Chapter 56: I Simply Enjoy Lending a Hand and Stirring Things Up

Just moments earlier, during his verbal sparring with Zhang Tianfeng, Xu Juncong had heard him say, “Keep your tail tucked in.” At the time, he was still pondering the meaning, but with Wang Qi’s arrival, that train of thought was interrupted.

Now, reminded by Wang Qi, he suddenly realized the fatal flaw in their plan: “The greater the fame, the heavier the responsibility.” The wealthier the Hong Kong investors appeared, the more likely city officials would take notice. Especially since they’d been parading around Tangwan Town with loudspeakers and cars—surely the city leaders had noticed yesterday. Why wait until today?

Thinking it over, Xu Juncong picked up the phone and called his assistant, who was stationed on a desolate stretch of land in Shenzhen.

“Everything fine over there?”

“All good. I’m keeping watch, and there are more than ten of our guys on lookout within ten miles. Don’t worry, not a soul can get away.”

The man on the other end was a small-time thug Xu Juncong had specifically hired to keep an eye on the group of defrauded workers.

If there was no trouble over there, it meant their scheme hadn’t been exposed—yet. But it was about to be.

Hanging up, Xu Juncong said, “Old Wang, if we don’t want to end up behind bars, what we do next is crucial.”

“Brother, you still haven’t told me exactly what’s happening.”

“We’re under surveillance from the city. Soon, people from the TV station and the employment bureau will be heading to the factory for interviews. I’ll go out and stall them—meanwhile, you need to get back and plug any holes in our plan. Make sure nothing gives us away.”

“But isn’t that just handing over all the money we’ve made?”

“It’s either that, or prison. Your choice!”

Xu Juncong felt like cursing.

At a time like this, Wang Qi was still worried about money. He’d better pray he lives to spend it.

“Fine, but I have to warn you, we might have to fork out a lot this time.”

“I know. Let’s just keep the city off our backs for now.”

Seeing Wang Qi nod, Xu Juncong straightened his clothes and walked out first.

Inside the Bole Employment Agency, Zhang Tianfeng was on pins and needles. Across from him sat a young woman, her wide eyes blazing with anger.

All because Liu Jue had said, “Sis, this is the ringleader who reported the illegal job agency—his name is Zhang Qifeng!”

The last report on illegal employment agencies had not only made the leaders of Zhucheng uneasy but had also put Liu Jialin, who worked at the labor bureau, through the wringer. Although she’d been promoted after the incident, she couldn’t forget those harrowing days—it left a deep impression.

Now, face-to-face with the main culprit, how could she not be angry?

“M-misunderstanding! Miss, it’s all a misunderstanding,” Zhang Tianfeng stammered, grabbing Redhair beside him. “He’s the one who made the calls. He even made a bet with the other guys—whoever could reach you first would win money. After he won, he even said he wanted to pursue you. I swear it’s true, just ask him.”

Leaving those words behind, Zhang Tianfeng rushed out of the shop.

So many people with the surname Liu—his mother was a Liu, too. But who would’ve thought Liu Jue’s sister had been the innocent victim in the last illegal agency incident?

“Good thing I’m quick on my feet—almost got myself in real trouble!” he muttered, lighting a cigarette.

Liu Jue came out of the shop, grinning. “You’re afraid of nothing, not even the city leaders, but when it comes to my sister, you chicken out.”

“Guilty conscience, that’s all. But I swear, I didn’t mean for that to happen.”

“Relax, relax.” Liu Jue sat on a nearby tile. “My sister’s not one for yelling or hitting. Just apologize and everything will be fine.”

“No problem. But aren’t you forgetting today’s mission?”

“How could I forget? Absolutely not!”

“Then why are you running around my shop? Worried Xu Juncong isn’t cautious enough?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure he lets his guard down!” Liu Jue winked and dashed back into the shop, for Xu Juncong had just come out—it was time to begin today’s task.

As soon as Xu Juncong left the lounge, he saw the workers clustered together, waving their money and shouting, “Take mine! Take mine!”

He searched through the crowd for a while before spotting a glint of light at the edge—a mirror. He hurried over. “Hello, I’m Xu Juncong, manager of Yuanli Group in Tangwan Town. Is there something I can help you with?”

“Manager Xu, we heard your company signed a partnership with the Dali Toys Factory, which recently received a massive investment.”

“That’s right. A tycoon from Hong Kong has invested 500 million HKD and is building a new plant. We’re here to recruit employees.”

“Would you mind giving us an exclusive interview?”

Glancing back at the lounge, he saw the door was closed—a sign that Wang Qi had taken the opportunity to slip out.

He nodded. “Of course, no problem. Please, follow me.”

Inside the lounge, after setting up the camera, Liu Jue said, “Manager Xu, this is Liu Jialin from the employment bureau. She’ll be asking the questions.”

Why did this feel less like an interview and more like an interrogation?

Xu Juncong wasn’t a media professional, but he knew enough to recognize the signs.

Still, he agreed. Better to get through this hurdle, buy some time, and let Wang Qi prepare.

“Manager Xu, may I ask, who is the Hong Kong investor this time? You don’t need to give a full name—just the surname will do.”

“The Huo family.”

“Impressive! That’s a huge operation,” Liu Jialin remarked. “With an investment of 500 million HKD, why are you taking people over to Shenzhen? Are you planning to build the factory there?”

At last, the key question.

Xu Juncong was prepared. “To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. I mainly cooperate with Deputy Director Wang Qi of Dali Toys. He handles most matters and told me about the arrangements.”

“In that case, can we visit Dali Toys now?”

“Of course, but I—”

“Manager Xu, there are many more questions we need your input on during the interview. This is her first assignment—won’t you help us out?” Liu Jue interjected, feigning innocence.

Xu Juncong’s expression darkened.

First assignment? Who are you kidding? She’s done exclusive interviews with Zhang Tianfeng more than once!

But for the sake of the plan, he held his tongue.

“All right, I’ll take you there. I have a car—let me give you a ride.”

“Thank you so much, Manager Xu!” Liu Jue replied sweetly.

Back at the Bole Employment Agency, Zhang Tianfeng relaxed inside, enjoying the air conditioning, while Redhair stood at the door, craning his neck for a better look. Suddenly, he toppled forward.

A cloud of dust rose.

“Has he got heatstroke?” Qin Yuelan got up in concern.

Zhang Tianfeng chuckled. “Heatstroke my foot—he just saw a pretty girl and got overwhelmed.”

“Oh?” Qin Yuelan laughed. “The same girl he was just staring at?”

“That’s right.”

Redhair had many good qualities, but his one flaw was that he would always try his hardest to follow through on his boasts to his friends.

He once claimed he’d win over the girl who answered the phone—and now, faced with her, he lost his nerve.

But it was clear he truly liked her. The way he looked at Liu Jialin was different.

What puzzled Zhang Tianfeng, though, was Redhair’s taste. He paid no attention to women like Zhou Mei, who was curvy and alluring, but fell for someone so slender.

Perhaps he liked the childhood sweetheart type. That was the only explanation.

With a sigh, Zhang Tianfeng walked over.

Redhair scrambled to his feet, brushing the dust off his clothes and grinning foolishly. “Boss, I’m fine, really.”

“Come with me.”

“Where are we going, boss?”

“To Dali Toys Factory. You go see your beloved, and I’ll deal with my business.”