Chapter 205: The Second Dragon

TL: Etude 𝐟𝐫eewe𝗯𝐧𝚘ve𝐥.c𝚘𝚖

Jiang Qin responded with a cold indifference and swiftly began counting money, while Yu Shasha’s questions continued unabated during this process.

“Idol, did Feng Nanshu spend the New Year at your place?”

“Idol, when can we at Polytechnic University start using group buying?”

“Idol, why don’t you ever come to our gatherings?”

“Idol…”

Jiang Qin looked up at her, shuddering slightly: “Yu Shasha, stop calling me ‘idol’. It makes me uncomfortable. Just call me a ‘fool’ like you did in high school.”

Yu Shasha’s eyes widened: “I never called you that, at most I called you a ‘bookworm’!”

“Don’t feel guilty about it. Just call me whatever you like. That way, I won’t feel bad about raising your rent later this year. You know, housing in this area is becoming more competitive. I’ll only raise it a little bit.”

“No, you are an idol, and I can’t lie about that,” Yu Shasha asserted firmly.

Jiang Qin looked at her again, clicking his tongue: “How can such a young girl be so perceptive?”

“Then, idol, could you reduce my rent a bit?”

“Heh, what a joke. That would be the death of me. Absolutely not.”

Jiang Qin’s smile faded, his face turning indifferent, resembling an emotionless money-counting machine.

Yu Shasha didn’t mind his heartlessness; after all, her parents paid her rent. She was just making conversation.

But Jiang Qin’s “absolutely not” was not said lightly.

What defines an ‘idol’?

It’s not just a man who flaunts luxury watches and speaks with elegance, nor is it like those in web novels who are dismissive of everyone, arrogantly believing they’re above all, yet utterly lacking manners.

A true ‘idol’ is someone who handles everything effortlessly, displaying humor, humility, flamboyance, and coldness when appropriate.

They can navigate any situation, showing both maturity and childish charm.

Whether they’re called versatile or worldly, it boils down to a demeanor of being unflustered by anything.

Such a person can wear a suit to a high-end gathering or casually stroll the streets in a vest and shorts.

Because truly strong individuals don’t rely on outward appearances for applause.

Like Jiang Qin now, unabashedly showing his love for money, yet not coming off as tacky.

“Alright, that’s enough.”

“Idol, do you want to stay and chat for a while?”

“No need, my time is very valuable.”

After securing his beloved money, Jiang Qin waved goodbye and headed downstairs.

Watching him leave, Yu Shasha returned to the living room, thinking that only Jiang Qin could say such words with the right flavor. If Qin Zi’ang were to say them, it would probably seem as comical as a child wearing adult clothes.

People are, after all, different.

She closed the door and turned to Chu Siqi, who was still staring blankly in the direction of the door, her hands tightly clasped, her fingertips slightly pale.

Although she couldn’t fully empathize, Yu Shasha knew her beautiful and close friend must be feeling very disappointed.

“He just leaves like that, a truly cold-hearted person. But buying properties, managing a bar, creating websites for competitions, negotiating online shopping deals, he really is amazing.”

“Our taste in men is nothing compared to Feng Nanshu’s.”

“…”

Chu Siqi pursed her lips tightly, remaining silent for a while.

…

The winter break was inevitably short, and for Jiang Qin, who was eager to expand his business empire, it seemed even shorter. He decided to return to school two days earlier than others.

However, going back alone was not an option for him, as it would be too lonely without someone to talk to, let alone boast to.

Therefore, he called Guo Zihang to join him.

Recently, the slightly chubby Guo Zihang was enjoying a comfortable life at home and was somewhat reluctant to return.

This phenomenon was greatly related to the fluctuating nature of maternal love.

Returning home, a student typically goes through three phases: an initial warm welcome from parents, followed by being treated as insignificant, and finally, a reluctant farewell.

So, in the last few days of winter break, Guo Zihang once again became the apple of his family’s eye, where he could be lazy and overindulgent without reproach.

Lacking Jiang Qin’s intense career drive and with the dormitory supervisor also on vacation, Guo Zihang felt there was no point in returning early. He suggested that Yang Shu’an join them instead.

After considering the idea, Jiang Qin agreed, and on the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, both Guo Zihang and Yang Shu’an received a text message to depart, leaving no one behind.

“Mom, I’m heading back to school!”

“You’re really leaving early? Isn’t the school still closed? What’s the rush to go back so soon?”

Jiang Qin shouldered his backpack, putting keys and phone in his pocket: “I’m a star student. I need to go back early to study and outperform everyone!”

Yuan Youqin suddenly squinted her eyes: “I remember when you were at your grandma’s house, you said your ‘star student’ status was fake?”

“That’s impossible, you must have heard wrong. I don’t even remember saying that.”

Jiang Qin, with a serious and sincere expression, finished speaking and immediately headed downstairs.

His romantic rumors had already been thoroughly discussed at his grandmother’s house, and he guessed that the information center of Nanya Village had been buzzing about it for several days. The only honor he had left, that of a star student, had to be preserved.

Once out of the neighborhood, Guo Zihang and Yang Shu’an were already waiting with their luggage, playfully bickering on the roadside.

“I heard it was you who recommended me as a companion?”

“No, no, it’s a misunderstanding. Don’t bare your teeth; it scares me.”

“Old Guo, you really aren’t playing fair. You want to stay at home for a few more days, but don’t you think I want the same?”

Yang Shu’an spat in his direction, tempted to go home and grab a leg of lamb to hit him with.

However, when Jiang Qin waved at them, the two instantly became obsequious, not showing any displeasure, and hurried into the car, showcasing their exceptional emotional intelligence.

Their thoughts were simple: since they couldn’t resist, they might as well enjoy it.

After a two-hour journey, the trio arrived in Linchuan.

Jiang Qin’s first stop was Wanzhong Mall because He Yijun had called a few days earlier, saying that the mall’s renovation had begun and asking when Jiang Qin could visit to provide guidance.

According to Jiang Qin’s previous plan, promoting group buying at Polytechnic and Normal University would take at least two to three months.

By that time, the transformation of Wanzhong Mall would have shown initial results, and it would be ready to seamlessly integrate group buying.

Just as the Xi Tian Milk Tea Shop had provided ample attraction for the forum’s advertisements, the integration with Wanzhong was a significant step for Jiang Qin towards expanding throughout Linchuan City.

Thus, Jiang Qin happily accepted He Yijun’s invitation.

Upon arriving at the mall, they were greeted by Zhao Zuchang, who was in charge of the early stages of the renovation. He eagerly started showing off the results, like a student eager for a teacher’s praise and acknowledgment.

“Boss Jiang, we’ve now divided the third floor into two areas: one for home appliance clearance and the other for store renovations. The other floors follow a similar pattern.”

“The original plan for the third floor was to create a dining area, with proposed projects including a hotpot restaurant, buffet, steakhouse, local cuisine, and a small snack street. Some will be franchises, others chain introductions. We plan to launch them simultaneously.”

Jiang Qin followed Zhao Zuchang to the eastern area and noticed that a large part of it was enclosed by dark green protective boards.

After half of the overall space was occupied, the original home appliance area became very crowded, making the entire mall seem somewhat congested.

“Old Zhao, I suggest you make full use of these protective boards instead of wasting them.”

Zhao Zuchang stopped and looked at Jiang Qin: “Boss Jiang, what do you mean by not wasting?”

Jiang Qin walked over and patted the boards: “Stick some promotional ads on these boards. Compile upcoming business projects and paste them together for a preview of the upgrade. Don’t leave them bare like this. Or, you could even print a picture of a lady in black silk stockings on them; that would be better than this.”

“Would that really be effective for promotion?”

“Definitely, especially with the lady in black silk. But that’s not the most important thing. The important part is adding some color and design, so customers don’t think your mall is about to go out of business.”

Zhao Zuchang was taken aback: “Does it really look like we’re going out of business now?”

Jiang Qin turned to Guo Zihang and Yang Shu’an: “What do you guys think?”

“I think you look like you’re going to bolt after selling off the last batch.”

“And I feel like you might bolt even before everything’s sold.”

After hearing their responses, Zhao Zuchang thought for a moment and immediately took out his phone to make a call, likely arranging for new renovation boards to be made.

From their previous interaction, Jiang Qin had proven his keen insight, so his suggestions were generally implemented, as He Yijun had advised earlier.

Next, Jiang Qin toured the second and fourth floors.

The parts of the mall with low profitability and poor inventory were mostly cleared out. The shelves had been adjusted to reduce the repetitive display of similar products, making enough space for the planned renovations. This approach aligned with the strategy, suggesting that while Wanzhong Mall’s staff might not excel in planning, their execution ability was indeed high.

After a complete tour, it was evening, and the sky was ablaze with a spectacular sunset.

Remembering that last time’s entertainment budget was not fully used, Zhao Zuchang proposed going to “One Dragon”.

Jiang Qin thought for a moment. The New Year had just passed, and the holiday wasn’t over yet. There were probably not many people back at school, and the entire dormitory building might be empty. There was no point in returning so soon.

One Dragon it is then, a way to pass the time.

“What is ‘One Dragon’?”

“It’s just a ‘One Dragon’ experience.”

Yang Shu’an, somewhat confused, followed them. He sat on a sapphire-blue sofa in the opulent hall, adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings, and was utterly amazed by the sight of the hostesses in their ultra-short skirts.

Seeing his reaction, Guo Zihang immediately felt more confident: “How about it, Old Yang? Didn’t I do you a favor? If I hadn’t recommended you as a companion, wouldn’t you have missed out?”

“I don’t know about missing out, but the adult world really is something else.”