Chapter Seventeen: The Elusive Venue

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Duan Fei and Chen Yu had been running around tirelessly, searching for a place to start their business. In this day and age, aspiring entrepreneurs worked even harder than regular employees. Finally, they set their sights on a newly developed entrepreneurial park in the eastern part of the city. The main gate of the park was grand, and the landscaping was well-maintained, instantly putting one at ease.

After asking around, they finally located the office of Mr. Zhang, the park’s manager. Mr. Zhang sported a Mediterranean hairstyle and wore gold-rimmed glasses. He exuded an air of “I’m very busy, don’t bother me.” He raised his eyelids slightly, gesturing for them to sit, his tone as formulaic as an AI customer service representative: “What can I do for you?”

Chen Yu enthusiastically handed over his business card and began, “Hello, Mr. Zhang, we are—”

“I’m not interested in who you are. Get to the point,” Mr. Zhang cut him off sharply. Such efficiency was remarkable.

Duan Fei wasn’t offended; she had encountered many people like this—a seasoned veteran of the workplace. She went straight to the point: “We’d like to rent space in Building 1 of your park to establish an internet technology company.”

Mr. Zhang tapped his fingers slowly on the desk. “Building 1, huh? You’re unfortunately too late; it’s already been reserved.”

Chen Yu grew anxious. “Reserved? So soon? We haven’t even seen it yet!”

A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared at the corner of Mr. Zhang’s mouth, though his tone remained indifferent. “Yes, the other party paid in full upfront and doubled the deposit. They were quite generous.”

Duan Fei raised an eyebrow—it was clear this was more than just business; trouble was brewing.

“Mr. Zhang, doesn’t your park have public bidding rules? We can raise our offer.”

Mr. Zhang shrugged as if helpless. “Rules are rigid, but people aren’t. If someone decides to throw money around, there’s nothing I can do.”

Chen Yu’s entrepreneurial enthusiasm was instantly doused. He looked at Duan Fei, seeking guidance.

Leaning back in her chair, Duan Fei tapped her fingers lightly on the table. These days, who didn’t have a few unconventional tricks up their sleeves?

With a light chuckle, she said, “Mr. Zhang, it seems luck isn’t on our side today. We’ll be going for now.”

As the two walked away down the park’s winding paths, the autumn wind blew chillily.

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Chen Yu couldn’t help but complain, “What kind of person is that? Clearly bullying us! Starting a business is way too hard!”

Duan Fei glanced toward the cordoned-off Building 1, a faint smile curling her lips, a mysterious gleam flickering in her eyes. She said nothing, instead pulling out her phone and making a call.

Looking at the tightly sealed Building 1, her mind replayed the carefully crafted blueprint for their startup, now shattered like a bubble. She took a deep breath; the autumn wind chilled her to the bone.

Around them, people hurried by, each seemingly with a clear destination, while she felt like a lost child—alone and helpless.

“Maybe we should look at other locations?” Chen Yu suggested cautiously, careful not to touch on Duan Fei’s fragile mood.

Duan Fei turned to him.

Chen Yu looked confused. “But they already paid in full. What can we do…”

Duan Fei smiled mysteriously and interrupted, “Every mountain has its own secret path.”

She called Mr. Zhang again. “Mr. Zhang, I have a new idea about the space. Would you be interested in hearing it?”

Mr. Zhang had expected Duan Fei to plead or offer some sort of exchange, but instead, she arranged another meeting with a tone tinged with confidence, which caught him off guard.

“What idea? Let’s hear it.”

Back in Mr. Zhang’s office, Duan Fei didn’t mention leasing the space again. Instead, she proposed a bold new collaboration: co-creating an entrepreneurial incubator program.

“Mr. Zhang, rather than leasing the space to just one company, why not partner with us to build a startup incubator platform? It would attract more high-quality ventures, boosting the park’s reputation and influence, while generating greater returns,” Duan Fei explained confidently, as if already certain of success.

Mr. Zhang’s eyes sparkled behind his glasses—this was indeed a daring proposal aligned with the park’s future direction. He had initially thought Duan Fei an ordinary entrepreneur, but she showed unexpected vision and scope.

The staff nearby exchanged surprised glances, amazed that Duan Fei hadn’t been discouraged by setbacks but instead offered a more compelling plan.

Mr. Zhang pondered for a moment, tapping his fingers on the desk. “This idea is interesting... But why should I believe you have the capability to pull it off?”

A confident smile flickered on Duan Fei’s lips. “Mr. Zhang, you’ll know soon enough...” She paused deliberately, then stood, took a business card from the desk, and wrote a string of numbers on its back before handing it to him. “In three days, I’ll give you a satisfactory answer.”

Without another word, Duan Fei turned and left, leaving Mr. Zhang and the employees exchanging curious looks.

Three days later, Mr. Zhang’s office phone rang promptly.

Duan Fei’s voice came through the receiver, tinged with a lazy smile: “Mr. Zhang, have you made a decision?”

Mr. Zhang took a deep breath. Over the past three days, he had contacted the number on the card, investigated Duan Fei’s background and resources, and the results astonished him.

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This seemingly fragile woman possessed such formidable strength that she could realize this grand vision.

“Miss Duan, I’ve carefully considered your proposal. It’s promising, and I’ve decided to cooperate with you,” Mr. Zhang said, his voice carrying a subtle note of respect.

“Looking forward to working together,” Duan Fei replied, ending the call with a triumphant smile. Success!

Chen Yu, beside her, waved his arms excitedly. “Fei, you’re amazing! How did you do it?”

Duan Fei shrugged casually. “Just a little trick.”

The two high-fived, the office filling with a joyous atmosphere.

“Woohoo—taking off!” Chen Yu exclaimed gleefully.

Duan Fei shared the good news with her close friends.

“Ladies, it’s settled! I’ve secured our startup space!” she sent in the group chat, her voice brimming with excitement and joy.

“Awesome! No wonder it’s you!”

“Congratulations! Waiting to hitch a ride!”

“Don’t forget to give us discounts when you open!”

The chat exploded with congratulations and playful teasing, filling the air with happiness.

Reading these messages warmed Duan Fei’s heart, filling her with strength.

Meanwhile, Bei Mo sat in his office, staring at news reports about Duan Fei’s startup project, his expression darkening.

He hadn’t expected Duan Fei, after their divorce, to shine so brightly and grow so powerful.

A surge of apprehension rose in him—he suddenly realized he might truly lose her.

“No, I can’t let her go just like that!” Bei Mo sprang to his feet, grabbed his coat, and strode out of the office.

Humming a tune, Duan Fei arrived at the law firm, ready to complete the final divorce formalities with Bei Mo.

She pushed open the office door, only to find Bei Mo already seated, holding a document, his eyes complex as he looked at her.

“Duan Fei...” Bei Mo spoke slowly, his voice laced with emotions he struggled to conceal.