Who Would Fall in Love After Being Reborn?

Chapter 18: In Times of Trouble, Seek Jiang Qin

In the peak of summer, the weather was unbearably hot.

It felt as if the heavens had enveloped Jizhou City in an invisible steamer, where standing idle was enough to drench one in sweat.

At that time, Jiang Qin, bronzed by the sun, stood outside the traffic police station with his newly acquired drivers license, then took a taxi to the bank and withdrew 270,000 in cash.

He had decided on this sum earlier.

His plan was to use this money to explore various industries, to determine the direction of his business ventures, and avoid unnecessary detours.

Honestly, 270,000 could last a long time if merely spent, but it was hardly sufficient for business investments.

So, Jiang Qin was not after profit; his involvement was more of an experiment, to gain insider knowledge and maintain his entrepreneurial enthusiasm.

On July 21st, Jiang Qin contacted Huang Yings mother, a classmate of his, and arranged a consignment of slimming injections and hyaluronic acid from abroad.

He bought them for 150 per injection and resold them to beauty salons for 899 each.

Although the beauty industry wasnt booming in 2008, its future prosperity in medical aesthetics was clear. As long as women sought beauty, this industry would thrive.

On July 22nd, browsing financial news, he noticed that Nongfu Spring was seeking a new slogan, offering a reward of 300,000. Jiang Qin emailed them, We dont produce water; were just natures couriers, and left his phone number.

The next day, he received a call from an unknown number.

The caller claimed to be the manager of Nongfu Springs PR department, expressing gratitude and asking for his bank details.

When the money hit his account, Jiang Qin felt as if he had found easy money, reveling in the joys of rebirth.

On July 24th, Jiang Qin invested in his classmate Yang Shuans mutton soup shop, acquiring a 30% stake.

Based on his memory, Yang Shuans fathers culinary skills were unrivaled in Jizhou, and within five years, they had expanded to neighboring cities, making it a surefire profitable venture.

Jiang Qin wasnt overly interested in investing in stores, but he was curious about the secret recipe. Eventually, he discovered a packet of Three-Flower Condensed Milk in a cupboard. (Im confused too)

On July 29th, his driving instructor mentioned a pharmaceutical product he was representing, promising a tenfold profit. Hearing of Jiang Qins wealth, he invited him to join.

Intrigued yet cautious of such an easy opportunity, Jiang Qin did some digging and found out the instructors wife was involved in a pyramid scheme. He promptly reported it.

On August 6th, with the Olympics about to start, Jiang Qin hired ten people from the labor market to sell national flags and Fuwa mascots on the streets.

He ended up paying all his earnings in wages and even incurred a loss of 1,500, but seeing the streets adorned in red, he felt a sense of joy.

In a blink, half a month had passed.

Jiang Qin felt he had gained much insight.

The medical beauty industry was indeed lucrative but required substantial upfront investment and high costs. The catering industry was stable and profitable, but often at the cost of ethics.

Moreover, labor costs were a crucial consideration.

From the start, one must figure out how to pass these costs onto the customers, rather than bearing the risk oneself.

For example, selling national flags, bought for 0.5 yuan and sold for 3 yuan, yet still incurring a loss in wages.

Most importantly, one must never trust opportunities that come too easily, lest they get entangled in unforeseen troubles.

Jiang Qin realized he truly enjoyed doing business, finding it intriguing even at a loss.

Why didnt I think of starting a business in my last life? he mused.

Meanwhile, in the senior class of Grade 12, Class 2, the recent graduates, having received their university admission notices, were restless.

Their restlessness differed from Jiang Qins business-driven excitement; theirs stemmed from sheer boredom.

Guys, the admission notices are out. Shall we go out and have some fun? they suggested in their class group chat.

I think thats a great idea, someone chimed in. The summer vacation is so long, and its boring staying at home. Ive been wanting to hang out with friends.

Are there any fun places we can go? Lets plan a group outing!

I heard theres a bar across from the fire station. We could gather there, watch the Olympics, and have some drinks. How about we give it a try?

As the chat continued, more and more classmates joined in on the conversation.

Truth be told, with a three-month long post-exam holiday, staying at home could get tedious. Many harbored a desire to go out and have fun.

Previously constrained by their studies and the pressure of exams, they now felt free to indulge in youthful revelries.

Chu Siqi typed, Im feeling a bit restless too. Count me in if were going out.

Qin Ziang replied, Siqis going? Then Im in too.

Yu Shasha added, Count me in! Ive never been to a bar. When are we going?

Lets not kid ourselves. We tried going a few days ago but couldnt get in. Its always packed, and you need to book in advance.

Yeah, that bar is really popular now. I heard even with money, you cant get a seat. How can we, a bunch of poor students, compete with adults for seats?

Guo Zihang chimed in, Are you guys talking about Neon Bar?

Qin Ziang asked, Oh, you know about it?

Guo Zihang revealed, Actually, you could ask Jiang Qin to book seats for us.

There was a pause in the chat, followed by a flurry of question marks.

Guo Zihangs sudden comment left everyone baffled.

What did he mean by asking Jiang Qin to book seats? Everyone else failed to get a reservation, so how could Jiang Qin manage it? Did he have a special connection?

Qin Ziang scoffed, Jiang Qin? What, has he stopped selling lunchboxes to work as a bartender?

Yu Shasha wondered, Has he gone crazy for money? How poor is his family that hes doing everything?

Guo Zihang clarified, Hes not a bartender. He actually rented half the bar and initiated the collective viewing of the Olympics. But it got so popular that the bar owner handed over the entire operation to him.

Chu Siqi asked, How much does it cost to rent half a bar?

Guo Zihang answered, For the space and drinks, its about 300,000.

Yu Shasha exclaimed, Are you kidding me? How could he possibly have 300,000? I know youre close friends, but theres a limit to bragging.

Guo Zihang insisted, Im not boasting. I was there at Neon Bar for the opening ceremony yesterday, and it didnt cost me a thing.

Huang Ying revealed, Guo Zihang isnt bluffing. A few days ago, Jiang Qin partnered with my mom to import a batch of beauty injections worth 500,000, and he contributed 100,000.

Yang Shuan added, My familys mutton soup restaurant is opening a branch. If you cant make it to the bar, youre welcome to come to our place for soup!

Chu Siqi replied, Were discussing serious matters here. Why are you advertising now?

Yang Shuan explained, Our second branch of the mutton soup restaurant also has an investment from Jiang Qin. I dont know the exact amount, but its definitely over 100,000. I even have to call him uncle now.

Guo Zihang asked, Why do you call him uncle?

Yang Shuan shared, On the day we signed the contract, Jiang Qin and my dad both drank too much. They were so drunk they insisted on becoming sworn brothers, and no one could talk them out of it.

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