Chapter 101: A Three Hundred Billion IOU—Let Them Come

At six o’clock that afternoon, Hui Tian Yilan brought over four copies of the original share transfer agreement. With Ding Yan’s involvement, the schedule and dates for the cargo transport were finalized. That evening, everyone feasted indulgently, savoring the rare moments of vacation.

They slept until the following afternoon before rising, and, escorted by Ding Yan, made their way to the airport to fly back to Harbor City. The journey to the Little Japan Island had lasted four days in total, during which Zhang Tianfeng had endured threats, kidnapping, and a thrilling, perilous rescue.

His escape and reversal of fortune were owed entirely to the help of friends and benefactors. The friend was Old Ding, and the benefactor was the Huo family.

He could repay Old Ding’s kindness next month, but the Huo family’s favor weighed much heavier.

As dusk settled, in the Huo family’s hillside villa in Harbor City, Zhang Tianfeng sat in the living room. Across from him sat Huo Zhigui, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, his face now noticeably more worn and haggard.

"Mr. Huo, you seem quite busy lately. You look exhausted."

“It’s just those damned troublesome affairs. The closer we get, the more restless some people become. They’re itching to stir up trouble—you know how it is.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Huo Zhigui sipped his tea and asked, “Your recent trip to Little Japan Island was quite the adventure. What did you gain?”

“For me, it was crucial. I acquired a team of top-tier mechanical industry maintenance personnel. Their value surpasses even the original shares I obtained,” Zhang Tianfeng replied gravely.

Huo Zhigui gave him an approving look. “I admire your perspective. Immediate profits can wait; the grand revival to come is what truly matters.”

“Since you’re committed to developing real industries and advanced manufacturing, perhaps I could introduce you to someone.”

“No need for now,” Zhang Tianfeng replied with a wry smile. “These gold-devouring beasts—I can’t afford to feed them yet.”

In mechanical industries, even the simplest ventures required investments in the hundreds of millions, with no quick returns. At his current capacity, just buying equipment would empty his wallet, let alone training specialists.

“Very well, let me know when you need it.”

Zhang Tianfeng nodded, stood, and bowed deeply to Huo Zhigui. “Thank you for your help, Mr. Huo. Without you, I doubt I could have obtained those things or returned from Little Japan Island.”

The Huo family’s assistance was intangible: intimidating the Hui Tian clan, providing support and convenience, and inspiring Ding Yan’s unwavering loyalty in the rescue.

Zhang Tianfeng never forgot those who had helped him. Now was the time for repayment.

“What are you doing? Friends help each other—that’s only natural,” Huo Zhigui quickly stood up.

He truly admired Zhang Tianfeng. In his eyes, they were friends, so there was no need to fuss over such things.

He might not mind, but Zhang Tianfeng never forgot. To repay a drop of kindness with a spring—this was his guiding principle.

He took a slip of paper from his pocket. “This is an IOU I’ve signed, with my fingerprint and commitment. If you ever need it, Mr. Huo, you can come to me anytime.”

Huo Zhigui glanced at it and laughed. “You’re giving far too much—three hundred billion?”

“I’ll pay you in full by '98 at the latest.”

“Alright, I’ll accept it then.” Stowing the IOU in his bag, Huo Zhigui said, “If there’s nothing else, let’s head to the dining room for dinner and talk about other things.”

“I’ll follow your lead.”

“Don’t treat yourself as a guest. Here, you’re one of the Huo family. Let’s go.”

By the time Zhang Tianfeng returned from the hillside villa, it was already nine in the evening.

He pushed open the door and, unsurprisingly, found Gao Ran lying in his room yet again.

“You’re getting pretty comfortable here. Next time, I’ll leave something you shouldn’t see in the room—see if you dare to snoop,” Zhang Tianfeng joked.

“If you leave it, I’ll look,” Gao Ran replied, sitting up. “My dad wanted to meet you, but urgent matters called him away. He said he’d invite you to dinner next time.”

“Looks like Boss Qin’s car ads are working well,” Zhang Tianfeng said, taking a seat. “I’ll be waiting for Boss Qin’s feast then.”

“So, what’s next?” Gao Ran asked.

“What else? Home, of course.”

The factory was still running at full capacity, but Zhang Tianfeng worried that Wang Tiancai and the others might not be able to handle things, so he needed to hurry back.

Besides, Ding Yan’s freighter was about to arrive, bringing not only the advanced machinery he wanted, but also a batch of game consoles—a gift from Ding Yan.

After this journey, Zhang Tianfeng had gained a deeper understanding of himself and a clearer vision for his plans ahead.

“Alright, I’ll go back with you. I’ve been drifting outside long enough—it’s time to prepare for school.”

“Good. While you’re at it, help me find out which high schools admit self-paying students. I need to get ready for school too.”

“Sure, I’ll ask around for you.”

...

They hurried home overnight, reaching Tangwan Town at midnight, just as the night snack street was bustling.

When Zhang Tianfeng appeared at the Youle night market stall, the customers were all surprised.

“Hello, boss.”

“Boss, it’s been ages—you’re looking even more handsome.”

“Boss, is your factory still hiring?”

Under the attention of the crowd, Zhang Tianfeng was a little taken aback.

What was going on? He’d only been gone a few days—had he suddenly become a celebrity?

“What would you like to eat?” Uncle Zhang Jizheng asked with a smile.

“Give me a plate of twice-cooked pork, and two bowls of rice!”

Zhang Tianfeng was allergic to seafood, so on Little Japan Island he could only eat beef and vegetables. After a day or two it was fine, but three or four days in a row was tough. Now, just smelling the rice made his mouth water.

“Boss Zhang, where did you strike it rich this time?” Jiang Jiahao asked, carrying a bowl.

“I went to Little Japan Island. Don’t look at me—I didn’t bring you any educational videos.”

“I don’t need that stuff,” Jiang Jiahao laughed. “Boss Zhang, you’re a superstar in Tangwan Town now.”

“Tell me more—I was just about to ask about that.”

It all boiled down to one reason: the benefits were too good.

The Blue Square Toy Factory’s average salary was twenty percent higher than other factories. Overtime pay, meal subsidies, accommodation allowances—these perks made workers in other factories green with envy.

It was said that those who had left were now nearly in tears, scrambling to find a way back to Blue Square Toy Factory.

Good benefits had made Zhang Tianfeng the model boss in workers’ hearts, but also the enemy of other factories.

“What’s there to worry about? Let them step up and see if I don’t knock them down!” Zhang Tianfeng said, swaggering.

With Xu Kuangdao stirring the pot, Zhang Tianfeng had long been at odds with Tangwan Town’s factories.

Given that, what was there to fear?

As always: in fair business competition, whoever comes, falls!