Chapter 38: The Pie is Fragrant and Delicious

Money still had to be earned.

Especially after Bai Yuanzhi had spoken with A Yao, she no longer hesitated or struggled, deciding to invest some effort into first understanding the market.

To this end, while working at Bilanting Hotel, Bai Yuanzhi asked A Xi and Xiao Yu many, many questions about idol fandom.

Whether in her past life or this one, Bai Yuanzhi had never had much interest in idol fandom.

Mainly because she devoted too much time and energy to making money and improving herself, spending very little on watching movies or buying cassette tapes to listen to music. Her way of understanding the entertainment industry was mostly through the entertainment sections of newspapers.

But for young single women like A Xi and Xiao Yu, watching movies starring their favorite celebrities, buying music cassettes released by their favorite stars…

Such actions were completely normal.

Thus, to quickly understand idol fandom groups, Bai Yuanzhi began a routine of watching movies and attending concerts with A Xi and Xiao Yu.

A month later,

Bai Yuanzhi produced what she considered a fairly comprehensive business plan.

She approached it from the four aspects of “clothing, food, housing, and transportation.”

In fact, Chen Group had always been producing celebrity merchandise, but most of it was simple items like promotional posters, postcards, stickers, and notebooks, merely processed with celebrity photos.

Bai Yuanzhi’s marketing plan, however, aimed to cover all aspects of daily life with celebrity merchandise.

As for “clothing,”

Bai Yuanzhi divided it into three categories:

First, after watching several of the year’s best-selling movies, she extracted over a dozen of the most popular and talked-about lines, hoping to print them on T-shirts. This type of clothing featured only patterned text, with T-shirts priced relatively low, aiming for small profits but quick turnover.

Second, character outfits. Bai Yuanzhi extracted the classic outfits of the female leads, supporting female roles, and third female leads from the most popular modern dramas, creating various imitation outfits. In fact, to be relatable, the clothing worn by characters in Hong Kong dramas was very down-to-earth and not expensive. Inspired by Qiao Yusheng’s commission, Bai Yuanzhi proposed creating unified packaging for accessories of popular characters, such as hair ties, decorative earrings, necklaces, scarves, etc., so that fans would immediately recognize them. Bai Yuanzhi set a medium price range for this type of product.

Third, celebrity imitation outfits. This was the highest-end category, imitating the high-end gowns celebrities wore to banquets and award ceremonies. However, celebrities often wore major designer brands on such occasions, and rashly imitating them could lead to copyright disputes. Therefore, Bai Yuanzhi suggested collaborating with major brands to create co-branded series. This category was priced exceptionally high, and of course, the quantities were limited.

As for “food,”

This was actually the original intention behind the collaboration between Chen Group and Zhou Group’s pastry business.

But Bai Yuanzhi felt that Zhou Group’s willingness to cooperate was not high.

It could be that Zhou Group was unwilling to cooperate with Bai Yuanzhi, feeling that she had indirectly harmed their son Zhou Weihao;

It could be that Zhou Group was unwilling to cooperate with Chen Group, possibly due to concerns similar to Bai Yuanzhi’s earlier ones, thinking that Chen Family’s waters ran too deep…

It could also be that the Zhou couple was overly conservative.

In any case, based on these factors, Bai Yuanzhi’s marketing plan for this aspect was also the most conservative.

She only proposed that for several of Zhou Group’s best-selling products, they use Chen Group’s celebrity-themed packaging boxes, and randomly include postcards printed with celebrity portraits inside the packaging. Additionally, they would print on the outer packaging something like, “A complete set consists of thirty-six postcards. Collect the full set to receive an autographed photo of the celebrity,” to boost sales.

Beyond this, Bai Yuanzhi also included suggestions in the marketing proposal for the outer packaging of various affordable snacks.

After all, loyal fans of celebrities are mostly students and single women. Given their spending power, they lean more toward cheap, affordable snacks.

However, the user base for Zhou Group’s pastries tends to be more traditional middle-aged and elderly individuals.

When it comes to “living,”

there are far too many opportunities to make an impact.

Student stationery, small gifts, water bottles, realistic figurines, chibi-style figurines, men’s lighters, and kitchen gadgets for housewives—all could be utilized.

…

In short, Bai Yuanzhi worked diligently for several days before finally completing the comprehensive proposal.

Next was the work plan she devised for that good-for-nothing Chen Shuojie.

The reason she labeled Chen Shuojie as “good-for-nothing”

was because Chen Shen, as the CEO of Wanmei Film Industry with assets worth hundreds of millions, actually expected a young girl like Bai Yuanzhi to rehabilitate his son’s image…

This clearly showed that Chen Shuojie knew nothing and could do nothing.

Thus, the position Bai Yuanzhi assigned to Chen Shuojie was—Director.

As for the responsibilities Chen Shuojie would handle, they were both glamorous and all-encompassing.

Ultimately, what Chen Shuojie would be in charge of was the “image approval” of the various celebrities.

However, the celebrities’ agents had already vetted such matters initially, so by the time they reached Chen Shuojie for final approval, their actual importance wasn’t that significant.

But, because Bai Yuanzhi’s proposal involved products across various categories,

Chen Shuojie’s work would appear exceptionally busy and important.

Bai Yuanzhi was confident—Chen Shen would certainly approve of her proposal (as it could essentially be seen as a peripheral development plan for the next three to five years) and would also endorse Chen Shuojie’s scope of work (which seemed busy, requiring his oversight on everything, yet in reality, didn’t assign him any specific responsibilities).

After submitting the proposal, Bai Yuanzhi took a vacation for herself.

During this time, the real estate agent Fourth Uncle had already helped Bai Yuanzhi handle the purchase contract and loan procedures.

At the same time, Bai Yuanzhi received the keys to her new home.

She planned to move in, needing to clean up and purchase some furniture.

After all, the previous owner had emigrated abroad, taking almost all the furniture and appliances with them. Even what was left behind was practically unusable.

Fortunately, Bai Yuanzhi wasn’t short on money.

Earlier, the Zhou family had paid her 100,000 yuan to write a letter of understanding;

the 10,000 yuan from the new shareholder lottery at Bilanting Hotel;

the difference from the final payment of the small order Mrs. Xu gave her, plus her salary and bonuses from the past two months…

Bai Yuanzhi had roughly 140,000 yuan on hand.

What a pity!

—She was still 60,000 yuan short of 200,000.

If she had 200,000 yuan, she could open an account and venture into the stock market.

But it wasn’t too regrettable,

after all, earning 60,000 yuan was still quite difficult.

—To be honest, the hundred thousand from the Zhou family and the ten thousand from the lottery were essentially extra money.

It was already quite fortunate to have them.

After hesitating for a moment between spending her own time selecting furniture and appliances or hiring a renovation team to handle the entire house, Bai Yuanzhi chose to go with the renovation team recommended by Fourth Uncle to carry out a full-house renovation, including electrical and plumbing installations.

Based on Bai Yuanzhi’s requirements, the team quoted a price of seventy-three thousand.

Bai Yuanzhi made some adjustments and even brought Fourth Uncle along to negotiate, eventually bringing the price down to sixty-seven thousand. The condition was that once her house was renovated, she had to lend it to the renovation team for three months to serve as a model showcase for their other clients.

Bai Yuanzhi readily agreed.

Just three months!

She could simply sleep in the duty room at the Bilanting Hotel for three months.

It might be a bit tough,

but she’d save six thousand yuan!

Next, Bai Yuanzhi spent some time following the renovation team to building material stores to select floor tiles and wood colors. She also found some furniture and appliances she liked…

By the time she finally had the chance to finish all of this,

Chen Shen’s secretary, Anthony, notified her to visit the Chen Group company.

Bai Yuanzhi understood in her heart

that it was likely Chen Shen had finished reviewing her proposal.

The meeting was probably to discuss the details.

When Bai Yuanzhi arrived at the Chen Group headquarters as scheduled,

Anthony was already waiting in the lobby on the first floor.

Dressed in a white T-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers, Bai Yuanzhi was respectfully escorted by the forty-something-year-old executive secretary—second only to the top executive—to the private elevator reserved for the CEO.

The receptionists in the lobby, employees of the Chen Group, and visitors to the company all stared wide-eyed.

“Who is that girl? Why is Anthony treating her with such deference?”

“Could she be the boss’s new flame?”

“Don’t talk nonsense! The boss has always preferred mature women with big breasts and curvy hips! Look at that girl—she’s too young, and although her figure is well-proportioned, she’s too thin… She’s definitely not the boss’s type.”

“The key is Anthony’s attitude is strange! Aside from the boss and top tycoons like the shipping magnate, property king, and steel king, Anthony has never shown such respect to anyone else! So, what exactly is that girl’s background?”

“Exactly, who is she? Her clothes and jeans look like they’re very affordable…”

Amidst the murmurs of the crowd, Bai Yuanzhi followed Anthony into the private elevator.

Feeling uneasy, Bai Yuanzhi couldn’t help but glance up at Anthony.

Anthony offered a humble and gentle smile. “Was your trip here smooth, Miss Bai? Would you like us to arrange a car for you in the future?”

Bai Yuanzhi:…

She took a deep breath. “Not for now.”

Anthony replied gently, “Alright.”

Bai Yuanzhi:…

Something felt off.

When the elevator chimed and arrived at the floor of the CEO’s office,

before the doors even opened,

Anthony suddenly whispered, “Not only is Mr. Chen waiting for you, Miss Bai, but Shuojie also arrived early.”

Bai Yuanzhi was taken aback.

So?

Was Anthony tipping her off?

But why?

She had seen Anthony’s arrogant demeanor before.

And with his experience and insight, this old fox

wouldn’t show her goodwill without a reason.

In this world,

There can never be kindness without reason.

Therefore, Anthony must have… some ulterior motive with her.

But for now, Bai Yuanzhi couldn’t figure out Anthony’s true intentions,

So she simply pretended to be clueless.

“Alright.” Bai Yuanzhi replied indifferently.

Soon, the elevator doors opened.

Led by Anthony, Bai Yuanzhi walked into Chen Shen’s office.

In the land-scarce Hong Kong City, Chen Shen’s office was at least a thousand square feet (about ninety square meters) in size!

Near the window stood a luxurious pearwood desk and an executive chair, with a few potted plants placed nearby.

However, Chen Shen was not sitting at his desk; instead, he was seated on a sofa not far away with his son, Chen Shuojie.

Anthony stood at the doorway and announced into the office, “Mr. Chen, Miss Bai has arrived.”

Chen Shen immediately turned around, beaming with a smile as he greeted Bai Yuanzhi, “Ah Zhi is here? Come over, come over!”

Bai Yuanzhi walked over, “Good afternoon, Mr. Chen. Good afternoon, Mr. Chen.”

Before Chen Shen could speak—

Chen Shuojie scrutinized Bai Yuanzhi’s attire with a look of disgust, “Hah, coming to an office building dressed like this.”

In truth, Bai Yuanzhi was already feeling somewhat uneasy inside.

How could she not know that when visiting a place like an office building, one should dress more formally?

But she hadn’t had time yet to move her luggage from Xingfu Building to Bilanting Hotel,

And when Anthony called her, saying, “Mr. Chen hopes to discuss matters with you in detail immediately,” she thought it wasn’t practical to return to Xingfu Building to change, so she had no choice but to come as she was.

But now, the moment Bai Yuanzhi saw Chen Shuojie’s smug face, she grew angry.

“Mr. Chen makes a very good point,” Bai Yuanzhi said, “My attire may indeed be somewhat inappropriate, but first, the clothes I’m wearing were bought with money I earned myself. Can Mr. Chen say the same?”

Chen Shuojie was stunned.

Bai Yuanzhi continued, “Secondly, at least the clothes I’m wearing are decent, unlike Mr. Chen…”

As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Chen Shuojie’s left foot.

—Previously, Chen Shuojie’s right hand and left leg had been in casts. After more than a month of recovery, the heavy casts had been removed, and he could now move around. However, he was sitting in a wheelchair, with his right hand in a splint hanging in front of his chest and his left leg in a metal brace.

Perhaps for easier care, Chen Shuojie was wearing slippers on both feet.

And Hong Kong City followed Western etiquette, which dictated that in formal settings, one must—cover the arms with long sleeves and keep the toes concealed.

Bai Yuanzhi, wearing a white T-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers, could at most be considered too casual and not formal enough;

But Chen Shuojie was wearing slippers, his toes… now tightly curled inward, overwhelmed with shame!

“You—” Chen Shuojie was both flustered and furious.

Bai Yuanzhi ignored Chen Shuojie and turned politely to ask Chen Shen, “Mr. Chen, have you had a chance to review my proposal?”

She was still a bit nervous inside.

After all, even when scolding a dog, one must consider the owner’s face!

So this was also her way of testing—she had been closely observing Chen Shen’s expression, which represented his level of acceptance. If Chen Shen showed even the slightest hint of displeasure, it would mean she couldn’t treat Chen Shuojie this way in the future.

Chen Shen had been watching the interaction between Bai Yuanzhi and Chen Shuojie with a smile, his eyes revealing a kind and amused affection.

Bai Yuanzhi felt slightly relieved.

Chen Shen said to Bai Yuanzhi, “Ah Zhi, have a seat first.”

As he spoke, he gestured toward Bai Yuanzhi.

Bai Yuanzhi had originally intended to sit on the single sofa, but judging from Chen Shen’s meaning, it seemed he hoped she would sit beside Chen Shuojie.

After a moment’s thought, Bai Yuanzhi obligingly walked over to Chen Shuojie’s side and sat down.

Chen Shuojie’s face instantly flushed bright red, though it was unclear whether it was from anger.

Chen Shen then said to Anthony, “Anthony, bring some snacks and drinks over for Ah Zhi!”

Upon hearing this, Bai Yuanzhi understood—Chen Shen really did see her as a child.

“Mr. Chen, I’m trying to lose weight. I don’t drink beverages or eat sweets in the afternoon,” Bai Yuanzhi said.

Chen Shen replied, “Oh, what are you trying to lose weight for? You’re not fat at all.”

Bai Yuanzhi repeated, “Anyway, after three in the afternoon, I don’t drink beverages or eat sweets.”

“Then what would you like to have?” Chen Shen asked patiently.

Bai Yuanzhi thought for a moment. “I’ll have some tea. If there’s fruit, that would be best. If not, Zhou’s pastries would do.”

Chen Shen laughed heartily and said to Anthony, “Did you hear that? Go get them! But I don’t eat Zhou’s pastries—they’re not tasty…”

Anthony then asked, “What would Shuojie like to eat?”

Chen Shuojie grumbled unhappily, “Anything but orange juice.”

Bai Yuanzhi couldn’t help herself and burst into a giggle.

Chen Shuojie immediately shot her a murderous glare.

Chen Shen watched Bai Yuanzhi and his son with a smile for a while before saying to Bai Yuanzhi, “Ah Zhi, I read the proposal you wrote… To be honest, it seems a bit empty.”

Faced with criticism, Bai Yuanzhi remained unfazed.

—Older superiors, when lecturing their juniors, often prefer to start with criticism before offering praise.

In other words, they first strike a blow to intimidate the junior, putting them in a state of unease, and then use earnest words to “encourage” them.

Sure enough—

Chen Shen continued, “Of course, it’s not your fault. After all, you’re a young lady with no practical work experience!”

“So, in fact, your proposal is quite constructive!”

“It’s been a long, long time since I’ve seen a young lady as clever and sharp as you!”

“Ah Zhi, why don’t you quit that waitressing job and come work for me… I can put you on equal footing with Anthony,” Chen Shen said.

Bai Yuanzhi declined. “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Chen, but working for you… would always mean being subordinate to someone else. I prefer working for myself. So, if I ever quit my waitressing job, it will be because I’ve started my own company. Mr. Chen, I’m young and don’t know how to mince words—I speak directly. Please don’t take offense.”

Chen Shen, however, was delighted. He glanced at his son before turning back to Bai Yuanzhi with a beaming smile. “Not at all, Ah Zhi. That’s your strength! Young people should never be satisfied with the status quo. Having higher expectations for yourselves will help you climb higher and achieve more!”

“Thank you, Mr. Chen!”

Soon, Anthony led in several sharply dressed men and women and respectfully said to Chen Shen, “Mr. Chen, we’re ready. We can start the meeting now.”

Tea and small snacks were brought to Bai Yuanzhi.

Then, a meeting began without any warning.

Chen Shen, Bai Yuanzhi, and Chen Shuojie sat on the sofa, while Anthony and Chen Shen’s other subordinates stood around them. Everyone started discussing Bai Yuanzhi’s project proposal, and the meeting lasted for three hours.

Since the proposal was prepared by Bai Yuanzhi, Anthony took the lead in the early stages of the meeting. But later on, Bai Yuanzhi essentially took charge of the project, with various secretaries and assistants filling in the details.

Three hours later, the sky had already darkened, and everyone had discussed almost everything. Anthony finally wrapped up the meeting and said, “Mr. Chen, Miss Bai, our first meeting is basically over. I’ll have someone compile the meeting minutes and then start laying out the details for the first phase of the project.”

Chen Shen nodded. “Everyone worked hard today. Take everyone out for a good meal, and put it on my personal account.”

The exhausted workers immediately brightened up, thanked Chen Shen, and left.

Chen Shen then said to Bai Yuanzhi, “Ah-Zhi, let’s find a place to eat too… How about that Jia Hong Seafood Restaurant from last time?”

Bai Yuanzhi picked up her canvas bag and stood up. “Next time, Mr. Chen. I have something to do.”

Chen Shen was taken aback and tentatively asked, “What? At this hour, Miss Bai still has something to do? Are you going on a date? But I heard last time that Miss Bai doesn’t have a boyfriend?”

As he spoke, he glanced at his son.

Chen Shuojie’s hands were tightly gripping the armrests of his wheelchair, his eyes fixed intently on Bai Yuanzhi with a gloomy expression.

Bai Yuanzhi checked her watch. “No, Mr. Chen, I’m going to night school. If I’m any later, I’ll be late.”

Chen Shen was stunned.

Chen Shuojie was also stunned.

“Night school?” Chen Shen murmured to himself.

Bai Yuanzhi nodded. “Mr. Chen, I plan to get into Hong Kong University within two years… My foundation isn’t great, so I need to be stricter with myself. Mr. Chen, let’s have a meal together next time we’re free! There will always be other occasions worth celebrating.”

Chen Shen stared at Bai Yuanzhi and nodded repeatedly. “Good! Very good! Ah-Zhi, you’re so young, yet so ambitious, goal-oriented, and disciplined… Excellent! Truly excellent!”

“Well then, Ah-Zhi, how about I have the driver take you to night school?” Chen Shen asked.

Bai Yuanzhi happily agreed. “Sure, thank you, Mr. Chen!”

Chen Shen thought for a moment. “Actually, Shuojie needs to go back too. Why not have the driver take both of you… Shuojie, you can drop Ah-Zhi off first, then head home.”

Bai Yuanzhi glanced at Chen Shuojie.

Chen Shuojie blushed and hummed in agreement.

Bai Yuanzhi was still wondering if Chen Shuojie, being in a wheelchair, needed her help pushing it.

Unexpectedly—

Chen Shuojie’s wheelchair was electric, and he maneuvered it with ease.

He led Bai Yuanzhi into the executive elevator and went directly to the underground parking garage.

The driver had already parked the car at the elevator exit.

Soon, the driver helped Chen Shuojie into the car and opened the door for Bai Yuanzhi—

Bai Yuanzhi had no choice but to get into the back seat and sit next to Chen Shuojie.

The car drove through the bustling night lights of Hong Kong City.

Bai Yuanzhi didn’t want to pay any attention to Chen Shuojie, so she kept her head turned, watching the scenery outside the window.

“I’m sorry,” Chen Shuojie whispered softly.

Bai Yuanzhi turned her head and saw Chen Shuojie’s face flushed red.

“Bai Yuanzhi, I apologize to you… before, I… was very reckless and not good, I don’t know what to do to make you forget those previous unpleasantries.”

“So…”

As he spoke, Chen Shuojie didn’t know how to continue.

Bai Yuanzhi thought for a moment and said very sincerely, “Mr. Chen, gaining my forgiveness… is very simple.”

Chen Shuojie was stunned.

Bai Yuanzhi smiled slightly, “What I’m after is money.”

“If Mr. Chen wishes to express his apology, he can write me a check.”

“Please don’t ask how much I need.”

“It all depends on whether Mr. Chen is sincere.”

After a pause, Bai Yuanzhi added, “Of course, even if Mr. Chen doesn’t intend to show sincerity, it won’t affect my cooperation with Chen Group and Zhou Group…”

Before Bai Yuanzhi could finish,

Chen Shuojie quickly pulled a checkbook from his bag, took out a pen, swiftly wrote the amount, tore it off, and handed it to Bai Yuanzhi.

Bai Yuanzhi took it and saw the amount—100,000!!!

Heavens above! Earth below!

The money she had been longing for… was in her hands again!

But she had already paid 67,000 for the renovation.

Even with this 100,000 from Chen Shuojie,

she was still over 10,000 short of 200,000!

Still not enough to open a stock account.

At that moment, Bai Yuanzhi wanted to grab Chen Shuojie by the shoulders and shake him hard: Aren’t you rich? What’s another 10,000?

Ah, never mind, never mind.

At least the progress bar has been pushed forward.

It’s just a little over 10,000—a few more months, and it’ll be in her hands.