How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 168

On Bragging, Yang Chen Admits He’s Second, No One Dares Claim First. I’m Just a Ride-Hailing Driver, What’s Wrong with Having Some Money? (1)

Yang Chen returned home.

The leaders from the Municipal Bureau and Bilibili [a popular Chinese video-sharing website] platform quickly stepped forward to present him with the banners.

Yang Chen really didn’t want these things; he just wanted to drive quietly.

However, since they were delivered to his door, he couldn’t be too disrespectful.

“Thank you, everyone. These are all things I should do as a citizen of Haicheng, there’s really no need to give me banners,” Yang Chen said tactfully.

The Municipal Bureau leader said, “Don’t worry, we won’t do any publicity this time; we’re just delivering it internally. The director specifically instructed not to bring you any trouble. We’ll take a photo as proof, and then we’ll leave immediately.”

Yang Chen nodded, took a photo with him, and then the people from the Municipal Bureau left.

The Bilibili platform leader was excited and asked, “I didn’t expect Master Yang to be so rich, living here.”

Yang Chen said, “Come on, this is my girlfriend’s house. A Bilibili driver like me couldn’t afford to rent here. Don’t mess around; rich people are usually low-key. If you ruin it for me, I’ll take my driver brothers to protest at headquarters.”

The Bilibili leader glanced at Yu Shishi, then said with a smile, “Understood, understood. Then we’ll also take a photo as proof, so I can report back.”

Yang Chen nodded, took a photo with him holding the banner, and sent them all away.

Yang Chen looked at the two banners in his hand, feeling a bit resistant.

Others would be eager to get these banners, but he was getting sick of them.

Sigh…

Being too outstanding is also a kind of trouble.

…

University of Finance and Economics, 60th Anniversary Celebration Day.

Li Xiaofei came to Yang Chen’s place last night, and the two of them went back to school together today.

The whole school is on holiday today, and everyone is free to arrange their own time.

However, the school still requires each class to send some representatives to participate in the anniversary celebration.

After all, alumni who donate a lot of money still have to give speeches; it would be too awkward if there was no one in the audience.

After the expansion of the University of Finance and Economics, there are more than 20,000 people on the new campus.

Walking on campus is like going to a fair, with people everywhere.

However, Yang Chen is too eye-catching; he’s the focus wherever he goes.

Not to mention his handsome looks and good temperament, his 185cm height, slicked-back hair, and neat shirt, suit pants, and leather shoes are the image of many girls’ dream lover.

Unconsciously, the two arrived outside the school auditorium.

At this moment, a familiar figure appeared in front of Yang Chen; it was Zhao Feifei, whom he hadn’t seen for a long time.

Zhao Feifei is also a graduate of the University of Finance and Economics and is qualified to return to participate in the anniversary celebration.

However, Yang Chen didn’t react at all and continued to walk into the auditorium with Li Xiaofei.

Zhao Feifei was stunned in place for a few seconds, then followed in.

Li Xiaofei whispered, “Brother, do you want me to scold her a few words?”

Yang Chen shook his head and said, “Just treat her like a stranger; don’t have any entanglement with her.”

The two found a seat and waited for the event to begin.

Not long after Yang Chen sat down, Chen Liang called him again.

Chen Liang: “Brother Chen, are you here yet?”

Yang Chen: “I’m sitting in the auditorium, waiting to hear your speech.”

Chen Liang: “Come to the Academic Affairs Office; there’s something important to discuss.”

Yang Chen: “What is it?”

Chen Liang: “Just come; you’ll know when you get here.”

Yang Chen: “I don’t want to go; I’ll just wait here.”

Chen Liang: “But…

On Bragging, Yang Chen Admits He’s Second, No One Dares Claim First. I’m Just a Ride-Hailing Driver, What’s Wrong with Having Some Money? (2)

You received an invitation letter; you definitely have to come. Not every alumnus has an invitation letter; those who receive invitation letters are highly valued by the school. Since you received it, you have to give some face and come over, right?”

Yang Chen: “Damn it! What a pain. Fine, I’ll come.”

Yang Chen explained a few words to Li Xiaofei and then got up to go to the Academic Affairs Office.

Damn it, he ran into Zhao Feifei again in the aisle.

Yang Chen still treated her like a stranger and passed by her.

Zhao Feifei couldn’t help but turn around to look at Yang Chen’s back, feeling an indescribable feeling in her heart.

Soon, Yang Chen arrived at the Academic Affairs Office.

Chen Liang pulled him into the conference room.

Yang Chen: “Hello, leaders, alumni, everyone, I’m Yang Chen. Sorry I’m late because of traffic.”

Principal Ge Sulan said with a smile, “Student Yang, please sit down; welcome back to participate in the 60th-anniversary celebration of your alma mater.”

Yang Chen nodded with a smile and sat next to Chen Liang.

Alumni reunions inevitably involve mutual greetings. They are all executives and bosses, all very impressive.

Yang Chen nodded with a smile and said, “It seems our University of Finance and Economics is very powerful, with talents all over the world, and each one is very outstanding.”

“So, what does Mr. Yang do?”

“Yes! If there are any cooperation opportunities in the future, be sure to think of everyone.”

…

Yang Chen replied with a smile, “I drive a ride-hailing car. If you need a car in the future, remember to look for me.”

“…”

The whole place was silent.

Damn, a ride-hailing driver can also participate in such a high-level alumni symposium?

What is the principal doing?

Is he grasping at straws?

Just because we’re short of money, we can’t do this; it’s lowering everyone’s status.

Everyone smiled and said nothing.

Chen Liang shook his head helplessly, thinking, “I really don’t understand what Brother Chen is thinking. If I were as awesome as him, I would want the whole world to know, but he insists on being so low-key. Having money and not showing off is like wearing brocade at night; what’s the point?”

Ge Sulan now only hopes that what Chen Liang said is true, that Yang Chen drives a ride-hailing car to pass the time, not really to make a living.

Ge Sulan quickly stated the main topic of this symposium, which is the issue of the land next to the school. He wants everyone to find a way to buy it from Mingyang Real Estate at a low price.

According to his idea, the school can only offer up to 30 million, which means that Mingyang Real Estate would have to sell it to the school at a loss of 20 million, not counting the interest and other costs.

So, how is that possible?

People don’t open a company to do charity. They bought the land for 50 million, paid various fees and bank interest, and then sell it to the school for 30 million. Only a fool would do such a thing.

The most important thing is that Mingyang Real Estate doesn’t want to sell the land at all. Isn’t it comfortable to develop a commercial area to earn the money of students from nearby universities?

The alumni who participated in this symposium cursed Ge Sulan hundreds of times in their hearts. Damn, he’s just raising impossible problems; why not just go and rob it?

“You are all the most outstanding graduates that our University of Finance and Economics has cultivated in the past sixty years. Everyone, think of a way to help the alma mater solve the problem,” Ge Sulan said with a smile.

No one spoke.

On Bragging, Yang Chen Admits He’s Second, No One Dares Claim First. I’m Just a Ride-Hailing Driver, What’s Wrong with Having Some Money? (3)

Ge Sulan said with a smile, “Student Chen Liang, do you have a solution? You are a vice president at a US investment bank; do you have any connections in this area?”

Chen Liang likes to show off, not to embarrass himself.

“MMP, he wants me to embarrass myself right away, idiot,” Chen Liang cursed inwardly.

Then he replied, “Shengjin Investment invests in promising industries, such as technology, tourism, and people’s livelihood. The real estate industry is currently in a cold winter, and we firmly avoid it. So, I really can’t find any connections in this area. But if you ask about technology-related connections, I can find a lot. For example, Haicheng Mingshang Technology, which makes drones and other products, I have a good relationship with their boss.”

This guy really has face-saving ingrained in his bones, and he has to emphasize that he’s not without social connections, just without connections in the real estate industry, which is full of crises.

Ge Sulan’s expression changed visibly, and then he asked with a smile, “Student Chen Ming, do you have a solution? You are in the construction industry; you should have connections in this area, right?”

Chen Ming donated 1 million this time, even more generous than Chen Liang.

Chen Ming is now a contractor; a contractor of this scale can independently contract some uncomplicated projects.

Chen Ming said with a smile, “I do have some, but they may not be useful. I heard that Mingyang Real Estate wants to develop this land into a commercial area, which is a long-term profitable project; they won’t sell it.”

Ge Sulan nodded and said, “I know that, but we have to try. Can you help me inquire?”

Chen Ming nodded and made more than a dozen calls on his phone, but ultimately failed to get it done.

“My friend helped me contact Zhou Xiong, the boss of Mingyang Real Estate, and Zhou Xiong clearly replied that he wouldn’t sell it for any amount of money. They are just eyeing the consumption potential of the University of Finance and Economics and several surrounding universities; how could they sell it?” Chen Ming said helplessly.

Other alumni also said they had no way.

Most of them are alumni who have developed in other places, and they really can’t reach Mingyang Real Estate in Haicheng.

Yang Chen was a little confused; is Mingyang Real Estate that powerful?

It actually makes so many alumni unable to reach them.

Yang Chen was the only one who hadn’t spoken.

Ge Sulan said with a smile, “Student Yang Chen, why haven’t you said anything? Do you have a solution?”

Chen Ming said with a smile, “Principal Ge, don’t embarrass him. How can a ride-hailing driver have any connections to handle this matter? It’s not like he drove the boss and can suppress Zhou Xiong, right?”

Chen Liang quickly said, “Senior, you can’t say that. Since Brother Chen was invited to participate in the symposium, he has the right to express his own ideas. According to your statement, you’re just a contractor, and I’m a vice president of an international investment bank; can I despise you and not let you speak?”

It seems that after the last trip to Jinshan Resort, Chen Liang has indeed submitted to Yang Chen.

Ge Sulan quickly said, “Haha… Yes, yes, all the students who can participate in this symposium today can express their own ideas.”

But after all, Yang Chen is just a ride-hailing driver, and other alumni don’t believe he has a solution from the bottom of their hearts.

As long as he doesn’t publicize it and make Yang Chen famous, he is not unwilling to help his alma mater.

On Bragging, Yang Chen Admits He’s Second, No One Dares Claim First. I’m Just a Ride-Hailing Driver, What’s Wrong with Having Some Money? (4)

Yang Chen asked, “I really don’t know Zhou Xiong; I’ve only made one phone call. But I know his son, Zhou Zhenyang. Last time at the golf course, he wanted to take my spot, and I taught him a lesson. I don’t think they are so unreachable. I’ll make a call and ask; I should be able to persuade him to sell the land. However, it’s definitely not okay for the school to only offer 30 million for the land they bought for 50 million. They’ll lose more than 20 million without doing anything; how is that possible?”

The alumni all showed disbelieving smiles; he’s really good at pretending.

A ride-hailing driver also goes to play golf; he’s not afraid of being laughed at if he says it.

“Junior, if the school could buy it at the original price or at a higher price, we wouldn’t need you to find a way.”

“Yes! The problem now is that the school is short of money, and this 30 million was raised by our donations.”

“How much did Junior donate this time? If it doesn’t work, you can donate more, and the school will be able to negotiate with Mingyang Real Estate.”

…

Yang Chen said with a smile, “I didn’t donate money.”

“Ah!”

“Didn’t donate money?”

“What does that mean? How can he sit here without donating money?”

“Principal Ge, didn’t you say that only alumni who donate a lot of money can participate in this symposium? How can he come without donating money?”

…

Ge Sulan quickly explained, “Everyone, don’t get excited; you have to ask Chen Liang about this. He said that student Yang Chen is very powerful and has assets of 1 billion, so we sent him an invitation letter.”

Chen Liang immediately said, “That’s right, I said it. Brother Chen is low-key and doesn’t like our high-profile way of donating money. Is that not okay?”

“He’s a ride-hailing driver; he can’t be high-profile even if he wants to!”

“Yes! He’s not being low-key; he can’t be high-profile.”

“It’s really boring. We donated so much money to be able to sit here, and he can sit here without donating a penny. What’s the point of us donating money? Will he also be engraved on the monument with us in the future?”

…

Yang Chen didn’t want to argue with these people, so he called Zhou Xiong directly.

Soon, the call connected.

Zhou Xiong: “Mr. Yang, why are you calling me suddenly? Last time my son was ignorant, Mr. Yang, don’t blame him. When you have time, Mr. Yang, come to my place; I’ll invite you to try the Moutai [a premium Chinese liquor] I just bought.”

Yang Chen: “Haha… Mr. Zhou is too polite; let’s talk about it when we have time. Young Master Zhou is still young; it’s not a big deal. I was so frivolous when I was young; can you call it young if you’re not frivolous?”

Zhou Xiong: “Haha… Mr. Yang is right. It would be great if my son had one percent of Mr. Yang’s maturity. By the way, Mr. Yang, are you calling me for something?”

Yang Chen: “Well, there is something I need Mr. Zhou’s help with.”

Zhou Xiong: “Haha… Mr. Yang, you’re being too polite; you are the third shareholder of Zhang Sanfeng Law Firm, so we are our own people. Just tell me what you need; I will definitely help if I can.”

Yang Chen: “Didn’t your company take a piece of land next to the University of Finance and Economics to develop a commercial area? The school is expanding and doesn’t have enough teaching buildings, and it’s not convenient for teachers to travel back and forth from the city. The school wants to buy that piece of land to build a teacher’s apartment. I wonder if Mr. Zhou can part with it?”

Mingyang Real Estate has a lot of troubles, all of which were resolved by Zhang Xiang and his team.

On the surface, Zhang Sanfeng Law Firm solved all the troubles of Mingyang Real Estate.

From another perspective, Zhang Sanfeng Law Firm knows all the scandals of Mingyang Real Estate.

No problem, right?

In addition, Zhou Xiong also knows that Yang Chen has many industries under his name and also controls many companies, so of course he doesn’t want to go against such a person.

If he can use this land to buy Yang Chen’s relationship, Zhou Xiong thinks it’s worth it.

However, the land was bought for 50 million after all; even if it doesn’t make money, it can’t lose too much.

Zhou Xiong: “Since Mr. Yang has spoken, I will definitely try my best to help. We spent 50 million to buy that land; I won’t count the bank interest, handling fees, taxes, etc. Mr. Yang, let the school give me another 50 million.”

Don’t look at buying it for 50 million and selling it for 50 million; it seems like it’s not a loss or a profit, but it’s not.

Buying land also requires paying various taxes and fees, handling fees, etc., plus more than a year of bank interest; these expenses add up to a huge sum.

For example, if the bank loan is calculated at a super low annual interest rate of 6%, the interest is 3 million a year.

Yang Chen: “The school can only take out 30 million, and they really can’t take out any extra money. However, I have a way to make up for Mr. Zhou’s loss. The school wants to expand the teaching building and build a teacher’s apartment, which can be contracted to Mingyang Real Estate. If Mr. Zhou thinks it’s okay, I’ll talk to Principal Ge, and then you can sit down and talk slowly.”

Zhou Xiong: “Is that land all used to build a teacher’s apartment?”

Yang Chen: “Yes!”

Zhou Xiong: “Okay! Then let’s do it according to what Mr. Yang said.”

According to regulations, this kind of project generally requires bidding, but bidding is not impossible to manipulate.

As long as they can reach an agreement, other problems are not problems.

Hanging up the phone, Yang Chen told Ge Sulan about the plan.

The school has already set aside a budget for the cost of building the teaching building and the teacher’s apartment. Although it may not be enough, it is enough to pay the initial payment. The most headache for the leaders is that they don’t have enough money to buy the land.

Now Yang Chen has helped them persuade Zhou Xiong to sell the land for 30 million; isn’t this problem solved?

Ge Sulan: “Haha… No problem, no problem, let’s follow student Yang Chen’s plan. Is that Zhou Xiong really willing to sell the land for 30 million?”

Yang Chen: “Of course. Principal Ge can call him now to talk about it, first make a preliminary decision, and then you can slowly discuss the details.”

Ge Sulan: “Okay, okay. Then please dial his number; I don’t have his number.”

Yang Chen nodded, dialed Zhou Xiong’s number again, and handed the phone to Ge Sulan.

The alumni looked at each other; does driving a ride-hailing car have such great energy?

If they had known that driving a ride-hailing car was so awesome, they would have gone to drive it; why bother struggling?

The phone connected.

Zhou Xiong said very politely, “Mr. Yang, what’s the matter?”

Ge Sulan: “Hello, Mr. Zhou, I am Ge Sulan, the principal of Yang Chen’s alma mater, University of Finance and Economics. I have always wanted to talk to you, but I never had the opportunity.”

Zhou Xiong: “Oh, Principal Ge! Hello, hello.”

Ge Sulan: “Student Yang said that Mr. Zhou is willing to let us have the land next to our school for 30 million, as long as your company undertakes the construction in the later stage. Is that so?”

Zhou Xiong: “Yes! Mr. Yang is one of us; he has spoken, I must give him face. I can make the decision for you now; there is absolutely no problem. We will discuss the details of cooperation later. With Mr. Yang’s relationship, we will definitely not let the University of Finance and Economics suffer. I can guarantee this to Principal Ge.”

Ge Sulan: “Okay, okay. Haha… Thank you, Mr. Zhou.”

Zhou Xiong: “Don’t thank me; thank Mr. Yang. If he hadn’t asked me, I wouldn’t have given up a project that makes a lot of money and stupidly sell it to you at a loss.”

Ge Sulan: “Haha… Understood, understood. Then I won’t disturb Mr. Zhou; you go ahead, we’ll talk about the details later.”

Hanging up the phone, Ge Sulan excitedly returned the phone to Yang Chen and then excitedly shook Yang Chen’s hands, saying, “Student Yang, thank you so much. You have helped the alma mater a lot. You not only helped the school get the land but also saved 20 million at once. How about this, I will now make a decision to name the teaching building after student Yang; it will be called Yang Chen Building, what do you think?”

Ah?

He spent one yuan on a phone call and got the naming rights for the teaching building?

What do those alumni who tried their best to donate more money think?

They must be very jealous at this moment, right?

The alumni were all dumbfounded.

They fought openly and secretly and donated a lot of money, but they couldn’t beat Yang Chen’s one-yuan phone bill; who can they reason with?

But they have to accept it; they don’t have Yang Chen’s ability.

He didn’t donate a penny and got the naming rights for a teaching building; Yang Chen was a little embarrassed.

Before Yang Chen could speak, Ge Sulan said again, “It just so happens that our alumni association is still short of a vice president. If student Yang doesn’t mind, you can take the position. In the future, you will be responsible for contacting and managing the alumni of the University of Finance and Economics. If you have anything, contact the president, who is also the director of the Academic Affairs Office, Wang Zhengxia. What do you think?”

Oh dear, this is too embarrassing.

Don’t give it anymore; it’s too much; the alumni next to him are not talking; they look very unconvinced.

Yang Chen didn’t donate a penny and took away two major benefits at once.

Brother Chen has always convinced people with virtue, reason, and money; there’s no reason to make them all unconvinced.

Yang Chen: “Principal Ge is too polite; I’m a little embarrassed.”

Ge Sulan: “Don’t! Don’t feel embarrassed; you deserve it.”

Ge Sulan is also a shrewd person; as long as she can stabilize Yang Chen’s relationship, she can ask him for help if the school has any difficulties in the future.

The world of adults is not simple; only interest is calculated.

Yang Chen: “I’ll accept the naming rights for the teaching building, but I won’t be the vice president of the alumni association; let Chen Liang do it for me; I trust him. Everyone has expressed their wishes for the birthday of their alma mater, and I can’t be stingy. I think the university activity center is a bit broken, so I’ll donate a university activity center. You can talk to Mingyang Real Estate together; I’ll bear the cost of the university activity center. Is that okay?”

Ge Sulan: “Haha… Student Yang is really extraordinary! This is of course a good thing; I thank student Yang for his generous donation on behalf of more than 20,000 teachers and students in the school. The university activity center will still be named after student Yang. The teaching building will be called Yang Chen Building 1, and the university activity center will be called Yang Chen Building 2. What do you think?”

Yang Chen: “I am a graduate of the University of Finance and Economics; of course, I have to listen to the principal.”

“Haha…” Everyone laughed.

Chen Liang took off happily and quickly said, “Thank you, Brother Chen.”

Chen Liang suddenly realized that it’s good not to be against Yang Chen; he lives much happier than before.

Ge Sulan: “I’m so happy today; thank you to all the alumni for your help; the situation is beyond our expectations. Let’s go; we’ll go to the auditorium now; everyone must give a speech on stage as representatives. Student Yang, you have to talk more and set an example for the younger students.”

Yang Chen hates this kind of false speech the most, and Zhao Feifei is also at the auditorium; he doesn’t want to see her again.

“I won’t go; I have very important things to do here. Everyone, go ahead; I wish you all a pleasant day at your alma mater,” Yang Chen said.

Chen Liang: “Brother Chen, you’ve spent so much money; what’s more important than going on stage to set an example for the younger students?”

Yang Chen: “I’ve been delayed for too long today; I have to go pick up passengers. After all, I’m a ride-hailing driver; how can I not do my job well?”

“…”

Everyone was silent again.

Chen Liang looked at Yang Chen with admiration, thinking to himself, “I always thought I was good at pretending; now I know that Brother Chen, your ability to pretend is the greatest. When it comes to pretending, if you say you’re second, no one dares to admit they’re first. I’m impressed!”

Cut, you’re the one pretending; your whole family is pretending; I’m just dedicated to my job, okay?