How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 539

Although Brother Ma and the others couldn’t understand why Yang Chen was so confident, considering his past successes, it seemed plausible. After all, who would have imagined he could make such a significant impact on the U.S. banking sector and the global oil industry?

It’s understandable that Yang Chen didn’t want to reveal his business strategies.

In fact, given Yang Chen’s usual approach, the current situation was somewhat restrictive for him.

However, there wasn’t much he could do immediately. He couldn’t simply allow companies like Zhifei Biological to fail and leave tens of thousands unemployed, could he?

If there were a way to displace Merck and other major pharmaceutical companies, Yang Chen wouldn’t have to feel so constrained.

Mayor Liu said, “To be honest, I don’t fully grasp Mr. Yang’s motivations, but I respect his decisions. Let’s move on from Merck and discuss the relocation of Enbei Pharmaceutical’s headquarters. I’ve already outlined my expectations to Chairman Li. Mr. Yang, how much of that can you accommodate?”

Yang Chen replied, “All of it. Obligations should be honored, it’s as simple as that. Regarding the billion-level investment you mentioned, how about I build an SKP shopping mall in Hangzhou?”

Currently, only three SKP stores are operational: in Beijing, Xi’an (Chang’an), and the recently opened Chengdu location.

Geographically, Hangzhou would be a strategic location, serving Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Fujian, and neighboring provinces. These areas have plenty of affluent consumers, so it should be a successful venture.

Yang Chen had been considering a Hangzhou store for some time, but with the Haicheng store still in the planning stages, the Hangzhou project hadn’t been prioritized.

This could serve as a significant gesture to the Hangzhou government, achieving two goals at once.

Mayor Liu laughed heartily, “Mr. Yang, you are indeed generous. Given your sincerity, I have no objections. You’re free to relocate Enbei Pharmaceutical’s headquarters as you see fit.”

Li Enbei was somewhat bewildered. He thought something incredibly difficult, even impossible, was easily resolved by Yang Chen with a few words.

It seems money can solve almost any problem. And if it can’t, it just means you need more money.

Brother Ma chuckled, “Mr. Yang’s approach is straightforward, relying purely on abundant capital.”

Yang Chen retorted, “Brother Ma, don’t tease me. Everyone knows you have so much money you’re practically indifferent to it.”

“Haha…”

The four shared a hearty laugh in the meeting room.

With the matter settled, Yang Chen and the others bid farewell to Mayor Liu and departed.

Li Enbei would handle the subsequent steps, requiring no further direct involvement from Yang Chen.

Walking out of the city government building.

Brother Ma said with a smile, “This time, I’m eager to witness firsthand how Mr. Yang deals with Merck.”

Yang Chen replied, “Haha… Just the usual methods, nothing complicated. Thanks for joining me, Brother Ma. Head back and focus on your own work.”

Brother Ma said, “Alright! I’ll get going then. Come to the headquarters at 7 p.m.; I’ve arranged a dinner.”

Yang Chen confirmed, “Okay, I’ll be there.”

Brother Ma left.

Li Enbei, who had been frowning, couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Yang, are we really going to challenge Merck this time?”

Yang Chen affirmed, “Of course. I’ve already stated it; would I joke about that?”

Li Enbei asked, “Then how can we assist you?”

Yang Chen replied, “No need. Shorting Merck is Starlight Investment’s responsibility; it doesn’t concern you.

You should expedite the relocation preparations. Ensure the Hangzhou side is properly managed and select a reliable individual as the factory director. I’ve already commissioned the construction of a new headquarters and factory in the Jiading North District of Haicheng, which should take about three months. In the meantime, settle the Hangzhou operations and maintain uninterrupted production here.”

Li Enbei assured him, “Understood. Mr. Yang, rest assured, I’ll handle everything diligently.”

Yang Chen nodded, got into his car, and drove off.

It was time for a coffee break, so Yang Chen located a coffee shop and ordered a cup to relax.

After finishing his coffee, Yang Chen went online to accept ride requests.

He received a request from a female escort accompanied by a foreign man.

As soon as he picked them up, the woman said to Yang Chen, “Hey there, could we pick up two more foreign friends?”

Yang Chen asked, “Is it on the way?”

She replied, “It’s somewhat on the way; we’ll pass by Wulin Square.”

Yang Chen agreed, “Okay!”

Initially, the two passengers behaved appropriately. The woman was pointing out the scenic spots of West Lake and other Hangzhou attractions to the foreigner, suggesting they could see all of Hangzhou in three days.

After a while, the foreigner started getting handsy, touching and grabbing her occasionally. The female escort just smiled coyly, neither stopping nor objecting.

If it were just touching, it wouldn’t be a major issue. Many couples kiss and hug in the back seat, which Yang Chen was accustomed to, as long as they didn’t start engaging in more explicit behavior.

However, the foreigner was becoming increasingly intimate with the woman, and she still showed no signs of resistance or disapproval.

“Damn, this is a ride-hailing car, not a hotel.”

“This is inappropriate.”

“Hey, please keep it down. There are cameras and recorders in my car. Everything you do and say in here is being recorded,” Yang Chen reminded them.

The foreigner immediately straightened up and began inspecting the car’s interior, as if searching for a camera.

Yang Chen pointed to the area above his head and said, “It’s up there. Miss, he might not know, but surely you do? If this gets recorded, wouldn’t you be embarrassed? I’d be embarrassed.”

The woman’s shy and charming expression vanished instantly, and she said bluntly, “As long as you don’t release it, what’s the problem? Haven’t you ever had couples in your car?”

Yang Chen replied, “I have, and some do get intimate in the back. But they’re not as blatant as you two. If I hadn’t intervened, would you have started performing a live show for me? Go ahead, continue.”

The woman immediately became annoyed and said, “How are you talking, driver? You’re just a driver, not a teacher or our parents. Why are you lecturing us? Just drive your car, don’t look at what you shouldn’t, don’t listen to what you shouldn’t, and pretend you didn’t see or hear anything. Is that so hard?”

Yang Chen retorted, “But I did see and hear it. Besides, I’m just reminding you about the cameras and recorders. If you don’t care, feel free to continue; I’m curious to see the live version too. Go on, go on.”

The woman angrily slapped the back of Yang Chen’s seat and said, “How dare you speak to me like that?”

Yang Chen warned, “You can shout, but don’t touch me. If I get distracted, we’ll all be in danger.”

She demanded, “Stop the car! I’m not riding anymore! Stop the car right now! I’m going to give you a bad review!”

Yang Chen said, “Okay.”

Yang Chen pulled over, and the female escort immediately dragged the foreigner out of the car.

The foreigner asked, puzzled, “Why? We haven’t picked up Jason and them yet, and we haven’t arrived at West Lake. Why are we getting out now?”

The woman explained, “Let’s get another car, not his. He threatened to expose our behavior; how can we keep riding with him? I’m going to give him a bad review and complain about his behavior.”

The foreigner quickly said to Yang Chen, “Hey, you can’t release that video; it’s illegal. And I’m an American; I have privileges in China (Dragon Country).”

Yang Chen turned off the engine and turned around to ask, “What? You’re an American and have privileges in China? Who gave you those privileges? Some damn old foreigner thinks he has privileges? Why do you have privileges? Who do you think you are?”

The foreigner said, “Hey, that’s a bit harsh.”

Yang Chen retorted, “I could be much harsher. Besides, my words aren’t as offensive as yours. You, an American, claiming privileges in China. Who put that idea in your head?”

The foreigner explained, “But my friends said so; they all have privileges when they come to China. Many girls approach them. They’re practically homeless in their own country, but here they can easily find girlfriends and make a lot of money doing anything. And this escort also said foreigners have privileges here; they don’t have to wait in line and get priority in everything.”

“Damn!”

Yang Chen said, “Those are just simps fawning over you; it doesn’t mean you have privileges. Even Buffett has to be polite and humble when he sees me. Can I say I have privileges in the United States?”

The foreigner scoffed, “Haha… You’re hilarious. Buffett has to be humble when he sees you? Who do you think you are? Do you even know who I am?”

Yang Chen asked, “Who are you?”

The foreigner declared, “My name is Damis Field, and I’m the market research manager at the world-renowned investment firm, Leo Fund. Buffett and I are good friends. Why don’t I video call him and have him be humble to me? Haha…”

The woman quickly flattered him, “Mr. Field, why argue with a ride-hailing driver? I’ll give him a bad review right now, and if he dares to release the video, I’ll call the police and have him arrested.”

She then gave Yang Chen a bad review.

As the bad review notification appeared on the app, the system also issued a reminder.

“Congratulations to the host for receiving a bad review. The system rewards the host with new processes to replace all of Merck’s products, effective immediately.”

Instantly, various chemical symbols, medicinal material names, etc., flashed through Yang Chen’s mind. After a few seconds, everything returned to normal.

Yang Chen couldn’t help but smile. The system was reliable, ensuring he wouldn’t be wronged. With the ability to replace Merck, why would he feel frustrated?

With these techniques,

Yang Chen didn’t need to bet with Merck. He was shorting Merck simply because he wanted to, not to win a bet.

Although both involved shorting Merck, the motivations were different.

Yang Chen said with a smile, “Okay, call Buffett now; I still doubt your identity.”

Field sneered, “Okay, I’ll show you my influence.”

He then initiated a video call with Buffett.

The female escort said with disdain, “What are you pretending to be, a ride-hailing driver? You think you can contact Buffett? He’s someone a ride-hailing driver can’t even dream of meeting. I don’t even respect you, and you expect the stock god to be humble to you? Even Brother Ma has to treat Buffett politely as a guest of honor. Who are you?”

Yang Chen ignored her.

The call connected.

Field said, “Hi, Mr. Buffett, how are you?”

Buffett replied, “Mr. Field, hello. What can I do for you?”

Field said, “Aren’t we planning to short the stocks of Chinese (Dragon Country) companies? I came to China specifically to conduct market research and take a tour.”

Buffett sighed, “I told you before, your actions will provoke strong retaliation from Starlight Investment. You’ll pay the price for your impulsiveness.”

“Wall Street wants to short Chinese concept stocks?”

Yang Chen sat up straight.

Field said, “We’re targeting Starlight Technology. We want to use all Chinese concept stocks to force Yang Chen to surrender to us. Never mind, I won’t force you if you don’t want to join. I’m in a ride-hailing car, and the driver said you have to be humble to him. I laughed when I heard it, so I called to see how he makes you humble. Let me show you him.”

Field pointed the camera at Yang Chen. When Yang Chen appeared on the screen, Buffett was so shocked he dropped his Coke bottle.

“Mr. Yang? You… You’re in his ride-hailing car?” Buffett asked, surprised.

Yang Chen replied, “Yes, what a coincidence. What’s wrong? According to him, you on Wall Street are going to short Chinese concept stocks and use the safety of these companies to force me to admit defeat?”

Buffett clarified, “Mr. Yang, I need to make it clear that I’m not involved. They’re ignorant and reckless. Please believe me.”

Seeing Buffett’s frightened expression, Field believed Yang Chen’s words. Buffett had to be humble in front of Yang Chen.

Once bitten, twice shy. Buffett had been burned by Yang Chen and was now wary of him.

Field asked, “Mr. Buffett, who is he?”

Buffett replied, “He’s Yang Chen, the head of Starlight Technology and Starlight Investment, the one you’re planning to deal with.”

Field and the female escort were stunned. This ordinary ride-hailing driver was actually the famous Yang Chen?

Field said awkwardly, “He… He’s Yang Chen. No wonder he said you have to be polite to him. I thought he was bragging. But why is he a ride-hailing driver? And isn’t he usually in Haicheng and Beijing? How did he end up in Hangzhou? And what bad luck that I ran into him.”

Yang Chen said, “Leo Fund, right? You want to short Chinese concept stocks to pressure the government to force me to compromise and surrender?”

Since he had overheard, there was no need to hide it.

Field puffed out his chest and said, “That’s right. Our Leo Fund is leading 30 investment banks on Wall Street to short Chinese concept stocks. This time, we not only want to make money but also want you to surrender and actively release quantum chips. Otherwise, you’ll watch those Chinese concept stocks get delisted. You might not care about the fate of those companies, but your government certainly can’t ignore it. We have you in our sights. Haha…”

Buffett shook his head helplessly and said, “Mr. Yang, I want to reiterate that I’m not involved in their actions. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll hang up now. I’ll visit China when I have time, and we can have dinner together.”

Yang Chen replied, “Okay, welcome to China. I’ll definitely treat you well. We have good wine for friends and shotguns for jackals.”

Buffett nodded with a smile and ended the video call.

Yang Chen said to Field, “You guys are really bold, wanting to short Chinese concept stocks to force me to compromise and surrender? Why don’t you take a look in the mirror to see if you’re worthy? Is your Leo Fund leading the way?”

Field affirmed, “Yes! Our Leo Fund is leading the way to restore the previous financial order in one battle. Wall Street will always be the leader of global finance and investment, and no one can challenge this established order!”

Yang Chen replied, “That’s a coincidence; I enjoy challenging the established order.”

Field said, “You speculated and profited from the U.S. banking industry last time, and we haven’t forgotten that debt. This time, we’ll make you pay back both the principal and the interest.”

Yang Chen said, “Okay! Let’s compete then. Get out of the car; I’m going to have lunch.”

Field signaled the female escort to exit the car, but this time, she was reluctant.

She pleaded, “Mr. Yang, I’m sorry; I didn’t know it was you. If I had, I wouldn’t have dared to speak to you like that. You’re generous; please don’t hold it against a small escort like me. I’ll delete the bad review and replace it with a good one, okay?”

Yang Chen replied, “It’s already done; no need to change it. I don’t object to you being an escort, but I hate you fawning over foreigners. Also, just be a good escort; why are you engaging in erotic behavior? If you hadn’t said you were an escort, I would have thought you were a prostitute. Get out of the car now.”

The woman looked embarrassed and said, “That’s what escorts do; otherwise, why would people hire them?”

“I’ve heard about the escort industry. Not all escorts provide shady services, but some do offer special services, and many are young, beautiful college students.”

“In an era where money is everything, propriety, justice, integrity, and shame are no longer important. As long as you can make money, it’s okay to laugh at poverty but not prostitution.”

Yang Chen said, “Okay, I’m not interested in your industry. Get out of the car.”

The woman didn’t dare to argue and quickly took Field out of the car.

Yang Chen drove off, looking for a place to have lunch.

Meanwhile, Thomas was reporting the situation to Merck’s headquarters.

“Starlight Investment’s boss, Yang Chen, is going to short Merck Group…”

“We’ve already pressured the Hangzhou government to compromise through patent technology, and they’ve demanded that Yang Chen accept our patents and stop independent research and development…”

…

It was late at night in the United States, but Merck Group’s Chairman and CEO, Davis, immediately sent an internal email to all senior executives and shareholders after receiving Thomas’s email, notifying them of the situation and scheduling a meeting for the next afternoon to discuss countermeasures. Headquarters managers and shareholder representatives were required to attend.

After sending the email, Thomas was about to go to lunch when Yang Chen called him.

Yang Chen said, “Mr. Thomas, I’m officially informing you that our bet is canceled.”

Thomas laughed and said, “What, are you scared? Do you realize you can’t win and are admitting defeat in advance? Good choice, to avoid embarrassment after things escalate.”

Yang Chen replied, “No, I’m just canceling the bet, not canceling shorting Merck.”

Thomas asked, “What do you mean?”

Yang Chen explained, “I’m still shorting Merck, and I guarantee a profit of $10 billion, but I won’t bet with you.”

Thomas said, “I’m confused. What’s your plan?”

Yang Chen said, “Without a bet, I’m shorting Merck because I dislike them; that’s my style. Adding a bet makes me feel constrained, like I’m compromising with you. Although both involve shorting Merck and guaranteeing a $10 billion profit, there’s a fundamental difference.”

Thomas was even more confused. What a freak!

He didn’t understand that at Yang Chen’s level, doing things as he pleased was his nature. Being forced to do something because of external pressure wasn’t him.

At the city government, Yang Chen compromised because he couldn’t resolve Merck’s threat and couldn’t let Zhifei Biological and others go bankrupt, leaving thousands unemployed.

So, Yang Chen agreed to the bet.

But now, the system had rewarded him with the process to replace all of Merck’s products, so he didn’t need to worry.

In Thomas’s view, it was the same thing.

But for Yang Chen, there was a fundamental difference between doing something willingly and being forced to compromise.

Thomas said, “If that’s the case, we can issue a statement prohibiting Zhifei Biological and other companies from using our patents. Do you think you can withstand the government’s pressure? Can you imagine the consequences of Zhifei Biological’s market value collapsing overnight?”

Yang Chen replied, “You don’t need to worry about that. I’m just telling you that the bet is canceled, and I’m shorting Merck purely because I want to. Goodbye.”

Thomas was baffled by Yang Chen’s actions. Canceling the bet but still shorting Merck? Wasn’t that the same thing?

What a freak.

Thomas quickly called Chairman Davis and relayed Yang Chen’s message.

Davis said angrily, “That’s outrageous. He underestimates Merck’s influence in China. We need to show him our strength so he understands our power and his limitations. Immediately issue an announcement to stop authorizing Chinese companies to use Merck’s patents to produce drugs. I want to see how he responds.”

Thomas said, “Okay, I’ll have someone issue the announcement now.”

Hanging up, Thomas ordered someone to issue an announcement in the name of Merck’s China headquarters.

“Due to Mr. Yang Chen’s deep hostility towards Merck Group, we’ve decided to suspend all Chinese companies from using Merck’s patents to produce drugs. Mr. Yang Chen will bear the consequences. We’ll decide whether to lift the ban based on the performance of relevant departments in China and Mr. Yang Chen.”

The announcement clearly targeted Yang Chen.

If Yang Chen admitted defeat, Merck would lift the ban on Chinese pharmaceutical companies using their patents.

At the same time, Yang Chen called Jin Ming, CEO of Starlight Investment, and ordered, “Jin Ming, immediately start shorting Merck. Just do it directly, no need for investigation.”

Jin Ming asked, “Mr. Yang, do you have inside information?”

Yang Chen chuckled, “A little.”

Jin Ming said, “Okay, I’ll start shorting Merck immediately.”

Merck’s ban undoubtedly created significant problems for companies like Zhifei Biological.

The Chinese stock market hadn’t closed yet.

Influenced by Merck’s announcement, pharmaceutical companies like Zhifei Biological and Minova, which had close ties to Merck, immediately plummeted to their limit, dragging down the entire pharmaceutical sector. Stockholders who had invested in pharmaceutical stocks lamented.

“Damn, my A-shares never disappoint, always finding a reason to fall.”

“It fell inexplicably; cancer stocks are too risky.”

“What happened between Mr. Yang and Merck that caused Merck to use this tactic? Isn’t this forcing the government to make Mr. Yang compromise and admit defeat?”

“What’s going on? Wasn’t Mr. Yang supposed to enter the pharmaceutical industry and acquired Enbei Pharmaceutical? Why is he suddenly destroying the sector? Could the conflict between Mr. Yang and Merck be related to Enbei Pharmaceutical?”

“I believe in Mr. Yang. You sell, I’m adding to my position. The market always follows the 20/80 rule: 20% make money, and 80% lose money. This time, I’ll be in the 20%.”

…

As everyone argued, Starlight Investment issued an announcement.

“Due to the arrogance and unreasonableness of Merck Group, which angered Mr. Yang Chen, we solemnly announce that we’ll start shorting Merck Group from this moment. We want Merck and related companies to understand that they should be grateful for the profits they’ve made in China and shouldn’t try to suppress the Chinese pharmaceutical industry. We’ll never accept your products and abandon independent research and development. Mr. Yang will always say no to hegemonism! We also warn Merck’s China branch president, Roberts Thomas’s allies Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and other pharmaceutical companies not to get involved. Otherwise, we’ll show no mercy and short them to the end. This time, our shorting of Merck isn’t just about Mr. Yang Chen’s personal honor; it’s about the future of the entire Chinese pharmaceutical industry. If we win, we’ll embark on independent research and development and never be controlled by others again. Compatriots, we hope you support us. Friends who buy pharmaceutical industry stocks shouldn’t panic and sell. Dawn comes after darkness; everyone must persevere.”