22. The Tilted Scales

On Bao Zhenhai’s screen was a girl’s QQ profile.

He opened her photo album and let Chen Ling scroll through the pictures one by one, then asked excitedly, “What do you think? Pretty, isn’t she?”

Chen Ling studied the photos carefully. The girl was indeed attractive, but all the backgrounds were strikingly similar: large mirrors in bar bathrooms, car side mirrors, upscale hotels; her makeup was heavy, her outfits revealing.

Then Bao Zhenhai opened the chat history, showing off with pride, “We had instant chemistry, we could talk forever. She asked to meet me tonight, but Zhang Pengfei won’t let me go. Isn’t he being too much? It’s like the well-fed can’t understand the hunger of the starving!”

“When isn’t it a good time to chase girls?” Zhang Peng retorted in annoyance. “Why do you have to go when we’re so busy? If she really likes you, what’s wrong with waiting a few days?”

“Strike while the iron’s hot!” Bao Zhenhai was clearly determined. “She’s so beautiful—if someone else snatches her up, I’ll regret it forever!”

But Chen Ling, reading the chat history, quickly spotted something—

“I just got to Linjiang for school and haven’t had a chance to go out yet. Can you show me around?”

...

“I’ve heard Linjiang’s nightlife is amazing, I really want to experience it.”

...

“I’ve never had red wine before, but I heard it’s good for a girl’s skin.”

...

“My roommate told me there’s a great lounge bar nearby, let’s meet up!”

...

This series of hints, both obvious and subtle, made it clear to Chen Ling: this was a classic bar scam.

To make matters worse, Bao Zhenhai had bragged during the chat about how much money he was making, promising to show her a good time—

“He’s walking right into a trap!” Chen Ling shook his head inwardly, while Bao Zhenhai continued to argue with Zhang Peng: “You’ve always had money and free time, girls flock to you, so of course you don’t care. But me? I’ve always been your wingman or backup. Now that I finally meet someone who likes me, you’re holding me back!”

Zhang Peng sighed deeply. “Baozi, forgive me for being blunt—look at yourself: you’ve got no looks, no money. Why would she be interested in you? She only sent you those photos after you said you make over 200,000 a month, right? You really shouldn’t trust a woman like that.”

“I don’t care! What’s the point of earning money if not to spend it on women?” Bao Zhenhai replied, utterly unconcerned.

Hearing this, Chen Ling understood: this was the psychological imbalance from years of frustration. In this state, a single flirtatious glance would have him planning their children’s names.

Bao Zhenhai’s appearance lacked appeal: naturally dark skin, barely over 170 centimeters, a bit overweight—in this era of looks, he really didn’t stand out.

“I think you’re a lost cause,” Zhang Peng waved him off, giving up on curing Bao Zhenhai. “Go if you want, just don’t come crying when you get played.”

But Bu Chunsheng offered, “Call if anything happens,” which touched Bao Zhenhai.

Seeing everyone’s mood, Chen Ling knew it was pointless to announce the next step, so he went along: “Baozi, go ahead. I’ll handle the orders. Who knows, maybe it really is true love?”

“Old Chen always knows what to say! Not like some people, hmph!” Bao Zhenhai replied, then changed into his best clothes and rushed out, saying he’d get a new haircut first.

“That fool,” Zhang Peng watched from the window as Bao Zhenhai left, then turned to Chen Ling. “I know you can see that girl’s no good. How could you let him go?”

Chen Ling shrugged. “If he doesn’t get scammed once, doesn’t get hurt, he’ll keep falling for it. At worst, he loses a bit of money—it’s better than staying foolish forever.”

Zhang Peng thought it over and nodded, though he was still a little frustrated. “Baozi’s gotten so cocky since he made some money, he won’t listen to me anymore. He used to do whatever I said.”

Chen Ling just pressed his lips and stayed silent.

He understood Bao Zhenhai’s attitude: it was because Chen Ling had replaced Zhang Peng’s position in his life. Before, Bao Zhenhai saw Zhang Peng as his biggest resource, hoping to rely on him after graduation. But now, before even graduating, Chen Ling had helped him make a fortune.

Naturally, Bao Zhenhai’s inner balance was shifting, maybe without him realizing.

Chen Ling kept quiet, Zhang Peng stewed in silence, and the mood in the dorm turned heavy.

Then Bu Chunsheng suddenly said, “If Chen Ling persuades him, he probably won’t go.”

Chen Ling drew a sharp breath and shot Bu Chunsheng a warning look.

Bu Chunsheng realized he’d spoken out of turn and quickly sat upright, saying nothing more.

Another silence fell. Zhang Peng lit a cigarette, sat beside Chen Ling, and smiled, “Old Chen, you really don’t need to worry about me… I know my worth, and you’re not short-sighted. There’s no need for anything between us, right?”

But this Baozi—after all, we’re brothers. I just don’t want to watch him get played.

Chen Ling laughed, “I never said I wouldn’t help! I’ll follow him later and step in if there’s trouble.”

“Good!” Zhang Peng’s spirits lifted at that.

Bu Chunsheng glanced at them, then quietly returned to watching his screen, thoughtful.

Chen Ling took Bao Zhenhai’s place and got busy for a while, then casually asked Zhang Peng, “Old Zhang, can your family help us find a renovation crew or a bookkeeping firm in Linjiang?”

“Hm?” Zhang Peng perked up, “Are we starting a company? What’s our next move?”

“Get those sorted first,” Chen Ling smiled wryly. “I’ve rented two shops, need simple renovations, and will need bookkeeping services… It’s too small to hire a full-time accountant.”

Zhang Peng waved confidently, “That’s easy, leave it to me. Don’t be mysterious, just tell me!”

“I need to use the bathroom,” Bu Chunsheng suddenly got up to leave.

Chen Ling grabbed him, smiling, “Brother Sheng, you’re one of us. Sit down.”

“...Isn’t it inappropriate?” Bu Chunsheng glanced at Zhang Peng, feeling awkward.

After all, what Chen Ling was about to reveal was business confidential, and Bu Chunsheng had just joined them; he didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.

But Zhang Peng added, “Brother Sheng, don’t worry. Just stick with us—it’ll be better than any job you could find after graduation!”

“Well… okay,” Bu Chunsheng finally sat back down.

Chen Ling nodded, outlined the rough plan, and then added, “We’ll go over the details once Baozi’s back. Today’s main task is to teach Baozi that—there are bad women out there!”

“Heh,” Zhang Peng teased, “No one’s worse than you!”