Why is 101 called the "Shelter for Abnormal Girls"? Because the two girls working part-time here are quite unique. One of them is the top of the financial college in both figure and appearance, but she blushes every time she speaks. The other is a beautiful girl who has been deceived in love and has also deceived others. The most annoying part is that she still has her sights set on seducing Director Chen Hansheng of the center.
Zhong Jiancheng couldn't clearly see Shen Youchu's features; he only noticed that she was tall. But Shang Yanyan's laughter was melodious, and she was cheerful and lively when interacting with people.
"Hey, Manager Zhong, you're old enough to be their uncle. Don't let your eyes wander," Chen Hansheng jokingly reminded him.
Zhong Jiancheng turned his head, shameless as ever, while offering cigarettes, and said, "Don't say that. Being called 'Uncle' makes me feel old. Just have them call me Brother Zhong."
Men can be strange sometimes. They don't like being called "Uncle" by young women in their twenties, but if one of them calls them "Daddy," they'd probably grin all night.
Hmph, a bunch of silly guys!
Chen Hansheng brought the topic back, "Manager Zhong, is there any important directive from you at the finance college? If not, just sit here for a while. We need to go to class, or the teacher will deduct our attendance marks."
Although Chen Hansheng had made skipping class a habit, he now played the role of a diligent student. Zhong Jiancheng knew right away that Chen was subtly asking him to leave.
Zhong Jiancheng didn't have much choice. Chen Hansheng was very capable as the campus representative—not just in business but also in organizing events.
The finance college now sometimes handled over 200 packages a day, and it was clear that, with the approach of winter break, the volume of luggage shipping would increase further.
As a businessman, Zhong Jiancheng had no reason to oppose profit. Despite Chen's sometimes arrogant attitude, his competence made it tolerable.
Clearing his throat, Zhong said, "The market at the finance college looks good, and your promotion has been effective, which proves my initial judgment was correct."
Chen Hansheng smiled, thinking that Zhong Jiancheng was starting with praise as a prelude to something more critical. This was merely a setup; the real issue was yet to come, and it probably wouldn't be good news.
This was a typical duel between an uneducated rascal and an educated rogue. Even though Chen knew it was just pleasantries, he played along and made a small request.
"Since Manager Zhong is satisfied with our work, could you help with a small problem?"
"What kind of problem? The company is also facing difficulties lately," Zhong replied cautiously, regretting his earlier flattery. He should have known better from previous dealings with Chen Hansheng, who would always seize an opportunity.
"Computers..."
As soon as Chen uttered the word, Zhong cut him off. "No way! Computers are too expensive—over ten thousand yuan each. The South is dealing with that civet cat virus outbreak, and near Guangdong, close to Hong Kong, many couriers have quit, leaving the market almost paralyzed."
"Why are you jumping to conclusions? I haven't finished speaking," Chen chuckled. "The computer issue will be handled by the school. What I need are a few transport tricycles. Could the company provide them?"
Zhong breathed a sigh of relief. Even basic desktop computers would cost several thousand yuan, and he'd be crazy to supply them. Tricycles, on the other hand, were much cheaper, only a few dozen yuan each.
"Next time, just get to the point. Don't mention computers if you don't mean it," Zhong grumbled, realizing Chen had been teasing him.
Without further delay, Zhong addressed the main issue. "One more thing: in a few days, the deputy general manager of Shentong Express and the Nanjing general manager will be visiting Jiangning for an inspection. You should join us for dinner that evening."
"Am I the only campus representative?" Chen asked.
Zhong shook his head. "There will be other school representatives as well; it's a group meeting."
Chen understood that this was just a formality, like a military review. He would be there to make up the numbers and represent the university.
"No problem, just let me know when," he replied.
Zhong then handed over a promotional flyer. "There's another issue. I heard—just heard—that your promotions bypass Shentong Express and operate independently. The flyers say 'Dorm 101 Express' and the banners are labeled the same way, without any mention of Shentong."
He pointed to the cartoon rocket logo on the flyer and continued, "Now students from the finance college, as well as nearby schools like Dongda, the Engineering College, and the Medical College, all refer to it as Rocket 101. They don't even think of Shentong Express."
Chen didn't respond right away. Instead, he asked, "Who told you this?"
Zhong evaded, "Just rumors. It's not important who."
"It must have been Meng Xuedong, that jerk," Chen said bluntly. "His agency for Zhongtong Express has no market at the finance college, so he can't beat me. He probably ran to you to complain. Others don't have vested interests and don't know how to reach you—it's definitely him."
Seeing that Chen had guessed correctly, Zhong didn't bother denying it and asked directly, "Regardless of who said it, what's your take on this?"
"How am I bypassing Shentong?" Chen raised his voice. "I promote Dorm 101 to highlight our startup's location, making it easy for students to find us. If you think I have an ulterior motive, then analyze it—what could it be?"
Zhong was at a loss. He couldn't think of a reason. Unless Chen really wanted to break away and start his own business, which seemed absurd—he only managed four schools, three of which were still being developed. Thinking about independence at this stage was ridiculous.
But if Chen had been planning to go solo from the moment he tore down that part-time ad in the communal washroom, he must have been thinking about it for a long time.
Zhong glanced at Chen, who was smiling and chatting with Shang Yanyan, acting cheeky but keeping his hands clean.
"Damn, I refuse to believe anyone plans ten years ahead. Who knows how the world will change? You could just drop dead one day," Zhong thought. But before he could dwell on it, Chen approached him with a grin. "Manager Zhong, you're overly cautious. You don't own any shares in Shentong, just a regional dealership with franchise fees. If I'm making you money, does the method matter?"
Zhong mulled it over and agreed. "So, are you going to keep using Dorm 101 for promotions?"
Chen didn't hide his intention. Even if Zhong hadn't come to ask, he planned to report it soon.
"Yep. I might even simplify it to 'Rocket 101 Express.' It's catchy, easy to remember, and appealing to college students."
…