A Divine Farmer

Chapter 225 - Despicable Methods to Pick up Girls!

“Although this is a groundbreaking skincare product, I can assure you that its effects will surpass any you've previously encountered,” Zhang Xiaolong stated with confidence. “Naturally, I can't claim it will be a guaranteed success. That's something we'll have to work towards together. If you think it's too much of a gamble, then let's not pursue it.”

He chose not to disclose his background or flaunt his financial capabilities. Had others been aware of these facts, many might have made a different decision.

But that wasn't Zhang Xiaolong's approach. He understood the natural instinct to seek benefits and avoid risks, yet he was looking for a manager who would progress and retreat alongside the company. This person needed to possess not only the courage for innovation but also managerial expertise.

He was prepared to offer a substantial salary, but he knew that money alone couldn't secure loyalty. The future would bring numerous temptations, and there would always be someone offering a higher bid.

Even an adversary might propose a sum far exceeding the person's worth, just to undermine them.

In such cases, if an individual prioritizes profit above all else, they will inevitably depart.

Of course, contracts and their terms could impose certain restrictions, but Zhang Xiaolong considered these to be superficial. If he was willing to pay the price, he needed someone genuinely committed to the cause.

“I've previously worked in the skincare industry and held a managerial position,” Zhou Li said, pausing briefly. “I'm just not certain about joining your team yet.”

“Take your time,” Zhang Xiaolong replied with a smile. “It's perfectly reasonable to need some time to think it over. Whenever you're ready, feel free to call… call Jingjing. Essence Dragon's doors are wide open for you.”

“No, you've got it wrong,” Zhou Li interjected quickly. “My hesitation isn't about weighing the merits of your company. I'm concerned that my joining could potentially cause you problems…”

Zhang Xiaolong was taken aback. He exchanged a glance with Yang Jingjing and promptly inquired, “What kind of trouble? You've shut down your shop and are planning to leave Qingyang. Does this have something to do with it?”

Zhou Li gave a resigned nod.

“Ms. Zhou, don't worry. Even though Essence Dragon is a new company, if anyone tries to cause us trouble, Xiaolong will handle it,” Yang Jingjing reassured her. “Whether you decide to join us or not, just share your troubles with us. Xiaolong will surely help you, right?”

Zhang Xiaolong nodded earnestly. “Absolutely. We may have only met once, but I believe Ms. Zhou is someone worth befriending. If you're facing any difficulties, feel free to tell me. If I can't resolve them, I can always reach out to others for assistance. I have quite a few connections in Qingyang.”

While Zhou Li was still deliberating, a young man with sunglasses strode in, oblivious to Zhang Xiaolong and the others. He made a beeline for Zhou Li.

“So, Li Li, you're finally seeing that business isn't so easy, huh?” The young man removed his sunglasses and casually blew on them. “You were doing well at your job; why resign? Nowadays, it's tough to find a decent job. Who else will offer you such a high salary without the hard labor? Where else could you find such a deal?”

“Chu Peng, I should have known you were behind this,” Zhou Li said, her face clouding over. “I'm done with this shop. Please, keep your distance. I'm not the person you think I am, and I certainly don't need your high salary!”

“Don't need it? Fine. I'll just wait and see what you do value, and then I'll take it all away from you. Then you'll understand what the best job really is,” Chu Peng said with a sly smile. “Don't worry, I've got all the time in the world to play this game with you. We'll see how it goes.”

After saying this, he glanced at Zhang Xiaolong and Yang Jingjing but didn't provoke them further, instead leaving with an air of smugness.

“Who was that?” Yang Jingjing asked, her face showing a hint of revulsion. “Did he cause your shop to fail?”

“Yes, his name is Chu Peng. He's the son of my former company's CEO and was also my direct supervisor,” Zhou Li said, her gaze heavy with concern. “He's notorious for his promiscuity, particularly for targeting women within the company. In just two years, he went through thirteen secretaries. Somehow, he fixed his sights on me, insisting I become his secretary. When I refused, he made my life difficult until I had no choice but to resign. I never imagined that even after I left, he still wouldn't leave me alone.”

Yang Jingjing looked puzzled. “What did he do? Once you resigned, he shouldn't have any control over you. Did he actually send someone to harass you?”

“No, if it had come to that, I would've reported it to the police long ago,” Zhou Li sighed. “My shop was doing quite well, especially with Mr. Zhang and…” She trailed off, suddenly realizing that the woman accompanying Zhang Xiaolong this time wasn't the same as before, though equally stunning. She bit back the rest of her sentence.

?It seemed men were all alike, always trying to lure a beautiful girl into their bed, and Zhang Xiaolong appeared no different.

“Are you referring to the photos Xiaolong and Yaru took together?” Yang Jingjing cleverly picked up on Zhou Li's hesitation and smiled as she spoke. “They are quite lovely, but Yaru is no longer his girlfriend.”

“Oh…” Zhou Li mused, confirming her suspicions.

“They've actually tied the knot—she's his wife now!” Yang Jingjing laughed.

Zhou Li was taken aback, then replied sheepishly, “I see…”

“Don't worry, Zhang Xiaolong is nothing like Chu Peng. He gets plenty of attention from women, but he doesn't give them a second glance. If I didn't know how close he and Yaru are, I'd start to question his interests!” Yang Jingjing teased with a flirtatious glance.

“Cough, cough. Okay, let's stick to the matter at hand,” Zhang Xiaolong interjected, eager to steer the conversation away from dangerous territory. “If there's no harassment, then the only other explanation for your business struggles must be cutthroat competition, right?”

Upon realizing her mistake, Zhou Li felt a twinge of regret for her earlier assumption. Thankfully, the conversation had shifted her focus. “Indeed, business was booming at first, particularly when you modeled for us. More visibility meant more sales. But then, just a few days later, a similar sports apparel store opened across the street. They sold nearly identical clothes at such low prices there was hardly any profit margin. Plus, their aggressive marketing campaign drew all the attention. Eventually, my store stopped getting any customers.”

“That's just low!” Yang Jingjing exclaimed contemptuously.

Customers naturally gravitate towards the more affordable option when presented with identical products.

Chu Peng wasn't concerned with making a profit. He was even willing to incur losses if it meant ruining Zhou Li's business. That was his ultimate goal.

Enduring a few rounds of such tactics wouldn't bother him financially, but for Zhou Li, it could mean a complete loss of her investment.

“If I were to start working there, he would surely come after you,” Zhou Li shared her concerns. “Besides, that company's main focus has always been cosmetics.”