Chapter 25: A Dual-Pronged Marketing Approach

The brothers Jiang Yuan brought along today were especially hardworking; Chen Sheng raised his glass and toasted each of them in turn, his cheeks flushed with the warmth of alcohol. Standing tall, a hint of intoxication coloring his face, Chen Sheng spoke.

“Tonight, what I want to say is thank you. Thank you, Xiaotong; thank you, Jiang Yuan; thank you, Jiang Dashuang. Honestly, without them, this restaurant would have closed its doors for good.”

“It was that day I happened to meet them, especially Xiaotong. It was his cleverness that brought this place back from the brink, and now we’ve even opened another restaurant.”

Jiang Butong smiled at Chen Sheng. In truth, their relationship was a partnership; without Chen Sheng, Jiang Butong’s own start would have been slow. With Chen Sheng’s existing resources, much was saved.

“Come, Xiaotong, share a drink with me!” Chen Sheng lifted his glass toward Jiang Butong.

“One is not nearly enough—you’ll need at least three!” Jiang Yuan teased, clearly satisfied: he had a group of brothers under him, a share in the private kitchen, and business in the parking lot.

“Three drinks… three drinks…” Jiang Yuan’s brothers, seeing their leader take the lead, chimed in enthusiastically.

Jiang Butong had no choice; he stood and drank three glasses in succession with Chen Sheng.

After that, the atmosphere rose to a fever pitch. Bottles of beer were emptied, smoke filled the air, and drinking games began.

Jiang Butong noticed Chen Pan’er starting to yawn, prompting him to take his leave.

Chen Sheng, knowing Pan’er had helped a great deal that day, went outside with Jiang Yuan and Jiang Dashuang to see her off.

“Xiaotong, take Pan’er home and remember to come back later,” Jiang Yuan called out.

“Got it,” Jiang Butong replied, waving his hand.

Pan’er hadn’t drunk alcohol—just soda. She glanced sideways and noticed a rosy flush on Jiang Butong’s face.

“Are you heading back over there later?” she asked.

“No, not tonight. I’m a bit tired; let’s go home early and rest,” Jiang Butong said, taking Pan’er’s hand.

She nodded, letting him lead her back to their place.

Early the next morning, Chen Sheng reminded them that he needed Pan’er to help out at his restaurant for a few days, since he hadn’t found a cashier yet.

Jiang Butong didn’t go to the private kitchen. He had arranged to meet Wang Yun that day about the tapes and the tape recorder.

Around noon, Jiang Butong arrived at the wholesale market.

Wang Yun had been waiting eagerly. She wore a black long dress, revealing a stretch of pale skin at her neckline, her smooth legs exuding charm, and her impressive figure drawing the attention of everyone nearby.

As Jiang Butong approached, he too was captivated by her striking figure.

Wang Yun noticed and tilted her lips upward, intentionally glancing at Jiang Butong, as if afraid he wouldn’t get his fill.

Little temptress, thought Jiang Butong with a slight smile. He averted his gaze; he’d seen plenty of women in his time.

“Sister Wang, have the tapes arrived?” Jiang Butong got straight to the point.

Wang Yun was puzzled. Why did this young man look away so quickly—was he not interested?

“Sister Wang?” Jiang Butong waved his hand in front of her.

She snapped back, a bit embarrassed. “What did you just say?”

“The tapes. You didn’t forget after our meal last time, did you?” Jiang Butong doubted she was that type.

“The tapes are in. According to your instructions last time, I ordered a thousand yuan’s worth,” Wang Yun replied.

Last time, the two