Chapter 291: When Will the Peach Blossom Luck Soar?

"Li Xian, is this direct sales of yours some kind of pyramid scheme?" After venting his frustration, Xu Chaoyang on the other end of the line asked.

His irritation wasn't because of anything else; it was mainly because Wang Lin and his team were pushing the product at the retirement home. Xu Chaoyang had to buy a box of oral liquid just to avoid embarrassment.

Unfortunately, a box of oral liquid cost him two months' salary. After buying it, he realized it was of no use to him, so he took it back to Wang Lin. While he didn't mind spending money to honor Wang, he was concerned about the potential for scandal given the previous news on pyramid schemes. Xu Chaoyang felt the need to remind Li Xian to run his business honestly and avoid any major issues.

Despite Xu Chaoyang's concerns, Li Xian was quite pleased. The oral liquid had even reached the Forestry Bureau's director's office. It seemed to be on the path to becoming a big hit!

Li Xian understood Xu Chaoyang's worries, but he was confident in his business model. Unlike pyramid schemes with endless downlines, his direct sales system had a clear structure with only three levels: general distributor, agent, and sales representative. It focused on selling products rather than exploiting franchise fees.

With Li Xian's reassurance, Xu Chaoyang relaxed. Although pyramid schemes hadn't caused widespread issues in the north, they had already created problems in the coastal areas of the south. In September, the Beijing authorities had issued a temporary handling measure for illegal pyramid schemes. Xu Chaoyang needed to keep an eye on this, especially since he had witnessed Li Xian's progress over the past year and didn't want to see him jeopardize his success.

Now that Li Xian had assured him of his proper business conduct, Xu Chaoyang turned to discuss the recent task from the Commercial Bureau. They were looking for successful examples of economic reform in various regions to create a model report. The Forestry Bureau, having been one of the earliest to reform, had not yet showcased any standout enterprises, apart from a notable mention on Sina. The previously reformed tile and cement factories were now in their off-season, making them unsuitable as examples.

Considering the pulp and specialty products from Li Xian's side, Xu Chaoyang saw potential. Mobilizing the Forestry Bureau's senior officials meant that the efforts were substantial.

Li Xian agreed to cooperate eagerly.

---

After lunch at home, Li Xian sensed something was off with Su Ya. Recently, with no outsiders around, she would eat at the table with Zhou Ni. However, today, Su Ya stubbornly refused to join them. She took a large bowl of food and sat by the stove in the outer room.

Seeing Su Ya like this, Li Xian lost his appetite. He barely ate a few bites before leaving the table.

Just as he was signaling Su Ya to step outside to talk, a car horn sounded from outside. A moment later, a lively figure stepped out of the backseat.

Under the harsh midday sun, the woman walked towards Li Xian.

She wore a light yellow knitted cardigan over a black-and-white checkered wool skirt, and knee-high leather boots. Carrying a large backpack and with long hair flowing, she approached him.

As she got closer, Li Xian recognized her.

"What are you doing here?" Li Xian was stunned to see Wang Zhiye standing before him.

"Didn't Uncle Xu tell you? The Commercial Bureau is doing a report," Wang Zhiye said, noticing Li Xian's displeasure and frowning. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

It's not about being happy or not; it's just that your timing is a bit off! Didn't you know that right after lunch, Li Daoyun is going to visit Zhang Yaba's house to check on the coffin, Li You is going out to show off, and Zhou Ni is taking Li Lingling to kindergarten? The home environment is ideal for creating a chance for me and my son. I had already planned what to name my son!

Seeing Li Xian's displeasure, Wang Zhiye looked around and then at Su Ya, whose delicate features surprised her. But her gaze towards Li Xian was critical.

With a smirk, she said, "Oh, enjoying the good fortune, huh? Keeping a beauty hidden away? Did I come at a bad time?"

Li Xian scowled, glanced at Su Ya, who had lowered her head by the stove, and waved, "Fine, you're here now. I'll take you to the guesthouse."

Mentioning the guesthouse, Wang Zhiye became annoyed. "Li Xian, can you actually accommodate people there? The place is a mess, almost like a gambling den. I went there recently and almost suffocated! Xu Uncle specifically asked me to handle the detailed report for the pulp and initial processing factory. This work isn't going to be done in a day or two, and the quality of the report depends on my mood. So make proper arrangements."

Huh? What's this? Blaming me now? Li Xian was frustrated.

At that moment, Li You came out with a bowl of food. Upon learning that Wang Zhiye was there to prepare a report for the initial processing factory, he became enthusiastic.

Newly appointed and still adjusting to his role, Li You saw anyone from the Forestry Bureau as important. He welcomed Wang Zhiye warmly, compensating for the lack of attention she had received from Li Xian.

Li You led Wang Zhiye inside, instructed Zhou Ni to set extra place settings, and when he learned of her dissatisfaction with the guesthouse, he immediately took action. 

"The room where Li Jie stayed is now occupied by Su Ya. Leader Wang, don't mind it and stay here."

As he spoke, he poured drinks and had Zhou Ni help settle Wang Zhiye.

Su Ya stepped forward, offered a faint smile to Wang Zhiye, and took her backpack.

Wang Zhiye, accustomed to interacting with officials, accepted Li You's hospitality with ease. Conversations over drinks were effortless for her, having grown up around high-ranking officials.

Seeing Wang Zhiye so generous, Li You was pleased, and the atmosphere at the table was lively.

As Li Xian watched the new high-wattage light bulb added to the table, he felt a twinge of irritation.

Just then, Li Daoyun finished eating and approached Li Xian.

"Grandpa, can you read my fortune? When will my luck with women improve?" Li Xian asked urgently.

Cough,

Hearing this, Li Daoyun choked on his smoke.

With tears in his eyes from the coughing fit, Li Daoyun looked at Wang Zhiye discussing bureau affairs with Li You and Su Ya preparing to organize things. He smacked his lips.

In a low voice, he said, "If you want to know something else, I'll read your fortune. But if it's about your luck with women, then just get lost!"

This old man?

How dare he scold me? Li Xian felt aggrieved.