This period was not yet the time for them to become hugely popular.
The reason their brand quickly seized market share in the coming years...
One reason was the global economic downturn.
The other reason was creating explosive products and massive customer acquisition.
The most important products for customer acquisition were the two-yuan ice cream and the four-yuan iced fresh lemon tea.
Compared to high-end milk tea that often costs eighteen yuan per cup, everyone could afford this price.
For some people, drinking several cups a day was completely stress-free.
After using these acquisition products to build their reputation, they introduced some more expensive items, such as an eleven-yuan cup of Mango Pomelo Sago, or a twelve-yuan Peach and Oat Yogurt.
Ye Wan's words were like a sudden flash of inspiration, giving Jiang Cheng great revelation and insight.
Although opening this milk tea shop was originally just an impulsive act.
But if there was a chance, why not expand and strengthen it?
Jiang Cheng spoke to Yang Fan: "I will have people transport some ice cream machines here in the next couple of days. The shop needs to add two new products. I will invite people from the Product Development Company to come and teach you the specific operations."
Although Yang Fan was completely unaware of what the new products Jiang Cheng mentioned were.
However, he did not ask further questions.
After all, as an employee, he only needed to follow the boss's instructions. Whatever the boss ordered, he would simply carry it out.
Seeing that Ye Wan had stayed behind, Jiang Cheng and Si Qing did not remain in the shop either.
Watching Jiang Cheng and Si Qing leave the shop, Ye Wan, who had changed into her work apron, lowered her head, becoming even more silent.
Ye Wan could never forget that afternoon when Jiang Cheng took her to the infirmary to apply medicine last time.
The breeze swept gently past, stirring her hair, while she quietly gazed at Jiang Cheng's receding figure, unable to look away for a long time.
Some people are just a fleeting glimpse, as illusory and unreal as a dream bubble.
However, Jiang Cheng was so dazzling that it was impossible to ignore him.
Logically, such an outstanding man should never have appeared in her unremarkable life.
And it was even less likely that he would notice her inconspicuous existence.
But in fact, the two of them had crossed paths.
Jiang Cheng was so kind to her; it wasn't that she disliked it, she just didn't dare to show it.
She dared not even imagine more; she only wanted to keep this silent attention hidden in her heart.
In fact, seeing Si Qing chatting freely and comfortably with Jiang Cheng just now made her both envious and self-conscious.
If she could, she would also want to be born into a normal family and have the upbringing of a normal girl.
Instead of being like now, afraid to reveal her inner feelings, only able to suppress them with self-doubt.
Just as Yang Fan thought, putting herself in his shoes, if she were a boy, she would definitely choose a girl like Si Qing.
How could he possibly choose an ordinary, inconspicuous girl like her?
However, no matter how much Ye Wan tried to control herself with realistic thoughts, the turmoil in her heart still caused her favorability value toward Jiang Cheng to increase by another 10 points.
Ye Wan: favorability value +10!
Furthermore, she even began to look forward to seeing Jiang Cheng again in the future.
Even if it was just silently watching him, like now, it would be fine.
After leaving Simple Tea, Jiang Cheng looked at Ye Wan's 75 favorability value, and the corner of his mouth curled up uncontrollably.
Just then, the System's "ding" sound prompted a notification."
"Congratulations, Host, for helping a girl who is inwardly stubborn yet self-conscious. Even if her heart is like a desert of low self-esteem, she is full of expectation despite knowing she cannot have it..."
"Special Reward: Ye Wan's mindset has begun to undergo a subtle change. Rewarding Host with one [Commercial Secret Information]..."
Looking at the System's reward, Jiang Cheng quickly scanned it before quietly closing the notification.
Thinking of Ye Wan, Jiang Cheng's heart felt complicated.
China is vast, and not everyone is as lucky as him to live in prosperity.
Especially now with the rise of short videos.
Every time Jiang Cheng scrolls through videos, he sees left-behind children in the countryside.
Although he knew nothing about Ye Wan's specific upbringing environment.
But every time he saw her stubborn and unyielding yet slightly self-conscious and timid appearance.
The images of those children would involuntarily surface in his mind.
It was precisely because of this that Jiang Cheng couldn't help but feel the urge to extend a helping hand to assist her.
Walking to the entrance, Jiang Cheng casually tossed the empty milk tea cup in his hand into the trash can.
Si Qing proactively spoke up: "Big Boss, the conditions at your shop aren't open to everyone, are they??"
Jiang Cheng turned his head and saw Si Qing looking at him with a smile, and he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
It seemed Si Qing had figured out the underlying scheme.
"You figured it out??"
Seeing that Jiang Cheng didn't deny it, Si Qing took a sip of her milk tea and then continued: "It's obvious that with these part-time conditions, you could hire a full-time employee..."
Jiang Cheng could hear the probing tone in Si Qing's words.
He explained: "Her situation is a bit special??"
Si Qing tilted her head and looked at Jiang Cheng, appearing eager for him to continue.
Although it was still early, Jiang Cheng could tell that Si Qing didn't intend to go back?? Instead, she was walking toward the direction of their school.
Jiang Cheng said: "It's getting late. Let's talk in the car. I'll take you back??"
Although Lin Qingxue was currently helping out at the New Year's Day rehearsal site.
If he wandered around campus with Si Qing, the possibility of running into Lin Qingxue was minimal.
However, Jiang Cheng did not want this situation to occur.
Even if Lin Qingxue didn't see it herself, Jiang Cheng wanted to quietly uphold his bottom line.
After all, he was a good man, even though he could have many women around him.
But he always drew many red lines in his heart.
If he put himself in Lin Qingxue's position and thought about it.
If she heard from others that Jiang Cheng was strolling on campus with another girl, would a difficult-to-describe pain surge in her heart?
Although it was highly likely that even if Lin Qingxue knew about this, she might pretend not to.
But there was no need for that.
That area was already considered Lin Qingxue's territory.
Jiang Cheng wanted to try his best to leave her with some beautiful memories.
Instead of disregarding her feelings and letting her be pointed at and criticized recklessly by others.
Even if he was rich, Jiang Cheng didn't want to lose himself and become someone who used money to ruthlessly trample on the feelings of others.
Seeing Jiang Cheng say this, Si Qing nodded: "Thank you, Big Boss."
Walking out of the Food Street, the black rolls-royce was already parked at the intersection.
Looking at the little golden figure standing on the front of the car, Si Qing silently gasped, "Wow."
Seeing Wang Sheng step forward, ready to open the car door for them.
Jiang Cheng quickly raised his hand to signal him to wait a moment, and said, "Wait, someone is delivering something first."
After Jiang Cheng finished speaking, Si Qing, standing nearby, curiously pointed at the little golden figure on the rolls-royce hood and asked, "I heard this little golden figure on the rolls-royce costs over two hundred thousand yuan. Is that true??"
Jiang Cheng nodded: "It only sells for that much on the official website; they specifically rip off us rich people. If you go to our Yiwu Market, this little car emblem would probably be 300 yuan, shipping included."
Seeing Jiang Cheng joking humorously.
Si Qing couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle: "You're not going to say that the two-hundred-thousand-yuan Starlight Headliner inside is also from Yiwu, are you??"
Jiang Cheng shrugged: "Although I don't know if Yiwu has it, I believe that as long as there is a market, there's nothing our Great Yiwu can't produce."
After Jiang Cheng finished speaking, a Bodyguard in plain clothes hurried out from the alley entrance of the Food Street.
He was tall and straight, with steady steps, and his eyes revealed professionalism and rigor.
He quickly walked up to Jiang Cheng, bent slightly at the waist, and respectfully handed the cards to Jiang Cheng with both hands, saying: "Young Master Jiang, the cards you requested."
After Jiang Cheng took the cards, he was the first to get into the rolls-royce.
After seeing Si Qing get in and sit down, Jiang Cheng took four of the six cards, handing the remaining two to Si Qing.
"These are Simple Tea membership cards. Use these cards to buy milk tea by swiping them directly—no need to pay. Keep these two."
Seeing Jiang Cheng hand her two cards, Si Qing's face instantly lit up with surprise. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she asked in disbelief.
"You mean this card isn't for a discount?? It's free??"
Jiang Cheng nodded: "You can use it anytime, swipe freely."
"Wow, thank you, Big Boss! I'm so excited, I absolutely have to post this on moments to show off! I can't believe I can achieve milk tea freedom at such a young age!"
After speaking, Si Qing immediately took out her phone from her bag and carefully photographed the two Simple Tea membership cards.
After taking the photos, Si Qing quickly opened WeChat and posted the pictures along with a message of gratitude to moments.
"Ran into the Big Boss, letting me achieve milk tea freedom. Grateful!"
As soon as Si Qing posted this on moments, several comments immediately appeared.
"Ah, first time seeing that Simple Tea has something like a membership card."
"What does this mean? Do I get free milk tea from now on??"
"This is the milk tea endorsed by my Goddess; their drinks are so delicious. Envious, please take me!"
...Seeing Si Qing scrolling through moments, Jiang Cheng casually replied: "Sure, I'll give you a like later."
As soon as he said this, Si Qing's expression subtly froze.
Because the person who added Jiang Cheng was Si Nian, how could he like her post?
Thinking this, Si Qing immediately said: "No, no posting! I thought about it, it's better not to post. What if my roommates try to freeload milk tea?? I've already freeloaded yours; I can't bring that many people to freeload too."
While saying this, Si Qing showed a somewhat embarrassed and helpless expression.
Seeing Si Qing's frustrated look, Jiang Cheng chuckled internally: "It's nothing, just a few cups of milk tea. It won't make me go bankrupt."
Soon, Si Nian's message also came through. Clearly, she had seen the moments post Si Qing had made.
Si Nian: "Two cards?? Is one of them mine??"
Seeing Si Nian's message, Si Qing's heart skipped a beat.
In an instant, a thought rushed into her mind.
She suddenly recalled the jewelry Jiang Cheng had bought for them previously—he had prepared two sets of those too.
Was this merely a coincidence?
Or was it... Si Qing couldn't help but ask: "Big Boss, why did you give me two?"
Sensing Si Qing's true thoughts, Jiang Cheng responded calmly and naturally: "Do you want more? I'm giving these four cards to a few of my roommates. If you still want more, you can just go get them next time."
Hearing Jiang Cheng's words, Si Qing hurriedly shook her head, waving her hands repeatedly to explain: "That's not what I meant! I mean, I'm not two people, so why give me two cards? How should I handle this extra one?"
Jiang Cheng acted completely composed, even answering as if it were obvious: "A person needs a sense of crisis. Keep one as a backup, so you don't need to reapply if you lose one."
Seeing how natural Jiang Cheng looked, Si Qing rolled her eyes and decided not to discuss the issue further with him.
If Jiang Cheng hadn't guessed, and she exposed herself, it wouldn't be fun anymore.
Si Qing dropped the topic.
"Thank you, Big Boss. Just tell me something serious—the price of that little golden figure. I'm just curious, after all, you're the only real Big Boss I know."
Meeting Si Qing's inquisitive gaze, Jiang Cheng explained: "The price of this figure varies depending on the material. The cheapest is the crystal version, which only costs twenty-eight thousand to thirty thousand yuan. The standard black BB version is fifty thousand yuan, the gold-plated version is 150,000, the rose gold is 200,000, and the carbon fiber is 300,000."
After hearing Jiang Cheng's words, Si Qing's eyes widened, looking as if they might pop out. She asked in disbelief: "What? So, this thing isn't made of pure gold at all??"
Jiang Cheng shook his head: "It's gold-plated, 0.68 grams. Calculated by gold price, it's not even worth as much as the Chow Tai Fook gold jewelry you bought last time."
Si Qing clicked her tongue and shook her head.
She secretly sighed internally: "A knife scraping the butt—an eye-opener."
"I knew it, they specifically rip off rich people."
"Even though you say that, if someone accidentally hits this car, is it true, as the legend goes... that they'll be instantly ruined?"
Jiang Cheng realized that besides looking identical, Si Qing and Si Nian had vastly different personalities.
The first time Si Nian rode in the lamborghini reventón he drove, although she was very surprised, she quietly kept it to herself.
But in these two encounters with Si Qing, although she was constantly imitating Si Nian's tone and behavior, her emotions were actually displayed directly on her face.
Clearly, one was the type who kept her eyes closed and bit her lip, while the other was the type who stared back with her mouth wide open and her eyes half-open.
Thinking of the 'one open, one closed' pair, Jiang Cheng immediately felt the imagery was quite good.
"You don't have to be ruined, it depends on how much insurance you bought, and where you hit the car. The front grille is 130,000, a single headlight is 85,000, the front bumper assembly is 330,000, and the front windshield is 120,000..."
After hearing this, Si Qing exclaimed that it was outrageous: "These parts alone could buy a car."