Chapter 74

The plane landed at 1 a.m.

Chen Yansen took a taxi straight to the Sheraton near Amazon’s office, hurried through check-in, then took the elevator to the top floor.

“Same as always—you sleep on the sofa, I sleep in the bed.”

As soon as they entered the room, Chen Yansen shrugged off his trench coat and tossed it on the table. “Hang it up for me.”

“Chen the Skinflint! Why not just book another room?” Song Yuncheng nodded with a smile, but internally screamed.

“The person we’re meeting tomorrow is a shady insider—impressive resume, but no real achievements. You’ll probably need to network. Prepare mentally.”

Before entering the bedroom, Chen Yansen softly reminded her.

“Alright, got it.” Song Yuncheng assumed he was just like Zheng Chunbin from Pupai.com and didn’t take it seriously.

The next morning.

After breakfast, they packed up, took a taxi to Amazon’s office in Yancheng.

At this time, Amazon had not yet moved its Asia-Pacific headquarters to Beijing—clearly, the domestic e-commerce market had not yet drawn serious attention from overseas giants.

They got out of the car, registered at the entrance, picked up visitor passes, waited about ten minutes, then saw a young man in his twenties stride toward them.

“Mr. Chen, I’m Hollis, the one who contacted you yesterday. Follow me.”

Hollis greeted them with a smile.

Chen Yansen nodded, gave a brief introduction, and the three entered the office building.

The elevator went straight to the 16th floor and chimed open.

Similar to their last visit to Tencent, they were again made to wait in the conference room for about half an hour.

A middle-aged man, around 1.6 meters tall and wearing glasses, pushed the door open with a smile, warmly shaking Chen Yansen’s hand. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Chen. Please sit.”

He spoke with a Hong Kong accent, his brow radiating arrogance—he bore a faint resemblance to Zeng Zhiwei, but was leaner.

He was Zhang Hanhua, head of Amazon’s channel department—his name and appearance were wildly mismatched.

“Mr. Zhang, long admired. I’ve reviewed your company’s contract template—no issues. Let’s first finalize the commission rates for each category. If we move quickly, Amazon can be added to FoxTao’s rebate section by early next month.”

After pleasantries, Chen Yansen steered the conversation back to business. Since the other side just wanted money, skipping the preliminaries and getting straight to the point was better.

“You young people are so efficient. Business requires patience, gradual progress, careful negotiation.”

Zhang Hanhua let out a light scoff, deliberately stalling.

“Mr. Zhang, I may be young, but I understand industry norms. Let’s lock in the details so the partnership can move forward.” Chen Yansen smiled pleasantly.

Hearing Chen Yansen emphasize “industry norms,” Zhang Hanhua realized he was a sharp, clear-headed man. His smile deepened. He immediately had Hollis bring out the pre-prepared documents for Chen Yansen to review.

“Books: 5%, digital products: 1%, apparel: 5%, food: 3%, beauty products (S-class: 2%, A-class: 5%, C-class and below: 8%)…”

Chen Yansen carefully reviewed them and found them more sincere than platforms like Mengbasha or Maibao.

Of course, he knew the other side had ulterior motives—FoxTao earned more commission, so Zhang Hanhua could pocket more kickbacks.

“Mr. Zhang, I’m satisfied with the commission rates for each category. When can we sign the contract?”

Chen Yansen didn’t haggle—he agreed immediately.

“No rush. I’ve reserved a table at Bo Family Courtyard tonight, Mr. Chen. Let me properly host you as a local.”

You bastard!

Trying to get everything for free!

Chen Yansen cursed inwardly. Zhang Hanhua wasn’t rushing the contract—he just wanted more perks. Fine, treat him like a dog.

He kept his expression calm, smiled, and said, “Since Mr. Zhang is treating, I’ll bring a good bottle of wine. See you at Bo Family Courtyard at six.”

Chen Yansen specifically mentioned bringing the contract.

Zhang Hanhua, pleased that Chen Yansen was playing along, readily agreed. He pulled Chen Yansen aside for a coffee before signaling Hollis to escort them out.

Outside Amazon’s office, Chen Yansen exhaled sharply, muttering under his breath: “I haven’t been treated like this in a long time.”

But he had no choice. Zhang Hanhua’s arrogance meant he had powerful backing, and his Hong Kong accent confirmed he was part of a tight-knit group of Hong Kongers.

Chen Yansen had only two options: abandon the partnership, or pay him off.

“Why are you angry? Mr. Zhang is treating you to dinner,” Song Yuncheng said, completely missing the subtext of their earlier exchange.

“He’s treating you? What are you thinking? He wants us to book the table, buy the wine, then show up to enjoy it.”

Chen Yansen shot her a look, irritated.

“Did I forget something? Mr. Zhang clearly said he was treating you to dinner,” Song Yuncheng asked.

Chen Yansen smiled, not mocking her. Song Yuncheng was only a sophomore—she’d seen little of the world’s filth. Not understanding was normal.

As they walked, he explained to her the hidden meaning behind Zhang Hanhua’s words.

“He wants five more points?” Song Yuncheng exclaimed in shock after hearing his analysis.

“The world works this way. Pay the money, and the deal goes through.” Chen Yansen narrowed his eyes, stating it plainly.

“Can’t you report him to his superior?” Song Yuncheng pressed.

“Don’t be naive. The five points he’s asking for might include three going to his boss.”

Chen Yansen patted Song Yuncheng’s head like he was looking at a child.

“It’s complicated. I thought cooperation between two companies was supposed to be mutually beneficial…” Song Yuncheng’s worldview was crumbling. She whispered softly.

“From a higher perspective, you’re right. But wherever people exist, there’s corruption and scheming. Get used to it. Learn to understand it. When you can wield these tactics yourself, you’ll stand on your own.”

Chen Yansen smiled faintly, speaking calmly.

“You’re only a freshman. Why do you know so much?” Song Yuncheng lowered her head, thought for a moment, then suddenly asked.

“Maybe I was born this way. What you and Zhang Hanhua need to learn later in life, I was born knowing.”

Chen Yansen shrugged self-deprecatingly, a careless grin on his lips.

Song Yuncheng instinctively stepped back, then reconsidered—was Chen Yansen really as bad as he claimed?

No!

Song Yuncheng silently shook her head, quickened her pace, and fell into step beside Chen Yansen.

She understood—he was training her. His behavior at the startup park’s second floor showed he rarely had this much patience explaining things.

“Chen Yansen, can I call you Master?” Song Yuncheng suddenly asked.

“How about I be your dad?” Chen Yansen replied lightly.

Song Yuncheng froze, cheeks puffed in anger. She chased after him, arms outstretched like an angry kitten. After thinking hard, she dared not actually strike him—only scratched the air fiercely at his back, venting her frustration.

Noon.

They bought two bottles of Maotai at the mall, had lunch, and during the meal, Chen Yansen called Bo Family Courtyard to reserve a private room—minimum spend 8,800 yuan.

If the deal went through, they’d earn at least tens of millions annually. Spending a few ten thousand to feed a dog was worth it.

In the afternoon, Chen Yansen took Song Yuncheng to the museum and Badaling. They took a taxi to Bo Family Courtyard at 5 p.m.

Chen Yansen entered the private room first, confirmed the dishes with the server, then waited another half hour before Zhang Hanhua and Hollis arrived late.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Chen.”

Zhang Hanhua walked straight to the head seat and sat down. He apologized with his mouth, but his face showed no shame.

At this point, he dropped the pretense. He shrugged off his coat, picked up the Maotai, and commented: “I never liked drinking before, but now that I’m in Beijing, I’ve learned to adapt.”

“Mr. Zhang, why don’t we settle the business first? Otherwise, the alcohol might cloud our judgment and ruin the deal.”

Seeing Zhang Hanhua still pretending ignorance, Chen Yansen’s patience snapped—he cut straight to the point.

“You know the rules, right?”

Zhang Hanhua’s expression darkened, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. He asked coldly.

“Five points. I understand the norm.” Chen Yansen opened the Maotai and poured.

“I want ten points.” Zhang Hanhua had planned to ask for eight, but after glancing at the youthful Song Yuncheng, he changed his mind.

“Clang—”

Chen Yansen slammed down the bottle and asked coldly: “Mr. Zhang, is this your rule—or a new industry norm?”

Industry norms weren’t meant to be shattered like this. If Zhang Hanhua kept making outrageous demands, who would ever dare cooperate with him again?

“Young people are so impulsive. Everything can be discussed—why rush? Pouring wine shouldn’t be left to the boss himself. Hey, you, the assistant—can’t you see what’s needed?”

Seeing Chen Yansen’s cold face, Zhang Hanhua laughed loudly, trying to ease the tension.

Song Yuncheng, realizing he was pointing at her, glanced between Chen Yansen and Zhang Hanhua. She knew the key to this deal rested with Zhang Hanhua.

She took a deep breath, picked up the wine, and walked over. A clear stream of liquid poured into the cup.

Zhang Hanhua stared at Song Yuncheng for a moment. “Where did you find your assistant, Mr. Chen? Beautiful face, great figure. There’s an industry networking event tomorrow night—I need a dance partner. Would you be willing to lend her to me?”

Chen Yansen grinned. Men like this were rare even in the e-commerce world of ten years later.

Greasy. Greedy. Lustful!

He had it all!

Seeing Chen Yansen smile, Zhang Hanhua assumed he agreed. He reached out to grab Song Yuncheng.

Song Yuncheng shrank back. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Chen Yansen’s smile—and her chest tightened, as if something had blocked her breath.

“Bang!”

A wine glass flew straight into Zhang Hanhua’s face!

Chen Yansen kicked back his chair, pulled Song Yuncheng close, stepped forward, and seized Zhang Hanhua’s collar, sneering: “You’ve got a face? You’re nothing! Five points still not enough? You don’t even follow the rules anymore?”

Zhang Hanhua felt searing pain across his face, his vision blurred by wine. By the time he reacted, Chen Yansen had him pinned firmly in his chair.

Hollis rushed to pull Chen Yansen off, but was lightly shoved aside and landed hard on the floor.

“Such strength!” Hollis thought in shock.

“None of your business. Get lost!” Chen Yansen glared at him.

“Chen Yansen, are you insane? Do you think I won’t call the police and have you arrested?” Zhang Hanhua struggled, but couldn’t break free—only shouted threats with false bravado.

"Good, go ahead and report! I recorded every word you just said—I’ll pay to make it trend and give you your fifteen minutes of fame."

Chen Yansen raised his right hand and repeatedly slapped Zhang Hanhua’s face.

"If you do this, who will ever cooperate with you again? The entire industry will blacklist FoxTao."

Zhang Hanhua growled low, looking utterly humiliated.

"You dare demand a 10% kickback—what am I afraid to do? Here, take your phone and call the police."

Chen Yansen shoved Zhang Hanhua’s phone into his hand, speaking with complete confidence.

Zhang Hanhua kept threatening to blacklist the whole industry—did he really think a kid like me could be intimidated?

"Mr. Chen, please let go of Mr. Zhang—he’s probably drunk and just misunderstood you," Hollis scrambled to his feet, urgently pleading.

Who knows if Zhang Hanhua might impulsively call the police? If this blows up, no one benefits.

He cursed inwardly: We agreed on five points—why did he have to scream for more? He may be young, but he’s not stupid.

"Drunk? Where did you drink yourself into this state? I gave you the industry standard of five points—I gave you food, drink, and face. What more do you want? Still think you can bully me for being young?"

Chen Yansen sneered, delivering merciless mockery.

Zhang Hanhua held his phone, his expression shifting between fury and uncertainty. He’d assumed Chen Yansen was young and easy to manipulate—never expected such a fiery temper, that he’d turn on him so fast.

"Mr. Chen, I’m sorry—please let me go?" After a moment’s hesitation, Zhang Hanhua surrendered, pleading pitifully.

"Get out!"

Chen Yansen released his collar, speaking coolly.

At this point, cooperation was dead. If I’d agreed to ten points, tomorrow he’d demand fifteen.

Zhang Hanhua grabbed his things and retreated to the door with his assistant before daring to spit out a threat: "Chen Yansen, you wait—I’m not done with you."

Shuowan ， Taganjinwangwaipao ， Shengpachenyansenzhuishanglaidata 。

"This contract?" Song Yuncheng held the unsigned contract, at a loss.

"Throw it away!"

Chen Yansen exhaled, sat back down, and picked up a slice of runny abalone, putting it in his mouth. Seeing Song Yuncheng frozen in place, he urged: "Eat! What are you staring at? This meal cost nearly ten thousand."

"You can still eat? Aren’t you afraid Zhang Hanhua will call the police and arrest you?" Song Yuncheng’s face was filled with worry, her heart in a frenzy.

"First, he won’t dare—when he demanded a ten-point kickback, he broke the rules. Second, the Police Inspector’s office? Only good people fear it—I don’t."

After speaking, Chen Yansen poured himself a glass of wine and sank into quiet enjoyment.

"I’m sorry—I’ve dragged the company down, failed to close this deal," Song Yuncheng whispered.

"You thought he wanted wine and dancing partners—he wanted a bed partner. You’re an idiot," Chen Yansen snapped.

Hearing this, Song Yuncheng stared straight at Chen Yansen, finally understanding his second reason for losing his temper.

"So we go back to Xu City tomorrow?" Song Yuncheng asked cautiously, afraid he was only pretending calm.

"No rush—finish dinner first. Jingdong is also in Yanjing—we’ll swing by tomorrow."

At this moment, Liu Qiangdong’s days must be miserable—short on cash and short on traffic.

It’s better to give coal in snow than flowers in sunshine; FoxTao’s daily active users are nearing a million—even if not one-third of Jingdong’s, it’s close to one-fifth.

That’s enough to make them take notice.

People like Zhang Hanhua? They’re still rare.

(End of Chapter)