How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 379

The Arrogance of a Mere Ride-Hailing Driver

Yang Chen was in a foul mood. Was acquiring a company that didn’t pay its workers even worth the trouble?

Then he remembered that Baorun Real Estate was on the verge of being delisted and going bankrupt, so it likely couldn’t afford to pay wages.

“Big brother, what’s your name?” Yang Chen asked.

The migrant worker smiled. “My surname is Zhang.”

Yang Chen: “Okay, Brother Zhang. Have you guys thought of any other solutions? Just waiting here isn’t going to solve anything.”

Brother Zhang: “Alas… We have no other choice but to wait. We’ve already contacted the media, but we still haven’t received our money. We don’t dare to do anything more drastic, so we can only wait.”

Yang Chen gritted his teeth, saying nothing.

Soon, Yang Chen dropped Brother Zhang off under the overpass.

Seeing Brother Zhang return, the workers, already weakened by hunger, quickly rose to greet him.

Brother Zhang distributed the instant noodles. This was their dinner.

Yang Chen took a deep breath and drove home.

As soon as he arrived, he called Jin Ming.

“Jin Ming, is Baorun Real Estate in arrears with its workers’ wages?” Yang Chen asked directly.

Jin Ming: “Huh? Is that so? I haven’t heard anything about it. I’ve spoken with them several times and have a good understanding of the situation. I haven’t heard that they’re behind on wages. Who told you that? I’ll check with them tomorrow. Maybe Baorun is deliberately hiding the truth.”

Yang Chen: “I just gave a ride to a migrant worker. There are about a dozen of them sleeping under the overpass, waiting for their wages. That brother said they worked on Baorun’s project and haven’t been paid for a year.”

Jin Ming: “Is that so? Is it because Baorun is suffering serious losses, their capital chain is broken, and they really can’t get the money to pay wages? I’ll ask clearly tomorrow and give you a reply, okay?”

Yang Chen: “Okay! It’s getting late, go to bed early.”

Hanging up, Yang Chen washed up and went to sleep.

But halfway through the night, he vaguely felt he’d forgotten something and suddenly woke up.

He remembered Zhao Wenhui asking him to pretend to be her billionaire boyfriend.

He’d promised to give her an answer, so Yang Chen quickly sent her a message.

“Send me your home address, I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”

Soon, Zhao Wenhui replied.

“Brother Chen, you finally messaged me! I’m so sleepy, I can’t keep my eyes open. I’ll send you the location, see you tomorrow.”

Yang Chen glanced at the message, turned over, and went back to sleep.

At ten o’clock in the morning, Yang Chen arrived at the entrance of Zhao Wenhui’s residential complex.

Good heavens, Zhao Gongquan was waiting at the door with his whole family.

Were they all going to ride in Yang Chen’s car to the gathering?

The car stopped in front of Zhao Gongquan’s family, and Yang Chen grabbed a pack of Huazi [a popular brand of cigarettes in China] cigarettes and got out.

Yang Chen didn’t need to be polite to Zhao Gongquan, but Zhao Gongquan’s parents were also there, so out of courtesy, he still had to greet them.

Zhao Gongquan led his whole family to greet Yang Chen.

Yang Chen responded politely, even offering Zhao Gongquan’s grandfather and grandson cigarettes as a token.

“Last time I went to the company, you didn’t even acknowledge the security guard. Today I’m taking Miss Zhao’s money to be a driver, and you bring your family out to wait for me. You’re making me feel awkward,” Yang Chen said with a smile.

To be honest, Zhao Gongquan hadn’t been able to let go of this matter, always worrying about what he’d done to displease Yang Chen.

But Yang Chen hadn’t given it a second thought and had long forgotten it.

Zhao Gongquan quickly explained, “It should be, it should be. My parents heard me say that Mr. Yang is so amazing at such a young age, and they insisted on meeting you. I’m just fulfilling the wishes of the two elders.”

Zhao Gongquan’s parents greeted Yang Chen with smiles, showering him with almost all the nice things they’d saved up in their lives; the flattery was blatant.

The old couple had some difficulty walking, and they were doing their best to help their son restore his image in Yang Chen’s mind.

Yang Chen also said a few nice words in return, then left with Zhao Wenhui.

Zhao Wenhui was dressed beautifully, and Yang Chen joked, “Is there a boy you like at today’s gathering? You’re all dressed up so carefully.”

Zhao Wenhui quickly explained, “No! I’m wearing this especially for you, mainly to make you feel more comfortable. These stockings are the ones you gave me before. I said I would only wear them when I see you; no one else deserves to see them.”

Yang Chen: “Haha… Your family… I don’t know what to say. Actually, I’m very easy to get along with. As long as you are good to me, I will definitely be good to you. So, you just need to interact with me normally; you don’t need to deliberately try to please me. You’re doing it too deliberately; not only will I not be happy, but I will also feel very embarrassed. Can you understand what I mean?”

Zhao Wenhui nodded. “I understand! Then I’ll have a good chat with my dad and help him understand your true thoughts.”

Yang Chen nodded, satisfied. “You’re much smarter than your dad, really. When you grow up, I’ll let you take over Rhythm Beacon from your dad. What did you study in college?”

Zhao Wenhui was excited. Who doesn’t dream of being a domineering CEO?

“Foreign Trade major at the University of International Business and Economics. When I was filling out my college application, cross-border e-commerce was very popular, and I wanted to do import and export trade in the future. Who knew that the global economy would be a mess in the past two years, and many mature foreign trade companies couldn’t get orders. If I, a newcomer, suddenly jumped in, I would definitely be buried. So I discussed with my best friend to open a clothing store first to accumulate experience. When I have a thorough understanding of domestic factories and channels, I will find someone to introduce me to the foreign market. This can’t be rushed; it has to be done slowly,” Zhao Wenhui replied.

A graduate of a famous university, with ideas and patience, much better than many rich second generations who only know how to go to bars and clubs.

Yang Chen nodded. “Okay, you can do that for a few years, and I’ll see how you grow.”

Zhao Wenhui: “Brother Chen, do you really want me to take over my dad’s job?”

Yang Chen: “That depends on your ability. If you’re capable enough to be the chairman or CEO, I can let you do it.”

Zhao Wenhui: “Thank you, Brother Chen. I will definitely study hard in the future, and I will definitely let you feel at ease handing over the company to me to manage before I turn 30.”

Soon, Yang Chen took Zhao Wenhui to the gathering place: the Pangu Seven Star Hotel.

They were dining at the Kyoto Kaiseki Hanakoyomi restaurant on the 21st floor.

The minimum per capita consumption is more than 3,000 yuan [approximately $420 USD], and if you eat something good, it will cost more than 7,000 yuan [approximately $980 USD] per person.

As for the taste, it might be just so-so.

But this is the Pangu Seven Star Hotel, and the waiters are authentic island country [Japanese] girls, and the ingredients are all air-freighted the same day, so it’s expensive for a reason.

“Brother Chen, have you ever eaten at the restaurant on the 21st floor?” Zhao Wenhui asked.

Yang Chen nodded. “I’ve been there once. I feel that the taste is nothing special, but the service of the island country girls is very good, and it’s located in the Pangu Seven Star Hotel, so the per capita consumption is very high. Overall, excluding external factors and just talking about the dishes, I think it’s a bit of a rip-off.”

Zhao Wenhui: “Do people at your level also consider whether it’s worth it when eating?”

Yang Chen: “Of course. My money is also earned the hard way by driving a ride-hailing car, and every penny must be spent wisely.”

*I believe you; the money earned from driving a ride-hailing car isn’t enough to pay for a meal here.*

The two came to the restaurant’s private room, where there were already a dozen men and women.

Seeing Zhao Wenhui bringing her boyfriend, her friends quickly got up to greet them.

“Wenhui, you’re finally here! We’ve been here for more than an hour; why are you so late?”

“Your boyfriend is so handsome, even more handsome than those celebrities.”

“Why does your boyfriend look a little familiar? I seem to have seen him somewhere.”

“Chen Ziyu, that’s enough; you say you’ve seen every handsome guy. Wenhui is still here; it’s not good to flirt so directly.”

“Haha…”

Zhao Wenhui quickly said, “My home is relatively far away from here. Let me introduce you; this is my boyfriend, Yang Chen.”

Yang Chen: “Hello everyone, I’m very happy to meet you.”

At this time, Liang Jun, who had pursued Zhao Wenhui but was ignored, said with a smile, “Brother, what do you do? You’re quite capable to win Zhao Wenhui over.”

As soon as Yang Chen heard this, he knew that this guy must have been rejected by Zhao Wenhui.

“Love is originally a matter of mutual consent. I like you, you like me, and we naturally get together. Why do you need to pursue it?” Yang Chen replied with a smile.

These are all people in the same social circle, and everyone knows that Liang Jun once desperately pursued Zhao Wenhui without success. Yang Chen’s words were undoubtedly a slap in the face.

The girl that Liang Jun desperately pursued and couldn’t get, Yang Chen didn’t even need to pursue and got her. Who could stand that?

To ease the awkward atmosphere, friends quickly invited Yang Chen and Zhao Wenhui to sit down and chat.

The gatherings after entering society are nothing more than talking about work and income. Those who are successful show off, and those who aren’t say less.

The most talkative person in this group was Liang Jun.

Coincidentally, Liang Jun’s father is Liang Baoguo, the chairman of Baorun Real Estate.

Liang Jun is now the manager of Baojiu Run Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of Baorun Real Estate.

Here, I want to explain a common operating model of real estate companies.

For example, if Company A acquires a piece of land in the capital, it won’t directly develop it in the name of the company but will register a subsidiary for development and construction. The more ruthless ones even register a shell company for development.

When the project is completed and sold, and all payments are normally recovered, the subsidiary will be canceled. Even if there’s a problem with the house, the owner can’t find Company A’s trouble, and even a phenomenon of the developer disappearing will occur legally.

If there are problems with the project during the construction process, such as unfinished buildings, unqualified quality, or if it can’t be sold after completion, resulting in a broken capital chain and bankruptcy liquidation, etc., these are all matters of the subsidiary. Limited liability compensation is paid according to the subsidiary’s registered capital, which won’t affect Company A’s other projects.

This is why so many large and small projects are easily unfinished. The headquarters feels that it’s not profitable to continue, or there are other reasons why it can’t continue, and it will directly let the subsidiary go bankrupt and liquidate. Anyway, it’s a limited liability company, and it bears limited liability according to the registered capital.

In reality, many big-name real estate developers have problems, but it doesn’t affect the headquarters of the real estate company. The problem lies here because, according to the law, no responsibility can be found for the headquarters, and it’s useless even to go to court.

As an old real estate developer established for 30 years, Baorun Real Estate is well-versed in playing the subsidiary game.

Previously, Jin Ming reported to Yang Chen that Baorun Real Estate has 12 projects under construction and 5 projects for sale. These 17 projects are operated by 17 subsidiaries.

This is also the reason why those migrant workers can’t get their wages, and Baorun Real Estate says that there are no arrears in wages.

What does the subsidiary’s affairs have to do with the headquarters?

Maybe the subsidiary will be canceled one day, and whether to pay wages depends on the mood of the leaders of the headquarters.

Baojiu Run Co., Ltd., managed by Liang Jun, is a subsidiary of Baorun Real Estate. The project undertaken by the company is the commercial residential Baorun Story, which is the project where the migrant workers living under the overpass work.

Currently, this project has been fully completed, but the sales situation is not optimistic, and less than one-third has been sold.

Normally, most of it should have been sold when the foundation was still a big water pit. It has been built and can be delivered, but only one-third has been sold, which is obviously not ideal.

“Liang Jun, your dad is really good to you. It’s so comfortable to be the manager of this subsidiary. This is like being a feudal prince in ancient times.”

“Haha…”

“That’s right, I now realize the benefits of having a real estate company at home. You can directly be your own local emperor without being managed by the company at home every day.”

You can tell that these people all have companies at home, and they all envy Liang Jun for being able to manage a company separately.

After Liang Jun finished bragging, he felt much more comfortable. At this time, his eyes turned to Yang Chen, who was whispering to Zhao Wenhui.

“Brother, you can win Zhao Wenhui over, so your identity shouldn’t be simple. What do you do?” Liang Jun asked.

Yang Chen didn’t know how many times he’d answered this question. He was about to blurt out that he was a ride-hailing driver and occasionally did some investment, but suddenly he remembered that today’s identity was Zhao Wenhui’s billionaire boyfriend.

So, he quickly thought about which of his companies was worth billions.

Seeing Yang Chen hesitate, Liang Jun determined that he wasn’t a big shot.

“Brother, is there anything you can’t say? You’re not doing some illegal business, are you?” Liang Jun asked with a smile.

Zhao Wenhui said with a straight face, “Liang Jun, why are you talking like that? If you don’t know how to speak, then shut up. We all know you’re not mute.”

Liang Jun: “I can tell that you love him very much, so you can’t wait to protect him. But, he’s a man, and he can speak for himself, so there’s no need for you to come forward to answer such a simple question.”

After speaking, he deliberately showed a disdainful smile.

Yang Chen replied with a smile, “I don’t have any special identity; I just occasionally do some investment. Recently, I invested in Wenhui’s Rhythm Beacon, so I got to know her.”

Liang Jun: “Oh, how much money did you invest? How many shares did you take?”

Yang Chen: “51%.”

Everyone laughed.

Taking 51% of the shares means that Yang Chen controls Rhythm Beacon, but I haven’t heard that Rhythm Beacon has changed its chairman.

Liang Jun: “Brother, can you not brag? Do you know what it means to own 51% of the shares? It means that you are the controlling shareholder, and you have the final say in the company. Zhao Wenhui, why haven’t I heard that your company has changed owners?”

Zhao Wenhui: “There are many things you don’t know; do I need to report to you?”

At this time, others interrupted, saying that it was time to eat, so everyone should eat and chat.

The waiter served the dishes, and the female general [a senior waitress] Kojima Keiko, who was responsible for serving this private room, respectfully knelt down and kowtowed to the customers.

After all, it’s a restaurant with a per capita cost of several thousand, so in order to make customers feel that they are getting their money’s worth, they must provide some special services to make customers feel comfortable.

The female general isn’t very useful, just watching the guests’ dining rhythm and delivering the next dish in time.

But there is a big difference in the customer’s feelings with and without this service.

This restaurant has two very popular female generals: one is Kojima Keiko in front of her, and the other is Takagi Tomoko.

Many young masters even come here specifically for them, wanting to find a chance to get them and experience the *Yamedie* [a Japanese term referring to a submissive and gentle woman].

However, after all, they are serious female generals, only responsible for the prescribed work services, and don’t provide any other services.

So, those rich second generations can only feast their eyes.

Liang Jun showed off: “This beauty is called Kojima Keiko, and she is one of the two most popular female generals here. The other is Takagi Tomoko. I spent a lot of money to get her to serve our private room.”

Others also have the ability to invite Kojima Keiko over, but everyone is unwilling to do this kind of thing.

Liang Jun also added money to let her come to serve because he saw that the island country girl was beautiful, but it was just using public office for personal gain.

Kojima Keiko smiled very gently and introduced the dishes to everyone, also thoughtfully delivering the dishes.

Liang Jun especially likes to pretend, and after taking a few bites, he said: “That’s why things here are expensive, but they are still popular. This thing is really delicious, and the service is also top-notch. Now life is better, and everyone has passed the stage of eating to fill their stomachs, and they are more pursuing some spiritual and cultural needs. Yang Chen, are you right?”

Yang Chen: “I have two requirements for eating: good taste and being able to eat enough. As for whether there is culture and spirit, I don’t have the leisure to think about these things for the time being.”

Everyone held back their laughter. Yang Chen’s words were mocking Liang Jun for being idle all day long.

Normally speaking, eating is just about the taste and eating enough. Who has the time and mood to study what cultural and spiritual connotations this dish has? It’s really only people who are too idle who have time to slowly study the cultural connotations of the dishes.

At this time, Huang Li suddenly put down her cutlery and looked at her mobile phone and Yang Chen in surprise, then said: “Wenhui, look at this; is this your boyfriend?”

Saying that, she showed her mobile phone to Zhao Wenhui.

Others also got up and came over to take a look.

On the mobile phone was a still from the movie “Lost and Love,” in which Yang Chen plays a ride-hailing driver looking at Andy Lau.

“It’s him; he looks exactly the same.”

“Wenhui, your boyfriend is really a celebrity! I said why he looks so handsome.”

“Wow, acting with Andy Lau.”

“I cried several times when I watched this movie, and later I searched for relevant information online. The Internet said that the ride-hailing driver was played by the ride-hailing driver who kindly took the father away from the tunnel. Handsome guy, are you a ride-hailing driver?”

Liang Jun was happy when he heard this, and he couldn’t help laughing out loud.

“Zhao Wenhui, you really want to kill me! You can’t stand this one, you can’t stand that one, and finally, you choose a ride-hailing driver after all your choices? It’s okay for you to choose a ride-hailing driver, but you actually cooperate with him to act as a rich man and say that you have acquired your company. What are you thinking? Since you dislike his identity so much, why are you with him? Just because he is handsome?” Liang Jun mocked.

Yang Chen looked at Zhao Wenhui helplessly. The two looked at each other, then smiled helplessly.

*I wanted to pretend to be a billionaire, but it seems that I can’t pretend anymore.*

Zhao Wenhui explained: “That’s right, this is indeed him, and he does drive a ride-hailing car. However, this doesn’t affect him having other investments.”

Liang Jun: “Haha… What can a ride-hailing driver invest in? Did you buy your company’s stock? I’ll buy your company’s stock later; can you also say that I am a shareholder with 51% of your company’s shares? Haha…”

Zhao Wenhui: “Why should I help you say these things? Just take care of your own business and don’t interfere in other people’s business. Your company is about to be delisted and go bankrupt, and you are still pretending outside every day. How dare you.”

Liang Jun smiled disdainfully, then replied with a smug look: “You think too much; your company is bankrupt, and my company can’t be bankrupt. The Beijing Municipal Government won’t allow our company to go bankrupt, understand? And we have recently negotiated with a strategic investor, and all the issues have been discussed, and we are just waiting for the final signing and capital injection. As long as the funds are in place, our company can immediately come back to life.”

Zhao Wenhui: “Really? Who is so short-sighted as to invest in a company that is about to go bankrupt?”

Yang Chen looked at Zhao Wenhui speechlessly. *Speaking is speaking; who says that someone is short-sighted?*

When Zhao Wenhui saw Yang Chen’s eyes, she instantly guessed something and asked in a low voice: “Don’t tell me…”

Yang Chen blinked.

Zhao Wenhui opened her mouth in shock.

Yang Chen has a lot of money to invest; there is absolutely no problem with this.

But shouldn’t investment be to choose some companies with good profitability to invest in?

Why did Yang Chen give charcoal in the snow [provide help in someone’s hour of need] to invest in Baorun Real Estate, which is on the verge of bankruptcy?

He is taking his own money, at least several billion, to save Baorun Real Estate, and he cannot be sure whether Baorun Real Estate can survive in the future. This isn’t something an investment company should do.

Liang Jun continued to show off, saying: “Our company has land and projects and has great development potential. Isn’t it normal for others to invest in our company? I also told you that the investor in our company is Xingchen Investment.”

These rich second generations play stocks more or less, so they naturally know Xingchen Investment.

“I went, really? Is that Xingchen Investment that kills all sides in the stock market and has never failed?”

“Well, I remember, I remember seeing the business hall used by Xingchen Investment on Baorun Real Estate’s Dragon and Tiger List [a list of top buyers and sellers of a stock] a few days ago. But I thought that Baorun Real Estate is in some trouble now, and Xingchen Investment shouldn’t invest, but I didn’t expect it to be them.”

“Xingchen Investment has never failed. Since they have chosen Baorun Real Estate, it means that they have a way to save Baorun Real Estate.”

…

Hearing the discussions of his friends, Liang Jun became even more proud.

He said with a smile: “Hey, you are right. Xingchen Investment has never failed. They dare to invest in our company; they must be optimistic about the future development prospects of Baorun Real Estate, and they are absolutely sure to let Baorun Real Estate come back to life from the state of being on the verge of delisting. So, Zhao Wenhui, you don’t have to worry about whether our company will be delisted or not; there are professionals to worry about us.”

Zhao Wenhui held back her laughter and nodded in reply: “Yes, yes, I understand, I understand.”

At this time, a waiter came in and whispered something in Kojima Keiko’s ear.

Kojima Keiko nodded with a smile, then knelt down and kowtowed to the guests again, saying: “Everyone, I’m very sorry; I have something to deal with. My colleague Kuraki Nadeshiko will continue to serve you. Sorry.”

Liang Jun added money to get Kojima Keiko, and he knew that other guests must have also asked for Kojima Keiko by name, so he was very unhappy.

“What do you mean? I added money to get you, and we haven’t eaten for a long time, and now you want to serve other guests? This isn’t very appropriate, right? Call your manager; I want him to give me an explanation,” Liang Jun said angrily.

Kojima Keiko quickly explained: “Sir, I’m very sorry; I disturbed your Yaxing [interest]. It’s just that the other party is my old customer, and I will come back after saying hello, and I won’t stay in his private room to provide services. Please understand the difficulties of us waiters; if we don’t maintain good customers, we will be scolded by the boss. Please, please.”

Others couldn’t stand it anymore and persuaded Liang Jun to let Kojima Keiko go to say hello to the guests. It wasn’t the first time they had come to eat, and they didn’t actually need service; they would eat by themselves.

Everyone said so, and Liang Jun couldn’t stop Kojima Keiko anymore.

But he warned: “Okay, you go and say hello and come back. But I want to put the ugly words first: if you dare to stay in his private room to provide services, I will definitely complain about you, and I will definitely ask your manager for an explanation.”

Kojima Keiko nodded. “I understand. Mr. Liang, don’t worry; I will come back after saying hello, and I will definitely not delay for too long. Please take your time, everyone; I’ll be right back.”

Yang Chen and others nodded very politely, and then Kojima Keiko left the private room.

But she didn’t come back for more than ten minutes, which made Liang Jun very angry.

“Damn it! Do you really think my words are farting! Which private room is that guest in? Take me there now!” Liang Jun said to Kuraki Nadeshiko.

Seeing that Liang Jun was very angry, Kuraki Nadeshiko quickly persuaded: “Sir, please calm down. Keiko should be back soon; please wait patiently.”

Liang Jun angrily threw the plate away and shouted: “Take me there now! I want to see who is so arrogant; I have paid the money, and you still have to grab her!”

Seeing that Liang Jun was really angry, Kuraki Nadeshiko didn’t dare to refuse, so she had to take him to find that guest…