Chapter 200: Zhang Yiming: What Else Doesn

The Liang family made their fortune in the snack trade, earning their first capital from a handful of sunflower seeds and peanuts.

At their peak, Liang Hongbao earned tens of millions a year, but the glory didn't last—once Qiaqia, Zhenxin, and Shazi sunflower seeds rose to prominence, the Liang family's business plummeted.

Still, Liang Hongbao had made enough money: his eldest son, Liang Anguo, opened a supermarket in town; his second son, Liang Anjun, built a farmers' market at the T-junction, netting seventy to eighty thousand a month just from stall rentals.

His youngest son, Liang Anmin, ran a roasted snack shop outside town, carrying on the family's main trade.

They also owned three internet cafes and a movie theater—back in 2012, these were like printing presses, each bringing in over a million in annual revenue.

Yet even combined, the Liang family's assets didn't exceed one hundred million.

So when Liang Hongbao heard Chen Yansen had one billion in cash, he was stunned speechless, turning to Liang Anguo for confirmation.

"Dad, it's all online—you'll see it on tonight's 'First Time' news. I'll show you then."

Seeing the old man didn't believe him, Liang Anguo hurried to explain.

"Fine. Hui Zhen's been gone for years—no need to keep things so tense. Do as you see fit."

Liang Hongbao, old and sharp as ever, saw right through his son's scheme. He sighed deliberately and gave a vague reply.

"Alright, I'll call the third son."

Liang Anguo grinned, already picturing Chen Yansen waving a hand and transferring five hundred million to him.

"Hey, third brother, tell your brother-in-law to come home for dinner tomorrow."

Liang Anguo stood in the courtyard, calling Liang Anmin.

"Chen Guobin? Big brother, you high?" Liang Anmin replied dryly.

"Third brother, how dare you talk like that? Chen Guobin's my brother-in-law—what's wrong with having dinner together?"

Liang Anguo bristled, hands on hips, retorting sharply.

"I get it, but I can't guarantee he'll come." Liang Anmin hung up.

He knew exactly what his brother was up to.

Between what Liang Anguo, Liang Anjun, and their old man had done to Chen Guobin, even he couldn't stomach it.

He only quietly looked out for his brother-in-law and nephew out of respect for his sister.

Sitting in his office, Liang Anmin pictured Liang Huizhen's face, let out a cold snort, pulled out his phone, and dialed Chen Guobin.

"Hey! Xiao Min, what's up?" Chen Guobin asked cheerfully.

His son had succeeded—Huizhen would be happy. If Huizhen was happy, he was happy.

"Bingge, just call me Anmin." Liang Anmin sighed, exasperated.

When he was a teenager, Chen Guobin used to drive him to Zhoulai whenever he dated his sister.

Back then, Chen Guobin seemed so impressive—could drive, tall and handsome, a college grad, worked at the salt company, played guitar—he was the perfect match for his sister.

But in Liang Hongbao's eyes, how could Chen Guobin, an orphan with no family, possibly marry his precious daughter?

Besides, Chen Guobin had no money, no power, and no value to the Liang family business.

Yet Liang Huizhen fell for Chen Guobin, threatened suicide, threw a massive tantrum, and moved out of the Liang household.

She married Chen Guobin in a cramped, narrow apartment building.

"Anmin, sorry—I'm old, I get lost in memories, I just slipped up. Anyway, what did you need?"

Chen Guobin scratched his head, smiling.

"My brother wants you to come home for dinner tomorrow—I think the old man's okay with it. Are you coming?"

Liang Anmin finally got to the point.

He held his breath, waiting for Chen Guobin's reply.

If Chen Guobin agreed, truthfully, Liang Anmin wouldn't be happy—he knew too well what his brothers were like.

They just wanted to manipulate Chen Guobin.

"Anmin, I'll ask Xiao Sen's opinion first." Chen Guobin was a college grad from over twenty years ago—stubborn, but not foolish.

He knew exactly what Liang Anguo was planning.

If Liang Anmin knew about last Spring Festival, when Chen Guobin nearly came to blows with Liang Anguo, he wouldn't have bothered calling.

"You're right—let Xiao Sen decide. That kid's changed so much. When he was little, I teased him that his little bird flew away—he burst into tears."

Liang Anmin grinned mischievously, recalling it.

"I'll let you get back to work. Talk later." Chen Guobin smiled, then hung up.

After a moment's thought, he dialed his son's number.

At that moment, Chen Yansen was driving back to Xucheng and found his father's call surprising.

"Old Chen, what's up?" Chen Yansen asked directly.

"Your uncle just called, said he wants me to come over to the Liang house for dinner tomorrow." Chen Guobin laid it out plainly.

"And then? You're not the one being invited—why tell me this?"

Chen Yansen's smile faded, one eyebrow lifting as he replied coolly.

"I want your opinion—should I go?" Chen Guobin continued.

"Dad, forget it. Mom's been gone twenty years—she's probably already reincarnated, waiting for you. Besides, do you even have ties to the Liang family? Just show up for dinner?"

Chen Yansen rarely called him "Dad," but this time the word came with barbs and mockery.

"I'm not an idiot—I know what Liang Anguo wants. That's why I'm asking you."

Hearing that long-unheard "Dad," Chen Guobin didn't mind the teasing—he felt warmth in his chest and spoke from the heart.

"Good. Stop wasting energy on this nonsense. Focus on finding a wife. The fastest way to forget a relationship is to start a new one…"

Chen Yansen leaned back in his chair, giving his father blunt advice.

"Get lost! I'd rather shit than give birth to a brat like you!" came the roar from the other end, followed by the dial tone.

Old Chen hung up.

"Is that Uncle Chen?" Meng Jie asked curiously.

"Yeah. Good intentions treated like dog liver. When he's old and no one takes care of him, they'll dump him in a nursing home—see how his nasty temper holds up against the nurses."

Chen Yansen smirked, sounding utterly heartless.

"You always talk nonsense," Meng Jie rolled her eyes and punched him.

"You know I'm joking, yet you hit that hard? Fine—I'm hitting back."

Chen Yansen raised his fist menacingly.

Gao Weilin, driving ahead, chuckled. Such a father-son dynamic was rare.

Outside, the night was dark, and as they neared the highway exit, a thin mist rose like gauze.

"Old Gao, take a break—I'll drive."

Chen Yansen noticed Gao Weilin slowing down—he knew the fog was thickening, and Gao was prioritizing safety.

"No need—we're twenty minutes out." Gao Weilin wouldn't dare let his boss drive.

This Bentley carried the boss and the boss's wife—he was the only one who could bear the burden.

Chen Yansen nodded and dropped the matter.

But while chatting with Meng Jie, he diverted part of his attention to scout the road ahead for Gao Weilin—luckily, they reached Xucheng's East Gate without incident.

Gao Linwei got out, returned the keys to Chen Yansen—he lived across from the school, so walking home was fine.

The two cars behind held eight finance and legal staff.

Chen Yansen told them to drive back and hand the keys to Xu Xingxing tomorrow.

Then he got into the driver's seat and drove inside.

The guard had already recognized his license plate—the automatic gate swung open five meters wide.

"Old Zhang, you're on night shift again?"

Chen Yansen leaned out, smiling.

"Yeah, Boss Chen. Get some rest—it's chilly at night."

Guard Old Zhang waved back, smiling.

"Here, smoke this—warm yourself up." Chen Yansen pulled half a pack of Huazhong from the left door pocket and shoved it into Old Zhang's hand.

He'd bought them in Lucheng for business entertaining—only two packs used, eight left.

"Oh my, how can I—Boss Chen, look, this is too much!" Old Zhang glanced at the eight packs of soft Huazhong—worth hundreds.

Chen Yansen waved him off and drove straight toward the faculty apartments.

At this hour, the girls' dorm was already locked—he took Meng Jie inside Room 0418.

"I'm showering first—don't you dare peek!" Meng Jie dropped her suitcase, pulled out a towel and pajamas, and added a quiet warning.

"Let's shower together—save water."

Chen Yansen grinned. He'd always been rebellious—tell him not to do something, and he'd do it all the more.

Ignoring Meng Jie's protests, he entered the bathroom, studied the car lights for a while, tested the paint's viscosity, and only then turned on the shower.

Steam filled the room.

…

…

The next morning.

Song Yuncheng held the key to Room 0418, hesitated for a few seconds, then opened the door.

The living room held two suitcases—one large, one small—clothes scattered everywhere.

Her face flushed, she quickly stepped back and shut the door.

That bastard—he didn't even say he was back.

Song Yuncheng rushed downstairs in a panic, her mind filled with the scene she had just witnessed.

"Huh? Did I just hear someone open the door?"

Meng Jie, still half-asleep, shook Chen Yansen's arm.

"You heard wrong—that's Teacher Wang's room next door," Chen Yansen said casually, knowing full well it was Song Yuncheng.

"Really? But it sounded like 0418," Meng Jie said firmly, but when she opened her bedroom door, she saw the main door tightly shut, and she scoffed inwardly: I must've imagined it.

Then, the two got up slowly, brushed their teeth, washed their faces, dressed neatly, and drove to the tech park.

After stepping out of the car, Chen Yansen headed toward Building 6. As soon as he entered the lobby, he saw Song Yuncheng chatting with a dark-skinned man in a suit, wearing black-rimmed glasses, in the lounge area.

"This guy's certainly eager."

Chen Yansen smiled faintly and walked over.

"Mr. Chen, hello!" Zhang Liaoyuan immediately stood up and greeted him warmly.

At that moment, Song Yuncheng turned and spotted Chen Yansen; she rose as well and said, "Boss, you're back."

"Is Mr. Zhang in a hurry?" Chen Yansen gestured for him to sit down, but his first words made Zhang Liaoyuan tense up.

He had once been an employee; now he was an entrepreneur, and naturally, he was desperate—he wanted success too badly.

At thirty-six, others had long achieved fame and fortune; he was only just beginning. How could he not be anxious?

"Mr. Chen, you're joking. For every e-commerce merchant, Pinbei is a dream platform of unparalleled quality."

Zhang Liaoyuan's words sounded somewhat flattery, but they echoed the sentiments of many brands.

Less than two months since its launch, Pinbei had already climbed to the third position in China's e-commerce industry.

Had it not been for its low average order value, leaving it still behind JD. om in total sales, it would be the strongest e-commerce company beneath Taobao.

"Mr. Zhang, we're all smart people. Let's speak plainly: aside from Three Squirrels, the nut brands on Pinbei include Baicaowei, Liangpin Puzi, Loulan Miyu, and Xin Nong Ge. What advantages or distinctions do you have that would make me support you?"

Chen Yansen asked bluntly.

"Three Squirrels has a stronger supply chain—all raw materials are sourced directly, eliminating middlemen, reducing costs, giving their products price competitiveness, and ensuring stable supply…"

Before his visit, Zhang Liaoyuan had prepared thoroughly.

He had a systematic analysis in mind regarding Three Squirrels' market positioning, brand marketing, and user experience differentiation.

After nearly a decade immersed in the nut industry, he spoke fluently about supply chains and was highly persuasive.

"Mr. Zhang, I think you misunderstood. I asked how Three Squirrels differs from these competitors, and why Pinbei should back you."

Chen Yansen waved his hand, cutting off Zhang Liaoyuan's speech.

"Uh, Mr. Chen, I—I…" Zhang Liaoyuan fell silent, unsure how to respond.

In truth, what did Three Squirrels have that Baicaowei, Liangpin Puzi, Loulan Miyu, and Xin Nong Ge didn't?

"When Three Squirrels was founded, did they lack funds?" Chen Yansen, seeing Zhang Liaoyuan stuck, cut straight to the point.

"No—they don't! Wait, Mr. Chen, I mean they're desperately short of funds."

Zhang Liaoyuan had instinctively denied it, but he immediately realized his mistake, took a deep breath, and answered seriously.

He was a smart man—he understood instantly. Even if he refused Chen Yansen's request, he still believed he could build Three Squirrels.

But he was already thirty-six. He didn't want to miss this chance. He only wanted to earn money quickly and enjoy life.

He couldn't connect with Ma Liyun or Liu Qiangdong either.

Although Chen Yansen had immediately mentioned equity in Three Squirrels, Zhang Liaoyuan hadn't taken it too seriously.

"Good that you're short on funds. Yuncheng, take Mr. Zhang to Gao Wei's office."

Chen Yansen stood up, gave a brief instruction, and walked toward the elevator.

Investing in Three Squirrels was, to him, like buying a roasted sweet potato on the street—not worth much attention. He'd leave it to Gao Wei and Song Yuncheng to handle.

Back in his office, Chen Yansen opened Sina Weibo. The top story was about Tencent launching the QQ Mobile Browser.

Meanwhile,

Zhang Yiming in Yan Cheng saw the news. He froze, then cursed angrily: "What product doesn't Tencent make?"

Even with his boundless confidence, he didn't believe he could compete with Tencent.

"If Chen Yansen would support me—preinstall Lingxi Browser on the Orange Phone—maybe I wouldn't lose to Tencent."

Zhang Yiming thought to himself, reconsidering.

Lingxi Browser was the name of his new product—he had just finished the product documentation and planned to begin development after launching the company.

Since returning from Hangcheng, he had met with several more investors; compared to Senlian Capital, his influence was too weak.

He needed to bring in other venture capital firms to weaken Chen Yansen's control over the new project and secure his own majority ownership.

(End of Chapter)