Chapter 019: Working Overtime Through the Night, Earning Another Hundred Thousand

After leaving the Fuhe Grand Hotel, Zhang Tianfeng took Fourth Uncle and his brothers to a barbecue stall for dinner.

“Brother, there are few people I admire in my life, but you’re one of them. To be able to dine with a formidable figure like Qin Lin—there’s only one word for it: impressive!”

“Impressive doesn’t even cover it. It’s like a calf standing on its head!”

“Come on, let’s have a drink.”

Everyone was enthusiastically toasting. After three cups, Zhang Tianfeng said, “Brothers, I already drank a whole bottle of baijiu upstairs with Qin Lin. I’ve reached my limit.”

“Fourth Uncle, help me take good care of our brothers. After dinner, whether you want to go sing or take a bath, you decide.”

Last night, it was Zhang Jizheng who led these men around Xiyan City, pulling strings, seeking companies, and after everything, even went to the wholesale market to protect him.

Zhang Tianfeng never shortchanged those who treated him well.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure they’re well entertained. Why don’t you head back first?”

“I’m going to the wholesale market before I return. There’s still someone waiting for me.”

Fourth Uncle grinned knowingly, winking as he said, “You’d better hurry. That girl seems upright and honest, hardworking too, and more importantly, she’s quite pretty.”

“It’s bad enough when my parents tease me, but now you’re at it too. Just drink your wine, I’m leaving.”

“Alright, take care on the road.”

He bought a late-night snack and caught a taxi to the wholesale market.

Night had fallen. Only a few small vendors lingered at the market; most had already packed up. Zhang Tianfeng, slightly unsteady, walked into unit 205 and found Qin Yuelan asleep with her head on the table.

“Wake up, it’s time to eat.”

“You’re finally back.” Qin Yuelan yawned. “I’ll return the shop to you now. I need to go home and rest. Today nearly killed me—I never thought there’d come a day when I’d get tired of making money.”

“Don’t rush off. Let’s talk for a bit.”

Sitting on a high stool, Zhang Tianfeng asked, “How have you been feeling these past few days?”

“Great. Keeping busy makes me feel fulfilled, and my wallet is heavier.”

“Do you want to work with me?”

Although Qin Yuelan hadn’t been by his side long, Zhang Tianfeng was well aware of what she did, how she talked to attract customers, and how she conducted business.

She was born with a knack for business. Even if she changed professions, she could still put her talents to use.

“It’s rare for you to finally acknowledge me.”

“It’s not about acknowledging you; I just think you have potential worth cultivating.”

Zhang Tianfeng’s tone grew earnest. “If you’re willing, come with me to the coast. If not, I’ll teach you a new way to make money. But it’ll be a partnership where I contribute ideas, you handle the details, and I get a share of the profits.”

“Seeing you so money-minded is actually reassuring. I’ll go with you,” Qin Yuelan replied with a laugh.

She was a little unwilling to give up. She’d once set out for the coast in high spirits, only to return defeated six months later. The villagers almost broke her spirit with their gossip.

They said she had a temper, that she was a failure, that something was wrong with her and she’d never find a husband.

Her family was gone, and those few bitter relatives were best forgotten. Qin Yuelan was truly alone.

She wanted to prove herself—that even without working in a factory or living in the village, she could still have a good life.

“Alright, pack your things. You can sell the shaved ice recipe and save up some money for yourself.”

“I don’t know who to sell it to,” Qin Yuelan said, frowning.

“Why not sell it to me?”

A middle-aged, bald man strolled in, smiling. “Boss Zhang, Boss Qin, good evening. I’m Chen Xiong from the wholesale market.”

“These past few days, you two have stirred up quite a storm in the market—taking down that scoundrel Niu Li with ease and controlling the flow of goods. I’m truly impressed.”

“Now that you’re leaving, I wonder if you have a suitable successor. If not, I’d like to take over this stall.”

Zhang Tianfeng sized him up carefully. “Brother Chen, come in and let’s talk. It’s hot outside.”

“Of course.”

“Yuelan, please make him a bowl of shaved ice, and one for me too.”

Qin Yuelan nodded and went out—her shaved ice cart was just outside.

“Brother Chen, how confident are you in controlling the market’s goods?”

“With Niu Li gone and you not around, I can control it completely,” Chen Xiong replied confidently.

Zhang Tianfeng nodded. “Alright, I’ll sell you two things: a set of new accessory designs, and a reference guide to Hong Kong-style fashion trends.”

“I’ll buy them—even if I have to sell everything!”

He had witnessed Zhang Tianfeng’s rise, all thanks to his unique Hong Kong-inspired fashion sense—something the other vendors couldn’t copy.

If he could learn those secrets, Chen Xiong was sure he could make an even bigger splash than Zhang Tianfeng.

“How much are you offering?”

“100,000 yuan. That’s all I have.”

“That’s enough. Come back tomorrow morning—we’ll exchange the goods for cash. Please bring 10,000 yuan in cash.”

“Great! Thank you, Boss Zhang.”

“You’re too kind, Brother Chen. Take care.”

Chen Xiong left, barely able to hide his excitement—he felt he’d struck a bargain, and so did Zhang Tianfeng.

Once the proposal for vehicle advertising was handed to Qin Lin, with his ambition, it would definitely become a big business.

By then, the fleet would be driving across Xikang Province, naturally spreading products from Hong Kong everywhere.

In this line of work, novelty is everything. Once everyone catches on, who will care anymore?

Since Zhang Tianfeng wasn’t planning to do business here anymore, earning another 100,000 before leaving was a windfall.

“Huh, where’d he go?”

“He left. He’ll be back tomorrow morning. You should eat.”

Zhang Tianfeng returned behind the counter and began writing on a blank sheet of paper.

“What are you writing?”

“Something worth 100,000 yuan.”

“100,000? I’ve worked myself to the bone these past few days and only made about 10,000.”

“Let me tell you something else—I made another big deal this afternoon. One million.”

Qin Yuelan grinned even wider and sat beside him to eat.

The night passed in silence. In the blink of an eye, it was nine o’clock the next morning. As soon as the bank opened, Zhang Tianfeng went in with Chen Xiong to complete the transaction—cash for goods.

He pocketed a million, and Qin Yuelan received 5,000 yuan for transferring her recipe.

Afterwards, Zhang Tianfeng carried the money bag to his rented minivan and headed straight for Qingwa Village, while Qin Yuelan went home to pack. In two days, she would be heading for the coast.