Chapter 024: Gradually Returning to the Right Path

The word "clan" is far from unfamiliar in coastal cities. It embodies culture, it symbolizes heritage. In later years, whether it was major demolitions or the famed large enterprises, factories, and companies along the coast, there always seemed to be people with clan backgrounds involved.

This is an exceptionally united group, but should cracks form within, leading to internal strife, the situation quickly turns rigid and intractable.

"We can't just stand by and watch her die, can we? She can't even walk properly," someone muttered.

With a sigh, Zhang Tianfeng stepped outside and called out, "Come back. I'll give you something to eat, but you'll need to clean up properly."

"Thank you, boss, thank you so much," the young woman turned and thanked him repeatedly, bowing three times before her body began to sway violently, nearly collapsing to the ground. Qin Yuelan, quick as a flash, rushed over and caught her, helping her back inside the shop.

Ah, the young are always too soft-hearted.

Old Wang, seeing his advice had fallen on deaf ears, shook his head and walked off. He was leaving soon anyway; if the Chen family came knocking, it would be none of his business.

The girl looked as though she hadn't eaten a full meal in ages; her eyes lit up at the sight of food. She didn't even bother with chopsticks, simply grabbing handfuls with her bare hands.

Watching her devour the meal so ravenously, Fourth Uncle shook his head and remarked, "I remember my own childhood—never enough to eat, a face sallow with hunger. If your grandfather hadn't been so clever, we all would have starved to death."

"Sister, would you like some more? I can get you another helping."

"No... no, that's enough. Thank you, big brother."

"Don't thank me—he's the boss. If he hadn't said yes, none of us could have let you eat here."

"Thank you, boss. You truly are the kindest person I've ever met," the girl turned to Zhang Tianfeng and thanked him again.

"Don't be so quick to call me a good man. You eat my food, you help me out—we each get what we need. Take a rest, then start cleaning."

"No need to rest, I can work now," Chen Jiaqi said. "Boss, I have a younger brother. Could I get two more meals? He's hungry too."

"Fine. Go get it yourself. Just make sure the place is spotless in half an hour."

"No problem."

Worried about delaying the shop's closing time, the girl sprang up, grabbed a broom, and began cleaning, arranging the tables and chairs.

In the midst of her busy work, they learned her name: Chen Jiaqi, nineteen years old, recently graduated from a technical college.

When Zhang Tianfeng heard her name, he gave a private chuckle. There really were a lot of girls named Jiaqi in coastal cities. In his previous life, during three years spent making his way along the coast, he'd met eighteen girls named Jiaqi.

"Graduated from technical college at nineteen? You must be a fast learner."

At his words, Chen Jiaqi managed a bitter smile. "No matter how good your study skills are, they're no match for the hearts of people. Without real-life experience, all the knowledge in the world makes you nothing but an empty shell."

It seemed he had touched a wound deep within her. After that, no matter how many questions Zhang Tianfeng asked, he got only evasive answers.

Half an hour later, when the cleaning was done, Chen Jiaqi wiped the water from her clothes and bowed her head. "Thank you, boss."

Zhang Tianfeng nodded. "If you want another meal, come see me tomorrow."

"Boss... aren't you afraid of me?" Chen Jiaqi stammered, certain he had only helped her out of pity and would not let her return.

"If I were afraid, I wouldn't have fed you at all. Come early tomorrow—don't be late."

"Alright. Thank you, boss."

To have finished technical college by nineteen showed that Chen Jiaqi's learning ability was by no means poor. Though she was down on her luck, a little timely help was never too much, and for Zhang Tianfeng, it was just a small gesture. Having been reborn, it was only wise to invest a little more in people; even if there was no return, he could consider it a good deed, building his own merit.

...

The next day at noon, as soon as he reached the shop, Zhang Tianfeng saw Chen Jiaqi already sweeping the floor.

"Good afternoon, boss."

"Hello. You're here early."

Chen Jiaqi nodded. "I couldn't sleep anyway, so I thought I might as well get started."

Unlocking the shop, Zhang Tianfeng brought out a plastic stool and sat down. "Where's your brother? Didn't you bring him along?"

"That brat never came home. Who knows where he ran off to?" she replied quickly, then added, "Don’t worry, boss. I won’t ask for time off unless it’s an emergency."

Zhang Tianfeng nodded, considering what job to assign her.

At that moment, Qin Yuelan came over. "Boss, could I borrow this girl for a bit?"

"What for?"

"Just to help out. You haven't given her anything to do yet."

"Fine. You take charge of her then."

Qin Yuelan grinned, pulled Chen Jiaqi aside, and in a few words handed over the factory inspection task Zhang Tianfeng had given her.

Putting on a stern face, she said, "I don’t expect results every day, but I must see you making an effort."

"Don’t worry, sister. I’ll help you finish the job."

"Go on, then. Be sure to come back for dinner tonight."

Chen Jiaqi nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait, don’t rush off. Go with my Fourth Uncle to the market first, help him carry some things, then get on with your work."

"Alright!"

And so, Chen Jiaqi followed them to the market.

"Boss, I never would have guessed you’re really a soft-hearted man under that sharp tongue," Qin Yuelan teased.

"And what made you think that?"

"Both my eyes!" she laughed. "A chauvinist like Fourth Uncle would never let a girl help carry things. He’ll probably insist on carrying everything himself and then treat her to a meal, right?"

"Then what about you? Soft mouth and a hard heart? Sending a frail girl out to run errands in this blazing sun," Zhang Tianfeng shot back.

"Just giving you a chance to shine," Qin Yuelan giggled, settling down beside him. "I’ll just focus on doing well at this job as an employment agent, so I don't let you down."

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"I’ll go find Old Wang. I can’t pull this off without his help to make connections. For the next three days, I’ll pester him without mercy—I won't give up until I get what I want."

"Just be careful. He’s a married man. Don’t go causing trouble between him and his wife."

"Don’t worry. His wife already treats me like family."

Like family? Clearly, you have yet to witness how complicated women’s social circles can be. Eight roommates, seven separate group chats—just thinking about it is terrifying.

"Keep an eye on the shop for me. I need to go out for a bit," Zhang Tianfeng said.

"What are you up to, boss?"

"Going to the police station to make a few friends. Since you’re planning to smash those illegal job agencies, I’d better take some precautions. I don’t want to come home one night and get ambushed."

"Go, go—make as many friends as you can. Maybe you'll even become sworn brothers with the chief."

"You’re talking nonsense. One day your sharp tongue will get you into trouble."

As Zhang Tianfeng walked away, Qin Yuelan put on a mock-ferocious expression and shook her little fist after him.

She really had the face of a beauty—an oval face and cherry lips, born to turn heads!