Seeing that the proposal and general direction they'd put forward matched his expectations, Jiang Cheng nodded in satisfaction.
"For our company's first Internet Celebrity, I want to build a persona that's elegant, fashionable, and classy—an influencer with depth, not vulgarity."
"Think of a food blogger like Li Ziqi, not someone who relies on looks or sexy click-bait. Understand?"
Xie Bing pondered for a moment, then probed, "So, for every influencer we manage in the future, do we follow the criteria you just laid out?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head. "Of course not. If a good-looking influencer wants to go the sexy route, I won't object—but not Qiao Yinyin. Do you two understand?"
Xie Bing and Shen Zheng exchanged a glance and quickly caught Jiang Cheng's meaning.
The two immediately nodded respectfully. "Chairman Jiang, we understand. We'll personally discuss the exact style with Miss Qiao, package and promote her accordingly, and assign someone to accompany her during shoots to ensure her safety."
Pleased with their tact, Jiang Cheng gave a satisfied nod.
After a few brief instructions, Jiang Cheng left Xingchen's headquarters.
At that moment, Wang Sheng was already waiting by the front door of Xingchen's first floor.
Beside him stood a black maybach.
On his first day as Jiang Cheng's personal Bodyguard and part-time steward, Wang Sheng looked perfectly at ease.
Seeing Jiang Cheng come downstairs, Wang Sheng opened the car door naturally and said respectfully, "Young Master, please get in."
Jiang Cheng patted Wang Sheng's shoulder and slid into the maybach's rear seat.
Taking in the spacious, comfortable back seat, Jiang Cheng said approvingly, "Nice. You got the car sorted so quickly?"
Wang Sheng smiled and nodded. "Yes, Young Master. As you ordered, I picked two daily drivers—a maybach and a rolls-royce—both registered under Xingchen Investment Company. Since you're picking someone up, I brought the maybach."
"Mm, well done."
Although the car wasn't as pricey as the lamborghini reventón, it was genuinely comfortable.
The rear seat came packed with features, most importantly plenty of space.
It could seat four and even let you sip red wine while discussing business.
After pushing aside a few risqué thoughts, Jiang Cheng closed his eyes and dozed.
A while later he said to Wang Sheng, "I saw Luo Jia driving a Tesla today."
Wang Sheng's mind raced when Jiang Cheng suddenly mentioned Luo Jia. "Yes. According to our intel, she bought the Tesla recently—1.2 million after registration, only 400 k cheaper than your maybach."
Jiang Cheng chuckled. "She's certainly willing to splash out—over a million for an EV. Must be earning well."
"With the new policy, EVs get plates fast. On her salary she couldn't afford a car that pricey. Our dossier shows Luo Jia has a history of being a plant. Her usual scheme: hook up with a boss, bankrupt him, and profit. Someone's backing her—every time she walks away clean."
"Recently another million landed in her account. We traced it: the other party was careful, splitting the sum through two separate accounts. Looks like a pro with solid counter-surveillance skills."
Jiang Cheng nodded and murmured, "I'm losing patience. Whoever's behind her can wait. I've heard Tesla's self-driving system is glitchy and the brakes aren't great. Didn't you say she has a younger brother who loves gambling?"
"Yes. Not long ago she paid off 500k of his debt, then declared she wouldn't help again. I reckon she's frantically buying cars and luxuries to keep her brother from hitting her up for cash."
Jiang Cheng nodded. "Wang Sheng, do you understand short-selling stocks?"
Thrown by the sudden change of topic, Wang Sheng looked puzzled.
He glanced in the rear-view mirror, saw Jiang Cheng's gloomy face, caught on, and quickly focused back on the road.
"I know a bit, but Qing Zhong is the computer whiz."
"Good. Tell him I want to short Tesla stock. Luo Jia's Tesla seems to have brake issues—and she's got a trouble-making, gambling-addicted little brother…"
Even with limited stock knowledge, Wang Sheng understood. He nodded at once. "Got it. Don't worry, I'll handle it ASAP."
Without another word, Jiang Cheng closed his eyes again.
In a cramped rented flat, Zhou Ying read the wechat message Jiang Cheng had sent. "Mom, Jiang Cheng will be here soon. Let's go downstairs."
Fang Yuan, seated nearby, nodded and rose.
Zhou Ying hesitated and said awkwardly, "Mom, you're really coming with me?"
"Of course," Fang Yuan replied, as if it were obvious.
Seeing Fang Yuan's insistence, Zhou Ying said helplessly, "Then please don't say anything random later."
Fang Yuan turned and gave Zhou Ying a look of exasperation. "Fine. You two aren't even official yet and you're this nervous. If you actually get together, you'll probably forget you even have a mother."
Zhou Ying draped an arm over Fang Yuan's shoulders. Looking at their nearly identical reflections, she cooed, "Mom, look at us—so alike people might think we're sisters. You take such good care of yourself."
Fang Yuan's mouth curved into a smile at the compliment. "I was barely eighteen when I had you; I'm only thirty-six now. Am I that old? Look around the office—plenty of beauties still single in their thirties."
Zhou Ying nodded. "True. Fan Bingbing's about your age—thirty-six—and I think you look even younger. Mom, have you ever thought of finding someone new?"
Fang Yuan shot her a playful glare. "Silly girl. I don't mind you having a boyfriend, but count me out. After more than ten years with your dad I've had enough. I'm finally single—why jump into another fire pit? I'm not that foolish."
Zhou Ying hugged her. "You sold the house Grandma left us, the debts are gone, we don't have to hide anymore. From now on, live for yourself."
Fang Yuan sighed. "Lately I've realized—your grandma worked hard all her life and was gone just like that. Thankfully she remembered all I'd done and left me her only house; otherwise we'd never have paid off your dad's debts. I only have you left. As long as you're happy… but as for love and marriage—sigh…"