Ou Yunchen's car finally left the bar street, but he thought a lot on the way.
The crowded bars were very different from how they were back then. To attract customers, many old bars had changed their business direction, just like Athena, which had incorporated new elements.
And tonight, Ou Yunchen also realized that the mainstream of entertainment consumption was no longer middle-aged people, but more and more young people in their early twenties. They had money and energy, and liked anything new.
Ou Yunchen: "Old Zhang, did you see the situation at the entrance of Athena today?"
Old Zhang was the driver Ou Yunchen newly hired after returning to China. Because he had too many social engagements, he couldn't avoid drinking.
But speaking of which, Old Zhang was introduced by Mrs. Su. He seemed like an honest person who didn't talk much.
Old Zhang: "I saw it. Young people nowadays really like to join in the fun."
Ou Yunchen: "But I think their economic strength is really beyond my imagination. Look at the cars they drive, their families should not be poor. What surprised me even more is that as long as they are happy, they can order dozens of bottles of the most expensive wine."
Old Zhang: "The news said that they are the main consumers now. Take my daughter for example, she's very generous when it comes to voting for her idol."
Ou Yunchen: "This is called the fan economy."
Fan economy?
This seemed to enlighten Ou Yunchen. Many young people liked to follow trends. To make money from them, one might need to think a bit.
But wasn't this also a new direction?
Besides investing in those large listed companies, should he also consider what young people truly need?
Ou Yunchen's stomach suddenly hurt. He was busy with meetings today and hadn't had dinner before attending the opening party. He had a few drinks just now, and he didn't feel well now.
Ou Yunchen: "Old Zhang, are there any convenience stores nearby?"
Old Zhang: "Yes, there is one at the corner ahead."
Ou Yunchen: "Stop near there. Have you had dinner? Do you want to buy something to eat?"
Old Zhang: "I've eaten, thank you, boss."
***
In the convenience store, a girl was choosing a self-heating hot pot. She initially picked a regular flavor but then changed it to an extra spicy one after thinking.
When Ou Yunchen also picked his items and waited to pay, the girl rummaged through her pockets but couldn't find her phone.
Girl: "Oh no, I must have left in too much of a hurry and forgot my phone. Can you wait for me? I'll be right back."
The girl turned around and repeatedly apologized to Ou Yunchen.
Ou Yunchen: "Pay together, and get me a pack of cigarettes."
The attendant quickly scanned Ou Yunchen's items and handed him a pack of cigarettes.
Girl: "Thank you. Give me your contact information, I'll definitely transfer the money to you."
Ou Yunchen: "No need."
The girl immediately snatched Ou Yunchen's instant noodles and continued, "Do you want noodles? I'll help you."
Before Ou Yunchen could say anything, the girl took them to the water dispenser.
This convenience store provided hot water for customers. Since she was going to cook her own extra spicy hot pot, she might as well help Ou Yunchen.
While the girl was getting water, Ou Yunchen went outside to smoke by himself.
After a while, the girl came outside with the instant noodle bucket to find Ou Yunchen.
Girl: "Here, you chose really well. I've tried this one, it's absolutely delicious!"
After speaking, the girl ran back to get her self-heating hot pot. She was sensible enough not to sit at the same table as Ou Yunchen and went to the corner table by herself.
Perhaps because she was hungry, the instant noodles seemed really delicious tonight. Ou Yunchen finished them quickly.
When he looked up at the girl, he was amused by her expression.
She was grimacing from the spiciness, wiping her tears from time to time. This was the first time he had seen someone crying profusely from eating something spicy.
But as he watched for a while, Ou Yunchen couldn't tell if she was crying from the spice or forcing herself to eat spicy food to cry.
Ou Yunchen looked at the unopened banana milk on the table, then at the girl, and sighed. Perhaps someone was more suited to drink this beverage than himself.
When Ou Yunchen placed the banana milk in front of the girl, she looked up, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Ou Yunchen then saw her appearance clearly. She looked very much like a female celebrity, but she appeared purer than that celebrity, almost like a smaller version of her.
Ou Yunchen: "Drink it."
The girl quickly tore open the seal and gulped down half the bottle.
Girl: "Thank you. This is the first time I've eaten spicy food."
Ou Yunchen: "You dared to challenge extra spicy on your first try?"
The girl smiled sheepishly.
Girl: "I already feel bad for asking you to pay for me, and now you're giving me a drink..."
Ou Yunchen: "It's okay, your crying from the spice actually made me laugh."
Girl: "Let me give you my autograph. I heard my signature is worth twenty yuan online!"
Ou Yunchen was stunned for a moment, then he laughed. He had never met such an interesting girl. Perhaps she knew who she resembled, which was why she said that.
Ou Yunchen: "Really, no need. Eat slowly."
Saying this, Ou Yunchen got up to leave. The girl also stood up and shouted at his back, "It's true, my name is Xi Ya, what's yours?"
Xi Ya? Ou Yunchen had never heard this name. He still had his back to the girl, waved his hand, and got into the car.
Seeing that the man had no intention of striking up a conversation, Xi Ya sat down and continued to enjoy her hot pot.
But neither of them knew that a paparazzo who specialized in exposing Xi Ya was nearby. He found a good angle and took several photos of their interaction, which might lead to big gossip in the future.