In a corner of the jewelry showroom, two men were having a conversation.
"Xu Wei, such a lovely woman, and you, you lecherous devil, aren't going to take her? You're giving her to me, are you up to something?"
A man who was only about 1.7 meters tall and had an arrogant expression on his face looked at Xu Wei with hostility. Clearly, he was not a spoiled brat who would get carried away by a few words from others.
The person who spoke earlier was Xu Wei, who had been ridiculed by Qin Xuanbing and Zhuang Rui at Song Jun's Tea House in Pengcheng. The jewelry designer he had hired last time, who had plagiarized Qin Xuanbing's design, was fired by him immediately after returning home. Because Xu Wei handled the situation promptly, although the matter was spread by Song Jun and others, it did not cause Xu Wei much trouble. However, Xu Wei had already harbored resentment towards everyone present that day.
As the general manager of the South China branch of his family company, Xu Wei was obliged to attend such a trade fair. Since his subordinates had done the preliminary work, he only arrived at the trade fair today. He had just inadvertently seen Liu Chuan, and upon closer inspection, he also spotted Zhuang Rui, Qin Xuanbing, and others. Suddenly, the anger that had been suppressed in his heart for so long burst forth uncontrollably.
After Xu Wei left that day, he asked around to find out about Qin Xuanbing and Zhuang Rui's background. He learned that Qin Xuanbing was a talented young jewelry designer who had emerged in the last two years, but he didn't know much about her background. He only found out that she seemed to be from Hong Kong. As for Zhuang Rui and Liu Chuan, Xu Wei knew that they were just nobody, but he had no influence in Pengcheng, so he could only swallow his anger.
Xu Wei was overjoyed to have met these people here. He had already sent someone to investigate and found out that it was a newly established jewelry company. It seemed to have no connections or backing, and the two women were handling all the affairs. The company's products were also quite limited, with only a few diamond and jade jewelry pieces. Although they were all high-end pieces, the lack of mid- to low-end products meant that they hadn't reached a single agreement or sold a single piece of jewelry after spending the entire morning at the booth.
Xu Wei, who was not yet thirty years old, was able to secure the position of general manager of the family company in South China. He was a man of deep cunning. Although he knew that the newly established jewelry company had no powerful backing, he was unwilling to have a direct conflict with it. So he went to find the young master Wang, who was known as the "Number One Stick in Jinling".
The title "First Strike" doesn't refer to the "Red Flower Double Strike" in Hong Kong gangster movies. While Wang Dashao's physique isn't exactly weak, he's certainly weak in the waist and kidneys, so he's naturally not suited for fighting. The reason he has this nickname is because he's a womanizer. If he sets his sights on a woman, whether she's a woman in her thirties or forties or a student in her late teens or early twenties, he'll do everything he can to get his hands on her.
Another reason is that Wang Dashao's surname is Wang and his given name is Kun, which is why he got this nickname.
Although this young master Wang was lecherous, he knew his limits and was not reckless. He always planned carefully before acting and avoided those he couldn't afford to offend. Over the years, although he earned this nickname, he never caused any trouble thanks to his family's influence in the business and political circles and the monetary compensation he received afterward. His relationships with women were consensual, and no one could do anything about it.
The Xu family's sphere of influence extends to several southern provinces. He entered the Jinling jewelry market through his acquaintance with this young master Wang. He knew Wang's character well; even if he knew it was a trap, he would still fall for a beauty like Qin Xuanbing.
Chapter 129 A Special Cure for All Dissent
"Young Master Wang, don't laugh at me. I was tricked by this bitch a while ago, and I even got a good scolding from my elders. I can't handle her anymore, so it's up to you, Young Master Wang, to deal with me..."
After thinking for a moment, Xu Wei decided to tell the truth. The news of his humiliation in Pengcheng some time ago had already spread and could not be hidden. The person who spread the word was Song Jun. Afterwards, Xu Wei inquired about Song Jun's background and immediately nipped any inappropriate thoughts in the bud.
Besides, this young master Wang may seem reckless, but he's actually very sensible. It's not easy to fool him, and he'll definitely come after me later. I might as well tell you everything. I doubt this lecherous man will give up Qin Xuanbing, this piece of meat that's been delivered right to his mouth.
"Xu Wei, you're someone of status now, and you've just suffered this loss for nothing? Can you really swallow this insult? Is it because those two women have some kind of background that makes you afraid to take action?"
Wang Kun glanced at Xu Wei sideways. He wasn't particularly fond of the man. If it weren't for the fact that Xu Wei had repeatedly tried to please him by sending him several women of decent looks, he wouldn't have bothered with him at all. He always felt that Xu Wei's name, like his personality, was hypocritical. He thought that Wang Shao played with women, but not with friends, so he always kept a degree of caution when interacting with Xu Wei.
"Hey, Mr. Wang, if I lied to you, would I still be able to do business in Nanjing? The prettiest one is from Hong Kong, a jewelry designer who has only emerged in recent years. The other girl is her partner. Look at them, they seem like people with connections. They don't even have many people working for them. Mr. Wang, if you don't dare to go for it, then pretend I never said anything."
Xu Wei pointed at Qin Xuanbing and Lei Lei and told Wang Dashao all the information he had gathered over the past few days. He knew that even if he didn't say it, Wang Kun would still be able to find out.
At this moment, Qin Xuanbing was talking to Zhuang Rui, probably amused by him. She was laughing so hard that her body trembled, and her firm chest rose and fell like waves with her laughter. The pleasant sound reached Wang Kun's ears, and looking at the beautiful woman's captivating figure in the distance, Wang Kun swallowed hard.
However, Young Master Wang didn't entirely believe Xu Wei's words. He chatted with Xu Wei casually for a few moments, then made an excuse and left. Xu Wei was furious, but dared not go and cause trouble himself. He knew Liu Chuan had a violent temper, and it wasn't worth getting beaten up for no reason. ...
"Director Zhao, what a coincidence! I was just thinking of looking for you. I need you to do me a favor and help me find a list of exhibitors and get their detailed company information for me to look at."
If Wang Kun were to let Qin Xuanbing off so easily, then his nickname "Number One Stick in Jinling" would be meaningless. After leaving Xu Wei, Wang Kun went directly to the organizing committee's office on the second floor. Coincidentally, the person in the office was an acquaintance of his.
"Young Master Wang, the list is easy to handle, but this information is confidential. If it gets out, I'll be in big trouble..."
Director Zhao, whom Wang Kun was referring to, said with some difficulty that he was just a deputy director of the organizing committee in charge of daily miscellaneous affairs and had no real power. Although the organizing committee was only a temporary organization, if he were to leak the exhibitors' detailed information and it was found out, he would no longer be able to work in this industry.
"Director Zhao, although my reputation isn't great, I'm a true friend, right? When your son got married, he picked out a diamond ring at my shop, and I didn't charge him a single penny. Alright, let's not talk about that anymore. I'll just have your wife go to that shop in Nancheng and pick out one she likes herself. Isn't that generous enough?"
Wang Kun knew that Director Zhao was a temporary staff member of the organizing committee. He was originally a deputy director of the Nanjing Jade and Jewelry Appraisal Center and had dealt with Wang Kun quite often. Wang Kun was well aware of Director Zhao's excuses and didn't waste any words. He directly quoted a price.
"Hey, Young Master Wang, I can't possibly accept that. It's such a small thing, how could it cost you so much? I'll have your sister-in-law thank you properly later."
Director Zhao's previously serious and tense face immediately broke into a smile after hearing Wang Kun's words.
Director Zhao often issues jewelry and jade appraisal certificates for people when he's at work, earning a decent amount of illicit income. Nobody complains about having too much money, so since Wang Kun has asked his wife to choose a piece of jewelry worth 30,000 to 50,000 yuan, he probably won't say anything. As for the leaked information? If Wang Kun doesn't say anything, and he doesn't say anything himself, who else could know? Even if others find out, he can deny it to the death, and no one can do anything about it. He can go back to work and issue certificates to make extra money; at most, he'll just stop participating in the preparation work for these trade fairs in the future.
Having figured this out, Old Zhao patted Wang Kun on the shoulder affectionately, then turned around and started flipping through the documents on the table. "Hengbing Jewelry Co., Ltd., legal representative Lei Lei. Chief designer Qin Xuanbing, registered in Guangzhou? Why not Nanjing? The company's registered capital is five million RMB..."
Holding a form in his hand, Wang Kun couldn't help but grimac when he read the registered capital. Five million? That's too small a scale. It probably wouldn't even be enough to gamble on a rough stone. With such capital, how dare they wade into the murky waters of the jewelry industry?
Wang Kun now believed Xu Wei's words; the company must have been founded by the two girls themselves. Presumably, Qin Xuanbing had achieved some success in the jewelry design industry and then wanted to start her own business. Wang Kun sneered inwardly. Without substantial financial resources or strong connections, making a living in the jewelry industry wouldn't be so easy. However, if she were to submit to him, Young Master Wang, it wasn't impossible.
"Old Zhao, thank you. I'll treat you to a sauna later and send you two pretty girls."
Wang Kun casually placed the form back on Old Zhao's desk and turned to leave. If Liu Chuan had overheard him, he would surely consider him a confidant. However, if Liu Chuan knew that Wang Kun still harbored thoughts of sleeping with Qin Xuanbing and Lei Lei, he would probably have taken a pair of scissors and cut off Wang Kun's "troublesome root." ...
"Leilei, do you think our promotional strategy is wrong? Why are other companies making jewelry deals or reaching agreements, but we haven't closed a single sale?"
Qin Xuanbing and Lei Lei were at the booth's LCD screen, playing short videos showcasing jewelry for customers. It had been almost morning, and quite a few people had come, but they were all asking for her contact information or inviting her to lunch. Qin Xuanbing was getting increasingly annoyed. When had this young lady ever been so out in the public eye selling things?
"Perhaps it's because we only sell high-end jewelry, which is too limited in variety. Jewelry stores in smaller cities simply can't sell it, while jewelry companies in big cities have their own suppliers. Xuanbing, I think we should focus more on mid-to-low-end jewelry in the future. In addition, we need to open retail stores. Only in this way can we take the initiative."
Lei Lei was clearly also thinking about this issue, as the time allotted for the exhibition was quite tight. They had also spent over ten days in Tibet, during which time they hurriedly transferred more than ten pieces of high-end jewelry from their Hong Kong company, all worth around a million yuan, with the most expensive diamond necklace costing over three million yuan.
The two originally intended to use this opportunity to open up the high-end jewelry market in mainland China. However, after showcasing their jewelry here for a whole morning, although many people inquired and looked around, not a single person expressed any intention to buy after seeing the exorbitant prices.
"Never mind, let the security guards pack up the exhibits, let's go out for dinner."
Qin Xuanbing glanced at Zhuang Rui, who was busily introducing products to tourists not far away, and felt a sweet feeling in her heart.
Lei Lei agreed and prepared to call security. The exhibition had specially arranged for people to temporarily guard valuables, so they wouldn't have any problems leaving for a while.
"Ladies, could you please show me your company's jewelry?"
Just as Lei Lei was about to leave, a male voice rang out beside the two women.
"Of course, our company sells high-end jewelry products, and our customers are mostly successful people. Sir, you can choose one and our chief designer will explain its design concept to you."
When Lei Lei heard someone asking her a question, she immediately stopped. However, as she spoke, she felt that the unremarkable man in front of her seemed to be staring at her sensitive areas. Lei Lei often encountered this kind of gaze, but no man had ever looked at her so blatantly before.
Lei Lei was afraid it was just her imagination, so she shifted her body slightly, only to find that the man's gaze followed hers, staring intently at her ample breasts, which made her furious.
"Liu Chuan, come here..."
It was obvious that this man wasn't there to buy jewelry. Everyone in the showroom today, whether they were tourists from tour groups or small jewelers from various cities, behaved very well. However, the man's gaze made Lei Lei feel disgusted.
Wang Kun was feeling smug. He was slightly surprised when he first saw the prices of the jewelry items at Qin Xuanbing's booth, but then he sneered inwardly. Jewelers who sell high-end jewelry usually have long-term cooperative relationships with reputable jewelry companies, and it's impossible for them to negotiate cooperation at a trade fair like this.
Of course, this is not absolute. If the style, quality, and price of the jewelry are all suitable, some jewelers are still willing to contact them.
"Once I promise to help them sell these jewelry, why would I be afraid these two women won't appreciate it? Both women are top-notch. The one with the hot figure may not be a virgin anymore, but she has experience. As for the woman with the cold expression and stunning beauty, she will fill any man with a desire to conquer her..."
Wang Kun was already imagining the scene of making love with the two women in his mind, and the corpus cavernosum in a certain part of his body began to swell and harden.
"Hey kid, looking for trouble? Want to get back at me? I'll take care of anything that dares to challenge me..."
Wang Kun, who was indulging in fantasies, suddenly felt someone grab the back of his neck.
Chapter 130 Complaint
"Who...who are you? What do you want?"
Wang Kun felt a large hand gripping his neck tightly, making it difficult for him to speak. After managing to utter a few words, he could no longer make a sound. His face turned as red as an eggplant, turning a deep purple.
"Liu Chuan, what are you doing? Let go first, or someone will die."
Lei Lei was initially enjoying the scene, but then she noticed that Liu Chuan was almost lifting the man's feet off the ground. She quickly told Liu Chuan to let go, as there were many people coming and going, and causing trouble would be difficult to handle.
"Kid, watch your eyes. You think you can mess with my men? If you're itching for a massage, I'll give you a free massage."
Upon hearing this, Liu Chuan released his grip, his bull-like eyes glaring intently at Wang Kun, looking as if he wanted to devour him.
Wang Kun has never suffered a major loss in his life, mainly because he's quick-witted and never suffers a loss. The big man in front of him is a head taller and has a thuggish look on his face. If a fight broke out, Wang Kun estimated that even three or five of him wouldn't be a match for him, given his size.
"Is this how you treat your customers? I'm going to complain to the exhibition organizing committee and expect to be fined."
Wang Kun took several steps back and uttered a harsh statement. He knew that exhibitors would invest a lot of money to participate in such a trade fair, and the organizing committee had the right to deal with the exhibitors' behavior or even expel them from the fair based on customer complaints.
"Alright, go somewhere cool and stay there, stop showing off here."
Wang Kun suddenly felt a chill on the back of his neck, which startled him. He quickly turned around and saw an ordinary-looking young man patting his shoulder. Seeing these two protectors, Wang Kun knew that he wouldn't get anything out of it if he continued to argue, so he didn't say anything. He glared at Zhuang Rui and Liu Chuan fiercely before turning around and squeezing into the crowd.
"Wood, why don't you teach him a lesson? That kid's eyes are lewd. Leilei, where was he looking at you just now? Let me see too, or I'll get hurt. Ouch, that hurts so much."
Liu Chuan, his eyes also filled with lust, looked at Lei Lei beside him. Suddenly, a high heel stepped on his right foot, causing Liu Chuan to clutch his foot in pain and jump up on the spot.
The group, along with the white and black lions, went out to eat, playfully bickering. Naturally, there were security guards from the exhibition hall watching over the booth.
Zhuang Rui planned to drive back to Zhonghai after dinner. Tomorrow was the end of his vacation, and his boss had already rented him a new apartment in Zhonghai. When they talked on the phone yesterday, he heard that Zhuang Rui had bought a car, and he almost rushed from Zhonghai to Nanjing overnight.
"Leilei, I've seen you set up shop all morning, distributed a lot of materials, and talked a lot, but you haven't closed a single deal. Is there something you haven't considered?"
The group didn't go far before sitting down at a Western restaurant not far from the exhibition hall. Liu Chuan noticed that Lei Lei looked worried and couldn't help but ask her what was wrong.
"The main problem is that we don't have a deep enough understanding of the mainland market. All the exhibits we brought this time are high-end jewelry, which doesn't suit the customers attending this exhibition. We underestimated the mainland market. We originally thought that with such a large population, high-end products would be popular, but the opposite is true. Mid- to low-end jewelry is the theme of this exhibition."
Lei Lei remained silent, but Qin Xuanbing answered Liu Chuan's question, her words tinged with a hint of helplessness.
“I don’t know much about jewelry, but I think you should start with low- to mid-range products, build up your network and reputation, and then move into the high-end jewelry sector. Because consumers of high-end products, like collectors, are a relatively specific group with their own circles.”
After hearing Qin Xuanbing's words, Zhuang Rui offered his opinion.
"Forget about that, Zhuang Rui. Be careful driving back to Zhonghai this afternoon."
Qin Xuanbing had many unspoken difficulties. Jadeite, the mainstay of the jewelry market, had seen its price skyrocket in recent years. Qin Xuanbing's family jewelry company, however, had suffered setbacks at recent jadeite auctions in Myanmar, leading to a shortage of supply. Furthermore, disagreements among company executives regarding developing the mainland market meant they hadn't provided much support to Qin Xuanbing's new company. Otherwise, even a weakened giant is still powerful, and the jewelry exhibited this time wouldn't have been so limited in variety.
Because their performance at the exhibition in the morning was not very good, Lei Lei and Qin Xuanbing, who were new to the business world, were obviously a bit discouraged and were not in a good mood. After eating something, the four of them returned to the exhibition hall. When they were still more than ten meters away from their booth, they saw a group of people surrounding their booth and shouting something.
"Ms. Lei, you're back. These people said they received a customer complaint that we assaulted someone, and they're here to investigate."
A girl who had been hired by Lei Lei to work as a sales promoter rushed forward to greet everyone as they returned.
"Are you in charge of this booth? A customer has complained about your rude service and allegedly driving away and assaulting the customer. This violates the exhibition's rules. We hope you can cooperate with our investigation. Please pack up your exhibits and come with us to the office to handle this."
A middle-aged man with a square face, around forty-five or forty-six years old, parted the crowd and walked up to Lei Lei. This serious-looking man was none other than Old Zhao, the same Old Zhao that Wang Kun had been looking for when searching for information on Qin Xuanbing's company.
"Put away the exhibits? On what grounds? Who complained and made him come forward? We did not do the things you described. You are not a law enforcement officer and have no right to take us anywhere for investigation."
Without even thinking, Lei Lei knew it was that filthy man from lunchtime who had done it, and she was immediately furious. Her voice rose, and since she was naturally outgoing and feisty, her outburst was heard throughout half the exhibition hall.
Old Zhao was startled by Lei Lei's actions. He originally thought that since they were just two girls, he could control them by acting authoritatively and then fine them a little. This way, he could at least appease Young Master Wang and his wife could buy three pieces of jewelry instead of just one. However, he didn't expect that the girl would completely ignore him and speak frankly. Old Zhao stood there, his face turning red and white, feeling extremely embarrassed.
“How can two girls like us beat someone up? Do you think we're easy to bully?”
There's a saying that people who aren't family don't enter the same door, and at this moment, Lei Lei does resemble Liu Chuan somewhat.
At lunchtime, there weren't many people in the exhibition hall, as most had gone out for lunch. However, there were a few people left at each booth, and they all gathered around after hearing the commotion.
"It was the man next to you who did it. I didn't say you hit me. Please don't make trouble for me."
Old Zhao was already losing face. More and more people were gathering around. Originally, customer complaints were not his responsibility, but the deputy director had gone to dinner with the old man from Beijing, which allowed him to take over the matter. However, there were some unspeakable shady dealings involved, and making a big fuss about it would not do him any good.
"I'm sorry, he's not from our company. He's a guest at the exhibition, invited by your organizing committee. Besides, I didn't see this gentleman hit anyone. What evidence do you have? You can also call the police."
Exhibitors at this jewelry exhibition can invite people as guests, of course, through the organizing committee. So when Lei Lei refused to acknowledge the invitation, Lao Zhao couldn't do anything about it, since Liu Chuan's badge said "Guest" instead of his work ID for this booth.