Era: Rise from the Wilderness

As he spoke, he actually turned around and pretended to help Old Liu, who was stuck on the pedal, unload the box of grid notebooks. His movements were characterized by the impetuous yet earnest spirit unique to young people.

The actor portrayed the character's aggrieved, embarrassed, anxious, and frustrated state so vividly that even the slight dampness in the corners of his eyes seemed exceptionally "real" in the sunlight.

The air at the warehouse entrance felt even thicker.

Only the faint sound of traffic on the distant road and the tireless chirping of cicadas in the old locust tree overhead could be heard.

The sunlight cast the shadows of several people on the ground, making them appear somewhat distorted.

Zeng Honglin's facial muscles twitched slightly.

He's been working in the Bincheng wholesale market for over a decade, from setting up a street stall to running this small company with a warehouse. What kind of people hasn't he seen?

He saw through Li Yunjing's little trick at a glance.

The goods have been loaded onto the truck, and at the last minute, they use excuses to lower the price.

This trick isn't new, but it's the first time I've seen it performed by a teenager, and performed with such "sincere emotion."

He felt a mix of exasperation, amusement, and a barely perceptible hint of...admiration.

This kid is quick-witted, daring, and shameless... well, he's quite willing to go to great lengths to save money.

If it were a casual customer buying a few pens or notebooks, he would probably have already lost his temper and either insisted on the original price or simply waved for them to unload their goods and leave.

Seventy-five yuan is not a small amount for him, especially since the profit margin of this business is not particularly high.

But... he glanced at the Dafa bread truck, which was packed full and almost bursting at the seams, and recalled Li Yunjing's "bold statement" about "four thousand teachers and students" (although he knew it was definitely exaggerated), as well as the father and son's expertise and straightforwardness when they were picking out goods.

This small shop at Fuzhou Town Middle School is probably quite large, and it seems like they genuinely intend to run this business long-term.

If we can retain this customer, we can have a steady stream of business from now on...

In a flash, Zeng Honglin had already mentally calculated everything.

The current loss is 75, and it's possible that all the work will be for nothing or even result in a small loss on labor and rent.

In the long run, however, if it can bring in a stable customer with potentially growing demand, this "investment" is worthwhile.

"You little rascal!"

Zeng Honglin finally spoke, his voice carrying a hint of feigned helplessness and the half-hearted indulgence of an elder towards a mischievous junior. He extended a finger and lightly tapped Li Yunjing's forehead, his smile returning, only now tinged with a knowing "all-knowing" understanding and feigned magnanimity. "Why are you so cunning? You think I'd try that with Uncle Zeng?"

He paused deliberately, looking at Li Yunjing's face, which instantly became even more "innocent," then laughed and waved his hand dismissively: "Alright, alright!"

"Your Uncle Zeng isn't a petty person!"

"This time, it'll be as you said, nine hundred it is!"

"I, Old Zeng, have essentially worked for you two for free this time, not earning a single penny. Consider it... making friends and supporting your business venture!"

He emphasized the words "working for free," "making friends," and "supporting entrepreneurship" with great clarity, giving the other party a way out while also clearly pointing out his own "sacrifice" and "loyalty."

Everyone here is smart, nobody's stupid. It's just that this deal is beneficial to both parties; making less is better than not making any at all!

Since there's profit to be made, let's compromise and facilitate cooperation!

Standing to the side, Li Hongfeng was secretly delighted, feeling as comfortable as drinking a bottle of ice-cold soda on a sweltering summer day.

good boy!

Through a combination of deception, bluffing, and acting, they managed to cut the price down to seventy-five dollars!

That's almost half a month's salary for him!

He couldn't help but secretly peek at his son again. This kid usually seemed quiet and reserved, but he really had some unexpected talents when it mattered!

Even Lü Ruoxi stared wide-eyed at Li Yunjing as if he were a monster.

They performed for just a few minutes and managed to cut 75 yuan off the bill?

This is no small sum of money!

Even she, a rich girl, was somewhat envious of Li Yunjing's abilities.

Li Yunjing felt a weight lifted from his heart, and a secret sense of triumph rose within him.

He staged this performance because he was acutely aware of his family's dire situation.

Opening this small shop nearly emptied my savings, and I still owe Ma Zhifu favors and money.

Freezers, shelves, renovations, initial payment for food supplies... which of these wasn't bought with real money?

He knew exactly how much of the money in his father's inner pocket was "floating wealth" he had just "spun" with treasury bonds.

Every penny must be spent wisely, and every penny should be saved.

This 75 yuan might be enough for cigarettes next month, or some emergency working capital.

In short, in the early stages of starting a business, never show off. If you don't have money, you don't have money. You must be careful with your money and be meticulous about every penny!

Speaking of vision?

That's something to talk about when you've achieved success, have capital, and have social status; it has nothing to do with ordinary people like them!

Li Yunjing is not the kind of person who pretends to be something he's not!

One should be honest and down-to-earth; that's the way to live life.

"Thank you so much, Uncle Zeng!"

"You are truly a magnanimous person!"

Li Yunjing's face immediately broke into an incredibly sincere and grateful smile. He bowed repeatedly to Zeng Honglin, speaking eloquently, "Don't worry, with your righteousness, our Li family is definitely not ungrateful!"

"From now on, for all stationery purchases for our shop, we'll only buy from you if you have it!"

"Quality guaranteed, fair prices—you'll definitely be our first choice!"

These words expressed gratitude, promised long-term cooperation, and flattered the other party, making Zeng Honglin feel that although the seventy-five yuan was painful, it seemed quite "worth it".

"Manager Zeng, look at this... these are just children being ignorant and fooling around."

Li Hongfeng stepped forward at the opportune moment, his face displaying just the right amount of apology and embarrassment, rubbing his hands together as he said, "How could I let you work for nothing?"

"How about this, next time we come, we'll definitely make up the seventy-five yuan for you?"

"We'll definitely accept this money!"

That's a well-chosen statement; it gives the other person a graceful way out and is also a subtle test.

Let's see if you're truly sincere about "making friends".

"Boss Li! What are you saying!"

Zeng Honglin immediately straightened his face, feigning displeasure as he waved his hands repeatedly, raising his voice eight octaves, "Are you trying to slap me, Old Zeng, in the face?"

"I said it's exempt, and that means it!"

"There's no reason for you to make up for it again!"

"In business, we value integrity and relationships!"

"We'll be working together for a long time to come, so a little short time won't make a difference!"

He knew perfectly well: if he really made you pay this money, you would definitely hold a grudge against him for being "stingy," and you might switch to another store next time you need supplies.