Chapter 086: All Treasures Gone, Did Someone Die?

"Patriotic Kid, I bought thirty blind boxes. Can you tell me how the stock market will move next?"

"Don't worry, sir. Once this event ends, I'll share my prediction for the stock market with everyone. For now, please step aside to open your blind boxes and draw your prize numbers."

On stage, Zhang Tianfeng held the microphone, smiling down at the crowd. "Don't worry, this event won't drag on for too long. With such enthusiasm, I estimate we'll be done in at most two hours."

"Come on, staff, hand out the iced water and set up the parasols. Don't let our guests get heatstroke."

Seeing this scene, Xu Kuangdao and Chen Yuanhua, hidden in the crowd, tasted only bitterness.

How could they compete with this? The customers here were nothing like the ones at their own booth. Here, they were obedient and polite; at their stall, the slightest delay would trigger a barrage of complaints.

"Let's go. Or do you still want to cause trouble here?" Chen Yuanhua pulled at Xu Kuangdao.

"Damn it, this really gets on my nerves. Makes me want to smash that brat's head in with a stick!"

Spitting viciously, Xu Kuangdao left with a dark expression.

This time, they were utterly defeated. The root of their failure was not believing in Zhang Tianfeng's true identity.

On their way back, the two discussed their next steps: they would wait until Zhang Tianfeng's event ended before reemerging. By then, they could ride the wave of the blind box craze that Zhang Tianfeng had ignited and grow their business.

If Zhang Tianfeng offered a Crown as the grand prize, they would put up a million in cash. They didn't believe the gamblers could resist that. As long as they tweaked the odds so no one could actually win the grand prize, they'd be sure to profit.

They were elated by the plan, their bodyguards listening in, all oblivious to the person who had joined them unnoticed.

In less than an hour, the grand prize was won—a man who had bought 365 blind boxes took it home.

This caused a commotion. His win convinced everyone that the odds were real.

Even without the grand prize, there was still a first prize of a thousand yuan—a considerable sum. The crowd went wild, buying blind boxes in a frenzy.

...

Night fell. In a secluded alley, Zhang Tianfeng and his three companions sat around a table, enjoying ice-cold beer.

"Come, let's celebrate selling out all our products!"

Zhang Tianfeng raised his glass, and the others followed suit.

A swig of chilled beer washed away the day's heat instantly. A flush appeared on Li Yuezhe's cheeks as she raised her small cup. "Boss, you're the second man I've ever admired. I never imagined you were so capable."

"I misjudged you before, even talked badly about you behind your back. I apologize."

"It's normal not to understand someone at first meeting," Zhang Tianfeng replied, clinking her cup, "but don't do that next time. I appreciate people who speak their minds."

"If you can't drink, don't force yourself. Remember this: as a salesperson under me, you never have to do anything you don't want to. If a client tries to force you, just tell him to go to hell."

"Boss, I'll remember that. And if I mess things up in the future, you can’t scold me then."

"A man's word is his bond. I mean what I say."

"A man? At best, you're a boy—not even twenty yet."

"Still a man. Come on, drink and eat."

Zhang Tianfeng set down his glass. "Enjoy yourselves tonight. Tomorrow, you'll return to the factory to help manage things while I travel to Japan."

"Don't worry, boss. We'll manage the toy factory well for you."

Now, the four of them felt only respect for Zhang Tianfeng—utter and complete.

Who would have thought that a boy just turned eighteen could devise such a masterful sales strategy?

Earlier, as they drove around Gangcheng looking for a meal, they noticed people everywhere trying their hand at the blind box business. The packaging was crude, but it couldn't dampen people's urge to try their luck.

Even the Gangcheng Daily had labeled Zhang Tianfeng a commercial prodigy, saying he pioneered a new gamble-based business model with a market worth hundreds of billions.

But in Zhang Tianfeng's eyes, it was worth far more—if it expanded nationwide in this era, the market would be at least three trillion.

If it went global, it would be counted in the tens of trillions.

In just half a day, he had cleared all the toys that had piled up in the warehouse, along with nearly five hundred thousand trinkets bought from other wholesale markets.

This trip to Gangcheng had netted him over two million in profit.

Most crucially, thanks to the publicity from the local media, everyone now knew he was running a toy factory in the mainland. Many people wanted to work with him, even if it meant giving up some of their own profits.

Zhang Tianfeng believed that, as time went on, more people would come to him seeking cooperation.

His stock market predictions had also been accurate. That alone was enough.

As for reputation, Zhang Tianfeng cared little for it. Make the money first; everything else could be dealt with later.

After the meal, apart from Zhang Tianfeng and Li Yuezhe, the others were drunk enough to need help walking.

They turned into an alleyway, but halfway through found themselves blocked at both ends.

A blond-haired youth stepped out with a steel pipe, sneering, "Boss, my brothers and I are a little short on cash lately. Mind sparing some so we can have a little fun?"

"Don't have any. Get lost!" Wang Tiancai snapped, "I hate guys like you—quick hands but never doing anything decent, always picking on the weak. In wartime, you'd be the first to desert!"

Zhang Tianfeng glanced at him, thinking Wang Tiancai must have suffered at the hands of such thugs before. Now, emboldened by drink, he exploded.

"You dare insult me? All right, boys, let's teach them a lesson!"

"Li Yuezhe, you lead the others out. I'll cover the rear," Zhang Tianfeng said, taking out his wallet—only for Wang Tiancai to snatch it away.

"Don't worry, boss. As long as we're here, we won't let you get hurt. Let me handle these petty thieves."

"Watch my drunken military boxing! Hah!"

Drunk and reckless, Wang Tiancai shoved Zhang Tianfeng aside and charged, followed by the others.

A steel pipe struck Wang Tiancai, who cried out in pain, grabbed the pipe, and started swinging it wildly at his assailant.

Sharp clangs rang out. Sensing trouble, Zhang Tianfeng rushed over.

"Enough! You’ve knocked him out; stop it!" He seized the steel pipe from Wang Tiancai and pushed him to the ground, shouting.

"Hah! These fools thought they could rob us? They must have a death wish!" Zhu Hongyuan and Cai Yun burst out laughing.

At that moment, Li Yuezhe, her voice trembling, called out after checking on the fallen youth, "Boss, I think this one might be dead..."