Chapter 542: Accidentally Stirred Up Trouble

The brightly lit Room 302 was the scene of Cao Guangyu pacing seriously back and forth from the balcony to the doorway.

He just saw a post online featuring a photo of Jiang Qin eating in the cafeteria.

“Damn, it’s over. He must really be back.”

“Refunding tens of millions, being his own spokesperson, now his news floods the Internet attracting countless young netizens to imitate; this could kill someone.”

Previously, he relied on his tall 1.8-meter stature to resist but this time it seems he won’t hold.

Young master Cao is beyond sour, he likes to show off, but such a grand stage he’s never even dreamed of, just thinking about it feels overwhelming.

“Cao bro, why not just go out and hide, come back in the middle of the night?”

“Or, use some tools, physically counteract the magic.”

Zhou Chao reaches out and takes the wide duct tape prepared especially for Cao Guangyu: “Wrap it around your mouth, say nothing; around your ears, hear nothing!”

Young master Cao: “……”

At this moment, Zhang Guangfa suddenly pushes the door open, pokes his head in: “Anyone up for cards?”

“Go play in your dorm.”

“Ah? Why not here? I’ve brought my cards.”

“Beware of the fierce dog inside, keep out.”

“?”

Zhang Guangfa, hearing of Jiang Qin’s return, specifically came to set up a card game wanting to improve relations with Jiang, not expecting Old Cao to immediately shove him out towards Room 303.

Zhuang Chen is also in the dorm, scoffing coldly at seeing Cao Guangyu then turns to face the wall.

There had been rumors online about a break in Pintuan’s funds, and Zhuang Chen was boastful in the cafeteria. As a result, young master Cao sarcastically made him lose face.

Later, Jiang Qin’s three-step counter completely shifted opinions and remotely gave him such a blow that he didn’t dare meet Jian Chun for days, fearing mockery from her friends, leaving him extremely disillusioned.

Naturally, the silliest among them were the other group buying site owners.

Jiang Qin is just a college student after all. If they can’t compete with him, it’s baffling how they ever managed to grow their businesses.

Zhuang Chen believes if it were him, grassroots ventures like Pintuan originating from college campuses wouldn’t stand a chance.

He would first do this, then that, comprehensively uniting the market so that every merchant and consumer would be involved; leaving no standing ground for Pintuan.

Thinking about this, Zhuang Chen really wants to show them a demonstration of his capabilities.

This sensation of knowing he can but not having the chance to start a business is nearly unbearable.

Yet he once saved 5000, tried to start a business, and now under his bed, three boxes of mooncakes are about to expire.

Choosing the wrong track was never about capability, Zhuang Chen always thought it was about starting wrong, never getting a chance to demonstrate his talents.

If he could pick a promising sector again and secure enough capital, he believes he could match Jiang Qin’s achievements now.

Talent is there, only lacking an opportunity to prove himself…

Meanwhile, Jiang Qin leisurely returned to Room 302, first action upon entering was to lock the door, then immediately calls for Young Master Cao.

“Young Master, Young Master? I’€™ve missed you!”

Ren Ziqiang and Zhou Chao saw and swore, realizing it was serious since he even locked the door; this way Cao couldn’t escape midway if he couldn’t handle it.

“Jiang bro, Cao bro just went out to hang.”

Jiang Qin paused slightly: “He just messaged me asking when I’d return, I thought he couldn’t wait.”

“Uh, he just left.”

“Got it, he’s avoiding me. Eh, wanted to share the joy of victory with him. Didn’t expect the young master is such a humble brother. Ok suffering with me but seems he doesn’t want to share the sweetness.”

Jiang Qin pulls up a chair and sits down, tossing his backpack onto the table.

From freshman year to senior year, his business has grown but every major event always concluded with Old Cao’s involvement; it became a habit over the years.

Without Old Cao for this conclusion, even if he achieved something great, it wouldn’t feel as joyful.

Hey, do I have a backup?

Suddenly, Jiang Qin stands up: “I’ll go check the next-door dorm.”

Zhou Chao holds his breath, watches Jiang Qin leave, then turns to Ren Ziqiang: “Looks like Cao bro can’t escape this time.”

“Condolences.”

Jiang steps into Room 303. Upon entering, he unexpectedly finds Cao Guangyu:” Huh? Everyone’s here, double the joy?”

Cao Guangyu reaches for his phone: “Chao, maybe we should use that duct tape…”

Zhang Guangfa, who remembers benefits but forgets past injuries, still looks innocently, patting the chair: “President Jiang, want to join the card game?”

“You guys play. I’ll share some fun from my trip to Kyoto.”

“……”

Many at school saw the advertisement, knew about Pintuan being targeted, but had no details on how Jiang operated it.

For instance, after he refunded everyone, the room instantly erupted into chaos, ads popped up making rivals panic into crisis management, ending with their comment sections shut down due to backlash.

Yet he sat unflinchingly, a lopsided smile appearing as he watched the signing event crumble, one text sent and all the co-marketing posters followed, unifying the market against all others.

Zhang Guangfa wipes his face then looks at young master Cao who, imagining being in the opposing situation, tingled on his scalp with discomfort not getting out even a gasp.

After hearing, Zhuang Chen still faces the wall, inwardly disdainful.

Still the same; if it was him leading, Jiang Qin wouldn’t be calling the shots here.

“President Jiang, this issue blew up so much, everyone online says Pintuan was targeted but who is behind this really?”

“Surface wise, it’s competitors like Dianping, Lashou, Nuomi, Wowo, but behind it most likely is Alibaba and Tencent leading.”

Jiang Qin corners his mouth: “They wanted a stake, but I refused. This publicity stunt was probably to force a financial break, leaving me no choice. Too bad, their tactics fell short, still a failure.”

“Damn, Tencent and Alibaba?”

Zhang Guangfa breathlessly holds his breath slightly daunted.

And young master Cao glances at him lifelessly, thinking just ask ask ask, I damn well know, the stuff before was just an appetizer, the last part’s the key!

Honestly, if it were just the earlier bits, the impact isn’t much, never experiencing industry conventions, signing ceremonies, or banquets—they can’t even imagine.

But Alibaba and Tencent they know, even constantly using their products.

QQ, Taobao, even their beloved CF.

In the heart of an average college student, these two companies are like colossal enterprises, epitomizing the ultimate peak.

Being targeted specifically by these giants is what truly lets them perceive the stature Jiang Qin holds now.

Beep beep beep—

Just then, Zhuang Chen notices a pop-up on his phone, a QQ message from Jian Chun.

“Are you there?”

Zhuang Chen slightly startled, took a moment to react. Jin Chun reaching out to him: “I’m here, Chun Chun. What’s up?”

Jian Chun: “Nothing much, just asking what you’re doing.”

“I’m lying on the bed. You?”

“Me too.”

After sending these three words, Jian Chun added: “I heard from the group that Jiang Qin is back. Is it true? Is he in the dorm?”

Zhuang Chen’s face stiffens, pausing before typing: “Yes, he’s back.”

“Take a couple of photos for me to see.”

“?”

Zhuang Chen thought awhile, brushed his hair with his hand, turned the camera for a selfie, and sent it over.

Jian Chun: “……”

Zhuang Chen sends a goofy emoji: “Lying on the bed too long, hair’s a bit messy.”

“I didn’t mean you. I meant help me take a photo of Jiang Qin.”

“Why take his photo?” Zhuang Chen’s mind buzzed momentarily, struggling to accept.

Jian Chun responded quickly, a pace Zhuang Chen hadn’t seen before: “Not for me, Qingqing wants to see. Please help, we’re friends right? How about this, I can agree to one favor for you.”

Zhuang Chen’s breathing quickened momentarily: “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Then have dinner with me alone tomorrow!” Zhuang Chen made a somewhat excessive request.

Jian Chun sent an ‘ok’ emoji: “Hurry and go take the photo.”

Zhuang Chen hesitated then photographed Jiang Qin’s back, sent three pictures to Jian Chun feeling an unexplainable mix of annoyance and helplessness.

But it seemed Jian Chun wasn’t satisfied and requested a frontal photo.

Zhuang Chen, helpless, pretended to visit the restroom, took a few front shots of Jiang Qin, and sent them to Jian Chun.

“Thank you, I’ll get busy now.”

“?”

Seeing Jian Chun’s message, Zhuang Chen furrowed his brow, his gaze becoming more dazed: “I thought you were already in bed. Busy with what?”

After sending, a long while passed with no reply.

By this time, the card game in Room 303 ended, sounds of moving tables and chairs echoed. Zhang Guangfa tidying up sunflower seed shells moving towards the trash bin glanced at Zhuang Chen looking puzzled.

“You have a green tint on your forehead again tonight.”

“Nonsense!”

Zhuang Chen felt as if punched squarely in the chest, his stomach churning with indescribable restlessness.

Zhang Guangfa felt that him getting worked up by Jiang tonight perhaps explained his temper, hence he pursed his lips and did not speak turning to throw away the trash.

At this moment, a decision dawned on Zhuang Chen.

He initially thought of continuing his studies with Jian Chun, but now he’s changed his mind. He does not want to continue. He wants to go home and start a business.

“Future, see you on the business sea.”

“?”

Jiang Qin about to leave overhears Zhuang Chen’s cold declaration and pauses slightly: “Which city is the business sea?”

Cao Guangyu frowns: “Not sure, might be his hometown.”