Chapter 415: Returning to Linchuan

As the speeches concluded, Song Yaqian was called on stage to describe and share her understanding of the current state of the university group buying market.

Yet, due to her young age, her insights remained superficial, garnering little reaction but still some applause, after all, clapping is free.

Afterward, the industry conference officially ended. Jiang Qin left with Tan Qing to grab a bite at a small restaurant.

“Did Ye Ziqing really change her statement on the spot?”

“Maybe she realized her mistake or perhaps she’s been feeling mentally worn down recently. It’s also possible that there’s a divergence in the development philosophies within her team.”

Jiang Qin ordered a bowl of beef noodle soup and continued, “Women are like this: the mountain road has eighteen turns, and the waterway… well, nine loops in the waterway.”

After pondering for a moment, Tan Qing replied, “I think she couldn’t say it in front of you, Sir. After all, Suixin Group simply copied our website.”

“Then, she isn’t a qualified merchant.”

“Boss, what would you do in her place?”

Jiang Qin thought for a moment, “I’d probably declare that I own the first group-buying website in the universe. `Find me a second one, if you dare.”

Tan Qing chuckled, and then turned serious, “Oh right, boss, they mentioned they want to focus on the second and third-tier markets next. Should we prepare in advance?”

“Even if they are planning that, it won’t be so soon. Based on Lashou Network’s style, they’ll first stabilize their current market and secure another round of financing before making any significant moves. Just prep some minor countermeasures during this time.”

“Hearing you mention minor countermeasures, boss, I don’t know why but it suddenly feels reassuring.”

“????”

Jiang Qin’s puzzled face must have been visible because his phone started beeping suddenly on the table, distracting Tan Qing.

The screen flashed a message with a tilde, obviously from a girl, because if a guy sent such a flirty message, it’d be too much.

“The boss’s wife missing you?”

“It’s Song Yaqian’s, the university student representative who spoke earlier. I suspect she wants to freeload my dinner. Lucky for me, I saw right through her.”

Jiang Qin glanced at his phone then slurped some noodle soup before asking Tan Qing to escort him back to the hotel.

This trip was not really about the symposium but to get recognized or let others recognize me. Otherwise, who knows whom to hit or impress; that would be screwed up.

More importantly, since Lashou Network is talking about penetrating the market, they confirm this step will be taken. He needs to prepare early for this change in situation.

But things look grim for Suixin Group.

Because before Lashou Network and Nuomi acquire second-tier cities, they will surely consolidate their stronghold in Shanghai.

How will they consolidate? They can’t withdraw from the messy situation in Shanghai which means Suixin Group might face significant challenges.

Jiang Qin warned Ye Ziqing twice to sell Suixin Group to break even but will not do it a third time.

“Knock, knock, knock…”

Just then, knocking sounds came from the door followed by Song Yaqian’s voice, “Jiang Qin, are you there?”

Jiang Qin opened the door, looked outside and said, “Just returned from dinner. What’s up?”

“I’m leaving tomorrow. I was planning to invite everyone for a late-night snack, but since you just ate…”

“Hm? You’re treating? Sure, why not. It’s not about the food anyway; I think we should all chat more before leaving.”

Jiang Qin flashed a brilliant smile, a stark change from his distant demeanor this morning, causing Song Yaqian to feel slightly dazed.

After witnessing Jiang Qin’s network capabilities, she was somewhat in awe, and their subsequent interactions hinted at flirting, yet Jiang kept his composure, always mysterious, but his warmth tonight felt like a breath of spring.

But she would never guess that what truly touched Mr. Jiang was not a pretty face, but a straightforward freeloading.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones at the late-night meal; other young entrepreneurs joined, yet this meal felt entirely different from the previous one.

Jiang Qin’s expressions grew genuinely serious, even profound, as if he had cash-printing abilities.

“President Jiang, are you planning to sell your website?”

The one speaking was Guo Feng. Since attending a networking event, he had stopped calling him Jiang Qin, opting for ‘President Jiang’ instead.

In this regard, Song Yaqian differed greatly, consistently addressing him informally, as if seeking a peer relationship.

Jiang Qin nodded, “Yes, aren’t things made to be sold?”

“That should fetch a good price.”

Hearing Guo Feng, everyone nodded without doubt.

As the internet game is winner-takes-all, despite Jiang Qin’s extensive connections and seniority, everyone felt that Lashou Network was becoming unstoppable, hence there could only be one winner.

So no matter how outstanding, even if ranked first or second, all must face the inevitability of being sold.

They even seriously estimated Jiang Qin’s value, using the vastest imagination they had, yet they had no idea that some dogs’ ambitions were far beyond.

Jiang Qin observed the group, thinking, no matter freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, those who hadn’t left the academic ivory tower retained a clear foolishness.

“President Jiang, if you have any good channels, please introduce us as well.”

Jiang Qin readily agreed, “Of course, no problem at all.”

Guo Feng rubbed his hands excitedly, “Then, shall we go to a bar later and I’ll treat you to a few drinks, President Jiang?”

“Let’s skip the bar. It’s too noisy, and Shanghai isn’t safe. Given my special status here, I can’t just frequent entertainment venues.”

As Jiang Qin spoke, he checked his phone, thinking, “Damn it, it’s so late and yet no one’s called to check if I’m out messing around.”

“With my Daniel Wu looks left outside, how come it’s still so worry-free?”

Meanwhile, the group of university students turned solemn, thinking, “That’s some big identity there to be this cautious. Is this what real society is like? No wonder he sports a Patek Philippe.”

At nine in the evening, after the late-night meal, the fifteen people returned to the hotel and went to their rooms.

At this moment, Song Yaqian turned back to look at Jiang Qin, “Do you have any other entrepreneurial ideas after selling off your website?”

“Hm?”

“People like us probably aren’t suited to just go to a normal job, right?”

Song Yaqian was indeed smart. While everyone else was keen on Jiang Qin helping find channels to sell the website, she had her eyes on his network already.

In her view, once the website was sold and they all had substantial capital, if the connections were also sorted, they might even make something big happen.

Jiang Qin didn’t reject her, after all, what she suggested was infeasible. She’d realize this on her own eventually.

On September 25, as autumn grew chillier, Jiang Qin flew back to Linchuan and then went to Wanzhong Mall’s top floor to check on the progression of optimizations within the internal management system.

Facing the strategic shifts of major group-buying websites targeting second and third-tier cities, this internal management tool became crucial. Its maturity decided Jiang Qin’s deployment efficiency, so he’d repeatedly called to urge them even before returning.

“The feedback Tan Qing submitted has all been compiled for discussion. But tech is somewhat mystical; usually, if it runs smoothly, we dare not tamper without necessity.”

“Why? Does it bite?”

“Because running smoothly involves a bit of luck too.”

“Is that so?”

Su Nai sighed, pointing at her eyes, “Look, I oversee four project teams, systems and apps, and arrange meetings. I’ve even developed dark circles under my eyes.”

After seeing this, Jiang Qin was astonished, “Others with dark circles, I believe they’re working hard, but you… I always feel you’re up to something else.”

“????”

Before Nanako could roar back, Jiang Qin spotted Yue Zhu and quickly called her over.

Now that Old He had settled in Shanghai, and Yue Zhu managed the mall, Jiang Qin didn’t mind using her as a secretary once more, so he assigned her a task.

He tasked her and Bao Wenping to run another public recruitment to set up a dedicated HR department, enhance the company’s welfare policies, and establish a standardized personnel file system.

“Alright, President Jiang. Where should the HR office be?”

Jiang Qin mulled for a moment: “Does Old He have another office? Make room for another.”

Yue Zhu coughed slightly, “No more offices, but President He has another resting room.”

“Is the resting room big enough?”

“Actually, it’s quite spacious, could fit about ten people.”

Jiang Qin grudgingly accepted, thinking, once he completes this big project, it might be time to secure a plot of land for a new building. Perpetual freeloading wasn’t really proper.

Yue Zhu, being just an employee and second shareholder, had to comply with his requests, but she still needed to inform Old He afterward. So after Jiang Qin left, she called Old He.

“President He, I need to report something to you.”

“What’s the matter?”

“It’s about President Jiang.”

Hearing this, He Yijun’s voice sharpened. Yue Zhu paused, mentioning he was currently on a site visit and standing high off the ground.

Anything related to Jiang Qin always spiked his blood pressure, so for his health, he had to be on flat ground to listen.

Three minutes later, Old He reached the ground, caught his breath and said, “Alright, Yue Zhu, go ahead.”

“President Jiang has taken over your resting room too, to set up his HR department.”

“……”