The conflict that had arisen at noon didn't seem to have settled. By afternoon, a group of flashy youths arrived at the school gate, drawing attention from passersby and even the security guards. Li Shiqi, standing beside Zhou Yuwen, felt responsible for the trouble.
"Isn't Jinken College a two-year program? How can there be a third-year student?" Zhou Yuwen asked coldly, not shaking hands with the older student who introduced himself.
The young man, his hand hanging in mid-air, awkwardly explained that Jinken College was a three-year program, with the final year spent in internships.
"Just tell
why you're here," Zhou Yuwen cut him off. He didn't want the flashy youths causing a scene at the school gate, knowing it would attract unwanted attention and make him famous for the wrong reasons.
Having heard the story from the yellow-haired girl, the young man recognized Li Shiqi and said, "Zhou, I have an agreent with the telecom office. I'm the agent for Jinken College. Your girlfriend has encroached on my territory and is underpricing her cards. This isn't fair to ."
Feeling guilty, Li Shiqi tried to say sothing, but Zhou Yuwen said, "Show
your contract with the telecom office."
"?"
"Show
the contract that says Jinken College cards can only be sold by you and no one else. If it says that, I'll refund your money. If not, then it's a free market. You couldn't keep your custors. That's not our problem."
Zhou Yuwen's firm stance made Liu Shuo and his friends laugh, while the young man was taken aback.
"Since you can't handle it peacefully, are you suggesting a fight?" the young man challenged.
"What do you an by handling it peacefully or fighting?" Zhou Yuwen retorted.
The young man, Zhao Hao, was twenty years old and brought a group of friends for support. He suggested they settle the matter at a barbecue joint on Scholar Road at 8 PM, before revving his motorcycle and leaving with his gang, the yellow-haired girl among them. She glanced back at Zhou Yuwen with sympathy, perhaps rembering his unexpected declaration earlier.
After they left, Li Shiqi, feeling responsible, said, "I'm sorry. I didn't know agents had assigned territories."
Zhou Yuwen patted her shoulder reassuringly, "There are no real territories. They’re just trying to intimidate you."
"I’ll refund their money," Li Shiqi offered sincerely.
"But you charged them 145 yuan. You’d have to refund 150 yuan, and you sold thirty cards. You’d end up owing them 150 yuan," Zhou Yuwen pointed out.
Li Shiqi, realizing she didn't have the extra money, looked worried.
"So, leave it to . You’re my agent; I won't let you be bullied," Zhou Yuwen reassured her.
"Oh~" Liu Shuo and his friends teased, blushing Li Shiqi.
Zhou Yuwen instructed her to keep working and not worry about the issue, pointing her towards the busy telecom staff to help.
After she left, Zhou Yuwen's smile faded.
"Brother Zhou, what’s the plan for tonight?" Liu Shuo asked eagerly. Despite his academic struggles, Liu Shuo fancied himself a tough guy, often imitating movie gangsters. The prospect of a real confrontation excited him.
Zhou Yuwen didn't want a fight but knew he needed to show strength to maintain his business. "How many people can you gather tonight?" he asked Liu Shuo.
"My class has fifty students, forty-nine of them are guys. I can get them all," Liu Shuo boasted.
"Call them all. I’ll treat everyone to barbecue tonight."
"Sure thing! My dad gives
4,500 yuan a month for living expenses. I've spent 1,000 so far, and I still have 3,500 left. Here’s 3,000; you’ll need it for the barbecue," Liu Shuo handed over a stack of cash.
"?" Zhou Yuwen was puzzled.
"For the al," Liu Shuo explained bluntly. "Feeding fifty people will cost a lot, and I know you don't have as much money."
Zhou Yuwen smiled at Liu Shuo’s straightforwardness, returned the money, and patted his shoulder, "Keep it. I’ve got this."
Zhou Yuwen’s day had been profitable, as he sold 200 cards. He negotiated with the telecom office manager to advance his commission, explaining that he needed the money urgently. The manager agreed to advance the commission, amounting to 16,000 yuan.
By evening, Zhou Yuwen was ready. After working with the telecom staff until 6 PM, he told Liu Shuo to gather as many classmates as possible, giving him 3,000 yuan for the task. With an average al costing about thirty yuan per person in 2013, the money was enough to treat sixty people.
"Got it! Brother Zhou, I didn’t know you well in high school, but I’m sticking with you from now on. You’re my big brother!" Liu Shuo declared earnestly before leaving.
"?!" Zhou Yuwen was confused but watched Liu Shuo leave with a smile.
Turning back, he saw Li Shiqi standing there, waiting.
"Let’s go. I’ll take you back to your school," Zhou Yuwen said, sighing.
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