10. Underlying Currents Emerge

“Are you confessing your feelings to me?”
“Dream on. I just want to see what kind of trick you’re hiding up your sleeve.”
“What trick? Instant heart remedy!”
“What does that mean?”
“Because every second I can’t see you feels like a knife cutting through my heart!”
“How boring!”
“When you’re bored, think of me. Don’t waste your time, understand?”
“You really have a thick skin! Why should I think of you?”
“With thick skin, you won’t notice when I blush~”
“Do you chat like this with every girl?”
“I’m only chatting with you like this, trying to find a way to please you.”
“Why do you want to please me? Just so I’ll help you cover your lies?”
“First I have to please you, then maybe you’ll agree to be my wife…”

Seeing the words “agree to be my wife,” Liu Xingyue’s heart suddenly raced, her breath quickening. She couldn’t understand why she was so moved by Chen Ling, someone she’d only just met by chance, but deep down she knew she might be falling for him.

Out of a girl’s reserve, she quickly sent a message: “Keep dreaming!” Then hurriedly closed QQ, forcing herself to sleep. But as soon as she closed her eyes, all she saw was Chen Ling’s smiling face.

It was destined to be a sleepless night.

Chen Ling noticed Liu Xingyue’s icon had turned gray, smiled, closed QQ, and got ready for bed.

Yet strangely, once he closed his eyes, the graceful figure of Feng Lifang suddenly appeared in his mind. He shifted to a comfortable position, smiling wryly to himself, and faintly sensed the shape of things to come.

…

Early the next morning, before “Sun Never Sets” had even sounded, the Three Cards Bulls were already up and washing. They all knew today’s task might be tough, but they were excited—the saying “no profit, no early riser” was their truest reflection.

After getting ready as fast as possible, since the business hall wasn’t open yet, Chen Ling, Zhang Peng, and Bao Zhenhai gathered at the computer to brainstorm new promotional strategies.

Besides QQ groups and QQ space, they chose campus networks, forums, and bulletin boards as their channels. In 2008, before Weibo and WeChat appeared, these were the most trafficked platforms and their target audience was precise. Especially the campus network, which was student-centered and could spread promotions nationwide. The only pity was that this campaign was limited to Linjiang City.

As the three busied themselves, Bao Zhenhai suddenly pointed at the screen and shouted, “Chen, Zhang, look!”

Countless QQ groups had simultaneously posted: Phone recharge! Real charge of 190, get 400! Interested, join the group…

“That fast?” Chen Ling instantly realized they had competitors.

It was inevitable. Once someone started, anyone with a bit of wit could spot the profit and imitate. But the problem was—it had happened too quickly!

“Could it be other college students?” Zhang Peng frowned. “We only promoted among college students…”

Chen Ling shook his head. “It’s only been one night since we started. To connect all the upstream and downstream links in such a short time isn’t something an ordinary student can do.”

Zhang Peng thought it over; it made sense. He’d discussed the practical difficulty with his father yesterday. According to his father: “It’s easy for me, relatively simple for you, but your classmates would find it very tough.”

So, it must be someone with strong connections and a sharp mind, and they’d launched right into a price war!

Bao Zhenhai asked awkwardly, “So what do we do now?”

Chen Ling pondered, then sat at the computer and joined their competitor’s QQ group.

It was lively inside; most were discussing prices and comparing them to their own. Even their own QQ groups were full of complaints, many demanding refunds for the price difference…

Zhang Peng watched, hesitant, “We’ll have to drop prices and fight them. Earning less is better than earning nothing.”

“No,” Chen Ling said. “We don’t know the situation yet. It’s unwise to fight blindly.”

“But if we don’t, all our customers will be stolen!” Zhang Peng was clearly anxious. It was still early, but soon, word-of-mouth would spread, and they’d quickly be replaced.

At that moment, an untimely voice piped up…

Ruan Hui stood behind them with a washbasin, mocking, “A low-barrier business that can be copied isn’t worth fussing over. My advice is…”

“Damn it—” Already irritable, Zhang Peng spun around and slapped Ruan Hui, sending him sprawling onto his bed!

He immediately grabbed his collar, snarling, “Never been beaten by a rich kid, huh? I usually ignore your snide remarks, but you really think I won’t hit you? Let me give you some advice: keep your mouth shut, or trouble will come looking for you!”

Faced with Zhang Peng’s blunt warning, terror filled Ruan Hui’s eyes.

Seeing him so pathetic, Zhang Peng’s anger quickly lost its fuel. He thought it over and, without truly hurting him, slowly let go and turned away.

Yet in that instant, the terror in Ruan Hui’s eyes transformed into fury and resentment…

…

“Ling, say something! What should we do now?” Bao Zhenhai urged. He’d quit his internship for this; if the Cards Bulls business faltered, it would be a real loss.

Zhang Peng was equally frustrated. They’d only enjoyed one easy day, and now this had happened. His father always said navigating the business world was like a ship in shallow waters—countless hidden reefs and currents, many with ill intentions. He used to think his father exaggerated, but now, in his own shoes, he realized… maybe his father had understated it.

“Were all the pre-orders paid yesterday?” Chen Ling finally spoke.

Zhang Peng replied, “All paid.”

“Alright, no matter what, finish those orders first. You two keep taking orders—I’ll go investigate the situation. Remember, don’t drop prices recklessly. Wait for my word.” With that, Chen Ling slung his backpack and left.

The morning’s batch of ads were just a pile of promotions, but it was clear their opposition was no simple matter—it was organized and purposeful.

Chen Ling had his suspicions. After leaving campus, he didn’t rush to the business hall. Instead, he headed for Jin Youde’s supermarket.

Thinking it through, it could only be the big scalper trying to steal his business!

“Boss Jin!” Chen Ling pretended nothing had happened, walked into the supermarket, and greeted Jin Youde, “A pack of Huazi, please.”

Jin Youde raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. As the initiator, he knew exactly what was going on, but Chen Ling’s calm demeanor confused him.

Was this a knowing probe, or just casual chit-chat?

He handed over the cigarettes, asking, “In a good mood today?”

“Making money always puts me in a good mood.” Chen Ling nodded. “By the way, there might be over a thousand cards today, so have plenty of cash ready.”

With that, Chen Ling walked out, saying nothing more.

Now Jin Youde was truly uncertain. He was certain Chen Ling knew about the competition, but to remain so confident in this situation—was strange.

With that in mind, he quickly dialed his men, urging them to hurry up…