Who Would Fall in Love After Being Reborn?

TL: Etude Translations

In the following days, Jiang Qin devoted himself to perfecting his hidden sword plan. This plan was simple yet complex; its core involved limiting group buying to Linchuan and not making any extra moves until a third-party payment software obtained a real-time payment and receipt license. Meanwhile, he aimed to push Zhihu nationwide, exploiting the time difference.

Externally, he pretended that the group buying was useless, just a toy he played with casually, merely a component for monetization, while Zhihu was his most outstanding product.

He thought to himself, “Trash group buying, not even dogs care for it; amazing Zhihu, number one in the world!”

Of course, some might not believe this, but at the current stage where third-party payment software couldn’t bypass the banking system, it was indeed impossible to promote group buying nationally. After all, it was only 2009, and even Meituan, their biggest competitor, hadn’t been established due to this very bottleneck. Even Taobao faced multiple rejections while seeking investment during its transformation, dismissed as nonsensical.

Particularly, the current merchant fee-based cancellation model of group buying effectively handed over its lifeline to others, evoking headshakes even from dogs, let alone investors.

Under these circumstances, as long as Zhihu thrived, group buying could continue its low-key development in the shadows.

“Damn, I’m such a genius,” Jiang Qin self-praised.

In his joy, Feng Nanshu received his full affection, being held for over two hours, turning into a pampered little rich lady in his arms, her eyes sparkling with stars.

Sitting in his embrace, the little rich lady constantly kicked her feet in the air, chanting, “Jiang Qin, Jiang Qin, Jiang Qin…”

The next day, however, Jiang Qin’s mood shifted upon seeing the morning news from Linchuan Minsheng. He almost couldn’t keep it together.

“Jiang Qin, the Star of Learning of Linchuan University, is both academically and morally outstanding, a person with a grand vision,” the news praised.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“I was almost outsmarted by his intelligence the first time I met him,” someone commented. “His foresight is like predicting the future, always preparing in advance for things yet to happen.”

“In fact, the reform of Wanzhong Mall was also inspired by Jiang Qin. Without him, this reform wouldn’t have gone so smoothly,” another added. “Frankly speaking, Jiang Qin is a business prodigy. Partnering with him is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

On the TV screen, He Yijun’s serious face appeared, showering Jiang Qin with excessive praise. He meant well, knowing that group buying was being promoted citywide and wanted to use the news to boost it. But Jiang Qin felt overwhelmed, thinking, “I’m still covertly planning, and now even my underwear is exposed, what the hell?”

Also, the title “Star of Learning” seemed like a meaningless award, something to boast about privately but not on TV. What if this gets exposed? What about his reputation? Worst of all, He Yijun had exaggerated, claiming Jiang Qin could predict the future, which was too much to bear.

Then, the news shifted to a woman in her forties, Wang Peixiang, the CEO of Vienna Hotel, familiar to Jiang Qin. “Jiang Qin is a legend, a brave pioneer. His greatest strength is understanding human nature,” she said.

“Earlier this year, group buying approached me for collaboration, but I refused since it was a university project. However, he seized the opportunity when I was at the beauty salon, sending a manager to persuade me during my two-hour treatment,” she explained. Ɽ

“Such a person has a limitless future.”

After watching the news, Jiang Qin turned to Professor Yan seriously: “Professor, why does it seem like the media is targeting me?”

Professor Yan pondered, “It shouldn’t be the case. Although group buying is popular, it doesn’t warrant continuous coverage. There must be something else at play.”

“Someone pushing it?”

“Yes, most likely related to Linchuan’s ongoing efforts to attract investment.”

Linchuan, located in the northwest of the country, is a typical industrial city with slow economic growth and a conservative mindset. Despite its rich resources and high GDP, its market economy and consumption levels are mediocre.

To stimulate consumption and attract outside businesses for industrial upgrading, the Linchuan government has been making various efforts. However, despite their endeavors, the market economy remained sluggish until group buying appeared mysteriously, stimulating citywide consumption.

Particularly in areas outside the CBD, many new stores were preparing to open, and the situation for attracting investment improved significantly. Noticing these positive signs, the city leaders decided to capitalize on this, using group buying as a tool to promote consumption upgrading and attract more businesses to Linchuan.

Jiang Qin concluded, “It seems that it’s better to guide than to block. Rather than letting others spread rumors, I should speak for myself to minimize the impact.”

Professor Yan, understanding his intention, agreed, “Indeed, blocking might lead to unexpected outcomes.”

“Alright, Professor, enjoy the air conditioning. I’ll be stepping out.”

“Are you going for an interview?”

Jiang Qin’s face darkened: “I’m going to study. Old He said on TV that I am a Star of Learning. When I make it onto Forbes, this will surely be dug up, and I’ll be utterly embarrassed!”

Professor Yan was somewhat confused: “What exactly is this ‘Star of Learning’ title?”

“It’s a title I concocted. Initially, to get Linchuan University to endorse my credit for the collaboration with Wanzhong Mall, I used it several times. Now it’s coming back to bite me. I’m in university and still forced to study. Damn, it’s painful!”

Cursing, Jiang Qin left Room 208, went back to his dorm to grab his new textbooks, and headed to the teaching building. But studying requires a certain affinity; it’s not something you can do just by sitting down and picking up a pen. So, Jiang Qin, bored out of his mind, kept playing with Feng Nanshu’s hand under the table.

During the second class, before the bell rang, Tan Shipeng, the vice president of the student union, arrived. With the air of a president, he walked around the corridor outside the door and then gestured to Jiang Qin.

“What’s up, Brother Peng?” Jiang Qin stepped out of the classroom.

Tan Shipeng coughed: “The principal, Zhang, wants to see you for something.”

“But I’m in class.”

“I’ve already got your leave slip approved.”

Tan Shipeng took out a slip from his pocket: “Just hand this over to your class monitor.”

Jiang Qin looked at the slip, which bore the red seal of the college student union, not Principal Zhang’s signature. With his frequent class skipping, he reckoned the teacher would think this slip was fake too.

“So, if I give this to the teacher, I won’t be considered as skipping class?”

Tan Shipeng nodded: “Right.”

“Then give me some blank ones, stamped with the student union’s seal. I’ll fill them out myself later for skipping classes next semester.”

Tan Shipeng was startled: “The semester is almost over. Why do you need more leave slips?”

“For skipping classes next semester.”

“But that’s not proper.”

Jiang Qin looked at him with a cool gaze reminiscent of a little rich lady: “Brother Peng, rules are for ordinary students in the classroom, not for exceptional people like us.”

Hearing this, Tan Shipeng couldn’t help but puff out his chest, relishing the thrilling sense of superiority.

Later, Jiang Qin arrived at Principal Zhang Baiqing’s office, finding the principal’s expression serious and unpleased.

“Good morning, Principal.”

Principal Zhang looked at him coldly: “I heard Linchuan TV wants to interview you. Why are you delaying it?”

“It’s almost finals, and I need to focus on my studies, Principal. I don’t have time for such things.” Jiang Qin was solemn.

“Stop fooling others and yourself. You’ve already missed so many classes this semester, you’re already at the limit. Even if you open a book now, it’ll be just for previewing!”

Jiang Qin couldn’t refute: “Do you want me to accept the interview?”

“The school has invested a lot in you, giving you resources and space, hoping you’ll emerge as a startup star of Linchuan University. This would not only enhance the school’s image but also greatly benefit the upcoming summer enrollment.”

Principal Zhang’s implication was clear: he wanted Jiang Qin to do the interview soon. Linchuan University had been supporting Jiang Qin, hoping to reap benefits from his rising fame. But Jiang Qin’s reluctance to appear publicly was diminishing these benefits.

With summer enrollment approaching, local and surrounding areas’ students were up for grabs. Jiang Qin appearing on TV would be the best publicity for Linchuan University.

The school prioritized students, and running a university was like managing a brand. If there’s something good, it needs to be showcased. Moreover, with the Ministry of Education encouraging college entrepreneurship, Jiang Qin’s success story would make all external tasks much easier next year.

“Principal, if it were someone else asking, I definitely wouldn’t go, but for you, I’ll accept the interview right away.”

“Really?”

“I’ll always remember the cultivation and requests you’ve given me, Principal,” Jiang Qin said, placing his hand over his heart.

Principal Zhang, slightly embarrassed, replied: “Jiang Qin, I’m not forcing you, but the university really needs to show some results in entrepreneurship. Is there anything your office lacks? Feel free to ask.”