Losing Money to Be a Tycoon

Huang Sibo quickly stood up to receive him. "Chen Lei? When did you arrive in Jingzhou?"

Chen Lei grinned. "Late last night. It was too late, and so I didn't tell any of you. I intentionally came to look for all of you today. I went to Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's flagship store first, but I didn't see Boss Pei or Boss Zhang there. That's why I came over here."

To Chen Lei, apart from Boss Pei and Zhang Yuan, the staff at Fei Huang Workspace were the closest to him out of everyone in Tengda Corporation.

That's because they had happened to be in Shanghai filming a documentary when Chen Lei left Jingzhou for Shanghai to chase his dreams. They had taken care of his meals, accommodation, and all other problems there… so they were exceptionally close.

Emotional, Huang Sibo said, "You're a huge celebrity now, and you haven't been back in Jingzhou for a while. That's probably why you're unsure of what Tengda is like now.

"Boss Pei, Boss Zhang, and Boss Ma no longer go to Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's flagship store!

"Boss Ma is now in charge of an investment company. I heard that he had invested in IOI before and earned two hundred million yuan for Boss Pei.

"Boss Zhang was put in charge of the Fish-Catching Internet Cafes, and he started a computer-installation business. Then, he won the Best Employee award and stepped down. Now, he's in charge of an esports club.

"As for Boss Pei, he's getting busier and busier. However, he still hangs out at Fish-Catching Internet Cafe's Handong University branch now and then. If you're lucky, you might be able to catch him there."

Chen Lei sounded moved. "You guys have changed a lot, too. In the blink of an eye, you've won an award at Cannes. I went to watch Tomorrow is Beautiful. It's very well-made. I keep boasting to my friends, saying that my buddies produced that film.

"So much has changed in the past year. Who would have imagined?"

Huang Sibo laughed. "That's right. How are things for you? I heard that your career has really taken off over the past year and that you're even preparing for your own concert."

Chen Lei nodded. "Yes, it's pretty good, but I still miss being in Jingzhou. I especially miss those days singing in the internet cafe.

"I intend to tour around the Fish-Catching Internet Cafes to sing over the next few days, just to reminisce and increase Boss Pei's sales. To a certain extent, one could say that I would be reliving the good old days."

Huang Sibo fell silent. "Tour around and sing…

"How many days are you back for?"

Chen Lei thought for a while. "About two weeks. I've been running around all year and feeling quite tired. The last time I came back, I only stayed for a day before I left again. I didn't even have time to see all of you. This time, I want to stay in Jingzhou for a bit longer to recharge."

After some consideration, Huang Sibo said, "We wanted you to sing the theme song for the film that we produced in Shanghai, but we didn't manage to work with you because time was tight.

"Now, we have another film for Boss Pei's project. Do you think you would be able to sing for it?"

Chen Lei nodded. "Of course, I can! Since it's Boss Pei's film, I can't say no!

"What's it about?"

Huang Sibo quickly scrolled through the rough edit of the film. "These are rented apartments, but Boss Pei has given them a special meaning. He turned these unassuming and deserted old buildings into this, and so we're naming the film 'New Life'…

"You're good at writing folk songs. Don't bother incorporating this meaning into your song, as long as the style of the song fits. I'm not sure what you can write about, but feel free to express your creativity."

Chen Lei nodded. "Don't worry. Count on me!"

…

In the evening…

Pei Qian lazed on his couch, switched on his television, switched to Jingzhou's channel, and watched the night-time news. He would not be able to dodge the attack this time.

Rui Yuchen had spoken so well and done a series of things earlier to bluff the journalist. Now, Pei Qian had no idea what kind of effect the news report would have.

The Tengda Life app was done, and so was the interview. Pei Qian's hands were tied. All he could do was hope that the news report would be as short as possible and that few people would be watching it.

"Recently, Handong Province has embarked on a garbage sorting and standardized disposal plan. The results have been promising.

"Garbage sorting is a social issue that is relevant to everyone's livelihood and sustainable development. Improving garbage sorting would be an important step towards protecting the environment. To build a civilized society and further improve the quality of our urban life, Jingzhou City has made a breakthrough in carrying out garbage sorting and disposal works."

"…"

"However, it should also be noted that, during the current implementation of garbage sorting strategies, the food and beverage industry has been experiencing many problems. Many restaurants have failed to carry out their garbage sorting obligations, disposed of food waste in violation of regulations, and failed to discharge waste as required.

"Incomplete statistics show that Jingzhou generated 14.2 tons of waste from take-out every day. Close to 2.4 million people buy take-out each day, resulting in a mixture of disposable chopsticks, plastic lunch boxes, plastic bags, and food waste. That has created huge problems in terms of garbage sorting.

"Yet, one take-out company in Jingzhou has been actively leading the way in healthy, sustainable, and exquisite principles; thus being the first to achieve the goal of generating 'zero pollution'. Its cutlery is recyclable, and its food waste can be turned into treasure. It's the perfect role model for all other companies in the food and beverage industry!"

The image on the screen switched to the interview that had taken place in front of Fish-Catching Take-Out Store Number One. Enthusiastic customers were seated in front of the camera, saying that they would actively support garbage sorting efforts by supporting Fish-Catching Take-Out.

Rui Yuchen, the person-in-charge of Fish-Catching Take-Out, expressed himself freely in front of the camera—introducing Fish-Catching Take-Out's past life, Food Harmony's current progress, and the business' perseverance along the way.

Pei Qian even caught a glimpse of himself on screen. There was a flash of his back when the camera panned around the premises.

After that, footage of the clean and tidy back kitchen—as well as the microbial waste processor—was shown.

There was a brief introduction to the other businesses on the Tengda Life app, which had the same principles as Fish-Catching Take-Out. The core ideals of the 'Tengda life' stood out.

Finally, Rui Yuchen presented an exquisite lunch box to the camera. The reporter praised the bold innovation of 'Food Harmony', which integrated traditional culture with modern lifestyle. It also gave Fish-Catching Take-Out the highest praise for all its efforts towards environmental protection thus far.

"The branch manager of Fish-Catching Take-Out, Rui Yuchen, says that 'Food Harmony' means that food is the most important to people and that gentlemen should seek harmony instead of uniformity. In other words, man should interact harmoniously with nature.

"We hope that all food and beverage and take-out companies can learn from Fish-Catching Take-Out's spirit. We also hope that more people would show their support to the local food and beverage brand, Fish-Catching Take-Out, and do their part to contribute to a beautiful and sustainable Jingzhou!"

That was where the news ended.

Pei Qian slumped on his sofa, feeling extremely sad.

Finished!

That news piece was not short at all!

He had thought that the minor piece of news would take two minutes at most. He had not expected that it would take five whole minutes. Not only had Rui Yuchen and the lunch box made a strong appearance, but the last part of the news piece also encouraged everyone to support Fish-Catching Take-Out!

That was terrifying!

Many old men and women in Jingzhou loved watching the news. They could have hated take-out at first but completely changed their minds because the news had given a take-out brand such high praise!

Of course, they would not order take-out frequently. Still, they could tell their children that take-out was unhealthy and they shouldn't eat it, but even if they did have to eat it, they should order from Fish-Catching Take-Out!

On top of that, the news piece mentioned the Tengda Life App and the high-end brand, Food Harmony. Surely, it would spread.

With all the businesses combined, customers of various businesses would interact more and more. That would also lead to an extremely complicated chain reaction…

Pei Qian only had to imagine the consequences for a short while to conclude that the situation was hopeless. He downloaded the Tengda Life App on his cell phone and accessed the discussion page.

The discussion page belonged to Deposit Fitness at first, but it was now a mini forum where one could post stickies, reply to others, and share every detail of their lives. The original fitness content was now just a small section on the page.

The new posts were particularly eye-catching.

"I'm stumped by the new update. How are there so many new things now? This is an entirely different application!"

"This is great! As a loyal customer of Tengda, I no longer have to switch between multiple different applications. I can settle everything that I need in one place."

"Fish-Catching Take-Out is on the news!"

"It went on for quite a long while now. It was praised for being a company excelling in garbage sorting!"

"I didn't browse TPDb frequently before, and so I'm only finding out now that Tengda has so many businesses. Does it even have a gym? Who knows how effective it is? I might go and try it out one day!"

"Deposit Fitness? Its effects are immediate and more obvious than any other gym!"

"Tengda has rented apartments? Sloth Apartments? Why don't I see many recommendations, though? Who knows how those apartments are?"

"A Tengda Mall will be released in the future? I can't wait!"

"You can close your eyes and buy any product from Tengda, and still, you wouldn't go wrong!"

As Pei Qian read those posts, he fell into a trance.

Can all of you think independently?

Don't assume these things are good just because other people say so. Try it for yourself and look for its flaws!

Still, Pei Qian had to admit that the opinions expressed by the stickies were very common. After this series of blows, Pei Qian could no longer think of a reason why Fish-Catching Take-Out would continue to incur losses.

"Even the Sloth Apartments have been exposed. It's a good thing that no one knows the truth behind this project yet, though.

"Does this mean 'Food Harmony' won't keep incurring losses either?"

Pei Qian continued to read through the posts aimlessly. All of a sudden, his hand paused. He had just read a new post.

"Who knows where I can buy the lunchbox?"

"It seems like you can buy it directly from the stores. There are brand new ones in all sorts of colors, which are different from those that come with your take-out. They're going for 49 yuan—that's pretty cheap."

"What do you want them for?"

"Insulated takeaway boxes! They look nice, and the compartments were very scientifically-based. They can hold meat, vegetables, soup, and the like. It's well-sealed as well, so that you won't have to worry about spilling."

"That makes sense! My mom might need one. I'll make an order now!"

Pei Qian was stunned by the discussion. They wanted to buy the lunchboxes as insulated takeaway boxes? They think it's beautiful and unique?

Moreover, 49 yuan is cheap?!

Pei Qian was taken aback. Even if the earlier discussions had been expected, this one was completely beyond his expectations! How could 'Food Harmony' generate revenue this way?!

Pei Qian was beginning to feel like he had been ruthlessly taken for a ride…