Chapter 5: The First Session of the Zhang Family Whampoa Academy Begins

"Lili, what are you doing here? Are you following me?"

In truth, Zhang Tianfeng had deliberately passed by Li Li’s braised food stall, just close enough for her to notice him, yet still keeping his distance. After all, the girl had already made up her mind to break up. Zhang Tianfeng didn’t intend to hold her back; instead, before their relationship ended, he decided to use this chance to take the first step in his own capital transformation.

Pulled to the other side of the balcony, Zhang Tianfeng smiled and said, “You silly girl, don’t say anything yet. I have a surprise for you.”

He opened his backpack and took out the handmade bracelet he had just finished, making sure Qin Yuelan in the shop could see it.

As expected, upon seeing the blue bracelet, Qin Yuelan’s eyes widened in astonishment. She quietly moved to the shop entrance and hid behind the door, eavesdropping on their conversation.

Li Li bit her lip and said, “Let’s break up.”

“W-why?” Zhang Tianfeng’s face turned pale in an instant, his whole body trembling.

“I’m going to study in Xiyan. We’ll be so far apart, barely seeing each other even a few times a year. Long-distance relationships are the most unstable—I’ll worry about you, and you’ll worry about me. So I’ve thought it over for a long time. While our feelings are still fresh, let’s part ways.”

“Let’s end things amicably and wish each other happiness.”

Seeing Zhang Tianfeng’s devastated expression, Qin Yuelan felt a surge of sympathy. Though she’d never been in love herself, she could understand.

After a long silence, Zhang Tianfeng forced a bitter smile and nodded. “Alright, let’s break up.”

“Okay, I’m leaving.”

Zhang Tianfeng didn’t start venting his anger until Li Li had vanished into the crowd. He hurled the bracelet to the ground, shattering it, then threw his backpack down as well.

A red diploma slipped out, sliding all the way into Qin Yuelan’s shop. She bent to pick it up, glanced at it, and upon seeing the words "Haizhong University," walked out.

So, this little liar! He claimed he wasn’t a designer, but he graduated from the Department of Design at Haizhong University—the best university in Deep City.

No, she couldn't just let this go. She had to coax some useful information out of him!

“You really don't have to be like this. If she gave up on you, it’s her loss,” Qin Yuelan said as she picked up his backpack. “If you really don’t want to let go, you could make money. With money, what can’t you accomplish? No matter where she goes to study, you could just go to her city.”

“Yes, as long as I have money, everything is possible!” Zhang Tianfeng nodded madly. “You’re right, sis. I’m going to buy raw materials right now. I refuse to believe I can’t make money with my skills!”

“My shop has raw materials. If you want to buy some, I’ll only charge you at cost.”

Trust you to never let a single opportunity slip by, Qin Yuelan! Always finding a way to make a buck.

“Alright, but I don’t have much money—just enough for a part.”

“That’s fine. Do you need me to lend a hand? I won’t charge for equipment use.”

“No need, I’ll manage on my own.”

“How about this: give me the design drawing for that necklace, and I’ll let you use the machines for free. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a fifteen yuan equipment fee.”

Zhang Tianfeng pretended to hesitate, and after three minutes said, “Alright, you can help.”

“Deal!” A sly glint flashed in Qin Yuelan’s eyes—a clear sign of a successful scheme. While she could replicate the bracelet from memory, there was no substitute for learning directly from him. Besides, this way, she could get him talking while they worked together.

A lovesick boy is always least on his guard.

He’d spent ten yuan on the bus. The fake diploma was a favor from his fourth uncle’s friend, so it cost nothing. He handed the remaining eighty yuan to Qin Yuelan, got four bags of raw materials, and started working right there.

For him, every minute counted. Today, he was determined to turn his capital over twentyfold.

From morning till dusk he toiled, working until his backside was numb and his lower back ached. Finally, Zhang Tianfeng stretched and said, “Thank you, Yuelan. I’ll be off now.”

“Don’t be in such a hurry. You gave me so many ideas today—let me buy you dinner,” Qin Yuelan offered.

“No need. I have to get to my stall, and walking there will take a long time,” Zhang Tianfeng declined.

“Why don’t I go with you?”

“That’s not really appropriate. I can’t pay you wages.”

“I don’t need money. Just keep me company and chat when you’re free.”

After half a day of work, Qin Yuelan had already mastered the techniques for making these little accessories. She could reproduce them perfectly, but she still wanted to see exactly how Zhang Tianfeng would go about things.

Bold and meticulous, she would never act without absolute confidence. That was one reason Zhang Tianfeng had chosen her.

After dinner, the two of them carried a large bundle of goods to Fuhe Park. Arriving late, only remote spots were left for their stall.

They spread a sheet of tape on the ground and laid out the various accessories. Qin Yuelan immediately raised her voice to attract customers.

Zhang Tianfeng stopped her. “Sis, don’t shout.”

“But how else are we supposed to get anyone’s attention at a street stall? And our spot is so out of the way—hardly any people come by.”

“It’s not just remote, we’re also facing severe homogeneity.”

“What do you mean, homogeneity?”

“I mean similar vendors. There are thirteen other accessory stalls in this park, and ours is in the worst spot.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“You’ve been to the coast before—you know about models, right?”

“N-no...” Qin Yuelan blushed. “I spent most of my time job hunting, only worked a few days here and there. Don’t laugh at me.”

Why would I laugh? The less you know, the easier you are to persuade.

“No worries. I’ll teach you a simple way to break the deadlock.”

Zhang Tianfeng handed her a bracelet. “Start at the east gate and walk around the park. If you can dance or skate, even better. I’ll treat you, and pay you after we finish selling.”

“I still don’t quite get what you mean.”

“Make full use of your beauty to advertise our products!”

Qin Yuelan was truly stunning—an oval face, phoenix eyes, and a voluptuous figure. If she were to compete for Miss Hong Kong, she might not win first place, but top five would be certain!

A girl like this was bound to be the center of attention wherever she went—appealing to both men and women.

“It still feels a bit odd,” Qin Yuelan muttered.

Zhang Tianfeng grinned. “If you do as I say, my capital will multiply at least twenty times.”

Twenty times—that’s sixteen hundred yuan!

It was already eight o’clock at night; even if they stayed until the park closed, they’d have only four hours. Four hundred yuan per hour? Earning a month’s wages for an ordinary family in just one hour? Who is he kidding?

Qin Yuelan snorted. “Fine, I’ll give it a try.”

Before she left, Zhang Tianfeng taught her a few useful poses—ones that would highlight her beauty and make the bracelet as eye-catching as possible.

Halfway around, Qin Yuelan turned and asked, “Little brother, I still don’t know your name.”

“Zhang Tianfeng.”

By the twenty-first century, Zhang Tianfeng had become a renowned patriotic entrepreneur. His groundbreaking business philosophies were sought after by countless entrepreneurs and merchants, and his lectures became known as the Zhang School Whampoa Business Academy.

And Qin Yuelan was the very first student of the Zhang School Whampoa Business Academy—VIP seating, private instruction.

Once Qin Yuelan had left, Zhang Tianfeng took a piece of cardboard from a snakeskin bag and wrote three messages on it:

"Wear my bracelet and you’ll be at the forefront of fashion—ten yuan each."

"Hong Kong designer, formerly served famous movie stars. Today, giving back to my hometown—fifty yuan for a personal image consultation, satisfaction guaranteed or your money back."

"Free bracelet with image consultation—first three customers free."