Guide To Lying Flat And Getting Rich As A Kept Alpha - Chapter 65
65
Currently, all of the Cheng Corporation’s funds are tied up in two major projects: one is the commercial street real estate development in the east of the city, and the other is the upcoming DVD player project, set to replace the booming VCD market.
The Cheng Corporation has been preparing for the DVD player project for some time. Although, like VCDs, it doesn’t involve exclusive authorization, Cheng has been working on it for longer. They plan to launch the DVD player two years after VCDs hit the market, capitalizing on the previous product’s value before seamlessly transitioning to the next generation. The DVDs will be cheaper, more compatible, and designed to sustain the VCD’s popularity for another wave of profits.
Of course, Cheng Youqing can’t completely stop other companies from jumping on the bandwagon with similar projects, but since she started early, competitors should at least lag behind her. Still, she was somewhat surprised to learn that Chen Yuanyuan’s father was venturing into DVDs. The Chen family hadn’t been involved in VCD manufacturing before; they started in import-export trade and had been dabbling in all sorts of business opportunities over the years. This time, they set their sights on DVD production.
Cheng Youqing mentioned it casually, and Luo Hetu quietly noted it. Their car headed toward the east of the city, as they were visiting the construction site today.
The East City Development Zone was nearly complete, with various areas gradually being handed over. Every time Cheng Youqing visited the site, Luo Hetu followed closely, wary of any potential dangers at the construction site, especially since her wife was pregnant.
Standing atop a landmark high-rise, Cheng Youqing surveyed the bustling commercial district below, which was already taking shape. She turned to Luo Hetu and asked, “What do you think?”
“My wife is incredibly impressive.” Luo Hetu praised.
Cheng Youqing: “That’s not what I meant. I’m asking about the construction.”
“It’s built very well, but you’re still the most impressive.”
The executives accompanying the chairman to inspect the site: …
Well, as long as Chairman Cheng was in a good mood, that was what mattered.
Cheng Youqing was also there to check on sales. Though the project wasn’t fully complete, sales had started simultaneously with construction—a strategy she had set. The Cheng Corporation had invested heavily, and funds needed to be recouped quickly. She had mentioned this to Luo Hetu before, who had praised her as a natural businesswoman for selling pre-construction properties so early.
The east city was mostly a commercial district with a small residential component. The commercial units were selling decently, but the residential units were moving more slowly. After a thorough inspection, on the way back, Luo Hetu said:
“The real estate market hasn’t heated up yet. Take your time selling, but don’t lower prices. Be ready to raise them at any moment.”
“They’ll definitely go up. I’m not in a rush.” Cheng Youqing replied.
“I even think you’re selling the commercial units too cheaply. In the future, this area will be worth at least a hundred thousand per square meter.”
Cheng Youqing burst out laughing. “Nonsense.”
It wasn’t nonsense, but it would take years. Real estate was poised for a massive surge over the next two decades, though it wouldn’t reach that level soon. With the development rights in Cheng’s hands, it was a long-term investment, and she could control the pace through sales strategies.
The East City Development Zone was already the most expensive area in Jiang City. Cheng Youqing aimed to create a high-end brand, setting commercial units at a starting price of 12,000 yuan per square meter and residential units at 4,000 yuan per square meter—steep prices for a market where commercial spaces averaged 6,000 yuan and residential 2,000 yuan per square meter. Despite the meticulous construction, many buyers were still hesitant.
The good news was that some units had sold, bringing in partial funds. Meanwhile, Cheng Youqing was actively seeking policy support to boost local tourism. That evening, she was hosting a dinner for some key officials.
Leaning back in her seat with her eyes closed, she said, “Tonight, you’re coming with me to dinner. You’ll need to drink a lot.”
“Sure. How much?” Luo Hetu asked.
“Enough to outdrink them all. I’ll handle the rest.”
Cheng Youqing opened her eyes and looked at her. “Scared?”
“Scared of what?” Luo Hetu scoffed.
She had her “Xiao Tong”—a stash of more effective hangover remedies from the modern world—so it shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, it was just a few rounds of drinks. Cheng Youqing herself had endured countless drinking sessions in the past.
You’d never understand unless you were married to a tycoon. People imagine the wealthy lounging by pools or playing golf, but in reality, they’re up early, working late, yelling at meetings, and drinking like minions at dinners with even wealthier elites.
Cheng Youqing reached out and pinched Luo Hetu’s cheek.
Having gained four pounds, Luo Hetu’s face was rounder than before. With her cheeks pinched, she frowned. “I need to lose weight.”
Once Cheng Youqing gave birth, Luo Hetu’s abs would be gone. What then?
Cheng Youqing pinched her again before saying, “Don’t worry. There’ll be a few of Cheng’s presidents drinking with us tonight. Just do your part, but don’t make yourself uncomfortable.”
That evening, at a table of eight, Luo Hetu, armed with enough hangover pills, wielded a liquor dispenser alongside the presidents to tackle the influential guests. She drank boldly, somehow channeling the rough, streetwise vibe from her days at the South City market. She even led the presidents astray, and after a few rounds, hardly anyone on the other side was left standing.
Cheng Youqing played the smooth facilitator, weaving conversation to keep the guests drinking and engaged. By the end, they were full of praise, lauding her business acumen, leadership, and even her family management.
Cheng Youqing smiled faintly.
After the banquet, they ensured everyone was settled. The tipsy presidents had their secretaries handle them, and together they watched Cheng Youqing and Luo Hetu get into their car.
“They agreed, right?” Luo Hetu asked, still buzzing from the drinks.
“They’re old foxes. Promises made over drinks don’t always hold, but their willingness to dine with me already means half the battle is won. I’ll visit their offices one by one tomorrow. By the end of the week, the person in charge will bring the contracts, and it’ll be settled.”
In business, drinking and talking go hand in hand—sometimes together, sometimes separately, but both are essential.
Luo Hetu nodded. “So, I did okay?”
“Not bad.” Cheng Youqing said, pinching her flushed ear. “Just a bit like a thug.”
Luo Hetu, emboldened by the alcohol, pouted. “You’re picking on me.”
“Not at all. I like you.”
She loved the vibrant, relaxed, confident Luo Hetu—someone who could handle any crisis or just lie down and accept fate with ease.
Cheng Youqing wrapped her arms around Luo Hetu’s neck and kissed her lips softly.
Luo Hetu’s heart pounded after who-knows-how-many drinks. She pressed her hand to her chest and said, “Say it again.”
Cheng Youqing leaned close to her ear and whispered, “I like you.”
“More than the hotel server?”
Cheng Youqing’s brain froze for a moment before she understood the reference.
“Of course,” she said, amused. “Back then, it wasn’t even close to liking.”
The next morning, waking up in Cheng Youqing’s big bed, Luo Hetu stared at the ceiling, feeling like something good had happened. But she’d drunk so much the previous night that her memory was a blur, and she couldn’t pinpoint where it cut off.
Still, it had to be something good—she woke up with a grin.
Her head a mess, she sat up and saw Cheng Youqing emerge from the walk-in closet, dressed and made up.
Cheng Youqing walked over and ruffled her disheveled hair. “Headache?”
Luo Hetu shook her head and asked, “Did something good happen yesterday?”
Cheng Youqing looked at her and smiled. “Everything that happened yesterday was good.”
Luo Hetu pouted.
Cheng Youqing was heading to the government building, but since Luo Hetu was hungover, she told her to rest and not come along.
Once Cheng Youqing left, Luo Hetu racked her brain and vaguely recalled an “I like you.” But since Cheng Youqing had liked her first, it didn’t count as big news.
Luo Hetu grumbled, rolled around in the blankets, and buried her face in Cheng Youqing’s pillow.
With her wife pregnant, Luo Hetu could only survive on sniffing her pheromones. Every night, she clung to Cheng Youqing, inhaling deeply. Thankfully, Cheng Youqing didn’t mind—she needed Luo Hetu’s pheromones for comfort too. They were like two addicts, treating each other as oxygen tanks every night.
A week later, good news came. After completing the formalities, the contracts were signed, and the East City Development Zone officially became a government-supported project, securing partial funding for further expansion.
Luo Hetu was thrilled and insisted on going out to celebrate with Cheng Youqing.
“Let’s eat at home. Why go out?” Cheng Youqing asked.
“Come on, we need some ceremony! Achievements deserve celebration, or life’s no fun.” Luo Hetu said with a grin. “You can invite your friends too—Dr. Zhou, or others I don’t know, people you get along with. Let’s all hang out.”
Cheng Youqing had never casually invited friends over for no reason. The idea felt novel, as if she’d just realized she could call up friends for tea or a chat.
Two hours later, Zhou Chenghuan called Chen Lie: “Did Cheng Youqing call you?”
“Yeah, she invited me to dinner tomorrow night.”
“She’s acting so weird.”
“She’s bringing her partner. To avoid her obliviously flaunting her relationship, I’m bringing mine too.”
Zhou Chenghuan: “See you there.”
Two couples—just enough to make her, the single one, feel attacked.
The next evening, at a private restaurant renowned for fresh ingredients, the courtyard’s pavilions and water features alone were worth a fortune. Luo Hetu helped Cheng Youqing take off her coat and handed it to the waiter, marveling, “Does a place like this make money?”
“It does, but not as much as you. The owner’s a bit of a recluse, loves cooking, and isn’t really a businessperson. Still, they’ve got good connections.” Cheng Youqing explained.
Luo Hetu nodded, understanding it was like a tavern keeper in a drama—hidden in plain sight.
They arrived first and hadn’t been seated long when Dr. Zhou showed up, despite her earlier grumbling.
Dr. Zhou, with a stern face: “I’m eating my money’s worth today.”
“Order the expensive stuff.” Cheng Youqing said, sliding the menu over.
Zhou Chenghuan opened it and saw that a dish of sesame-mixed sea cucumber cost 400 yuan. She tsked. “Capitalists sure are rich.”
Cheng Youqing ignored her, sipping the tea Luo Hetu poured. Zhou Chenghuan ordered all the priciest dishes.
Soon, Sun Yinuo arrived—a college student from A University, home for the holidays. “This is my sister,” Zhou Chenghuan introduced. “Brought her for some good food. This is Dr. Zhou.”
Sun Yinuo, with dimples, smiled. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Zhou.”
Dr. Zhou, coolly: “Hello.”
At least Cheng Youqing had the decency not to leave her dining alone with two couples.
Later, Chen Lie arrived in a fitted floral dress, like a butterfly among flowers. The woman beside her had sharp, striking features. Upon seeing her, Luo Hetu blinked in surprise.
“Xiao Ba?”
“Teacher Xiao Luo?”
Luo Hetu instantly pieced it together, her mouth agape. “So, last time I was at Qianbao, you were sneaking off to call Lawyer Chen?”
Xiao Ba coughed, a rare moment of awkwardness. “Don’t make it sound so creepy. It was just too noisy, so I stepped aside to call.”
Luo Hetu tsked and waved them to sit. Chen Lie asked, “You know each other?”
Xiao Ba: “She’s my boss.”
Luo Hetu quickly waved her hands. “The real boss is off in the military. I’m just filling in.”
Xiao Ba: “Yeah, we call her boss or teacher, but she’s basically our leader.”
Chen Lie nodded, her gaze toward Luo Hetu turning subtle.
Cheng Youqing handed Chen Lie the menu. “Order some more.”
Xiao Ba shot Luo Hetu a look.
Luo Hetu: ?
Xiao Ba stood. “I’m going to the restroom.”
Cheng Youqing nudged Luo Hetu, who quickly followed.
At the restroom corner, Luo Hetu asked, “What’s up?”
Xiao Ba glanced at her. “I think I’m screwed.”
“What do you mean?”
“Lawyer Chen. She never promised me anything, and she said she doesn’t like dating people she knows.”
Luo Hetu: …My fault?
All she could say was, “What kind of bad habit is that?”
“She says it’s so she doesn’t have to worry about feelings if there’s a dispute or lawsuit later. Keeps her interests secure.”
Luo Hetu was speechless and stayed quiet.
Xiao Ba sighed. “It’s not your fault. We weren’t going far anyway, but this might make it worse.”
“How can I help?”
“No need. Once she’s made up her mind, no one can change it.”
Xiao Ba looked genuinely worried. “If she says anything to you later, just let me know. I can handle a breakup, but I don’t want it to be unclear. I want to know what she really thinks, if she ever cared about me at all.”
Man, that’s rough. As rough as my situation—no, wait, at least I’m married. She’s just stuck in this unclear backup role.
Luo Hetu patted her shoulder. “Don’t lose hope. Look at you—Qianbao’s star attraction. Tons of girls come just to see you, spending money left and right, and they’re all pining too. This stuff’s normal. Besides, Chen hasn’t said she’s dumping you yet.”
Xiao Ba gave a small smile. “Alright, just wanted to tell you.”
Back at the table, Luo Hetu whispered to Cheng Youqing, “Xiao Ba’s worried Chen’s going to dump her.”
Cheng Youqing raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
Luo Hetu knew Cheng Youqing’s mental fortitude was rock-solid—she could hear gossip and act like it was nothing, so it was safe to tell her anything.
Zhou Chenghuan, watching the varied expressions of the group, nudged Sun Yinuo. “See anything?”
Sun Yinuo: “Not really. My sister and sister-in-law seem fine. The issue’s probably with those two. But the lawyer lady seems proper—she probably won’t spill any drama.”
Zhou Chenghuan gasped. “You’re a pro at this.”
Sun Yinuo, proudly: “I’m the one who got my sister and sister-in-law together.”
Zhou Chenghuan: …Wow, underestimated you.
During dinner, Luo Hetu and Xiao Ba were mostly quiet while the others chatted lively. A bottle of vintage red wine was finished, and when Cheng Youqing called for the waiter, they learned Xiao Ba had paid the bill.
Chen Lie’s eyes flickered, but she said nothing.
Cheng Youqing shook her head. “No way. Whoever invites, pays.”
Joking aside, this meal could’ve cost Xiao Ba a month’s salary.
Luo Hetu swiftly handed Xiao Ba a card. “Take it. Pay us back when you get married.”
Xiao Ba took the card and glanced at Chen Lie.
Chen Lie smiled faintly. “Didn’t know Miss Luo’s baby formula money was doing so well, being this generous.”
The comment was odd, and the atmosphere turned awkward.
Cheng Youqing: “Chen Lie, if you’re in a bad mood, don’t take it out on my people.”
Oh no!
Zhou Chenghuan never expected this drama to revolve around a “sisters’ fallout,” leaving her somewhat at a loss.
Luo Hetu didn’t want to see this awkward scene and quickly stepped in to smooth things over: “It’s fine, it’s fine, I said too much. Xiao Ba, take Lawyer Chen home.”
Chen Lie’s expression was cold as she left. Luo Hetu scratched his head: “Couldn’t hold back. Seeing Xiao Ba like that, I tested the waters for her. My bad.”
Cheng Youqing: “It’s their own relationship issues. What’s it got to do with you? Why are you pointlessly reflecting at a time like this?”
Zhou Chenghuan and Sun Yinuo: …
How to put it?
Rich lady bosses are really hard to please.