Chapter 045: Zhou Runbo Dismissed, Wang Li Exposed as a Spy

The crowd dispersed and business resumed as usual. They stayed open until two in the morning before finally beginning to pack up and have their meal. Perhaps it was because of Zhou Runbo’s earlier complaints that the atmosphere tonight was a little awkward. The three of them ate silently, heads down, while the two new cooks occasionally snuck glances at the young and inexperienced boss, curious about what would happen next.

“Come on, let’s all have a drink. Thank you for your hard work while I was away,” Zhang Tianfeng said, raising his glass. The others quickly stood up, glasses in hand. The chilled beer went down in one gulp, coolness spreading from their stomachs outward.

Setting his glass down gently, Zhang Tianfeng asked, “Zhou, how long have we known each other?”

Zhou Runbo was taken aback and replied, “A little over half a month, I can’t remember the exact number of days.”

“And what do you think of me as a person?”

“You’re all right, not bad,” Zhou replied, though everyone could tell Zhang Tianfeng was gearing up to make trouble.

“All right means there’s room for improvement, then.” Zhang Tianfeng looked at Zhou Runbo and continued, “Last time, you contradicted me over the price of the charity meal. I told you that was the last time. Tonight, you’ve made the same mistake again.”

“I always keep my word. You can’t stay with me anymore—my little temple can’t house such a big Buddha. Pack your things later.”

“Come on, don’t be so ruthless,” Zhou Runbo said with a bitter smile. “I’ve always been outspoken, but it’s over as soon as I say it. Your uncle knows that.”

Zhang Tianfeng nodded. “I know. That’s why I let you off last time. But I can’t keep letting it slide.”

“You take my money and talk about me behind my back. That’s not how you should act at work.”

“Brother, I—”

“No need to say more. Here’s one last toast to you. Next time we meet, perhaps we’ll be rivals in business.”

Zhou Runbo said no more. He drained his glass and left.

“Was that a bit much?” Fourth Uncle frowned.

Zhang Tianfeng shook his head with a smile. That guy wasn't stupid. If he really had the nerve to talk about the boss behind his back, would Qin Lin have let him get away with it?

Zhou Runbo shouldn't have stayed here in the first place. He only came to the coast because Qin Lin told him to. At first, he was here to keep an eye on Zhang Tianfeng, worried he’d run off with the money. Later, he probably stayed to keep watch over Gao Ran. Maybe Zhou Runbo himself started to feel out of place and deliberately picked a fight.

Zhang Tianfeng, wishing to help him save face, dismissed him before anyone else could react—this way, he’d leave a tough impression on the rest of the staff: this young boss is not to be trifled with. He’ll cut ties in a heartbeat. Better work hard and make money for him.

Yes, this was exactly the effect Zhang Tianfeng wanted.

...

Early the next morning, at Zhucheng Detention Center, Xu Juncong sat in his car with one hand on his forehead, his brows deeply furrowed.

He’d been waiting outside since last night, ever since Zhou Yuanzong had been brought in, but he still hadn’t been allowed inside.

“Brother Cong, still no luck. They won’t let us in at all,” the female secretary reported, her face long with frustration.

Xu Juncong frowned. “Did they say anything else?”

“No, just some idle talk. They said Boss Zhou is facing serious charges. No one can see him until things are cleared up.”

At this, the secretary’s face darkened. “Could this be the handiwork of that Zhang kid from Bole Company? The Gangcheng Daily says he’s a guest of the Huo family.”

Xu Juncong laughed at that, taking a drag from his cigarette. “The Gangcheng media will do anything to sell papers. They’re useless at uncovering the truth, but they sure know how to chase rumors.”

“If it really was that Zhang kid, and if he’s a guest of the Huo family, why would he bother fighting me in a small place like Tangwan Town? And why would I still be coming out on top? If they’re really training their heirs, they’d at least find me a worthy opponent or two.”

Xu Juncong had always been clear-eyed about himself—he was neither top nor bottom, just somewhere in between.

He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt. “Let’s go. Time to head back.”

“Huh, you’re giving up on Boss Zhou?”

“I couldn’t care less what happens to him. I just came to check on the progress of the plan!”

Xu Juncong had never known the details of the factory alliance plan, which had always been Zhou Yuanzong’s domain. He had intended to ask a few questions last night while Zhou was drunk, but who knew he’d get arrested first?

Since that was the case, he would just have to take matters into his own hands. He had trusted people in the toy factory—maybe they knew something.

Half an hour later, Xu Juncong arrived at “Mighty Toy Factory.”

He was already a familiar face. The old man at the gate let him in without question, and he found the deputy factory director, Wang Qi, on the second floor.

“Boss Xu, I’m glad you’re here! I was just about to come looking for you.”

“Director Wang, is there something you need my help with?”

“Plenty. There are too many problems.” Wang Qi sat down heavily, lighting a cigarette.

Xu Juncong’s heart skipped a beat as he glanced at the bright red “flammable and explosive” sign nearby. He rushed over, snatched the cigarette, and stamped it out.

“No smoking in here—it’s dangerous.”

“What’s dangerous about it? This is how we’ve always done things. Boss Zhou even led the way,” Wang Qi sighed.

“Now the workers are all unsettled, so I just gave them two days off. But what do we do after that?”

“I can help you,” Xu Juncong said, placing a hand on Wang Qi’s shoulder. “But first, tell me how far the factory alliance plan has gotten.”

Wang Qi grinned. “I knew you’d ask. I’ve been ready for you.” He produced a notebook. “Old Zhou was illiterate, so I handled all the contracts and meeting records. It’s all here—take a look.”

The notebook showed that 126 small factories had already signed contracts with Mighty Toy Factory. Only the larger factories were still considering.

Examining the internal cooperation details, Xu Juncong immediately understood Zhou Yuanzong’s intentions.

This guy wanted to lead the factory alliance, so he could represent all Tangwan Town’s factories in negotiations with Yuanli Group—drive down hiring fees, demand more concessions.

“If you actually pulled this off, how would I ever make a living at Yuanli Group again?”

“Good thing you’re locked up. Since you were ruthless, don’t blame me for returning the favor.”

Muttering to himself, Xu Juncong put down the notebook and looked up.

“This factory is Old Zhou’s pride and joy. Now that he’s gone, Old Wang, you can’t let this place go under, understand?”

Of course he understood. Picking ripe fruit—he was no stranger to that game.

Wang Qi hesitated. “But the people in finance and sales were all cultivated by Old Zhou. Will they listen to me?”

“Just give it two days. As soon as that’s up, I’ll handle everything perfectly for you.”

Two days was more than enough for Xu Juncong to set up a puppet leader for the factory alliance. After that, what did the fate of the toy factory matter to him?

Wang Qi nodded. “All right, I’ll stall for two more days.”

“Good. I’ll be off, then. If anything comes up, just come to the shop.”

With that, Xu Juncong headed out.

As he was about to get in his car outside the toy factory, he saw someone running toward him.

He recognized the man—it was Wang Li, one of the employees from Zhang Tianfeng’s late-night food stall.

Xu Juncong thought Zhang Tianfeng had been pushed to desperation and sent someone to mess with him, and he hurriedly backed away in fright.

“Brother, let’s talk things out. Please don’t get violent.”

“Remember the crackdown? Even small-time thugs get the death penalty. Life is precious—don’t throw yours away for crime.”

“Seriously, brother, don’t do anything rash. I’ll give you money.”

Wang Li seemed to realize what was going on. He stopped by the car and said, “Boss Xu, I’m here to ask for a job, not to cause trouble.”

“Looking for work...” Xu Juncong was both amused and exasperated. “You should’ve said so sooner—you nearly scared me to death.”

“Looks like Boss Xu has a lot of enemies. I’ve trained in martial arts since childhood, spent years in the underworld, and seen it all. I can be your bodyguard. As long as you pay me enough—at least five thousand a month.”

Five thousand? I could hire ten people to protect me for that much. No matter how tough you are, you can’t fight ten at once.

Suppressing a laugh, Xu Juncong said, “No rush about a job. It’s hot out here—why don’t we go back to the shop and talk somewhere cooler?”

“Sure, but I can’t show my face. I haven’t quit over there yet, and he doesn’t know I’ve come to see you.”

“I understand completely. I’m very good at this sort of thing.”

Being in employment placement, headhunting was second nature. In Tangwan Town, Xu Juncong had done two things: first, spent lavishly to rent shops and stake out territory; second, found himself a secluded spot for private meetings.

On the eastern edge of Tangwan Town, near the sea, there was a cluster of villas. Xu Juncong rented one for his own use and for receiving important guests.

“Brother, can I ask why you want to leave your job?”

“You saw it all last night, didn’t you? The reason for their argument is the same reason I want to quit,” Wang Li said darkly.

He was here to make money, not to be mistreated.

Since joining Zhang Tianfeng, he’d never had a good day: not enough sleep, endless work, and little pay.

He was especially angry after hearing Zhou Runbo talk about Zhang Tianfeng making money trading stocks in Gangcheng. Here he was slaving away in the shop, while the boss took two girls to Gangcheng to play the market. The least he could do was share a few tips, right?

If nothing else, he could’ve bought them some stocks as a reward.

In Wang Li’s eyes, Zhang Tianfeng was an extremely selfish, lecherous man—making money but not taking care of his own uncle, only two young women. Why should he give his all for such a boss?

After thinking it over all night, Wang Li made up his mind: he’d strike out on his own and make real money with his own hands.

“I understand, completely,” Xu Juncong said. “So, what kind of job are you looking for?”

“Anything with good pay. At least twenty-five hundred a month, or I won’t take it.”

“What special skills do you have?”

“Uh... does fighting count?” Wang Li flexed his biceps. “I can take on two at once—if they don’t weigh more than a hundred pounds each.”

Xu Juncong’s mouth twitched. “Two at once, with conditions—are you trying to be funny?”

“Brother, this is an age for making money. Fighting jobs aren’t easy to find.”

He changed the subject. “How about this: I’ll help you find a job, but for now, you stay on at Zhang Tianfeng’s shop and help me with a little task.”

“Add something to the food—nothing deadly, just enough to give a bunch of customers diarrhea.”

“I can’t do that,” Wang Li refused immediately.

“Then we can’t work together. For all I know, Zhang Tianfeng may have sent you to mess with me.”

Wang Li stood there, hesitating.

After a long pause, he said, “At least pay me a little for my trouble. I can’t do this for nothing.”

Of course it’s about money, Xu Juncong thought.

“Fine. If you manage it, I’ll give you a hundred right away.”

“Too little, add more.”

“Or, you can get me information—like what Zhang Tianfeng says to the Bole Employment staff, or how they plan to deal with my Yuanli Group. If it’s real and useful, I’ll give you ten thousand straight up!”

“You said it—you’d better keep your word,” Wang Li said excitedly.

“Then you can start by adding something to the food; see if I pay you.”

“All right, wait for me—I’m on it!” Wang Li ran off as he spoke, quickly disappearing down the road.