Chapter 151: Group Buying, Not Even a Dog Would Do
Chapter 151: Group Buying, Not Even a Dog Would Do
Chapter 151: Group Buying, Not Even a Dog Would Do
TL: Etude
Zhang Baiqing, who had been overseeing school affairs for many years, had seen all kinds of students. While he couldnt claim to discern loyalty and deceit at a glance, he did have a fair understanding of human nature.
As he saw Jiang Qin approaching briskly and shaking hands warmly, Zhang Baiqing politely responded, but he couldnt help but mutter to himself.
This youngster probably has no good intentions; otherwise, why would my eyelids twitch when he smiles?
Has the light in Room 208 been fixed?
It was fixed on the same day, thank you for your concern, Principal.
Jiang Qin sat down, pulling Feng Nanshus small hand out of his pocket.
He indeed had a request, but it certainly wasnt with ill intentions. Exaggerating his behavior slightly was just to make Zhang Baiqing realize he needed a favor, mentally preparing him in advance.
Negotiating with a principal is different from dealing with businessmen outside. Since theres no binding interest between them, one shouldnt be too abrupt.
Simply put, Zhang Baiqing wouldnt benefit from helping him, nor would he lose anything by refusing.
Therefore, whether to help or not depended entirely on his mood. In such situations, attitude and sincerity were most important.
Previously, Jiang Qin had initiated the entrepreneurial support scam, but now, the situation had reversed, necessitating caution.
Jiang Qin didnt rush to speak. He sat down and surveyed the bustling crowd.
The first row was occupied by judges and school leaders. To sit behind the school leaders, one generally had to be a significant figure, like the president of the student union.
Among these people were some from the eastern campus and others from this one. Some he recognized, and others he didnt, as they greeted each other.
Hello, Im the vice-chair of the Literature Department, here to support our contestants.
Oh, Im the vice director of the Broadcasting Department.
And you?
Im the president of the Debating Society and also the deputy head of the Discipline Inspection Department of the Self-Discipline Committee. The second debater on the opposition is my good friend.
After exchanging impressive greetings, their curious gazes turned to Jiang Qin, sitting in the center.
The central auditoriums dim environment was designed for a quiet atmosphere, so even though Jiang Qin had appeared in the newspapers, no one recognized him at the moment. But sitting behind Zhang Baiqing, they figured he must also be an important figure.
Im the vice-chair of the Software Engineering Department, Kuang Rui. You seem a bit unfamiliar, classmate.
Hello, Mr. Kuang, Im Jiang Qin, the first Star of Learning from Linchuan University.
?????
After speaking, Jiang Qin inwardly grumbled, thinking how lucky he was to have won an award to flaunt. Otherwise, wouldnt he have seemed inferior?
Kuang Rui looked puzzled, wondering what exactly a Star of Learning was. It sounded impressive, though.
And who might this be?
The boss lady, Feng Nanshu.
Feng Nanshu announced her favorite title with a rather aloof tone.
She was not very comfortable in crowded settings and felt a bit anxious. But soon, Jiang Qin held her hand a bit tighter, and she miraculously calmed down.
Soon, the audience for the debate competition was almost complete, and the auditorium quieted down a bit. Jiang Qin felt it was the right time to broach a topic with Zhang Baiqing.
Principal Zhang, look, that banner is quite red.
Jiang Qin pointed upwards.
?
Zhang Baiqing glanced at the sponsorship banner of Zhihu Forum, wondering if this was a blatant request for praise.
Before he could speak, Jiang Qins voice came from behind again.
I heard from the school maintenance staff that he also took on the electrical repair work of the pedestrian street. Does our university not restrict the external employment of its janitorial staff?
Except for teachers, Linchuan University doesnt have many restrictions on other staffs careers. Why do you ask?
Well, Ive started a new project and would like to hire some of the dormitory caretakers from our school for part-time work.
Jiang Qin spoke honestly, without beating around the bush, emphasizing his sincerity.
Zhang Baiqing turned to look at him, You want to hire away our dormitory caretakers? Who will manage the dorms then, you?
Not hiring them away. They would still stay in the dorms, just helping me out a bit, managing the pickup and order cancellation processes.
Why specifically hire dormitory caretakers? Arent part-time students enough?
My project involves online retail. Every day, delivery personnel bring goods to the dorms for students who placed orders. But since pickup times vary and part-time students cant be there all day, the best candidates are the dormitory caretakers.
Jiang Qin deliberately avoided the term group buying, fearing that it might lead Zhang Baiqing to associate it with Ye Ziqing.
Judging by Director Hu from the University of Science and Technologys reaction, the shadow Ye Ziqing cast over the top four universities was significant. It was best not to bring up the concept of group buying if possible.
Explain this online retail to me. I dont quite understand.
Zhang Baiqing pondered for a while before speaking.
Its about shifting product selection online, removing the constraints of time and location, enhancing shopping efficiency and volume. It leverages substantial purchasing power for profit conversion. Orders are consolidated and delivered to the doorsteps, allowing purchases without leaving home. Its a new business model Ive developed.
Jiang Qin broke down the concept of group buying, blurred the process, and spoke at length.
After listening, Zhang Baiqing felt it sounded familiar but couldnt put his finger it.
University students entrepreneurship should be supported, especially since your forum is doing well and benefits the school. You can make requests regarding financial and material resources, but I cant agree to human resources. People have their own thoughts, and that can lead to disputes.
Jiang Qin straightened his back, Principal, my forum has been operational for three months, involving over forty part-time university students from Linchuan University, and we havent had a single dispute.
Zhang Baiqing remained silent for a while, Students and adults are still different.
Let me try for a while. If there are any issues, you can stop it anytime.
Alright, come by tomorrow afternoon with your project and plan. Ill take a closer look and consult with Professor Yan.
Jiang Qin coughed, Principal, I dont have time.
Zhang Baiqing frowned slightly, I, as the principal, can find the time, and you cant?
Its not that I dont have time. Its that the project is going live tomorrow. All our materials are ready, deals with merchants are done, and funds have been invested. Its a do-or-die situation for me. Ive already broken the cauldrons and sunk the boats. The only missing piece is the dormitory caretakers.
Zhang Baiqing turned fully towards him, You mean to say, if I dont agree, your project will fail?
Definitely. If I cant recirculate the funds, the forum cant continue. Linchuan Youth Daily might even interview me again, using me as a negative example. Also, our student work-study program will fall through. I wont be able to pay the wages, and the financially challenged students wont accept that. They might even protest at the school, and Ill have to hide, given my naturally timid nature.
Zhang Baiqing widened his eyes in astonishment, This scenario sounds eerily familiar. Such a strong sense of dj vu!
Jiang Qin knew Zhang was about to recall Ye Ziqing and quickly changed the topic, Trust me this time, Principal. Ill sign a third-party agreement with the caretakers. Any disputes will be on me.
Hold on, your project isnt group buying, is it? Zhang Baiqing suddenly looked alarmed.
No, absolutely not. Only a fool would do group buying. This is online retail!
Really?
I swear, anyone who does group buying will surely fail their exams!
Zhang Baiqing eyed him skeptically, Why do I feel like theres a huge, deep pit in front of me?
Jiang Qin sensed Zhangs hesitation and pressed his advantage, Principal, Im confident I can turn this project into a star example of university student entrepreneurship.
That sounds a bit boastful.
Do it best or not at all.
After a moment of silence, Zhang Baiqing nodded, Then go ahead and give it a try.
Jiang Qin immediately slapped his thigh in excitement, Thank you, Principal!
Are you sure its not group buying? Zhang Baiqing asked again for confirmation.
The corner of Jiang Qins mouth lifted into a cold smile, Group buying? Not even a dog would do it.
Having settled things with Zhang Baiqing, Jiang Qin finally relaxed, leaning back in his chair and letting out a long breath.
Truth be told, it was a bit of a gamble.
By bringing up Ye Ziqings entrepreneurial failure, he had already implied a threat. Fortunately, Principal Zhang was not one to take offense easily; otherwise, the project would have been doomed from the start.
Each step he had taken before was careful and calculated. This time, it was the boldest yet.
But as the saying goes, fortune favors the bold.
Jiang Qin didnt have many interactions with Zhang Baiqing and couldnt accurately predict his reactions, but thankfully, his gamble paid off.
Meanwhile, the curtains in the auditorium slowly opened, revealing a female university student in an evening gown, apparently the host of the debate competition.
Her gown had a unique design, with a high-low hemline that showcased her long legs. Under the spotlight, her legs shone, attracting much attention from the male audience.
Jiang Qin couldnt help but murmur in appreciation of her legs, which earned him a long stare from Feng Nanshu.
Whats the matter?
Do you really like legs that much, Jiang Qin?
He was taken aback for a moment, Well theyre alright, I guess.
But you used to like feet, remember?
Feng Nanshu, dont slander me.
Jiang Qin, youre a bad guy, Feng Nanshu said seriously.
At that moment, the hosts voice came through the speakers. She introduced the two competing teams and invited them onto the stage. After reading a string of words related to the debate topic, the competition began.
Jiang Qin suddenly became serious, leaning back in his chair, watching the proceedings on the stage, as the debate segment commenced.