Don't get married if you're reborn.

Chapter 394 An Exorbitant Demand (4K)

Zeng Wenjie parked his car and headed to the gold shop, where he saw Li Hongqiu from Huaguo Gold and Huang Zixiang from Fengxiang Jewelry.

The two stood at the entrance of Joaquin talking, looking enviously at the Marleneia store next door.

Li Hongqiu sighed, "What a traitor! What a terrible traitor! He actually spent 1.08 million yuan in one go to buy so many sets of Palace Museum series, and even got a gold Pixiu statue in one go..."

Huang Zixiang's eyes reddened with envy as he said, "Why doesn't such a great scoundrel come and patronize our Fengxiang Jewelry?"

Li Hongqiu was extremely frustrated and shook her head, saying, "Don't even mention it. Our store's daily revenue has dropped to only 40,000. How much do you have left?"

Huang Zixiang said, "Ten thousand more than you."

These words left only bitterness on his face.

For any other store, a daily revenue of 40,000 to 50,000 yuan would be considered very impressive, but this is a gold shop, selling gold and jewelry.

Before Marleneia's sudden emergence, the daily revenue of the two gold shops fluctuated around 100,000, and in a good month, it could even maintain around 200,000 per day.

This is, after all, the central street, the most bustling street in the entire Fengzhou.

Li Hongqiu felt a bitter taste in her mouth. Huaguo Gold was closest to Marleneja Gold Shop, so it was in the worst situation. Fengxiang Jewelry was across the street, so it was slightly better.

If things continue like this, I'm afraid our daily revenue will continue to decline. The recent big discounts haven't really boosted sales. During the entire Spring Festival, we've been watching the bustling, incredibly popular place next door.

However, the headquarters provided her with exceptional support, which deeply moved her.

But she also knew that the headquarters had made her stand here simply to observe what new tricks Zeng Wenjie, that college student, would come up with to attract customers.

This was a torment for her.

Moreover, Zeng Wenjie is not a fool. The brand reputation has already been established, and the Palace Museum series has become a representative of the light luxury sector. Why would he need to provide those big brands with ideas that can be copied?
He has plenty of ideas, but he keeps them all to himself, waiting for the direct-operated stores to gradually expand in major first- and second-tier cities before implementing unified operations, so that those who try to copy him will find it hard to catch up.

Although the three tricks of the previous BRICS challenge, new customer lottery and price reduction, and lucky charm have been copied and major brands have made a fortune from them, Marlenia has finally established itself among a group of big brands.

"Hey, you two, all free?"

Zeng Wenjie walked up and gave Brother Crow a Nazi salute.

Li Hongqiu's lips twitched. She used to get angry whenever she saw this scoundrel of a college student, but now seeing him makes her face hurt, her heart race, and she's scared!
Huang Zixiang said, "I'm not free at all. I just took a break from my busy schedule to come and take a look!"

Li Hongqiu said, "Yes, we've launched huge discounts, so how could we be idle!"

As they were talking, a gust of wind blew by, and a banknote floated past the three of them—a blue ten-yuan note.

Zeng Wenjie took a step forward, stepped on it, and said, "First come, first served, don't you dare fight over it!"

Both store managers rolled their eyes. It's only ten yuan, is it really worth acting like this?!

He picked it up and looked at it, and felt something was wrong. Half of the banknote was folded up, and there were a few hairs stuffed inside.
"I make millions a day, why would I bother picking up this money?" Zeng Wenjie threw the money away without saying a word and then walked away smugly.

Huang Zixiang trembled with anger and cursed, "Damn it, I want it if you don't want it!"

After saying this, he picked up the money, unwrapped the triangular half, and saw a few strands of hair inside, along with the words "borrow life" written in red pen.

"Fuck..."

Huang Zixiang was furious and cursed, "What a damn bad luck! This is all the money I get after three years? Throw me a check for tens of thousands and see if I'll take it."

Li Hongqiu was both amused and exasperated. No wonder Zeng Wenjie, that college student, had thrown it away so quickly, as if he had burned his hand. It turned out to be this kind of unlucky thing.

Although it's feudal superstition and certainly won't work, it's a very unlucky thing, and no businessman would want it.

When Zeng Wenjie entered the store, he saw Zhuang Bifan talking to a distinguished customer.

However, Zeng Wenjie's expression turned sour when he saw this distinguished guest. He had been quite enthusiastic when he came in, but his attitude turned cold in an instant.

The distinguished guest is Xue Xiangyao's father, Xue Lu!
Xue Lu had been trying to invite Zeng Wenjie to dinner to improve their relationship, but Zeng Wenjie ignored him and made various excuses about being busy.

After the news spread that Zhuang Aimin was going to form a business alliance, Xue Lu became extremely anxious, knowing that if he didn't make a move soon, he might not even have a chance to get anything in the future!
So today he went straight to the Marleneja Gold Shop and spent 1.08 million in one go.

Xue Xiangyao's mother is probably going crazy with joy today, receiving so much gold jewelry all at once. Who knows more about romance than Xue Lu?!
"Mr. Zeng is here! This is Mr. Xue, one of our big clients. He bought 1.08 million yuan worth of gold jewelry today, almost emptying our counter!" Zhuang Bifan said hurriedly when he saw Zeng Wenjie, his face beaming with smiles, his wrinkles almost forming a chrysanthemum.

"Oh, Mr. Xue, you have time to visit my little shop today?" Zeng Wenjie asked casually.

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Bifan immediately gave Zeng Wenjie a meaningful look, signaling him not to offend the major client!
He also found it strange. Zeng was usually all smiles, easy to talk to, and had high emotional intelligence. What was wrong with him today? He actually gave a big client the cold shoulder!

Xue Lu laughed and said, "President Zeng is joking, isn't he? Your Marlenia store is doing incredibly well both online and offline, it's not some small shop at all!"

Zeng Wenjie said sarcastically, "Then President Xue spent over a million yuan as soon as he arrived. We're not a small shop. Does that mean we're bullying our customers because we're a big shop?"

Zhuang Bifan wanted nothing more than to cover Zeng Wenjie's mouth. What the hell! How could he possibly turn away such a big client—I mean, such a big customer!

He was even willing to call Xue Lu his godfather, and he was willing to come here to spend money every day, as long as Xue Lu was willing.

Seeing that Zeng Wenjie had offended Xue Lu, the shop assistants were also quite anxious, fearing that the big customer would cancel the order, and then their commissions would be wasted.

Marleneia store has two commission models: one is the commission that sales staff receive after making a sale, and the other is that sales staff who reach a certain sales target can participate in the store's total sales revenue sharing for that month.

The Palace Museum series, in particular, has a high commission rate. Today, Xue Lu almost emptied the Palace Museum series from the counter!

After being ridiculed by Zeng Wenjie, Xue Lu, a man of the martial arts world, was a little annoyed, but he really didn't dare to retaliate.

Not long after Luo Xin offended Zeng Wenjie, his powerful backer collapsed. He was investigated while still in the hospital, with two uniformed officers standing guard at the door, preventing anyone from visiting him.

Similarly, Xue Lu was also implicated, with his car dealership, real estate company, and construction company all being seized, resulting in heavy losses.

"President Zeng, I couldn't help it last time. When Luo Xin approached me, I didn't want to do it either. But I couldn't just refuse directly, since everyone knows you were the one who introduced me to invest in 'The Voice of China'..." Xue Lu said with a helpless bitter smile.

Zeng Wenjie chuckled and said, "So, it's my fault that I made money by letting you, Mr. Xue, invest in 'The Voice of China'?!"

Xue Lu hurriedly waved his hand and said, "No, no, I would never dare to think or say that! I was just explaining my relationship with President Zeng, I didn't mean anything else."

Everyone in Marlene's store was stunned!

Just how awesome is Mr. Zeng?

How can a top-tier tycoon who can spend millions with a wave of his hand speak to him like this?

"There are too many people here, let's talk outside," Zeng Wenjie said calmly, then turned and walked out.

"Mr. Zhuang, you're busy. I'll go have a chat with Mr. Zeng," Xue Lu said to Zhuang Bifan with a smile.

Zhuang Bifan nodded numbly, glanced at Zeng Wenjie, and then asked, "So, just how high-end is the circle this kid is in now?!"
He had been in the business world for over ten years. Despite having a pair of slightly cross-eyed eyes, his eyesight was impeccable, and he knew that Xue Lu was definitely a billionaire!
But right now...

A billionaire behaving so humbly towards Zeng Wenjie? That's outrageous!

After Zeng Wenjie reached the door, he offered Xue Lu a cigarette and said slowly, "Mr. Xue, if Xiang Yao hadn't found me and given me two prime shops, even if you bought all our gold goods this month, I might not have said a word to you." Xue Lu said awkwardly, "I'm sorry, I was wrong last time! But I had no choice. In this world, one is often forced into situations. Please forgive me, Mr. Zeng..."

As he spoke, he handed Zeng Wenjie a lighter to protect the flame and light his cigarette.

Zeng Wenjie accepted it calmly; it was what he deserved!

Damn it, I had all the plans in place, just waiting to make a big splash after the New Year, but who knew Xue Lu would pull this stunt on me and make me a target for that vicious wolf Luo Xin! Resolving this matter was quite a hassle, and I even totaled my Audi A8, which had less than 20,000 kilometers on it. Just thinking about it makes me furious.

Fortunately, Luo Xin was beaten into the hospital, the threats were eliminated, he even got to be with a beautiful woman, and further gained Zhuang Aimin's appreciation, truly stepping into the core of the high-end circle.

"I can only say that you've chosen the wrong side, Mr. Xue!" Zeng Wenjie said with a smile.

“Hey, I started out doing things my own way, how could I survive without someone protecting me?” Xue Lu said.

Zeng Wenjie nodded. That was the truth. He had made his fortune cleanly and had gained influence, yet he was still made things difficult by others. How much more so for a江湖人 (jianghu person) like Xue Lu?

Zeng Wenjie asked, "What is it, Mr. Xue?"

Xue Lu then said, "I heard that Mr. Zhuang is going to take the lead in forming a business alliance, and that you, President Zeng, have been elected as the president. I would like to join this business alliance! Also... I would like to know if there is any possibility that those seized properties will be released?"

Zeng Wenjie glanced at Xue Lu and said with a half-smile, "Forget about those industries. As for the business alliance... I will invite you after it is officially established."

Xue Lu breathed a sigh of relief. If he could join the Merchant Alliance, it would be equivalent to changing sides, and he wouldn't have to worry too much about being investigated further.

Xue Lu's background is tainted; he really can't withstand scrutiny. If Zeng Wenjie doesn't speak up for him, his fate will likely be even worse than Luo Xin's.

Since Zeng Wenjie intends for him to join this business alliance, he can't afford to suffer too much loss. Otherwise, why bring him in at all?
No matter what, Xue Lu was a well-known and wealthy man in the entire Fengzhou.

If you want to build a truly influential business organization, you need people like him.

"Century City has also been sealed off."

Xue Lu said somewhat dejectedly.

Upon hearing this, Zeng Wenjie was taken aback and asked, "How much did President Xue invest?"

Xue Lu dejectedly held up a "gun".

Zeng Wenjie was stunned. That's fucking rich! Eighty million!

Then, he laughed with a hint of schadenfreude. He was a professional, but sorry, he just couldn't help it.

If Zeng Wenjie's two stores had started construction in Century City at that time, Century City probably wouldn't be in such a bad state.

Xue Lu now not only has to bear the losses, but also has to pay the breach of contract fees to various merchants.

No wonder he was in such a hurry. Unable to meet Zeng Wenjie, he went straight to Marleneja and spent a million.

It's clear that Xue Lu was involved in a huge sum of money, which made him extremely panicked.

“I have two suggestions. First, Mr. Xue, you should take the lead in investing some money in me so that I can open a supermarket in Century City. Second, the operation of the supermarket should be entirely entrusted to me, and Mr. Xue should not interfere with its operation except for the annual dividends. Third, submit a letter of commitment to the higher authorities to use the supermarket to solve the employment problem of Fengzhou residents.”

Zeng Wenjie held up three fingers and said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Xue Lu's lips twitched involuntarily, and he asked, "How big is the shopping mall?"

Zeng Wenjie said, "It's at least two thousand square meters."

They're asking for an exorbitant amount.

Xue Lu felt he had been extorted.

How much investment is needed?

"I haven't calculated it in detail yet. If we really want to do it, I will send someone to Zhongyuan Province to investigate."

"Why do we need to go to the Central Plains for investigation?"

“There’s a great large supermarket over there, but it’s not well-known yet. Of course, we should learn from its good practices.”

"Mr. Zeng wouldn't expect me to submit all of them, would he?"

“In the initial stage, you will need to acquire more shares, and I will gradually buy back the shares you hold each year.”

Zeng Wenjie didn't want to spend so much money on the supermarket all at once, otherwise, would he still want to be named one of the top ten outstanding people in the country this year?
Xue Lu asked, "What if the shopping mall goes bankrupt?"

Zeng Wenjie said, "Then you'll have to accept your bad luck."

"..."

What the hell is this unfair contract term?!
Zeng Wenjie said, "Please think it over. Once you've made up your mind, give me a call and we can discuss it in detail. We can also go on a business trip together to Central China to learn about supermarket management concepts."

Xue Lu wanted to give this college student a good punch.

But not only could he not do that, he also had to smile and invite Zeng Wenjie to dinner.

Zeng Wenjie is indeed a scoundrel; he managed to get his three roommates, Hu Guohua, and Shi Jing to come over with just one phone call.

After indulging in a hearty meal with Xue Lu, he cleared his throat and chuckled, "Mr. Xue said he owed me two second rounds."

Xue Lu smiled and said, "Of course, let's go to Times Sky, it's on me!"

Although dissatisfied, he also knew that he deserved it and needed to atone for his sins.

If Xue Xiangyao hadn't arranged two prime shops for Zeng Wenjie, he wouldn't have had this opportunity to atone for his sins.

Zeng Wenjie has gone too far.

On the other hand, since he went to such great lengths and risked everything to win over Zeng Mi, he should give Xue Lu a good beating.

“What’s the point of singing?” Wang Bo whispered to Lin Zhenshan.

“You silly boy, of course it’s fun to touch and sing!” Lin Zhenshan replied.

"Wow, how did you know that was the place where Momo Sings?" Wang Bo asked in surprise.

Lin Zhenshan remained silent.

Hu Guohua and Shi Jing couldn't help but get excited. Good heavens, Zeng Wenjie's long-promised "touch and sing" is finally going to come true!

Upon arriving at the party room at Times Sky, the general manager gave a signal over the walkie-talkie, and immediately a large group of girls entered the room.

(End of this chapter)