How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 591

The second short-selling report from Wall Street ignited extensive discussions online, and Luckin responded swiftly.

At nine o’clock, Luckin released a video showcasing their production process on their official Weibo and Douyin accounts.

The video clearly showed trucks from Moutai delivering 53-degree Feitian Moutai [a premium type of baijiu, Chinese white liquor] worth 30 million yuan. Under the watchful eyes of Moutai staff, the liquor was poured directly into the thick milk. Afterward, the Moutai staff immediately collected the empty bottles and loaded them back onto the trucks.

The entire process was meticulously supervised by Moutai staff and captured by video surveillance, ensuring complete transparency and preventing any possibility of falsification.

These videos served as the most effective rebuttal to the second short-selling report from Wall Street. Luckin and Moutai found no need for further explanation.

As for the taste, that remained a subjective matter. They would rely on consumer reviews, and both Moutai and Luckin felt no need to offer additional justifications.

Soon, the first wave of positive feedback began to surface.

“I can vouch for it; there’s definitely a liquor flavor present. While I might not be a huge fan of the combination, I can’t deny that they used genuine Feitian Moutai.”

“OMG, is this what Feitian Moutai tastes like? I don’t know if it’s just psychological, but I think it tastes even better than regular baijiu. Actually, the taste isn’t even the most important thing. What truly matters is that we need to support Boss Yang in his fight against the Wall Street short-selling alliance. We often fail to appreciate the importance of these companies, but once they go bankrupt, countless workers will lose their jobs. Then it will be too late to regret not protecting them. Therefore, Dragon Country [a common affectionate term for China] isn’t just Boss Yang’s; it belongs to every Dragon Country citizen. We should all do our part. Spending 19 yuan to try the Moutai Latte and join Boss Yang in taking on Wall Street is absolutely worth it!”

“Overall, it lived up to my expectations. I’m already back in line to buy a few more cups for my family to try, especially my grandpa and dad. I want them to experience the unique flavor of Feitian Moutai combined with coffee.”

…

From the netizens’ comments, it was evident that while some might not be enamored with the flavor, they were still eager to express their support.

This crucial surge of positive feedback was enough to declare Wall Street’s short-selling of Luckin a failure.

However, the Moutai Latte craze was quickly eclipsed by a new, even more sensational topic.

Huawei unexpectedly announced the immediate release of the Mate 60 Pro, available for purchase on their official website.

Typically, major mobile phone manufacturers host grand launch events when unveiling their flagship phones for the year, often accompanied by carefully orchestrated leaks to build anticipation.

But!

This time, Huawei released the Mate 60 Pro without any prior announcement, not even a single hint.

It was clear that Huawei had made a sudden decision to release this phone today. The underlying reason was certainly worth pondering.

Yang Chen, upon seeing the news about Huawei releasing the 60 Pro, couldn’t resist posting another message on his WeChat moments [a feature similar to a social media feed].

“Seriously, Huawei, is that even polite? I just bought the 50 Pro yesterday and specifically asked the salesperson if there was any news about the 60 Pro. She said no, and now it’s released today?”

Soon, Yang Chen’s WeChat moments were flooded with comments from prominent figures who came to enjoy the spectacle.

Big Boss Ma: Haha… I’m dying of laughter. You showed off buying the 50 Pro yesterday, and the 60 Pro is released today. President Yang, you really should call President Ren and ask him about it.

Little Boss Ma: Haha… Sorry, I really couldn’t help it. That’s too bad. You haven’t even transferred the data from your old phone yet, and you realize you have to buy a new one?

Moutai Director Ding: Haha… President Yang, sorry, this is definitely going to be my source of laughter for the entire year.

Wang Nianming: Haha… Brother Chen, do you have to be so funny? I’m heading to the mall to grab a coffee and try your masterpiece. When you have time to hang out, I’ll get you a 60 Pro.

President Ren: President Yang, sorry, we also decided to release the 60 Pro this morning on short notice, partly to cooperate with the needs of the country. Tomorrow, my daughter Nana is going to Haicheng; I’ll have her bring you a 60 Pro.

…

So, the 60 Pro was released so suddenly because of a special national need.

Yang Chen sent a message to President Ren.

“Thank you, President Ren. I’ll buy one myself later; no need to trouble your daughter to make a special trip to bring it to me.”

President Ren: Haha… She’s going to Haicheng tomorrow to participate in some program, so she’s going anyway. I’ll have her bring you one as a thank you for President Yang’s support of our Huawei phones. Besides, we use the chips you developed, so we should give every new product to President Yang first. We are currently discussing the release time of other models. Once it’s confirmed, I’ll have someone send it to you for early access. The next phone we’re likely to release is the Mate X5; I’ll let you know when we confirm it.

Yang Chen: Oh, I see. Thank you, President Ren, and Miss Ren. You’re busy; I won’t bother you.

At this time, in Beijing, during a break at the interview.

Staff brought Moutai Lattes and Mate 60 Pros to the foreign guests.

The foreign guests looked at these two items and fell into thought…

…

After dropping off a customer, Yang Chen went to Luckin Coffee and ordered a Moutai Latte to try.

It was quite unique, but not exactly delicious.

However, since it was Yang Chen’s creation, he still drank three cups in a row.

At this moment, an argument erupted at the cashier.

A customer using an Apple 14 was having trouble paying because her phone had no signal.

She was also in a hurry, so she wanted to pay in cash.

However, the coupon she wanted to use had to be verified in the Luckin app to be valid. Paying in cash would cost 38 yuan instead of 19 yuan.

This woman became angry and started arguing with the cashier.

The store manager patiently explained the situation to her and offered her the store’s Wi-Fi to use the coupon, but the woman, already in a bad mood, insisted on paying in cash.

“This is Dragon Country, and I’m using Dragon Country’s legal currency. Why are you refusing to accept it? Refusing Dragon currency is illegal; I can sue you!” the woman roared.

Then she shouted to the customers passing by, “Hey! Everyone, come and see! Luckin Coffee doesn’t accept cash. I’m using Dragon Country’s legal currency, and they’re refusing to accept it! Is there any justice? Is Luckin Coffee more powerful than the law?”

The customers in line next to her couldn’t stand it anymore and started mocking her.

“They told you that you need to verify the coupon in the app to get the 19 yuan price. If you pay in cash, you can’t use the coupon, so it’s 38 yuan. They explained it so clearly, why are you still arguing?”

“Exactly! Are you a spy sent by another brand to deliberately cause trouble? Focus on making your own products and stop with these underhanded tactics.”

“Apple phones often have signal problems. That’s your own issue; why are you getting angry at the cashier? Besides, they offered you the store’s Wi-Fi, but you refused. Now you’re falsely accusing them of not accepting cash. Did you even give enough cash? It’s 38 yuan, but you only gave 19 yuan. Why should they accept it?”

…

The woman didn’t think she was wrong and retorted, “I’m using legal currency; why shouldn’t you accept it? If you don’t have the guts to resist what’s unreasonable, don’t assume everyone else is as cowardly as you.”

The store manager quickly explained, “Miss, whether it’s cash or online payment, you must verify the coupon first to get the 19 yuan price. If the coupon can’t be verified, we have to charge you 38 yuan. Is that clear enough now?”

The woman: “So, according to you, people whose phones have no signal, or old phones that can’t connect to the internet, or people who didn’t bring their phones, deserve to pay double the price for your coffee?”

The store manager: “If you insist on putting it that way, then yes, that’s right. Without verifying the coupon, we definitely can’t charge you the 19 yuan price; otherwise, the POS system will have errors, and we’ll have to pay out of our own pockets.”

The woman forcefully pushed over the three cups of coffee on the counter, spilling them all over the counter and flooding the keyboard.

Then, the woman swaggered away.

Yang Chen was furious and immediately pointed at the store manager, saying, “Stop her, call the mall security!”

The store manager: “Forget it. Sigh…”

Yang Chen: “What do you mean, forget it? I spent a fortune acquiring Luckin Coffee; I can’t stand by and watch my employees get bullied by idiots! Go stop her, call the mall security! Today, I’m going to see if the man she sleeps with is more powerful, or the man who sleeps with her mom is more powerful, that allows her to be so arrogant outside!”

The store manager: “Ah? You… you acquired… you’re President Yang?”

Yang Chen: “I’m Yang Chen.”

The store manager: “Hello, President Yang. Quick, stop her, call the mall security!”

The surrounding customers were stunned, looking at Yang Chen in shock.

“Boss Yang?”

“He said he’s Boss Yang.”

“No way? Is Boss Yang so young?”

…

While everyone was discussing, they took out their phones to take pictures.

When they tried to send Yang Chen’s photos to friends or online, they found that the system kept reminding them that the photos violated regulations. Then they believed that this young and handsome man was the legendary Boss Yang of the Starlight Group, who was only known by name.

“Wow, I can’t send it out; he really is Boss Yang.”

“Mom, I saw Boss Yang in person!”

“Boss Yang, you’re so young and handsome.”

“Boss Yang, how did you come up with the idea of pairing Moutai with coffee? It’s so creative.”

…

Yang Chen gestured for everyone to be quiet, saying, “Everyone, please don’t shout, or it will disrupt the order of the mall.”

Everyone nodded, just silently taking pictures of Yang Chen with their phones.

At this moment, shouts came from not far away.

“Help! Ah! Luckin people are going to hit me! Help!”

That’s right, it was the shrew from earlier screaming.

Because she was shouting so loudly, the store manager and others didn’t dare to approach her.

The store manager ran back and said, “President Yang, she’s not willing to come back, and she’s shouting so loudly. We’re afraid it will have a bad impact. We don’t dare to approach her, lest someone with ulterior motives take a video and post it online to mislead netizens and cause cyberbullying against us.”

Yang Chen: “Okay, you’re right to consider that. It’s okay, just watch her and don’t let her leave. I’m not interested in her; I’m interested in the people behind her. I want to know if the man she sleeps with is more powerful, or the man who sleeps with her mom is more powerful, that allows her to be so arrogant. Today, I’ll stand up for you. She’s not leaving until she apologizes, no matter who comes!”

The store manager: “Thank you, President Yang. Actually, we’re fine. It’s normal to be wronged in the service industry. You don’t need to worry about us; just worry about the brand.”

Yang Chen: “Worrying about you is worrying about the brand, because you represent the brand. If you perform well, customers will praise Luckin. If you don’t perform well, customers will scold Luckin. In theory, the brand is the brand, and the employees are the employees. But in practice, consumers equate employees with the brand. Therefore, we should also consider the problem from the consumer’s perspective.”

The store manager: “Thank you, President Yang. You’re really different from other bosses. I’ve been in this industry for more than ten years and have had several bosses, but you’re the first boss to treat us as equal to the brand.”

At this moment, a group of people walked over.

The Yida Plaza management manager received the report and came with his people.

Along with them was someone who could cause a stir, Wang Nianming, who hadn’t been seen for a long time.

Wang Nianming also specially brought his new girlfriend to try the Moutai Latte. It was just too coincidental.

“Oh? Brother Chen, you’re here too! Are you here to try your masterpiece?” Wang Nianming said with a smile, shaking off his girlfriend and running forward to hug Yang Chen.

Yang Chen: “Haha… I have to try it; otherwise, how would I know what it tastes like?”

Wang Nianming: “What’s going on here?”

Yang Chen: “That woman was deliberately causing trouble and knocked over three cups of coffee. She bullied my employees in front of me; how could I let that happen?”

Wang Nianming: “Haha… So that’s what happened. Manager Chen, go get her over here. If she doesn’t cooperate, call the police, and we’ll go to the police station. She has to explain herself for causing trouble here.”

The mall manager nodded and quickly took his people to find the shrewish woman.

Yang Chen told the staff to make Moutai Lattes for Wang Nianming and the others.

After Wang Nianming drank it, he said with a smile, “This taste is too weird. I wouldn’t say it’s delicious, but it’s very special, like it has an endless aftertaste.”

Yang Chen: “This wasn’t made for you; you’re not the target customer.”

Wang Nianming: “Haha… But I’m still willing to try it. After all, the gimmick of Moutai with coffee is too tempting; everyone wants to try it.”

As he spoke, Manager Chen and the others brought the shrewish woman over.

Woman: “Wang Nianming, why are you here? Come, take a picture.”

Wang Nianming: “What picture? I’m asking you, why are you causing trouble here?”

Woman: “Who’s causing trouble? Don’t talk nonsense! Their service attitude is bad; aren’t customers allowed to have a little temper?”

Wang Nianming: “Allowed to have a little temper? Your little temper is knocking over coffee and leaving? What do you think this place is, where you can act so wildly!”

Woman: “I’m just like this; what are you going to do about it?”

Wang Nianming: “Of course, you have to apologize for doing something wrong; what do you think we should do?”

Woman: “Apologize? What a joke, apologize to them? Are they worthy of it?”

Wang Nianming: “Oh, damn! Who do you think you are? Why aren’t they worthy?”

Woman: “I don’t want to tell you; they’re just not worthy of my apology.”

Yang Chen: “Call your backer over; otherwise, you’re not leaving today. I mean it!”

The woman looked Yang Chen up and down and said, “Who are you? What are you pretending to be? If I really want to leave, try and stop me!”

Wang Nianming: “This is Boss Yang Chen of the Starlight Group, Brother Chen. If he says you can’t leave, you can’t leave. In Haicheng City, it doesn’t matter who you call.”

When the woman heard it was Yang Chen, she panicked.

“You… you’re Boss Yang?” the woman asked, a little scared.

Yang Chen nodded.

The woman quickly took out her phone and made a call.

Soon, the call connected.

“Hello, Daddy, I’m at Yida Plaza; I’m being stopped by Yang Chen and Wang Nianming; they won’t let me leave, and they brought a lot of people to surround me; I’m so scared. Wuwu…”

“Oh, okay, I’m at the Luckin Coffee here at Yida Plaza; hurry up and come. I’m really scared. Wuwu…”

Hanging up the phone, the woman immediately became smug again.

She was completely crying to her dad on purpose; it was obvious that she thought her dad could handle Yang Chen and Wang Nianming; otherwise, she wouldn’t have immediately changed her expression and become smug.

Wang Nianming said with a smile, “Looking at the change in your expression, you’re very confident in your dad’s status!”

Woman: “Of course. You guys wait; he’s nearby discussing something; he’ll be here soon.”

Wang Nianming: “Okay, I want to see who your dad is.”

The onlookers started discussing.

“Who do you think her dad is? It seems like she’s not afraid of Boss Yang at all; is her dad more powerful than Boss Yang?”

“I don’t believe it; there are people who are more powerful than Boss Yang, but their children wouldn’t come out so easily and be so arrogant.”

“That’s true. But, looking at how smug she is, she must be very confident in her dad. I really want to know who her dad is; it looks like there’s a good show to watch.”

…

More than ten minutes later, a group of people walked over in a mighty manner.

The woman immediately cried out in grievance again and ran towards the group of people.

“Daddy! Wuwu… You’re finally here; so many of them are bullying me; you have to stand up for me. Wuwu…” the woman cried, throwing herself into the arms of a man wearing glasses.

Yang Chen thought he looked a little familiar, but he couldn’t remember who he was.

Wang Nianming recognized him at a glance, and he quickly said to Yang Chen, “Brother Chen, I know him; he’s Lu Haoming, the president of Apple in Dragon Country. This woman’s backer is Apple. Hehe…”

Yang Chen: “Oh! Now that you mention it, I remember, when Cook [CEO of Apple] came to me to buy chips before, this guy was following behind Cook. I was wondering why he looked a little familiar, but I couldn’t remember who he was.”

Lu Haoming comforted his daughter, then walked over with her in his arms.

Although Lu Haoming believed that his daughter had been bullied, he was now facing Yang Chen and Wang Nianming, so he naturally couldn’t start by questioning them; he still had to talk nicely.

“Boss Yang, Young Master Wang, what a pleasure to see you here today, bringing so many people to drink coffee!” Lu Haoming said with a smile.

Wang Nianming wasn’t afraid of anyone anyway; he dared to scold anyone who wasn’t particularly powerful.

“President Lu is also in a good mood, bringing so many people to the mall. Then I must thank President Lu on behalf of Yida Group for your support,” Wang Nianming said with a chuckle.

Lu Haoming: “Haha… Young Master Wang is so humorous. Boss Yang, long time no see. Let me introduce you, this is my daughter, Lu Xiaoyue.”

Lu Haoming extended his hand, and Yang Chen shook it politely.

Lu Haoming continued, “Boss Yang must be very busy recently; how do you have the time to play with my daughter?”

Yang Chen: “I’m never busy; I have plenty of time to play every day. Your daughter is amazing; store manager, tell President Lu what happened; let him know what Miss Lu did.”

The Luckin store manager nodded and quickly explained the whole story in detail.

Lu Xiaoyue immediately argued, “It’s just a coupon; you can just redeem another one; I’m in a hurry; why do I have to redeem it myself? Coupons aren’t registered; who redeems it is the same, right? When I go to buy other things, the salespeople will do everything possible to make it convenient for me; they often redeem coupons themselves, and I just pay according to the discounted price. Is Luckin more amazing than them, unable to provide customers with more comprehensive service?”

The store manager: “If we operate like that, we’ll be fired if we’re discovered, because it involves cashing out and defrauding subsidies; the consequences are very serious. I don’t deny the situation Miss Lu said, but we absolutely don’t allow that here.”

Lu Xiaoyue: “You don’t allow it because it’s unreasonable, a hegemonic clause; the service is not good; what’s wrong with me as a consumer?”

The store manager wanted to argue with Lu Xiaoyue, but Yang Chen immediately interrupted, “Okay, no need to talk nonsense with her. President Lu, I won’t make things difficult for you. She apologizes to these employees, and this matter is over. Otherwise, you won’t be able to bear the consequences.”

Lu Haoming: “Boss Yang, why do you have to scare us like this? You’re not going to use chips as a threat again, are you? We’ve already signed a chip supply agreement with Loongson International [a Chinese semiconductor company], and our new phones are already using the latest quantum chips. This agreement is backed by the credibility of two countries; it may not be realistic for you to change anything personally. Boss Yang, the tables have turned. We are now in an offensive position, no longer the time when you can threaten us at will.”

Interactions between countries are actually exchanges of interests.

Therefore, even two hostile countries will often have trade relations, and even some transactions that the people cannot understand.

Countries have their own considerations, and many issues cannot be understood by the people.

Yang Chen could understand Loongson International signing a chip supply agreement with Apple; Dragon Country must have obtained equal benefits in other aspects.

Besides, Yang Chen didn’t want to use chips to control Apple; Lu Haoming was just being narrow-minded by bringing up chips.

Yang Chen: “I don’t want to talk nonsense with you; just give me a straight answer in front of so many people, is your daughter apologizing or not?”

Lu Haoming: “My daughter didn’t do anything wrong; she doesn’t need to apologize!”

Lu Xiaoyue: “That’s right, I didn’t do anything wrong; I’m not apologizing. What are they? Are they worthy of my apology? Be careful they’ll lose years off their lives, and get into a car accident and be killed on the way out.”

No sooner said than done.

Yang Chen slapped Lu Xiaoyue with lightning speed, scolding, “What the hell do you think you are, cursing my employees in front of me. Do you think your dad being the president of Apple in Dragon Country means you can do whatever you want? Do you think that just because Apple solved the chip problem, I can’t deal with it?”

Yang Chen’s slap was particularly hard, and Lu Xiaoyue’s mouth immediately bled, and her face swelled up.

“Dad, he hit me, he hit me. Wuwu… You have to avenge me, hit him, hit him quickly!” Lu Xiaoyue said, crying.

Lu Haoming gritted his teeth in hatred.

But hit Yang Chen?

Hehe…

Even if he had a hundred and twenty times the courage, he wouldn’t dare to raise a hand.

Lu Haoming: “Boss Yang, you’re going too far!”

Yang Chen: “I’m just going too far; what can you do to me?”

Lu Haoming: “I…”

The onlookers cheered.

“Good hit! Her mouth is so foul; she deserves to be hit!”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen a woman with such a foul mouth.”

“Too arrogant, just because her dad is the president of Apple in Dragon Country, she doesn’t treat people like people. If her dad is promoted to the president of Asia, will she kill a few people every day for fun?”

…

Yang Chen: “You dirtied my hand! Lu Haoming, go back and tell Cook, Starlight Investment is going to short Apple; tell him to be prepared! Lu Xiaoyue, listen to me, you must apologize to them; no one can change my will. When Cook comes to negotiate with me, I hope you father and daughter can still be as tough as you are now!”