Chapter 544: The Floozy

“Boss, the initial setup for the five second-tier cities has been secured.”

“Keep things running according to plan. Go easy.”

Group-buy’s expansion into these cities is gentle. It’s not a ruthless push like in the top-tier cities.

Instead, they’re like gentlemen, whispering don’t worry dear, I’ll be gentle.

But in reality, once they take over a market, they vigorously kick in competition, a fact well understood.

During this, the local teams in these second-tier cities played a crucial role. They worked hand-in-hand with Jiang Qin’s field team. Together, they expanded the reach swiftly.

With the four major first-tier cities as a base, crossing East to West, the entire sinking plan went smoothly.

Among them, the Xijing station was a key target in the sinking strategy. After a round of pushes, competitor Lashou’s station was gone.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qin fell silent, a touch of sadness on his face.

Old friends from his early days were dwindling.

The saddest part was that he was responsible for their downfall.

Meanwhile, at the Lashou station in Xijing, Zhou Zhenhao, determined to take personal action, stood under the setting sun, silent for a long time amidst a barrage of ads from Group-buy.

Currently, all major chains were virtually inviting Group-buy in, while smaller merchants moved swiftly to side with the strong.

Plus, Group-buy’s service quality and selected brands far surpassed Lashou, leaving him no chance to compete.

Two years later, Zhou Zhenhao abruptly woke from the group-buy dream to realize he was still ‘Little Zhou’, while Jiang Qin had truly become President Jiang.

“Zhenhao, up for dinner? I’m in Xijing.”

“Ziqing? What brought you to Xijing?”

“I’m in charge of Group-buy’s entry into Xijing.”

To Zhou, this was akin to hearing, I just beat you, how can you not remember me?

Shocked, Zhou realized his old friend had transformed into Jiang Qin’s image and politely declined the invitation, suppressing an inexplicable frustration.

He still couldn’t grasp how a college startup could dominate the national market, forcing them to flee in disarray.

His mindset mirrored Zhuang Chen’s, as both were predominantly stationed in second-tier cities, finding it hard to understand the ferocity of first-tier city conflicts.

During this process, China UnionPay and Tenpay gradually integrated into Group-buy, becoming the second and third payment options.

When Pang Rui heard this news, her eyelid twitched at what was clearly Group-buy expressing dissatisfaction with previous media battles.

However, Alipay remained the top payment option, subtly showing Jiang Qin’s magnanimity.

Elsewhere, Zhihu, Feixin, and Miliao officially began collaborations, expanding campaigns, marking a long silence from Tencent.

But just like their strategy against Alibaba, Zhihu still prioritized WeChat for its best recommendations.

Promotion of payment tools hadn’t even hit mid-phase, and WeChat was still unclear on future development strategies.

At this crucial juncture, Group-buy’s feint almost gave them hypertension.

Afterwards, Group-buy ceased other maneuvers, focusing solely on the group-buying market while replicating its community-based model.

On an autumn afternoon, Jiang Qin, after hearing the second-tier city plan, drove back from Group-buy HQ.

Along with him were Wei Lanlan and Dong Wenhao, there to give a lecture at their alma mater, setting an example for juniors.

Along with Su Nai, Lu Feiyu, Lu Xuemei, and Wen Jinrui, they had all become legends of the school corridors over the years.

Their part-time roles had morphed into executive positions in a unicorn company, a point hard to discuss without context.

“Been a while since we visited Linchuan University. Boss, what’s with the new building at the east campus?”

“That’s the new student entrepreneurship incubation base of Linchuan.”

Surprised, Wei Lanlan and Dong Wenhao took a closer look through the window: “This luxurious?”

Jiang Qin nodded, “It’s like planting trees so the next generation can enjoy the shade, similar to hearing about air conditioning installation right before you graduate. So, I applied for a floor.”

“Applied… for a floor?”

“Yes, a floor for a talent training base, aiming at providing outputs for Linchuan. College students are valuable resources, particularly attractive for their affordability.”

Wei Lanlan glanced at Jiang Qin: “This school is about to take on your shape.”

Dong Wenhao coughed, “Students are affordable, but genuine effort, like we once showed, is all that matters.”

At this moment, Jiang Qin slowed down to drop them off at the main square: “Get going to show off. I’ll head to the cafeteria.”

“Alright, Boss.”

“Remember, mention that I was a star student. Haven’t brought that up in ages; I’m worried people might forget I was also a whiz kid.”

“…”

After dropping Wei Lanlan and Dong Wenhao, Jiang Qin headed to the cafeteria, anticipating a tasty meal. Then he saw Zhuang Chen coming towards him, face grim.

Linchuan’s second cafeteria was enormous with four major entries. Bumping into someone was rare.

The next second, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, Zhuang Chen stopped in front of Jiang Qin, teeth gnashing eerily.

Jiang Qin squinted: “Looking for a beating?”

“No way!”

Furious, Zhuang Chen stormed out the door, his steps echoing loudly.

Jiang Qin shook his head, confused by these youngsters’ constant melodramatics.

He entered the cafeteria, got his food and was about to sit when a familiar figure accompanied by a fragrant breeze sat opposite him, a hesitant voice following.

“Jiang Qin, may I sit here?”

“Sure. What’s with Zhuang Chen? You two argued over mooncakes?”

Jian Chun pursed her lips, slightly aggrieved: “I promised a meal alone with him. But when he arrived, he demanded to know why I cut my right hand’s fingernails. I said it was more convenient, and he exploded, totally unreasonable.”

Jiang Qin clicked his tongue: “Dating in college sure is detailed these days, even fingernails are accountable.”

“We’re not dating.”

“If you truly don’t like him, just tell him. It’s better for you both.”

Jian Chun sighed: “Told him freshman year—we’re just friends. But he won’t listen.”

Jiang Qin glanced at her: “How many good friends do you have?”

“Lots. I like making friends.”

“Floozy.”

“?”

Jiang Qin firmly believed one should have only one good friend, as if it was law—much like how the law doesn’t forbid kissing a good friend.

“If you don’t like him, don’t give him hope. Actions like dining alone can seem like a positive signal to those doggedly in pursuit. It’s like giving him a chance makes it harder for him to let go, potentially deepening his entanglement and leaving only regrets.”

Jian Chun looked up, puzzled: “How would you know this?”

“I heard it from Old Cao.”

Jian Chun acknowledged it, making sense of it, then lowered her head demurely to sip her soup.

In truth, since their mishap on the walking street, Jian Chun had developed feelings for Jiang Qin. But given his overwhelming presence, she lacked the courage to confess.

Comparisons always hurt. She feared confessing to Jiang Qin, but wasn’t forcing herself to like Zhuang Chen either.

This reminded her of their joke about having Jiang Qin’s child, and Zhuang Chen helping raise it, which set her heart racing.

“Some are handsome and dazzling. But if such a person is resolutely single, don’t waste your time; they’re not worth it, no matter how attractive.”

“?”

Jian Chun looked up to see Jiang Qin glancing at his phone on the table.

Zhuang Chen had sent him a message on QQ, lighting up the entire screen. The lock screen showed Jiang Qin in an advertisement, throwing a punch.

Jian Chun blushed, swallowed her soup hastily, locked the screen, and said, “I’m done,” then hurriedly left the cafeteria.

Picking up a metal spoon from his tray, Jiang Qin turned it and looked at its back, somewhat blaming his handsome face for misleading many girls.

This belief stemmed from preferring eternal friendship over fleeting love.

In his past life, like Zhuang Chen, he too had played the fool with no true love to speak of.

This life, having freed himself and shed his old identity, he found himself surrounded by admirers, finding it hard to trust.

Having lived twice, seen many comparisons and hurts, it was tough for him to trust in notions he believed in a past life.

Just then, footsteps approached from the opposite side. Wang Haini, holding her tray, strutted up to his table.

“President Jiang, flirting? Aren’t you worried Feng Nanshu might see?”

“Haini, even if you bury my face in your chest, you still wouldn’t have any cleavage.”

Wang Haini’s face darkened. She sat opposite him: “Gao Wenhui is full of nonsense. I do have it.”

Jiang Qin took a couple of bites: “Where’s my good friend?”

“In the dorm, knitting you gloves. Broke her fingers doing it. I said it’s tricky, but she insisted. Oh, something for you.”

“What’s that?”

Wang Haini pulled out two movie tickets: “Split with my boyfriend, so they’re useless to me now. Take Feng Nanshu to the movies.”

“Broke up again? Floozy!”

Jiang Qin looked at the tickets. The title read, “Those Years, the Girl We All Chased.”