

But Jiang Qin wasn’t overly curious. After all, they were dorm mates who saw each other every day. If Cao’s relationship was stable, he would surely share it eventually.

That guy couldn’t keep secrets and was quite showy. If he had a girlfriend, he would have already been shouting about it in the dormitory. For now, it seemed like they were still in the ambiguous stage.

Before long, Wednesday arrived.

Today, Financial Class 3 only had two afternoon classes, so Jiang Qin took Fang Xiaoxuan to the University of Science and Technology.

Guo Zihang was already waiting at the school gate early in the morning and then guided Jiang Qin to the small square in front of the male dormitories.

Well, the location was quite secluded, situated behind the eight dormitory buildings, with a small basketball court in between. It was a place rarely visited by students apart from the boys.

Jiang Qin specifically asked a few passing girls about it, and seven out of ten didn’t even know there was a small square there.

“Business is indeed not great.”

“This is only during the daytime. At night, there are still a lot of people here,” Guo Zihang struggled to argue.

Jiang Qin shook his head. It was evident whether the business was good or not. Besides, that place was too remote to recreate the atmosphere of a bustling square: “Let’s go and check out the female dormitory area.”

“Should we drive there?”

“You’re always trying to show off!”

Jiang Qin spat in jest but still drove to the female dormitory of Linchuan University of Science and Technology.

This area was obviously busier than the male dormitory. Though lacking proper seating areas, the ground floor was crowded with numerous small stools and tables, with people chatting and playing cards, both men and women, in countless numbers.

“What do you think, Xiaoxuan?”

“Boss, I think this place is more suitable for a bubble tea shop. The previous spot was too secluded. No one would go that far just for a bubble tea, even if it’s the best in the world,” Fang Xiaoxuan opined, her education may not be high, but her years of experience had honed her business acumen.

Jiang Qin nodded, agreeing with her.

Bubble tea isn’t a basic necessity of life. Relying solely on hype, even if it initially attracts customers, wouldn’t sustain the business in the long run.

“Have you tried Xi Tian bubble tea? It’s really popular.”

“Really? Let’s go try it.”

“How about we go get Xi Tian bubble tea?”

“No, it’s too far. I tried it once before; let’s skip it this time.”

So, if Xi Tian opened near the male dormitory, it would likely face initial popularity followed by a rapid decline.

Jiang Qin mentally crossed off the idea of opening near the male dormitory but was still indecisive about whether to open the shop here.

A location already doing good business has lower advertising needs.

“Why would I advertise to attract more customers when I’m already too busy to meet current demand? If I have a thousand customers a day but can only make eight hundred cups of bubble tea, even with two thousand customers, I can only earn from those eight hundred cups. Isn’t spending on advertising then a waste?”

However, the lack of a seating area in the female dormitory could be an angle to work with.

Just then, a short-haired girl approached from the dormitory, and Guo Zihang quickly went to meet her. After a brief conversation, they walked over to Jiang Qin.

“Old Jiang, let me introduce you. This is our senior, Cui Yating.”

“Hello.”

“Hello, I’m Jiang Qin.” Jiang Qin’s self-introduction was always brief.

Cui Yating was curious: “What are you guys doing?”

“We’re exploring the University of Science and Technology, seeing what’s different from our university,” Jiang Qin replied with a slight smile.

“Our University of Science and Technology isn’t as beautiful as yours. We have half the area, and even our infrastructure can’t compare.”

Guo Zihang didn’t understand why Jiang Qin didn’t mention the bubble tea shop, thinking it would be more impressive to talk about it.

Jiang Qin knew his thoughts but couldn’t help but internally curse at the foolishness.

Boasting in front of a girl about your friend having an Audi, owning a bubble tea shop, being handsome, and exuding an elite aura would only make the girl ask for your friend’s QQ number, not yours.

So, if it wasn’t your achievement, better not to boast about it.

Afterwards, Jiang Qin concluded his inspection and went to have a meal at the University of Science and Technology’s cafeteria with Old Guo and others.

As the host, Guo Zihang was naturally supposed to treat them to the meal. The cafeteria wasn’t expensive, so he went ahead energetically.

Fang Xiaoxuan, thinking of serving her boss, asked Jiang Qin what he wanted to eat and followed Guo Zihang, leaving Jiang Qin and Cui Yating alone.

“Your girlfriend isn’t very pretty, not a good match for you,” Cui Yating suddenly spoke after the two left.

Jiang Qin smiled faintly: “Liking each other is what matters.”

“Of course liking each other matters in a relationship, but for a long-lasting relationship, being well-matched is important. You can afford an Audi, which shows your family is well-off. But that girl, she’s all in knock-offs, her family background must not be good, right?”

“I’m also in knock-offs.”

Cui Yating pouted: “People who drive Audis and wear knock-offs are being down-to-earth, you know?”

“You make a good point, senior, but there are always special cases.”

“Like what?”

Jiang Qin lowered his voice: “For instance, my Audi is rented, just to impress girls at your university.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Guo Zihang came over eagerly. He didn’t have much for living expenses but liked to show off, ordering a lavish meal with four meat dishes, three vegetarian, plus chicken soup.

Jiang Qin wasn’t picky about food and would eat whatever was available, but Cui Yating left carrots, green peppers, and celery sticks untouched on her plate, only picking out the meat.

Seeing this, Jiang Qin laughed to himself, thinking if Old Guo ended up with her, he might turn into a rabbit in the long run.

In the afternoon, Cui Yating returned to her dormitory, and Guo Zihang escorted Jiang Qin and the others to the school gate.

“Old Jiang, what do you think of Cui Yating?”

“It’s hard to say with such a short interaction. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, but she’s definitely more cunning than you and cares a lot about being well-matched. I think you should first understand her family background. If the gap is too big, it’s better to let it go.”

After listening, Guo Zihang nodded, taking Jiang Qin’s advice to heart. He respected his ‘godfather,’ who could easily spend tens of thousands and even won over Feng Nanshu. His advice was worth considering. But speaking of family background, Old Guo had his doubts.

“Your family doesn’t match Feng Nanshu’s either. It might be tough after marriage.”

“????????”

“I have a cousin who married into a wealthier family. He was happy at first, saying the house and car were gifts from his father-in-law. But after a few years, it went downhill, with his wife frequently running back to her parents’ home.”

“Get lost, do I need your advice?”

Jiang Qin’s smile vanished, his face turning cold. He stepped on the gas and drove out of Linchuan University of Science and Technology.

Chapter 112: The Spendthrift Boss Lady!

TL: Etude

On a sunny, clear Friday afternoon, Jiang Qin arrived at the Entrepreneurship Center. As soon as he entered, he encountered a girl with straight bangs in the corridor. Wearing an orange turtleneck sweater and black-framed glasses, she cheerfully greeted him as “senior” before entering the main office.

Jiang Qin was familiar with most people in the building but had never seen this girl. After pondering, he realized she must be one of those who had replaced the senior known for watching TV.

Newcomers were coming in twos and threes, mostly juniors. It seemed like Senior Cao had finally made it through and was probably freeing up time for her love life.

Passing by the main office without disturbing the three figures engaged in conversation inside, Jiang Qin pushed open the door to Room 208.

Inside, along with Pang Hai, were Su Nai, Dong Wenhao, Lu Xuemei, Shi Miaomiao, Lu Feiyu, Dong Miaomiao, and ten others. They had received Jiang Qin’s message about a meeting and were waiting for his return.

In Room 208, Jiang Qin wasted no time and got straight to the point.

“The traffic from Linchuan University has reached saturation, and the retention rate is good. The number of advertisers is steadily increasing, so we can ease off a bit and don’t need to monitor it daily.”

“We’re about to start promoting at the University of Science and Technology. We’ve discussed this before, and I believe everyone is prepared.”

“I’m still scouting locations for Xi Tian, and while there’s no rush, you should be ready to avoid any last-minute chaos.”

“The University of Science and Technology isn’t far from Linchuan University, so for the preliminary work, I’ve decided to use our own team. You’re already familiar with the competition’s routines and can adapt quickly.”

“If anyone has issues with time or transportation, let me know in advance, and I’ll make a note of it.”

“This initial phase might take about a week, possibly requiring several trips. Transportation and meal allowances will be included in your salaries.”

“Additionally, Su Nai, choose someone from your tech team to temporarily lead it. Dong Wenhao will be in overall charge, coordinating with the promotion plan at the University of Science and Technology.”

“Eh, what about me? What will I do?” Su Nai was alarmed at suddenly being stripped of her authority.

Jiang Qin frowned at her. “What’s the matter, scared? That’s for watching movies in the office every day!”

Lu Xuemei immediately raised her hand, wanting to defend Su Nai: “Boss, I can vouch for Senior Su Nai. She never watched movies in the office. I’ve never heard any sound from her computer!”

“She watches movies that don’t let others hear the sound.”

“??????”

Jiang Qin coughed and brought the conversation back on track: “Su Nai, don’t worry. You’re stepping down from the tech group because there’s something else you need to do.”

Relieved yet curious, Su Nai asked, “What is it, boss?”

“You’ll be working with me on researching another project.”

“Why suddenly start another project?”

“Our forum’s monetization capability is weak. Our only revenue stream is advertising, which has its limits. We’re booked until next year, and squeezing more out is tough. We need to develop a new revenue model. We can’t just sit and deplete our resources.”

Jiang Qin didn’t elaborate, mainly because he didn’t have a concrete plan yet. Not being tech-savvy, his first task was for Su Nai to assess the difficulty. They would then formulate a feasible plan.

“Boss, what’s the direction of the new project?”

“Group buying website.”

Su Nai was momentarily taken aback. “Isn’t that the previous project of Room 208? Didn’t it fail?”

“We definitely can’t follow the old path of the previous group buying website. I’m thinking of something similar but different,” Jiang Qin replied.

“Oh, I see,” Su Nai nodded, only half-understanding but not asking further. She was used to just doing as Jiang Qin said.

“Next, let’s talk about the specific promotional steps for the Zhihu Forum’s project at the University of Science and Technology,” Jiang Qin said, tapping his pen on the table. “Take notes if you need to, and don’t interrupt me until I’m finished.”

Hearing this, everyone sat up straight, ready to take notes. After their experience with the Campus Beauty Contest, they had a good understanding of their boss’s methods.

The boss’s mind was like a machine, perfectly outlining all directions and possibilities, then offering the optimal path and details. They just needed to follow his plan, and they would hit the target.

“Boss, I need to use the restroom first!” Lu Feiyu suddenly stood up.

Jiang Qin looked annoyed, “Hurry up, there won’t be any breaks later!”

“Got it.”

Lu Feiyu rushed out to the restroom and returned, looking relieved, “Okay, I’m ready. Go ahead!”

“Am I the boss or are you? You really have no sense of boundaries,” Jiang Qin grumbled, then began to assign tasks.

“Lanlan, collect information on merchants near the University of Science and Technology and summarize it for me.”

“Old Dong, your main task is to contact the Literature Club at the University of Science and Technology, similar to how you were discovered. Find a group of content creators familiar with their environment.”

“Also, the content team’s recent topics have been too limited to Linchuan University. Stop that for now and look for topics that all university students would be interested in.”

“As for the tech department, find a way to optimize the registration system. The current method is too complicated.”

Su Nai couldn’t help but speak up, “Boss, phone numbers and emails are essential. If we simplify it further, one person could create countless accounts, making management impossible.”

“Your registration system doesn’t need to require a phone number initially. Just add a rule later that without a phone number, users can’t post or comment. First, get the registration rate up; retaining users will be the content team’s concern!”

“Oh,” Su Nai responded, a bit disheartened.

Dong Wenhao felt overwhelmed, thinking, ‘Why am I suddenly responsible for so much without prior notice?’

“Don’t interrupt me again. I have one last point to make…”

As Jiang Qin was speaking, the door to Room 208 creaked open.

A delicate hand gently pushed the wooden door, causing Jiang Qin’s expression to instantly darken, his brows furrowed tightly.

He disliked being interrupted because it also interrupted his own thought process. It was troublesome to pick up where he left off, and he was already irritable from being interrupted once.

“Jiang Qin.” Feng Nanshu peeked in with her delicate face.

Jiang Qin paused for a moment, “Why are you here?”

“I bought some fruit,” Feng Nanshu stepped in, carrying two bags of fruit.

Hearing this, the employees, still in the meeting, couldn’t sit still anymore. They eagerly approached, calling her “boss lady” and taking the bags from her hands.

Who would fear the boss when the boss lady was around?

As they hurriedly opened the bags, they found premium-quality green grapes, mangosteens, strawberries, and pomegranates, all seemingly expensive.

Feng Nanshu’s hands, slightly reddened and marked from carrying the bags, clenched into fists, hidden from view.

“Feng Nanshu, you’re such a spendth…”

Jiang Qin halted mid-sentence, quickly retracting the word ‘family’ back into his mouth, his face showing a mixture of relief and panic as he patted his chest. (TL 败 + 家 (family) = spendthrift)

Meanwhile, Feng Nanshu blinked her clear eyes in confusion, her pretty face filled with bewilderment and inquiry.

“Didn’t I tell you not to follow Gao Wenhui’s bad example?” Jiang Qin diverted the topic.

Feng Nanshu looked at him coolly, “I’ve learned how to give fruit, and that’s all I’ve learned from her.”

“Boss Lady, these green grapes are so sweet!” Shi Miaomiao cheered from the side.

Enjoying a strawberry, Su Nai felt blissful, “Boss Lady, you should be in charge from now on. The boss never thinks of buying us fruit.”

“Pah, I’m the one who pays your salaries. Eat your fruit and keep quiet. Isn’t your mouth busy enough?”

“Just eating, no talking!” Su Nai defiantly cracked open a pomegranate.

Jiang Qin looked up at Feng Nanshu, noticing she was slightly sweaty, “Did you carry these here yourself?”

“Yes,” Feng Nanshu nodded obediently.

“Hand over your living expenses. From now on, I’ll manage them to prevent you from spending recklessly!”

Feng Nanshu opened her small handbag, took out a pretty pink wallet, and handed it to him, “Here.”

“…”

Jiang Qin chuckled, quickly adding that he was joking, “Buy if you want to buy. It’s not my money, so I don’t mind at all.”

Then, Jiang Qin called Xiao Xuandu and his two lieutenants to join the meeting and discuss the weekend team-building plan.

A week had passed since the Campus Beauty Contest, and it was time to fulfill some of the promises made. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be enough motivation to put in the effort at the University of Science and Technology. As the saying goes, to make the horse run, you must feed it first.

Eventually, everyone unanimously decided to have the team-building session at a rural retreat in the southern suburbs.

This wasn’t because Jiang Qin was reluctant to spend money; it was simply that everyone felt it was impractical to spend the entire weekend traveling for a short team-building activity.

“Feng Nanshu, we’re going out this weekend. You can wander around the campus. If you’re hungry, go eat with Gao Wenhui,” Jiang Qin said.

Feng Nanshu’s face fell, “Can’t I go?”

“This is a team-building event, and you’re not an employee of Room 208, so you can’t go,” Jiang Qin said seriously.

“But I’m the boss lady,” Feng Nanshu stated solemnly.

“Really? Do you have an ID? Please show your ID then.”

“…”

Chapter 113: No One Can Sleep

TL: Etude

“Goodnight, Jiang Qin.”

In the dead of night, the smartphone screen illuminated the delicate face of the little rich lady. She was lying on her stomach, her left arm draped across the pillow, chin resting on her arm, holding her phone in her right hand. She gazed quietly at Jiang Qin’s profile picture—a shaggy, bespectacled dog with black fur and tufts of yellow hair above its eyes resembling eyebrows.

Its gaze was fierce, its expression as if saying, “Let’s go for a walk!”

Feng Nanshu put down her phone and buried her face into the pillow, then turned over to stare blankly at the empty wall, seemingly soulless.

However, before she could get lost in her thoughts for long, the phone screen suddenly lit up again. It was a message from the stern-looking dog.

“Tomorrow, I’ll pick you up for the team-building activity at seven in the morning. Don’t be late.”

“I don’t have a boss lady badge,” Feng Nanshu quickly typed back.

“That’s a problem. After all, this is a team-building event, and it’s more atmospheric to have a work card and badge. So, anyone without them is not allowed on the bus tomorrow.”

After reading the message, Feng Nanshu was silent for a moment. Her fair and smooth fingers hesitated over the keyboard. Just as she was about to reply, another message from Jiang Qin popped up.

“But you can choose not to take the bus. Ride with me in the passenger seat.”

“Jiang Qin, you’re such a good person.”

After reading Feng Nanshu’s message, Jiang Qin lay in bed unable to sleep, staring blankly at the ceiling. After a while, he sat up, leaning against the wall, continuing to stare blankly. Glancing sideways, he noticed that Cao Guangyu, across from him, was in a similar state, having been in this position for quite a while.

Jiang Qin felt a chill on his scalp: “Why aren’t you sleeping yet? You scared me with your silence.”

Cao Guangyu gave him a glance and spoke dully: “Aren’t you also awake?”

“I’m just a bit excited about tomorrow’s team-building,” Jiang Qin pulled the blanket over himself, wrapping it around. “What about you, Brother Cao? Share your thoughts.”

“I’ve been pondering life, thinking too deeply, can’t seem to sleep.”

“Have you set your sights on some girl again?”

Cao Guangyu suddenly shifted, finding a comfortable position. “I can tell you, but this must stay between us. You have to swear not to tell anyone else.”

“Don’t beat around the bush. If you don’t tell me, I’m going to sleep. You probably can’t come up with anything deep anyway,” Jiang Qin provocatively responded.

“Hey, hey, don’t go. I’ll tell you, I’m about to say it.”

Jiang Qin knew he couldn’t resist: “Go on, I’ll try to stay awake and listen.”

“Old Jiang, what does it feel like to be in love? Are there specific signs? And how do you know if a girl likes you or not?”

Jiang Qin was rendered speechless in an instant: “You’ve been sitting here all night just to ponder this question? Is there something going on?”

“I’ve never been in a relationship before; I’m not quite sure,” Cao Guangyu began to confess.

“What about when you bragged about having five girlfriends at the start of the semester?”

“We weren’t close back then. I had to pretend a bit. What if I was the only one who’d never been in a relationship? That would be embarrassing.”

Jiang Qin chuckled: “Not having been in a relationship is nothing to be ashamed of. Pretending you have is what’s truly embarrassing.”

“Alright, the truth is, I think I might have fallen for a girl,” Cao Guangyu suddenly spoke up, his eyes burning with intensity.

Jiang Qin wasn’t overly surprised: “Normal for you. You fall for every girl you see.”

“But this time, it’s serious. Haven’t you noticed I’ve been leaving early and returning late recently? I’ve been meeting her, but for some reason, I’ve become very cautious.”

Hearing this, Jiang Qin became slightly more interested: “Which department is she from? How did you meet her?”

“We’re discussing life, not drifting off-topic. I’m asking you, Jiang, how do you really know if you like someone?” Cao Guangyu redirected the question back to Jiang Qin.

“Heh, you’re basically asking a bald man how to take care of his hair.”

Just then, a creaking sound came from the neighboring bed. Zhou Chao sat up: “To like someone is to long to see her, to make her happy, to stick close to her. It’s an absent-minded yearning, a reckless impulse, a joy that comes from deep within.”

“Why are you still awake?” Jiang Qin was incredulous.

Zhou Chao also sat up: “Please, at this age and time, how can you sleep?”

Cao Guangyu waved his hand dismissively: “It’s fine, as long as Ren Ziqiang that bastard is asleep, it’s okay. This matter is known only to heaven, earth, and us here. Absolutely no fourth person must know.”

“Agreed.”

“Okay.”

“No problem.”

As soon as they finished speaking, everyone incredulously turned towards the southwest corner, only to find Ren Ziqiang also sitting up, smiling. The “No problem” they just heard was from him.

Cao Guangyu’s face turned green upon seeing him: “Damn, you’re awake too? Now that you know, the whole school will find out.”

Jiang Qin shrugged: “Why fear him? He chased Pan Xiu for a month and ended up friendzoned. He’ll be laughed at for a lifetime. Are you still afraid of him laughing at you?”

“…”

Ren Ziqiang turned and lay back down on his bed, thinking it might be better to just sleep to death.

Convinced by Jiang Qin’s logic, Cao Guangyu let go of his concerns: “I think she’s a nice person, just a bit short-tempered. Should I pursue her?”

“If you have the courage to like someone, go for it. Don’t wait until you lose that courage and regret it later. Also, make sure she’s the right person. A good girl will help you grow, a bad one will only lead you astray,” Jiang Qin offered sound advice.

Zhou Chao couldn’t help but lean forward: “Old Cao, is she from our class?”

“No, you wouldn’t know her even if I told you. Let’s sleep!” Cao Guangyu lay back down abruptly.

Jiang Qin turned to Zhou Chao: “What did you say about liking someone again?”

“To like someone is to long to see her, to make her happy, to stick close to her. It’s an absent-minded yearning, a reckless impulse, a joy that comes from deep within.”

Jiang Qin fell silent for a moment: “Where did you hear that answer? It’s so profound.”

“I was just reading a novel in bed, and I came across this line. Since you were discussing it, I recited it.”

“A web novel? I thought it was real. Almost took it personally. Web novels are all about deceiving people. You should read less of those.”

Jiang Qin pulled the blanket over himself and was about to close his eyes to sleep when his phone suddenly lit up. It was a message from Guo Zihang on QQ.

“Bro Jiang, I heard that there’s a milk tea shop in our school looking for a transfer. Do you want to come and see?”

“Speak of the devil. Where is it? It’s not in the small square of the male dormitory, is it?” Jiang Qin typed swiftly on his physical keyboard.

Guo Zihang replied immediately: “It’s right below the girls’ dormitory.”

“I’ll come over and take a look tomorrow morning. Wait for me at the school gate at 7:30. Don’t come too early, I might have to pick someone up.”

Chapter 114: Real and Fake Girlfriend

TL: Etude

The next morning dawned with a clear sky and fluffy clouds, making it an ideal day for an outing.

Employees of Room 208 boarded their bus under the organization of Dong Wenhao and Su Nai, while Jiang Qin drove to the girls’ dormitory to pick up Feng Nanshu and headed first to University of Science and Technology.

Guo Zihang had been waiting early at the school gate. He was a bit uneasy upon seeing Feng Nanshu, speaking in a nervous, quiet voice.

The cold moonlight of Chengnan High School seemed to exert an intimidating aura, as if it was something to be admired from a distance.

“Old Guo, where is that milk tea shop you mentioned?”

“It’s in the same place you parked last time.”

Jiang Qin nodded, drove through the main gate, and headed towards the B area of the girls’ dormitory along the plaza road.

Choosing a location for the milk tea shop was a small matter, and typically not something that would require the owner’s personal involvement. However, since the location was crucial for forum advertising and future traffic monetization, Jiang Qin felt it necessary to take a more hands-on approach to ensure the best outcome and avoid ineffective promotions later on.

The milk tea shop in University of Science and Technology, named “Encounter”, specialized in taro-flavored milk tea. The owner, a man in his forties named Gao Dawei, was stubborn and hard to persuade. After much back-and-forth, they couldn’t agree on a price.

Jiang Qin believed in winning hearts before winning deals, so he tried to engage in small talk, asking why Gao Dawei wanted to sell.

“I’m divorced and just don’t want to do this anymore. I plan to travel with the money from the sale.”

“…”

Jiang Qin found such people the most troublesome: they had plenty of time, were stubborn, and not easily swayed.

Yet, the milk tea shop was crucial for the forum’s promotional strategy. In this situation, Jiang Qin was at a disadvantage, sometimes forced to make concessions. But the shop owner was incredibly inflexible, refusing to budge on the price.

Jiang Qin turned to Feng Nanshu, who had been following him: “If you’re bored, you can go back to the car.”

“I find it interesting,” Feng Nanshu said earnestly.

“You were almost falling asleep just now, and you find it interesting? Go on, I’ll be done soon.”

“Okay.”

Feng Nanshu nodded at his words and returned to the car with a patter of steps.

Actually, Guo Zihang also found it quite dull, especially the haggling part. It really wasn’t interesting after a couple of rounds, and he felt sleepy.

Eh? Since I’m here, why don’t I meet with Senior Cui?

After some thought, Guo Zihang decided it was a good idea and called Cui Yating on his phone.

Cui Yating, who had been sleeping in late in her dormitory, was initially annoyed by Guo Zihang’s call, but his straightforward mention of Jiang Qin’s presence significantly eased her irritation.

She got out of bed to wash up and woke her roommate, Guo Rongrong.

“Rongrong, get up. I’ll introduce you to a rich second-generation acquaintance. He drives an Audi. You better seize the opportunity,” Cui Yating briefed her while washing up.

Rubbing her eyes after getting up, Guo Rongrong expressed disbelief: “If he was really a rich second-generation, you would have gone for him already. Why would you leave him for me?”

“I wish I could, but he has a girlfriend, and I’m not good at stealing someone else’s man. But you are.”

“Stop it, who says things like that to their best friend? When have I ever poached someone else’s boyfriend?”

Cui Yating looked at her friend: “Just tell me if you want to try or not.”

Getting out of bed, Guo Rongrong clarified: “I’m not interested in poaching. I just genuinely want to meet a rich second-generation friend.”

“Do you think I’d believe that?” Cui Yating scoffed.

“Hey, tell me the truth. What’s his situation, and what about his girlfriend?”

“He’s a freshman at Linchuan University, drives an Audi, about 1.8 meters tall, pretty handsome, and quite witty when he speaks.”

Guo Rongrong was skeptical: “Sounds like a dream guy. His girlfriend must be gorgeous. I don’t stand a chance.”

“You’d be surprised. His girlfriend isn’t pretty at all. She’s quite short, a bit dark-skinned, wears knock-offs, and I even noticed calluses on her hands. Her family’s financial situation is probably not great.”

“Impossible, right? A prince charming with a Cinderella? Why would that be?” Guo Rongrong couldn’t grasp the concept.

Cui Yating, having finished her washing up and now applying makeup, casually responded, “Don’t be so skeptical. After all, he’s a freshman. It’s not impossible that he got pursued by a Cinderella during his early days in high school and fell for it.”

“That makes sense.”

“You’re not even getting ready, and they’re already here!”

Taking her time, Guo Rongrong sat down: “No worries. I’ll dazzle him the moment I appear, making it hard for him to leave!”

Ten minutes later, the two elaborately dressed friends appeared at the bottom of the building.

By this time, Jiang Qin was running out of patience. He took the milk tea shop owner’s phone number, planning to hand it over to Wei Lanlan for negotiation. It wasn’t that he was incapable, but the shop owner was in no rush to sell, going in circles with his endless chatter. Jiang Qin could tell there was no progress being made.

Especially with Mr. Gao’s peculiar way of chatting, drifting off to talk about his ex-wife.

He lamented how tough it was for men nowadays, not only working outside but also cooking at home, handing over all their wages, and being questioned about not buying gifts during holidays.

“I even have to ask you for money to buy a pack of cigarettes, how can I buy gifts? With my life?”

Jiang Qin was baffled, thinking that the owner wasn’t really keen on selling the shop but rather venting his frustrations under the guise of a sale.

“Young man, never get married.”

“Sure, I’ll take your advice.”

Jiang Qin stood up and left, exhaling deeply once outside.

Business was like this, full of minute issues. It wasn’t as simple as wanting things a certain way. But even the hardest bones had to be chewed; if not this one, then find another. However, the market at the Polytechnic University was too important to give up.

As he walked forward, he saw Cui Yating approaching with an unfamiliar girl, both dressed up and smiling at him.

“Jiang Qin, let me introduce a friend, my bestie, Guo Rongrong.”

Guo Rongrong greeted him politely: “Hello, nice to meet you. Please take care of me.”

Jiang Qin, feeling irritable, responded briefly: “Guo Zihang was just here. Wait for him; he should be back soon.”

“We’re not here for Guo Zihang. We came to see you. Rongrong heard about you from me and is quite interested. I took this opportunity to bring her over.”

“…”

Jiang Qin immediately sensed an attempt to set him up: “Senior Cui, did you forget I have a girlfriend?”

“So what? It’s not like you’re married. Can’t you change girlfriends? Getting a prettier one would be nice to show off.”

Cui Yating eagerly promoted her friend.

Jiang Qin turned to Guo Rongrong, asking with a hint of sarcasm: “Miss, what do you think of me?”

“I think you’re quite nice. What about me?” Guo Rongrong threw the question back.

“I also think you’re beautiful, and I do want to change girlfriends. You might not know, but my girlfriend and I have been on the verge of breaking up. She just won’t leave me. If you can help drive her away, I think we can give it a try.”

“Your girlfriend is here?”

Jiang Qin pointed to the Audi across the street: “She’s in the car.”

Truth be told, Guo Rongrong didn’t want to agree. What did he mean by ‘help drive her away’? Although she was interested in poaching, such blatant confrontation was too demeaning. But the sight of the Audi made her heart waver.

Since they were about to break up, why not give it a final push?

Taking a deep breath, Guo Rongrong walked towards the Audi and peered inside.

The Audi’s windows were tinted, obscuring the view, so she knocked on the window, ready to start the confrontation.

Cui Yating had told her that Jiang Qin’s girlfriend wasn’t attractive, so Guo Rongrong wasn’t worried about her own competitiveness.

Soon, the car window slowly rolled down, but Guo Rongrong’s face stiffened instantly, and she turned and left without a word.

“?????”

Witnessing this scene, Cui Yating was bewildered.

Her friend hadn’t said a word after approaching the car; she just looked inside and left. What was going on?

Driven by curiosity, Cui Yating also went over and saw an incredibly beautiful girl sitting inside the car, casting a cold, questioning glance at her.

“No, sorry, wrong car…”

Cui Yating took a deep breath and quickly ran towards Guo Rongrong.

Seeing this, Jiang Qin couldn’t help but laugh. He needed some amusement to lighten his mood after being irritated by the shop owner.

“Old Jiang, I just went to buy milk tea. Where’s Senior Cui?” Guo Zihang ran over at this moment.

Jiang Qin sighed: “Old Guo, I think that auntie suits you better.”

“?????”

Chapter 115: Under the Marriage Tree, You and I

TL: Etude

The southern outskirts were not far from the center of Linchuan City.

Jiang Qin drove his Audi with Feng Nanshu aboard, confidently heading southwest. However, unsurprisingly, they got lost.

Being unfamiliar with Linchuan and without a car navigation system, finding a small agritourism site in the suburbs was quite a challenge. Moreover, the southwest part of Linchuan was mountainous, with numerous forks in the road. Even a slight deviation at an intersection could lead to a completely different destination.

After a while, Jiang Qin stopped the car, feeling that they couldn’t go any further, joking that they might end up retrieving the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures if they continued.

“Are we there?”

“Yeah, almost…”

Looking out the window, the wealthy Feng Nanshu gazed thoughtfully at the farmlands, stripped of wheat after the autumn harvest. “Oh, so this is the agritourism site.”

“…”

Unable to hold back, Jiang Qin got out of the car to ask a passerby for directions. Realizing they had overshot their destination, they turned around and reentered the main road. After traveling back a kilometer, they finally spotted the missed turnoff and followed it to eventually reach the town of Nanjiao.

Jiang Qin’s impression of an agritourism site was still stuck on the image of fences, yards, and dogs. But upon arrival, he found it was not the case.

It was actually a small tourist town, built around a vast lake, barely qualifying as ‘nestled between mountains and water’. The agritourism site was just one of the town’s attractions, offering lodging and dining.

They arrived during the town’s Harvest Festival. The streets were bustling with visitors from nearby areas.

Jiang Qin turned to look at Feng Nanshu and noticed the little rich lady already peering out of the window.

The car window reflected her delicate face, also mirroring the eager curiosity in her beautiful eyes.

Once they reached the agritourism site, Su Nai, Lu Xuemei, Shi Miaomiao, and Wen Jinrui were picking vegetables, while Dong Wenhao, Lu Feiyu, and Chen Wenxing were tending a fire at a large stove.

Seeing the black Audi arrive, the group immediately voiced their complaints about their boss and boss lady’s tardiness.

“Boss, you’re finally here.”

“We took a wrong turn on the way, but it’s all good now.”

After parking, Jiang Qin led Feng Nanshu into the courtyard, watching the others bustling around.

This was supposedly an experience offered by the agritourism site, dubbed “DIY Dinner.” Simply put, guests only had to pay for ingredients and could then use the site’s materials and space to experience cooking on a farmhouse stove.

Jiang Qin took a price list from Shi Miaomiao and noticed that the ingredient prices were marked up by 2 to 3 times.

“Darn, true capitalists,” he thought.

Charging the price of a whole chicken dish for a mere plucked chicken, and not lifting a finger in the process, they made an easy profit from the markup. Brilliant.

“Boss lady, do you eat spicy food?”

“I can eat anything,” Feng Nanshu wasn’t picky.

Jiang Qin turned to her. “Have you sorted out the rooms? Go put down your bags first, then come out and play.”

“Alright.”

“Boss lady, I’ll show you the way!”

Shi Miaomiao got up, washed her hands under the tap, and then led Feng Nanshu towards the guest rooms.

During this time, Jiang Qin called over Wei Lanlan and Tan Qing to discuss the Linchuan Science and Technology large milk tea shop.

Boss Gao Dawei was a tough cookie, impervious to persuasion. But his shop’s location was advantageous for future promotions.

In other words, if they had the chance to take it over, it could save a lot of effort later on.

Jiang Qin handed Wei Lanlan a phone number, instructing the marketing team to call Boss Gao one by one, employing a strategy of constant pressure.

“When you call, don’t reveal your identity. Just say you’re an individual entrepreneur looking to do some small business, and ask for his lowest price, then cut it down by 30%.”

“That much?” Wei Lanlan was astonished.

Jiang Qin nodded. “His asking price is already high, so 30% isn’t too much.”

“And if he doesn’t agree?”

“I’ve tried negotiating myself without success, so you probably won’t be able to either. But keep trying, and meanwhile, look for other potential locations as alternatives.”

Wei Lanlan nodded, then took out her phone to save the number and passed it to Tan Qing.

Jiang Qin then turned to Su Nai, who was washing mushrooms, and asked if she had any ideas about the group-buying website.

“Boss, I’ve read the proposal you sent me, and I definitely can’t do it alone.”

“Then recruit a team. You have experience in this, so I’ll give you full authority. You’re in charge.”

Jiang Qin’s solution was straightforward and forceful: if short on staff, just hire more. Having earned a substantial amount in advertising fees, he was financially well-equipped and spoke with increased confidence.

Su Nai was excited to hear about being given full authority, not realizing this was just the art of a boss’s delegation: making you do all the work while feeling empowered.

Soon, wisps of cooking smoke rose in the small courtyard of the agritourism site, curling up along the lush mountain ridges and blending into the twilight sky, adding a sense of peaceful, tranquil nostalgia to the trip.

Dong Wenhao took on the role of head chef, wielding a large wok spatula, ready to cook a spicy chicken dish that was a specialty of his hometown.

The streets outside were equally lively, thronged with casual visitors strolling along the lakeside.

The wealthy Feng Nanshu emerged from the guest rooms, clad in a patch-sleeved sweatshirt and carrying a sky-blue Chanel shoulder bag, looking lively and stunningly beautiful.

“Jiang Qin, let’s go for a walk.”

Jiang Qin glanced back at the stove area: “Old Dong, remember to call me when it’s time to eat. We’re going out for a bit.”

“Sure thing, boss!”

Jiang Qin and Feng Nanshu then left the courtyard of the agritourism site, blending into the crowd and heading towards the lake.

The Harvest Festival was not a traditional holiday but rather an event created by the town to attract tourists. Nevertheless, the streets were filled with various agricultural products and snacks such as roasted sweet potatoes, boiled peanuts, corn sticks, rice balls, and popcorn. There were also handmade lanterns, stools, and bamboo mats.

The little rich lady walked ahead, her 1.7-meter stature standing tall and ethereal among the crowd. Her clear, bright eyes moved restlessly, curious about the goods displayed at the stalls.

She had never even been to a small commodities market in Jizhou, so this quaint agricultural town felt like a completely different world to her.

However, as they walked, Jiang Qin suddenly stopped, his gaze sharpening.

At the end of the road stood a massive evergreen tree with grayish-white bark and a lush canopy, its branches spreading in all directions. Many red ribbons fluttered from its branches, standing out amidst the greenery.

“Damn, a marriage tree.”

Jiang Qin was speechless. It seemed wherever tourists were, such things were bound to appear.

He planned to take Feng Nanshu along a different path to avoid it, but she had already spotted the brightly colored tree.

“Jiang Qin, what’s that?”

“Uh, a ‘good friend’ tree. It’s a kind of superstitious practice.”

“Then let’s go hang one for us too!”

…

After a while, Jiang Qin returned to the courtyard with a pitiful-looking Feng Nanshu. He then asked the owner for a first aid kit and took out some iodine.

Holding a cotton swab, he dabbed a bit of iodine and gently applied it to the wound on Feng Nanshu’s ankle after removing her shoe and sock.

“I told you not to go, but you insisted. And after all that, we didn’t even manage to hang it.”

“Does it hurt?” Jiang Qin looked up at her.

Feng Nanshu nonchalantly looked away: “Actually, it doesn’t hurt at all, feels just like an ant bite.”

“Then why don’t you turn your head and look at me?”

“Okay, it hurts, but I’d still dare to do it again.”

“…”

“Jiang Qin, even though we couldn’t hang the tag, can we still be good friends for a lifetime?”

Chapter 116: Even Unwashed, It’s Fragrant

TL: Etude

Jiang Qin couldn’t find an answer to whether good friends could really last a lifetime.

But if the little rich lady, Feng Nanshu, were to ask Jiang Qin if he could be good to her for a lifetime, he felt no doubt about it. He was sure he could do it.

After all, she was his little rich lady, secretly spending her father’s money on him, always clinging to him. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also incredibly well-behaved.

No one could resist that, not even the monk Tang Sanzang.

However, the thought inevitably led Jiang Qin to wonder, would Feng Nanshu always cling to him like she does now?

He didn’t know.

An older colleague from the marketing department once said that he met his wife in college when she was a cute younger student who especially loved the smell of cigarettes on him, finding it very masculine.

But after marriage, the phrase he heard most often was, “Get out, go smoke on the balcony. Don’t you know I hate the smell of smoke?”

Damn, who could he even complain to?

Eventually, the colleague simply moved his ashtray to the balcony, where their dog ate from its bowl. He would smoke there as well.

So, he didn’t know.

People change. At least, that’s what Jiang Qin believed.

Gently massaging, kneading without really knowing where the wound was, Jiang Qin still maintained the demeanor of a gentleman: “Feng Nanshu, would you ever change your heart?”

Feng Nanshu seemed bewildered by the question.

“You don’t even know if your own heart will change, so why do you always try to corrupt my moral heart?”

“…”

“Boss, boss lady, dinner is ready!” Dong Wenhao’s voice came from outside the door.

“Got it!”

Snapping back to reality, Jiang Qin put a band-aid on Feng Nanshu’s ankle, then gently held her delicate and warm foot, helping her put on her shoes and socks.

“I haven’t washed them,” Feng Nanshu said, her eyes slightly resentful.

“It’s okay, they’re fragrant.”

Under the night sky, stars filled the heavens.

The lights in the rural resort’s courtyard cast a warm orange glow, instantly spreading across the yard.

At this moment, Lu Feiyu and Yang Shuai brought out a long table from the house, setting it up in the courtyard. They placed all the dishes prepared by Dong Wenhao on it, along with two cases of beer.

Jiang Qin led the way to sit down, surveying the table with a burst of admiration.

Stir-fried mixed vegetables, spicy chicken, goose egg with vermicelli, steamed bass, sour and spicy shredded potatoes, shrimp fried with eggs – if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed Dong Wenhao could cook like this.

Indeed, a chef who doesn’t aspire to be a writer is not a good manager.

Jiang Qin casually popped a peanut into his mouth, while Feng Nanshu behind him looked on in shock, involuntarily shrinking her feet back.

Then, the others also took their seats around the table, starting to eat and chat.

What is team cohesion?

In essence, it’s a sense of belonging.

Among all the staff of unit 208, only Lu Feiyu was a true local. The others had come from all over the country to study in Linchuan. In a strange city, they inherently lacked a sense of belonging. An overnight team-building activity like this easily brought everyone together.

Especially since the food was prepared by their own hands, the feeling of home came instantly.

Old Dong’s cooking skills were impressive, making the dishes flavorful and appetizing.

Like him, who could both write and cook, was truly a man who could grace a drawing room and rule a kitchen. He surmised that after marriage, he would be the one who came home from work to cook.

“I never participated in such group activities in my freshman year, except when going out with my roommates. In my sophomore year, I just stayed in my dorm, rarely going out.”

“Me too. Although I was often invited to celebrate classmates’ birthdays, I just kept my head down and ate.”

“I’m really grateful to the boss. I feel fortunate to have joined team 208 and happy to have met everyone here.”

“I also want to thank the boss. My dream of literature was almost shattered.”

“This is exactly the life I want – having goals and drive, and being with everyone. These are the happiest days.”

“I want to thank the boss lady. She was the first person in college to buy me fruit.”

“I hope 208 lasts forever, and everyone makes a lot of money.”

“My university life truly started to come alive from the moment I joined 208.”

Jiang Qin held his wine glass, squinting his eyes, quietly listening to the successive reflections of the people around him without saying a word.

The atmosphere didn’t need steering. With a bit of wine and some dishes, someone just needed to start, and everything else would naturally fall into place. This spontaneous outpouring of feelings was more genuine and touching than anything orchestrated.

Of course, Jiang Qin felt sentimental himself.

He wasn’t just changing his own life; he was also invisibly impacting the lives of others.

You can’t say for sure whether this impact would be good or bad for them in the long run, but for now, it was definitely positive.

This was his ragtag team.

Feng Nanshu, sitting next to Jiang Qin, listened to everyone’s emotions. Her clear eyes turned towards him as if she too wanted to join in the sentiment, but before she could speak, Jiang Qin fed her a slice of lotus root.

She chewed twice, watching Jiang Qin turn back to clink glasses with others, feeling joy and ease in her heart.

After dinner, the group moved to the guest rooms, some playing cards, others chatting.

Jiang Qin didn’t join in the card games. Instead, he listened from the corridor as Wei Lanlan made a phone call to Mr. Gao of the milk tea shop.

Mr. Gao was stubborn about the price, not budging, and quickly led the conversation to a dead end.

Then, he abruptly started complaining about the various manipulations of his ex-wife.

Wei Lanlan initially wanted to hang up, but Jiang Qin stopped her and asked her to put the call on speaker. They both listened to his ramblings until their heads buzzed.

“Boss, this guy talks too much. I don’t think he has any intention of selling, he just wants someone to talk to.”

“Your realization of this is a sign of growth,” Jiang Qin affirmed her.

“Eh?” Wei Lanlan was a bit confused.

“Why do you think he wants to talk?” asked Jiang Qin, leaning against the wall.

“It’s because he just got divorced and has nowhere to vent his frustrations, so he latches onto anyone who’ll listen to how hard his life is.”

“That’s our breakthrough. Let’s just listen.”

At eleven o’clock, those playing cards were tired, and the chatters’ mouths were dry. Everyone sat on the carpet in the guest room, watching TV.

The best part of group activities is that you never get bored. Even shopping ads could be riveting. “Don’t pay 998, not even 598, call now and it’s just 98!” Everyone watched with great interest, feeling that the host was even more persuasive than their boss.

After the ads, the show resumed abruptly.

Jiang Qin, who had been outside on the phone with Wei Lanlan, had no idea what was on TV until that moment.

A man in a suit, on one knee, holding a bouquet of bright roses.

The background looked like a company lobby or a hotel foyer.

A professional-looking girl, carrying a briefcase, was moved to tears, covering her mouth, unable to hold back the tears welling in her eyes.

“I don’t want to be just friends anymore. Let’s get married.”

Jiang Qin casually changed the channel with the remote, immediately drawing an attack from Shi Miaomiao, Su Nai, and a few other girls: “Boss, what are you doing? The plot was just getting exciting!”

“Don’t watch it, the ending is tragic. The couple ends up divorcing, the bride price isn’t returned, the house is awarded to the woman, and she marries someone else, taking the child with her. The man has to pay alimony of fifteen hundred a month. The woman’s new husband lives off his money, even the mattress they sleep on was his.”

“Nonsense, this is a new TV show, where did you see that?”

“All love stories end the same way. Watch less of that. Let’s watch ‘Water Margin’ instead, it’s sweeter.”

Jiang Qin changed the channel to an episode of ‘Water Margin’.

Girls generally don’t enjoy ‘Water Margin,’ so they gave up on the TV and started chatting about various topics.

During the conversation, Su Nai suddenly remembered something: “Hey, did you know there’s a marriage tree in the town?”

“I saw it too. They say it’s very effective. Those in relationships can pray for lasting love, and singles can hope to find someone soon. You all should try it.”

Feng Nanshu: “?”

Jiang Qin coughed and discreetly turned up the TV volume: “Look, Yang Zhi has found Chao Gai and his men. Wow, who’s this actor? He’s got huge pecs!”

The girls’ expressions turned odd: “Boss, why do you like looking at men’s pecs?”

“A true man should appreciate such things, right, Wenhao?”

“Ah? Yeah… maybe.” Dong Wenhao was sleepy, his eyes blurry.

Seeing this, Jiang Qin didn’t push further. He turned off the TV: “It’s late, Wenhao is already sleepy. Let’s all go to bed.”

“It’s still early, let’s chat more!” Su Nai objected.

“We need to get up early for hiking tomorrow and then travel back to school. It’s best to rest early. Oh, and there’s a temple on the mountain that’s quite effective. Tomorrow, you all have to pray for my wealth, no sneaking in other wishes.”

“…”

After shooing everyone off, Jiang Qin himself went outside, walking under the stars and moon for a long time, enjoying the fresh mountain air.

When Dong Wenhao got up to use the bathroom half an hour later, he found the boss limping in, cursing under his breath as if he was furious.

“Boss, did you go to the village to steal chickens? How did you get injured?”

“It’s nothing, just tripped and fell. Can you ask the owner of the homestay for some iodine?”

Chapter 117: Adulthood Is Not Easy

TL: Etude

The next morning dawned bright and sunny. However, due to their location in the mountains, the surroundings were slightly misty. When the sunlight scattered through, casting golden hues, it created a uniquely charming atmosphere.

Dong Wenhao led a group of mountain climbing enthusiasts from the small town to hike in the hills. Those who didn’t want to go stayed behind to sleep in, waiting for the bus to pick them up at noon.

To their dismay, the group returned before noon, fuming with frustration. They hadn’t seen even a single temple. The most infuriating part was that the mountain, though seemingly not too tall, had no clear paths. They trudged through, nearly losing their way back.

“This place is terrible, I’m never coming back!” they exclaimed.

Jiang Qin, overhearing this, couldn’t help but laugh. “Maybe we should just skip team building altogether. It’s a complete waste of work time!”

“You’re joking even with a lame foot?” Dong Wenhao asked, puzzled.

“Does a sore foot affect my ability to speak? Get lost.”

Su Nai also looked over in surprise. “Boss, you didn’t even climb with us. How did you end up lame?”

Jiang Qin, unfazed, replied, “Arthritis. An old problem. Enough chit-chat. The bus is here. Let’s do a headcount and get going.”

“The headcount is complete, boss.”

“Good, let’s head back.”

As Jiang Qin watched the entire 208 team board the bus, he returned to the farmhouse courtyard to get his Audi. A small wound on his foot didn’t hinder his driving, and he could manage by going a bit slower.

Meanwhile, Feng Nanshu stood in the courtyard, watching him. She noticed the rolled-up pant leg and a wound similar to her own, looking both cute and perplexed.

“Jiang Qin, what happened to your foot?”

“Slipped in the bathroom, landed on my ankle.”

“I don’t quite believe that.”

Driving away, Jiang Qin grinned to himself, thinking it didn’t matter whether she believed him or not; she had no proof.

Back at Linchuan University, the excitement from the team building quickly faded, and everyone in 208 immersed themselves in a big technological promotion activity.

Apart from teaching, Jiang Qin also shuttled between Linchuan University and the Technology University. His backseat had various passengers: Wei Lanlan and Tan Qing investigating market information, Dong Wenhao and Lu Feiyu interviewing content creators at Technology University, and often, just himself.

Because of these frequent visits, Guo Zihang even started feeling as if he and Jiang Qin attended the same university. They’d meet after classes or during meals. Sometimes, Jiang Qin, bored, would even attend Guo’s classes, only to fall asleep within three minutes.

Perhaps due to his unique charm, Jiang Qin even got several girls from Guo’s class asking for his QQ number.

“Stepfather, you seem to have really become a heartthrob,” Guo Zihang remarked enviously.

Jiang Qin curled his lip in disdain. “What’s the use of being a heartthrob? I’d rather be rich.”

“You could treat everyone in our class to milk tea. I bet someone would call you rich then, believe it or not?”

“That would make me a resentful fool, no, a Qin Zi’ang!”

Guo Zihang agreed with the latter part. “Makes sense!”

Suddenly remembering something from before the team building, Jiang Qin asked, “So, how are things going with you and Cui, your senior?”

“For some reason, she’s stopped talking to me.”

“Heh, that’s for the best. Go back to your younger aunt. Older women know how to take care of people.”

“…”

After class, Jiang Qin sat on a bench outside the girls’ dormitory, looking across at the milk tea shop, his expression restless.

The “Encounter Milk Tea” shop had received several inquiries about its price, but everyone balked at the 30% markup over market value.

So, while many were interested in taking over, no one dared to make a move.

They were all waiting, hoping that Gao Dawei would calm down and see reason, as it was clear his asking price was due to his mental state post-divorce.

But this mindset wouldn’t last forever, and eventually, he’d come to his senses.

Jiang Qin, however, didn’t want to wait.

The promotional campaign was imminent, and Jiang Qin couldn’t let the location of a milk tea shop limit him. Before the team building, it didn’t matter much, but afterward, everyone was geared up for the promotion. Any further delay would drain all their enthusiasm.

So, on a Wednesday afternoon, Jiang Qin once again visited Linchuan Technology University and met up with Wei Lanlan, who had been scouting nearby shops.

“Boss, I’ve checked five shops, and I must say, ‘Encounter’ is the most suitable for our later-stage promotion. It’s not as crowded as the others, with enough space for activities and queues. Plus, there are three other tea shops nearby, making the advertising impact more noticeable,” Wei Lanlan reported.

Jiang Qin nodded, leaning towards securing the Encounter Milk Tea shop. “Have you compiled the phone details I asked for?”

“Yes, everything’s ready, and I have it with me.”

Jiang Qin closed the car window. “Read it to me.”

Wei Lanlan began, “Gao Dawei, 43 years old. He started struggling in Linchuan at 18, took out a loan for a house, and paid it off five years ago. At 38, through a matchmaker, he reluctantly married a woman he met through blind dates. They argued continuously for three years before divorcing, no children.”

Jiang Qin frowned. “Damn, why does this story sound so familiar? Is there more?”

“He’s tired of running the tea shop, just wants to take half of all his possessions, take his parents on a trip. He hasn’t dared tell his family about the divorce, fearing it would upset them.”

“And his mindset?”

“He feels like a failure, plagued by nightmares.” Wei Lanlan put down the paper.

Divorce, a shattered mindset, despair in life, immense pressure.

Jiang Qin nodded, pulled down the sun visor, and looked into the small mirror. “Thirty-eight years old, achieved nothing, afraid to face parents, afraid of the future…,” he repeated to himself.

Wei Lanlan was confused. As she started to speak, she noticed Jiang Qin’s face turning exceptionally gloomy.

Then, Jiang Qin, with a pre-printed transfer contract, got out of the car, took two bottles of wine, a bag of soy sauce pork, and a bag of peanuts from the trunk, and walked into the milk tea shop.

Gao Dawei was venting to anyone who would listen, irritable and rarely having a conversation that lasted more than a few sentences. He needed to express himself, to find release, regardless of whether anyone listened.

He just needed a living, breathing confidant.

However, everyone seemed only interested in his milk tea shop, infuriating him. He stubbornly stuck to his price, refusing to budge for anyone.

But this time, he noticed something different about the young man in front of him, Jiang Qin, who had visited the previous week. Jiang Qin wasn’t in a rush to discuss the price but seemed to be listening intently.

What surprised Gao Dawei most was that Jiang Qin’s expression was as desolate as his own, sharing a similar sense of weariness.

“In middle age, there are too many things beyond one’s control. That’s why there’s no such thing as ‘easy’ in the adult world,” Jiang Qin murmured, interrupting Gao’s complaints.

Gao Dawei was taken aback. “You understand?”

“I know what you’re thinking. You feel like you’ve let the family lineage down, worried about still troubling your parents in your forties, afraid of being judged when returning to your hometown. You feel increasingly lonely, trying to reminisce, but realizing you’ve left nothing behind in life but messes.”

Gao’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You really understand?”

“I have an uncle who felt the same. Full of regrets, afraid to cry as an adult, hiding his sorrows from family. After a lifetime of struggle, he ended up with nothing, feeling empty inside. He couldn’t sleep at night, feeling betrayed by the world.”

“And then?” Gao Dawei’s voice trembled slightly.

“Eventually, he couldn’t hold it in anymore and called his nephew, me. We talked all night!”

Jiang Qin pointed to his heart, pulling out two bottles of wine from the bag he brought.

Chapter 118: The Strategy of Winning Hearts

TL: Etude

“Why does it seem like I’m the only one in this world living such a fragmented life?”

“Actually, many people are like you, but everyone prefers to show only their best side. When you feel lonely, others might be even lonelier than you.”

“Then why does it feel like I’m the only one living such a hard life?”

“Everyone has their own struggles, just that they don’t speak of them until they’re on the brink of collapse. After all, life must go on, and if you don’t hold yourself up, no one else will.”

Gao Dawei didn’t believe it: “Give me an example!”

“On my uncle’s birthday, he chased after a water truck, crying all the way.”

“Why?”

Jiang Qin pursed his lips: “Because that day, only the water truck ‘sang’ Happy Birthday to him.”

“Holy fuck…”

“Come on, let’s have a drink.” Jiang Qin lifted his glass.

Gao Dawei imagined himself chasing a water truck on the street, and suddenly felt overwhelmed: “I don’t care about myself, but, bro, how heartbroken would my parents be if they knew about this?”

“Gao, they would only be sad to see you not doing well, not for you making the right choices.”

“But I, I’m over forty and don’t even have a child!”

“If we can’t even take care of ourselves, why bring a child into this world to suffer? There are billions of people in the world; the burden of procreation doesn’t fall on us.”

Hearing this, Gao Dawei felt even more overwhelmed.

…

Gao Dawei’s milk tea shop wasn’t a small storefront like Xi Tian’s but a spacious store of about forty to fifty square meters, complete with a resting area, restroom, and an additional small storage room not counted in the space. This was why the milk tea shop was so popular.

While Jiang Qin and Gao Dawei were drinking and chatting, a crowd had already gathered outside the door.

Some were merchants who also wanted to negotiate a price.

Some were friends who came to see Gao Dawei.

But the door of the milk tea shop was locked by Jiang Qin earlier, so no one could get in, and they had to wait outside.

Half an hour later, Jiang Qin opened the door of the milk tea shop and walked out under the astonished gaze of the crowd. He stood on the steps and took a deep breath.

“Boss, how did it go? Did you make a deal?”

Wei Lanlan got out of the car, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Jiang Qin.

“It’s signed. Take the contract back with you.”

Jiang Qin handed her the contract and walked into the night, unzipping his jacket to let the cool breeze in.

Wei Lanlan took the contract, stunned for a moment, then quickly checked it. After confirming the signatures, she blinked in amazement.

She knew very well who Gao Dawei was. After all, their marketing team had called for three days without managing to negotiate even a penny off.

Such a tough guy, really tamed by the boss?

Meanwhile, sobs were heard from inside the milk tea shop, filled with the indescribable sorrow of an adult. Those standing outside looked at each other in bewilderment.

“What’s going on?”

“Seems like they were talking and started crying.”

Among the murmurs, the nearby merchants and friends who had come to see Gao Dawei all walked in and found him holding his drink, tears streaming down his face, but with a certain relief in his expression.

Seeing this, everyone couldn’t help but exchange glances, surprised.

A young man, not even twenty, made a forty-something-year-old hot-tempered man cry?

It was hard to believe, considering the gap in age and life experiences. It seemed almost like a joke.

Of course, there were also nearby merchants who were skeptical, feeling that signing a contract over drinks was problematic.

After all, if the other party had signed the contract while drunk, even if the signature on the contract was clear and proper, it would have no legal effect.

But when they entered, they discovered that only half of one of the two bottles of liquor had been drunk, and the other hadn’t even been opened, still sealed tightly.

It turned out that what truly intoxicates people is not alcohol, but stories.

“Gao Dawei, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I’ve had a realization. Tomorrow, I’ll go back to my hometown to see my parents. It’s not right to keep delaying. I’ve also transferred the ownership of the milk tea shop. You all can disperse now.”

…

Meanwhile, Jiang Qin sat down on a bench not far away. Although he hadn’t drunk much, he still felt the strong taste of alcohol in his mouth.

Using a person’s vulnerabilities to win them over is a common tactic in business negotiations.

Once you empathize with someone, they tend to develop an emotional dependence on you.

This is especially true for people who have experienced heartbreak, divorce, or family tragedies. They are vulnerable because they desperately need emotional support.

It’s like when Chai Jing interviewed Stephen Chow, and he thanked her twice. The phrase “you understand me” is truly powerful.

But perhaps because Gao Dawei’s life bore too many similarities to his own, Jiang Qin felt like he was looking in a mirror while trying to win him over.

Where, then, was his own emotional anchor?

Jiang Qin fell silent for a moment and then realized his fingers were unconsciously playing out a gentle strumming motion.

Well, well, caught you there, didn’t I? You indeed have your own thoughts!

“Boss, have you drunk too much?” Wei Lanlan came over with the contract in hand.

Jiang Qin casually waved his hand: “No, alcohol is like water to me, but I definitely can’t drive now. You go back by taxi first. I’ll take a walk around.”

“Alright, just be careful.”

“Don’t worry, go on.”

Jiang Qin walked for a while and then called Guo Zihang, asking where he was. He replied that he was in the dormitory.

Guo’s nights were not particularly eventful. He either played games or read novels in the dorm, like most university students without a partner.

Since Jiang Qin wasn’t in a hurry, he went to the dorm to chat with Guo Zihang.

“Jiang, did you really manage to get the milk tea shop?”

“Yeah, but the promotion campaign can’t start yet. Don’t worry, you’ll get to buy a Yadea soon. Imagine riding with a beautiful girl on the back seat, wouldn’t that be grand?” Jiang Qin joked like a capitalist, painting a bright picture for Guo.

Guo Zihang pouted: “I like women older and more mature than me.”

Jiang Qin stiffened for a moment: “Then go straight for it. Carry a mature lady on the back seat, unlimited charm.”

After hearing this, Guo Zihang felt a lot more relaxed. Then he remembered something and lowered his voice: “By the way, Jiang, Chu Siqi has been bombarding me with messages recently, non-stop for three hours from eight to eleven at night. It scared the hell out of me.”

“…”

“And then?”

“She was asking if you were with Feng Nanshu, and when you two got together. If I didn’t reply, she just kept sending messages, and I hardly slept all night.”

After hearing this, Jiang Qin’s breath hitched slightly: “You didn’t end up telling her everything, did you?”

“No, I learned my lesson this time. I just told her I didn’t know.” Guo Zihang patted his chest.

“…”

Jiang Qin knew Guo’s personality. He was the type who couldn’t say no to anyone, always smiling and friendly. So, unless someone was an enemy, he couldn’t ignore their messages.

But managing to say “I don’t know” was definitely a sign of growth for Guo.

“Just saying ‘I don’t know’ is fine, no need to say more.”

Chapter 119: I Want to Be a Wolf, Not a Dog!

TL: Etude

The cafeteria at the University of Science and Technology was the most famous among the four major universities, renowned for its high-quality and flavorful dishes.

Jiang Qin specifically asked Guo Zihang to take him there to experience it. Indeed, the food tasted good, but to say it was exceptionally flavorful was a bit of an exaggeration.

After just a taste, Jiang Qin felt that the cafeteria at Linchuan University was no worse than this one. He guessed that the hype was probably a recruitment strategy by the University of Science and Technology.

By the time they returned from the cafeteria, it was already dark.

Guo Zihang’s dormitory housed five people, four of whom were internet addicts who had been out at an internet cafe since the afternoon and had not yet returned.

“Brother Jiang, do you have classes tomorrow morning?”

“No.” Jiang Qin was sitting in Guo Zihang’s chair, playing with his phone.

Hearing this, Guo Zihang brightened up: “Then you should sleep here, and we can chat!”

“Sleeping here is fine, but where will I sleep?”

“We have an empty bed in our dormitory, I’ll make it up for you.”

Jiang Qin glanced at the empty bed opposite him: “Then give me your mattress. I have a bad back and can’t sleep on just the board.”

“No problem, I’ll sort it out for you.” Guo Zihang immediately began to prepare the bed.

Jiang Qin wasn’t too fussy; as long as the sheets were clean, it was fine. As for the quilt, it didn’t matter to him; during his poorest days, he had even slept on chairs in internet cafes. There was nothing he couldn’t make do with, and this was like recalling the hardships of the past.

Watching Jiang Qin lie down, Guo Zihang promptly turned off the light, and then they started chatting, head to head.

“Brother Jiang, do you know why Senior Cui is ignoring me?”

Jiang Qin rubbed his nose, his eyes open in the darkness: “Last week when I came, I brought my employee, Fang Xiaoxuan, with me, and Senior Cui mistook her for my girlfriend.”

“That’s it?” Guo Zihang was puzzled.

“Senior Cui probably thought that my employee wasn’t good enough for me. So, on my second visit, she brought her best friend along, planning to introduce her to me. She even suggested that a rich second-generation like me should have a presentable girlfriend and advised me to dump my current one.”

“And then?”

Jiang Qin coughed, pausing for a moment before speaking: “That day, Feng Nanshu was sitting in my car.”

“…”

After hearing this, Guo Zihang got goosebumps, hardly able to imagine the social death Senior Cui must have experienced: “No wonder she’s not even replying to my QQ messages. Just hearing about it makes my face hurt!”

“It was all coincidence, who knew she would look inside the car.” Jiang Qin cleared himself of any involvement.

“Logically speaking, Senior Cui was also wrong. Even if it’s her best friend, she shouldn’t be undermining others behind their backs.”

Jiang Qin was a bit surprised to hear this: “To hear you say that, your godfather doesn’t have to worry about you being ‘kept as a pet’ by others.”

“What’s ‘being kept as a pet’?” Guo Zihang was unfamiliar with the term.

“It refers to showing affection to the opposite sex without any dignity, having no limits to gain their favor. Such people are collectively referred to as ‘lick dogs’.”

Suddenly, Guo Zihang grinned fiercely: “I won’t be a dog; I want to be a wolf!”

“A ‘lick wolf’?”

“…”

Jiang Qin laughed heartily for a while: “Stop talking nonsense. Let me tell you something important. I’ve already taken over the milk tea shop. You should help out more in the future.”

Guo Zihang immediately responded, “No problem, I really miss the days when I earned money with you during the summer.”

“There’s more, don’t rush. Wait until the milk tea shop starts operating normally. I plan to organize a campus beauty contest at your university. That will be your moment to shine.”

“A campus beauty contest? Didn’t Linchuan University have one before November? I heard Chu Siqi was first, Liu Yiyi second, and the third…”

Guo Zihang spoke as if he was very familiar with the subject.

Jiang Qin was somewhat surprised: “Where did you hear about this?”

“In a university town as small as ours, where a single bus ride can take you everywhere, news travels fast. Recently, there was even a discussion in our class about it, privately comparing who is the campus beauty, but no one could agree.”

Jiang Qin raised an eyebrow, thinking that if the situation was really as Guo Zihang described, then the subsequent promotion might be much easier.

Because when a new concept emerges, the hardest step is getting people to accept it.

Since the students at the University of Science and Technology already had the idea of selecting a campus beauty, Jiang Qin’s promotion was like pushing at an open door.

“Brother Jiang?”

“Hmm?”

“You just mentioned that it’s time for me to shine. What exactly can I do?” Guo Zihang was excited.

Jiang Qin grinned, “Hand out flyers.”

“??????”

After about an hour of casual conversation, Guo Zihang gradually fell silent.

Jiang Qin also began to feel tired, so he decided to get some sleep before heading back tomorrow. However, he was reminded that overweight people snoring was a reality, as Guo Zihang’s snores were like a drill, boring into his brain.

Unable to endure it until 4 in the morning, Jiang Qin, even though it was still dark outside, grumpily drove back to Linchuan University.

Since the male dormitory was still closed at this time, Jiang Qin went directly to the Entrepreneurship Center and caught up on sleep on the sofa in room 207.

When he opened his eyes again, it was already past 10 in the morning.

Yawning, Jiang Qin sat up from the sofa, his hair messy like a bird’s nest. He didn’t have time to tidy up and went straight to room 208, gathering everyone for a brief meeting.

“The milk tea shop issue is resolved, so we can proceed with the next steps as planned.”

“Wenhao, you can mobilize the students you recruited from the University of Science and Technology. Create more content, and the original content team shouldn’t idle either. Write some melodramatic themes that college students enjoy.”

“Lanlan, Senior Xu Yu, you two go to the University of Science and Technology to check the shop. Make sure to clear up any old debts and avoid bad debts.”

“Also, take Fang Xiaoxuan with you. Let her try her hand at it.”

“Pang Hai, contact Shengshi Printing Factory to expedite the production of a Xi Tian sign to replace the original one.”

Everyone nodded after hearing the instructions and then started to execute the plan.

After arranging everything, Jiang Qin had nothing else to do, so he went to the restroom in the middle of the corridor to wash up.

Without shampoo, he kept it simple, just smoothing down his disheveled hair.

As he was drying his hair outside the restroom, a girl with bangs walked in, surprised to see him.

“Oh, senior?”

Jiang Qin remembered her; she was the girl he had encountered at the administrative office door, likely the replacement for the television senior.

The girl was quite pretty, with a bright smile, though her features were somewhat ordinary. However, this didn’t detract from her lively charm, which made her seem very approachable.

“You’re working in the administrative office now, right?” Jiang Qin casually asked.

“Yes, senior. My name is Tang Lin, from the International Trade Department. I’ve been assigned to assist Senior Cao with managing entrepreneurship applications. And you, senior?”

“Finance department, Jiang Qin. Is Professor Yan in the administrative office now?”

Tang Lin nodded, “Yes, he is.”

“Good, tell Professor Yan not to wander off; I need to see him about something.” Jiang Qin washed his face as he spoke.

“Oh, okay.”

Tang Lin was a bit intimidated, thinking that ‘wandering off’ wasn’t really an appropriate term for a professor. However, she didn’t know much about Jiang Qin, assuming he was an influential senior who could joke with a professor. Not daring to say anything, she stuck out her tongue and quietly left the restroom.

Jiang Qin indeed had important business with Professor Yan. With the milk tea shop set up, the subsequent activities at the University of Science and Technology could soon be rolled out. However, running a milk tea shop and organizing activities were different matters.

Simply put, who owns the milk tea shop is irrelevant to the university. As long as the rent is paid on time, no one cares who owns it.

But if you want to organize a grand event at another university, it’s essential to get the school leadership’s approval.

Although Jiang Qin was now a millionaire, he didn’t have as much clout as Professor Yan. So, he planned to go through Professor Yan, contacting the University of Science and Technology in advance to ensure the event wouldn’t be stopped before it even started.

Chapter 120: The Aftermath of the Marriage Tree Incident

TL: Etude

“Yanyan, I just met a really interesting senior in the restroom,” Tang Lin said as she returned to the office, immediately engaging in endless chatter with her best friend. In the General Affairs Office, where the work was incredibly dull, it seemed like any topic was worth discussing.

“Are you sure it was a senior, not a senior sister?” her friend teased.

Tang Lin paused, “I misspoke. I met him in the washroom, not inside the restroom.”

“I thought you encountered a pervert, you scared me there,” Yanyan, sitting at the window-side desk, joked, continuing to sort through the files in her hands.

She had been in the General Affairs Office for three days, mainly screening various entrepreneurship application forms and reviewing some business plans. The work was not strenuous, but it was tedious and could feel monotonous after a while.

However, having a lively and active new friend like Tang Lin made it less boring.

“Xiao Tang, could you bring me the newspaper from the coffee table?” Professor Yan’s voice came through the door.

“Right away, Professor!” Tang Lin put down the application form she was holding and went into the office with the newspaper.

The afternoon sunlight was bright and warm, but when it slanted through the window, it was blinding. As Yanyan moved to draw the curtains, she suddenly heard the door open.

“Senior Cao, stop being busy with your romance. Our Room 207’s window is still leaky. Please take care of it,” Jiang Qin called out as he stepped into the office, his gaze landing on the girl by the window. He looked surprised, then stepped out to check the sign on the door before re-entering.

Yanyan wasn’t too surprised, “Long time no see, Jiang Qin.”

“Long time no see. What are you doing here in the General Affairs Office?” Jiang Qin asked, puzzled.

“Our supervisor is a student of Professor Yan. They needed extra hands here, so our supervisor asked us to come and help organize the files,” she explained.

Jiang Qin lowered his voice, “Just don’t publicly claim you’re helping out. We still need to earn our credits.”

“I know, I definitely need to earn those credits. I can’t afford to lose out,” Yanyan smiled.

“Is Professor Yan inside?”

“Yes, he is.”

“I’ll talk to you later when I have time. I’m in a bit of a hurry,” he said, and as they were talking, Tang Lin came out of Professor Yan’s office. “Oh, Senior, you’re here?”

“Yes, keep up the good work and don’t slack off,” Jiang Qin instructed before entering the office.

Watching him go in, Tang Lin lowered her voice, “Yanyan, that’s the senior I bumped into in the restroom. Interesting, right?”

Yanyan looked surprised, “He told you he was a senior?”

“No, but anyone applying for a classroom for a project here can’t possibly be a freshman like us, right?”

“Lingling, you really have no eye for people. He’s a freshman just like us.”

Tang Lin blinked in surprise, “You know him?”

“Yes, I do,” Yanyan continued her work.

“He’s not one of your former suitors, is he? Oh my, I’ve already met several this week. It’s like a drought for some and a flood for others. Leave some for us, Yanyan!”

Yanyan’s fingers paused briefly, “Fine, they’re all yours. Choose whomever you like.”

Tang Lin huffed, “The guys who like you always have such high standards, they wouldn’t notice someone like me. But that senior just now was quite good-looking, and since he’s only a little handsome among all those chasing you, I’ll pick him. You keep the best ones for yourself.”

“Ahh, I’d advise you to give up on that idea,” Yanyan shook her head in resignation.

Tang Lin couldn’t help but feel a bit melancholic, thinking about how her best friend, who couldn’t seem to capture the attention of men, had now set her sights on a male god. Her movements slowed as she got lost in her thoughts.

…

“I have a favor to ask, Professor Yan,” Jiang Qin said as he entered Professor Yan’s office, getting straight to the point without any beating around the bush.

“What is it?” Professor Yan, who was reading the newspaper with his reading glasses, set the paper aside upon seeing him enter.

“I need to promote a forum at the University of Science and Technology, and I need your help to write an introduction letter.”

“Sit down and help yourself to some tea,” the professor responded. He had always been very supportive of Jiang Qin’s entrepreneurial project, perhaps due to a soft spot for a former student. Upon hearing about Jiang Qin’s promotional visit to another university, he immediately wrote an introduction letter and even affixed his personal seal to it.

“Zhang Ming’an at the University of Science and Technology used to be my student. Go to him first, and through him, get in touch with the relevant authorities there,” Professor Yan advised.

“Okay,” Jiang Qin replied and then unfolded the letter to read it. “Professor, could you change a few words for me?”

“Is there a problem with the wording?” Professor Yan asked, puzzled.

“No, it’s just that I think one term doesn’t sound right. Actually, just one word.”

“Which word?”

“I don’t like the term ‘entrepreneurial promotion project.’ Can you change it to ‘work-study program’?”

Professor Yan wasn’t naive and immediately understood Jiang Qin’s ulterior motive. “You’re trying to take advantage on a nominal level, hoping for project support from the University of Science and Technology?”

Jiang Qin smacked his lips, “I was just suggesting. If you think it’s inappropriate, never mind.”

“…”

“I can rewrite it for you, but if you really want to do a work-study program, it can’t just be in name. You need to actually do something substantial.”

“I understand, I won’t just take advantage and not fulfill my obligations. I’ll recruit some financially struggling students into my team right away. Don’t worry, Professor,” Jiang Qin said, patting his chest confidently.

Professor Yan thought for a moment and finally decided to accommodate his request.

Jiang Qin respectfully handed the letter back, even picking up a pen for the professor.

Then, Professor Yan took out a new piece of draft paper and rewrote the letter.

Receiving the new introduction letter, Jiang Qin felt a greater sense of responsibility.

Of course, his smile also became more pronounced.

If he had just promoted the forum in the name of entrepreneurship, the University of Science and Technology might not oppose it out of respect for Professor Yan, but they wouldn’t offer much support either. After all, it wasn’t their own school’s project; allowing it to exist would be enough of a gesture. But promoting it under the guise of a work-study program was different.

The term ‘work-study’ might sound mundane, but at the school level, it carried significant weight.

Once the University of Science and Technology agreed, it would become a joint project of both schools. The director there could not only not oppose it, but would also have to facilitate it greatly.

“Thank you, Professor. I won’t let you down!”

“Don’t just make grand statements in front of me, remember to actually implement the work-study aspect.”

After speaking, Professor Yan couldn’t help but feel a bit nostalgic, thinking that if his former student had half of Jiang Qin’s cunning and determination, his painstaking project wouldn’t have failed.

One must admit, there’s a world of difference between entrepreneurs.

Some people are born with a vision and perspective that can stir up the winds of change.

Holding the introduction letter, Jiang Qin left Professor Yan’s office in high spirits, exchanging a few more words with Yanyan on his way out.

Tang Lin watched the exchange between the two, feeling surprised. Her best friend had many admirers, especially in the International Trade department, but she rarely saw her speak so gently and smile so brightly.

Hmm, it seemed this admirer might actually have a chance, roughly around thirty-five percent.

…

After leaving the General Affairs Office, Jiang Qin headed to Room 208. Before he even entered, he heard a lively chatter inside.

Su Nai, Lu Xuemei, Shi Miaomiao, and several others were huddled around a table, engrossed in something, their voices filled with excitement, even louder than the sparrows outside the window.

“What are you all doing?” Jiang Qin asked as he walked in.

Su Nai turned around, “Boss, the photo book from our last team-building trip is here. Xuemei brought it back from Shengshi on her way.”

“Oh? Let me see,” Jiang Qin said, his curiosity piqued.

Team cohesion isn’t something that lasts forever after just one outing. It’s a consumable, especially amid the tediousness of daily work, where conflicts can easily dissolve it.

So Jiang Qin had Lu Xuemei bring a camera to the farmhouse and take many photos, which were then made into a book for each team member.

Occasionally looking through the book could also help strengthen the team’s cohesion.

Jiang Qin flipped through the pages and saw a photo of him and the little rich lady at the farmhouse entrance. Their poses were direct, one cold and distant, the other casual and laid-back.

However, Feng Nanshu’s gaze seemed to be drifting towards him, probably because the shutter was pressed late.

But…

It looked unexpectedly good.

He must really be explosively handsome if even someone like Feng Nanshu, with her top-tier looks, couldn’t take her eyes off him.

“Where’s the boss lady’s copy?” Jiang Qin asked, turning to Lu Xuemei.

Lu Xuemei gasped, her eyes freezing slightly, “I printed them according to the outing list, I think I forgot…”

“Really, Lu Xuemei? Your conscience is as small as a peanut. She bought you expensive fruits, and you forgot her? Tsk tsk, you won’t achieve much in society with that attitude!”

“I’m sorry, boss. I’ll go back to Shengshi now and get another one printed!” Lu Xuemei was clearly distressed.

“Forget it, give her my copy,” Jiang Qin said, handing over his photo album. He had been busy shuttling between Linchuan University and the University of Science and Technology lately and hadn’t had time to accompany Feng Nanshu. She would probably be delighted to see the album, but he didn’t have time to deliver it himself as he was eager to meet Director Liu at the University of Science and Technology with his new introduction letter.

After Jiang Qin left, Lu Xuemei suddenly remembered something and quickly flipped to the third-to-last page of the album, showing it to Su Nai, Shi Miaomiao, and the others.

The photo was dark, with poor lighting, but a large, lush tree was visible.

In the center of the image, a figure was climbing up, looking like a bear, holding a sign and struggling to hang it on a branch.

“Damn, the boss went to the marriage tree in the middle of the night?” Su Nai realized immediately, “How did you capture this?”

Lu Xuemei grinned triumphantly, “I was going to take pictures of the stars but saw the boss sneaking towards the marriage tree, so I followed him.”

Shi Miaomiao covered her mouth to stifle a giggle, “The boss is really weird. He seems so mature and stable, yet he believes in something like the marriage tree. He’s always talking about friends, but it’s all lies.”

“He’s very superstitious. When we had an event at the front square, he talked to me about feng shui, and I was completely baffled.”

“Really?”

Shi Miaomiao chimed in, “The boss is from Jizhou, right? My grandma is from there too. I heard people there tend to be quite superstitious.”

“Yeah, so he dares to deceive us and himself, but not the gods,” Lu Xuemei said confidently.

Hearing this, everyone involuntarily looked at the God of Wealth statue on the opposite table and the fortune tree beside it, nodding in agreement.