Chapter 151: Group Buying, Not Even Dogs Would Do It

Zhang Boiqing oversaw school affairs for many years, seeing all kinds of students. While he couldn’t necessarily tell good from bad at a glance, he understood human nature fairly well.

Seeing Jiang Qin stride over and eagerly shake his hand, Zhang Boiqing responded politely. But he couldn’t help wondering to himself, “This kid must be up to no good. Otherwise, why is he smiling while my eyelid’s twitching?”

“Is the light bulb in Room 208 fixed?”

“It was fixed that same day. Thank you for your concern, Principal.”

Jiang Qin sat down and took Feng Nanshu’s little hand out of his pocket.

He did have a favor to ask, but it was definitely not malicious. His exaggerated demeanor aimed to show Zhang Boiqing he had something to discuss so the principal could mentally prepare.

Talking to the principal differed from business dealings. Without vested interests binding them, he couldn’t be too abrupt.

Simply put, Zhang Boiqing gained nothing from helping him, and lost nothing by declining. So helping depended solely on his mood. In such situations, attitude and sincerity mattered most.

Previously, Jiang Qin approached Zhang about the entrepreneurship base. Now roles reversed, so caution proved necessary.

Jiang Qin didn’t rush to speak. Seated, he surveyed the bustling crowds.

Those seated front row were judges and school leaders. Anyone seated behind school leaders typically held significance, like student council presidents.

Some hailed from East Campus, some the Main. Greeting familiar and unfamiliar faces.

“Hello, I’m the Literature Department’s vice president, here supporting our entrants.”

“Oh, I’m the vice director of General Education.”

“And you?”

“Debate Society president, also the Disciplinary Inspector’s deputy head. My good friend is arguing the opposition.”

After self-important introductions, their curious gazes settled on Jiang Qin seated prominently behind Zhang Boiqing.

The auditorium favored a subdued atmosphere. Though Jiang Qin earned media coverage, no one recognized him. But seated so prominently, they assumed he carried clout.

“I’m the software engineering vice president, Kuang Rui. You seem unfamiliar.”

“Hey Kuang, I’m Linchuan’s inaugural Learning Star, Jiang Qin.”

“???”

Jiang Qin regretted not earning a more impressive title. Otherwise, he’d seem short and insignificant.

Kuang Rui looked confused – what exactly was a “Learning Star”? It sounded grand.

“And that’s…?”

“My boss lady, Feng Nanshu.”

Feng Nanshu stated her favorite title coldly. Uncomfortable in crowds, she panicked briefly until Jiang Qin squeezed her hand reassuringly.

Once attendees settled, the auditorium quieted. Jiang Qin sensed his moment approaching to address Zhang Boiqing.

“That sponsor banner looks pretty eye-catching, Principal Zhang.”

“?”

Zhang Boiqing glanced at the Zhihu Forum banner, thinking “Is he blatantly fishing for compliments?”

Before he could respond, Jiang Qin continued from behind, “When getting the light fixed, a janitor mentioned taking an electrical job on the street. Does our school restrict outside employment for non-teaching staff?”

“Apart from faculty, Linchuan has few occupational restrictions. Why ask?”

“Well, I recently started a new project. I want to hire dormitory aunties as part-timers.”

Jiang Qin stated it plainly without beating around the bush, opting for sincerity.

Zhang Boiqing turned to look at him. “You want to hire away our dormitory staff? Who’ll look after the dorms?”

“Not hire away. They’d remain based in the dorms, just helping me manage pickups and order fulfillment.”

“Why dormitory aunties specifically? Don’t student part-timers suffice?”

“I’m doing online retail. Daily, delivery personnel will fetch goods then bring them to dorms for students who ordered. But with sporadic pickup times, part-time students can’t constantly monitor. Dormitory staff fit best.”

Jiang Qin deliberately avoided “group buying” to prevent Zhang Boiqing associating it with Ye Ziqing’s endeavor.

After the University of Science and Technology director’s reaction, that woman clearly left fraught legacies across institutions. Best not to invoke “group buying” unnecessarily.

“Explain this online retail again?”

Zhang Boiqing mulled it over before responding. “Essentially moving product selection online removes time and location constraints. It improves shopping efficiency and volume, leveraging massive purchasing power for profit through centralized orders and doorstep delivery. Customers obtain desired products without leaving home – a new commercial model you’ve developed.”

Jiang Qin deconstructed “group buying”, obfuscating processes with verbose explanations.

Zhang Boiqing felt it sounded familiar but couldn’t pinpoint where he’d heard of it.

“University entrepreneurship deserves support, especially high-profile forum initiatives benefiting the school. You can request financial and material resources, but I can’t agree to human resources – people have thoughts, making disputes likely.”

Jiang Qin straightened his back. “Principal, my forum’s been running three months now, involving over forty Linchuan part-timers. Not a single dispute so far.”

Zhang Boiqing fell silent for a moment. “Students ultimately differ from adults.”

“Let me try for a while. You can halt it anytime if issues arise.”

“Alright, tomorrow afternoon I’ll take half a day reviewing your project and plans, consulting Professor Yan too.”

Jiang Qin cleared his throat. “Principal, I don’t have time.”

Zhang Boiqing frowned slightly. “I make time as principal. How can you not?”

“It’s not me without time – our group buying platform officially launches tomorrow. All materials are ready, merchants onboard, funds invested. It’s do-or-die, with all bridges burned except the dormitory aunties link.”

“…”

Zhang Boiqing twisted around fully. “You mean if I don’t agree, your project fails?”

“It definitely fails. The funds can’t recirculate, the forum shuts down. Linchuan Youth Daily might re-interview me as a negative case study. Plus my work-study program fails as I can’t pay impoverished students, who’ll likely protest at school. I’m too timid for that predicament.”

Zhang Boiqing’s eyes widened. “That scenario sounds awfully familiar!”

Realizing he was about to recall Ye Ziqing, Jiang Qin swiftly changed subjects. “Principal, trust me once. I’ll sign third-party agreements making any disputes my responsibility.”

“Hold on, you aren’t doing group buying, are you?” Zhang Boiqing’s expression darkened.

“Absolutely not, only idiots do group buying. This is online retail!”

“Really?”

“I swear to God. Anyone doing group buying fails end-of-term!”

Zhang Boiqing studied him skeptically. “I keep feeling like there’s this huge, deep pit in front of me.”

Sensing his hesitation, Jiang Qin pressed, “Principal, I’m confident making this a stellar student entrepreneurship project.”

“Isn’t that overstating it?”

“Either don’t do it, or do it exceptionally well.”

After silent contemplation, Zhang Boiqing nodded. “Alright, give it a try.”

Jiang Qin immediately slapped his thigh. “Thank you, Principal!”

“Truly not group buying?” Zhang Boiqing checked once more.

A cold smirk crossed Jiang Qin’s lips. “Group buying? Not even dogs would do it.”

Once settled with Zhang Boiqing, Jiang Qin fully relaxed, sinking back into his chair with a sigh of relief.

Truthfully, he took a risk. Invoking Ye Ziqing’s failed aftermath carried threatening undertones. Luckily Zhang Boiqing had a good temperament, not interpreting it negatively. Otherwise this project would’ve died.

Every prior step trod cautiously, this gambit proved his boldest yet. But the proverb advises, “Fortune favors the daring.”

Unfamiliar with Zhang Boiqing, pre-calculating reactions proved difficult. Fortunately, Jiang Qin bet correctly.

Meanwhile, the auditorium curtains parted for an evening gown-clad female student, seemingly the debate moderator.

Her stylish dress featured a high front slit revealing long, luminescent legs under spotlights, prompting admiring murmurs from males.

Unable to resist remarking “Nice legs,” Jiang Qin earned a prolonged glare from Feng Nanshu.

“What?”

“Does Jiang Qin really like legs?”

“Well…I guess?”

“But you used to prefer feet.”

“Feng Nanshu, watch your mouth!”

“Jiang Qin, you’re a bad boy,” Feng Nanshu stated seriously.

At that moment, the moderator’s voice sounded through speakers. Introducing the two debate teams before delivering opening remarks framing the topic.

Jiang Qin’s smile faded as he leaned back, watching proceedings unfold until the debate portion commenced.