I turned reality into a romantic comedy

"Then I'll solve it!"

"Ah."

"It's really time to solve it—"

"...If you don't understand, I'll understand first."

Well, it seems that Lin Mu's thoughts are indeed more complicated than he imagined. Is this also a sign of growing up?

In short, after struggling for quite a while, the two of them finally freed themselves from their restraints, then went to the bathroom separately and stood together at the sink to brush their teeth.

Actually, there are achievements related to brushing teeth in the system's achievement list, but whether it was watching Xu Youwei brush her teeth last time or brushing her teeth with Lin Mu this time, Chen Junqian had no intention of achieving them. This is because, like the "Time to Get Up" achievement, which can only be triggered by childhood sweetheart characters, it is an achievement that is only available to a specific type of character. This is the kind of "little sister" achievement that Chen Junqian had complained about before, which also occupies a considerable part of the entire achievement list.

Yes, we really were just brushing our teeth.

As everyone knows, a brother who doesn't brush his sister's teeth isn't a good brother.

The toothbrush is a weapon, the toothpaste is a contract, and the foam is an excuse to cover up blushing and a racing heart. Using fine bristles to stroke the sensitive areas on the inside of the body is something that can bring pleasure, as long as your technique is good enough.

The younger sister's level of resistance will be directly proportional to how obedient she becomes after giving in, but please be careful not to let anyone else see or hear this, since you really can't explain that you were just brushing your teeth.

Conditions for completion: Brush the teeth of the female protagonist who is considered a younger sister type, and make her genuinely feel comfortable and happy.

It can only be said that in July 2011, before "Nisemonogatari" had officially started airing, Chen Junqian was indeed a bit confused about the content of this achievement. Moreover, the most important thing was that a certain younger sister character he had high hopes for had not yet been included in the system, so he basically just threw it into the lowest priority category without caring about it.

But does brushing someone else's teeth really make them feel genuinely comfortable and happy?

With this question in mind, Chen Junqian glanced at Mu Mu, who was standing next to him brushing her teeth, in the mirror. He suddenly felt a little regretful that she was both his childhood friend and his younger sister, since these two types of characters have many similar achievements in the system's achievement list.

In fact, the achievement description for the childhood friend-exclusive "Time to Get Up" specifically mentions that "a childhood friend who can't wake up her childhood friend isn't a good loser, especially if the male protagonist isn't beaten to it by his sister who lives closer."

"What's wrong? Is it because Qianqian isn't used to the toothpaste I brought?"

Noticing Chen Junqian's gaze, Lin Mu immediately stopped what she was doing and asked a question, her mouth full of foam and her words slightly muffled.

That's right. Just like the shower gel and shampoo he used last night, Chen Junqian also used the same toothpaste Lin Mu brought this morning, which is why he asked that question now.

"It's nothing, I just suddenly remembered that I talked to Weiwei before about whether we prefer brushing our teeth or washing our face."

"Ah, she also mentioned this to me. It was the conversation you two had on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Actually, I don't have any particular preference. It's all about making myself look better, so you have to approach it with a serious attitude."

"Indeed, what Mu Mu said makes a lot of sense."

After finishing their morning routine, the two went downstairs to eat the hotel's buffet breakfast. As expected, breakfast in the north mainly consists of various kinds of noodles. However, Anhui is a central region where people eat both rice and noodles, so Chen Junqian and Lin Mu did not feel particularly uncomfortable and enjoyed eating together.

----------------------------------

Since it's really not appropriate to sit in Dad's office playing on the computer every day like yesterday afternoon, the two of them decided to stay in the hotel this morning to watch TV, do their summer homework, and continue to tutor Mumu individually.

However, this pleasant time didn't last long, as Chen Junqian's phone, which was in his pocket, suddenly rang.

He had already changed his ringtone, switching from Xu Liang's "Being a Jerk" to Xu Song's "Plain Face," choosing the middle part. So when it played, it played the lyrics "If I look at you again, will I still have feelings?" which made Lin Mu want to sing along. She had heard the song before.

"Hello, this is Chen Junqian."

“I’m Zhang Xinghuo… I didn’t expect you to have a personal cell phone now. I was a little taken aback when Lin Youfeng gave me the number yesterday.”

Although it was said in jest, you could still hear the slight weariness in the other person's tone, as if they hadn't slept well for several nights.

"Just as you said, the company doesn't plan to continue down the e-commerce path, even though the Keke Fruit online store has been online for less than a year and its turnover is already approaching 20 million."

"I originally wanted to increase my efforts during this year's Double Eleven, and I even made a pledge to produce 200 million in three years to show them what I'm capable of, but it still didn't work out."

Although Zhang Xinghuo has been promoted to marketing general manager based on the performance of Keke Fruit, the predicament he faces still seems unchanged. After all, for a traditional company that is used to the past sales model, a comprehensive transformation is a very difficult thing. Moreover, Zhang Xinghuo is just a senior employee in the company, and the decision-making power is never in his hands.

"There's no time to wait any longer. The window of opportunity for FMCG brands to build their brands on e-commerce platforms is just two or three years away. Like I said before, if you're willing to go it alone, I'll help you talk to Uncle Lin about supply. The same goes for your uncle. If we both persuade him, he'll definitely be willing to give it his all. He's an experienced salesman with connections and resources. Add your own team, and you'll be more than capable."

Similar to his previous life, even with Chen Junqian's slight interference, Zhang Xinghuo achieved even better results on the same timeline, but the extra few million could not be the decisive factor in determining the company's direction.

So, just like in his previous life, Zhang Xinghuo will once again make the decision to leave his job and start his own business, resolutely giving up his current comfortable income.

"Yes, it's time to leave."

Perhaps because of his own unusual personality, or perhaps because he had witnessed too many of Chen Junqian's amazing qualities over the past year, Zhang Xinghuo unconsciously ignored his age and treated him as an equal partner when talking to him.

After all, the other party not only has a systematic set of ideas, but also has the ability to bring in the suppliers and talents that he currently desperately needs.

“I’ve looked at the table you gave me several times. Your ideas are similar to mine. The most important thing for e-commerce is to first find a good brand positioning, find a way to strengthen its memorability, then build a good supply chain, and at the same time, pay attention to service and try to create a differentiated experience from competitors.”

"Correct."

Recalling the knowledge he had specifically sought out when teaching university courses in his previous life, Chen Junqian and Zhang Xinghuo chatted for quite a while before the other party took the initiative to ask him:

"What are your thoughts on the brand?"

"I think anthropomorphizing animals and creating anime is a good choice. Since we're planning to enter the internet nut industry, how about choosing squirrels, which like to eat nuts?"

"Squirrel... that sounds good. I'll ask a friend who knows about this industry to help me design it, and then we'll see how it goes."

"Ideally, we can launch on Tmall before Singles' Day this year."

Chen Junqian remembered that in his previous life, it only took five months for the three fierce dogs to go from establishment to opening a flagship store on Tmall. With his help this time, they should be able to avoid some detours and save some time.

"I will do my best, and I will submit my resignation letter tomorrow."

"As for supply, Uncle Lin should be able to solve part of it. In the early stages, when we don't have our own processing plant, we will definitely need to temporarily use the 'OEM and private label' production model. However, this requires someone to keep an eye on the source of raw materials and the processing plant, otherwise it will have a very bad impact on the brand reputation."

"Yes, I know a few friends in Lin'an. I'll contact them when the time comes, and I'll also have someone keep an eye on them."

"You seem to know a lot about e-commerce, do you have any good ideas?"

Since they were equal partners, Chen Junqian certainly wouldn't take on all the ideas by himself. So after explaining his own thoughts, he immediately offered Zhang Xinghuo a way out, letting him share his perspective.

"Just like you said, user experience is definitely the most crucial factor. We need to create a differentiation that makes us stand out from other brands at a glance. I plan to focus on the product unboxing experience and customer service. For the former, we can include some small tools such as fruit shell bags, wet wipes, and sealing clips. For the latter... the squirrel you mentioned gave me an idea. Don't Taobao customer service representatives like to call you 'dear'?"

“Let’s learn that word too, what’s it called again, ‘cute’? Let’s try to create that kind of atmosphere with our users. What do you think about our customer service representatives calling each other ‘master’ in chat?”

Hearing that the other party had adopted the same marketing strategy as in his previous life, Chen Junqian nodded in agreement:

"I feel very good."

"Okay, we'll talk about the rest later. I'm going to find someone now."

"Okay, hang up."

After Chen Junqian finished his long phone call with Zhang Xinghuo, he noticed that Lin Mu was sitting in front of him, looking completely absorbed in the conversation. After he hung up, Lin Mu asked curiously:

"Why use 'master'? It feels so cheesy."

"That's how it is on the internet. Sometimes the user's emotional experience is really important, and 'dear' is just as cheesy, but everyone is used to it now."

Nodding as if he understood but not quite, Lin Mu asked again:

"So what Qianqian means is that when users are called 'master,' they feel that the other party is really a little fierce dog, and then they will be happy and more willing to spend money."

"Not bad at all."

"Does Qianqian like this kind of thing too?"

"Ok?"

Before Chen Junqian could react, Lin Mu had already placed her hands on his shoulders, one on each side, and deliberately puffed out her cheeks slightly. As if imitating a squirrel hiding a nut, the girl blinked her round, dark pupils, which were just like a squirrel's, and turned her head slightly towards him. Her ponytail at the back of her head also turned to one side with this movement.

The next instant, Lin Mu's soft, sweet voice, like a marshmallow, entered Chen Junqian's mind along with the sound of an achievement being unlocked.

"It's—Master, Master, Master?"

"I'm hungry, please give me some nuts... or candy."

Chapter Twenty-Six: The So-Called Summer Romantic Comedy (Two-in-One)

Please allow me to address you as Master.

Perhaps it's because you lost a bet, maybe you participated in a project like a maid café at a cultural festival, or maybe you were caught red-handed, or maybe it was just a sudden, impulsive moment of acting cute. But whatever the reason, when the heroines utter this title, you've already taken another solid step forward on the path of becoming the male protagonist of a romantic comedy.

Whether it's the embarrassment that brings tears to her eyes but she still insists on finishing, the deliberate use of a lazy, provocative tone, or the fact that she's genuinely in a master-servant or pet-raising relationship with someone, causing her to unconsciously blurt it out in front of others and then create a sensation, these are all events that make romantic comedies so enjoyable to watch.

Condition for achievement: Be called "Master" by any female protagonist who is suited for romantic comedy.

Frankly speaking, even though the system's achievement descriptions are quite lengthy, Chen Junqian still feels that Lin Mu's current appearance doesn't match any of the descriptions at all.

That's why it's said that children sometimes have an easier time than adults when it comes to achieving something. Mu Mu in front of me seems to be doing this purely for fun, and it has nothing to do with the descriptive statements in the system.

Of course, Chen Junqian did not deny that his childhood sweetheart was indeed very cute in this state, even a little too cute. It seemed that he would ask for money without any hesitation, let alone nuts and candy.

"Wow, Qianqian, you're smiling so happily. This trick really works!"

Lin Mu immediately noticed the change in Chen Junqian's expression and happily reached out to touch the corner of his upturned mouth:

"It's just a change in address, but it turns out boys really do like this kind of thing."

"Well, I think it's because Mu Mu is naturally very cute, and we're already quite familiar with each other. That's the main reason. It's like when a friend you're used to seeing suddenly changes their hairstyle and style of dress. After spending a lot of time together, you do need a little something new."

For example, he hasn't even called yet. It feels like he's almost forgotten that his parents, who have two kids in the hotel, are still together. Otherwise, why would there be the saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder"?

"The form of address is only a small part of it. The most important thing is the contrast it brings, which is different from the usual way. Putting aside the title 'master,' Mu Mu, do you ever think about what other titles I should use to call you?"

Faced with Chen Junqian's question, Lin Mu couldn't help but recall the fantasy that was first born during the Shanghai World Expo last year. Although she didn't write it into her diary for some reason, it was still a vivid memory for her.

At that time, she wanted a situation where Qianqian needed her to take care of him, whether he was drunk or accidentally sick.

She wanted to press her head against his forehead to measure his temperature, then tuck him in, sit on the edge of the bed, and pour freshly boiled water from one cup to another and back again to speed up the cooling process to the right temperature. Then, she would coax him to take his medicine in a tone as gentle as if he were a child.

"Qianqian, you have to be good when you take your medicine. Don't be so careless with your health next time."

However, if we express this situation using a form of address...

“M…Sister.”

Whether it was because he felt the title that first popped into his mind was too difficult to say, or because he was reminded of another person who had suddenly appeared during the same World Expo, Lin Mu quickly changed it the moment he said it.

"Sister, it doesn't seem so strange."

After all, in the romantic comedies that Chen Junqian had watched, there were often characters who were very short, which was a kind of character creation that created a sense of contrast and cuteness. However, Lin Mu probably didn't think that much about it and might just have found the nickname funny.

"Actually, I'm a little hungry too, so do you have anything to eat here, Sister Mumu?"

"Yes, yes! Hehe, this is my latest development."

Lin Mu's reaction seemed even more excited than when he heard her call him "master." Upon hearing Chen Junqian speak, she immediately ran to the refrigerator in the hotel room and took out a bag of something.

"Ta-da! This is my latest homemade popsicle recipe that's absolutely foolproof."

Hearing Lin Mu mention making her own popsicles, Chen Junqian couldn't help but chuckle. After all, starting around last summer vacation, probably because she was getting tired of the popsicles she bought, little Mu Mu suddenly had the idea of ​​making her own popsicles, and then dragged Chen Junqian along to create a lot of failed attempts.

Lin Mu was quite conservative on his first attempt, using the simplest method of mixing white sugar with water. However, he added too much sugar, completely unaware that water molecules cannot form complete ice crystals when the sugar concentration is too high. As a result, the sugar solution separated, creating a candied hawthorn that looked like a failed attempt at cosmetic surgery, with the texture of ice shards mixed with syrup being quite subtle.

The second time Lin Mu tried carbonated drinks, the next day when she opened the refrigerator, she found that the lid of the mold had been blown off by the carbon dioxide. If her refrigerator hadn't been big enough, and that the freezer compartment only contained this one mold, the cola foam that splattered onto the other meat and vegetables would probably have driven Lin Mu's mother crazy.

Lin Mu, a persistent child, tried again and again over the past year, but the result of his repeated attempts was repeated failures.

I tried mixing fruit pieces with milk, but because I didn't use any thickeners like yogurt and didn't stir it thoroughly before freezing, the fruit pieces all sank to the bottom of the popsicles, leaving the top half bare.

Another time, there was nothing wrong with the ice pops, but instead of using popsicle sticks, I broke off a disposable chopstick and stuck it in. When I pulled it out after it froze, half of the chopstick broke off in the ice, and I could only pull out the other half, which was crooked and twisted.

The most recent instance was two days ago, when little Mumu suddenly had the idea to imitate a cocktail she saw on TV. She carefully layered grape juice, orange juice, and milk, dreaming of making a beautiful and delicious rainbow popsicle, but things didn't go as planned.

The final result was a grayish-brown, cloudy ice column, even with flocculent sediment. After all, Mu Mu didn't understand that the acidity of fruit juice would denature and coagulate milk proteins, and the mixed colors would spread due to the slow freezing speed.

As for why Chen Junqian knew all this but didn't say anything, it can only be blamed on Lin Mu himself, who seemed to enjoy it. Moreover, the way he made grand pronouncements before making popsicles, remained silent afterward, and then talked nonsense while tasting them was really quite amusing.

That's why, when Lin Mu said it was her latest research result, Chen Junqian looked at her with great respect or curiosity. After all, they lived in the same room and had never seen her tinkering with molds or juice.

Upon seeing the person in question, Chen Junqian instinctively retorted:

"So Mumu calls this a homemade popsicle?"

"Yes, homemade popsicles are basically turning things that aren't popsicles into popsicles, right? Mine perfectly fits the definition, and most importantly, it tastes better than all the other weird stuff I made before."

Taking a long, frozen strip of fruit-flavored jelly from Lin Mu, Chen Junqian tore open the packaging, squeezed out the cylindrical jelly, took two bites, and then gave it high praise:

"It definitely tastes better than the things Mumu used to make."

"Right, right? And unlike traditional popsicles, you don't have to worry about them melting and dripping onto your hands. Each one is also smaller, so you can eat one whenever you want without having to hold the popsicle and worry about it melting."

Chen Junqian felt that telling Mu Mu that Zhong Yu had eaten this kind of long, thin jelly at least a few years ago would be too much of a blow, so he didn't say anything in the end, letting Lin Mu continue to bask in her own smugness about her idea for a while.

After the two of them ate a few frozen jelly sticks and did their summer homework for a while, around noon, Wang Hongling finally appeared at the door of the hotel room, ready to take them to the factory canteen for lunch.

Chen Jun's vacation has been approved. After all, he hadn't taken many vacations during the first six months here, just to save up for the summer vacation to spend time with his wife and son. So, after staying in Tangshan for about one more day, the group can set off for Qinhuangdao.

"I asked my local friends, and if we want to travel, how about we go from north to south, following the route of Shanhaiguan, Qinhuangdao, and Beidaihe?"

During lunch, Chen Jun brought up the topic of travel, casting inquiring glances at the two children, since the ultimate goal of traveling is for the children to have fun.

"Is there a beach where we can play?"