The term "exposed" is industry slang referring to unscrupulous shopkeepers who take brand-new packaged goods and use a hairdryer to heat the seals on the bottom of the packaging, then remove the accessories or even the main unit to replace them with refurbished items or even counterfeit goods, in order to reap exorbitant profits.
As long as the method is appropriate, ordinary customers can't see through the ruse, thinking that everything is unopened and therefore genuine, often unaware they've been swindled.
Seeing that the salesperson agreed readily, Lu Chen decided to give them a warning, letting them know he was knowledgeable and not easily fooled, to avoid any negotiations later.
In fact, at even shadier shops, salespeople often trick customers into paying first and then bring out lower-spec versions of the same model to deceive them; the computer sales industry is very murky.
However, customers have become more savvy after falling for scams multiple times. With the rapid dissemination of information online, people are more willing to shop at reliable websites, causing these infamous digital markets to struggle.
The salesperson's expression stiffened, revealing a smile that looked worse than crying. "Sir, please rest assured. Our business is built on reputation; we do not deceive customers!"
Lu Chen smiled without responding. Those who understand the trade naturally wouldn't risk cheating him; those who don't would sharpen their knives for the lambs!
The salesperson rushed to the warehouse to retrieve the goods, and Zuo Xingtian exclaimed with admiration, "Senior, you're amazing!"
Both she and Ye Zitong were very smart girls; how could they not see the salesperson's anxiety? If Lu Chen hadn't been there today, they wouldn't have known the tricks and calculations involved.
They probably would have bought at the online price and ended up with who knows what kind of products inside!
Ye Zitong looked a bit worried. "What if we have trouble getting them to warranty it later?"
That salesperson had been completely crushed by Lu Chen; it was hard to guarantee he wouldn't hold a grudge later.
Lu Chen laughed, "Why go to them for a warranty? Just go directly to the brand's after-sales service. If you go to them, you'll just get ripped off again; it's completely unnecessary!"
The repair business is even murkier than sales!
Ye Zitong felt relieved. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she bit her lip and asked, "Lu Chen Senior, why did you say you wanted to buy two? Are you buying one for yourself to give away?"
This laptop was clearly not a style Lu Chen would use himself.
Lu Chen explained, "Yes, the other one is for my sister. She'll be taking university entrance exams next year."
Ye Zitong smiled and said, "Oh, I see! You're really good to your sister!"
Then, she inadvertently caught Zuo Xingtian casting her an ambiguous look, causing her face to flush red.
Lu Chen smiled, but internally he sighed.
His sister, Lu Xue, used to have a computer, but after some family troubles, she went from being a little princess to Cinderella.
Lu Chen had always wanted to buy her a new computer, and now he was finally able to fulfill that wish.
The two new computers were brought over.
Lu Chen carefully checked both of them twice to ensure there were no issues before unboxing and testing them, finally proceeding to pay.
At that moment, the two girls finally had the chance to showcase their talents. After insisting, the store ultimately threw in two matching external keyboards and mice, making it even cheaper than buying online.
In the end, the salesperson wore a dark expression, sending the three of them out like they were carrying a plague.
Having bought suitable new computers, Ye Zitong was in high spirits. "Senior, I'll treat you to dinner tonight! Thank you!"
It was already 5 PM, just in time for dinner.
Zuo Xingtian sighed, "You're inviting Senior but not me? How ungrateful! Sisters should be loyal!"
Zuo Xingtian's voice suddenly soared by eight octaves as Ye Zitong, unable to bear it any longer, unleashed her tickling skills, striking her weakness, and causing her to hide behind Lu Chen in fright.
"Senior, help me!"
The two girls teased Lu Chen, who was left speechless, drawing the attention of numerous passersby.
Meanwhile, Lu Chen felt a nostalgic warmth, almost as if he were back in school; it was heartwarming and delightful.
They had a great time at dinner.
In the end, Ye Zitong picked up the bill. Originally, Lu Chen intended to pay, but he couldn't go against her insistence.
He could see that Ye Zitong was the kind of girl who valued her self-respect, intelligent yet aloof, beautiful but not arrogant. She came from a good family and didn't like to take advantage of others.
Such girls are rare, perhaps only one among a thousand.
Lu Chen didn't deny his feelings for Ye Zitong, but his current attitude towards relationships was to let fate take its course.
Even if they couldn't become lovers, being friends would still be great!
After leaving the restaurant, it was still early.
Lu Chen said, "Would you do me the honor of joining me at Daylily for a bit?"
Before Ye Zitong could answer, Zuo Xingtian clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Great! Senior, can you sing a new song?"
Lu Chen asked, "New song? Don't you like 'My Old Classmate' and 'Cinderella'?"
These two songs had already become his signatures at Daylily, attracting many customers specifically to hear him play and sing.
"'My Old Classmate' and 'Cinderella' are both great!"
Zuo Xingtian smiled and said, "But it would be best if you could dedicate a song to Ye Zi!"
Clearly, she was the one who was fickle, yet she wanted to use Ye Zitong as a prop.
Ye Zitong covered her face with her hands, looking defeated by Zuo Xingtian's antics.
Lu Chen chuckled, "Then let's go together. I'll get you both back to school before 10."
Zuo Xingtian cheered, "Long live Senior!"
Ye Zitong quickly stepped back a couple of paces to create distance, indicating that she had no relation to this crazy girl.
However, she didn't refuse Lu Chen's invitation.
They hailed a taxi, and Lu Chen, along with the two girls, arrived at Daylily bar.
On the first night of the weekend, the bar was doing great business. It was barely past 7 PM, and there were no empty tables available.
Fortunately, there were spots available at the bar.
Lu Chen led them over and said to the bartender, "David, these two are my friends; please take good care of them."
With two beautiful girls sitting at the bar, it was inevitable that they would attract the attention of some wandering suitors. While the atmosphere and clientele at Daylily were decent, it didn't mean there weren't any attempts to flirt.
With David's assistance, he could shield them from trouble, and having a table available meant they could be seated right away.
When David saw Ye Zitong and Zuo Xingtian, his eyes lit up.
He held up a cocktail shaker and placed his left hand on his chest, bowing with great courtesy. "Good evening, lovely ladies! I'm delighted to meet you; my name is David Li!"
Ye Zitong and Zuo Xingtian found him amusing and replied, "Hello!"
David pretended to think deeply. "Let me guess, which of you is Little Lu's girlfriend?"
Zuo Xingtian poked Ye Zitong's arm, causing the latter to roll her eyes in an unladylike manner.
Zuo Xingtian laughed, "We're just Junior Sisters of Lu Chen, David. Doesn't Lu Chen have a girlfriend right now? And why do you call him Little Lu?"
"What?"
David was surprised. "You all didn't know?"
Lu Chen finally couldn't listen any longer. "You all chat; I'm going backstage to prepare to sing."
He could only make a hasty escape.
Zuo Xingtian shouted behind him, "Senior, don't forget!"
Running to the backstage, Lu Chen greeted Sister Na and the others, then borrowed a guitar from Qin Hanyang before heading to the stage.
Many customers in the bar recognized Lu Chen and were very pleased to see him.
Lu Chen's performance time had already been moved to after 11 PM, and he no longer performed every day, so seeing him on stage this early was indeed a delightful surprise.
Applause and whistles erupted simultaneously.
Lu Chen sat down with his guitar in front of the microphone and said, "Thank you, everyone! Tonight, I will sing three songs. The first two are ones you love and are familiar with, and as for the third song—"
He paused, looking at the two girls sitting at the bar. "It will be a new song!"
"It will also be performed for the first time here at Daylily!"
The applause that had just calmed down erupted again, and this time it was at least ten times more enthusiastic!
Who among the regular customers didn't know about Lu Chen's talent? Who didn't enjoy his original works? To hear a new song from him again was a delightful surprise!
Zuo Xingtian tightly grasped Ye Zitong's arm, excitedly saying, "Ye Zi, Senior is really going to sing a new song!"
Ye Zitong nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
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(End of this chapter)
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