How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 116

Judging by the manager’s tone, he seemed like the type who loved to put on airs.

Yang Chen wasn’t interested in getting involved in someone else’s drama, so he ignored the man’s complaints.

The female passenger tried to soothe her companion, urging him to calm down and not to make a fuss over such a small matter.

What she said was reasonable enough. If the branch office didn’t have a car available, taking a taxi or ride-sharing service was a perfectly normal solution.

What more could be said?

But the male passenger bristled at her words, retorting angrily, “So, you think I’m being petty and making a scene, is that it?”

The female passenger quickly backtracked, “No, no, I just think that since this is the situation, there’s no need to get upset.”

The male passenger insisted, “It’s not just about appearances; it’s about them disrespecting me. Don’t you understand? If the company didn’t have a car, couldn’t they have rented a nicer one? Or had the branch manager’s car take me? Making me ride in a *didi* [Chinese ride-hailing service, similar to Uber or Lyft] is a clear insult! Have you ever seen anyone important riding in a *didi*? It’s humiliating!”

He was welcome to complain, but his constant repetition of “garbage *didi*” was grating.

Yang Chen finally spoke up, “Sir, actually, there are Mercedes-Benz and BMWs on the platform, but it’s a matter of luck. I’ve heard the platform will soon categorize by brand, so passengers can choose their preferred brand in the future. If you want a Mercedes-Benz or BMW, you can select those options when you book.”

The male passenger scoffed, “Stop joking, okay? Luxury cars in ride-hailing? If I could afford a luxury car, would I be taking a *didi*? You’re kidding me. You’re really full of it.”

Yang Chen replied, “Just because you’re unaware doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. I’m not trying to impress anyone. The drivers on the platform have nothing to do with me.”

The male passenger snapped, “Damn, you’re really getting on my nerves, aren’t you? Then tell me, what luxury cars are available? Are there any worth over 5 million yuan [approximately $700,000 USD]?”

Yang Chen countered, “Are you just trying to argue?”

The male passenger retorted, “Why do you keep saying I’m arguing? You’re the one who said there are luxury cars. Is it wrong to ask if there are any over 5 million? Are there? Haha…”

Yang Chen said, “There are, but you probably couldn’t afford them.”

The male passenger challenged, “What are you trying to prove? How much are they? You think I can’t afford it?”

Yang Chen gestured, “See that Cullinan [Rolls-Royce SUV] behind us?”

The two passengers looked back and saw a Cullinan indeed following them.

The male passenger chuckled, “Oh, I see it. What, you’re not going to tell me that car is also on your platform, are you? Do you think I’d believe that?”

Yang Chen said, “Of course it’s not on the platform, but if you want a ride in it, I can switch to that one. But the fare will have to be recalculated. From here to the Pearl Tower, how about 500 yuan [approximately $70 USD]?”

500 yuan wasn’t a significant amount, and the passenger could certainly afford it. Yang Chen’s point was that he wouldn’t be willing to spend the money.

A person who fussed over taking a *didi* wouldn’t be generous.

The male passenger laughed, “You want someone to drive me for 500 yuan? Do you think people who drive Rolls-Royces are as mercenary as you are?”

Yang Chen clarified, “That car is mine, and my secretary is driving it. I think you’re pretty pathetic, bragging about a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or a BMW X series as if they’re luxury cars. I feel a little sorry for you. I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll let you experience a Cullinan. But there’s no such thing as a free lunch, right? The price of a Cullinan can’t be measured by the price of an ordinary car, right? 500 yuan to take you to the Pearl Tower.”

With that, Yang Chen waved to Yu Shishi to pull over.

Soon, Yu Shishi approached and asked, “Sir, is there a problem?”

Yang Chen explained, “This gentleman has been complaining the entire ride. I feel bad for him, so I’m offering him a chance to experience a Rolls-Royce. Go ahead, I’ll follow behind you.”

Yu Shishi nodded, “Sir, you can exit the vehicle. The Cullinan behind us also belongs to my boss. If you’d like a ride, you’re welcome to.”

The two passengers were speechless.

What was going on?

Did this *didi* driver have a secretary driving a Cullinan?

Was driving for a ride-sharing service so lucrative these days?

This income was absurd!

It seemed more like a young master was slumming it for fun. There was no way he was just an ordinary *didi* driver.

The female passenger asked tentatively, “Handsome, is that really your car?”

Yang Chen nodded, “There are cameras and recorders in the car, so you can be assured of your safety. I stand by my words and actions. Go ahead, I’ll be right behind you.”

The female passenger glanced at the male passenger.

The male passenger wasn’t foolish. Talking big was one thing, but actually getting into the Rolls-Royce was another.

The male passenger quickly said with a forced smile, “Bro, we were just joking. I booked the car you’re driving, so how can I ride in a Rolls-Royce? Bro, hurry up and drive. No need to switch. Miss, you can go back. Sorry for the trouble.”

Yu Shishi looked at Yang Chen for direction.

Yang Chen waved his hand dismissively.

Yu Shishi nodded and returned to the Cullinan.

Yang Chen started the car and drove on.

The car was silent. The male passenger didn’t dare to utter another word.

It would have been better if he’d been this quiet from the start. He had been going on and on, trying to make everyone think he was someone important. Taking a *didi* lowered his status? What a joke!

As they neared the Pearl Tower, the female passenger couldn’t resist asking, “Handsome, you’re so wealthy, why do you still drive a *didi*? Sorry, I’ve been wondering about it the whole ride and wanted to hear your perspective.”

Yang Chen chuckled, “Otherwise, what should I do? Just lie around collecting rent and waiting for dividends before I’m even 25? What would be the point of my existence? The company has people to manage it for me, and working for others isn’t free. Driving a *didi* is more relaxed. If I’m in a good mood, I’ll let you experience a Cullinan. If I’m unhappy, I can scold you until you don’t dare to talk back. You wouldn’t understand the joy of driving a *didi*.”

The two passengers were dumbfounded.

Could they believe what they were hearing?

This was someone whose life had already peaked, and they were simply experiencing life.

The male passenger felt deeply ashamed.

A marketing manager who worked tirelessly all year only earned a few hundred thousand yuan.

And he thought he was hot stuff, believing anything less than a Mercedes-Benz or BMW was beneath him.

Look at this driver’s perspective. His life was set, yet he could still drive a *didi* and enjoy life without a care.

If he were this driver, able to collect rent and receive dividends, he would be on top of the world.

Not taking a helicopter would be lowering his status.

The male passenger said somewhat sheepishly, “Mr. Driver, I apologize for my behavior earlier. I shouldn’t have vented my work frustrations here. Please forgive me.”

What a sudden change of heart. Where had his arrogance gone?

Since becoming wealthy, Yang Chen had witnessed countless such shifts in attitude and had grown accustomed to them.

Yang Chen smiled and replied, “Hehe… it’s okay, everyone has their moments. We’ve arrived. Take your belongings and welcome to BEEP *didi* again next time.”

The male passenger said, “Okay, okay. Thank you, Mr. Driver.”

The female passenger added, “Handsome, thank you. You’re so handsome. I hope I have the chance to book your car again next time.”

Yang Chen smiled and nodded silently.

The two exited the car, and Yang Chen drove away.

Yu Shishi followed closely behind in the Cullinan.

The female passenger sighed, “Sigh… all roads lead to Rome, but some people are born in Rome.”

The male passenger mused, “Hard to comprehend. If I had his wealth, I’d be vacationing on a yacht right now. Why would I be driving a *didi*?”

Shortly after, they received a notification from the ride-sharing platform that the customer had left a review.

“This was the most enjoyable *didi* experience I’ve ever had. The driver is handsome and very kind. I hope I can book his car again in the future.”