Chapter 100: Two Little Foxes

The owner of the programming training center, Gavin, felt his heart sink at once. It wasn’t that Li Ping’an was unwilling to attend the classes, but rather that when Su Mu mentioned “the students discussing old computers,” it signified that other places offered better machines. Then another thought occurred to him—if Su Mu was planning to leave, would others follow? Once word spread that his center’s computers were outdated, business would quickly decline. A training center was unlike a real school; if students wanted to leave, they could do so at any time. A sudden sense of crisis gripped him.

Su Mu’s original intention was to sell computers, but he hadn’t even brought it up before Gavin was already contemplating replacing his entire fleet of machines. Su Mu knew the situation well, since he usually attended classes at “Surpassing Dreams.” Nearly all their computers were more than a year old, and they often crashed or froze during lessons. They were just barely adequate for learning programming, but only just—after each class, the flickering screens left students’ eyes aching for hours.

Though these machines had only been purchased a little over a year ago, the new model Su Mu had recently bought was already subpar in terms of configuration; the previous generation was even worse. Even the slightest difference in quality was obvious. The little double act he and Li Ping’an had performed was meant to subtly hint to Gavin: “It’s time for new computers.”

It was a clever marketing technique.

Gavin didn’t suspect a thing. His mind raced, and he quickly forced a smile. “Actually, I’ve been planning to upgrade our computers. I’ll be purchasing a new batch in the next few days, so tell your friend he should come study here! Our teachers are the best!”

Compared to the money the center earned, the cost of new computers was minimal. With five hundred students attending just one session each, he could make tens of thousands of dollars. Buying computers was a necessary expense; in the long run, it would attract more students. Gavin was more than willing to invest in this area.

Hearing that Gavin intended to replace the computers, Su Mu was elated, though he kept a calm facade. This was only half the battle—what mattered was ensuring Gavin bought the computers from him, rather than letting someone else snatch up this lucrative order. Otherwise, he and Li Ping’an would be left with nothing but tears.

Feigning relief, Su Mu broke into a bright smile and said, “That’s wonderful! I love studying here, but it’s just a shame that the computers always give us so much trouble.”

To prevent students from leaving, Gavin reassured him, “Don’t worry. I’ve heard students say the computers are outdated, and I’ve already started making preparations to replace them! Computers are the future—how could I let you use those relics?”

Su Mu nearly laughed aloud, knowing full well Gavin was bluffing. If he hadn’t brought it up today, those computers might have lasted who knows how much longer. In truth, for simple programming lessons, they were still just barely adequate; replacing them now or later made little difference.

“A thousand thanks! I’ll be sure to share this exciting news with my classmates! If only our school principal were as generous as you, we wouldn’t have to endure those shabby old lockers.”

After a subtle bit of flattery, Su Mu seized the opportunity while Gavin was basking in pride to steer the conversation toward his real aim. “By the way, Mr. Gavin, do you know any good computer suppliers?”

“Hmm, I should be able to find one. Why do you ask?”

“My older brother is helping IBM sell computers these days. If you’d like, I could ask him. He can get the best prices on the market. I’ve just assembled a high-end model myself for nearly factory cost.”

His tone was casual, as if it had nothing to do with him, just an offhand suggestion. Still, Su Mu felt a bit nervous, worried Gavin might refuse.

“IBM, you say? All right… Mid-range configurations will do. Can you give me his contact information? I’ll inquire about the prices.”

In recent years, IBM had become synonymous with high-end computers, often at reasonable prices. Gavin didn’t suspect a thing and walked right into Su Mu’s trap.

Su Mu replied with feigned innocence, “I’ll be seeing him later, but I’m not sure of his office number. How about I check with him and get back to you this evening? Just yesterday he sold seventy computers to Menlo Park Private High School, winning their bid with the lowest price. He’s been quite busy these days.”

He kept planting the idea of “low prices.” After all, it didn’t matter where you bought computers from—any smart businessperson would choose the best deal. Being so young, Su Mu easily put people at ease.

Gavin, suspecting nothing, nodded. “I’m thinking of buying around a hundred units. I’ll jot down the specifications for you; if the price is truly lower than elsewhere, I’ll buy from your brother.”

Su Mu continued to play the part. “Certainly, sir. I’m not very familiar with the details—could you please write them down for me?”

Once outside with the small note, he glanced at it quickly. The memory specs were high, and the screens were color displays. Such an IBM computer would cost about sixteen hundred dollars each just for procurement; the color screen alone was worth several hundred dollars, while the current center’s machines were all monochrome.

He didn’t know exactly how much he’d earn, but as long as he secured the order, there would certainly be profit. He’d thought selling a dozen or so would be a success—he hadn’t imagined the first offer would be for a hundred. His heart pounded with excitement.

As he exited, he heard Li Ping’an call his name. Su Mu hurried over, took out his keys, and unlocked his bicycle, saying, “Let’s go! Time to try the next training center!”

Li Ping’an looked a bit surprised, not knowing what had transpired after he’d left. “He’s really willing to buy?”

“Very likely—a hundred units!”

“…Damn!” Li Ping’an was so startled he could only swear to calm himself.

Quickly, he hopped onto the bike and followed Su Mu away.

…

Ten minutes later, in another programming institute, Su Mu and Li Ping’an sat across from an elderly man with white hair, Edgar Evans.

Su Mu shook his hand and smiled, “Good afternoon, sir. We’re students participating in an IBM promotional charity campaign. Might you be interested in purchasing a batch of low-cost computers?”

The old man showed no interest. “I’d love to support you, but I’m afraid I don’t need any.”

“Some of your computers here are quite old…”

Su Mu looked every bit the shy student, seeming reluctant to push further. “I’m sorry for the intrusion.”

Li Ping’an sighed, stood up, and played along, “Alright, let’s try somewhere else. The owner of Surpassing Dreams Training Center nearby just ordered a hundred high-end IBM computers—maybe others will be interested.”

Edgar Evans froze, his expression changing as he realized something. He hurriedly reached out to stop them. “Wait a moment—Surpassing Dreams? Are you sure they bought a hundred units? I’m very supportive of charitable causes. Don’t rush off—let’s talk.”

Out of his sight, Su Mu and Li Ping’an exchanged a smile. Like two little foxes, there was no mistaking the cunning in their eyes.