Yang Shiqi said, "There's no need to be so explicit with someone as clever as him. Besides, do you want to announce everything to the world? Do you know how many people Zhao Qiang has killed? If my grandfather hadn't suppressed this, do you think the Provincial Public Security Bureau would have let it go? Please don't imagine that I can cover up everything. We still need to maintain appearances, otherwise how can we explain to the people? We can't just talk about everything in the open."
Xu Xiaoya's phone rang. She was surprised that someone was calling her so late. She glanced at the unfamiliar number and said, "Hello?"
"I am Zhao Qiang." The other person spoke crisply and decisively, without any concern about whether anyone was eavesdropping.
Xu Xiaoya jumped up: "Zhao Qiang! Is that you? You finally called me! Come back quickly, everything's settled, you're alright!"
Half an hour later, Zhao Qiang stood in Yang Shiqi's bedroom at the guesthouse, exuding a womanly aura. Zhao Qiang frowned. Actually, after seeing the military off-road vehicles in the yard, Zhao Qiang already understood the gist of it: Yang Shiqi had come to his rescue. As for how Yang Shiqi had such influence, Zhao Qiang didn't ask. He was afraid that Yang Shiqi might not tell him, or perhaps Professor Gu's influence was involved? Yang Shiqi was pursuing Gu Xuemei, so it was possible that she helped out.
"Amazing." That was Yang Shiqi's first words upon meeting her. She even gave a thumbs-up; her skin was fair and delicate, like a scallion.
Zhao Qiang smiled: "Are you saying I'm better at causing trouble or killing people?"
Yang Shiqi plopped down on the sand and pointed to the sand path opposite her: "Sit down. To be able to escape from the detention center and instantly kill an old man, even the best military experts can't do that. Zhao Qiang, you make me have to re-evaluate you."
Xu Xiaoya sat down next to Zhao Qiang excitedly, almost stroking his arm. As for Zhao Qiang killing someone, she didn't see it with her own eyes, so she didn't have any strong feelings about it.
Zhao Qiang said, "Tell me, you've gone to so much trouble to help me, I must repay you."
Yang Shiqi said, "That's straightforward. I like talking to people like you. Actually, I came to you to discuss cooperation regarding Qimingdeng Electronics. The company isn't the key; the batteries are my ultimate goal." Zhao Qiang was incredibly shrewd. Since Yang Shiqi had a military background, the batteries must be something the military wanted. Wasn't he just worried about not being able to establish a connection with the military? Yang Shiqi's decisiveness suited Zhao Qiang's taste, and besides, he owed her a favor this time, so Zhao Qiang didn't hesitate. "I'd like to hear more."
Yang Shiqi said, "I will provide the capital, and you will provide the technology to expand the scale of Qimingdeng Electronics' production of slow-release devices and energy batteries."
Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "I'd like to too, but without a universal enhancer, even if we create a slow-release device, it's useless. Without pressure-resistant materials, ordinary batteries can't store high-compression electrical energy."
Yang Shimei didn't care at all, "We'll make whatever you need. As long as you have the technology, it doesn't matter how much it costs."
Zhao Qiang nodded; he needed the "material resources" even more urgently than Yang Shiqi. "The specific cooperative control company must be under my control."
Yang Shiqi nodded: "I understand. I'm not someone who likes to be controlled by others, but I think you're even more so. You have skills, which is your greatest asset. You should make good use of them, and I'm the one who provides you with that opportunity. So we're inseparable. If there's anything, you must talk it out face to face. Don't keep it to yourself and affect our cooperation."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay."
Yang Shiqi said, "Then I'll get straight to the point. I need you to make a sample of a battery for me. This is the cornerstone of our cooperation. I can't build castles in the air. The higher-ups look at the results. Theory is useless to us. It can only be used to appease the old professors at the Chinese Academy of Sciences."
Zhao Lou said, "Give it to me. I'll make a sample of the material for you right away. Otherwise, even a skilled cook can't make a meal without rice."
“No problem! I’ll go see Professor Gu about this. You just wait for news.” Yang Shiqi turned back to Xu Xiaoya and smiled, “Look, everything is resolved now. I can’t wait until tomorrow to leave. If you want to stay, you can be all lovey-dovey with Zhao Qiang here tonight. I’m going back to Beijing tonight.”
Although Xu Xiaoya was somewhat reluctant, she ultimately decided to go with him. Zhao Qiang's father and grandfather were injured, and Zhao Qiang couldn't leave right now, but Xu Xiaoya also needed to go back and handle the company's affairs.
Yang Shiqi tactfully went out to prepare the car, leaving Zhao Qiang and Xu Xiaoya alone. "Zhao Qiang," Xu Xiaoya called out reluctantly, her voice filled with concern and a hint of resentment. Hearing this, Zhao Qiang felt a warmth in his heart. This decisive and efficient class monitor also had a gentle side, especially when she was alone with Zhao Qiang, often showing a strong desire to protect him.
After a slight hesitation, Xu Xiaoya reached out and hugged Zhao Qiang from behind. This was her favorite position. When she hugged Zhao Qiang, she felt so happy and at ease. Especially when she closed her eyes and rested her head on Zhao Qiang's shoulder, she was intoxicated by his scent. She wanted to stay like this forever.
Xu Xiaoya could tell that Zhao Qiang also liked being hugged by her like this, because Zhao Qiang didn't resist at all, and there was even a gurgling sound in his throat as he swallowed his saliva when he was excited. The boy was seduced by her proud figure. Xu Xiaoya was not only proud, but also felt her heart tighten. Her chest moved slowly like this, giving Zhao Qiang an even stronger sense of stimulation.
Zhao Qiang felt flustered and his hands and feet trembled. Behind him were a pair of full, beautiful women, gently pressing against his back. They were bouncy and soft, and felt very comfortable. Zhao Qiang's hands and feet twitched with excitement. He wanted to turn over and pull Xu Xiaoya into his arms, and then take the next step in a more filthy way. But in the end, he restrained himself.
"Squad leader, we're being too intimate. It'll cause problems," Zhao Qiang said honestly. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to control himself in the next minute, and then Xu Xiaoya would be held responsible.
Xu Xiaoya blushed, and whispered in Zhao Qiang's ear, "What? You don't like it?"
Zhao Qiang was very honest: "I like her, but I'm afraid you won't like her." What Zhang Lingfeng had told Zhao Qiang had been on Zhao Qiang's mind. He was worried that Xu Xiaoya liked women, not men, and if he fell in love with her first, it would be a tragedy in the future.
Beep, beep. Before the two could continue their passionate embrace, Yang Shiqi's car was waiting in the yard. Xu Xiaoya sighed reluctantly and released Zhao Qiang's back, saying, "Just stay home and rest these next few days, spend New Year's Day with your parents. I'm going back to the company to handle some things. Don't worry about Wei and me in Donghai. By the way, you have enough cigarettes, right? I'll buy you anything you need. After all, you're my boss, so I have to take good care of you." Zhao Qiang nodded, "I still have cigarettes, they're at home. I'll get back to Donghai City as soon as possible."
Seeing that Xu Xiaoya was about to leave the room, Zhao Qiang steeled himself and decided to ask the question that concerned him the most, which was related to the future development of him and Xu Xiaoya: "Class monitor, do you prefer men or women more?"
The murder case has been resolved satisfactorily, and there's no longer a need to live on the run. So, it's time to put marriage on the agenda. Zhao Qiang thinks Xu Xiaoya is a very good person, and he's achieved some success in his career, so he has the right to pursue her. However, before confessing his feelings, he needs to find out first. If Xu Xiaoya isn't interested in men, he should give up the idea as soon as possible.
Xu Xiaoya blushed. She found Zhao Qiang's question disgusting. She was a normal girl; how could she possibly like women? Even if she did, it was a completely different matter from liking men.
In fact, Xu Xiaoya had completely forgotten about the Holiday Inn helping Liu Yiyi get rid of Zhang Lingfeng. She never expected that Zhang Lingfeng would take it so seriously and even embellished Zhao Qiang's story. She never expected that Zhao Qiang would actually believe it.
If Xu Xiaoya knew Zhao Qiang's true intention in asking the question, she certainly wouldn't have taken it lightly. But now she only took Zhao Qiang's question as a joke, so Xu Xiaoya glared at Zhao Qiang, stomped her foot in a huff, and ran out, leaving only one sentence behind: "More women, hehe, that'll make you angry."
Inside Yang Shiqi's bedroom, Zhao Qiang was dumbfounded. It really was true! Xu Xiaoya's relationship with Luo Wei and Liu Yiyi was extraordinary. He had just been dreaming of going back to Donghai City to try and get an opportunity, but she was into women! It was such a pity about Xu Xiaoya's ample bosom; he wished she could hold him like that forever.
Zhao Qiang collapsed onto Yang Shiqi's bed. What's going on? How could Xu Xiaoya have such a hobby! I must talk to her when I get the chance. She doesn't like any of the many men she has, so why does she like women? What a waste! Zhao Qiang shared the same thought as Zhang Lingfeng. This matter can only be left as it is for now. Let's talk about it when we get back to Donghai City.
Zhao Qiang had just left Yang Shiqi's bedroom when he ran into Hu Qian. She must have heard the noise in the room and come to eavesdrop. Seeing Zhao Qiang, Hu Qian was very happy. "Zhao Qiang, you're alright. I'm so glad to see you!"
Zhao Qiang lightly shook hands with Hu Qian. Although they were partners, Hu Qian held a much lower position in Zhao Qiang's heart compared to Yang Shiqi. A simple optimization software was dispensable to him, far less valuable than the energy battery based on the universal enhancer and slow-release device. Zhao Qiang's ability to break the deadlock this time was entirely due to his previous discussion of the slow-release device and "material" proposed by Professor Gu. It was precisely because the military was interested in it that Zhao Qiang was spared, so future development should focus on this area.
"Mr. Hu, it's good to see you. What's wrong? You've come all this way to Hedian. Is there a problem? Is there something wrong with the optimization software?" Zhao Qiang knew that without Wei managing the optimization software, some problems would gradually emerge.
Hu Qiao blushed: "It's not a software problem. I originally wanted to help you, but I'm so useless. In the end, I couldn't help much. I'm sorry, I didn't do anything in this matter."
Zhao Qiang smiled kindly: "Why do you say that? I appreciate your kindness. After all, no one has an obligation to save anyone else. By the way, regarding the antivirus software, if it's inconvenient for you to operate it, I'll take care of it myself. I want to expand Shunfeng Technology and stop operating it on a workshop-like scale."
Zhao Qiang's brain is now fully integrated with the advanced biochip, and he has a longer-term vision now. His advanced optimization software has already made a name for itself, while Hu Qian has never been enthusiastic about the antivirus software. So why not do it himself? Even if the profits are slightly lower, it's still better than splitting the profits with Hu Qian. It's a completely different feeling to have your own things in someone else's hands.
Hu Qian was shocked. Not only was the future battery cooperation hopeless, but even the cooperation with the antivirus software was about to collapse. This was driving her to the brink of despair. She had failed her grandfather's expectations, and her career was about to plummet again. Was the Yang family truly destined to forever oppress the Hu family?
Volume 2 [152] Warmth, Warmth
Meng Qing almost cried as she said, "Zhao Qiang, please don't do this. Wouldn't that make me look like a jerk? I value our cooperation very much. I've never said it's inconvenient to operate. This is a key project for my company next year. If you cancel the cooperation, I really won't be able to survive. Please give me a way out."
Zhao Qiang hadn't expected Hu Qian's reaction to be so strong. He could only explain, "President Hu, you've been unwilling to discuss this matter further, so I have no reason to wait any longer. Besides, your company is in Beijing, which makes communication inconvenient and unsuitable for us to further strengthen our cooperation. I really can't wait any longer. I'm sorry."
Hu Qian really cried. Tears streamed down her face on the spot, making Zhao Qiang feel a pang of sympathy. After all, Hu Qian was a stunning beauty, her bust size at least two levels larger than Xu Xiaoya's. It was simply breathtaking. Besides the allure of a mature woman, she also possessed a seductive, foxy charm, which unfortunately hadn't been exploited.
In rescuing Zhao Qiang, Hu Qian lost to Yang Shiqi, failing to win Zhao Qiang's trust and favor. Therefore, her failure in the battery cooperation was inevitable. Now, she has betrayed her grandfather's trust and expectations, and Zhao Qiang is withdrawing his software cooperation with her. This means that the "black" website, just beginning to rise, will face closure. Who can be blamed? It's all her fault for being indecisive and hesitant! She lacked the decisiveness expected of a leader.
Hu Qian gritted her teeth and said, "President Zhao, please give me a chance. To facilitate our cooperation, I will immediately move the company to Donghai City. Antivirus software is really important to me. Please don't abandon me at this time, okay? I can accept any conditions you propose, but please don't stop cooperating with me at this time."
Hu Qian spoke with a hint of resentment, as if Zhao Qiang were a spoiled brat who had started a relationship and then abandoned it. Zhao Qiang was a little embarrassed and scratched his head, saying, "Is it that serious? I was just worried that you might not be interested. Okay, since you're so sincere, let Xu Xiaoya discuss it with you further. I still have some things to take care of here and can't go back to Donghai for a while. It's late, you should go back and rest. The detailed cooperation agreement isn't urgent tonight."
Undeniably, Hu Qian possessed a captivating allure befitting a mature woman. However, Zhao Qiang had no interest in her whatsoever. This near-death experience made him realize the importance of having a strong support system. Yang Shiqi was right; his skills were his greatest asset, and figuring out how to best utilize them was Zhao Qiang's most pressing task.
After returning to the hospital and explaining the situation to his parents and grandfather, the elderly couple were relieved to learn that their son was alright. Zhao Tiancheng was overjoyed, as if all his ailments had been cured overnight. This must be what they mean by being in high spirits when good things happen. After putting his mind at ease, the old man fell into a deep sleep. Zhao Weidong, who had been worried sick all night, also fell asleep. Liu Huilan insisted that her son not stay in the hospital and ordered Zhao Qiang to get a hotel room to rest properly.
It was past 2 a.m. when Zhao Qiang left the hospital. Another sleepless night. Although his mother had ordered him to get a hotel room and rest, Zhao Qiang couldn't sleep at all. He walked along the street, pondering as he went. His life trajectory had changed. The future wouldn't be like he had imagined before: graduating, working, struggling to make ends meet with a mortgage, barely managing to get married, having a child, and that would be it. What a bright future awaited him!
Murder was something Zhao Qiang had never dared to imagine before, yet in the Holiday Inn building, he killed for the first time. And so far, he's completely unscathed. In the series of events the day before yesterday and yesterday, another twenty or thirty people died at his hands, and this openly murderous man is now unharmed. It's almost as if he's become a hero behind the scenes. Zhao Qiang chuckled to himself, "That's the damn privilege!" Fortunately, the dead weren't exactly saints, so Zhao Qiang felt no guilt. This incident made him decide to settle down and focus on making his high-tech products as successful as possible. The more successful he became, the greater his privileges would be in the future. Then, he would be the one bullying others, not the other way around.
He didn't know how long he had walked. Suddenly, he saw the lightbox of Heqing Pharmacy ahead. Zhao Qiang chuckled to himself. He had come here again. Was it by accident, or was he still thinking about Su Su? Zhao Qiang had no answer. After thinking for a moment, he decided to go up and knock on the door.
Su Su was startled awake from her sleep, so frightened she almost cried out, thinking that people like Gan Beiwei had come to "help." The relocation had taken place, and Su Su was still unaware that the Four Tigers of Hedian had already perished.
"Don't be afraid, it's me, Zhao Qiang. I have nowhere else to go. Let me come in and warm up for a while," Zhao Qiang said pitifully from outside the door. Although he couldn't hear anything inside, Zhao Qiang was sure Su Su was there.
Su Su hesitated for a moment, but finally put on her clothes and opened the security door. Although Zhao Qiang was fierce, he was still her sister's classmate. He had even helped her family get back the stolen medicine and computer. Moreover, he had always been very kind to her. Su Su would feel bad if she let him suffer in the cold outside. She was a kind and innocent girl.
Zhao Qiang stamped his feet, twirled his hands, and carried his signature laptop bag. Su Su said, "It really is you! Why aren't you home yet? It's the middle of the night, you're scaring me to death!"
Zhao Qiang squeezed through the security door, saying, "What, not welcome?" For some reason, seeing Su Su reminded Zhao Qiang of the pure and innocent Su Su from high school. The younger sister was practically a carbon copy of her older sister back then. The older sister now was no longer the Su Su Zhao Qiang wanted to see, while Su Su was the simple and kind ponytail girl in Zhao Qiang's memory, always with an air of indifference to worldly affairs.
"Are you hungry again?" Su Su asked, closing the security door.
Zhao Qiang rubbed his stomach: "Now that you mention it, I'm actually a bit hungry. How about you make me a few packets of instant noodles?" Su Su said irritably, "Do I owe you anything? So many things happened at home today. My parents went out to borrow money but couldn't get it. My sister was so anxious she even burned a fire. She said if we don't make up the shortfall by the 2nd, my brother-in-law is finished. Even if we do make up the shortfall, we don't know if we'll be held responsible. Why is our family having such bad luck lately? Did we offend some god of wealth?"
Zhao Qiang was still sitting at Su Su's computer desk, her underwear draped over the edge of the bed, and it looked quite voluptuous. If she only had one set of underwear, did that mean she was going commando under her thermal underwear and winter coat? Zhao Qiang's mind wandered; after all, this girl was his first love. Seeing this, Qi thought Zhao Qiang spoke somewhat absentmindedly: "No way. I think it's the bitter fruit your sister and brother-in-law sowed long ago. If they knew this would happen, why did they do it in the first place?"
Although she didn't owe Zhao Qiang anything, Su Su still made him instant noodles, saying as she poured hot water, "Don't make sarcastic remarks. My sister is your high school classmate, can't you have some sympathy? I've made you instant noodles for two nights in vain."
Zhao Qiang blushed slightly at Su Su's words and asked, "How much more is needed?"
Su Su said, "We've already raised 100,000, but we're still short about 80,000. We've asked all our relatives and friends. We can't think of any other way. We've even run out of cash from the pharmacy! This time, my sister finally managed to get the family..."
Zhao Qiang smiled but said nothing. He wasn't going to be overly sympathetic. This was the bitter fruit Liu Wei had sown himself, and he should learn his lesson. As for Su Su, she deserved the punishment for indulging Liu Wei's ostentation.
Because he hadn't done any strenuous exercise in the first half of the night, Zhao Qiang only ate three bowls of instant noodles this time, which puzzled Su Su, who was prepared for a long battle: "Why don't you have an appetite today?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, I'm sleepy. You should go to bed and rest. I'll take a nap on the computer desk too, and I'll leave as soon as it's light."
Su Su was so sleepy she could barely keep her eyes open, and she had class the next day, so she didn't insist and obediently went to bed, without taking off her clothes. She pulled the covers over herself and turned off the light, but after tossing and turning for over ten minutes, she still couldn't fall asleep. Suddenly, there was a man beside her. Although this man seemed very honest, she felt uneasy, especially since Zhao Qiang's feet were freezing cold. He would occasionally stomp his feet on the floor, making the kind and innocent Su Su even more unable to sleep.
Finally, Su Su pulled back the covers and poked her head out, saying, "Zhao Qiang, it must be cold under the bed. Why don't you come up and warm up? We can each take one side of the bed. We won't bother each other."
Zhao Qiang said, "You're too kind. You let a man in to eat instant noodles, and now you're planning to invite him to bed?"
Su Su huffed angrily, "Fine, you don't appreciate it, but you deserve to freeze to death."
Zhao Qiang chuckled, "I'll accept your kindness." With that, Zhao Qiang took off his shoes and climbed onto Su Su's bed. He was indeed freezing and couldn't stand it anymore. He should have stayed at a hotel.
This was a wooden bed slightly larger than a single bed. Even if the two slept at opposite ends, it was still impossible for them not to touch each other. Zhao Qiang's feet were pressed against Su Su's back. Su Su curled up very cautiously, like a gentle cat. Zhao Qiang was afraid that Su Su would misunderstand, so he didn't dare to move.
Su Su's blanket had a pleasant fragrance. Zhao Qiang was very pleased with himself. He completely mistook Su Su for Su Su, imagining the scene of his crush on Su Su in high school. He even foolishly hugged the blanket and fell asleep! And he had a blissful look on his face, as if he were holding Su Su in his arms.
He didn't know what time it was when he suddenly heard a scream. Zhao Qiang struggled to open his eyes; it was already bright outside. Fortunately, his parents hadn't come to the pharmacy yet. Otherwise, if they saw their daughter sleeping in bed with a man, even if nothing had happened the night before, it would be hard to explain, and his father would definitely have beaten Zhao Qiang to death with a stick.
"So much money?" Su Su's voice was filled with fear. Zhao Qiang then noticed that his notebook bag was on the ground, and because it was full of things, the zipper couldn't be closed tightly, and several bundles of hundred-yuan bills were scattered out.
Zhao Qiang smiled but didn't say anything. He reached for the cigarettes and lighter on the computer desk. He'd been quite fond of cigarettes lately; it felt really good to have one after a good night's sleep. "Zhao Qiang, is this money yours?" Su Su, having calmed down from her initial panic, handed Zhao Qiang her father's ashtray.
Zhao Qiang took a puff of his cigarette and nodded: "I guess so."
Su Su tentatively asked, her voice lacking confidence, "Could you lend me some money first? I promise she'll pay you back as soon as she has the money. You know her situation; she urgently needs the money."
Zhao Qiang said decisively, "No, I have no relation to your sister."
Su Su lowered her head in disappointment; Zhao Qiang indeed had no obligation to help her sister. However, Zhao Qiang then added something that made Su Su happy: "But I can lend it to you."
Su Su was taken aback at first. Then she asked, "Why? We're not classmates, are we?"
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "Because you made me instant noodles and were worried I'd freeze to death, you invited me to bed, so we have a relationship."
Su Su didn't have time to dwell on the teasing tone in Zhao Qiang's words. She excitedly said, "Really? You mean it! You can lend me tens of thousands of yuan. Don't worry, I'll give you an IOU. If you don't repay it by the due date, just come find me."
Zhao Qiang pointed to the laptop bag and said, "Take whatever amount you need, no need for an IOU, but you can't tell your sister about this."
Su Su's outstretched hand froze halfway: "Not telling my sister? Why? You helped my sister and you're not planning to let her know? Do you think you can learn from Lei Feng anonymously? This society doesn't need that anymore."
Zhao Qiang said, "I just said it has nothing to do with her. Why would you let her know about Comrade Su? I met your brother-in-law later than you. But I know he cares a lot about your sister's past. If he finds out I lent money to your sister, what do you think your brother-in-law will think? You're trying to ruin the family harmony."
Su Su slapped her forehead: "Yes, you're so thoughtful. My brother-in-law is really cunning. Okay, I'll accept this favor on behalf of my sister. I see you have a lot of money in there, so I'll take 80,000 yuan, which will make up for my brother-in-law's shortfall. Thank you, I'll write a receipt right away."
Su Su pulled out eight bundles of RMB from her notebook bag, then stubbornly wrote Zhao Qiang a receipt, adding a clause guaranteeing repayment of the principal within three years. Unexpectedly, Zhao Qiang took it, casually tore it up, and threw it in the trash. Su Su angrily said, "What do you mean? Are you trying to back out of lending me the money?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I don't need you to repay the money."
Su Su was startled: "Ah, what do you want?" As she spoke, Su Su took a step back out of the room in fright, as if she were facing a big gray wolf.
Zhao Qiang said, "Uh, as long as you can spend time with me during the winter and summer vacations for these three years, eating and sleeping with me like you do now, that would be great. After three years, we can call it even."
Su Su was somewhat surprised, "Is it really like this? No more doing anything else?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "That's fine. I'm actually a gentleman. You've made a very bad impression on me."
Su Su blushed: "No, I know you're a good person, but you're really at a disadvantage."
Zhao Qiang got out of bed and picked up his laptop bag. "If you feel bad about it, then spend some time with me, like treating me to breakfast or something. Also, if you keep leaving me at the pharmacy, won't your parents scold you for being decadent?"