Chapter Thirty-Eight: An Unfathomable Confidence

The two of them sat beneath the shade of a tree, chatting quietly. Gazing into the distance, with a gentle cool breeze wafting by, there was an undeniable sense of ease between them. Such a scene was something Liu Yueyu had never even dared to dream of before, yet now she found herself looking forward to it, wondering what the future might hold.

“Do you really want to start a beverage factory?” Liu Yueyu knew Shen Guodong well enough to understand he wasn’t the type to make idle talk. If he said he was going to do something, he’d take action in the end.

Shen Guodong nodded with conviction. “Right now, if the opportunity arises, I’d seize it no matter what—even if I had to sell everything I own. Opportunities don’t come twice! And even though a lot of food-related factories like beverage or canning plants are going under these days, it’s just poor management if you ask me. If you use the right strategy, there’s still plenty of potential.”

“You decide for yourself. Whatever you choose to do, I’ll support you,” Liu Yueyu replied calmly. She was never one to fight for anything.

Let things take their course; meet what comes as it comes, and be at peace with it.

Shen Guodong smiled without saying much more. A bright expression settled on his face as he took her small hand, holding it gently in his palm, fingers caressing it softly.

A blush crept up Liu Yueyu’s cheeks. After finishing her drink, she returned the empty bottle to the vendor, and then they continued on their way.

By the time they reached home, both were covered in sweat.

Shen Guodong couldn’t help but sigh—having a car would be so much more convenient. Both Liu Yueyu’s and his own commutes would be easier. He’d thought about buying a motorcycle, but with the price tag in the thousands, it wasn’t something he could just afford on a whim.

A bicycle would have to do.

After some thought, he said goodbye to Liu Yueyu and headed to the bicycle shop.

One bicycle would be enough for now.

There weren’t many styles to choose from these days—just the classic “28-inch big frame” types.

Most of the black models were produced in the metropolis by Chuyongjiu and Phoenix—longstanding companies, known for their solid quality.

At Yongsheng Bicycle Shop, rows of “28-inch big frame” bikes were lined up inside.

Passersby couldn’t help but cast sidelong glances.

These days, a “28-inch big frame” cost two or three hundred yuan—several months’ salary for the average person. People could afford it, but few were willing to part with that much money all at once. It was like the iPhones of later generations—anyone could buy one, but not everyone would.

“Comrade, are you here to buy a bike?” The owner, a plump and greasy middle-aged man, spotted Shen Guodong and his gaze fell on the bikes. His beady eyes sparkled as he hurried over.

Shen Guodong smiled. “Yes, could you recommend one?”

“I suggest you go with one made by Phoenix—top-notch quality. And I’ll throw in a lock, just for you. Two hundred thirty yuan!” The owner spoke generously, then launched into an endless sales pitch. Good heavens—his level of professionalism outshone even a car salesman.

Shen Guodong was a bit speechless. It was just a bicycle—no matter how much you talked it up, it would still just be a bicycle. At the end of the day, that’s all it was.

“Give me your best price,” Shen Guodong said quietly, patting the seat.

It was stiff—no doubt, sitting on it for long would leave you sore.

The plump owner was about to offer his lowest price when suddenly a voice interrupted.

“Well, if it isn’t Shen Guodong! Tsk tsk, a gambling addict who can’t even afford to eat and is always borrowing money—so you have money for a bike now?” The speaker was a scrawny young man named Wang Fujing.

He used to work at the same factory, but he was even more idle than Shen Guodong had ever been and got fired. Shen Guodong kept his job, which left Wang Fujing resentful.

He fancied himself far superior to Shen Guodong, yet he was the one dismissed. So every time he ran into Shen Guodong, he couldn’t resist mocking him.

Of course, that was just Wang Fujing’s own imagination. Even when Shen Guodong was at his lowest, he was still far more capable than Wang Fujing.

Otherwise, why would the factory keep Shen Guodong and not Wang Fujing?

“Oh, it’s you,” Shen Guodong replied indifferently, barely giving him a glance.

“Heh, that’s right! Surprised to see me? Here to look at bikes? Makes sense—someone like you can only look, not buy. Boss! I’ve got cash—two hundred yuan. If you’ll sell, I’ll take one right now.”

Wang Fujing tried to act nonchalant, flashing twenty ten-yuan notes and waving them around carelessly.

“Brother, this is a small business—I really can’t go that low. The wholesale price alone is more than two hundred. Even if I don’t make any profit, I can’t sell at a loss,” the boss said, putting on an exaggerated look of suffering.

“Come on, boss, don’t take me for a child. I’ve asked about your prices several times, and I’ve checked at other shops too. I decided to buy from you because you seem honest. How about this: we both compromise. I’ll give you five yuan more. If you can sell it, fine. If not, I’ll walk,” Wang Fujing threatened.

The boss, helpless, waved his hand. “Then go. I’m exhausted—every day you come here to haggle. You started at one hundred ninety, now it’s been a month. If you’re not tired, I am. Two hundred ten—take it or leave it.”

He’d hoped to show off in front of Shen Guodong.

But he’d failed.

Wang Fujing was annoyed. If they’d been alone, he’d have kept haggling. But he refused to lose face in front of Shen Guodong.

“Boss, come on, what’s ten yuan more or less? It’s not about the money, but nobody wants to overpay. That’s about the right price for the bike. I’ll take it.”

Wang Fujing slapped down twenty-one ten-yuan notes on the table with a flourish.

The boss unlocked a bike and handed it to him.

Wang Fujing pushed the bicycle, suddenly feeling his back straighten with pride.

“If you can’t afford it, don’t bother looking—what a disgrace!” he said arrogantly, almost boastfully.

Hearing this, Shen Guodong nearly burst out laughing. It was only two hundred yuan—was that supposed to be rich?

Where did this guy’s confidence come from?