Chapter 321 - 206: Chatting Skills with Girls (Part 2)

"I’m on fire right now. We’re definitely taking home your prize money."

"Yeah, go for it."

The trio took the stage, and Lin Jiang watched from the audience.

Lin Jiang didn’t know much about jazz dance, so he couldn’t judge their performance on a technical level. Still, with all the chest-popping and leg-shaking, it looked impressive and earned a ton of applause.

He could tell from Qiu Yunong’s expression that they must have done well.

’But I’m running out of time.’

There were still nine teams after them. If he couldn’t get this sorted out soon, he wouldn’t be able to complete the mission.

’Hmm?’

Lin Jiang’s attention returned to the title sponsor.

Shuge Industrial Co., Ltd.

’Could this be Jiang Rongmin’s company?’

’He remembered talking about this the last time they had dinner together.’

’Jiang Rongmin had opened a clothing company, and he thought it was called Shuge.’

’If my future mother-in-law is sponsoring this competition, then pulling some strings should be a piece of cake.’

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ—

Just then, a message came in from Qin Yangyang. It was a sticker.

Qin Yangyang: What’re you up to.jpg

If a girl suddenly messages you and asks what you’re doing, there’s an eighty percent chance she misses you.

As for the other twenty percent, she either wants you to help her get a discount on some online purchase, or she wants to borrow money—which is basically just a different kind of shakedown.

Lin Jiang: What a coincidence.

Lin Jiang: I was just about to message you.

Qin Yangyang: For real? You’re totally lying.

Lin Jiang: If I were lying, could I have replied instantly?

Qin Yangyang: Hehe, not bad. Mwah~

Qin Yangyang: So what did you want to message me about?

Lin Jiang: Nothing really, I just missed you. Wanted to ask when you’re coming back.

Qin Yangyang: I’m already on my way back.

Qin Yangyang: image.jpg

The photo showed the scenery from a high-speed train window.

Qin Yangyang: I’ll be there in about two hours.

Lin Jiang: Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back sooner?

Qin Yangyang: I wanted to give you a surprise, but I couldn’t help myself on the train, so I messaged you. Heh.

Lin Jiang smiled.

Lin Jiang: I’ll come pick you up later.

Qin Yangyang: Don’t worry about it if you’re busy. I’ll just grab a cab and come find you.

Lin Jiang: Not busy.

Lin Jiang took a picture of the strategic partnership ad.

’This was his main goal, after all, but he couldn’t just say it directly.’

’The whole point of this chat was ’I miss you.’ If he suddenly brought this up, it would change the subject completely.’

Lin Jiang: Guess what I just saw?

Qin Yangyang: What did you see?

Lin Jiang sent the photo.

Qin Yangyang: ???

Qin Yangyang: Isn’t that my mom’s company? Where did you see that?

Lin Jiang: A company I invested in is competing here, so I came to watch. I saw that it was sponsored by Aunt Jiang’s company and just thought I’d mention it to you.

Then, Lin Jiang added,

Lin Jiang: Even though their skill level isn’t quite enough to win first place, it’s practically our home turf now, so it’s still fun to be here for the excitement.

Qin Yangyang: My family is the strategic partner. Whatever place they get is whatever we say they get.

Qin Yangyang: Hang on, I’ll make a call.

’Qin Yangyang was a sharp one.’

Lin Jiang stretched, feeling a sense of satisfaction. It was like searching high and low for something, only to have it fall right into his lap.

The strategic partner was the main title sponsor and the biggest financial backer for the competition. Rigging the rankings would be a piece of cake.

Qin Yangyang was personally making the call to handle it. All he had to do was wait patiently for the results.

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ—

Qin Yangyang: It’s all set. Someone will call you in a bit, and you two can sort out the details.

Lin Jiang: Isn’t that a bit much? It’s just a competition. It’s the taking part that counts, no need to get too serious.

Qin Yangyang: It’s a matter of honor. You have to fight for it, big or small. When you’re showing off to other people, these things are what you use to impress them.

Lin Jiang: All hail the mighty Qin Yangyang. You really know your stuff.

Qin Yangyang: I’m just that much better than you. Heh.

RING RING RING—

Lin Jiang was about to reply when his phone rang. It was an unknown number.

"Hello, may I ask if this is President Lin?"

"I am."

Lin Jiang had already guessed who it was.

"President Lin, hello. I’m the director of the marketing department at Shuge Industries. My name is Kong Fansheng."

"Hello."

"President Lin, I’m at the venue right now. Where are you?"

"I’m backstage. You’ll see me if you come over."

"Okay, I’ll be right there."

Lin Jiang didn’t hang up, and neither did the other person.

A few seconds later, Lin Jiang glanced at the entrance and saw a man in a suit walk in, holding his phone.

Their eyes met, and they both knew they had found the person they were looking for.

"President Lin, hello."

Kong Fansheng quickened his pace and walked over to shake Lin Jiang’s hand.

"Director Kong, hello."

"Our young miss has already filled me in. I’m here to coordinate with you. What number is your team?"

"Number nine."

"Does President Lin have any other requests?"

"Nope. Just make sure they get first place."

"Leave it to me."

After they finished their discussion, Kong Fansheng didn’t leave right away. He asked with a smile,

"President Lin, if you don’t mind my asking, what was your original target ranking?"

"Director Kong, you’re trying to ask about their skill level, aren’t you?"

"No, no, no..." Kong Fansheng laughed awkwardly. "Just asking casually."

"Their skill level is pretty good. Top three wouldn’t be a problem, but getting first would be a bit difficult."

Lin Jiang understood Kong Fansheng’s concern.

If the trio’s performance was awful, rigging them into first place would definitely cause a backlash. Plus, this event was organized by the city government, so it wouldn’t do to be too blatant.

But their performance was genuinely commendable. With a little "nudge," no one would be able to complain.

"Then there’s no problem. President Lin can just wait for the final results."

"Thank you for your hard work, Director Kong."

"You’re too kind, President Lin."

"Brother Jiang."

Just as Kong Fansheng was about to leave, Feng Qi walked over with Zhou Sui behind her.

"Is it your turn?"

"Yep. Quick, wish me luck so we can place well."

"In that case, I wish you good luck... in getting second place," Lin Jiang said with a smile.

"Hahaha..." Feng Qi let out a honking laugh. "Who wishes for someone to get second place?"

"It’s just that I have another team I’m backing, so I can only wish you second."

"Mhm, second is pretty good too. I’m off now."

"’Bye."

As Feng Qi and Zhou Sui walked away, Zhou Sui said,

"You shouldn’t even waste your time with him. I’ve already got it all sorted out for you. First place is guaranteed."

"Mhm." Feng Qi nodded, took a deep breath, and walked onto the stage.

Meanwhile, after talking with Kong Fansheng, Lin Jiang went to find Qiu Yunong.

Everything was arranged. There was no need for him to stay here any longer; he had to go pick up Qin Yangyang.

"I have something to take care of, so I have to go. I can’t stay here with you."

"Okay, okay. Go handle your business. No need to waste your time on something this small."

Lin Jiang took out his phone and sent Kong Fansheng’s number to Qiu Yunong.

"When the results are announced, buy a little something and give it to this guy."

"And this guy is?"

"The main sponsor of this event."

Qiu Yunong’s eyes lit up. She instantly understood what was going on.

"Brother Jiang, you even arranged this?"

Lin Jiang smiled and patted Qiu Yunong’s shoulder. "I’m leaving now. You get back to it."

"Got it."

After they finished talking, Lin Jiang left.

He also bought a bouquet of flowers on the way to boost their Affinity.