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墨書 Inktalez
Xiao Mu recognized the two cars; they were the ones that had brought him back from Hanzhong City. However, after nearly a week in this place, he was still unfamiliar with it. Now, as he took in the full view, it appeared to be a villa in the suburbs, uniformly designed and exclusively sold to tycoons. It faced south and was built against the mountains, exuding a considerable presence. Yet, these details did little to move him. As he glanced around, his attention was inadvertently drawn to a woman.
It was the female chef who had just poured the wine. As he had suspected, she was not a chef at all. The two cars remained stationary, clearly waiting for her to emerge. Once she did, the eyes of several thugs in the car were immediately captivated by her. Her flowing long dress felt like a refreshing breeze on a summer day, soothing the hearts of those who beheld her. The deep indigo dress was embroidered with some ethnic patterns and adorned with bright silver accessories, creating a striking contrast against her snow-white skin.
There was an air of solemnity about her, yet it carried a hint of allure that commanded respect without being distant.
In her dignified demeanor, there was also a playful charm; at first glance, she seemed noble, but upon closer inspection, she appeared approachable.
She gracefully entered the front car, and as the door closed behind her, Xiao Mu caught sight of an elegant high-heeled shoe. He couldn't quite identify the brand but felt it was a pity that such a woman, likely attending a summit in a first-tier city, would willingly lower herself to mingle in the world of pyramid schemes.
As the car started moving, Xiao Mu distinctly heard several hisses from the thugs—sounds that echoed their stirred emotions before crashing back into reality.
"Very upscale," Xiao Mu remarked from the back seat, clearly the most sober among them.
The two thugs in the front turned to look at him—one with a bulbous nose and the other gap-toothed—while the driver, Baldy, sported a shiny bald head. Together they formed quite an odd trio. The two thugs seemed displeased with Xiao Mu's mention of the beautiful woman and glared at him. The one with the bulbous nose scolded him: "Is this someone you can even think about? Just because she's wearing a suit doesn’t make her your boss!"
"What’s so upscale about it? Is 'upscale' even used to describe women?" Gap-toothed chimed in with a sneer.
Xiao Mu smiled and elegantly explained, "The term 'upscale' should be interpreted as: tall, well-endowed, and capable."
Suddenly, the car lurched as Baldy lost control of the accelerator. The two thugs burst into laughter; their discipline clearly faltered as they threw their heads back in raucous amusement—Xiao Mu's explanation had evidently struck a chord with them.
"I say Baldy," Gap-toothed laughed as he asked, "where did you find such a gem? This is really something." The bulbous-nosed thug chuckled along and added, "Well said, brother! But don’t mention it in front of Boss He; be careful he doesn’t use family discipline on you."
Xiao Mu cursed under his breath; they hadn’t even recognized each other fully yet they were treating each other like family. Moreover, this family kept their lips tightly sealed. When he asked what the beautiful woman's name was, Gap-toothed told him an absurd name: Monroe.
It went without saying that it seemed true that pyramid scheme workers often used stage names to conceal their identities; Xiao Mu dared not inquire further.
The two of them became quite interested, but at that moment, Baldy and Zhang Quan began to enforce discipline, reminding the others not to chatter too much. They called each other by nicknames; the one with a big nose and a large head was called Big Head, while the gap-toothed one was referred to as Big Mouth.
Not allowing anyone to speak, Xiao Mu was displeased and reminded him, "Hey Baldy, look at you with that shiny bald head. Aren't you afraid someone will recognize you? You have a record, you know."
"Right, right, Bald Brother, put it on... Boss He has instructed us to pay attention to safety," Big Head said, seemingly showing respect for the tough Baldy.
Baldy casually put on a sun hat, donned sunglasses, and attached a fake mustache. Then he scolded Xiao Mu angrily, "Stop calling me Baldy. I don't have a real name or what... Did you hear me? I'm talking about you, Linzi."
"I heard you... This guy's face changes when he gets rich. Looks like Baldy has leveled up and doesn't want to be called Baldy anymore," Xiao Mu said with a laugh. He turned to the two thugs and asked, "Do you know what Baldy becomes after leveling up?"
"What does he become?" Garlic-Nosed Big Head asked, clearly slow on the uptake.
"A vibrating egg," Xiao Mu replied as he straightened up in his seat.
The two thugs burst into laughter, causing Zhang Quan to slam the steering wheel in frustration and threaten them again with his usual intimidation tactics. Xiao Mu retorted back, acting like he was the boss now—who did he think he was? Baldy was getting angrier and thought to himself that this kid was really trying to annoy him. Xiao Mu insisted it wasn't intentional but definitely meant to provoke him. Baldy underestimated Xiao Mu's disdain; a refined person could be more vulgar than one might imagine. Xiao Mu remarked that just because someone had a fake mustache didn't mean they were impressive; at most, they looked ridiculous.
In terms of physical strength, no one could match Xiao Mu's fists, but when it came to banter, he could take on hundreds with just a few sharp words. He managed to make Zhang Quan so angry that he didn't dare respond. Meanwhile, the two thugs were laughing uncontrollably, unknowingly drawing closer to Xiao Mu. The light-hearted banter was indeed a remedy for boredom...
…………………………………
…………………………………
In the front car, Boss He Yuguo was driving personally while the beautiful woman in the back seemed indeed to be named Monroe. Boss He called her Lulu and asked for her opinion about someone.
With one sentence, the beautiful Monroe exclaimed, "Perfect! Absolutely perfect! Simply impeccable... Professor Lu, where did you find such a person? I've never seen an expert who can distinguish between real and fake liquor just by smelling it."
It seemed that both parties were quite familiar with each other. Lu Hongbo glanced back and smiled as he said, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you; I found him in a mental hospital. Such talent—I had to bring him back."
"Really?" Monroe asked in surprise. She paused for a moment, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, adding even more charm to her appearance. Just then Old Lu turned around and was captivated by her beauty; unable to resist, he reached out his finger as if to tease her but was swatted away by Monroe. She scolded him saying, "Do you believe I can get Boss He to teach you a lesson?"
"Old Lu," He Yuguo scolded, "can you stop being so normal? I can handle you being a bit crazy." Whenever Professor Lu went off the rails, he would get serious, but when he was acting normally, he tended to get into trouble. From eighteen to eighty, if she was a woman, he had no qualms about flirting.
With that reminder, Old Lu chuckled and withdrew his wandering hands. His thoughts seemed a bit muddled as he asked, "What did you just ask?"
"I asked if you really came out of a mental hospital?" Monroe inquired.
"How could there be any mistake? Linzi, Baldy, and I meticulously planned it and then suddenly executed it. We staged a real-life version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. You have no idea how thrilling it was! I charged through the obstacles posed by over a dozen people before I finally jumped into the car..." Old Lu described the experience of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest vividly, seemingly losing his grip on reality again.
"Hey, stop right there... Lulu, what were you asking? Just ask him directly; who knows if he can explain it clearly," Boss He reminded her. Monroe pressed on, "I'm just curious—how could someone like him possibly end up in a Mental Hospital? Old He, did you check?"
"I did check. No mistake—Lin Musheng... there's such a person. No criminal record; seems to be a Master," He Yuguo replied.
If he were a chef, Monroe would find it much easier to accept. His attire, demeanor, and charm were truly impressive. She couldn't believe someone like him would be in a Mental Hospital. Old Lu seemed to sense her concern and said, "I've been in this line of work for twenty years; how many people have I encountered? My judgment tells me he's just someone looking to mooch off others... You all saw him; dressed in new clothes and flaunting himself like he's something special... There are too many young people like him these days who are lazy and delusional, thinking they have a billionaire father in the Mental Hospital who can bribe doctors with just a word... I'm telling you, you don't need to teach him any manners or how to speak."
Old Lu painted this person as a freeloader. If he were a con artist, it seemed similar to a Pyramid Scheme. No one noticed that when Lu the Madman spoke, there was a glint of mischief in his eyes, suggesting there was more to the story.
"But what about teaching? You can't just throw him on stage without three to five years of practice. What if he messes up?" Monroe hesitated, clearly skeptical of Lu the Madman's words. Boss He chimed in that today they were just taking him out for an introduction; if he turned out to be like Lu said, that would be great. If he froze up on stage, they would have to make other plans.
"He Fatty, don't you dare doubt me! Ten years ago you were stealing steel pipes at construction sites; if it weren't for my keen eye, would you be where you are today?" Lu the Madman grew slightly angry upon hearing their disbelief.
His anger seemed quite forceful. Boss He quickly responded, "Of course! Our livelihood depends on the words of several Chief Lecturers. Rest assured; everything will go according to your plan."
"Better safe than sorry. I'm curious to see how an outsider can reach our Chief Lecturers' level," Monroe remarked, still sounding somewhat doubtful.
"Then get ready for some surprises. Practicing for three to five years doesn't make someone a genius."
Professor Lu smiled brightly and turned back to give Monroe an ambiguous glance. The flirtatious grin was immediately met with an exaggerated gagging gesture from her. Boss He saw this and laughed heartily…
………………………………
As they passed through Weicheng, Pingling, Town Zhang, and entered Li Quan County, Mulin Shen paid attention to the road signs. Unfortunately, this overseas returnee felt even more lost than a student who had failed a grade; he couldn't figure out where he was. The journey was filled with heavy trucks, majestic mountains, and winding roads. Occasionally, he caught sight of some missing wetlands, rough gravel, and steep earthen cliffs that left a deep impression on him. This was a far cry from the familiar rainy Jiangnan and the misty landscapes he had known.
Their destination, Li Quan County, was over a hundred kilometers away and took an hour and forty minutes to reach. They drove into the county town and parked in front of a building marked as the Cultural Promotion Center. Stepping out of the car revealed yet another scene.
The plump He Yuguo remained still, while Zhang Quan was left in the vehicle. Old Lu led Monroe along with two thugs, surrounding Xiao Mu as they entered the venue. Old Lu instructed the two thugs to keep quiet while entering; no talking or even a whisper would be tolerated. Anyone who dared to break the rules would be dealt with harshly.
This was naturally a warning for Xiao Mu. Monroe felt that this approach was inappropriate and turned back to comfort Xiao Mu with a few words of reassurance. However, she was surprised to find that Xiao Mu was doing much better than she expected. He smiled slightly, his expression showing no dissent towards Old Lu's arrangements.
A man and woman who came to greet them were extremely respectful, bowing deeply before shaking hands without raising their heads. Their demeanor resembled that of someone welcoming an imperial envoy—filled with trepidation. They showered praises upon Professor Lu and Lecturer Yang Menglu, expressing their eagerness to learn from them in a manner that could give anyone goosebumps.
Indeed, authority was being subtly established; the Pyramid Scheme aimed to create an upper level of authority as a necessary means to maintain organizational integrity.
The gathering took place on the top floor. Upon entering, Xiao Mu realized it was Sunday, and they had rented an empty conference room. Despite being mentally prepared, he was still taken aback when he walked in to find hundreds of people dressed in black bowing in unison while greeting: "Hello, Professor Lu! Hello, Lecturer Yang!"
Warm handshakes accompanied by applause greeted Professor Lu as he strolled confidently among his followers like a preacher surveying his congregation. In this environment, he seemed transformed—his confidence and smile infectious to everyone around him. As he spoke in his magnetic voice, he declared: "I must admit that my life faces similar challenges every day. I am always moved by your unwavering spirit, your determination to forge ahead, and your willingness to embrace challenges. This reveals a truth: no one can hinder our success."
As his gaze moved through the crowd, he continued slowly with a somber tone: "I can say that I am more successful than each one of you here today. I can drive luxury cars with panoramic sunroofs; I can savor delicacies from all corners of the world; I can live in homes I love; and I can provide my parents, my children, and my partner with the best life possible... I know that within you lies a seed of resentment towards the wealthy. But let me tell you this: your hatred does nothing to change the lives of the rich; in their eyes, you are as insignificant as weeds or dirt."
This aimed to bring down the audience's spirits and create a sense of disparity... Mulin Shen thought about it; from a psychological perspective, creating such a drop from high to low could lead to discouragement—it seemed counterproductive for preaching. Moreover, it didn't appear to be inciting people but rather hitting them hard with reality.
Before he could ponder further, the speech progressed deeper into unexpected territory. Lu Hongbo suddenly stopped beside an older man as if searching for a target and asked him: "I believe you have experience working jobs before? And heavy labor at that... loading and unloading?"
The middle-aged man nodded in shock and trembled as he replied: "Yes."
"I understand well how you lived—covered in mud and sweat just barely getting enough to eat; unable to provide more for your wife and children; let alone repay your parents for their upbringing... I imagine there were times when you wanted to cry but couldn't because the burdens on your shoulders far exceeded your capabilities. Even if you worked yourself to exhaustion, all you received in return was disdain and humiliation... No one sees you as human," Lu Hongbo said.
The middle-aged man suddenly looked desolate, as if he had struck a nerve. He lowered his head deeply and instinctively wiped his eyes.
"You." Professor Lu pointed to a woman in her late twenties, with a delicate appearance. She was taken aback, but Professor Lu seemed to see right through her as he said, "You’ve worked as a clerk, selling your labor in that monotonous environment... I can tell you are an emotional person, but why do I feel that the affection you’ve given has not received the corresponding return?"
The woman instinctively sniffed, and Professor Lu gently patted her shoulder in comfort: "All emotions must be built on a certain economic foundation. Poor couples face endless sorrow; this has not changed from ancient times to now. That man’s decision to abandon you is the greatest mistake of his life."
She choked back a sob and straightened her back instantly.
At that moment, Mulin Shen suddenly understood. This Lu the Madman played with perception, using subtle details to determine a person's identity and then prescribing remedies while deliberately belittling their past status.
This was psychological warfare and the reason for the astonishment in the room, as no one could pinpoint a stranger's past at first glance.
"You’ve been running a small business, right? You must have faced your share of harassment from the city management."
"…You must have just graduated from college? It’s tough facing obstacles everywhere, isn’t it?"
"…You come from the most polluted neighboring province; you’ve dug coal before, haven’t you? Your back must be hunched..."
He pointed out each one without mercy, magnifying their struggles and highlighting their most painful and helpless feelings. Resonance began to spread, and many people started to look at him unfriendly.
It was time for a turn. Xiao Mu counted silently in his mind; ten people were about enough to captivate the entire audience.
Old Lu's moment of transition began. He suddenly became very animated as he said, "Do not look at me with hatred; I know very well that it’s because I have experienced pain heavier than yours—being financially strapped, facing disdain from others, hitting walls everywhere, even being beaten and insulted, driven like livestock just to make ends meet... What I want to tell you is that such pain can only crush cowards and timid souls. In the heart of a brave person, pain is his greatest motivation and will surely become his wealth..."
"Do not think of yourself as worthless. Mulberry leaves can become silk in the hands of a genius; soil can become fortresses; trees can become palaces... These seemingly insignificant things can increase their value exponentially through human creativity. So why can't we elevate our own worth a hundredfold?"
"Tell me, what should I do when I feel discouraged?"
Professor Lu reached the climax of his speech. His passionate voice stirred the emotions of everyone present, and the hundred-strong team shouted in unison: "I will sing out loud!"
"During sadness."
"I laugh heartily."
"During illness..."
"I work twice as hard."
"During fear..."
"I move forward courageously."
"During poverty..."
"I imagine a wealthy future."
"……………"
Mulin Shen was taken aback, realizing he was subconsciously reciting these familiar lines. He suddenly understood that these were the well-repeated phrases from "The Scrolls of Wisdom." Lu Hongbo had merely triggered the motivational sayings that the followers had come to believe in deeply. With such synchronization, voice, and unity, no one could maintain their own space for thought.
"Damn it, this is insane, insane..." Xiao Mu unexpectedly felt a surge of the curse words he had just learned. The collective excitement, the passionate expressions, and the uniformity reminded him of a mental institution, where a group of crazies would go into fits. At that moment, over a hundred people stood rigidly, solemnly like they were taking an oath.
Indeed, standing still was also a skill. Maintaining one position for an extended period could distract from physical discomfort and affect one's concentration. This was the easiest time to be brainwashed and succumb to the bandwagon effect.
The person who seized this moment was the second speaker, Yang Menglu. She repeated the concept of the multiplier effect and flawlessly proved with complex formulas that investing three thousand eight hundred dollars could yield eleven thousand within six months. With Professor Lu's sharp insights as a backdrop, everything seemed natural—struggling due to being broke, enduring hardships through effort, ultimately making the right choice to invest three thousand eight hundred dollars and earn one's first pot of gold through personal effort.
Right, this was a subscription meeting. Professor Lu was the first to subscribe, taking the maximum limit of ten shares and paying on the spot. The district manager collecting money bowed emotionally to Professor Lu. The most beautiful instructor, Lu, subscribed for five shares and paid immediately. She looked at Professor Lu with eager eyes, her face flushed with excitement as she told everyone: "...I believe in Professor Lu; I believe our venture will surely succeed... Ten years ago, I was no better than anyone here; I was an ordinary pastry chef. It was Professor Lu who led me onto the path of success... I will be grateful to him for life and will always support our Shimei direct sales business..."
Sometimes in special occasions, a woman's impact can be even greater—especially if she is mature, intelligent, wealthy, and graceful. For those men overflowing with hormones, it can be almost lethal. A light hum of "Can I Hug You?" would cause those eager members to be taken aback when embraced passionately by Instructor Yang Menglu. Some who had never received attention from beautiful women were so moved they wiped tears from their eyes.
"Impressive, this is a pair of male and female con artists."
Xiao Mu silently defined it in his heart. He was astonished to see the results of a seminar, where seventy or eighty people had purchased a product called Shimei, with some buying more than one. Payments were made in cash or by card, and the regional manager was so flustered handling the money that he nearly lost control. Even more absurdly, there were a few who had no money at all; they bit their fingers and wrote blood-stained guarantees, promising to complete at least five purchases within ten days, or else they would punish themselves by running naked in the streets.
With courage came rewards. This scoundrel received a hug from the beautiful lecturer Yang Menglu, which excited him enough to jump on stage to speak. However, his words lacked originality; he merely repeated what had been said earlier with fervor.
Even so, the atmosphere remained charged with a pathological frenzy, continuing until the end of the purchasing session. The attendees bowed as if sending off a deity, waiting for the divine presence to depart; then they paid their respects until the vehicle disappeared from sight.
The next stop was another county. According to Thug, several B-level managers there had recruited nearly five hundred people, but it wasn't for Shimei; it seemed to be something called Mainland Sunshine.
Xiao Mu, overhearing this, felt a chill run down his spine. He never expected to underestimate that somewhat eccentric Lu the Madman. If that were the case, it meant he was different from the main lecturer of the Pyramid Scheme. This realization began to fill him with concern about his own impending situation...
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