Chapter 010: The Battle Escalates—Niu Li Hits a Brick Wall

From morning until dusk, Zhang Tianfeng had been busy non-stop, but now he finally found a moment to relax. After seeing off the last customer, he collapsed onto a stool, utterly exhausted.

"Brother, how does it feel to be emperor for a day, handling so many women?" Qin Yuelan walked in, smiling as she spoke.

"Not great. This young bull is nearly drained dry."

Seeing the pale look on Zhang Tianfeng's face, Qin Yuelan realized something was amiss.

"You really value money over your life. Let me take you to the hospital."

"No need. Just get me something to eat."

Having skipped meals and severely lacking sleep, Zhang Tianfeng had survived only thanks to his youth. When Qin Yuelan returned with food, he finally regained some vigor. He locked up the shop, and while eating, began counting his earnings.

Ten minutes later, the tally was done.

"Fourteen thousand six hundred yuan. It's still less than I imagined."

"That's less? In an era where the average wage is barely three or four hundred, you made yourself a millionaire in a day. You should be satisfied!"

"No, I'm still far from my goal!"

The limitation of funds kept Zhang Tianfeng from fully unleashing his abilities. With enough startup capital and time, he could have created even greater sales legends. But Xiyan City was simply too small; he viewed it as a stepping stone, with the coastal region as his real battleground.

He set himself a deadline: July 25th, he would move to the coast. Today was the 21st—just three days left to operate.

After hesitating a moment, Qin Yuelan asked, "Is the story of 'Summer Romance' really written by you?"

"You like it, too?"

"It's well written, but your trouble is about to begin. The wholesalers have already copied the story into little booklets, selling them together with the jewelry."

"You haven't seen the scene—it's absolutely explosive!"

For just ten yuan, you got a bracelet, a brooch, and the 'Summer Romance' story booklet. At every major intersection, factory gate, and entertainment venue, girls clustered together, screaming hysterically as if a pop star had arrived for a concert.

"Now think back to what I said yesterday, and look at today's scene."

"Yesterday… You said the more they copy, the happier you are."

Qin Yuelan fell silent for a moment, suddenly realizing, "You've counted the wholesalers into your plan as well?"

"Yes, they're also my tools for making money, only the profits haven't landed yet."

With limited time and funds, Zhang Tianfeng could only execute the most crucial operations. A good product needed to be promoted to gain recognition, and there were two ways: spend money, or get others to help.

Zhang Tianfeng manipulated the situation twice, attracting a batch of high-quality customers, and even got Niu Li and his imitator gang to work for him for free. Once they spread the Summer Breeze jewelry and the 'Summer Romance' story far and wide, it would be harvest time for Zhang Tianfeng.

All he needed in this window was to finish the remaining components of the Summer Breeze line and write the story of 'Summer Romance.'

"The core of this business is your ability to match accessories and your skill with stories. But have you thought about one problem? Most people don't have money."

Qin Yuelan admired Zhang Tianfeng's methods, but saw a fatal flaw. Most people prefer cheap goods, willing even to sacrifice their preferences to save money. In her eyes, the low-end market was the main battlefield for trinkets like jewelry.

Hearing her words, Zhang Tianfeng nodded with satisfaction. After two rounds of guidance, Qin Yuelan had caught on, seeing straight to the heart of small commodity profits.

He stood and said, "If a product is both cheap and attractive, and most importantly, trustworthy, would you choose it?"

Qin Yuelan was stunned for a moment, then nodded blankly. "I can't guess what you're planning next."

"Brand value!"

While the market was still thin, while opportunities abounded in this era, while big brands had yet to grow, the time was ripe to strike first and establish a brand.

"Go home and rest. Starting tomorrow, you can set up your stall outside, no need to brave sun and rain anymore."

"Got it. I'll go wander a bit more; there are still people who haven't gone home."

"Alright, take care of yourself."

Is he worried about me? Qin Yuelan blushed and her heart raced for no reason. Although Zhang Tianfeng always claimed he wouldn't involve her in his business, these past few days he'd explained things and given her ways to make money—it was clear he was mentoring her.

'What if he asks for something outrageous in the future? For the sake of money…'

'No! Qin Yuelan, you need to have boundaries, you can't give in just because he's wealthy and handsome. At least test him first!'

After a fierce inner struggle, her face burning, Qin Yuelan finally dismissed such unrealistic thoughts and pushed her cart out.

At home, Fourth Uncle lay on the sofa reading the newspaper.

"Back already? Have you eaten?"

"I have. Has Zhou Runbo been looking for you?"

"No. I even went out for a stroll and found none of his usual haunts. No idea where he went."

"No worries. If you want to go out, the bag has money. I'm going to take a nap."

Though Fourth Uncle mingled with shady circles, he wasn't a bad man. In a previous life, when Zhang Tianfeng was at his lowest, Fourth Uncle—despite his own hardships—gritted his teeth and lent him ten thousand yuan.

From that moment, Zhang Tianfeng saw his true character—when it came to family, there was nothing he wouldn’t do.

Opening the bag to reveal a stack of colorful bills, Zhang Jizheng shook his head helplessly.

"This brat is so carefree. Leaving so much money at home, not worried about attracting thieves."

"Forget it, I'm not going out tonight. I'll guard it."

Talking to himself, Zhang Jizheng picked up the newspaper again and continued lounging on the sofa.

Fuhe Grand Hotel was the first ten-story hotel in Xiyan City. In 1993, a banquet table cost a hundred yuan, and you had to prove your worth to even enter.

The hotel boasted a KTV not yet common, a bowling alley, and a small golf course—facilities catering exclusively to the wealthy.

At this moment, Zhou Runbo, whom Zhang Tianfeng was searching for, was dragging Niu Li into the Fuhe Grand Hotel.

He rode the elevator straight to the ninth floor and entered a spacious banquet hall.

Throwing Niu Li onto the floor, he respectfully addressed the diners, "Boss, I've brought him. Any other orders?"

"Well done, Xiaobo. Go rest on the eighth floor; your brothers are waiting for dinner."

"Alright, call if you need me."

With Zhou Runbo's departure, the female attendants on either side also left, beginning to clear the room.

Niu Li knelt trembling on the floor. "Boss, I don't know how I've offended you. Please, enlighten me."

He naturally recognized Zhou Runbo. If he admitted fault now, it would mean he already knew Zhang Tianfeng’s identity, which would seal his fate.

If he denied everything, he might have a chance to survive.

"Boss Niu, quite impressive. To steal business, you even targeted my daughter!"

"Your... your daughter?"

"This morning, at Fuhe Park, your men robbed my daughter's belongings! I am her father, a provincial man—Qin Lin."