Chapter 058: Midnight Conversation, Xu Juncong's Final Counterattack

It’s over, it’s really over—what should we do now? This was the only thought swirling through the minds of Xu Juncong and Wang Qi.

Had Qin Aiguo not appeared, even if Zhang Tianfeng exposed the situation, they might still have had room to maneuver. But now the real man himself had shown up, just as pictured on the poster—how could they possibly wriggle out of this?

“You…” Qin Aiguo had barely begun to speak when Wang Qi fell to his knees with a heavy thud. “Mr. Qin, I swear I didn’t intentionally use your name to recruit workers. It’s just that running the factory has become so difficult. Once these workers leave, whether they’ll find another job is uncertain. Please… please forgive me this once. Even if you won’t do it for me, do it for the sake of those workers. They’re counting on their wages to feed their families.”

His desperate, wailing plea drew a crowd of curious workers. Wang Qi’s sudden display upended all of Qin Aiguo’s prepared words.

Qin glanced at Zhang Tianfeng, who remained as calm as ever, giving him a clue as to the situation. “If you used my name to secure benefits for the workers, I wouldn’t object. But if you’re truly deceiving people…” He stepped forward. “You’d better explain the group of laborers locked up in the old quarry at Deep City.”

Wang Qi, still kneeling, crawled toward Qin Aiguo, attempting to grab his leg, but was blocked by bodyguards. He lay prone, pleading, “Boss, those things have nothing to do with me! Xu Juncong sent people to do it—he threatened to kill me if I refused.”

“Liar!” Xu Juncong’s face was livid as he barked, “You’re the one who wanted to make a last grab for cash before leaving. You told me the factory had investors!”

“I’m just a manager at an employment agency; how could I know the ins and outs of a toy factory?”

“You’re the liar! You know exactly what’s going on!”

The argument escalated, one kneeling, the other standing, neither willing to back down.

“What a farcical dogfight,” Zhang Tianfeng sighed helplessly.

“Boss, should we get ready to act?” Red Hair sidled up and whispered, “The brothers have their gear ready. Just say the word and we’ll throw everything over.”

Zhang Tianfeng looked back and slapped Red Hair’s shoulder heavily. “Remember—no more shady business from now on. We’re doing things the right way, understand?”

“But doing things your way just isn’t satisfying,” Red Hair muttered. “We stand here, get chewed out, then an old man shows up and steals the show, making those two bite each other. He takes all the glory while we’re invisible. Wouldn’t it be better to throw our stuff and give them a fright, rather than just stand here?”

This guy always craved the limelight! Zhang Tianfeng would have liked to show off too, but the villains weren’t following the script.

His original plan had been to argue with them a bit, let Wang Qi and Xu Juncong put on airs with Qin Aiguo’s name, then call Qin Aiguo to scare them. Before the interview wrapped up, Liu Jue would drop a hint—the mayor was coming tomorrow. The two would realize their scheme was about to collapse and try to escape. Catching them in the act would ensure their ruin.

Qin Aiguo was never meant to make an appearance. Wang Qi fell to his knees far too readily—clearly used to beatings since childhood. Damn it, the mood for the day was ruined.

While pondering what to do next, Zhang Tianfeng watched the quarrel unfold. Suddenly, Wang Qi let out a roar, drew a gleaming knife from his coat, and charged forward. The bodyguards shielded Qin Aiguo, but overlooked Zhang Tianfeng nearby.

Wang Qi seemed to have targeted him from the start, abruptly changing course mid-run. “You little bastard! If I can’t have peace, you won’t live!”

At the critical moment, a figure burst out before anyone could react—a flawless airborne kick sent Wang Qi sprawling. It was Chen Jialin.

“Kid, you’ve got some skills.”

“You’re not bad yourself—not scared enough to wet your pants.”

No wetting himself, but he was definitely scared. Wang Qi’s actions reminded Zhang Tianfeng he needed bodyguards.

That could be addressed later. For now, getting Wang Qi and his accomplice locked up took precedence.

…

Night fell on Tangwan Town Prison.

The evidence had been secured. Xu Juncong and Wang Qi were detained for fraud and illegal imprisonment, among other charges. Their sentences would be announced in due course.

“Number 78, you have a visitor.”

The door opened, lights snapped on. Xu Juncong took a deep breath and stepped out, peering into the darkness. Through the glass, he saw Zhang Tianfeng.

“I knew it would be you.”

“So confident? What if you guessed wrong?”

“No chance. After my arrest, I thought about everything, piecing it all together. I realized you must have held evidence of my and Wang Qi’s collusion for some time.”

“Yes.”

“You knew I would need powerful financial backing to drive you out, to crush you completely.”

“You didn’t believe I had Hong Kong investors, so you felt free to meet Qin Aiguo in the teahouse.”

“You knew I’d secretly conspire with Wang Li and slip away, so you deliberately laid out your trap to catch me with solid proof.”

“Impressive, Zhang Tianfeng. You are the most formidable opponent I’ve ever faced.” Xu Juncong sat back, relaxed against the chair, and smiled. “Young, shrewd, patient, with a business mind—you’re the kind of person I don’t mind losing to.”

“May I take that as a compliment?”

“You may, but don’t get cocky. Losing to you is only part of the reason—I’m my own worst enemy.”

Because of his prejudice, Xu Juncong subconsciously believed Zhang Tianfeng lacked connections, that he was merely a lucky farmer. He underestimated Qin Aiguo and overlooked many crucial details.

Had he taken them seriously, he would never have lost.

“Still stubborn? Let me tell you my next moves.”

“I’ve recruited Jin Haijun and his two associates. They’ll be reporting your scandals day and night, prominently featuring Yuanli Group’s name.”

“You can guess what happens next—I’ll easily dominate Tangwan Town’s labor market and get your leased storefront cheap.”

“Most importantly, I am now the owner of Dali Toy Factory.”

At these words, Xu Juncong’s composure finally cracked.

He erupted in fury, gripping the bars and roaring, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Do you enjoy making me look like a fool?”

Brushing off the spittle on his clothes, Zhang Tianfeng stood and laughed, “It’s very enjoyable—serves you right for crossing me!”

“Seeing you angry—my goal is achieved. Farewell.”

Halfway out, Zhang Tianfeng turned and added, “Oh, by the way, since you just attacked me, I think you’ve earned another charge for malicious assault. Good luck!”

Xu Juncong panted heavily, eyes bloodshot.

“Sit down! If you don’t behave, I’ll hit you with my baton,” the guard barked.

Now that Xu Juncong’s guilt was established, the guards showed him no courtesy. He complied, tidying his messy hair.

“Officers, I’d like to see my lawyer.”

“Name?”

“Tang Xiaolian. She’s my secretary, but also my lawyer.”

Soon after, Xu Juncong met Tang Xiaolian, who looked rather disheveled.

“Boss, the store’s in chaos.”

“Forget it, don’t speak. Just listen carefully.”

“Return to Deep City immediately. Find my father. Explain everything and have them get me out of here.”

“Be quick—leave right away. Take my car!”