Unwilling to Give Up and Finding Help

After hanging up the phone, Liu Jian sat on the sofa for a long while. The suffocating anger in his chest not only didn't subside, but burned even more fiercely, making his mouth dry and his temples throbbing. That "crazy person" and the crisp busy tone were like two thin needles, repeatedly pricking his eardrums and self-esteem.

He grabbed the half-empty bottle of mineral water from the coffee table and gulped down most of it. The icy liquid slid down his throat, slightly calming his anger, but the restlessness and calculations in his mind became even clearer.

what to do?

Online communication was useless; the phone call was abruptly ended, the attitude as firm as a rock. Liu Jian tossed his phone aside, ran his hands through his hair, and scratched vigorously. He'd been in this business for a while and knew that on his own, his options were limited. Leave a bad review? That store's reviews were already terrible; they didn't care. Complain to the platform? He'd already clicked "report unreasonable price" on the order page, but such reports were slow to process, and in the end, it usually just meant the merchant removed the product or issued a refund; getting "three times the price back" compensation was practically impossible. The platform's customer service would only offer vague excuses.

Liu Jian had considered contacting the market supervision and management department, but he quickly dismissed the idea. He knew all too well that his case was untenable.

The wine they sell is from a legitimate manufacturer with a provenance. The product page clearly states that it's the exact wine, even listing the approximate market price, albeit in an inconspicuous place. The title and details contain no exaggerated claims like "special effects," "collector's edition," or "aged for many years," and there are no attempts to discourage customers. In short, they're blatantly telling you: this is the price I'm selling it for; take it or leave it.

Is an outrageously high price illegal? Strictly speaking, as long as the price is clearly marked and there is no forced transaction, it's difficult to directly classify it as "price fraud." At most, it's considered a "price dispute" or "unreasonable pricing." Regulatory authorities generally don't handle these kinds of matters, nor can they manage them all; at most, they can mediate. The result of mediation is most likely a return and refund. So what's the point of all this trouble? He even lost over 60,000 yuan of his initial investment.

As for "fake liquor," forget about it. The liquor he has is exactly the same as the one in the supermarket. Even he knows it's not the kind of counterfeit brand liquor or liquor adulterated with methanol. If he takes it for testing, the result will only prove that it's genuine XX brand liquor, but of ordinary quality. Using this to report the sale of counterfeit goods is just contradicting himself, and he might even be countersued for false accusation.

After much thought, Liu Jian realized that the card he held was actually quite limited in terms of law and regulations. The other party was taking advantage of this, which was why they dared to be so arrogant.

But he just couldn't swallow this insult! He'd already staked over 60,000 yuan, filmed the video, made the phone call, and lost face. If he just slunk away and returned the goods, how could he, Liu Jian, ever face anyone in this small circle again? Wouldn't he be laughed at to death? More importantly, the nearly 200,000 yuan in compensation was like a piece of fat meat dangling in front of him. Giving it up like that would break his heart.

If a hard approach doesn't work, should we try a softer one? Beg them? Liu Jian immediately shook his head, banishing the thought from his mind. Impossible, absolutely impossible. The other party's attitude on the phone meant begging wouldn't help.

We need to think of another way. It seems I can't crack this tough nut by myself alone. I need to find help, someone more capable and professional.

Liu Jian picked up his phone again, unlocked it, and slowly scrolled through his contacts and friend lists on several social media apps. Among the people he knew, there were "individual investors" like him, working alone; a few had banded together to form small teams; and a very few were "big V" figures who had truly made a name for themselves in this gray area, developing their own set of methods and influence.

His finger stopped on a name labeled "Old Fang".

Old Fang is one of the few "successful people" Liu Jian knows in this circle. He was reportedly a "rights activist" who frequented various forums and Tieba before riding the wave of short videos. He amassed his first batch of followers through several high-profile "anti-counterfeiting" incidents. Later, no longer content with small-scale operations, he began building a team, including specialists in product selection, legal advice (though not necessarily lawyers), video shooting and editing, and account management and business liaison. His Quick Sound account has millions of followers, and his "anti-counterfeiting" or "rights protection" videos consistently garner high viewership and generate significant public discussion. He not only earns money through claims, but also through traffic monetization, advertising placements, and even reportedly helping brands "smear" their competitors.

Liu Jian wasn't particularly close to Old Fang; they had only exchanged contact information at two offline gatherings of "professionals" and occasionally exchanged likes on each other's WeChat Moments. He knew Old Fang had considerable influence and many methods, but he also knew that this man had an even bigger appetite and a more ruthless heart. Cooperating with him was tantamount to dealing with a tiger for its skin; most of his meager gains would likely end up in Lao Fang's stomach.

But if not him, who else can they turn to? Those individual investors and small teams probably can't do anything about this store. Old Fang has fans, influence in public opinion, and may also have some "unconventional" connections. Only his intervention could possibly force that arrogant store owner to submit.

Liu Jian gritted his teeth, struggling internally. On one hand, there was the possibility of receiving compensation (even if most of it was taken), and on the other hand, there was the reluctance to give up completely and the potential losses. The scales swayed back and forth.

Ultimately, his desire for compensation and his resentment towards the shop owner overwhelmed his rational concerns. He opened the chat window with Old Fang and began typing on the screen.

He didn't go into too much detail, nor did he mention that he had already run into a snag. He simply described the store's situation in an as objective tone as possible: the wine was legitimate, but the price was outrageously high (listed at 1288, market price a dozen yuan), the store's attitude was negative, the reviews were extremely bad, and they seemed to have nothing to fear. He subtly indicated that the store was "very tough," and that his "communication wasn't going smoothly," but he felt "there was potential" and wanted to ask Brother Fang if he was interested in "cooperating," emphasizing that he had already bought 50 bottles of wine and had evidence such as unpacking videos.

After sending the message, Liu Jian placed his phone on the coffee table, his eyes glued to the screen. Time ticked by, each second feeling incredibly long. He felt a pang of regret. Had he been too blunt? Would Old Fang look down on such a small case? Or would he think he was useless, unable to even handle the initial communication?

Just as he was lost in thought, even considering adding a few more words, his phone screen lit up, and the caller ID showed "Old Fang."

Liu Jian's heart skipped a beat. He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and then pressed the answer button.

"Hey, Brother Fang." His voice unconsciously carried a hint of respect.

"Yes, Xiao Liu." A deep, slightly hoarse male voice came from the other end of the phone, speaking slowly and steadily, "I've roughly looked into what you just said about that matter."

Liu Jian held his breath and waited.

"It's doable," Old Fang gave a direct affirmative answer, but then immediately changed the subject, "However, you know the rules. I'll have to mobilize manpower, resources, and take risks. After it's done, I'll get 70%."

70%!

Liu Jian's mind went blank. Although he was somewhat prepared, hearing the number still sent a rush of blood to his head. He had painstakingly scouted, placed the order, advanced the funds, and gathered evidence—all that trouble, and the other party was asking for 70%? All that work for him, and he'd only get 30%? He'd get back his initial 60,000 yuan, plus another 30,000 or 40,000 yuan in compensation? This...

"Brother Fang!" Liu Jian's voice trembled with urgency and dissatisfaction. "This... isn't this a bit... excessive? I'm the one who discovered this shop, I'm the one who bought the alcohol, I'm the one who took the photos as evidence, I'm the one who ran the whole thing, and you're asking for 70% right off the bat..."

On the other end of the phone, Old Fang seemed to chuckle softly, a laugh devoid of any discernible emotion, yet it sent a chill down Liu Jian's spine.

"Xiao Liu," Old Fang's voice remained unhurried, "You can choose to do it yourself. I didn't force you, right? If you think you can handle it, then do it yourself, I won't interfere." He paused, as if giving Liu Jian time to think, and then continued, "If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now, I'm a bit busy here."

"Wait! Brother Fang! Don't hang up!" Liu Jian panicked when he heard the other party was about to hang up. Handle it himself? If he could handle it, would he need to humbly come to him? He knew that Old Fang was manipulating him. The other party was certain that he couldn't handle it himself, but also wouldn't give up.

Circumstances dictated his actions. Liu Jian's face burned with embarrassment, and he felt incredibly frustrated, but he had no choice but to back down. He squeezed out the words through clenched teeth, "Fine... fine! Seventy percent! Brother Fang, I'll do as you say!"

"That's more like it." Old Fang's tone softened a bit. "Cooperation is all about speed. Send my team the store link, order information, and all the video footage you filmed. I'll have them evaluate it first. By the way, what's the final outcome you want? Just losing money?"

Liu Jian recalled the word "crazy" on the phone and the busy tone after the call ended, and a surge of ruthlessness welled up in his heart. Pay compensation? Of course he had to! But he couldn't let that bastard get away with it so easily!

He said viciously, "Of course we have to pay! Three times the price for a fake, not a penny less! And..." He paused, his voice lowered, filled with resentment, "I'm going to ruin that shop! I'll make sure that arrogant owner can't stay in business anymore!"

On the other end of the phone, Old Fang seemed completely unsurprised by the request, even his tone carrying a hint of habitual mockery. "Which business that's passed through my hands has ever escaped unscathed? Alright, I got it. I'll have someone sound out this shop first, see what kind of background the owner has. If he doesn't have any connections..."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Tomorrow, I'll have someone get the address. You get ready, and come with my people to visit them in person. It's more effective to talk face-to-face than through a screen or on the phone."

Go to his door and confront him? Liu Jian's heart skipped a beat, but then a surge of excitement mixed with vengeful pleasure welled up inside him. Yes! Go to his door! Face to face, let's see if he still dares to be so arrogant!

"Okay! Brother Fang, I'll follow your instructions!" Liu Jian quickly agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Liu Jian held it, his palms sweaty. Giving away 70% of his money felt like a piece of his flesh had been cut off. But the thought of possibly meeting that arrogant shop owner tomorrow, putting pressure on him in person, and seeing his possible panic or forced composure filled Liu Jian with a twisted sense of anticipation and pleasure.

It's okay to take less money, as long as I can vent my anger and make that guy pay the price, it's worth it!

He walked to the window, looking at the gray sky outside with a sinister gaze.

Just you wait, you'll see tomorrow.