Chapter 9: Earning Gold Daily, Niu Li’s Determined Resolve

"You know who I am? All the better," Niu Li chuckled and said, "You design the products, I’ll handle production and sales, and we split the profits seventy-thirty."

"Seventy for me, thirty for you?" Zhang Tianfeng narrowed his eyes.

"Seventy for me, thirty for you!" Niu Li replied emphatically.

Zhang Tianfeng exhaled a puff of smoke, smiling as he retorted, "Then why wouldn’t I just do it myself and keep all the profits?"

Niu Li squinted. "Young man, that’s not how business works. Material costs, labor costs, not to mention opening up sales channels—none of that is free. Giving you thirty percent is already generous."

Zhang Tianfeng shrugged. "Then we won’t collaborate. I’m fine working alone, just a small business—I’m not counting on it to make me rich."

"Fine, no cooperation, is it? Just you wait," Niu Li stepped forward, jabbing a finger at him. "I’ve already copied all your products. If your shop is still open next month, I’ll take your surname!"

"That’s fine. Give it your best shot. If I don’t make you lose every cent, I’ll take your surname," Zhang Tianfeng replied.

When it came to open business competition, ten thousand Niu Lis wouldn’t be a match for Zhang Tianfeng. And if this guy dared to play dirty, Zhang Tianfeng could easily have him thrown in jail.

With a grunt, Niu Li turned and left. Out in the corridor, once his lackeys had gathered, he said, "That little bastard doesn’t know what’s good for him. Start messing with him right now."

"Big Ox, Erhu, go after his supply channels—swap all his materials for defective goods. Wang San, Li Si, spread rumors that the Summer Breeze bracelet is made with toxic materials. I want—"

He broke off mid-sentence as he spotted a burly man entering room 205.

Hesitating for a few seconds, he remembered—the man was an old gangster from Xiyan City. Anyone who’d survived the major crackdowns and was still walking around was someone he preferred to avoid.

He quietly crept up outside 205, straining to listen to the conversation inside.

"Nephew, I’ve brought everything you asked for. I also gave that diary to Zhou Runbo."

Nephew? Zhou Runbo? So they’re with the Counterfeit Convoy! No wonder they dared to challenge me.

This group was formidable—definitely not to be trifled with. Without a moment’s hesitation, Niu Li turned and left.

Three hundred hand-drawn pictures, all made with the best materials, carrying them all this way was truly exhausting.

Zhang Jizheng sat in a chair, sipping iced tea. "Is this the shop you’ve rented? Not bad, young boss. In just two days you’ve made it look quite proper."

"It’s just a small business," Zhang Tianfeng replied, handing over a hundred yuan. "Thank you, Uncle."

"Keep it. I’m family—no need for that between us."

"That’s for tea. Zhou Runbo will probably come asking about me soon. Just tell him the truth."

"Alright, I’ll head home and get some sleep. If you need anything, just call me."

When Zhang Tianfeng was young, he once asked his uncle why he took to the streets. The answer was for swagger and for money.

Now, at forty and having survived the crackdowns, swagger was no longer his aim—he just wanted to earn money.

Letting him see firsthand how easy it is to make honest money is far more persuasive than any lecture. As long as his uncle turns over a new leaf, there’ll be no big problems at home.

Now all he had to do was wait—wait for the wholesalers to advertise for him, and wait for the big boss of the Counterfeit Convoy to come to Xiyan City.

If he saw an entire city go mad over a few pieces of jewelry and a story, how much would he be willing to pay?

...

Never underestimate the power of envy. After Gao Ran went home, she immediately called together a group and ruthlessly humiliated those ugly girls who’d been imitating her, forcing them to leave halfway through the gathering.

The remaining girls, though better acquainted with her, grew anxious seeing someone even more beautiful than themselves showing off. Once they confirmed the shop’s location, they rushed straight to the wholesale market.

Dozens of taxis pulled up at the market at once. The peddlers, seeing a swarm of dolled-up young women, thought a big business opportunity had come and eagerly hawked their goods.

"Miss, want a bracelet? Sixteen yuan a piece, comes with the newest brooch."

"Do you know the second part of the Summer Romance story?"

"Huh?"

"Miss, the latest—"

"Do you know the latest trend from Port City?"

"Uh?"

"Miss—"

"Get lost!"

Having been provoked at Gao Ran’s place, these girls were like powder kegs, leaving at the slightest irritation.

Watching dozens, even hundreds, of customers slip away before their eyes, the wholesalers were nearly frantic.

In a warehouse, Niu Li sat on a wooden barrel, deep in thought. The sudden appearance of Zhang Jizheng had completely thrown his plans into disarray.

Now that Zhang Tianfeng had the Counterfeit Convoy backing him, the usual dirty tricks wouldn’t work.

But how to compete? That was the problem.

From the start, he’d been reacting, copying whatever Zhang Tianfeng did, unable to predict his next move.

"Brother Niu, the peddlers are all complaining. They say the goods they bought from us aren’t selling. If we don’t solve the problem, they’ll buy from elsewhere next time."

"If anyone dares stand up, beat them."

"There are over a hundred peddlers—try beating just one."

"So you’re not going? I notice every time things get tough, you disappear, you bastard."

"When have I ever disappeared, tell me?"

"Enough, all of you, stop arguing," Niu Li rubbed his temples, his head pounding. "What’s the situation out there? Find out and report back."

"The customers have all gotten picky. It’s not just about the quality now—they want stories with their jewelry. I’ve never heard of such a thing."

"Brother Niu, do you know the first thing those women did when they went to room 205? They slapped down hundreds of yuan on the table."

"We make only a few cents per piece, but that brat just talks and earns hundreds. I eavesdropped for half an hour and he made over two thousand."

"Over two thousand! I’m turning green with envy."

Niu Li couldn’t understand it. When did a little story, some fashion advice, a roughly made card, and an average piece of jewelry start making so much money? Yet those women ate it up.

He’d been present the night Zhang Tianfeng set up his stall. Experiencing firsthand the frenzy in these women, he was convinced that as long as you could make them feel beautiful, you could make a fortune.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have those skills.

Fashion advice? He dressed like a dog—if he tried to give pointers, he’d probably get slapped.

Storytelling? The only stories he knew were from the four great classics—who would listen?

After pondering for a long time, Niu Li said, "Fat Hu, take the others to Fuhe Park and connect with Old Wang. Buy those women’s jewelry and stories. If you can’t buy them, take them by force—just make sure you get them."

Ever since Gao Ran left, Niu Li had sent men to follow her, mainly to check whether she was a plant for Zhang Tianfeng and to see what she was up to.

"Alright, boss, we’re on it!"

Now, Niu Li had a complete plan in mind.

He’d stick to the low-price dumping route but tweak the marketing strategy a bit.

He’d photocopy the stories into little booklets and sell them together with the jewelry.

They’re all women—if those with money aren’t interested, he’d target the ones with little or no money.

Seize the low-end market and avoid a direct showdown with Zhang Tianfeng.

He didn’t need to apologize—he’d just pretend not to know about the Counterfeit Convoy connection and proceed with normal business competition.

To expose that relationship would only make things awkward!