Chapter Four

At first, the strategies they used were ones Xiao Tianci had already considered; the simplest approach was to leverage the mobile phone store’s advantage and undercut prices on these small items, not caring if they lost money in the short term. If there was no profit, the various expenses would soon become unsustainable. That was also why Xiao Tianci had opened two other stores, though those weren’t as prime as this one.

However, in those locations, competition was minimal, and if things went wrong, the profits from those two stores could sustain the main one. Xiao Tianci’s original plan was to strike fast—set up shop, get it running smoothly, and then open a few more, selling them off quickly. The business here was straightforward, and after all, the profits were limited in the long run.

But he knew this wasn’t the right time to leave. Xiao Tianci understood that the value he brought needed to be proven through this test. If he could hold out and outlast his competitor, they would become his best buyers and offer him the highest price.

He had run through these scenarios countless times and was now just waiting for the showdown. Yet, his opponent had made no moves recently, which puzzled him. Of course, he didn’t need to explain these things to Ma Lan; it wasn’t easy for her to understand that the current rivalry was all about bargaining chips for a future sale.

There were only two or three customers in the store, leaving Xiao Tianci with time to go over the accounts with Ma Lan.

Suddenly, a bright red sports car pulled up outside the store, catching Xiao Tianci’s eye—he had always loved sports cars, even if he couldn’t afford one yet. Every time he saw a good car, he couldn’t help but take a few extra glances.

Ma Lan remarked casually, “Oh! It’s them again.”

Her tone suggested familiarity. Xiao Tianci asked, “Who are they? Do they come often?”

By then, the car doors had opened and a young man and woman got out—the man dressed fashionably, the woman in a professional suit. Ma Lan nodded toward them, “The woman works at an advertising company nearby. She loves our products and comes by often. The man follows her around—must be some rich kid, probably still in school.”

“I see,” Xiao Tianci replied, as the pair entered. Now he could get a good look: shoulder-length hair, bright eyes, delicately arched brows, and a light touch of makeup that made her eyes stand out. Despite the formal attire, her youthful aura was unmistakable; she seemed more like a college student than an office worker.

“Ni’er, there’s a party tonight. Uncle Tian and your brothers will be there. You should come too,” the young man suggested as they browsed. Ma Lan went over to greet them and introduced some of the latest gadgets—not just phone accessories, but plenty of small items for both men and women.

Accepting a unique earring from Ma Lan and holding it up to the mirror, the woman replied, “I’ve told you before, my dad is my dad, and if they want to go, that’s their business. I have work—need to work overtime tonight.”

The man was undeniably handsome—Xiao Tianci had to admit he didn’t quite measure up, not to mention the guy had a fancy car. Still, he thought to himself, “What’s the use of good looks? I’ve got more real charm. Just wait until I make money—I’ll buy an even better car with my own earnings.”

Men are no different from women in this—both compare themselves to others. The young man, used to this kind of response, tried again, “Ni’er, I saw a beautiful diamond necklace and matching earrings the other day. Let’s go have a look. I’ll buy them for you, okay?”

“Dongfang Yi, how many times do I have to tell you? I’m me, you’re you. I can’t accept such expensive gifts. Besides, I have to work. If you keep going on like this, I won’t go out to eat with you next time.”

He surrendered immediately, “Alright, alright, I won’t say another word.”

The woman continued picking out items, while the man stood by helplessly. Standing nearby, Xiao Tianci could hear him muttering, “Really, why does Ni’er insist on working part-time instead of just being Miss High Society? She skips classes and makes me cover for her. What can I do?”

Although he didn’t speak loudly, Xiao Tianci caught every word, realizing that the man was pursuing her, but she didn’t seem interested.

So, she really was a college student. How interesting. Xiao Tianci found himself glancing at her repeatedly, captivated by her expressions as she shopped. For the first time, he felt his heart stir—she was so lovely, so beautiful.

Even after the two got in their car and drove away, Xiao Tianci stood there, staring after them in a daze.

“Boss… Boss… Boss, are you alright?” Ma Lan called out several times before he snapped out of it.

“Huh…” Xiao Tianci finally came to himself, chuckled, and waved her off. “I’m fine. You can get back to work. No need to go over the accounts today.”

“Alright, then.”

Their first encounter left Xiao Tianci with an impression he couldn’t shake—this woman was truly special.

What was meant to happen would inevitably come to pass. After more than half a month of business, the competitor finally made their move. They brought in a batch of high-end branded goods, with prices starting from just a few dozen up to several hundred—almost as much as an ordinary mobile phone.

Then, across all ordinary accessories, they slashed prices. Xiao Tianci had no choice but to follow suit. After several rounds of price cuts, the prices were down to a quarter of what they had been. There was still profit, but only just.

With little capital, the cost of running even a single shop was high, and the competitor’s constant promotions siphoned off many customers.

After a month, when Xiao Tianci checked the accounts, the two other stores were already losing money. But this was all within his calculations; he wasn’t worried. His competitor’s high-end strategy wouldn’t work here—this wasn’t a district for luxury goods, and mobile phones were becoming increasingly affordable.

Moreover, with prices this low, he knew his competitor had reached their limit—not just in terms of what was possible, but also what was sustainable for long-term business. Any further, and even if they won, they wouldn’t survive in the aftermath.