Why is This Troublemaker So Damn Rich?

Starting his own brand? Wang Qing was taken aback. ’And a sports and fashion leisure brand, no less.’ That market wasn’t like women’s apparel or shoes, categories where customer loyalty was fickle. In the sports sector, brand recognition was a major factor for consumers. On top of that, Yang Hui had said he was aiming for the mid-to-high-end market, which made it even more difficult. ’If consumers don’t recognize your brand, how can you sell them premium products? Who would pay those prices?’

"Don’t worry, A Hui. For the store in Xinyue Square, pick your spot early. I’ll have the regional team reserve a location for you in advance. For any of our projects in China, including the ones in Shanghai, you just have to say the word, and I’ll make it happen."

Holy shit. Wang Qing glanced at Zhang Chun in disbelief. ’He wouldn’t even support his own son this much.’ Getting a brand-new label into Xinyue Group’s prime locations... this was a massive, blatant boost.

He immediately voiced his support as well. "A Hui, Yida Department Store’s locations might be a bit ordinary, but if you see one you like, I’ll definitely do everything in my power to make it happen."

Yang Hui raised his glass to Wang Qing individually. He was, of course, eyeing the street-front location in Wang Qing’s Qingzhou Pedestrian Street project. Wang Qing understood this perfectly. Just yesterday, Yang Hui had mentioned that his criterion for opening a store was average monthly sales of no less than 800,000. Even the brands he represented had to meet that standard, to say nothing of his own.

Seeing Wang Qing state his support, Zhang Chun also gave him a personal toast, leaving Wang Qing feeling both honored and startled. President Tian followed, and soon the men were clinking glasses and exchanging toasts. The atmosphere immediately became livelier, and the fact that they were drinking rare 30-year-old Moutai made the occasion feel even more special.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. The men paused and watched as the door opened to reveal the VP of Business and Director Wang from Lantu.

"Gentlemen, I’ve come to offer a toast."

Director Wang trailed eagerly behind him and added, "I’m here to offer a toast to our esteemed leaders as well."

He finished speaking and looked toward the main seat of honor, then froze in shock. ’How could it be Huang Lingyu’s boyfriend? Did we walk into the wrong private room?’ He glanced at the men on either side of Yang Hui and felt his scalp prickle in terror. The man sitting in the seat of the primary escort—the seat next to the guest of honor—was the regional president of Xinyue Group! ’Just who in the holy hell is Huang Lingyu’s boyfriend?’

The VP of Business naturally recognized Wang Qing, and he was fairly familiar with Yang Hui as well. He toasted each man in turn, but his mind was reeling. ’I knew President Zhang Chun thought highly of him, but I never expected this. He’s actually letting him take the seat of honor!’ He made a mental note. ’I’ll have to be extra careful around this guy from now on.’

Yang Hui was quite courteous to the VP of Business, as the man had personally handled the store placement and contract signings for his NLB and Zen brands. His attitude toward Director Wang, however, was lukewarm at best. He offered only a slight nod. If Huang Lingyu hadn’t told him that the guy had recently cleaned up his act and stopped bothering her, Yang Hui wouldn’t have given him the time of day.

In the private room, Huang Lingyu and Zhao Ling were making small talk. The two rarely spoke at work. Zhao Ling, a seven or eight out of ten in the looks department, had always been jealous of Huang Lingyu. Now that Lingyu also had a rich, generous boyfriend, Zhao Ling’s envy burned even hotter.

Her words, therefore, dripped with sarcasm. "Lingyu, why didn’t you go with Director Wang and the others to offer a toast? I heard there are some top executives from Xinyue Group in that room. If one of them took a liking to you, you’d be set for life."

Huang Lingyu’s expression soured. "I’m perfectly happy with how things are," she said coldly. "If you like the idea so much, feel free to go yourself."

Zhao Ling scoffed. "Hmph, what’s with the attitude? I’m just trying to help you. Forget about the big boss from Xinyue; even this VP controls a ton of resources. If he just gave you a little boost, why would you still be selling cars? Wouldn’t opening your own shop in Xinyue Square be so much better?"

Huang Lingyu shot her a look and fell silent. ’No wonder,’ she thought. ’They said two of us were assigned to this dinner, but Zhao Ling has been scrambling to do all the work herself.’ Especially when it came to the VP—pouring his wine, serving him food, refilling his tea. Her perceptiveness and eagerness were miles beyond her usual self, and it was clearly delighting the VP.

Just then, the VP of Business walked in with Director Wang. Zhao Ling immediately shot to her feet. "Sir, your water has gotten cold. Let me get you a fresh one."

"Thank you!"

Huang Lingyu watched as Zhao Ling deliberately leaned forward in front of the VP, the view down her V-neck top on full display. The VP, of course, didn’t hold back. When something was offered up so freely, it would be a waste not to look. Even Director Wang tried to steal a glance, but unfortunately for him, Zhao Ling had angled herself exclusively for the VP.

The VP wasn’t stingy with his praise for Zhao Ling’s "goodwill." He turned to Director Wang and said, "Xiaozhao is so outstanding. I trust she’s one of the key talents you’re grooming for the future?"

Director Wang immediately caught his meaning. "Absolutely. In fact, I was just preparing a report to the company to recommend her for a raise and a promotion."

Zhao Ling was overjoyed. "Thank you both so much, sirs!" she said quickly. "Let me offer you a toast."

She leaned forward even lower this time. The VP let out a hearty laugh and gave her a pat. "Keep up the good work, Xiaozhao. I have high hopes for you."

As for Huang Lingyu, he paid her no mind. ’What’s the point of a beautiful woman if she isn’t mine?’ he thought. He much preferred someone proactive like Zhao Ling, who he could actually get his hands on.

Zhao Ling sat right down on the other side of the VP and began interacting with him, playing the part of a perfect socialite. Seeing how much she was delighting the VP, Director Wang was more than happy to let it happen.

He then noticed Huang Lingyu sitting quietly to the side and offered a token of concern. "Huang Lingyu, if you’re not drinking, make sure you eat something."

Zhao Ling shot him a look. ’Has this guy still not given up on her?’ she thought. Little did she know, after seeing Yang Hui, Director Wang was already racking his brain for ways to get on Huang Lingyu’s good side.

Just then, Zhao Ling piped up, "Lingyu, aren’t you going to offer our leaders a toast? You’re just sitting there eating. Is that really appropriate?"𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶