Chapter 35: Collusion, and Red Hair Brings Good News

Zhang Tianfeng still conducted most of his business at the late-night snack shop. It was close to home, allowing him to rush back at any moment should inspiration strike, where he could then perfect his ideas in peace.

Old Wang’s departure had affected the shop somewhat, but not dramatically. Aside from a noticeable drop in the number of diners during the 8 p.m. rush, business was otherwise steady. With more staff brought in, operations became even more stable, never reaching a point of utter chaos.

At 2 a.m., closing time, Zhang Tianfeng and the others sat down for supper. They crowded around a round table, laden with dishes whose spiciness was obvious at a glance.

As they ate, a sudden sound of weeping reached them. Turning to look, they saw Qin Yuelan leading a sobbing Chen Jiaqi toward the table.

“What’s going on?” Zhang Tianfeng put down his chopsticks and asked.

“Jiaqi was bullied.”

“Which bastard did this? I’ll teach him a lesson!”

At the first mention of one of their own being bullied, Fourth Uncle’s streetwise bravado flared up uncontrollably.

“Boss, I’m sorry, I messed up what you assigned me.”

“Don’t cry yet—tell us exactly what happened.”

These days, Chen Jiaqi was working under Qin Yuelan, handling communication with factories and promoting their recruitment packages. That evening, a toy factory abruptly announced it was canceling their partnership, so Chen Jiaqi rushed over to negotiate. There, she was mocked and humiliated by the factory owner and someone from Yuanli Group. The factory owner even said that if she was willing to spend the night with him, he’d continue doing business with Bole Company.

Meanwhile, Qin Yuelan, noticing Chen Jiaqi’s prolonged absence and fearing trouble, brought Hongmao and the others to look for her. Upon entering the factory, they overheard the entire exchange.

Enraged, Qin Yuelan got into a heated argument with the factory owner. Hongmao and his crew, having roamed the streets for years and mastered the art of a verbal brawl, unleashed a torrent of insults that left the factory owner and the Yuanli employee utterly defeated.

And then... retribution came swiftly.

Qin Yuelan, still fuming, said, “That scumbag did it on purpose—mark my words!”

No sooner had she finished than a Crown sedan pulled up, its window rolling down to reveal Xu Juncong and a chubby, pig-faced middle-aged man.

“Well now, Boss Zhang, still holding struggle sessions this late at night? If you have something to say about your own staff, do so directly—don’t badmouth others behind their backs.”

“Who am I badmouthing?”

“My companion here, Mr. Zhou Yuancong, owner of the toy factory,” Xu Juncong said with a sly grin. “Mr. Zhou, anything to add?”

“What’s there to say? Either fire those two wretched women, or I’ll cancel the contract,” Zhou Yuancong snorted. “And if I pull out, it won’t just be me—nine other factories will follow. You won’t make a single cent.”

“Young man, know your place and when to advance or retreat. Harmony brings wealth, understand?”

Zhang Tianfeng took a deep breath, stood up, and replied, “Thank you for the lesson, Mr. Zhou. I appreciate your reminder.”

Zhou Yuancong chuckled. “A teachable young man. Xu, this kid isn’t nearly as naïve as you thought.”

Xu Juncong was puzzled. Wasn’t Zhang Tianfeng supposed to be an ambitious and proud young man? After being trampled like this, he didn’t even get angry?

He’d overestimated him, however, because the next second, Zhang Tianfeng said, “Then let’s cancel the partnership.”

“Yuelan, handle it tomorrow. Blacklist Mr. Zhou and the other nine factories permanently. No further business.”

“Yes, boss.”

Zhang Tianfeng turned back with a smile. “Gentlemen, please see yourselves out. We’re still eating—don’t spoil our appetites.”

“Hmph! Arrogant brat. Just wait for my termination notice!” Zhou Yuancong barked before rolling up the window, while Xu Juncong left with a smile.

Now that was the Zhang Tianfeng he knew—reckless, brash, and utterly lacking in self-awareness!

“Boss... I...” Chen Jiaqi was so moved, she could barely speak.

“Eat, don’t cry. I know you’re made of water.”

“Boss, perhaps I should go apologize. Bole is just getting started—how can we move forward without partners?” Chen Jiaqi said through her tears.

“You worry too much. I didn’t fall out with him just because you were bullied. What I can’t stomach is that he dared lecture me about ‘harmony brings wealth.’” Zhang Tianfeng replied.

The others were bewildered. Wasn’t that a good saying? It wasn’t an insult, so why was he so worked up?

But since Zhang Tianfeng was in charge, his word was final. No one objected.

They resumed their meal as if nothing had happened. Afterward, Zhang Tianfeng had a few quiet words with Hongmao, who then led a group of young men off into the night.

Qin Yuelan sidled up, smiling. “Boss, anything I can help with?”

“Not for now. Just focus on renovating the shop. The slower we move, the steadier we’ll be. The more desperate they get, the more likely they’ll make mistakes!”

“All right.”

……

The night passed without further incident, and dawn arrived in a blink.

Rising early, Zhang Tianfeng took his cup and stepped out to wash up, only to find a gleaming hatchet pressed against his throat. He was instantly wide awake.

“You bastard! My sister works for you and gets bullied, and you don’t even help?”

“You... are you Chen Jialin?”

He remembered that first evening he met Chen Jiaqi—she’d mentioned a younger brother. Word was, the boy had run off to earn money on his own and hadn’t been heard from since.

Recently, Chen Jialin had been eking out a living on the streets of Shen City—parking cars, carrying luggage, even hauling bricks at construction sites. He’d suffered much, but managed to save some money.

Last night, he’d come back excited, planning to surprise his sister with a treat from the night market—only to witness her tearful confession.

He hadn’t dared act with her present, but he’d spent the rest of the night studying the guards’ patrol patterns outside Fangxin Building, and before dawn, found a gap and slipped inside.

He caught Zhang Tianfeng just as he stepped out, cup in hand, and rushed over with the hatchet.

“Jialin, is that you?”

Chen Jiaqi, who’d spent a sleepless night on the second floor, heard her brother’s voice and ran out, looking around anxiously.

Up on the third floor, Chen Jialin trembled, barely able to hold the hatchet. He ducked back into his room, threatening in a low voice, “Don’t tell anyone I’m back, or I’ll kill you.”

“Okay, I won’t say a word.”

As soon as Chen Jialin relaxed his grip, Zhang Tianfeng slipped away like an eel. “Chen Jiaqi, your brother tried to kill me! Get up here!”

.....

By 7 a.m., the sun was already fierce. In the garden, Chen Jialin crouched with his head in his hands, silent, a shaft of sunlight falling across his back.

Chen Jiaqi sat nearby, frowning. Each time she banged the table, Chen Jialin visibly flinched, plainly terrified of his sister.

“I’ve already told the guards to be more vigilant next time,” Gao Ran said as she walked in. “Would you like some tofu pudding—salty or sweet?”

Qin Yuelan and Chen Jiaqi didn’t dare answer, both turning to Zhang Tianfeng.

He smiled helplessly. “How should I know your preferences? Don’t look at me—order whatever you like. No need to stand on ceremony with the rich lady.”

“I’ll have two servings of salty tofu pudding. Thank you, Miss Gao,” Chen Jiaqi said quietly.

“You’re welcome. What about you, Yuelan?”

“I’ll have mine with chili powder,” Qin Yuelan replied.

“Tofu pudding with chili powder?” The sisters were stunned by this culinary curiosity, and even Gao Ran was surprised.

“That sounds interesting—I’ll try one too.”

With that, Gao Ran bounced away, ponytail swinging. The others’ attention returned to Chen Jialin.

“Jialin, I’m so disappointed in you!” Chen Jiaqi scolded, frustration clear in her voice.

“Jie, I’m just trying to help you,” Chen Jialin protested innocently. “You were bullied and he didn’t help. Why shouldn’t I teach him a lesson? Besides, I didn’t actually do anything.”

“Not actually?” Zhang Tianfeng pointed to his neck. “See this red line? I nearly didn’t live to see noon.”

“That’s just a mark. Are you a man or not? Making such a fuss over a little pain!”

“Jialin, shut your mouth!” Chen Jiaqi snapped.

Chen Jialin’s temper flared. He stood and shouted, “Jie, so what if you work for him? Must you debase yourself like this?”

“I’m your real brother—I’m helping you, not hurting you!”

“Helping her? Then why come to me? I give your sister food, work, money—in a way, I’m her savior,” Zhang Tianfeng said with a cold laugh.

“It was that toy factory boss who bullied your sister. Why didn’t you go after him?” he continued.

“You think I won’t? I’ll take his head tonight!”

“Jialin, stop it!” Chen Jiaqi cried, tears welling up.

“Jie, enough. Who needs a so-called savior like him? From now on, I’ll support you. You don’t have to work—I’ll make money with my fists.”

“That’s the spirit! A real man!” Zhang Tianfeng stood and gave him a thumbs-up. “By the way, your sister’s eaten eighteen meals at my place these days. Subtracting her wages, she still owes me ninety-six yuan, eight jiao, and seven fen. Pay up.”

“I... I don’t have the money right now. Give me a few days.”

Chen Jialin was mortified; he only had fifty-three yuan, six jiao, and five fen in his pocket.

“Why should I? Do I know you? What do you have to make me trust you? That physique?” Zhang Tianfeng sneered, shaking his head. “You’re not worth a penny to me.”

“That’s enough—don’t push it,” he added, thinking that if Chen Jiaqi weren’t useful to his business, he wouldn’t bother talking to such a person.

“Do you know how your sister lived while you were gone?” Zhang Tianfeng continued. “She picked rotten leaves from the market to eat—almost had to beg on her knees!”

“I was warned by the Chen family for helping her. They even sent thugs to wreck my shop.”

He loosened his collar and went on, “Today, you trespassed and threatened me with a blade. One call from me, and you’d rot in jail.”

“You’re brave but reckless. To put it kindly, you’re a brute; to be blunt, you’re a waste.”

“Jie, is that true? Those people still won’t leave us alone?” Jialin asked, unable to believe Zhang Tianfeng and turning to his sister.

Chen Jiaqi nodded—she had witnessed it all.

“Those bastards really want to ruin us! I’ll go deal with them!” Chen Jialin roared.

“Go ahead—but leave your sister out. Go alone.”

“Why?”

“She’s been nothing but good to you. Could you bear to see her implicated, expelled from the family record?”

For someone with a clan background from the coastal region, nothing was more severe than being struck from the family register.

The words struck home. Jialin stood speechless for a long while, then looked at Zhang Tianfeng. “Then what should I do?”

“Call me Brother Feng, and I’ll teach you.”

“I don’t believe I can’t get revenge without your help!”

“Jialin, where are you going? Come back!” Chen Jiaqi called, but her brother didn’t stop. She turned to Zhang Tianfeng. “Boss, please give me some time. I’ll try to talk sense into him.”

“Go ahead—take paid leave.”

Only when she was gone did Zhang Tianfeng say, “You know why I gave her half a day’s paid leave?”

“I don’t try to guess a boy’s mind,” Qin Yuelan replied.

“It’s because we’re not busy now. Better to use this lull to cleverly strengthen employee loyalty and sense of belonging.”

Qin Yuelan regarded him with newfound respect and fell silent.

After several minutes, Zhang Tianfeng said, “Surely it’s not worth such deep thought?”

“No, I was just recalling if I’d ever experienced something similar,” Qin Yuelan replied.

“Why reminisce about that? It’s not something harmful.”

Qin Yuelan smiled. “Not harmful, but I suppose I was a victim, too. Unfortunately, I don’t recall such a tactic being used on me—at least not by you.”

Zhang Tianfeng’s heart skipped a beat. Next time, he’d best not be so blatant—this woman’s instincts were sharp.

“Boss, we’ve got news!” Just then, Hongmao ran in, shouting, “I’ve learned all about that fat pig’s family situation!”