License plates
The door to the VIP room was gently pushed open, Salesperson Chen walked in carrying a tray. Her smile was even sweeter and warmer than before, and her eyes held a hint of something more. She first placed the can of iced cola in front of Lü Yi, and then carefully placed the freshly brewed Jin Jun Mei tea and two clean white porcelain cups on the coffee table in front of Lin Feng.
"Mr. Lin, Mr. Lü, please enjoy your meal." Her voice was gentle. After finishing, she didn't leave immediately but bowed slightly, her face showing just the right amount of joy, and said, "Mr. Lin, I have some good news to tell you. Our manager specifically instructed me that the company has a special customer appreciation event for some high-end models at the end of the year, and the GX you purchased is within the scope of the event."
She spoke calmly and smoothly repeated the script Manager Wang had given her, "In addition to the gifts already specified in the contract, the company is giving you extra top-of-the-line full-car quantum solar film, original factory-fitted all-weather floor mats and trunk mats, the latest original factory dashcam, one full-car ceramic coating, and a five-time deep interior cleaning and maintenance package. Furthermore, we're also giving you fifteen basic maintenance vouchers with a long validity period."
As she spoke, she kept an eye on Lin Feng's reaction. "This is all to thank you for your trust and support of our brand. We hope you enjoy your car."
Lin Feng picked up the warm teacup, brought it to his lips, blew on it gently, and took a small sip. The tea was fragrant and refreshing; it was indeed good tea. He listened to the long list of "extra gifts" that Salesperson Chen mentioned, but his face showed no surprise, or rather, it was completely unmoved.
He knew perfectly well why. From the moment Wei Guanglin's secretary appeared, his "weight" in the eyes of everyone in the store had completely changed. These so-called "customer appreciation events" and "special gifts" were nothing more than the store's most direct reaction based on its awe and goodwill towards a certain intangible power. Lowering prices directly might be too blatant; by offering free services and high-value accessories, they expressed their goodwill while maintaining a semblance of business dignity.
He didn't point it out, nor was there any need to. He simply nodded slightly, accepting the kindness. "Okay, I understand."
Seeing his calm reaction, Salesperson Chen felt more at ease, thinking that this "big shot" was indeed used to such situations and remained unfazed by praise or criticism. "Then you two can rest for now. Please call me anytime if you need anything." She bowed slightly again and left the VIP room.
Another half hour passed. During that time, a staff member came in to refill the hot water once. Lü Yi had finished the can of cola and started idly studying the company brochures displayed in the VIP room. Lin Feng, on the other hand, kept his eyes closed, as if killing time in the 4S store's VIP room was just a normal thing.
As noon approached, the faint aroma of boxed lunches wafted through the showroom. Salesperson Chen entered again, this time carrying two beautifully printed lunchboxes that looked far more upscale than ordinary employee meals. "Mr. Lin, Mr. Lü, it's already noon. We've prepared some light meals. Would you mind having some? The paperwork might take a little longer." Her attitude was attentive and considerate.
Lin Feng opened his eyes, looked at the lunchbox, and nodded. Lü Yi, who was already starving, immediately took it and opened it with great excitement. The so-called "executive lunchbox" was indeed more refined than the ordinary lunchbox, with a balanced combination of two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, as well as soup and fruit.
The two ate lunch at the coffee table in the VIP room. The food was decent, but hot and clean.
While we were eating, there was another knock on the VIP room door, which was then pushed open.
The person who entered was Secretary Zhang. He was carrying a slightly thick kraft paper file folder, and his smile was exactly the same as when he left—calm and composed.
"Mr. Lin, I apologize for disturbing your meal." Secretary Zhang said calmly as she stepped forward and handed Lin Feng the file folder with both hands. "It's all taken care of. Here are your vehicle registration certificate, driver's license, and license plate."
Lin Feng put down his chopsticks, took the file folder, and opened it. Inside were all the documents, and at the bottom were two brand-new license plates simply wrapped in transparent plastic bags. He pulled them out and glanced at them.
The license plate was a regular blue plate, with the number "·K7Q1". It was a very ordinary combination of letters and numbers, without any consecutive numbers, sequences, or so-called lucky numbers. It was so ordinary that it would disappear instantly in traffic.
Lin Feng glanced at it, then put the license plate back into the file folder and put it away along with the other documents.
"Thank you for your Secretary Zhang," he said.
"You're too kind, it's nothing." Secretary Zhang nodded slightly, not elaborating on the details of how the matter was handled quickly, nor boasting about his achievement. "Mayor Wei still has some matters to attend to, so I won't bother you any longer. Have a pleasant drive."
"Mm." Lin Feng nodded.
Secretary Zhang politely gestured again, then turned and left quietly, just as she had come.
The VIP room door closed. Lü Yi, with a piece of pork rib still stuffed in his mouth, craned his neck curiously. Only after the secretary left did he approach, asking, "Boss, where's the license plate? Let me see! Did you get a 'leopard number'? 888? 666? Or a 'bomb' number?"
Lin Feng handed him the file folder. Lü Yi eagerly pulled out the two license plates, examining them closely. His excitement quickly turned to confusion and a hint of disappointment. "Huh? That's it? K7Q1? What's this? It's a mess, not impressive at all! I thought... cough, I thought it would be something really cool."
Lin Feng picked up his chopsticks again, took a piece of green vegetable, and said calmly, "The other party knows how to get things done."
He swallowed his food before continuing, "Why did we buy this car?" He glanced at the dark gray, boxy GX in the showroom outside. "Isn't it for practicality, and to avoid attracting attention?"
Lü Yi blinked, as if she understood something.
"This ordinary license plate," Lin Feng put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a napkin, "Is just right."
Lü Yi thought for a moment, pursed his lips, and stuffed the license plate back into the file folder. "Fine, whatever you say, boss. As long as I have a license plate, I can drive on the road! Hehe!"
The two finished their meal quickly. Salesperson Chen came in precisely on time to collect the lunchboxes, his face still bearing an impeccable smile, "Mr. Lin, you've received the license plates, right? Would you like us to arrange for a technician to install them for you now? It'll be quick."
Lin Feng handed her the file folder containing the license plate. "Thank you for your help."
"No trouble at all!" Salesperson Chen quickly took it and hurried out.
A dozen minutes later, everything was ready. The dark gray Lexus GX was parked in the 4S store's delivery area, with the brand-new "·K7Q1" license plates affixed to the front and rear. The car was spotless, and in the sunlight, the matte paint gleamed with a low-key yet substantial sheen. All the freebies (floor mats, dashcam, etc.) had been installed or placed inside the car, and the document bag was neatly placed in the passenger-side glove box.
Salesperson Chen and Manager Wang escorted Lin Feng and Lü Yi to their car, offering another round of warm farewells and best wishes.
Lin Feng took the car Key after a final check, opened the car door, and got into the driver's seat. The seat memory automatically adjusted to the position he had set earlier. Lü Yi had already jumped into the passenger seat, excitedly touching everything.
"Mr. Lin, Mr. Lü, have a safe trip! Welcome back anytime for maintenance!" Manager Wang and Salesperson Chen stood outside the car, smiling and waving.
Lin Feng nodded to them through the car window. Then, he skillfully started the vehicle, the V8 engine emitting a deep and pleasant roar. He shifted into Drive and gently pressed the accelerator.
The massive vehicle smoothly and quietly drove out of the delivery area, turned onto the road in front of the 4S store, and quickly merged into the sparse traffic at midday. The license plate "K7Q1" flashed at the rear of the car and was then swallowed up by countless similar blue license plates, nothing out of the ordinary.