Boom! (Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!)

Looking at the system’s prompt and explanation, Chen Ling gained a rough understanding of this template. By later standards, it could be interpreted as “personal brand” or reputation. It complemented wealth and status, forming a crucial dimension in one’s life journey.

Yet at the same time, Chen Ling couldn’t help but mock himself inwardly—so it was only now that someone considered him a true friend? It seemed his former self really was quite a failure.

Zhang Peng had no idea how many thoughts flashed through Chen Ling’s mind in that instant. He continued, “Old Chen, since we can move forward, shall we…” As he spoke, he once again placed the drafted agreement in front of Chen Ling.

This time, Chen Ling didn’t hesitate. He picked up the pen and filled in ten thousand yuan, then pushed the notebook back to Zhang Peng.

Zhang Peng, as promised, filled in fifty thousand yuan, signed his name, carefully stored the document, then produced fifty thousand in cash and handed it to Chen Ling—clearly prepared in advance.

Everything was settled!

“Shall we get started?” Zhang Peng looked at Chen Ling, unable to conceal his excitement.

He had every reason to be excited. Beyond the prospect of huge profits, this was his first attempt at making money on his own. Compared to personal gain, what he wanted most was to surprise his father.

Chen Ling, by contrast, was much calmer. For him, this was merely the beginning—a long and winding road lay ahead, far from the time to celebrate.

…

They wasted no time and both leaned over the computer.

Zhang Peng hadn’t been idle that day; he had already drafted relevant slogans and scripts, and after a few tweaks, all that was left was to copy and paste them into various QQ groups.

“Good news! Good news! Special student benefits: recharge your phone through me, pay 200, get 400! Interested? Join group 15700804.”

Complicated affairs often require the simplest publicity. The ad was short, but direct and clear. Coupled with the group leaders’ endorsements in their announcements, it carried a certain credibility.

So before they had even finished posting, the QQ groups they had set up began to fill up and buzz with activity…

“Is it really possible to pay 200 and get 400?”
“How reliable is this? Is it a scam?”
“How do I pay?”
“Group leader, say something!”
“Seems like the group was created by my senior~”
“The group leader is Zhang Peng? Then it’s fine, he’s a well-known rich kid at our school—drives a BMW!”

“Rich kid? I’ll recharge then!”

…

Reading the chat logs, Chen Ling and Zhang Peng exchanged awkward smiles.

Who would have thought Zhang Peng’s usual flashy lifestyle would become a unique form of trust in this situation? No wonder so many later impersonated rich kids to scam others.

Still, there was work to be done. The two sent photos of their student IDs to each group as “real-name authentication” to boost credibility, and then posted another message in their own group:

“Hello, fellow students. We are Chen Ling and Zhang Peng, Class of 2006 at Qujiang Business University. The recharge 200, get 400 offer is a benefit we secured for everyone. If interested, you can pay cash at Dormitory 3#310 of Business University, or place an order via QQ. We accept online banking transfers and ZF-protected payments. PS: Limited slots, act fast!”

“Cough cough cough~”
“Beep beep beep~”
“Beep beep beep~”
“Cough cough cough~”

Soon, friend requests and QQ messages came pouring in. Within just over ten minutes, dozens had already placed orders.

The first batch of customers were mostly classmates and familiar alumni who trusted Zhang Peng’s reputation. The simple offer of paying 200 and receiving 400 was enough to draw them in.

“What do we do now?” Zhang Peng asked. “Is it still possible to push forward today?”

Chen Ling was about to reply when the dormitory door suddenly swung open. Bao Zhenhai burst in, shouting, “Well, well! When did you two start conspiring behind my back? And now you’re doing business together? The world sure has changed!”

The two looked at him—sweat streaming down his face, a loose ill-fitting suit draped over him, his chubby cheeks full of displeasure…

Bao Zhenhai truly felt upset. He couldn’t understand why Zhang Peng would choose Chen Ling, the quiet one, over himself, his usual closest friend, for this venture.

Afraid Bao might say something to offend Chen Ling, Zhang Peng quickly laughed it off, “Hey, calm down~ This was actually Chen Ling’s idea. I begged him for ages before he agreed to take me along.”

“Chen Ling’s idea?” Bao Zhenhai was stunned, looking at Chen Ling in surprise and a hint of embarrassment.

Chen Ling waved his hand, then after a moment’s thought said, “Bao, don’t rush. The two of us are already overloaded. If you’re willing, join us—what do you say?”

“Really?” Bao Zhenhai instantly beamed. “Of course I want in!”

Zhang Peng frowned, “But what about your internship?”

“Oh, that? I’ll just quit. It’s just busywork anyway, being ordered around. Nothing’s as fun as starting something with brothers!”

Hearing this, Chen Ling glanced at Zhang Peng, who nodded slightly in agreement. Chen Ling then said to Bao Zhenhai, “Alright, you and Zhang Peng take orders on campus, I’ll handle the business hall. As for your compensation…”

At this, all three fell silent.

Dividing profits is an art—and the hardest part of the process. Zhang Peng and Chen Ling had to consider each other’s feelings: too little and it felt unfair, too much and it might cause conflict.

After a moment, Chen Ling made the decision: “Let’s keep the original split between Zhang Peng and me unchanged. Bao’s commission will be ten yuan per order. Does that work?”

Bao Zhenhai was utterly clueless about the actual profit, but ten yuan per person sounded decent, so he replied cheerfully, “I’m fine with anything.”

Zhang Peng had no objections either, seeing Bao accept so readily, so he nodded, “No problem for me.”

“Good, there’s still some time. We should be able to proceed today. I’ll head to the business hall now—stay in touch,” said Chen Ling.

“Okay!”

Without wasting another moment, Bao Zhenhai got out his laptop and, under Zhang Peng’s guidance, began handling QQ group inquiries, while Chen Ling wiped his face and hurried off to the business hall.

Upon arrival, thanks to the general manager’s prior instructions, the staff was very proactive. As soon as Chen Ling confirmed that the students had paid, the staff immediately recharged their phone balances and handed over supermarket cards—thirty-eight in total.

Looking at the cards in his hand, Chen Ling was deeply moved. In just over half an hour, the profit had already reached 7,296 yuan, with his personal earnings at 3,458.

At this rate, he could easily earn 100,000 yuan in a month—a level of efficiency worthy of the phrase “turning hundreds into thousands.”

Just as Chen Ling thought the day’s work was done and prepared to head back, his phone rang. It was Zhang Peng.

He answered at once, “Hello, Zhang Peng, what’s up?”

“Are you still at the business hall?” Zhang Peng’s voice trembled.

“Yes, I just finished and was about to leave. What happened?”

“Can you work overtime?”

“What do you mean?”

Zhang Peng paused, then spoke two words, “It exploded.”

“It exploded?” Chen Ling was puzzled. “Did the hot water heater explode again?”

“No, the orders! The orders exploded!” Zhang Peng explained. “I didn’t have time to discuss with you, but I took the initiative to promise those who’d already recharged that if they showed their recharge SMS in the group or on QQ Space, they’d get five yuan back. Suddenly, hundreds joined, and over a hundred more placed orders. There are so many messages we can’t keep up!”

Chen Ling: “…”