Guide To Lying Flat And Getting Rich As A Kept Alpha - Chapter 14
14
Li Baitian’s shop was already in a prime location, situated right beside a bustling main road. The newly renovated storefront was surrounded by glass, with bright lighting inside. The entrance was wide open, and right at the forefront was a display of the latest hit albums by the most popular singers, alongside Li Baitian’s favorite movie section. Inside the store, two TVs were playing—one showing a famous foreign action movie, the other looping a music video compilation of a trending young idol.
The shelves were lined up neatly, stocked with beautifully packaged discs arranged in perfect order, creating a dazzling and vibrant display.
VCDs hadn’t hit the market yet, but the shop selling discs had already opened. People had never seen anything like this before, and with the store looking so appealing, Li Baitian welcomed customers to come in and browse freely. Those who wanted to buy could do so, and if they were worried about not being able to play the discs, they could wait until they purchased a VCD player later.
As advertisements for the upcoming VCD players flooded the market, four “Future Appliances” stores opened in Jiang City. During their opening week, they offered a massive discount: all products, including VCD players, were sold at a 2% discount.
In this era, when the average monthly income was less than a thousand yuan, household appliances were exorbitantly priced. A color TV cost 4,000 yuan, a refrigerator was two to three thousand, and the older VCRs were four to five thousand. A 2% discount could save hundreds of yuan, which was a significant deal. Specialty appliance stores were unheard of before, and this promotion drew crowds of curious customers. Some asked if all appliances were discounted, others inquired what “discount” even meant, and some wanted to know the price of VCDs. The store manager at the entrance patiently answered all their questions, warmly inviting everyone to visit on opening day for surprises.
Cheng Youqing visited each of the “Future Appliances” stores and was fairly satisfied.
The Cheng Corporation was plagued by internal strife and mounting losses. Amid countless skeptical gazes, Cheng Youqing had taken the helm and made two bold moves: launching the VCD player and opening specialty appliance stores.
With the company facing both internal and external challenges, rivals hadn’t even started a commercial war before the internal naysayers began predicting failure. Cheng Youqing quietly planned every detail meticulously while maintaining decisive resolve. She hadn’t slept well in days, yet the anticipation of the market’s verdict kept her adrenaline pumping, sustaining her energy. Even when she closed her eyes to rest in the car, she didn’t feel tired.
The gland at the back of her neck was faintly warm, protesting her irregular schedule.
Cheng Youqing ignored it, but as the car stopped at a red light, she casually opened her eyes and spotted “Sunday Audio-Visual.”
The store was large, brightly lit, with promotional posters for movies and popular singers plastered at the entrance. The shelves inside were packed with goods, and a steady stream of customers flowed in and out.
Cheng Youqing blinked, thinking she might be seeing things.
Her business focused solely on VCD players, aiming to dominate the domestic market share for VCD players. Selling discs was beneath her and not part of her plan. She knew that as VCD players gained popularity, stores selling cassette tapes and VCR tapes would naturally pivot to discs, and some forward-thinking ones might even switch early.
But if she wasn’t mistaken, a large banner hung below “Sunday Audio-Visual” with bold text proclaiming: “The Most Comprehensive Collection of VCD Discs Available.”
The most comprehensive?
To capture the market, her exclusive VCD players hadn’t even been released yet. She’d kept the news tightly under wraps, only recently starting to advertise. How could this store claim to have the “most comprehensive” collection of VCD discs?
Had the news leaked early? Otherwise, how could the supplier and this store have had time to produce so many discs? And judging by the store’s appearance, it must have taken at least a month to renovate and stock up.
Cheng Youqing frowned and instructed the driver to stop.
VCD players still weren’t on sale today, but the store was bustling, with many customers already buying discs.
An alpha customer, pulling out cash, asked, “If it doesn’t play, I can return it, right?”
Behind Li Baitian, a whiteboard clearly stated: Discs that cannot be played can be returned or exchanged with a receipt. No returns or exchanges for opened discs that can be played.
“As long as the disc isn’t visibly damaged and you have our receipt, you can return it if it doesn’t play.” Li Baitian explained. “By then, we’ll also have VCD players in stock, and I can play the discs for you on the spot.”
The alpha customer nodded enthusiastically. “Alright, I’ll take these 10!”
Li Baitian collected 150 yuan from him.
The discs in the store were priced between 10 and 25 yuan. Many customers, already planning to buy VCD players, couldn’t resist picking up one or two discs after browsing, figuring they could return them if they didn’t work.
The store’s selection was impressively vast and diverse. Unlike the old, dusty shops selling VCR tapes in plain boxes, this store had rows of neatly arranged discs. Famous movies, nostalgic classics, and even music videos for popular singers were all available. For those with a fondness for certain films, old artists, or just a desire to watch music videos, the familiar, high-quality disc covers were too tempting to pass up.
Cheng Youqing walked into the store and browsed around, growing more convinced with every step that the owner had prepared well in advance. The selection balanced artistic appeal and market demand with infuriating precision.
Without thorough market research and early contact with manufacturers, this level of preparation would have been impossible.
In the short time she spent browsing, Li Baitian sold dozens of discs. Some customers even asked why she didn’t sell VCD players, saying they’d buy them directly from her if she did.
When the crowd thinned out, Cheng Youqing approached the counter and looked at the young woman with medium-length hair, bangs as long as the rest of her hair, and a single earring in one ear, exuding a rebellious vibe.
“Are you the owner?” she asked.
“Yep.” Li Baitian replied, her eyes flashing with admiration. She’d never seen such a stunning Omega.
“VCDs haven’t officially gone on sale yet, but you’ve opened such a big store. You seem to have some very well-informed sources.” Cheng Youqing said.
Li Baitian gave a vague response. “I’ve got a partner. She’s the one with the sharp mind.”
Cheng Youqing let out a long, melodic “Oh,” her tone lingering.
“Would it be possible to meet your partner? I’m looking for some discs that don’t seem to be here. If she’s got connections, maybe she can help me find them. Price is negotiable.”
Li Baitian nodded. “Hold on, I’ll page her.”
Luo Hetu had just finished breakfast outside when her pager started buzzing incessantly. She was near the South City market, so she strolled to a nearby convenience store, tossed two coins on the counter, and called Li Baitian back.
Li Baitian mentioned that a customer wanted to talk to her about sourcing specific items.
Luo Hetu replied, “Just have her leave a list of what she wants.”
“She wants to talk to you in person.”
“What’s there to talk about?”
“She might want to discuss other business,” Li Baitian said quietly. “She’s a really good-looking Omega sister.”
Luo Hetu pondered the phrase “other business” for a moment, then hopped on her bike and rode to Sunday Audio-Visual. To her surprise, she saw Cheng Youqing again.
Cheng Youqing watched as Luo Hetu arrived, wearing a puffy jacket and pedaling a bicycle. Her hair was styled in a flamboyant little braid mixed with loose strands, framing a strikingly clean and radiant face. Cheng Youqing couldn’t help but find it absurd.
Why is it her again?