During college, Gao Mengting made a substantial amount of money as a “Taoke,” running an independent product guide website. Taoke is a profession where individuals earn commissions by promoting products for e-commerce platform sellers. Starting in 2020, the live-streaming e-commerce industry exploded, changing user shopping habits with its interactivity, display capabilities, and convenience. Gao Mengting’s Taoke business suffered greatly, and her promotional earnings dwindled.

After thorough research, she decided to follow the trend and entered this booming field. She bought a Wuling Hongguang for transporting goods, rented this store, and partnered with two classmates to start a business. She held 80% of the shares, while her two partners each had 10%.

They used the physical store as a base, expanding their business through online channels. The live-streaming boom helped their business thrive. However, this also bred disagreements and conflicts. Her partners felt their share was disproportionate to their contributions and demanded a reallocation of the shares, each wanting 33.3%.

This was unacceptable to Gao Mengting. She had funded most of the operation, sourced the inventory, and designed the live-streaming style and script. This led to a fallout, and the partners decided to withdraw according to their partnership agreement, taking a portion of the cash flow with them. One partner, who handled the live streams, used the store’s certified account to write a post that incited followers to attack Gao Mengting, resulting in a wave of complaints and returns, ultimately getting their platform account banned. The other partner, responsible for maintaining their followers, quickly promoted her small account.

The two started their own business, mirroring hers, and completely drained her side. The online platform was devastated, cash flow was interrupted, offline customer traffic was insufficient, and inventory piled up, plunging her into a quagmire. However, what hurt the most was the betrayal by two close friends.

...

As they talked, a couple of customers occasionally entered the store. By the time Gao Mengting finished recounting her entrepreneurial journey, it was almost noon.

Tang Song remained silent throughout, his gaze filled with empathy for Gao Mengting. Initially, she had generously provided employment opportunities for her struggling friends, which made the conditions in their partnership agreement quite lenient. This leniency allowed her friends to turn against her easily.

No wonder she was so meticulous about the second-hand car sales contract before.

“Do you think I was foolish in some ways?” Gao Mengting shook her head self-deprecatingly. “We were college roommates, close enough to sleep in the same bed. I underestimated human greed and overestimated my personal charm.”

Tang Song moistened his dry lips and said, “You were just too kind-hearted.”

Gao Mengting stood up, retrieved a bottle of mineral water from the cashier’s counter, and handed it to him, “If you ever start your own business, make sure to focus on the agreement terms and consult a professional lawyer. Not to take advantage but to deter betrayal.”

Tang Song took the water and stood up, meeting her gaze sincerely, “Ms. Gao, I have indeed planned to start a business. I came here to invite you to be my partner.”

“Huh?” Gao Mengting was stunned. “Me? A partner?”

They had only met twice, not even close acquaintances. How did this conversation shift to a partnership?

Tang Song took a large gulp of water and said, “I have a comprehensive and rich supply chain channel for clothing. I can quickly find the lowest prices for the same quality, but I lack industry experience and need your help!”

Gao Mengting thought for a moment, then shook her head with a wry smile, “Honestly, I owe a lot of money and am swamped with problems every day. I don’t have the mental energy to start over; it’s too difficult.”

“My initial investment is one million yuan.” Tang Song held up one finger, looking serious, “I also have a 200-square-meter independent office at Yunxi Tower!”

To recruit this exceptional talent, he laid out his biggest advantages.

At that moment, hurried footsteps approached from the entrance.

“Meiting! Meiting!”

A young man in his twenties ran into the store, wearing a shirt and dress pants, looking quite bright and sunny. He had a name tag from “Aijia Real Estate Agency” around his neck.

Gao Mengting turned to him, puzzled, “What’s up, Yongming?”

Li Yongming, panting heavily, said, “I just got word that the property company’s leaders are having dinner at Juhuide. The head of the leasing department is also there today.”

Hearing this, Gao Mengting immediately perked up, “Wait for me. I’ll be right there!”

She bit her lip and explained to Tang Song, “Mr. Tang, I’m swamped with problems right now. Let’s discuss the business matter later.”

She didn’t have the mental space to verify Tang Song’s claims. Her priority was to overcome her immediate difficulties and pay off her debts. Starting a business wasn’t a trivial matter; factors like partners, supply sources, funds, and market trends significantly influenced success. Even with another chance, the likelihood of failure was high.

Tang Song understood her urgency and said honestly, “I get it. Please consider it further. I’m very serious about this entrepreneurial venture. If you’re willing to join, we can establish a legitimate company. I’ll provide the initial funds, and we can negotiate the shares. A lawyer can draft a complete company charter to avoid unnecessary issues.”

Li Yongming looked at the confident Tang Song and couldn’t help but ask, “Who are you?”

“Tang Song,” Tang Song nodded at Li Yongming and continued focusing on Gao Mengting.

Li Yongming frowned, “Let’s go, Meiting! The property matter is urgent!”

He had been pursuing his college classmate, Gao Mengting, for several years. Knowing she was in a vulnerable state, he tried every possible way to help, hoping to win her over. But here was a guy talking about “registering a company,” “partnering in business,” and “providing funds,” hitting straight at her heart. Plus, the guy’s height and looks were decent, setting off alarm bells in Li Yongming’s mind.

Gao Mengting locked eyes with Tang Song and nodded, “Alright, Mr. Tang. Let’s continue our conversation on WeChat. I have urgent matters to handle, and I need to close the store for now.”

“Need any help?” Tang Song asked, showing genuine concern for his prospective partner.

Seeing Tang Song’s persistent attention to Gao Mengting, Li Yongming couldn’t hold back his irritation, “We’re negotiating a lease termination with the property manager. What could you possibly help with?”

“Yongming, mind your manners,” Gao Mengting frowned and explained to Tang Song, “Sorry, Mr. Tang. My friend’s words were a bit harsh. I signed an agreement with the property company when I rented this store. If I terminate the lease early, I need to pay the remaining months' rent, and the deposit will be forfeited. Given my current situation, I hope to negotiate with the property leaders for a different solution or some leniency.”

“I understand,” Tang Song nodded. He had heard of such arrangements where malls set such conditions to prevent tenants from leaving abruptly, leaving stores vacant.

Gao Mengting checked the time, “Mr. Tang, we have to get going.”

Tang Song offered, “How about I drive you there? Maybe the Wuling can bring you some luck.”

Hearing the word “Wuling,” Gao Mengting’s eyes softened, and she nodded, “Thank you, Mr. Tang!”

She then pulled out a beautifully packaged belt from a drawer and handed it to him, “This was a promotional gift earlier. Consider it as cab fare.” For original chapters go to nοvelfire.net

“Thanks,” Tang Song smiled as he accepted it.

Li Yongming opened his mouth to speak but held back. After all, he didn’t own a car yet.