How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 334

334. I Really Have a Neighborhood

Chapter 334 I Really Have a Neighborhood

After lunch, Yang Chen and Li Yunxi went straight to the Yonghe Temple [a famous Lama temple in Beijing].

The Prince Gong’s Mansion is very large and luxurious, but it pales in comparison to the Yonghe Temple. After all, two emperors came from here, elevating its status. The palaces here adhere to the same specifications as the imperial palace.

However, now only the main structure of the Yonghe Temple remains. The other buildings were burned down by invaders long ago, and the treasures inside were looted. It’s a pity to think about it.

Yang Chen went inside to look around, and Li Yunxi stayed at the entrance to wait for Wang Yuwei to arrive.

About 15 minutes later, Wang Yuwei’s boyfriend, Li Gaole, drove her over in a Panamera [a luxury car model].

Li Yunxi still looked like a student, but Wang Yuwei had transformed into a typical internet celebrity.

Wang Yuwei got out of the car first and waved to Li Yunxi with a smile, saying, “Yunxi, long time no see.”

Li Yunxi almost didn’t recognize her old classmate. She said with a mix of shock and envy, “Yuwei, you’ve become so beautiful, like a star.”

Wang Yuwei smiled and said, “Women have to know how to dress themselves after entering society. You haven’t changed at all; you’re still the same as you were in college.”

This subtly implied that Li Yunxi was still unsophisticated.

Li Yunxi smiled awkwardly and said, “I’m still in school, so I can’t dress too flamboyantly.”

At this time, Li Gaole parked the car and walked over.

Wang Yuwei linked her arm through his and introduced, “Yunxi, let me introduce you. This is my boyfriend, Li Gaole, who is now the purchasing manager of SPK Company. Ale, this is my college roommate Li Yunxi, who is now studying for a master’s degree in the Department of History at Haicheng University.”

Li Gaole looked almost 40 years old, while Wang Yuwei was 25. It was surprising that they were together.

Li Yunxi and Li Gaole exchanged greetings.

Men are often drawn to pure and beautiful girls. Li Gaole was instantly captivated by Li Yunxi, who wore light makeup and looked effortlessly attractive.

Women who are already working can be very beautiful, very sexy, and so on, but compared with girls still in school, they often lack a certain shyness and purity, and men are often drawn to those qualities.

Wang Yuwei said, “Let’s go, let’s go in and take a look.”

Li Yunxi nodded and walked in front with Wang Yuwei arm in arm. Li Gaole followed behind, seemingly occupied with his phone, but his eyes kept glancing at Li Yunxi’s figure.

“Actually, there’s not much to see in the Yonghe Temple. Didn’t we come here several times when we were in school? Later, after you returned to Haicheng, Ale and I also came here a few times,” Wang Yuwei said with a hint of boredom.

Li Yunxi smiled and replied, “You’ve settled down here and can visit anytime, so naturally you don’t find it special. I haven’t been here since I returned to Haicheng, so it feels more novel to me.”

Wang Yuwei glanced at her boyfriend behind her, then whispered, “Do you have a boyfriend?”

Li Yunxi hesitated, unsure whether to pretend she had one.

After a few seconds of deliberation, she shook her head and replied, “No.”

Wang Yuwei sensed her hesitation but didn’t press the issue. She said, “Look at you, still dressing like a student; you definitely won’t attract men that way. In the group I created, many girls aren’t particularly attractive naturally, but after some dressing up, they all become socialites and models, and many high-quality men actively pursue them. I think you should learn from them. A woman’s prime is only a few years; don’t wait until you’re almost 30 to realize you’re still single. My boyfriend is a purchasing manager at SKP [a high-end department store] and knows many eligible men. I’ll give you a makeover later, and I’ll ask him to invite a few out for you to meet this evening. We’re sisters; I’ll definitely look out for your happiness.”

Li Yunxi quickly waved her hand and said, “No! No! I don’t want to think about relationship matters right now; I’ll consider it after I graduate with my master’s degree and have a stable job.”

Wang Yuwei shook her head and said, “You think after you graduate with a master’s degree, how much salary can you get when you go out to find a job? At most, it’s a little over 10,000 a month; what can you do with that little money? If you trust your sister, with your looks, I guarantee you’ll be driving a Porsche within a year and buying a commercial property of over 100 square meters in Beijing or Haicheng within three years. How about it? Am I kind enough?”

People with different values cannot easily find common ground.

Li Yunxi’s father was a history professor, a leading expert in China. Her family wasn’t wealthy, but they could ensure she never had to worry about money, so she pursued personal interests and dreams.

Wang Yuwei clearly only cared about money and was willing to do anything to get it.

They were no longer on the same wavelength, so there was no need to force a connection for the sake of past friendship.

Li Yunxi understood that this might be the last time they met.

“Thank you for thinking of me, sister. But I really don’t want to consider these things for the time being. I’ll definitely reach out when I need it,” Li Yunxi said, declining the offer.

Wang Yuwei nodded and said, “Okay, it’s up to you. I’m just expressing my sisterly concern; whether you need it or not is your decision.”

At this moment, Yang Chen walked toward them.

“You guys continue; I’ll go to Yongyou Hall to take a look,” Yang Chen said with a smile.

Li Yunxi nodded and said, “Okay! Go ahead.”

Wang Yuwei immediately asked, “Yunxi, who is this handsome guy?”

Li Yunxi said, “He’s a ride-hailing driver. My dad and I took his car here. He happened to be free today, so I came with him.”

Wang Yuwei said, “Really? You took a ride-hailing car from Haicheng to Beijing? I don’t believe it. Is he your boyfriend? There’s no shame in being in love; why are you hiding it? Hello, my name is Wang Yuwei, and I’m Yunxi’s college roommate. Nice to meet you.”

Yang Chen nodded with a smile and replied politely, “Hello. My name is Yang Chen.”

Wang Yuwei, drawn to Yang Chen’s good looks, said, “Yunxi, your boyfriend is so handsome! Are you afraid I’ll steal him? You’re still hiding him. I have a boyfriend; I won’t steal yours. Don’t worry. There’s really no need to hide it from me.”

Saying that, Wang Yuwei walked to the back, linked her arm through Li Gaole’s, and said to Yang Chen, “Yunxi’s boyfriend, let me introduce you; this is my boyfriend, Li Gaole. He’s now the purchasing manager of SKP Company.”

*Oh, so he’s my employee.*

Yang Chen smiled and said,

“Then you guys have fun; I’ll go to Yongyou Hall to take a look. Also, I’m really just a ride-hailing driver, taking Miss Li and Professor Li here, and also visiting the scenic spots in Beijing myself. There’s no romantic relationship between me and Miss Li; don’t misunderstand.”

“Oh, I understand. You don’t need to explain so much; I get it. Since we’ve met, let’s visit together,” Wang Yuwei said with a smile.

*She understands again; what does she understand?*

“No, I’ll just take a look around; you guys go and have fun,” Yang Chen replied, then walked away.

Wang Yuwei said unhappily, “Yunxi, your boyfriend is too arrogant. What does he do?”

Li Yunxi explained, “He’s really not my boyfriend; he’s really a ride-hailing driver. You’re making me feel so embarrassed. How am I going to take his car back?”

Wang Yuwei said, “Is he really a ride-hailing driver? Tsk, then what are you embarrassed about? I’ll ask a friend to drive a Porsche to send you back to Haicheng later; it’s no big deal.”

Li Yunxi said, “No, no, I’m with my dad; it’s more appropriate to take his ride-hailing car. Let’s go, let’s go; let’s look around quickly.”

An hour later, Yang Chen walked out of the Yonghe Temple and sent a message to Li Yunxi.

“Do you still need a ride? I’m already out; if you need a ride, hurry up.”

A few minutes later, Li Yunxi ran over.

Wang Yuwei and Li Gaole followed leisurely.

“Brother Chen, she keeps trying to set me up with a boyfriend; what should I do?” Li Yunxi asked in a low voice.

“If you want to, go meet him; if you don’t want to, refuse. What else can you do?” Yang Chen replied.

Li Yunxi said, “I don’t want to go, but she called out the other two roommates, and they’re rushing to the Bulgari Hotel, and they also made an appointment with me to meet later. I can’t just not go. Why don’t you just humor me and pretend to be my boyfriend, so I don’t have to deal with a man I don’t know? Please, please.”

Yang Chen understood Wang Yuwei’s intentions perfectly. She just wanted to show off her success and, seeing her old classmate looking plain, wanted to impress her.

But Yang Chen had no interest in showing off to an employee, so he shook his head and replied, “I don’t want to pretend to be your boyfriend; I really have no interest in doing that kind of thing. However, I can take you to the Bulgari Hotel. It’s past three o’clock now; there’s no time to visit the Forbidden City. Going to the Bulgari Hotel for afternoon tea isn’t a bad idea.”

At this time, Wang Yuwei and Li Gaole walked up to them.

Wang Yuwei said, “Handsome guy, please drive and follow us to take Yunxi to the Bulgari Hotel. I booked afternoon tea there; I’ll take Yunxi to relax.”

Li Yunxi said, “You guys go first; we’ll follow behind.”

Wang Yuwei asked, “Handsome guy, where’s your car?”

Yang Chen pointed to the Jianghuai car [a budget car brand] next to him.

Wang Yuwei couldn’t help laughing and said, “Okay, you guys follow behind.”

Then, she pulled Li Gaole toward the Porsche Panamera.

“That look in her eyes isn’t right; she’s obviously her boyfriend, but she has to say he’s a ride-hailing driver,” Wang Yuwei mocked in a low voice.

Li Gaole said, “It’s normal; who told me to drive a Panamera?”

Wang Yuwei immediately acted like a little woman, kissed Li Gaole, and said, “Hehe… my dear is the best. When we were in college, she always acted superior because her father was a history professor. Now, everything I eat, drink, and use is something she can’t afford. I just want to let her know that she’s not better than me; it’s just that her family background is stronger than mine.”

Li Gaole asked, “Then do you still want to introduce her to a boyfriend?”

Wang Yuwei said, “Introduce her! Why wouldn’t I introduce her? Call Zhang Junlei and ask him to come to the Bulgari Hotel to find us.”

Li Gaole immediately smiled slyly and said, “You’re a little wicked. But I like it.”

Zhang Junlei was the son of a supplier boss under Li Gaole’s control. He was honest and simple-minded, and his reactions were a little slow. Anyone with a bit of cunning could easily manipulate him.

Li Gaole thought that if Zhang Junlei and Li Yunxi were together, he could use his influence to force Zhang Junlei to send Li Yunxi to him in the future.

Li Gaole called Zhang Junlei and said, “Young Master Zhang, come to the Bulgari Hotel immediately; I’ll introduce you to a girlfriend. A graduate student in history, beautiful, honest, and a perfect match for you.”

Zhang Junlei said, “Really! Thank you, Manager Li. Then I’ll head over now. Hehe…”

You could tell from his simple laughter that he wasn’t very bright.

However, his family was in business, and he was reasonably handsome, so many girls liked him.

But he had a clear understanding of himself. He knew he couldn’t handle clever girls, so he wanted to find a girl who was as honest as him, to prevent his family’s wealth from being taken advantage of.

More than ten minutes later, Yang Chen and the others arrived at the Bulgari Hotel.

Li Yunxi hadn’t said a word along the way. As soon as Yang Chen parked the car, she quickly unbuckled her seat belt, hugged Yang Chen, and kissed him.

Yang Chen couldn’t avoid it and could only push her away firmly.

“I didn’t ask you for the fare; what do you mean by this?” Yang Chen asked.

Li Yunxi’s face was flushed, and she replied, “I… please, be my boyfriend. Just for today; I can give you 5,000 yuan as a reward, so you don’t have to work for nothing. If you need to hold hands, add 200 for each hold. If you need to hug, add 300 for each hug. If you need to kiss, add 500 for each kiss. This is definitely more profitable than driving a car to pick up passengers. Okay?”

Yang Chen said, “If you offer this price, anyone would be willing. I really have no interest in showing off in front of Li Gaole, and I don’t want to listen to him brag in front of me.”

Yang Chen was now the absolute controlling shareholder of SKP, and Li Gaole was just a purchasing manager. He had no interest in impressing Li Gaole.

Li Yunxi said, “Where can I find a second man as handsome as you?”

*Um?*

*If she keeps talking like this, Brother Chen might agree.*

Yang Chen said, “Girl, if you keep talking like this, I might actually agree. Do I need to get some special identity? Isn’t that Li Gaole the purchasing manager of SKP? Then I’ll say I’m the boss of SKP. Do you think that’s okay?”

Yang Chen told the truth again, but Li Yunxi obviously didn’t believe it.

Li Yunxi said, “No, no, brother, let’s keep a low profile.

You don’t need to say you have any special identity; just say you’re a ride-hailing driver, but you have several houses at home and tens of millions in savings. When I was in college, I was the big sister in the dormitory. All three of them are working now. I guess they all want to show off in front of me. I have no ability to compete with them, so I can only rely on you to protect my dignity.”

Yang Chen unbuckled his seat belt and asked with a smile, “Listening to you, did you bully them back then?”

Li Yunxi said, “No! I’m definitely not a bully. But every dormitory has to have a leader, and I was the leader. Since I was the leader, I inevitably couldn’t take care of everyone on some issues. And I’m the kind of person who is stubborn, and sometimes I’m not very good at things. Actually, I know in my heart that all three of them have complaints about me. Alas… Anyway, you can see the situation then. If they don’t say anything sarcastic, don’t show anything. If they deliberately mess with my head, help me out. Anyway, they can’t go to Haicheng to check whether you really have several houses and tens of millions in savings. You’re right?”

Yang Chen said, “Okay. Come on, kiss me again.”

Li Yunxi giggled, feeling her face was so hot it could cook an egg.

With a shy face, she quickly kissed Yang Chen and then asked with her head down, “Is that okay?”

At this time, Yang Chen took out his phone and asked, “500 for a kiss, cash or mobile payment?”

Li Yunxi suddenly raised her head and looked at him, saying, “Brother, does this count as entrapment?”

Yang Chen said, “Then I have to test whether you’ll actually pay up?”

Li Yunxi said, “What you’re saying makes so much sense, I’m speechless.”

After speaking, she took out her phone to scan the code and paid Yang Chen 500 yuan.

The two got out of the car and walked into the hotel.

Wang Yuwei and the others were waiting in the lobby. Seeing Li Yunxi entering with Yang Chen arm in arm, they quickly got up to greet them.

“What’s going on here?” Wang Yuwei asked.

Li Yunxi replied with a smile, “Actually… he’s my boyfriend. It’s just that he’s too shy, and I didn’t say I wanted to introduce him to friends, so we were embarrassed to admit it. After my hard work and encouragement, he’s finally willing to officially meet you as my boyfriend.”

The other two roommates, Zheng Wei and Ruan Wan, ran over and hugged Li Yunxi to say hello.

Since graduating from college, Li Yunxi had gone to Haicheng University to study for a master’s degree. In the past three years, they hadn’t met. It was still a happy occasion for roommates to reunite.

Wang Yuwei looked at Li Gaole.

Li Gaole blinked, went outside to make a call, and sent Zhang Junlei away.

Zheng Wei didn’t have a boyfriend, and Ruan Wan brought her rich second-generation boyfriend, Gao Xiang.

Gao Xiang had been introduced by Wang Yuwei.

Soon, the group arrived at the reserved location upstairs.

It had to be said, this location was excellent, similar to the balcony of a villa, and the view was particularly open, offering a 180° panorama of the surrounding scenery.

Wang Yuwei said, “We’re too late; the waiter served the dishes too early; they’re all cold. Everyone will have to make do with it; we’ll go to Tang Pavilion for a good meal tonight.”

Yang Chen couldn’t help but smile. The Bulgari Hotel would never make such a basic mistake, serving guests “frozen” food on a cold day.

This table of afternoon tea must have been a shared order. The previous influencers had already finished taking pictures and left, and what remained belonged to Wang Yuwei.

Yang Chen didn’t want to touch anything that had been handled by so many people.

Who knew if they had any infectious diseases.

“Yunxi’s boyfriend, eat up,” Wang Yuwei said with a smile.

Yang Chen shook his head and said, “Thank you. I don’t want to eat anything right now.”

Li Gaole said, “Brother, don’t be shy; we’re treating you today; you don’t have to worry about the bill.”

Wang Yuwei said, “That’s right. You and Yunxi finally came here; we have to treat you well. However, maybe he’s not used to eating afternoon tea. Usually, at this time, he must be rushing to pick up passengers.”

Ruan Wan immediately asked, “Yunxi, what does your boyfriend do?”

Li Yunxi said, “He, he doesn’t have much to do every day, so he drives a ride-hailing car to pass the time. Originally, he didn’t want to work, thinking that the rent from a few houses at home was enough to live on. But I think men still have to have their own jobs, even if it’s driving a ride-hailing car, delivering food, or even being a security guard; that’s considered a legitimate job. You’re right?”

It wasn’t easy to own a few houses in Haicheng, worth tens of millions.

Zheng Wei said, “Wow, Yunxi’s boyfriend, you’re so impressive. You own a few houses in Haicheng at such a young age?”

Yang Chen said, “To be precise, I own a neighborhood.”

“Haha…” Everyone laughed.

Li Yunxi pursed her lips, unsure whether to laugh or cry.

*Brother, I just asked you to brag a little to impress them; a few houses would have been enough. I didn’t ask you to brag about owning a neighborhood.*

*What is the concept of owning a neighborhood in Haicheng?*

*Oh no, he’s bragging too much, brother,* Li Yunxi thought to herself.

Wang Yuwei said, “Yunxi’s boyfriend, we’re not stupid; don’t be like that.”

Yang Chen said, “Then there’s nothing I can do if you don’t believe me; I’m telling the truth.”

In the past, when Yang Chen said he was a ride-hailing driver, he was always challenged by some nobodies.

Now he tells the truth that he owns a neighborhood, and these nobodies don’t believe it again.

It was truly difficult.

At this time, Yang Chen felt an urgent need to urinate, so he got up and went to the restroom.

Wang Yuwei said, “Yunxi, why are you so foolish! Look at your boyfriend, bragging like that in front of so many of us; how can you be in love with someone who talks like that?”

Ruan Wan said, “That’s right. Yunxi, don’t be deceived by his handsome appearance; you can’t live on looks alone; you have to be clear-headed.”

Li Gaole said, “Why don’t I introduce you to a boyfriend? Not to mention more, he has two or three hundred million in assets. And he’s very honest and a very good match for you.”

Li Yunxi quickly replied, “You guys aren’t being nice; who tries to break people up! I think Achen is very good; don’t be like this; otherwise, we won’t even be friends.”

Wang Yuwei sighed, feeling a little disappointed.

Yang Chen came out of the restroom, and Gao Qun, the manager of the Bulgari Hotel, walked toward him.

As the second-largest shareholder of LVMH Group, Yang Chen couldn’t possibly know all the managers and executives of every brand under the group.

But!

All brand executives under LVMH Group knew Yang Chen; there was no doubt about that.

The day after he acquired the group’s shares, the group headquarters sent his photos to the managers and executives above the manager level of each brand. Everyone had to know Yang Chen, so as not to cause any unnecessary trouble in the future.

“Mr. Yang, you’ve actually come to the hotel,” Gao Qun greeted with surprise.

Yang Chen was a little puzzled, quickly searched his memory, and confirmed that he didn’t know this person.

“You are?” Yang Chen asked.

Gao Qun quickly replied, “Haha… It’s normal for Mr. Yang not to know me. I’m Gao Qun, the manager of the Bulgari Hotel Beijing branch. The group sent your photos to us; I know you. Look, why didn’t you go to the front desk to say hello when you came to the hotel? I could have greeted you.”

Yang Chen said, “Oh, hello, Manager Gao. I didn’t plan to come here; I just came to see it with a friend temporarily. You’re busy; just pretend you don’t know me; I’ll leave in a while.”

Gao Qun nodded and bowed to Yang Chen.

After Yang Chen left, Gao Qun had an idea.

The second-largest shareholder of LVMH Group could decide the personnel appointments of the Bulgari Hotel, a subsidiary, with a single sentence.

If he could please Yang Chen, or even become Yang Chen’s confidant, wouldn’t his position as manager be more secure?

The opportunity to perform was right in front of him; he couldn’t miss it.

Yang Chen returned to his seat, and the people who had been discussing just now immediately quieted down.

Seeing that everyone was silent, Li Gaole tried to impress, saying, “Brother, you said you own a neighborhood; why are you still driving a ride-hailing car? With so much rent coming in, why not invest in something?”

Yang Chen said, “I invest in too many things; it’s impossible for me to manage every project myself. So I hired professional managers to help me manage it. Then I have nothing to do; I drive a ride-hailing car, deliver food, wander around, pass the time, experience life; isn’t that good? If I lay in bed and collect rent at a young age, wouldn’t I be useless?”

“Haha…” Everyone laughed.

Ruan Wan’s rich second-generation boyfriend, Gao Xiang, said very arrogantly, “Brother, you’re getting carried away. Do you think anyone will believe what you said except Li Yunxi?”

*Damn it, it’s really annoying; they don’t believe it when I tell the truth; they want to cause trouble when I say I’m a ride-hailing driver.*

Li Yunxi said angrily, “What do you mean? Are you looking down on us? Whether he has money or not, I just like him because he’s handsome, can’t I? If you don’t find a boy who is about the same age, has the same values, and is handsome when you’re in love, what kind of boy are you looking for? Are you looking for an old man? So I can send him off first in the future, and then I can remarry, right?”

Wang Yuwei and Li Gaole’s faces instantly fell.

Wang Yuwei was 26 years old, and Li Gaole was 39 years old; wasn’t this looking for an old man?

Ruan Wan immediately said, “What’s the use of being handsome? Can you eat it?”

At this time, Gao Qun, the manager of the Bulgari Hotel, came with a few waiters pushing newly made afternoon tea.

“Hello, everyone. That… I see that the afternoon tea you ordered is cold, and the weather is quite cold; it’s not good to eat cold things. It just so happens that our hotel is launching a Christmas event; the most handsome customer will receive a sumptuous afternoon tea. After our strict screening, we have determined that this gentleman is the most handsome customer in the audience. Sir, may I ask your last name?” Gao Qun asked Yang Chen with a smile.

Yang Chen couldn’t help but smile; this guy must be trying to please him.

“My last name is Yang,” Yang Chen replied.

Gao Qun said, “Okay, Mr. Yang. Because you are the most handsome man in the audience, the prize for our event will be given to you. Come on, take away the things on this table and replace them with freshly made hot afternoon tea.”

The waiters quickly did as they were told, and everyone got up to avoid them.

Everyone was shocked; was this real? Could being handsome really be an advantage!

Li Yunxi laughed and said to Ruan Wan, “Ruan Wan, did you see that? Handsome appearance can really be eaten. And it doesn’t seem to be cheap; there are so many things.”

After speaking, Li Yunxi linked her arm through Yang Chen’s.

Gao Qun saw that this was Yang Chen’s girlfriend, so he had to flatter her quickly.

He quickly replied with a smile, “This lady is truly beautiful. Although she’s not wearing makeup, she’s still beautiful because of her natural beauty. You and Mr. Yang are truly a match made in heaven.”

Li Yunxi smiled happily, glanced at Yang Chen a few times, and said in a low voice, “I’m not that great. You speak so nicely; I don’t have a tip for you.”

Gao Qun said, “No, no. It’s our honor for such beautiful distinguished guests to visit our hotel. We are very happy. These are all given to you two for free. I hope you two don’t mind. Then we will leave first; you two and your friends take your time. I will leave two waiters guarding outside. If you have anything, just call out; they will solve it for you two as soon as possible.”

After speaking, Gao Qun bowed to Yang Chen.

Yang Chen nodded with a smile, looking like a leader inspecting and very satisfied with the work of his subordinates.

Seeing his response, Gao Qun was so excited he almost laughed, indicating that this performance was a success.

Wang Yuwei and her group were dumbfounded. They couldn’t afford to enjoy it alone and needed dozens of people to share the cost of the Bulgari afternoon tea. The hotel actually gave a luxury package because Yang Chen was handsome. Who could they complain to!

Could being handsome really allow you to do whatever you want?