Chapter 45: Chapter 42 The Girl Carrying the Box
“`
“Your family’s store?”
Zhou Wang was surprised by Wang Qiaobin’s words, but in an instant, a lot of things clicked into place.
No wonder Brother B was so young yet knew the ins and outs of these things so well. It wasn’t just because he was rich… He had a family legacy.
“When you were in college, you were always talking about these things with us. Were you planning to expand your client base early on?”
“Kind of,” Wang Qiaobin admitted, nodding with a knowing look at Zhou Wang. “Honestly, I never thought you’d end up coming to places like these.”
...
Wang Qiaobin was genuinely surprised.
His family was the typical family business. Starting with bathhouses over a decade ago, now in Ming City and surrounding areas, they owned more than a dozen bath centers and sauna clubs. When he graduated high school, his dad had already told him clearly—
All these stores would be handed over to him in the future.
There was no rebellious “rich second-generation trying to prove themselves by starting a business,” as Wang Qiaobin fully accepted the family arrangement and lived a carefree college life.
His dad told him one crucial thing: in their line of business, the more friends, the better.
That’s why in college, besides being in the basketball team, Wang Qiaobin joined the student council and signed up for five or six clubs… Of course, he knew the nickname people gave him—”Foot Bath Guy”!
This even caused some resistance when he was dating in college.
But Wang Qiaobin didn’t care. He knew that one day, the classmates who laughed at him would realize they were the joke.
During this process, Wang Qiaobin was indeed intentionally building connections, mostly with those whose families were in business or who had a bright future in civil services…
As these people entered society, when they had corresponding needs, either in business or personal, they’d naturally think of him first.
He tagged himself as “Foot Bath Guy” but also cleverly handed an invisible business card to these potential clients.
That’s effective socializing.
Meeting Zhou Wang was just a byproduct of playing basketball. Wang Qiaobin hadn’t thought Zhou would be a potential client, or else they wouldn’t have lost touch after graduation.
But seeing him again today, Wang Qiaobin realized he had underestimated him before.
The Zhou Wang he had remembered as having an ordinary background was dressed in a way that likely cost a small fortune today.
Though he couldn’t entirely make out the model of the watch on Zhou’s wrist, he knew it wasn’t a standard model from IWC.
And it was because of this he was willing to chat with Zhou Wang for a bit. Otherwise, just saying hi and maybe arranging a discount would have been his limit.
Although Zhou Wang wasn’t aware of Wang Qiaobin’s internal calculations, he vaguely sensed something.
He chuckled to himself, “I never thought your family was in this business… Back then, I was just busy listening to you brag. So yeah, how can ordinary people compare with you second-gens? The difference in vision is too vast.”
“Bullshit vision, it’s just chasing my tail. How’ve you been lately?”
Wang Qiaobin pulled Zhou Wang down to sit on the sofa, laughing as he tossed a Cigarette to him.
“Just graduated, kind of lazing around.”
Zhou Wang looked at the Cigarette in his hand, shook his head, and said, “I can’t get used to this smoke, I’ll stick to my Da Zhong Jiu.”
“I don’t really like smoking either, but you can’t avoid it in this line of work. You’re dealing with people from everywhere… In the end, you’ll find the Cigarette works best!”
Wang Qiaobin complained and then unabashedly took a Da Zhong Jiu from Zhou Wang and helped him light it.
“You probably used the VIP voucher from the Wanda Hotel to come here, didn’t you… So, came for some relaxation but found nothing you liked?”
“Looks like you know everything.”
Zhou Wang sighed, “It’s my first time. Let’s just say it’s not quite what I imagined.”
“I just happened to be inspecting the shop here today. After the manager’s report, I came by to see if there was a genuine customer or if some competitors sent someone to cause trouble. We’ve had that happen before… Did not expect to run into you, buddy!”
Wang Qiaobin chuckled and scolded, “It’s normal not to find anything you like. Those with issues tend to be the young or the rich, and you’re both. But it’s also because you didn’t find the right path.”
“Oh? Any tips?”
“This shop is the most professional route, as you’ll see from the massage techniques of our therapists, or we wouldn’t be collaborating with a five-star hotel.”
Wang Qiaobin chuckled, “What you’re looking for, you can only find at other locations. Our family recently launched a high-end, membership-only shop focused on cosplay. You’ve watched Saint Seiya, right?”
Zhou Wang initially wanted to explain that he wasn’t there for that, but then his attention was caught.
“Saint Seiya, what’s that?”
His mind was full of question marks as he couldn’t connect “Holy Clothes” and “therapists,” two entirely unrelated things.
“It’s a trend, nothing you can do. The ’80s and ’90s generations are the primary consumer groups now. You have to cater to the clients’ preferences, right? Besides Saint Seiya, there’s even a Genshin Impact special…”
Wang Qiaobin said as he pulled out his phone, sending messages while complaining.
“You have no idea how hard this industry is now. It’s all because of the rise of online live streaming, driving up P prices outrageously, disrupting the whole market. Many quality girls quit to become online celebrities!”
“That place’s a bit far, I won’t bother taking you there today. I’ll just have a therapist come here for you; you’ll be satisfied!”
“B Brother, don’t trouble yourself. We’ll chat a bit more, then I’ll leave.”
Zhou Wang hurriedly refused.
“Don’t worry, this one I’m bringing you is definitely clean. It’s a part-time job for her; she doesn’t even do minor items usually. Do you think I’d mess you over?”
“Really, it’s not necessary…”
“She’s already on her way. Even if you don’t have other intentions, at least experience a regular SPA, right? Isn’t it your first time?”
“Alright, then.”
With Wang Qiaobin putting it that way, it would be impolite to refuse. Zhou Wang reluctantly agreed.
They chatted a bit more. Even though they already had each other’s WeChat, they exchanged phone numbers again. After about twenty minutes, Wang Qiaobin glanced at his phone and stood up with a grin.
“She’s here, changing clothes now. I’ll go first, enjoy yourself.”
“Okay, let’s have a meal another day?”
“I’ll set up a get-together and call you. A few of the guys we used to play ball with are in Ming City. We can have a good drink then!”
After patting Zhou Wang on the shoulder, Wang Qiaobin left. A few minutes later, following a knock at the door, a girl carrying a suitcase walked in through the open door.
“Hello, distinguished guest~”
Her soft voice caught Zhou Wang’s attention. Perhaps because the contrast with before was so strong, he found the sight a bit stunning.
Her almond-shaped face and delicate eyebrows, graceful features, clad in a pure white strapless long dress with a gold-belted waist, and on one side, a high slit like a cheongsam showcasing long legs in thin black heels. On her fair arm was a golden ring, with matching accessories atop her head—
Wait, why did this look so familiar?
After some effort at recollection, Zhou Wang’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Ath… Athena?”
No, he thought Wang Qiaobin was joking… Turns out, it really existed!
“`