Chapter 62: Let’s Become Friends

Due to Yao Bingkun’s timely handling of the Order Locking issue and his sincere apology statement, the calls to boycott Kunyu Electric gradually subsided.

Many people who had been swayed by online opinion and called to return their purchases from Kunyu Electric were now calling back to say they no longer wished to return their items.

Although dealing with these customers was somewhat exasperating, Yao Jia patiently managed the situation. After all, the return of customers was a positive development.

That morning, an article was published on a public account, quickly amassing over a hundred thousand shares.

The article was sharp and incisive, critically analyzing the role Mou Feng Electric played in the Kunyu Electric crisis.

It summarized the situation with twelve words in a parallel structure: “taking advantage of the situation, kicking others while they’re down, and profiting from others’ misfortune.”

The article included several photos of people causing a scene in front of the Kunyu Building, claiming to be victims of the Order Locking issue. Among them was a leader who appeared particularly righteous and indignant. Besides them, there was a journalist capturing the scene.

Below these photos were two more, featuring the same leader who claimed to be a victim. One showed him causing trouble in a hospital, and the other in a hotel with a similar group of people.

The caption suggested that this was a professional troublemaker, willing to cause a scene for money.

The article posed a question: who had sent these people to the Kunyu Building? And who stood to gain the most from tarnishing Kunyu’s reputation?

The question left readers with an obvious answer.

Because of this article, many netizens who had joined the bandwagon against Kunyu Electric realized they might have been manipulated by marketing accounts paid off by Jiangfeng Electric.

Understanding they had been used as pawns, they turned their anger towards Jiangfeng Electric, questioning and condemning them.

Jiangfeng Electric’s reputation suffered a backlash, while Kunyu Electric’s reputation began to recover.

Yao Jia mused about this world dominated by the internet, where “righteous” denunciations were never in short supply, and reversals occurred frequently.

During her break, Yao Jia looked at the public account article that continued to be shared and the photos of the troublemakers at Kunyu Building.

She wondered aloud, “Who took these photos? And who sent them to the author? By the way, who is the author?”

She flipped to the beginning of the article and saw the author’s name was Tang Xindan.

A quick search revealed that Tang Xindan was actually the pen name of Tang Xin, a popular TV host.

Yao Jia quickly pieced things together and turned to Meng Xingzhe, asking, “Do you think my analysis is correct? You took those photos that morning, you and Tang Xin went on a blind date, so you must have her contact information. You sent the photos to Tang Xin, and she wrote the article for you!”

She clapped her hands in amazement, exclaiming, “Wow! I think Tang Xin might be interested in you. Otherwise, why would she help you like this? You’re just a small employee at Kunyu Electric!”

“…” Meng Xingzhe felt like he was about to cough up blood.

He wanted to blurt out the truth: Fool, Tang Xin likes your boyfriend.

He had gone to Tang Xin because of Yao Jia’s comment, “If only there were a fair media outlet to report this objectively,” and the loneliness in her voice when she said it. He knew Tang Xin had a large public account.

As for why Tang Xin agreed to write the article, he wasn’t entirely sure.

Tang Xin did ask him, “The girl both you and Yue Xuran like, she works at Kunyu, right?”

He replied yes and told Tang Xin that the girl was very passionate about Kunyu.

After that, Tang Xin agreed to write either a report or a public account article.

He couldn’t quite understand the thought processes of women. He thought maybe Tang Xin wanted to show her magnanimity to Yue Xuran, to say, “Look, I can even love what you love.”

But what he did understand was that Yao Jia definitely had no romantic feelings for him. If a girl had even a little interest in a man, she wouldn’t be so eager to pair him with another woman without a hint of jealousy—Yao Jia was even excited, as if saying, “Look, I guessed right, praise me for being smart.”

This left him feeling a bit stifled.

During his break, Meng Xingzhe decided to step outside for some fresh air.

He took the elevator down, walked outside the building, and bought a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from a kiosk near the flowerbed.

As he unwrapped the cigarettes and walked behind an ancient tree, intending to smoke and calm his emotions, he encountered someone—the Chairman’s assistant.

Meng Xingzhe thought, what a coincidence, the Chairman is contemplating behind the ancient tree.

He introduced himself to the assistant as a smoking friend of the Chairman. To his surprise, the assistant smiled and let him pass.

He went behind the ancient tree, greeted his dignified smoking friend, offered him a cigarette, and lit it for him.

Just like last time, they both held the cigarettes between their fingers, not smoking, just inhaling the scent.

From Yao Bingkun’s stern and authoritative face, Meng Xingzhe saw not only solemnity and dignity but also some weariness.

The recent events must have exhausted him, as he had to withstand considerable pressure to resolve the issues.

But regardless, after many twists and turns, the situation had finally reached a new calm.

Before Meng Xingzhe could express concern with a “Chairman, you’ve worked hard,” Yao Bingkun asked him first, “Has the Customer Service Department been overwhelmed because of the coupon incident? How have you been holding up these past few days?”

Meng Xingzhe inhaled the cigarette scent and smiled, “A bit tired.”

It felt like he had used up a lifetime’s worth of phone calls in just a few days. His precious voice had never been used so frequently, as if it were free.

He thought for a moment and asked, “President Yao, may I ask you a question?”

Yao Bingkun slightly raised his hand holding the cigarette, signaling him to go ahead.

Meng Xingzhe: “Why did you decide to bear this loss? This will surely impact the company’s profits this year.”

Yao Bingkun turned to look at him, his gaze sharp and authoritative, “Then let me ask you a question. What do you think is the fundamental purpose of running a business?”

“Profit,” Meng Xingzhe replied, “It has to be profit. Without it, everything else is just empty talk.”

Yao Bingkun looked at him, and after a moment, a distant smile appeared on his face, as if recalling something.

“When I was young, I shared the same view as you. But later, I realized that this perspective isn’t entirely correct.”

“Now I believe that the fundamental purpose of running a business isn’t just to chase profit, but to take on the social responsibility a business should bear. For us in the home appliance industry, that responsibility is to drive technological progress. The core of our business is to allow people to enjoy a more convenient, safe, and enhanced sense of happiness brought by Kunyu Electric.”

Meng Xingzhe looked at Yao Bingkun.

His expression remained unchanged, but internally, he was shaken.

He hadn’t expected Yao Bingkun to be such a visionary entrepreneur. Compared to him, Meng Xingzhe felt he was merely a businessman.

“Are you telling me,” Meng Xingzhe asked, looking at Yao Bingkun, “that the starting point for running a successful business isn’t prioritizing profit, but prioritizing the needs of the people?”

A clear smile appeared on Yao Bingkun’s face.

“Young man, I think you have great potential. You’ll surely achieve great things in the future. I feel it’s a waste for you to stay in the Customer Service Department. Would you like to move out of it?”

Meng Xingzhe immediately shook his head. He thought of a face that smiled with curved eyes and even adorable teeth. For the remaining month, he only wanted to sit next to her at work.

“Thank you, Chairman, but I feel I still need more experience in the Customer Service Department.”

He offered a seemingly legitimate reason.

Yao Bingkun nodded at him. “Young man, having patience and not rushing things is a good quality.”

After a pause, he suddenly said, “Young fellow, I feel a connection with you. I have a daughter about your age. Would you consider it?”

Meng Xingzhe almost burned himself with the cigarette in his hand. He carefully observed Yao Bingkun’s expression, trying to see if he was joking.

The elder’s face was solemn, and he seemed quite serious.

Meng Xingzhe almost wanted to say, “But isn’t your daughter interested in Fang Jin?”

“I’m just a small customer service rep, and your daughter is a lady of high status. Would you really be willing?” he deflected.

“Why not? I see you have a good character and high potential. I have high hopes for you.” Yao Bingkun’s authoritative presence gave his words a weight that felt indisputable.

Meng Xingzhe felt a bit intimidated and refrained from making jokes.

He earnestly said to Yao Bingkun, “Thank you for your kindness, President Yao, but actually,” he paused, then said seriously, “I already have someone I like.”

As he said this, a faint melancholy inadvertently surfaced in his expression.

The experienced and astute Yao Bingkun didn’t miss this unusual emotion.

“But she doesn’t like you?”

Meng Xingzhe smiled.

“To be honest, she doesn’t match any of my criteria for a partner, but I just can’t help liking her. Unfortunately—” Meng Xingzhe found it remarkable that he felt compelled to share his secret with the imposing Chairman of Kunyu. This powerful elder somehow had the ability to lower others’ defenses.

“—she already has a boyfriend.”

He looked at Yao Bingkun and smiled. In this situation, he really wanted to take a drag from his cigarette. But as he brought it to his lips, he remembered Yao Jia had said she disliked men who smoked. So he just held it to his nose and took a sniff.

“Then you should fight for her.”

???

Meng Xingzhe almost burned his nose. He thought he must have misheard.

“What did you just say?” he turned to ask Yao Bingkun.

Yao Bingkun, with a serious and authoritative expression, replied, “If you like her that much, why not fight for her?”

Meng Xingzhe started coughing.

He hadn’t misheard.

“Wouldn’t that make me a homewrecker?”

A faint smile appeared on Yao Bingkun’s face.

“I was right about you. You’re a good kid. Even when you like someone, you have your boundaries.”

After a pause, he added, “But I won’t consider introducing my daughter to you anymore. As a father, I can’t bear to see my daughter’s boyfriend so fond of another girl.”

Meng Xingzhe raised his cigarette with a smile and offered his blessing, “Then I wish both your daughter and me happiness in our separate paths!”

---

A gentle breeze blew, carrying two thin, white trails of smoke that curled upwards and dispersed.

In the fragrant smoke, Meng Xingzhe pondered something.

He asked Yao Bingkun, “President Yao, may I ask why there was a coupon incident during the promotional event? Such a major incident, why was it not discovered in time?”

Moreover, the incident seemed to occur precisely when Yao Bingkun was out of town.

Yao Bingkun sniffed the smoke, turned to Meng Xingzhe, and his face remained expressionless, a mask of inscrutability.

“What do you think?” Yao Bingkun asked in return.

Meng Xingzhe replied directly, “Me? I tend to think conspiratorially. I believe things might not be that simple, and the whole incident could be man-made.”

Yao Bingkun’s unreadable expression persisted.

“What do you think the full outline of this conspiracy looks like?” Yao Bingkun asked.

Meng Xingzhe said, “Someone bribed the event manager to manipulate things, deliberately causing the coupon incident, aiming either to damage Kunyu’s reputation or its profits.”

“Who, then, is behind this, bribing the event manager? And how can it be proven?” Yao Bingkun continued.

“Whoever benefits from the incident is likely behind it,” Meng Xingzhe answered. “The beneficiaries could be either Kunyu Electric’s rival, Jiangfeng Electric, or Heyi.com, which might be trying to provoke a conflict between Kunyu and Jiangfeng and then reap the benefits. As for evidence,” Meng Xingzhe flicked ash from his cigarette and squinted slightly, “we should keep the event manager under observation. If he suddenly becomes wealthy, buying expensive bags, clothes, or cars, then we have our answer. Whether the money came from Jiangfeng Electric or Heyi.com, we can find out by probing him.”

After saying this, he realized that Yao Bingkun had probably already thought of these things. Since the incident occurred, he hadn’t heard him mention pursuing anyone. He was likely keeping the event manager in place to catch a bigger fish.

He thought, indeed, the older, the wiser. Old Yao had thought of everything.

“I might be showing off in front of an expert,” Meng Xingzhe said with a smile.

Yao Bingkun’s eyes shone, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. “Not bad. You have a broader perspective than most young people.”

After a pause, he added, “But there’s another possibility. The event manager might just be a pawn, with someone higher up pulling the strings.”

Meng Xingzhe felt a slight tremor in his heart. If that were the case, it meant someone higher up was collaborating with outsiders.

He was somewhat surprised to realize that the seemingly calm and harmonious Kunyu Electric was actually fraught with hidden dangers and undercurrents.

But then again, as a company grows, it’s inevitable that complexities arise.

At that moment, Meng Xingzhe realized that the imposing elder’s position was not easy to hold. He wondered if he would ever reach such a high position and whether he would develop the same unshakeable composure.

As the break ended, Meng Xingzhe extinguished his cigarette and prepared to head upstairs.

He bid farewell to Yao Bingkun.

With a half-smoked cigarette in hand, Yao Bingkun called after him, “I don’t think I know your name yet?”

Meng Xingzhe smiled and said, “My name isn’t important. I’m just a low-level customer service rep at the call center. You don’t need to know my name.” He thought since he would be leaving in a month, leaving his name felt like leaving a handle.

However, being so blunt in dismissing the Chairman’s curiosity seemed a bit ungrateful, so Meng Xingzhe added, “If you knew my name, you might give me special attention and treatment, which I don’t want.”

Yao Bingkun nodded. “Indeed, names and money are external things. No matter your name, you are who you are.” He waved the cigarette in his fingers and said, “Thank you for letting me enjoy the smoke. Next time, I’ll prepare a pack and invite you.”

Meng Xingzhe agreed with a smile, though he thought there might not be another chance. He was about to leave Kunyu and return to his comfort zone.

As he took the elevator back to the call center, Meng Xingzhe couldn’t help but think it was strange. When he first came, he was reluctant, but now, as he was about to leave, he felt a bit reluctant to go.

He mused that perhaps staying in a challenging environment for too long makes one accustomed to it, even developing a sort of Stockholm Syndrome.

Although the storm had passed, the aftermath would take some time to settle. So, the workload for the day was still much heavier than usual. After work, back at the dorm, Meng Xingzhe collapsed into the massage chair, weakly video chatting with Bei Luonan.

Bei Luonan teased him, “You’ve been on the front lines, experiencing big storms firsthand. If our Xingbei Technology ever faces a similar situation, you’ll handle it like a pro!”

Meng Xingzhe snapped, “Can you stop cursing our own company? Why are we having such troublesome incidents?”

After a pause, he added, “I now understand why Yao Bingkun has become a titan in the industry. There’s a reason for it.”

He must be the kind of entrepreneur Yao Jia mentioned, one with a sense of responsibility and commitment, valuing more than just the company’s profits.

Bei Luonan commented, “What, did you get enlightened directly by Chairman Kunyu?”

Meng Xingzhe thought for a moment, a slight smile playing on his lips. He looked at his phone screen, but his gaze seemed to pierce through it, focusing on something beyond.

With a distant smile, he said, “My value system has been reshaped.”

Bei Luonan shivered at his words. “So pretentious. You’re always putting on a show.”

Meng Xingzhe refocused his gaze and looked at Bei Luonan in the video. “By the way, Bei Bei, I noticed our company’s online sales are improving. With product upgrades and Fang Jin’s endorsement, sales will continue to rise. I think we should seize this opportunity to establish our own online sales channel.”

Bei Luonan agreed, “I’ve been thinking the same. Right now, we rely heavily on major e-commerce platforms like Heyi.com. To have more control, we need to expand our own online sales channels.”

The two discussed the company’s situation for quite a while, growing more optimistic about its bright future.

As the call ended, Meng Xingzhe suddenly felt that his trip to Kunyu had been worthwhile. Perhaps he should have worked at the Kunyu Customer Service Department before starting his business. It would have helped him avoid many of the arrogant mistakes he made during the company’s founding and cured him of his habit of leaving everything to Bei Luonan.

---

A few days later, on the weekend, Yao Jia received her second month’s salary. It was three hundred yuan more than the previous month. Though not much, it was a testament to her hard work and achievements.

Yet, she felt a slight, inexplicable melancholy.

What once seemed like a long three-month period now felt fleeting, as she’d already received her second paycheck.

This meant that after one more month of work, she’d win the bet with her father.

She thought about how fast time flies.

After work, Tian Huasheng headed straight to the dorm to prepare hot pot.

Yao Jia and Meng Xingzhe went to the market to buy a lot of meat and vegetables.

Meng Xingzhe was reluctant to go, only agreeing after Yao Jia’s persuasion. He was picky, declaring which vegetables were off-limits and threatening to make whoever bought them carry them back.

Yao Jia ignored him and bought everything. In the end, she didn’t carry a single bag; Meng Xingzhe grumblingly took them all.

On their way back, they passed a cotton candy stall surrounded by chattering children. Watching a child stuff a fluffy piece into their mouth, Yao Jia couldn’t help but press her lips together.

She thought of herself as an adult and was too embarrassed to squeeze in with the kids to buy candy.

She turned to walk on, but Meng Xingzhe lagged behind. When she looked back, he was nowhere to be seen.

She slowed her pace, stepping on each tile deliberately. Soon, she heard footsteps behind her. He caught up.

“Here,” he said gruffly.

Yao Jia turned to see Meng Xingzhe, one hand full of bags of vegetables and meat, the other holding a cloud-like cotton candy, offering it to her.

Yao Jia’s eyes curved with a smile as she took the sweet cloud, feeling so happy she could jump.

She took a big bite of the candy, her words muffled with satisfaction, “Thank you, Meng Xingzhe! You look really handsome today!”

Meng Xingzhe’s ears buzzed. A fire ignited, warming his ears and cheeks.

He strode ahead, thinking angrily, why did she have to smile so adorably? It made him almost want to be a homewrecker.

He felt a bit down, realizing he could only enjoy her cuteness for less than a month.

In a month, the three-month period would end. She would continue her customer service job, and he would return to being the Domineering CEO.

It was something he had longed for, once wishing to celebrate his escape from this ordeal. But now, thinking about the end of the three months and their separation, he found it hard to feel happy, even a bit unmotivated.

Back at the dorm, they washed the vegetables and set up the hot pot.

With Tong Yumo away for the weekend, Hao Lidan came over to help Tian Huasheng with preparations.

Soon, Ling Xiaoxin and Bei Luonan arrived, bringing beer and a big piece of news worthy of a celebratory hot pot.

Tian Huasheng’s family property case had a result: he won. The house his uncle had taken over was finally returned to its rightful owner.

Holding a can of beer, Tian Huasheng, eyes red, thanked everyone, “Thank you, Little Lawyer Ling! Thank you, Master Bei! Thank you, brother! Thank you, Jia!!!” He emphasized his thanks to Yao Jia, “Jia, honestly, without you bringing everyone together, I wouldn’t have won this case! You gathered everyone to brainstorm, cheer me on, and help with the lawyer fees. Jia, I really…” Tian Huasheng choked up, tears of joy streaming down, “I’ll thank you forever!”

He wiped his tears and downed his beer.

Ling Xiaoxin, also moved to tears, raised her can, “No, Xiao Tiantian, I should thank you. You gave me the chance to take on this case, making me a true Little Lawyer Ling—now I can officially argue in court! And thank you, Teacher Meng, without your guidance, there wouldn’t be a Little Lawyer Ling! Thank you, Bei, for fixing my computer every day! Thank you, Jia Jia, oh Jia Jia, I love you! I really love you! Without your encouragement, I would never have made it to court!”

She boldly drank half her beer, prompting Bei Luonan to say, “That’s enough, that’s enough!”

Yao Jia looked at Tian Huasheng and Ling Xiaoxin, “Why don’t you thank CCTV too? I almost thought we were at an awards ceremony tonight!”

Everyone laughed. Tian Huasheng joyfully declared, “Now that I’ve got the house back, I’m a man with a house!” He said the latter part while looking at Hao Lidan.

Hao Lidan, teary-eyed with happiness, looked hopeful, “You’ve won your case, so how far can mine be from winning?”

Everyone happily enjoyed the hot pot and beer.

Yao Jia noticed that everyone was excited and talkative, except for Meng Xingzhe.

He remained unusually silent. Previously, he would argue with her no matter what she said, but today, he just listened.

Yao Jia found it unsettling.

Amidst the alcohol-induced thoughts, she could only think of one possibility: “Are you reminded of your own situation by Xiao Tiantian winning his case and getting his house back? You were supposed to get yours back too, but you lost it all in that P2P investment. Are you feeling bad about it?”

Meng Xingzhe turned to her, incredulous, but deliberately said, “Yes, yes! You guessed right.”

Seeing his expression, Yao Jia knew she had guessed wrong.

She had tried to show concern, but he didn’t appreciate it. She glared at him and turned away.

Meng Xingzhe thought, feeling helpless, damn it.

How could even her eye-rolling be so cute? She used to roll her eyes at him all the time, and he just thought she was a brat who needed a lesson.

Tian Huasheng suddenly stood up and said to Yao Jia and Meng Xingzhe, “Hey, you two! I have an idea! With all the management, efficiency, profit, and corporate culture stuff you guys always discuss, I doubt you’ll stay in the Customer Service Department for long. You’re bound for greater things!”

Yao Jia and Meng Xingzhe both felt a jolt in their hearts. Sometimes, the most unassuming people have the sharpest insights.

“Before you both rise to higher positions, I want to preserve the friendship among the three of us! So I have a bold proposal. Why don’t we take advantage of this joyous occasion today and become sworn siblings?”

Yao Jia spat out her drink, and Meng Xingzhe nearly choked on a mouthful of meat. Bei Luonan looked utterly bewildered, thinking he was witnessing some epic love triangle; Ling Xiaoxin was thrilled, banging her bowl in anticipation of the ceremony; Hao Lidan was anxious, worried someone had gotten the wrong idea about the ceremony.

Seeing everyone’s reactions, Tian Huasheng quickly clarified, slapping his large hand, “Hey, I mean we should become sworn siblings of different surnames!” He eagerly looked at Yao Jia and then at Meng Xingzhe, asking expectantly, “What do you think?”

Yao Jia responded with equal excitement, “I think it’s a great idea!” She had never sworn siblinghood before, and this was an entirely new and enticing experience for her. She turned to Meng Xingzhe and asked, “What about you?”

Meng Xingzhe looked down at her.

If he couldn’t be her boyfriend, being her sworn brother wasn’t a bad alternative. At least it would create a bond between them that wouldn’t disappear after three months.

So he nodded and said, “Alright.”

Tian Huasheng immediately went to his room and returned with some incense. He explained, “This is leftover incense from when I went to the temple with my mom last month. I had a feeling it might come in handy, so I brought it back. And look, here we are using it!”

He handed three sticks of incense to Yao Jia and Meng Xingzhe, lit them, and the three stood in a row, facing east with a semblance of solemnity.

Meng Xingzhe grimaced, “Isn’t this a bit over the top? I’m getting goosebumps. Can’t we just agree verbally and call it a day?”

Tian Huasheng replied seriously, “No way! Swearing siblinghood is a serious matter. We need some ceremony!”

Meng Xingzhe endured with a pained expression. Yao Jia couldn’t help but feel amused watching him squirm.

“You guys be our witnesses!” Tian Huasheng said to Bei Luonan, Ling Xiaoxin, and Hao Lidan. “From now on, the three of us are sworn siblings! Brother Meng is the eldest, I’m the second, and Jia is the third… or third sister. Come on, third sister, stand between me and the eldest. Now, let’s bow three times to the east to complete the ceremony!”

Tian Huasheng solemnly called out, “First bow! From now on, we are sworn siblings of different surnames!”

Yao Jia bowed sincerely. Seeing her seriousness, Meng Xingzhe put aside his disdain and followed suit. He thought to himself, this is insane, I must be drunk.

“Second bow! From now on, we will share blessings and face hardships together!”

Yao Jia bowed again. Meng Xingzhe followed, thinking—

—Sharing blessings is fine, but I’ll handle the hardships.

“Third bow! From now on, we are a loving family for life!”

Yao Jia bowed once more.

Meng Xingzhe glanced at her and bowed as well.

He thought to himself—

—From now on, for life, I will be your family.

“Ceremony complete! Eldest brother, third sister, from now on, we are siblings!!!”

Tian Huasheng was very excited. She laughed with joy.

He watched her eyes crinkle with her smile, thinking to himself—

—From now on, I will quietly protect you, ensuring a lifetime of happiness and peace.

— Translator’s Notes —

• sworn siblings: A traditional Chinese custom (known as ‘baijie’ or sworn brotherhood/sisterhood) where unrelated people ritually pledge to treat each other as family, sharing joys and hardships, often inspired by classical literature like ‘Water Margin’ and involving ceremonies with incense and bows to heaven and earth.

• P2P investment: Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending platforms, online services in China that connect borrowers and lenders directly, which boomed in the 2010s but were plagued by scams and regulatory crackdowns, leading to widespread financial losses.