Chapter 117 You're really something, playing the long game...
Fu Jun calmly replied, "What's there to be afraid of? Aren't you here?"
“Me?” Cheng Jincheng pointed to his nose, pursed his lips, and looked dejected. “Without fitness training equipment, it’s useless even if I were here. If we don’t make a splash on the first day of opening and don’t have a standout performance, our influence will be greatly diminished. Especially since fitness is still a completely new field for people here, they are already taking a wait-and-see approach and are skeptical. We finally managed to use posters to claim that it’s fun and can improve physical fitness, which generated some interest. But now we only have empty talk, nothing else. How can we convince people to join our training camp?”
Fu Yun curled the corners of her lips, her expression indifferent: "Who said we're helpless without gym equipment?"
Cheng Jincheng's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "Do you have a solution?"
Fu Yun pointed to the training ground: "This is not the place to talk. Let's go inside."
Upon hearing that Fu Yun had a solution, Cheng Jincheng immediately rallied and regained his fighting spirit.
He looked at Xing Fei beside him, waiting for her reaction.
Xing Fei nodded: "Then let's do as Young Master Su says!"
Fu Yun asked her, "Are you coming in with us, or do you need to take care of something else first?"
Xing Fei said, "I do have other important matters to attend to, so I won't go in. If you need any help, there are other soldiers in the training ground, some of whom Young Master Su knows. Just ask them for help."
Fu Jun nodded, naturally not trying to keep Xing Fei: "Then you go ahead and get busy, we'll go in first."
When Fu Yun and Cheng Jincheng returned to the training ground, they chose a side path that would not run into the soldiers' training, so they did not disturb the soldiers' practice.
Back at the training camp, Cheng Jincheng said angrily, "Look, they didn't leave us anything at all. It's outrageous!"
Fu Yun glanced around the empty venue, a sharp, cold glint in her eyes: "They deliberately waited until two days before the opening to make their move, hoping to catch us off guard."
"Hmph~" He sneered, his expression arrogant: "But so what? We'll deal with whatever comes our way. It's just a small setback. Do you really think this can defeat us? You're underestimating us. I'm a tough guy by nature. The more they try to sabotage me, the less I'll let them have their way. I'll drive them crazy."
"Awesome!" Cheng Jincheng gave a thumbs up: "No wonder he's a domineering CEO, the boss is really tough."
After flattering him, he changed the subject: "So, Mr. Fu, what are your plans next?"
Fu Yun glanced at Cheng Jincheng, ignoring his flattery, and said confidently, "Since we can't promote fitness knowledge on the opening day, let's just scrap the previous opening plan and have a brand new promotional event."
Cheng Jincheng perked up: "What kind of promotional activity?"
Fu Yun said, "A race."
Cheng Jincheng: "?" Are you kidding me?
Seeing Cheng Jincheng's incredulous expression, Fu Yun asked again, "You've participated in track and field competitions, haven't you?"
Cheng Jincheng remained silent for a moment, then glanced around the not-so-large open space: "You think you can race here? Are you kidding me?"
Fu Yun glanced at Cheng Jincheng and explained, "Of course it's not the kind of long-distance running you're thinking of, but rather an individual 100-meter sprint race and a relay race between running friends."
Cheng Jincheng's expression changed, and he immediately realized that it was indeed feasible to temporarily set up a running track and stadium in this area, and it would be simple to operate.
Thinking of this, he became excited and immediately clapped his hands and cheered, "Great!"
He was very impressed: "I must say, you're really quick-witted."
"Wait a minute~" He suddenly frowned, looking a bit troubled. "The idea is good, but the problem is, all the men here are of similar quality. It's not certain that anyone will be willing to participate, is it?"
Fu Jun crossed his arms and said dismissively, "That's easy to say. If you want others to participate in the activity, you naturally have to give them benefits. If you give them enough benefits, you won't have to worry about them not participating."
“That’s true!” Cheng Jincheng’s eyes lit up: “As long as the prizes are generous enough, there’s no worry about no one participating.”
“That’s right.” After having this idea, Fu Yun had a preliminary plan for the activity: “The day after tomorrow, we’ll do something different and focus on playing games instead of working out.”
As Fu Yun spoke, her thoughts became clearer and clearer. She continued, "In addition to the top three contestants and teams receiving generous prizes, the top ten contestants will also receive rewards. We will distribute the prizes according to their rankings."
As he spoke, he pondered, “We need to think carefully about what to reward them with. We can forget about medals and trophies; there’s definitely no time to order them. Even if we expedited the process, they might not like those kinds of medals unless they’re made of gold or silver.”
Cheng Jincheng nodded, agreeing with Fu Yun's point of view: "This is their first time participating in this type of competition, so they probably don't have much of a sense of personal or team honor. Trophies and medals are really unnecessary. We can only prepare some things that they need in their daily lives, which might be a bit more attractive."
He paused for a moment, then added, "However, I think if we hold more events in the future, they will definitely want the trophies and medals. After all, they represent a competition ranking, and it would be very meaningful to take them home as souvenirs."
Fu Yun said, "If the opening event the day after tomorrow is a great success, then I will have a new idea for promoting our fitness training camp."
Cheng Jincheng's curiosity was immediately piqued: "What new idea have you come up with this time?"
Fu Yun said, "If track and field events like running are fine, then we can consider holding a city-wide marathon. That would be more interesting, and everyone can participate."
Cheng Jincheng's eyes widened, his mind reeling: "Wow, amazing!"
He gave a thumbs-up, his face beaming with excitement: "You're so incredibly imaginative! That's absolutely amazing!"
Fu Yun was amused by Cheng Jincheng's exaggerated tone and pressed down on his forehead, which was unknowingly getting closer: "Alright, you don't need to use that rainbow-colored flattery on me. Tell me, what are your thoughts on the prize proposal?"
Cheng Jincheng chuckled, and his underling's smug expression softened. He pondered seriously for a moment before offering his suggestion: "Personally, I think no prize is more attractive than silver."
Fu Yun: "..." That makes sense, but it's a bit too direct and crude.
Before Fu Yun could respond, Cheng Jincheng continued, "Think about it. Everyone feels a sense of fear of the unknown when faced with a completely new field. Moreover, the men here rarely leave their homes and have never seen anything like it. It's perfectly normal for them to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone and learn about new things. You could call it stage fright. In this situation, if there's no benefit to be gained, and it's just a small prize, it's unlikely to get them to overcome that psychological barrier."
Fu Yun agreed: "So, I've come up with another way to motivate everyone: all participants in the race will receive a 30% discount membership card for our tea shop, valid for one year. It will be valid at all the branches we open in the future."
Cheng Jincheng's eyes widened in shock: "Playing this big? Isn't this a bit too much?"
Fu Yun curled her lips into a smile, saying, "You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub. When we hold a marathon and collect registration fees from everyone, you'll know what it means to cast a long line to catch a big fish."
"Holy crap!" Cheng Jincheng was shocked: "You actually thought that far ahead in such a short time?"
He sighed, "Now I finally know the difference between you and me. With your sharp business acumen, I can't compare to either of you. No wonder you can become a business tycoon, while I'm just a lowly wage earner."
Fu Jun retorted in disagreement: "Who isn't a beast of burden? Aren't we all just tools driven by money?"
Cheng Jincheng waved his hand: "It's different, completely different. Even if you're a tool, you're a skilled worker, while I'm just a handyman."
Fu Jun was too lazy to waste words with him, so she patted his shoulder and said, "Alright, stop being so sour, let's get down to business."
Cheng Jincheng immediately straightened up and said, "What do you need me to do? Just tell me, boss."
Fu Yun said, "Of course we need to prepare the track, otherwise how can we have the competition the day after tomorrow?"
Cheng Jincheng had a headache. He looked around the entire site and said, "In ancient times, conditions were limited, and it was hard to find paint or anything like that. I guess we'll have to use lime."
Fu Yun explained, "Tung oil and lacquer existed in ancient times, but we are only holding a temporary event and don't need them yet, otherwise the cost would be too high."
"How about this!" Fu Yun thought for a moment and suggested, "Use ropes to separate the track for the 100-meter sprint, and use lime for the relay race. Have someone on standby the day after tomorrow, so that they can immediately stop if the track is damaged."
“Yes, yes.” Cheng Jincheng praised repeatedly: “It’s quite simple and straightforward, yet it meets the needs.”
"Then let's split up. You go prepare the prizes, and I'll take care of finishing the track. I won't sleep until it's done tonight."
Fu Jun was both amused and exasperated: "No need for that. I'll help you set up the track. That way we'll be faster. We can prepare the prizes after we're done."
“Okay.” Cheng Jincheng volunteered to take on the task: “I’ll go get some lime, and you go find a female soldier you know to get a rope.”
“OK.” Fu Jun had no objection.
Fu Yun went to find another deputy general under Qian Qingling. She had appeared with Qian Qingling and Xing Fei when they were setting up a stall before, but she didn't know his name at the time.
When I asked her to borrow a rope, she was very helpful, introducing herself as Wen Qin, and said that I could ask her for help with anything.
After thinking for a moment, Fu Yun didn't hide anything and told him about the problems she was currently facing.
As a result, Wen Qin brought more than ten female soldiers to this open space to help.
When Cheng Jincheng returned, he saw Fu Yun and about a dozen girls working enthusiastically.
They even brought two buckets of lime, which made his half-bucket seem completely inadequate.
Cheng Jincheng walked over to Fu Jun, patted him on the shoulder, and teased, "Boss, you're something else! You managed to find so many helpers?"
Fu Yun brushed his hand away and urged, "Go, go, stop talking nonsense and get to work."
Fu Yun had already made up his mind. He would treat the soldiers who helped him to milk tea, and he would also give them a prize from the top ten winners of the competition.
He would absolutely not take advantage of them and let them work for free.
Only two hours had passed by the time the entire runway was completed.
Fu Jun thanked them one by one and invited them to come and watch the competition the day after tomorrow, saying that he would give them small gifts.
Wen Qin and the female soldiers naturally wouldn't refuse. Anyway, if the general blamed them, they could just say that it was Young Master Su who personally extended the invitation, and she probably wouldn't reject Young Master Su's kindness.
After the female soldiers left, Fu Yun asked Zhang, the bodyguard, to help guard the place while he and Cheng Jincheng went directly to the street to buy prizes for the competition.
He has already decided that, apart from the top three being rewarded with silver coins, the rewards for the other rankings will be very practical kitchen utensils, such as a set of bowls and chopsticks, two buckets, and various iron pots for stir-frying and cooking rice.
These are everyday items that you can get for free just by participating in the game; I doubt many people wouldn't be tempted.
Even if participants don't win the prizes, they can still get a 30% discount membership card for the tea shop. I believe no one can resist the temptation of such a bargain.
Fu Yun and Cheng Jincheng strolled around Ya'an Street, bought the prizes they needed to prepare, and returned to the tea shop first. After putting their things down, they prepared to return to the training ground together.
Cheng Jincheng stopped him, saying, "I can go by myself. You just need to distribute the gifts in the store, write out the membership cards to be issued the day after tomorrow, and make sure everything is prepared."
In ancient times, membership cards were neither sophisticated nor complicated. They were simply made of stiff Xuan paper, with the discount period clearly written on it. A consumption form was created to record the membership period based on the number of purchases and the date.
Fu Yun agreed to Cheng Jincheng's suggestion, and he called Lu Zhisheng over to help write the membership cards to be used for the opening.
Cheng Jincheng was gone for the entire afternoon, and the tea shop was about to close before he returned.
Fu Yun decided not to wait any longer. After telling Su Mang, she called Lu Zhisheng to go to the training ground to call Cheng Jincheng back.
As soon as the two stepped out of the shop, they heard the clattering of horses' hooves coming from the other end of the street.
In the quiet night, the sound of hooves was unhurried, as if the horse's owner was leading it on a leisurely stroll down the street.
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