How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 164

Lin Yiren had only heard Li Jiuyi mention the new French restaurant in Biezha District’s Nevernight City, but she wasn’t sure of its exact location.

Rather than wander around searching, she decided to message Li Jiuyi directly.

“Hey Jiuyi, where exactly is that new restaurant you mentioned in Nevernight City? I want to check it out. If it’s good, I’ll treat you next time.”

Nearby, Li Jiuyi’s face flushed with anger. He had invited Lin Yiren earlier, but she declined, claiming an allergy. Now, she was taking a taxi driver to the same area and asking *him* for directions on WeChat. He felt utterly humiliated!

No man could take this lying down. It was too much.

Li Jiuyi replied: I’m heading over there anyway, let’s just eat together.

Lin Yiren: Maybe next time, I already have plans with a friend. If I like it, I’ll treat you when I get paid next month. Just tell me the address.

Li Jiuyi: Friend? Boyfriend?

Lin Yiren: Not yet, just a friend.

Li Jiuyi felt a pang of despair seeing “not yet.” It seemed to imply that Lin Yiren *wanted* the taxi driver to become her boyfriend, but it hadn’t happened *yet*.

Li Jiuyi: I invited you, and you said you couldn’t because of allergies. Now you’re going with a taxi driver? What’s that about?

Lin Yiren was taken aback. She quickly looked around, but didn’t spot Li Jiuyi.

Lin Yiren: What do you mean? Are you stalking me? Do you know that’s illegal and creepy?

Li Jiuyi: No, I just saw you get into his car.

Lin Yiren: Yes, I’m with him. Xiao Jing gave him a bad review last night, and I want to make it up to him. Okay, I’m not talking anymore, we’ll find it ourselves.

Lin Yiren felt like she was being watched, making her uncomfortable.

Seeing her glancing around, Yang Chen asked, “Are you waiting for someone?”

Lin Yiren: “No. A friend told me about a new restaurant here, but I don’t know exactly where it is. So, I’m looking around.”

Just then, Yang Chen noticed a twenty-yuan bill on the ground and picked it up.

Lin Yiren smiled. “Oh, lucky you.”

Yang Chen chuckled. “This kind of luck shouldn’t be hoarded. Money you find should be spent quickly. There’s a lottery ticket vendor ahead, let’s donate it to charity.”

Lin Yiren nodded, smiling, and happily went to the lottery shop with Yang Chen.

Yang Chen: “Give me the first four numbers that come to mind.”

Lin Yiren: “3, 5, 7, 9.”

Yang Chen nodded and told the vendor, “Boss, one set: 5, 7, 9, 18, 20, 30, special number 3, two copies, five times each.”

The vendor printed out two tickets as requested.

Yang Chen placed the twenty yuan on the counter, took the lottery tickets, and handed one to Lin Yiren.

“If we win, it means we’re destined. Then I’ll treat you to a meal anywhere in Haicheng, your choice,” Yang Chen said with a smile.

Lin Yiren suddenly felt a thrill of romance.

This was such a unique way to flirt.

If they actually won, it would be fate.

To quote a movie line, what is destined by God is the greatest, and they could start this relationship immediately.

“Okay! Hehe…” Lin Yiren nodded happily.

The two continued searching and finally found a Western restaurant with red carpets and fresh flowers at the entrance. This had to be the new French restaurant Li Jiuyi mentioned.

They went inside and enjoyed a pleasant meal.

Afterward, Yang Chen drove Lin Yiren home and resumed his taxi route.

Lin Yiren lay in bed, looking at the lottery ticket, feeling increasingly shy, and then pulled the quilt over her head.

After a while, she took a photo of the ticket and posted it on WeChat Moments.

“If this lottery ticket wins tonight, I’ll believe in fate.”

Soon, friends began commenting.

Ran Xiaojing: “No way? That taxi driver used a lottery ticket as a pickup line? Girl, wake up! Don’t fall for such a low-class move. It’s unbelievable. Being poor is one thing, but being cheap is another. A lottery ticket, really?”

Chen Liyun: “Did he say, ‘I’ll give you a lottery ticket, if you win, you can buy your own dowry and marry me. If you don’t win, it means meeting you used up all my luck, so it’s normal’? These are all cheesy internet pickup lines, don’t be fooled.”

Chen Tian: “Goddess, are you being pursued? Who is it? Is he richer than me? Just say the word, and I’ll give you the top prize money as a dowry right away. No need to rely on luck.”

Huang Wei: “It’s over, all the guys in Yiren’s WeChat are going to be heartbroken today.”

Chen Yu: “Wow, how romantic! Yiren, if you win tomorrow, it’s truly a match made in heaven.”

…

Many friends commented, but Lin Yiren only replied to Chen Yu.

Lin Yiren to Chen Yu: Hehe… We went to Beizha Nevernight City for dinner today and found 20 yuan on the ground. He said we should spend it quickly, and there was a lottery shop nearby, so he suggested buying tickets for charity. I picked four numbers, and he picked three. We each bought a ticket and multiplied the bet five times. I think if we actually win, it’s really fate.”

Li Jiuyi, staring at the lottery ticket in a daze, felt his anger surge.

That *taxi driver* could win her over with a lottery ticket? Was he too good, or was she too naive?

Lin Yiren actually believed such a corny gesture was fate!

It seemed time to put some pressure on Lin Yiren, or she wouldn’t know how to act.

In the afternoon, Lin Yiren was napping at home when Chen Tian suddenly arrived.

Lin Yiren stood at the door, not wanting to let him in.

Lin Yiren: “President Chen, what brings you here? Is there something I can help you with?”

Chen Tian pulled out a ring box, opened it, knelt on one knee, and said, “Yiren, you know I’ve always liked you. I’ve been waiting for you for over a year. Please accept my love. Just say yes, and I’ll immediately give you the lottery jackpot amount as a bride price, okay?”

Offering a five-million-yuan bride price right off the bat, this guy was loaded.

But, buddy, you’re raising the bar and hurting other guys.

“President Chen, your gift is too extravagant, I can’t accept it. I’m sleepy, so I won’t invite you in. Please go back,” Lin Yiren said, closing the door.

He was rejected after offering a diamond ring worth hundreds of thousands, and he didn’t even get inside.

Chen Tian looked dejected, thinking, “Was I too direct and scared her? Or is she hung up on that taxi driver with the lottery ticket and won’t accept me?”

The more Chen Tian thought, the more unconvinced he became. He was the boss of a private company, how could he be inferior to a taxi driver?

He had to know what the taxi driver looked like. How could he captivate Lin Yiren so much that she rejected such a huge diamond ring?

So, Chen Tian messaged Ran Xiaojing, asking if she knew what kind of guy Lin Yiren liked.

Chen Tian and Ran Xiaojing were old acquaintances. He had met Lin Yiren through Ran Xiaojing.

Ever since, Chen Tian had been fixated on Lin Yiren, occasionally giving Ran Xiaojing perks to get information about her.

Soon, Ran Xiaojing replied.

“President Chen, I think you should change your target. Yiren might not be so easy to get. The only downside of the taxi driver you asked about is his job. Otherwise, he’s perfect. Unless you can find a way to make him leave her, you have no chance.”

Chen Tian was even more intrigued. Was there really such a perfect man?

Chen Tian: “Send me his photo. I want to see if he’s as handsome as Pan An [a legendary handsome man], or has three heads and six arms. How can he be so perfect?”

Ran Xiaojing: “I don’t have his photo. But if you want to see him, it’s easy. I’ll ask Yiren to dinner, and she’ll definitely ask the taxi driver to pick her up.”

Chen Tian: “Okay, great! I’ll pay for dinner tonight, as long as you get the taxi driver to show up.”

Ran Xiaojing: “Okay! President Chen is so generous, I’ll make it happen.”

As Lin Yiren’s best friend and former roommate, Ran Xiaojing had made a lot of money from Lin Yiren’s admirers.

That evening, Ran Xiaojing called Lin Yiren and invited her to the new French restaurant in Beizha Nevernight City.

Lin Yiren messaged Yang Chen, asking to borrow his car.

Binjiang Apartment and Binjiang Villa weren’t far apart, so Yang Chen picked up Lin Yiren on his way and drove straight to Beizha Nevernight City.

Actually, Yang Chen also wanted to visit Nevernight City. He had just learned that Louis Vuitton and Misia’s new stores had opened in Beizha District.

Wang Jiayi had become the store manager, and Yang Chen wanted to support her.

Yang Chen got out of the car and headed toward the store when Chen Tian blocked his path.

“Can I help you?” Yang Chen asked.

Chen Tian: “I’ve liked Lin Yiren for a long time, and we’ve known each other for a while. Please don’t interfere and ruin our relationship. I’m a company boss, a private one, but I earn millions a year. A taxi driver like you can’t make her happy, and you’re not qualified to compete with me. Please, do me a favor and leave Lin Yiren. Name your price, and I’ll try to meet it.”

Yang Chen shook his head, speechless. “There’s nothing between Lin Yiren and me. You can’t win her over because you’re not good enough, it has nothing to do with me.”

Chen Tian: “But you’re very handsome. Don’t girls like handsome guys? If you’re around, she won’t accept me.”

Yang Chen: “What? Is it wrong to be handsome? I don’t have time for this. It’s your problem if you can’t win her over, don’t blame others.”

Yang Chen stepped aside and left.

The moment Chen Tian saw Yang Chen, he understood why Ran Xiaojing said his only flaw was being a taxi driver.

Yang Chen was too perfect. Chen Tian believed that if he were a woman, he’d fall for Yang Chen.

This made Chen Tian even more determined to get Yang Chen away from Lin Yiren.

Otherwise, with such a perfect man around, how could she accept anyone else?

Chen Tian wasn’t naturally gifted, so he had to compensate with money.

Chen Tian caught up with Yang Chen and handed him a check.

Yang Chen was speechless. Did he really think money would make Yang Chen leave, and Lin Yiren would accept him?

“Thanks, but no. I have enough money, I don’t need this,” Yang Chen refused.

Chen Tian: “You make maybe ten thousand a month driving a taxi, but here’s 200,000 yuan. You can’t earn that in a year. Help me out, and you benefit too. It’s a good deal! I really like Yiren, can you stay away from her? Look, I’m giving you money and asking you nicely. I’m not forcing you. Right? Someone with a bad temper would just rob you and beat you up. It happens. Take the money and run. Okay?”

It was ridiculous. He couldn’t win her over, so he wanted the attractive men around her to disappear. What was his logic?

Okay, he thought he had money, right?

Let’s see how much he really had.

I just need an actor.

Yang Chen: “You think you’re rich?”

Chen Tian: “Yes! I think I’m pretty rich, definitely richer than a taxi driver.”

Yang Chen pointed to the store. “See that? Louis Vuitton’s new store. They’re having a sale, 20% off. It’s getting cold, and I’m buying Yiren some clothes. Maybe you’re richer, but you might not be as willing to spend on her. I’m not leaving such a beauty easily. Right?”

Chen Tian nodded. “That’s why I’m giving you money, so you don’t leave empty-handed.”

Yang Chen: “Damn, I’m a man, I have pride. If I take this money, what am I? Let’s compete today to see who’s more willing to spend on Yiren. If you spend more, it means you love her more, and I’ll leave. But if you’re not willing to spend, you’re not qualified to ask me to leave. Makes sense? I have ten thousand and spend nine thousand on her, you have a million and spend nine thousand. It’s the same amount, but the love is different. Get it?”

Chen Tian laughed, full of pride and disdain.

A taxi driver daring to compete with a company boss to see who’s more willing to spend on a girl? Hilarious!

“I spend more on an app than you make in a year. You sure you want to compete?” Chen Tian asked.

Yang Chen: “You develop apps, that’s profitable. But you missed my point. It’s not about who’s richer, but who’s more willing to spend on Yiren. Understand?”

Chen Tian nodded. “I get it, same thing. Let’s go buy clothes and see who spends more.”

Yang Chen nodded and led Chen Tian into the store.

Because of the grand opening, the store was packed.

Whether they bought anything or not, the crowd was good for publicity.

Yang Chen said, “Let’s shop separately. Besides spending, we’ll see who knows her better, who picks clothes she likes more. If you crush me, I’ll leave her, no money needed. Fair?”

Chen Tian nodded. “No problem!”

They split up.

Yang Chen messaged Yu Shishi, Li Xiaofei, Cheng Junjun, Wang Jiayi, etc., asking for their clothing sizes. Today was a good day, and Brother Chen would send them each two new outfits.

Wang Jiayi was at the cashier. Seeing Yang Chen’s message, she came out to find him.

“What’s this about?” Wang Jiayi asked, smiling.

Yang Chen: “Checking on my store manager, boosting sales. How’s business?”

Wang Jiayi: “Slower than expected, maybe the brand isn’t big enough. Don’t you know my size?”

Yang Chen: “I do, but I figured your figure changed since I last saw you. I’m supporting your business and promoting you.”

Yu Shishi and the others replied.

Wang Jiayi was sharp. “Group message? You scumbag, that’s too much! Showing off your fish pond?”

Yang Chen: “You’re in my fish pond too.”

Wang Jiayi laughed, both annoyed and amused. “Thanks for letting me in. Show me the figures of the fish in your pond.”

Yang Chen handed her the phone. “I don’t need clothes, so I’m buying them for you ladies who like to change. Li Xiaofei is my cousin, a freshman, don’t get her anything too mature. Chen Yuyan is my aunt, she needs something more mature. Medium to high price, two sets each, nothing too cheap.”

Wang Jiayi nodded, smiling. “Besides those two, the rest are your fish?”

“I’ve only had two women, my ex and you. Even if you’re all my fish, you’re different. Go pick clothes, I’m waiting. Oh, pretend you don’t know me. I’ll wink at you, and you take pictures and post them on Douyin [Chinese TikTok] for publicity,” Yang Chen said.

Wang Jiayi was thrilled, pouted, nodded, and hurried to choose clothes.

Yang Chen looked around. Chen Tian was picking clothes.

He had messaged Ran Xiaojing for Lin Yiren’s size and was choosing clothes he thought she’d like.

“Chosen yet?” Yang Chen asked.

Chen Tian: “Of course, I’ve got several sets. You? Not even one? The clothes are beautiful, but too expensive?”

Yang Chen: “Are you kidding? If you can win that beauty, money’s no object. I asked the store manager to help, she’ll be done soon.”

Wang Jiayi arrived with a pile of clothes.

Yang Chen trusted her taste.

Yang Chen asked, “How much?”

Wang Jiayi quickly calculated. “850,000 yuan, but with the 20% grand opening discount, it’s 680,000 yuan.”

Yang Chen: “Not bad, saved some money.”

Chen Tian asked, “Waiter, how much are mine?”

The waiter calculated 720,000 yuan, 576,000 with the discount.

Yang Chen: “Haha… President Chen, you lost.”

Chen Tian: “Joke, I didn’t say I was done. Besides, what’s the point of choosing? You got the money to pay?”

Yang Chen handed a card to Wang Jiayi. “Swipe it, pay the bill!”

Wang Jiayi didn’t know what he was doing, but she swiped the card.

She handed the receipt to Yang Chen and told the staff to pack the clothes and put them on the floor next to him.

Yang Chen called Lin Yiren.

Lin Yiren: “Hello, Brother Yang, what’s up? Busy?”

Yang Chen: “No, I’m at Louis Vuitton, buying something. I got you a piece of clothing as compensation. Come over when you’re done eating.”

Lin Yiren: “Ah, no need, don’t spend money. I’m coming now, don’t buy anything, it’s too expensive.”

Hanging up, Yang Chen said, “Yiren’s coming, hurry up.”

Chen Tian was provoked. He wanted to use money to send Yang Chen away and show off to Lin Yiren.

Now, if he lost, he’d be Yang Chen’s foil, and Lin Yiren might become Yang Chen’s girlfriend.

Love makes people stupid. Chen Tian told the waiter, “Quick! Another set of what I picked, I’ll pay now.”

The staff got another set of clothes.

His total reached 1.44 million yuan.

Chen Tian paid, and the staff packed the clothes.

“You lost, stay away from Yiren, right?” Chen Tian asked.

Yang Chen nodded. “Okay! You’re good! I’m broke. When Yiren gets here, I’ll tell her to stay away from me.”

Chen Tian was happy. “You’re sensible. Don’t be down, I believe there’s someone for everyone. Find someone with worse conditions, and you’ll be happy.”

What a nice guy, Yang Chen didn’t want to trick him.

Everyone knew they were competing to see who was richer, and the loser would leave the girl.

“Rich people’s flirting is so simple.”

“I envy that girl, she must be beautiful.”

“If two men spent that much on me, my life would be worth it.”

“I’m curious what she looks like, to make two men spend so much.”

…

Here we go.

Yang Chen winked at Wang Jiayi, who took out her phone to take pictures.

Online sales were popular, this was a different kind of online sales.

“Today’s the grand opening of our Louis Vuitton Beizha store, 20% off everything. Two local tyrants [Chinese slang for rich people] are fighting over the same girl, spending over a million yuan on clothes to prove their love. I’m speechless. When will I have two such men? I can’t wait to see the girl. Follow me, I’ll take pictures when she arrives.”