Chapter 022: In This Era, Everyone Strives to Survive

Zhang Tianfeng paid promptly and generously. Old Wang was also quite considerate, leaving the task of tidying up to his wife while he followed Zhang Jizheng to the market to buy supplies.

In his own words, every meal must be fresh, and he had to pick the ingredients himself. If someone delivered goods to the door and there happened to be a problem, the back-and-forth of exchanging them would only waste more time.

By midday, Zhang Jizheng had pretty much learned everything he needed to know and had become acquainted with the people he needed to know. Meanwhile, Zhang Tianfeng took the opportunity to remodel the shop, making it suitable for two people to live in. For the next few days, he planned to stay there himself.

As dusk fell, bringing the day's end, Qin Yuelan returned, weary and covered in dust. Zhang Tianfeng handed her a glass of cool boiled water and asked, “How many places did you visit today?”

“I didn’t— I went to the employment agency.”

“Smart. Starting at the source. Did you get anything out of it?”

Qin Yuelan shook her head. The employment agencies here were notorious—if you wanted work, you paid upfront. Even if you only asked for information, there was a consultation fee. If you refused to pay, they’d immediately turn hostile and kick you out. The endless stream of job-seekers was exactly what gave these shady agencies their confidence.

Not willing to spend money, Qin Yuelan purposely stood at the back of the line, and while others were paying, she eavesdropped. In half a day, she collected the names of more than a dozen factories and their bosses.

“I don’t think I can finish the task you set in three days. I’ll have to come up with another plan.”

“You still have two and a half days. Eat first, then we’ll talk.”

Tangwan Town was full of factories, workers, and people looking for jobs. As soon as the shop opened, a crowd of diners arrived. Fourth Uncle and the others had never seen anything like it and were caught off-guard.

Old Wang, however, was used to it. He even recognized several people by name. Chatting amiably, he served up the food, each meal costing just ten cents.

That’s right, only ten cents!

When Zhou Runbo saw the price, he was dumbfounded. Was this a charity or just a pastime? Weren’t they supposed to make eight hundred in net profit daily? It seemed more likely they’d lose eight hundred.

“Don’t look at me like that. This price was set by Boss Zhang. If you have an issue, take it up with him.”

“If you’re not going to help, don’t get in the way. I can handle it on my own.”

Unable to stomach it, Zhou Runbo turned and went back into the shop to confront Zhang Tianfeng.

“Brother, what’s going on? Why is that old man charging only ten cents? Is he secretly pocketing the money?”

“No, it’s really ten cents. I set the price. I might even make it free later.”

“Why?”

When he took over the shop, Old Wang had told Zhang Tianfeng a story. Last summer, a fellow from Xikang Province starved to death on this very street. The man had just gotten off the train and was tricked by a crooked employment agency into coming to Tangwan Village. After paying an exorbitant fare, he had no money left for the agency fee and was thrown out. When he went back to make trouble, he was beaten and blacklisted by the agencies working together.

Unable to find work, with a lame leg and nowhere to go, he could only eke out a wretched existence in what he had once thought was paradise.

Having witnessed someone die right before his eyes, Old Wang was deeply remorseful. He didn’t have the power to shut down those agencies, but he did all he could to help those who’d been duped.

And this kindness brought him enormous rewards. Those who’d benefited would come back to Old Wang’s shop as soon as they found work and got paid, ordering the most expensive dishes as a gesture of gratitude.

“But isn’t that a long payback period? What if those people just eat and run? What if they never come back?” Zhou Runbo continued to grumble.

The smile on Zhang Tianfeng’s face gradually faded. “Have I not paid you, or wronged you in some way?”

“You argued with me last night. For the sake of your relationship with Fourth Uncle, I let it go. But you’re at it again? Am I being too lenient?”

“If you don’t want to work, you can leave. I’m not paying to hire someone to argue with me.”

“Let me be clear about something. Here, my word is law. The main direction for making money is always set by me, and once set, it doesn’t change.”

“Your only job is to do what I assign you. Don’t worry about anything else.”

For the first time since his rebirth, Zhang Tianfeng showed his authority as the boss, startling Zhou Runbo.

Fourth Uncle tried to mediate. “Nephew, Old Zhou didn’t mean anything by it. He just hasn’t figured out what’s really going on.”

“Connections, networks!” Qin Yuelan spoke up. “That’s what the boss wants.”

Zhang Tianfeng paused, then smiled. “Go on, tell me more.”

“Helping unemployed people nearly for free has an immediate benefit: when they find work, they’ll come here and spend big. But there are further benefits too.”

“For example, it builds a reputation, making Old Wang’s shop stand out among the forty or fifty stalls on the night market street, even if the food selection is quite limited.”

On the coastal night market street, seafood was the norm, but Old Wang’s shop had none—only specialties from Xikang Province appeared on their tables.

Last night, while watching from upstairs, Qin Yuelan had puzzled over this problem. Now, with a hint from Zhang Tianfeng, she suddenly understood.

“What else? If it were up to you, how would you develop these returning customers?” Zhang Tianfeng asked.

“If it were me…” Qin Yuelan said, “I’d offer them some work, like cleaning up or helping to buy groceries.”

“After all, people have their pride. Some can’t accept direct charity.”

“And those who are proud will find a way to survive, which means they’re likely to achieve great things later on.”

With that, Qin Yuelan grew excited. “Boss, is this the second round of customer selection you mentioned?”

“Something like that. Anything else? Keep going.” Zhang Tianfeng encouraged.

Qin Yuelan shook her head. “That’s all I’ve thought of for now. Nothing more yet.”

“Silly girl, you’ve already found the solution. Why not take the next step?” Zhang Tianfeng said with a smile.

Qin Yuelan was momentarily stunned, then suddenly realized, “Boss, you mean I should ask them to help me gather information.”

“Exactly. Tangwan Town is huge. By yourself, and unwilling to pay for agency information, you’ll never finish the task—even if you go without food, water, or rest.”

“I never give you impossible tasks. As long as you think, there’s always a solution.”

“Understood. Thank you, boss! I’ll get right on it.” Qin Yuelan bounded away, full of joy.

Zhang Tianfeng looked at the bewildered Zhou Runbo and Wang Li. “You two can go home for now. Think things through before we discuss anything else.”

“But nephew, what about the helpers for tonight…”

“There’s no shortage of people. We don’t need those two.”

Seeing the indifference in Zhang Tianfeng’s eyes, Zhou Runbo suddenly felt a little afraid, realizing he had underestimated this young man.

Then again, anyone who could negotiate face-to-face with Qin Lin couldn’t be taken lightly.

Zhou Runbo felt conflicted. He wanted to admit defeat, but just couldn’t bring himself to say it.

“You two go on home,” Zhang Jizheng said, getting up to help outside.

Zhou Runbo and Wang Li exchanged glances and ambled out.

The whole night market street was ablaze with lights. The bosses and their helpers, all in vests and shorts, sat on stools, watching the bustle at Old Wang’s shop.

Word had spread that a new group had taken over Old Wang’s shop. So far, things seemed fine, and at least Old Wang’s charitable deeds hadn’t been erased.

Yes, and the girl helping out looked quite enthusiastic. Those who couldn’t find work could once again eat for free for a while.

None of the other owners envied this business—it wasn’t profitable. The best goodwill they could offer was not to cause trouble or let others do so.

Those who had just finished their meal quietly cleared their own dishes and, with renewed energy, disappeared into the darkness. They had to secure a good spot—perhaps work would start at dawn.

This was an age not lacking in miracles, but everyone was struggling to live with all their might.