Chapter 013: Settling with Niu Dayun, A Grandfather and Grandson's Night Conversation

As night fell, the fragrance of dinner and the scent of firewood drifted through Qingwa Town.

A muddy taxi stopped at the entrance to the village, drawing the attention of many villagers relaxing in the evening air.

The road from Qingwa Village to Xiyan City was in disrepair, and taxis were a rare sight, perhaps once a year.

When the Zhang Jincai family climbed out of the car, carrying bundles and bags, one of the elderly men lounging nearby called out loudly, “Did you two strike it rich?”

Zhang Jincai smiled sheepishly, saying nothing, waving his hand behind his back to hurry his family along.

Zhang Tianfeng stepped out carrying gifts, pulled a fifty yuan note from his pocket, and tossed it to the driver.

Liu Shumei, who followed, winced at the gesture—this brat spent money as if it were nothing! Fifty yuan could feed their entire family for a month. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She pinched Zhang Tianfeng’s waist, making him grimace in pain.

“Why show off, boy? People are watching us like we’re monkeys.”

“If you don’t return home in wealth, it’s like wearing fine clothes in the dark. We’re probably among the top ten richest in Qingwa Village now—what’s the point if no one knows?”

“Don’t flaunt your wealth. How can you tell who’s good and who’s bad?”

“I know. I’m very clear about it.”

There were a few loafers and thieves in Qingwa Village, who moved about freely. Whenever Ni Dayun needed something done, he would turn to those men.

Ni Dayun was soon to be imprisoned, and those who followed him in misdeeds would likely join him.

Back at home, before their chairs could even warm up, the old man arrived.

“How long has it been since you returned?”

“Just now, Grandpa. Please have a seat.” Zhang Tianfeng hurried to pour him a cup of tea.

“Made some money? You rode a taxi home, and paid fifty for the fare.”

Such was life in a small place; not ten minutes had passed before their arrival was the talk of the village.

Zhang Tianfeng grinned, “A little, not much.”

“Old Five, you’re a father now and still don’t know how to set an example. Squandering money like that, you’re hopeless. Can’t you teach my eldest grandson something useful?”

Zhang Jincai, smoking quietly in the corner, paused, smiling bitterly. Once again, he was made the scapegoat.

“Enough, let’s discuss serious matters.” The old man’s tone shifted. “You need to leave, right now. Don’t stay in Qingwa Village.”

“Dad, what’s happened?” Zhang Jincai asked.

“Ni Dayun wants you back at the factory. My eye’s been twitching, I sense something bad is coming.”

He wasn’t wrong; the sixth sense of elders could be uncanny.

Ni Dayun kept his appearance well-polished, and in the eyes of all Qingwa villagers, he was a diligent, dedicated factory director, always striving to find work for his laborers.

If not for living his life anew, Zhang Tianfeng would never have discovered the truth.

He explained Ni Dayun’s deeds to his parents. At first, they were shocked and incredulous, but the detailed list of offenses Zhang Tianfeng wrote included dozens connected to the factory, things they’d personally experienced. After thinking it over, they realized something was indeed amiss.

“Grandpa, when will he arrive?” Zhang Tianfeng asked.

The old man thought for a moment. “About half an hour ago. Now that I’ve got word, he should be on his way. Hurry up and leave, don’t come back for a few days.”

“Dad, Ni Dayun is about to go to prison,” Zhang Jincai said.

“How do you know?”

“Your grandson’s doing.”

“Hm?”

The old man’s sharp gaze fixed on Zhang Tianfeng, but before he could speak, Ni Dayun’s voice came from outside.

“Old Zhang, I heard you made a fortune in Xiyan City. I’ve come for a cup of water—is it convenient?”

Just then, a vibration came from Zhang Tianfeng’s pocket—it was the pager.

He’d bought two pagers, leaving one with Fourth Uncle before departing, so he could stay updated.

The news had just arrived: the report had been accepted, Pei Guan was already arrested, and within three minutes, he’d spilled everything.

The city had dispatched a team, and they’d arrive in Qingwa Village in about ten minutes.

“Dad, let him in. Stall him until the authorities arrive,” Zhang Tianfeng said.

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand,” the old man scratched his sparse hair, puzzled.

“Grandpa, just stay quiet for now. When it’s all over, I’ll explain everything.” Zhang Tianfeng added, “Dad, open the door.”

Zhang Jincai nodded and went out.

Soon, Ni Dayun followed him in.

He saw the old man sitting with tea, Zhang Tianfeng playing with the pager.

“Well, you really are rich now—even have a pager.”

“Uncle Zhang, you’re here too. It must be hard, coming in person to persuade them.”

After a few words, Ni Dayun went straight to his purpose: “Old Zhang, I’ve found a batch of goods for the factory, delivery in three days. We’re short-handed, so tonight you’ll need to work overtime—fifty cents per person and a snack allowance.”

“We’re not going. We’ll be heading back to Xiyan City soon!”

Now Zhang Jincai didn’t even want to speak to Ni Dayun; had his son not spoken up, he wouldn’t have opened the door.

Ni Dayun’s face stiffened. “Old Zhang, that’s not right. I took your family’s situation into account and saved two spots for you.”

“We’re not struggling anymore. I’ve got money now—didn’t you see my son playing with a pager? I’m thinking of buying a mobile phone.”

By 1993, mobile phones had appeared, though they weren’t widespread. Not only was the cost high, but so were the fees—luxuries for the rich.

“In that case, I’ll ask someone else for help.”

Years of experience made Ni Dayun feel something was off.

The Zhang family’s attitude had changed—they were neither warm nor polite, barely speaking to him.

Even if they’d made money and turned their backs, it shouldn’t be like this. On the surface, he was still everyone’s good old friend; he should be shown some respect.

“Don’t hurry off, Director Ni.” Zhang Tianfeng set the pager on the table and smiled. “Since you’re here, have a cup of tea before you go.”

“All right, I’d like to hear how you two made your money.”

Ni Dayun sat and asked, “I heard you rode a taxi back. You were only in Xiyan City two days—what kind of business did you do to earn so much?”

“A street stall. Compared to Director Ni’s fortune, ours is a mere fraction.” Zhang Tianfeng smiled.

Ni Dayun felt the smile was a bit unsettling. He forced a grin. “Xiaofeng, you grew up in Qingwa Village—you know I sold my ancestral home to save the textile factory, right?”

“Now I have nowhere to go, and I’m deep in debt. Don’t mock me.”

Zhang Tianfeng feigned surprise. “Is that so? But how come I saw Director Ni driving into Shanshui Manor in Xiyan City two nights ago?”

“That’s a villa—each costs tens of thousands, and you need connections to buy one.”

“You must have mistaken someone else,” Ni Dayun began to sweat.

Now he was certain something was wrong. The Zhang couple must have discovered something, hence their change in attitude.

With the investigation underway, Ni Dayun thought for a moment, then stood up. “Since you’re not working at the factory, I’ll leave and find other workers.”

“Take care, Director Ni. Oh, and one thing—could you pass my regards to Pei Guan when you see him?”

Ni Dayun froze, then hurried out.

Standing at the door, watching Ni Dayun’s figure vanish into the night, the old man asked, “Grandson, what on earth is happening?”

“Ni Dayun embezzled state assets; the evidence has been submitted to the police. Look, here comes the team to arrest him.”

Flashing lights and blaring sirens, three police cars sped into Qingwa Village, blocking Ni Dayun in the middle of the road.

A few officers got out, showed a paper, and took Ni Dayun away, leaving one man behind.

When he slowly walked under the streetlamp, the old man saw it was his fourth son, Zhang Jizheng.

“Did you hear? Ni Dayun was reported for embezzlement by the Zhang family’s fourth son. Which Zhang family? Which one produced a college graduate?”

“That guy used to be a troublemaker—now he’s reporting Ni Dayun for corruption. Shows what education can do, turning a bad apple good.”

“Of course. Didn’t you see the Xiyan City bureau chief thank him?”

“A lost sheep returns, one less troublemaker, one more good man for Qingwa Village.”

Word of Ni Dayun’s arrest spread quickly—not only through Qingwa Village but neighboring villages as well. The Zhang family gathered in the courtyard for dinner.

After several rounds of drinks, the women headed for the kitchen—the family tradition was men cook, women wash dishes.

At the table, having heard the entire story, the old man pondered for a moment. “So everything you did was to help your fourth uncle?”

Zhang Tianfeng nodded firmly.

The main purpose of having Fourth Uncle submit the evidence was to improve his reputation among the villagers.

“Well done, very well. The Zhang family finally has a capable man again.”

The old man, delighted, drank another big cup, set it down, and stood up. “Grandson, come with me to the room. I have a few words for you.”

“Careful, Grandpa, let me help you.”

He helped his grandfather to the scholar’s chair and wiped the sweat from his brow. “Grandpa, what did you want to say?”

“That money—you earned it, didn’t you?”

“Yes. I was just about to tell you. I plan to run a business while continuing my studies.”

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with your schooling, I agree. And how do you plan to help your aunts, uncles, and other relatives?”

It was an unavoidable issue, especially in large families. When one prospers, others come looking for support.

“I’ve thought it through. If they want to do business, I’ll advise them. Maybe not riches, but at least better than what they’re doing now.”

“But there’s one line I won’t cross—my own business, no relative will have a say. They can help, but I’ll never grant them management rights. Everything depends on ability.”

Zhang Tianfeng had seen too many entrepreneurs fail because relatives got involved. He wouldn’t make that mistake.

The old man nodded approvingly. “That’s not something you should say. Let me be the villain.”

“That’s even better—when Grandpa steps in, it’s worth three men.”

“You rascal, you knew from the start I’d want to play the villain, didn’t you?”

Zhang Tianfeng didn’t answer, only grinned foolishly.

The old man nodded. “Don’t let word of your fortune spread just yet. Ni Dayun is in jail, but he must have people outside.”

“As for your aunts and uncles, I’ll talk to them.”

“All right, Grandpa, there’s something else I want to tell you.”

“Go ahead—now you’re the emperor of the Zhang family, I don’t dare provoke you.”

“I want to go to Deep City!”