How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 193

Early in the morning, Li Qinqin arrived at Binjiang Villa to meet Yang Chen. Today felt like a casual autumn outing, and Yang Chen brought Yu Shishi along as well.

Yu Shishi drove the Rolls-Royce, while Yang Chen stuck with his Phaeton. After a little over an hour, they arrived at Mingyang Reservoir.

Since it was Saturday, the reservoir was bustling with anglers. Li Qinqin pulled out her phone and started an outdoor live stream. To respect Yang Chen’s privacy, she focused on filming the other fishing enthusiasts instead of him.

Yang Chen met up with Zhang Xiang and the others, and the group settled down in a row, casting their lines. (Shield Security) Qiu Yuhong: “It’s been a while since I’ve had time to fish.” (Zhang Sanfeng Law Firm) Zhang Xiang: “Chairman Qiu is usually swamped, so it’s understandable that you don’t get out much.” Qiu Yuhong: “Haha… Lawyer Zhang, don’t tease me. What am I busy with? Actually, I’ve been a bit irritated lately. That bastard Li Xiang is using his connections to make trouble for Shield Security Group. He’s sending inspectors for fire safety, taxes, the whole nine yards. It’s a real headache.” (Atlantis Hotel) Huang Lexi: “Li Xiang is pretty bold! To mess with Shield Security Group like that, he must be doing well these days.” (Longlian Supermarket Group) Pu Chunhua: “Tell me about it. I know several influential figures [political and business leaders] who’ve put themselves under his protection. As long as it’s not a major issue, nobody can touch him. Chairman Qiu isn’t afraid of him, but he probably doesn’t want to provoke him unnecessarily, right?” Qiu Yuhong: “Sigh… Director Pu is spot on. Li Xiang is like a toad; he can’t kill you, but he can annoy you to death. I’m just hoping Mr. Yang can finalize his plan soon, so I can deal with him without holding back.” Yang Chen suddenly yanked his fishing rod, pulling out a ten-斤 [jin, approx. 1.1 lbs] heavy bighead carp.

“Haha… A great start! Don’t worry, those big shots aren’t stupid; they won’t risk damaging their relationship with Shield Security for him. Let him annoy us for a while. Once my plan succeeds, Li Xiang and his son will both be going down, and they’ll be paying hefty fines!” Yang Chen said with a smile.

Huang Lexi quickly retrieved some black cards from his bag, handing them out with a smile: “Atlantis Hotel VIP cards. Cardholders get discounts, can redeem points for gifts, and enjoy priority service. I hope you’ll consider our hotel when you have some free time.”

Pu Chunhua: “Your hotel is too expensive; I can’t afford it.”

“Haha…”

Everyone laughed. Li Qinqin, standing behind them, continued to live-stream the tourists fishing, while also “sneakily” filming Zhang Xiang.

“Guys, look, it’s Zhang Xiang. Do you think I’ll get arrested if he sees me filming him? I’m risking my life to film Zhang Xiang fishing, give me some likes!” Li Qinqin whispered.

The fans in the live stream recognized Zhang Xiang and showered Li Qinqin with gifts, encouraging her to get closer.

“Streamer, film his face, and I’ll send a Carnival [Douyin’s most expensive virtual gift].”

“Fortune favors the bold! Film his face, and I’ll send a Carnival too.”

“Haha… You sly fox, this is your chance to make money, don’t miss it.” Li Qinqin feigned an exaggerated expression and whispered: “Oh my god, you guys are terrible. Isn’t this basically asking me to commit suicide?”

The live stream was doing exceptionally well, and Douyin [Chinese TikTok] officials boosted its visibility. Soon, Li Qinqin’s live stream had over 10,000 viewers, and she was receiving gifts non-stop.

Just then, a yacht sailed by. On board, a group of scantily clad men and women were dancing to the music.

Whether by coincidence or intentionally, the yacht passed close to Yang Chen and his group, creating a wave that nearly soaked their shoes.

Pu Chunhua: “A bunch of young punks.” Zhang Xiang: “Haha… They’re just kids, no need to bother with them.” But after a short while, the yacht returned, this time clearly heading closer to the shore, likely to brush past their fishing floats.

Li Sheng, on the yacht, grabbed the railing and shouted: “Hey! Stinky driver, what a coincidence! You’re not out driving to pick up passengers? How are you going to afford dinner today?” Yang Chen recognized Li Sheng, smiled wryly, and ignored him.

Still, they had to move to avoid the wake. The young people on the yacht continued to yell at Yang Chen and his friends.

“Fishing, fishing your mom! Get on the yacht and party! [嗨起来 – hai qi lai, get hyped up]”

“You’re just a broke ride-hailing driver, why are you trying to fish?”

“This place isn’t for you. Go back to driving and picking up passengers!”

“Haha…” Li Sheng was overjoyed and said, “Brothers, you’re awesome! I’ll treat you to a bottle of Romanée-Conti for lunch.”

“Brother Sheng is the best!”

“Brother Sheng is great, we’ll give him another scolding when we come back!”

“Daring to steal girls from Brother Sheng, we won’t let him get away with it!” Qiu Yuhong and the others quickly asked Yang Chen what was happening and if the punks on the yacht had offended him.

Yang Chen replied with a smile: “It’s nothing, a minor issue. We rarely get to hang out like this, let’s not pay them any attention and just focus on fishing.” After a while, the yacht circled back again.

This time, Li Sheng went even further, grabbing a bucket and splashing water towards the shore.

“Haha… Stinky driver, still fishing?” Li Sheng yelled. Qiu Yuhong: “Damn it, you little bastard, you’re going too far. Mr. Yang, should I call someone to deal with them?” Yang Chen nodded.

It was rare to get out fishing and relax, and Yang Chen didn’t want to spoil the mood. But Li Sheng clearly wouldn’t learn without a lesson, so he had no choice but to oblige.

Qiu Yuhong immediately made a call, determined to make those punks kneel down and apologize. Li Qinqin: “These people are so annoying, just because they have a yacht?” Bullet screen [comments flashing across the screen on a live stream].

“I swear, I admire the courage of these second-generation rich kids [纨绔子弟 – wankuzidi], they even dare to offend Zhang Xiang.”

“They’re bullying us like this, and Zhang Xiang is just taking it?”

“A little trick to get into jail every day, these days are getting more and more promising.” Before they knew it, it was eleven o’clock.

Yang Chen and the others packed up their fishing rods and took their catch to the farmhouse area. Mingyang Reservoir offered fish-cooking services, where tourists could have their catch prepared for a fee.

To be honest, bighead carp, crucian carp, and翘嘴 [翘嘴 – qiaozui, Culter alburnus] weren’t the most delicious fish. But because they had caught them themselves, everyone enjoyed the meal.

Pu Chunhua felt the urge to pee and went to the restroom. As soon as he entered, he saw a familiar face, or rather, a supplier.

This person was Li Jun, the owner of Haochidian Food Company. Haochidian wasn’t a high-end brand and couldn’t get into major supermarkets, but it managed to get into Longlian Supermarket, which helped it grow slowly.

Li Jun: “Director Pu, you’re here too.” Pu Chunhua: “Oh, Director Li, long time no see.” Li Jun: “Haha… It’s been a while. Which room are you in? I’ll come by for a drink later.” While he said he wanted to offer a drink, Li Jun really wanted to meet Pu Chunhua’s friends.

Wealthy people especially valued expanding their network; to them, one more friend meant one more opportunity.

Even though Longlian Supermarket had declined, it was still a well-established brand with hundreds of stores nationwide.

As the chairman, Pu Chunhua didn’t really want to socialize with suppliers of a single product. So, Pu Chunhua said: “No need, no need, Director Li. Just take care of your own friends, no need to be polite with me.” Li Jun: “Come on, we haven’t seen each other in ages, and we happen to meet today. I have to show my appreciation. Let’s go, let’s go, I’ll grab two bottles of wine and visit Director Pu later.” Pu Chunhua didn’t want to make things awkward, so he reluctantly agreed.

Li Jun quickly called his son and ordered: “Hurry up and get two bottles of good wine, wait outside my room, and call me when you get there.” Pu Chunhua returned to the room and continued drinking with everyone.

After a while, Li Jun arrived with his son. As soon as he entered the room, Li Jun noticed Yang Chen sitting in the seat of honor.

“Who is this young man? How did he end up in the most important seat?” Li Jun wondered.

Pu Chunhua was reluctant to greet Li Jun, but since he was already there, he had to acknowledge him.

Just then, Pu Chunhua saw Li Sheng trembling behind Li Jun. Pu Chunhua asked with a smile: “Director Li, who’s this behind you?” Li Jun happily pulled Li Sheng forward and said: “Let me introduce my son, Li Sheng, to Director Pu and all the bosses. I hope you’ll all look out for him in the future, and if any good opportunities arise, please think of us. Son, greet everyone, these are all your uncles.”

“Haha…” Everyone laughed. Li Sheng tremblingly placed the wine on the table and said: “E… Everyone, uncles, hello. These two bottles of wine are for all the uncles.” Yang Chen wasn’t even as old as Li Sheng, so how could he be his uncle?

“Director Li, I can’t be your uncle. You’re already driving a yacht, while I’m still driving a ride-hailing car and worrying about dinner,” Yang Chen said with a smile.

Li Sheng immediately wilted, lowering his head and staying silent. Li Jun sensed that something was wrong and quickly asked: “Does this boss know my son?” Pu Chunhua: “Not only does Mr. Yang know him, but we all know him. We were fishing earlier, and your son drove his yacht past us, and the waves soaked my pants. Your son also bragged about driving a yacht and looked down on Mr. Yang for driving a ride-hailing car.” Li Jun’s face changed drastically, and his expression turned serious.

“What’s going on? How can you be so rude to Director Pu and all the bosses?” Li Jun scolded.

Li Sheng explained: “I didn’t know who they were, and I wasn’t targeting Director Pu, I was targeting him. Didn’t something happen at my mom’s company yesterday because of this kid! I just wanted to teach him a lesson.” Although Li Jun didn’t know Yang Chen’s exact identity, the fact that he was sitting in the seat of honor meant he held the highest status in the room.

Li Sheng even said he wanted to teach him a lesson; wasn’t that just asking for a beating?

“You bastard!” Li Jun cursed angrily, slapping Li Sheng and then scolding: “Quickly apologize to this boss!” Li Sheng covered his face and said to Yang Chen: “Boss, I’m sorry. Uncles, I’m sorry.” Li Jun quickly smiled and said to Yang Chen: “This boss, I’m truly sorry, I haven’t raised my son well, please forgive me. May I ask this boss’s name? What is your relationship with Director Pu?” Pu Chunhua: “This is Mr. Yang Chen, the new major shareholder of our Longlian Supermarket Group. Your son is really something, he even wants to teach our Mr. Yang a lesson.”

“Ah?” Li Jun and Li Sheng exclaimed almost in unison. The new major shareholder meant he was even more powerful than Pu Chunhua.

Whether Longlian Supermarket continued to stock Haochidian’s products was entirely up to Yang Chen.

“You little turtle! How many times have I told you? Don’t act like a big shot outside, but you never listen, do you? If I had known you were such a waste, I shouldn’t have bothered having you. What were you thinking? Is it fun driving a sports car around all day? Quickly apologize to Mr. Yang, and if he doesn’t forgive you, don’t come home!” Li Jun scolded.

Li Sheng looked terrified and quickly bowed to Yang Chen and the others, apologizing profusely. Yang Chen said with a smile: “Alright, you guys can go, don’t interrupt our meal.” Seeing that Yang Chen didn’t seem inclined to forgive Li Sheng, Li Jun turned around, grabbed his son’s hair, slapped him several times, kicked him to the ground, and cursed: “I told you to act like a big shot outside every day! I shouldn’t have been seduced by your mother in the first place, or I wouldn’t have spawned something like you. You still play on a yacht? I’ll break your legs and see if you still play.”

“Ah! Ah! Don’t hit me! Don’t hit me! I know I was wrong!” Li Sheng howled. He had been so arrogant on the yacht, but now he was utterly humiliated.

Yang Chen waved his hand, and Pu Chunhua quickly said: “Director Li, that’s enough. It’s right to discipline a child when they make a mistake, but you can’t beat him to death. It’s good that he knows he was wrong; young people are bound to make mistakes. Let’s see how he behaves in the future.” Only then did Li Jun stop, thanking them profusely: “Thank you, Director Pu, thank you, Mr. Yang, and all the bosses. I’m ashamed that I didn’t educate my child well.” Yang Chen: “Seeing that Director Li is so sincere, let’s just drop the matter. You guys go and get busy, don’t let us interrupt your meal.” Li Jun quickly nodded, grabbed Li Sheng, and hurried away.

“Son, don’t blame Dad for hitting you. If I don’t appease him, our company’s products will be removed from Longlian Supermarket, and we’ll be finished. Listen to Dad, don’t mess around outside in the future, okay?” Li Jun said earnestly.

Li Sheng nodded, almost crying with grievance. Because everyone had driven, Yang Chen and the others didn’t drink much, sharing a single bottle of wine among a dozen people just to be polite.

After lunch, they didn’t leave immediately, taking a walk to digest the food before heading back. Everyone else went home, and Yang Chen decided to pick up a few ride-hailing fares.

Yang Chen logged into his DiDi [Chinese Uber] account and immediately received a request. He followed the navigation to the passenger’s pick-up point and called the passenger.

Yang Chen: “Hello, I’m your DiDi driver. I’ve arrived at the community entrance, can you see me?” Passenger: “Can you drive the car in?” Yang Chen: “Okay. Which building?” Passenger: “Building 23.” Yang Chen: “Okay! I’ll be right there.” Passenger: “Okay! I’ll be right down!” After hanging up, Yang Chen tried to enter the community.

But the guard wouldn’t open the gate, saying that unregistered vehicles weren’t allowed. Yang Chen quickly explained: “I’m a DiDi driver, a resident of Building 23 booked my car and asked me to drive in to pick him up. Please let me in.” Yang Chen said, offering a pack of Huazi [a popular brand of cigarettes].

The guard stared at the cigarettes for a few seconds, then waved his hand: “I really can’t let you in! It’s not against you personally! If we let you in, the residents will complain, and the leaders will punish us. Sorry, you’ll have to call him and ask him to come out to the car.” Seeing that he couldn’t enter, Yang Chen backed up, parked on the side of the road, and called the passenger again.

Passenger: “Where are you? I don’t see a car coming in?” Yang Chen: “Sorry, the guard won’t let me in, you’ll have to come out to the car.” Passenger: “Are you kidding me? It takes several minutes to walk over, I don’t want to walk, you have to drive in to pick me up.” Yang Chen: “Brother, the guard won’t let me in, it’s not that I don’t want to drive in.” Passenger: “I don’t care, if you don’t drive in to pick me up, I won’t take the ride.” Yang Chen: “Then cancel it.” Passenger: “Are you kidding me? Damn, you’ve wasted so much of my time, and you want me to cancel? Believe it or not, I’ll complain about you?” Yang Chen: “It’s not that I don’t want to go in, it’s that the guard won’t let me in. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Passenger: “I understand! But that’s your problem, not mine. If you can’t meet my requirements, I won’t take the ride, and I won’t cancel it. Let’s just waste each other’s time! I’m not in a hurry, but I don’t know about you.” Yang Chen: “Why don’t you call 120 [emergency services]? They can carry you down. I’ve canceled the order, go ahead and complain!” Yang Chen hung up and canceled the order.

You 沙雕 [sha diao, idiot], you don’t have the life of a young master, but you have the attitude of one. You spend a few bucks on a ride and think you’re the emperor.

Yang Chen quickly accepted other orders, ignoring the 沙雕.

After Yang Chen dropped off the next passenger, customer service called.

Customer service: “Master Yang, a passenger complained that you refused to pick him up. What happened?” Yang Chen: “He asked me to drive into the community, but the guard wouldn’t let me in, so I asked him to come out to the car. But he refused, saying he wouldn’t take the ride and wouldn’t cancel the order, just wasting my time. I couldn’t waste time with him, so I had to cancel the order.” Customer service: “Okay, upload the recording from the car, and we’ll review it.” Yang Chen: “Okay!” After hanging up, Yang Chen uploaded the recording to the complaint appeal link.

Soon, customer service replied, finding the passenger at fault and dismissing the complaint. Then, the system issued a notification.

“Congratulations, master, for winning the complaint! The system rewards you with 100% equity in the Michelin three-star restaurant Tang Court. The equity transfer letter will be delivered to your home by SF Express [a courier service] tomorrow morning. Please be ready to receive it.” Although Yang Chen owned equity in Baoqing Hotel and Peninsula Hotel, they seemed amateurish compared to the Michelin three-star Tang Court.

Yang Chen’s mood had been sour, but now he felt much better. The complaint was dismissed, and he got Tang Court, awesome!

There were only three Michelin three-star restaurants in Dragon Country [China], two in Jingcheng [Beijing] and one in Haicheng [Shanghai], which was Tang Court.

Tang Court only had four locations in Dragon Country, in Jingcheng, Haicheng, Shenzhen, and Shudu [Chengdu]. The minimum per capita consumption at Tang Court was 688 [yuan, approx. $100 USD], the price of a steak set meal.

The people who frequented Tang Court weren’t necessarily rich or noble, but they were definitely not short on cash. An average family wouldn’t be willing to dine there often.

At eleven o’clock in the evening, Yang Chen prepared to take his last order and head home. The passenger was a beauty in black silk stockings, but she had a smoky aura, clearly the type who frequented nightclubs and looked like she had been drinking.

At first, everything was fine, but when they arrived at the destination, Yang Chen had just parked when the female passenger immediately wrapped her arms around his neck from behind.

Yang Chen instinctively pinched her fingers and twisted hard, causing her to release him in pain.

“Little brother, why are you so rough?” The female passenger complained. Yang Chen: “What do you think you’re doing? There’s a surveillance camera in the car, don’t mess around.” Female passenger: “It’s nothing, I just think you’re too handsome, I couldn’t resist hugging you. Do you have a girlfriend?” Yang Chen: “Yes, many!” Female passenger: “Oh, you’re a player [海王 – hai wang, sea king, a playboy]. That’s good, one more me won’t make a difference, and one less me won’t make a difference, right? Come home with me, let’s be lovers for one night. How about it?” Yang Chen: “Sorry, I’m allergic to black fungus.” The female passenger was stunned, then understood, and said angrily: “Why are you being so rude? Even if I’m dark-skinned, not just anyone can get with me, understand? I’ve taken a liking to you, be with me, just satisfy each other’s physical needs, and don’t interfere with each other’s real lives, okay?” Yang Chen shook his head: “Not interested! Get out of the car, I’m going home to sleep.” The female passenger lifted her skirt, revealing her long legs, and took Yang Chen’s hand, placing it on her leg.

Yang Chen yanked his hand back, quickly opened the car door, and warned: “Miss, please respect yourself. If you don’t get out of the car, I’ll call the police!” Female passenger: “Damn it! Do you have to be so serious? You’re turning down a free offer, you’re an idiot.” The female passenger got out of the car unhappily, walked to the side, and gave Yang Chen a bad review.

“The driver got out of the car and yelled at me, his attitude was terrible.” At that moment, the system issued a notification.

“Congratulations, master, for receiving a bad review! The system rewards you with the [Stock God] skill, which takes effect immediately.” Instantly, stock K-line charts and other images flashed through Yang Chen’s mind before returning to normal.

The female passenger smiled and said: “Look at the review, I can still change it.” Yang Chen opened his phone, glanced at the review, and sneered: “No need to change it, I’ll take the bad review.”

Female passenger: “Wow, you’re really… Oh, you’re really… To tell you the truth, I’m a female streamer, and my top fan gave me the task of seducing a ride-hailing driver and live-streaming it tonight. They’ll send me at least 100,000 yuan in gifts. If you agree to cooperate, I won’t film your face, and I’ll give you 10,000 yuan after it’s done. How about it?” I swear, there’s a live stream for that?

What kind of fetish does this top fan have? Why would he want to see that?

As a good citizen who has received the Award for Righteousness and Courage and the Award for Good Citizen multiple times, what should I do in this situation?

Can I stand by and watch? Of course not! Yang Chen: “If you had said so earlier, I would have agreed. Should we go to your place?” Female passenger: “Hehe… You cheapskate, you’re only doing it for the money, really… Let’s go.” Yang Chen parked the car, followed the female passenger into the community, and arrived at her apartment door. As she was opening the door, Yang Chen said: “Oh, I forgot my phone. Damn! I wanted to take a video as a souvenir.” Female passenger: “Ah? You want to film? Then I won’t give you the money.” Yang Chen: “Okay! As long as you show your face and cooperate well, I’ll let you pose however you want.” Female passenger: “You pervert… You men are all the same. Go, hurry up, I have to start broadcasting before twelve, or the big spenders will be unhappy.” Yang Chen nodded: “Okay! Right away! Put on something sexy, I prefer that kind of thing.” Female passenger: “Got it!” Yang Chen quickly went downstairs, got into the car, and called Chen Qingxia.

Chen Qingxia: “Brother Chen, why are you calling so late?” Yang Chen: “I want to report someone for broadcasting pornography. She’s in Room 1201, Building 10, Jing’an Huayuan.” Chen Qingxia: “Ah? How do you know? You didn’t watch it, did you?” Yang Chen: “She said her top fan tasked her with seducing a ride-hailing driver and live-streaming it. As a good young man, I’m against pornography, gambling, and drugs, so I can’t agree. I followed her to her door and used the excuse of forgetting my phone to come down. You need to bring some officers and arrest her. She gave me a bad review, I’m so angry!” Chen Qingxia: “Haha… How did you get into this situation? I’m on my way, I’ll be there soon.”