Chapter Nineteen: What Is a Ruthless Merchant

After graduating from the Department of Economics and Management at Nanshen University, Fan Qiang struggled in the business world for several years. Having witnessed the rapid rise of the computer industry and the accompanying boom in computer training, he chose to join Tian Weidong’s company, taking up a position at the Yangjiang branch.

His years of business experience taught him that so-called commercial credibility is only upheld in transparent circumstances—even if only with a single client, such credibility must be maintained. Therefore, he never entertained the idea of taking advantage of Qingsoft’s software. Even if Qingsoft was not particularly vigilant, Fan Qiang was not foolish enough to think the company could not see through his tricks. Should he attempt to profit from the situation, Qingsoft would raise a commotion in the industry, perhaps even take the matter to court, and the reputation of Tianxing Computer School would be utterly ruined.

However, if no one understood the underlying issues—if Qi Huanchang and Jiang Xiwen were completely ignorant of the industry and naively allowed him to trial the software—then Fan Qiang would seize the opportunity without hesitation: he would buy a copy, crack it, find a friend to resell it to his boss, and the whole affair would be watertight.

But it was now clear that Qi Huanchang saw through the ruse. Fan Qiang, therefore, would not exploit a child’s sincerity to achieve his aims; such behavior would damage his commercial “reputation.”

These thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant. Picking up the thread of Qi Huanchang’s conversation, Fan Qiang said, “Young man, you’ve been a bit careless. Although computer software is encrypted and you’ve set a usage period for yours, it can still be cracked...” He proceeded to explain methods for pirating software, then patted Jiang Xiwen on the shoulder. “You must be careful in the future. If you’re deceived, the losses could be significant.”

Hearing this, Qi Huanchang’s opinion of Fan Qiang improved; he hadn’t expected such a shrewd businessman to raise these issues proactively.

Watching Fan Qiang’s performance, Jiang Xiwen found it amusing. He had already seen through Fan Qiang’s calculations. Given the gravity of the matter, even a fool wouldn’t gamble Tianxing Computer School’s reputation. Moreover, with Tian Weidong’s temperament, once he learned of such a thing, he would surely fire Fan Qiang and delete all stolen software.

Thus, Jiang Xiwen felt no concern about Fan Qiang’s attempts to crack the software. Besides, the encryption methods he used were ones he had learned in his previous life as a hacker—involving low-level binary coding—something likely beyond the comprehension of anyone at Tianxing Computer School.

Amused though he was, Jiang Xiwen still admired Fan Qiang’s shrewdness. If not for his rebirth and in-depth understanding of the software industry’s hidden traps, he would never have seen through Fan Qiang’s intentions—he would, like Qi Huanchang, have thought Fan Qiang a sincere and reliable man.

“That’s not necessary. You’re a friend of Teacher Qi’s; why wouldn’t I trust you? Besides, you just taught me so much—I should be grateful. Principal Fan, could you please take me to the computer lab? I’ll install the software right away, and you can try it out.”

With Fan Qiang’s earlier explanation, Qi Huanchang, too, felt reassured. He added, “Fan Qiang, that’s right. Since we’re classmates, there’s no need for all this business talk. Go ahead and try it.”

“Very well!” Fan Qiang pretended to consider for a moment before saying, “Thank you both. I’ll take you to the computer lab now.”

The school’s computer room was already equipped with a Novell network running on a DOS operating system. With Qi Huanchang’s help, Jiang Xiwen quickly set up a complete diskless workstation and then installed the lab management system.

Fan Qiang gave the software a brief trial. His initial surprise upon entering the interface had been concealed by a businessman’s composure, but as he operated the system, he could no longer hide his astonishment.

Qi Huanchang had seen only portions of the code and had never fully tested the software himself. Now, witnessing the system in its entirety, his delight was obvious. Having managed the computer lab at No. 2 Middle School for a whole year, he could see this system would cut his workload by fifty percent—it was simple to select options and easy to operate.

“Did you develop this all by yourself?” Fan Qiang couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes…” Jiang Xiwen nodded.

“You could easily qualify as a senior programmer at any domestic software company.” Well-traveled and knowledgeable, Fan Qiang meant what he said.

Qi Huanchang laughed heartily, “Well, Fan Qiang, wasn’t I right when I told you over the phone? My student’s already surpassed me by far.”

“Principal Fan, may I ask a favor? Please don’t spread this around. I just want to be like Teacher Qi—write programs when I have the time. I don’t want too many people to know; otherwise, our school principal will use this as a publicity opportunity, and then I won’t even have time for classes.” Jiang Xiwen wore a look of helplessness, then winked playfully. “Teacher Qi says that quietly making a fortune is the correct path.”

Fan Qiang appeared understanding at first, then burst out laughing. “Well, you little rascal, you’ve found yourself a genius and now your true colors are showing. You really worship money—this will earn you more than all your side jobs repairing computers.”

“Uh…” Qi Huanchang smiled awkwardly. He couldn’t deny it—he had advised Jiang Xiwen to keep a low profile, and now he had to accept the reputation of being money-minded. In truth, he did love money, but only to save up for better computer equipment.

After a brief trial of the software, Fan Qiang treated Jiang Xiwen and Qi Huanchang to a meal at the Yangjiang River Fresh Pavilion, a rather upscale restaurant in Yangjiang in 1993.

The moment they entered, a cheerful teenage girl came out to greet them, accompanied by a graceful, elegant middle-aged woman.

Su Lai and her mother. Jiang Xiwen was momentarily stunned. Gazing at Su Lai’s slightly childish yet beautiful face, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

“President Wang, what a coincidence—you’re in Yangjiang too,” Fan Qiang strode forward, greeting them warmly. Upon seeing Fan Qiang, Su Lai’s mother—Wang Chengyun, president of Jiang Xiwen’s company in his previous life—flashed a professional smile and shook his hand. “Yes, I’m just here to let my daughter have some fun.”

“Hello, Uncle…” Su Lai greeted Fan Qiang with a radiant smile.

“Hello, young lady,” Fan Qiang smiled back. “As expected of President Wang’s daughter—so well-behaved.”

“Little Fan, you have other guests?” Wang Chengyun nodded to Qi Huanchang and Jiang Xiwen, then said, “You’re the most capable among Old Tian’s team. What promising project have you found this time?”

“Oh, President Wang, you flatter me…” Fan Qiang’s ingratiating smile was as genuine as ever.

Qi Huanchang had already noticed Jiang Xiwen’s odd behavior. The boy kept staring at the young lady—at such a young age, already thinking about these things. More precocious than I was back then.

Seeing Fan Qiang address the elegant woman respectfully as “President Wang,” Qi Huanchang worried that Jiang Xiwen might be too forward and disrupt Fan Qiang’s business relationship. He reached out to tug at Jiang Xiwen.

But just then, the girl stepped forward, extended her hand to the dazed Jiang Xiwen, and greeted him with a sweet smile. “Hello, classmate.”

Lost in thought, Jiang Xiwen was momentarily startled by Su Lai’s initiative, but quickly collected himself and extended his hand in return. “Hello, my name is Jiang Xiwen. And you are?”

Qi Huanchang had expected Jiang Xiwen to make a fool of himself, but instead, the boy responded swiftly, not only avoiding embarrassment but even causing a faint blush to rise on the young girl’s cheeks.