Chapter 534: Chapter 201: Zelin, Did You and Shiqing Get to Second Base? (Part 3)

Before the entire Willow Branch Lane got wind of this, she wouldn’t stop boasting about it.

Heading to the alleyway entrance, she saw her mom sitting amidst a group of housewives, as expected.

Zhao Lixia was waving a large palm fan, the kind made from dried areca leaves, which was both light and airy. In this era, almost every household had a few of these.

"Have you watched that drama on Zhejiang TV Station lately, the one sponsored by the company my son works for? That catchphrase is quite catchy, ’Choose computers and phones, come to New Era! Try at will, buy if satisfied!’"

Actually, New Era’s slogan wasn’t that stunning.

In reality, many effective advertisements aren’t flashy; the key is relatability, making it easy for consumers to remember.

Like that catchy phrase from Brain Platinum, "Don’t receive gifts this holiday, only give Brain Platinum." It doesn’t have much literary value but is so catchy that once heard, it’s unforgettable.

The fewer the words in a slogan, the more it highlights its focus.

The emphasis is on the unique "try at will, buy if satisfied" model.

Of course, other digital stores allow try-outs, but the phones are usually kept behind counters, and you have to ask the salespeople to take them out.

Placing devices upfront like in New Era’s ads, looking like customers would be upset if they can’t try for free, is quite unusual.

This fresh marketing approach raised the interest of many digital enthusiasts once aired, leading to a surge in foot traffic at the main store.

"Lixia, your Zelin is really capable, becoming a manager in such a big company at a young age. He even has a company car. Ah, my silly boy is still jobless even after graduation!"

"Having such a worry-free son, Lixia, you can enjoy a good life in the future!"

"..."

As expected, the housewives were green with envy, with some jealousy mixed in.

Zhao Lixia was quite pleased.

She had never heard neighbors use the words "worry-free" to describe her son before.

When Su Zelin’s name was mentioned before, even the dogs in Willow Branch Lane would shake their heads.

Is this what they mean by fortunes changing over thirty years?

My Zelin was a bit naughty before, but he certainly didn’t develop late. He stood out quite well after going to college.

"Mom!"

Just when Granny Su was delighted, she heard Su Zelin’s voice, and then her large palm fan was snatched away.

The rascal was diligently fanning the empress dowager: "What are you chatting about with the aunties, having such a good time?"

Zhao Lixia hadn’t yet responded when one auntie chimed in.

"Zelin, I was talking to your mom about you. I hear your company is incredible; it’s advertising on TV. They say it’s a big chain store, and as a manager, you must earn over three thousand a month?"

"Aunt Chen, you’re joking. Just a bit more phone credit than a regular employee."

"No way, you’re too modest!"

"Look how filial Zelin is, even fanning Lixia. Why don’t I have such a good son!"

"..."

Zhao Lixia grinned widely.

Her son was truly bringing her pride now.

She felt more confident bragging to neighbors and didn’t used to frequent the alley to chat nonsense with those housewives.

After chatting with Zhao Lixia and the housewives for a while, thoroughly satisfying the empress dowager’s vanity, Su Zelin finally led her away.

Back home, the first thing Su Zelin did was enthusiastically pour her a cup of tea: "Mother, have some tea!"

Zhao Lixia took the tea, feeling a bit thirsty indeed.

After drinking, she put down the cup: "What is it you want to say?" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Other kids might fan their moms or serve tea out of genuine filial respect, but this boy only acts with motives.

Granny Su understood her son quite well.

Preparation was in place, and the empress dowager was in a good mood, so Su Zelin cleared his throat and got straight to the point: "Mom, I want to install broadband."

Su Jianjun perked up his ears; he was quite interested in the outcome too.

"Install what?"

Zhao Lixia didn’t understand the terminology well.

"Broadband, the kind of internet connection for computers!"

Su Zelin briefly explained and then added: "I often need to research for company plans; going to internet cafes isn’t convenient, and they’re noisy!"

Su Jianjun nodded approvingly.

This boy sure has a way of persuading the tigress.

The tigress cared about her son’s future, and as long as he cited work as a reason, with a legitimate excuse, it’d be much more effective.

"Internet connection, sure!"

Zhao Lixia didn’t hesitate much and approved right away.

Well, that was unexpected, persuading mom so easily?

Su Zelin was slightly surprised.

He thought he’d have to make some effort, prepared with many reasons, but after just one, mom nodded in agreement, which was rare.

Zhao Lixia was in a good mood; she didn’t know that installing internet cost several hundred, and thinking it would help her son’s work, she didn’t object.

Su Zelin’s image in the empress dowager’s eyes was now different.

If it had been before, when he was idle and inattentive, if he talked about installing broadband, Granny Su would’ve thought it was an excuse to play computer games.

But now that Su Zelin was a proper manager, she’d witnessed him genuinely writing plans and he even stopped reading comics.

A sensible and progressing son held entirely different weight in a mother’s heart. Even if Su Zelin’s words were excuses, the dowager would think positively.

Moreover, Granny Su had another little thought.

The neighbor Qin Shiqing also sometimes went online.

If they installed the broadband at home, Qin Shiqing could come over and use it with Zelin, giving the two kids more chances to interact.

Old Su was envious.

Such a tricky matter, and the boy persuaded the tigress with just a word.

He couldn’t even begin to imagine.

Ah, it felt like his status in the house dropped another notch—now he wasn’t even as important as his son, only slightly above the goldfish in the tank!