Sun Junmei tapped her husband's forehead and said, "You even scheme against your own daughter? Don't bring your bureaucratic ways into our home. I especially hate you civil servants. You never say things outright, you always have to beat around the bush."
Xu Liming sighed: "Given the current state of officialdom, how can I possibly stand out? Besides, if Zhao Qiang isn't grateful to us, will he treat us well in the future? I'm just building momentum for my daughter! Xiaoya is good at everything, except she's not good at playing games. Tell me, why did she hand over Qimingdeng Electronics Company to Luo Xiaowei when her relationship with Zhao Qiang was like that? This is the easiest industry to achieve results in. Right now, she manages Shunfeng Technology, which is only good for selling consumables and computers. You need to give Xiaoya some pointers on this so she can take control of Qimingdeng Electronics Company as soon as possible."
Since it concerned her daughter's happiness and future, Sun Junmei naturally couldn't be ambiguous: "Okay, but whether my daughter listens or not is none of my business."
Xu Xiaoya did not return that night, but she was not fooling around with Zhao Qiang as Xu Liming had imagined. The two went back to their respective bedrooms and the night passed peacefully. The next morning, Hu Xiaojiang came with cash to pick up the special effects video.
Zhao Qiang copied the file to his hard drive and said, "Xiao Jiang, this is the last time I'll do this for you."
Hu Xiaojiang thought he had misheard. "Old Zhao, what did you say? We're doing a great job together. Look, I've brought the remaining 800,000 in cash. Take a good look at all this money. Why wouldn't you make money when you can?"
As Hu Xiaojiang spoke, to make it more impactful, he threw his large backpack on the table and dumped it out. Inside were bundles of hundred-yuan bills, a full eighty bundles! This guy was originally just showing off; otherwise, he could have just brought a check.
Zhao Qiang certainly liked money, but with Xiao Wei gone, how could he make those videos? Zhao Qiang said, "Xiao Jiang, it's not that I don't want to earn this money, but the people above said that they don't have time to deal with these things recently, so we'll have to stop for now."
Hu Xiaojiang complained, "How long is the break? Without your support, my company definitely wouldn't have survived. We've just reached heaven and are about to go to hell again. Old Zhao, please help me out."
Zhao Qiang said, "Xiao Jiang, I really can't help you. Why don't you find something else to do?"
Hu Xiaojiang was somewhat unwilling: "Is there really no chance?"
Zhao Qiang handed him the external hard drive: "Really? Can I let you know when this service is restored?"
Hu Xiaojiang had no choice but to give up: "Alright, don't keep me waiting too long. The fledgling bird that's just starting to show promise is about to have its wings clipped."
Hu Xiaojiang left early with the video because he was in a bad mood. Around noon, Luo Xiaowei returned from the factory and happily reported to Zhao Qiang: "The first patent licensing agreement is almost finalized. We should be able to get about three million in patent royalties for the first batch!"
Zhao Qiang was quite surprised, "So many?"
Luo Xiaowei said, "This is a well-known domestic manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries with large sales volume. In order to maintain their leading position in the domestic market, they have decided to launch fast-charging electric vehicles regardless of cost."
Zhao Qiang gave Luo Xiaowei a thumbs up and said, "Junior sister, you did a great job. I don't know what to do without your help in handling this matter."
Luo Xiaowei laughed and said, "I have shares in the company, so I'm making money for myself too. Actually, this patent royalty fee isn't the largest amount. Today, a foreign electronics company sent an inquiry letter, and the price I quoted them was three times that of domestic companies! If they want to produce the same number of fast chargers, we can get at least nine million!"
Zhao Qiang's eyes lit up: "It looks like if we just hold on for a little longer, we can expand the factory even without taking out a loan?"
Luo Xiaowei said, "I suggest we expand as soon as possible, otherwise we will run out of stock during the Spring Festival."
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Okay, last night District Chief Xu mentioned to me that the Development Zone government would guarantee the loan, and the Development Zone is willing to find a piece of land around Shunfeng Technology and sell it to us cheaply to build a factory. I think you should be in charge of negotiating and communicating with the Development Zone government. If it can be done, that would be great, and our expansion pace will be accelerated. If it can't be done, that's fine too. We won't miss the sales volume during the Spring Festival."
Luo Xiaowei said, "Okay, tonight..."
Just then, Zhao Qiang's phone rang at an inopportune moment. After his last phone broke down, he replaced the SIM card and bought a cheap knock-off candybar phone, as long as it could make calls.
Zhao Qiang stopped talking to Luo Xiaowei to answer the phone. It was his mother calling. "Xiaoqiang, do you have time?"
Zhao Qiang didn't know what his mother wanted to say, but he really didn't have anything to do at the company, so he said, "I'm not busy here, Mom, just tell me what's on your mind."
Liu Huilan said, "Xiaoqiang, your grandfather broke his leg. If you're not too busy, go home early for New Year's Day and visit your grandfather while you're at it."
Zhao Qiang was taken aback. His grandfather had always been in good health. Could it be because the roads were slippery due to the recent snow? With this concern on his mind, Zhao Qiang couldn't wait a minute longer. He hung up the phone and said to Luo Xiaowei, "Junior sister, I'm so sorry, I have some things to take care of at home and plan to go back to my hometown this afternoon. Do you think it's possible to postpone the trip to your house?"
Luo Xiaowei overheard the conversation on the phone, and naturally she wouldn't blame Zhao Qiang for it. "It's nothing, hurry home and check on things. Or you can drive my car back?"
Zhao Qiang waved his hand: "No need, it's only a two or three-hour drive. There are too many traffic checks on the road if I drive, and I don't have a driver's license yet."
When Xu Xiaoya saw Luo Xiaowei enter Zhao Qiang's repair shop in the finance department, she followed her in. Just then, she overheard Zhao Qiang saying that he was going back to his hometown, so she said, "How about I take you back? It will only take two hours at most."
Zhao Qiang didn't want his mother and the villagers to misunderstand any further, so he said, "No need, you can just take me to the station."
Just before getting into the car, Xu Xiaoya took out two packs of Zhonghua cigarettes from the trunk with a hint of resentment, her expression reluctant. "Zhao Qiang, take these with you. I was planning to give them to you anyway. Take them back for your dad and grandpa."
Zhao Qiang was used to being pampered by Xu Xiaoya, so he didn't refuse. He carried the big bag that Hu Xiaojiang had brought that morning and stuffed the cigarettes inside. He hadn't had time to save the money yet, so Zhao Qiang simply brought it all with him. His grandfather had broken his leg, and the family would definitely need money. The money left over from treating his leg would be saved for his parents to rebuild their house. They didn't need the 800,000 yuan here.
Volume 2 [132] A Couple Showing Off Their Wealth
Dongyang City and Donghai City are cities of equal status. Zhao Qiang's town, Zaolin Town in Hedian District, is located on the edge of Dongyang City and is adjacent to Donghai City. Therefore, it does not take too far to travel from Donghai City. Zhao Qiang arrived at the Hedian District long-distance bus station at 3:30 pm. Then, Zhao Qiang had to wait outside the long-distance bus station for a minibus that runs to the countryside.
It had also snowed in Hedian District, but only a thin layer, so it didn't affect driving much. Soon, a minivan heading to Zaolin Town slowly drove towards them. Zhao Qiang picked up his backpack from the ground and prepared to get in the car. Suddenly, a black Hyundai Elantra sped up next to Zhao Qiang and pulled up neatly to the side of the road. Zhao Qiang was so startled that he hurriedly took two steps back. Actually, his brain told him that there was no danger, but Zhao Qiang still moved away from the car out of a natural human reaction.
*Snap* The car door opened, and a heavily made-up woman rolled down the window. "Old classmate, I thought it looked just like you from afar!"
Zhao Qiang examined her carefully, and based on the super biochip's search of brain memories, he couldn't find the name of this 'familiar person' in his memory! If she hadn't mistaken him for someone else, how much had this woman changed!
"You are..." Zhao Qiang didn't dare to address him carelessly, as there were too many swindlers these days.
"I'm Su Su. Don't you recognize me? Didn't you have a crush on me in high school?" The girl spoke without any restraint. Zhao Qiang suddenly realized that Su Su's surname was Su and her given name was Su. The reason was that his father's surname was Su and his mother's surname was also Su. However, the Su Su in high school was a quiet and cute Su Su, while the Su Su now was a heavily made-up Su Su with the air of a nouveau riche.
Zhao Qiang's first love was with her. In fact, Zhao Qiang had only had a crush on her all along. Later, a busybody exposed his secret, and as a result, Su Su, who used to be able to get along with him as an ordinary classmate, completely ignored him. Zhao Qiang's first love ended in failure. Looking back now, he realizes how immature and naive those years were, and he has long forgotten about them.
"Su Su? Hehe, it really is you. I really didn't recognize you. It's been more than three years since graduation, and you've changed a lot."
Su Su giggled and asked, "Did you get uglier or prettier?"
Zhao Qiang really couldn't stand Su Su's face covered in pink, but he still said in a worldly manner, "You look beautiful."
Su Su pointed to the back of the car: "Get in."
Zhao Qiang didn't quite understand: "Huh, why are we getting in the car?"
Su Su asked, "Aren't you planning to go back to Zaolin Town?" Su Su and Zhao Qiang were from the same town, and many of their high school classmates were from Zaolin Town.
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, I just came back from Donghai City. My grandfather broke his leg, so I went home to see him."
Su Su said, "Then stop arguing and get in the car. I'll give you a ride back to Zaolin Town. It's not easy for you college students. It would be good to save some money on your tickets and ease the burden on your parents."
Zhao Qiang didn't insist. He opened the back door and got into the car. Only then did he realize that there was a man sitting in the passenger seat. The man was wearing a Qipai suit, his hair was slicked back, and he had an imposing expression on his face.
With a whoosh, the Elantra swerved back onto the highway, then floored the accelerator and sped off. The van driver, who had just reached Zhao Qiang's side, leaned out and gave the Elantra the middle finger, his only passenger having been taken away.
While driving, Su Su said to Zhao Qiang, "Let me introduce you. My boyfriend is Liu Wei. He works at the Finance Bureau of the District Government. I currently work at the Family Planning Commission of Zaolin Town. I don't have much to do, just manage the files. You should come visit me sometime."
Zhao Qiang smiled enviously: "Brother Liu, hello! You two are both civil servants. I'm so envious of you."
Su Su smiled smugly: "These days, going to university is useless; connections are what really matter. There are hundreds of university students like you in Hedian District every year. Those with connections get government jobs, and even temporary workers are highly sought after. Those without connections are assigned to factory workshops. Your brother Liu has influence in the Finance Bureau; ask him to help you get a promising job after you graduate next year."
You can't hit a smiling face, so Zhao Qiang quickly pretended to thank him, opened his backpack, tore open a pack of Zhonghua cigarettes, and handed it over, "Brother Liu, have a smoke."
Liu Wei finally spoke up, "Good cigarettes, huh? Are college students these days so wasteful?"
Zhao Qiang looked embarrassed. "No, my classmate gave them to me when I came back. I've never bought cigarettes for myself before."
Liu Wei took the whole pack of cigarettes and nodded: "Such expensive cigarettes are indeed not something that college students from impoverished mountain areas can afford."
Su Su chimed in, "Your brother Liu never smokes cigarettes that cost less than fifty yuan a pack. There are tons of people giving him gifts at the Finance Bureau every day. Who would offer him anything other than good cigarettes? By the way, Zhao Qiang, I heard you're working part-time at university?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Yes, my family is having some financial difficulties, so I'm earning some living expenses for myself."
Su Su asked, "So, how much do you earn in a month?"
Zhao Qiang said, "It's hard to say, because it's a part-time job. Sometimes it's three or four hundred, sometimes it's more." Zhao Qiang estimated that he had earned several million a month recently, but he didn't have that much cash in his account.
Su Su said with some disdain, "Three or four hundred? That's not even enough for a meal. Luckily, I wasn't dating you back then, otherwise we wouldn't even be able to afford a hotel room now. It's so pathetic. Going to university is useless."
Zhao Qiang's face became even more embarrassed. This Su Su wasn't like this when she was in school. Does society really change people that much? Regardless of what she looks like, Zhao Qiang felt she deserved a beating just for her mouth.
Liu Wei lit a cigarette. From the side, you could see that Su Su looked slightly displeased, but she didn't say anything. It seemed that the man was in control of the relationship. Liu Wei rolled down the car window, exhaled a puff of smoke, and then said in a pretentious manner, "We usually don't go into hotels that aren't high-end. A meal there costs at least six or seven hundred. I have a 108-square-meter apartment in Binhe Garden, and I also ordered a large 158-square-meter apartment in the newly opened Century Garden, which I plan to use for our wedding."
Zhao Qiang gave a thumbs up: "Impressive! To have achieved such success so early in your career is truly enviable."
Not to be outdone, Su Su said, "And this car, Liu Wei bought it for me to drive around in. Now I don't have to squeeze onto the bus to go back to the city after get off work, which is very convenient. If you ever need a car, just ask. We're old classmates, so there's nothing to be shy about."
Zhao Qiang was genuinely embarrassed, his face flushed as he lowered his head. It wasn't that he felt ashamed; a few months ago, he would have been mortified. But now, he was practically a superhuman. He could buy ten Hyundai Elantras out of the 70,000 or 80,000 yuan he owned! And this was just the income from selling a single special effects video. If he managed his browser traffic revenue sharing well, earning hundreds of millions of yuan a year wouldn't be a problem. He was just blushing at how mercenary Su Su had become.
Liu Wei glanced at Zhao Qiang's expression in the rearview mirror and smiled calmly. This kind of man wanted to pursue Su Su? A simple night out in the city would be enough to make him unforgettable. If he had to pay for it himself, one night would be worth half a year's salary! Money is a man's capital. These days, as long as you give them enough money, you could make them grovel on the ground like a dog!
"Let's have dinner together tonight," Liu Wei invited Zhao Qiang, feeling particularly proud to show off in front of such a man.
Zhao Qiang quickly shook his head: "No, I'm in a hurry to go home to see my grandfather."
Su Su said, "One evening isn't enough time for you to watch. I'll take you home first, and then you can find me at the town's family planning commission. We'll have a simple meal at the Little Swan Restaurant. The only place here that Liu Wei would like is the food there. I'll call Sun Gang and Zhao Hai; they both work in town and can come right away."
Sun Gang and Zhao Hai were Zhao Qiang's classmates in high school. Zhao Hai and Zhao Qiang were from the same village and were distant relatives. They got along quite well in high school. Sun Gang was a loyal and easy-going person. Zhao Qiang had not contacted them since graduation. It seemed worthwhile to go for this meal for the sake of the two of them.
Liu Wei decisively put an end to the matter, saying, "Leave a contact number, and I'll let you know when everything is arranged. Anyway, we're going there for dinner, so the three of you won't make a difference."
Zhao Qiang pulled out a cheap, knock-off smartphone: "I'll call you, save the number."
Su Su quickly glanced back and laughed, "Still using these old relics? Your brother Liu uses an Apple iPhone 4, and I use a Nokia N86. They're very powerful; even though they were phased out last year, they still cost over two thousand."
Zhao Qiang was speechless. He simply lowered his head and said nothing. How can society change people so much? This couple was just showing off their wealth, as if they wanted everyone to know they were rich. If he had known they were this kind of people, he wouldn't have gotten on the bus.
Volume 2 [133] Small Gathering
Su Su dropped Zhao Qiang off at the entrance of Shantou Village, and then got out of the car with a flourish to say goodbye to him. The villagers passing by looked on with envy at the black, elegant Elantra. Then Su Su waved her hand, the car horn blared, and the car sped away.
Zhao Qiang's grandfather, Zhao Tiancheng, lived alone at the entrance of the village. Zhao Weidong had asked his father to move in with him several times, but the old man refused. After Zhao Qiang entered the village, he went directly to his grandfather's house. His mother, Liu Huilan, and father were both there. The two elders were very happy to see Zhao Qiang return.
"Xiaoqiang, you must be exhausted. Give your bag to Mom." Liu Huilan took her son's backpack.
Zhao Qiang said, "Mom, I'm not tired. I'm going in to see my grandpa."
The old man lay on the bed with an angry expression. Zhao Qiang, not understanding what was going on, could only ask, "Grandpa, how's your leg?"
The old man was also very happy to see his grandson return, and the displeasure on his face lessened considerably. "Xiaoqiang is home. It's alright, Grandpa's bones are strong, he'll be fine in a few days."
Seeing that his grandfather also had injuries on his face, Zhao Qiang asked, "Grandpa, what happened? Did you slip and fall? He couldn't explain it clearly on the phone at noon, so I didn't ask any further questions."
Zhao Weiguo quickly added, "He fell. I told him before that his grandfather should use a cane, but he refused. He can't be so careless in the future."
The old man didn't say anything, just snorted, turned his head, and closed his eyes, as if he was angry.
Liu Huilan quickly broke the awkward silence between the three men and asked Zhao Qiang, "Xiao Qiang, you mentioned last time that you opened a company in the city?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, Mom, business has been going well lately. I brought back some money so you can renovate the house."
Liu Huilan hurriedly shook her head: "We wouldn't dare. If you start a company, we will naturally support you. If you need money, your parents have some here. We wouldn't let you send money home again."
Zhao Qiang grabbed the backpack and opened it. Inside, besides two packs of cigarettes, there were bundles of banknotes. Zhao Weiguo and Liu Huilan were stunned. In all their lives, they had never seen so much money. Those bright red bundles of banknotes were like bombs! Zhao Tiancheng was confused and struggled to sit up to see what his grandson had brought back.
Zhao Weiguo grabbed his son's backpack and exclaimed, "W-how come there's so much money!"
Liu Huilan carefully closed the door tightly. "Xiaoqiang, tell Mom, did you do something bad?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Mom, do you think your son is good for doing bad things? My company is really making money. This is nothing. I have several million in inventory right now. In addition, I plan to work with someone to develop a browser system. That will generate more than ten million in revenue a year."
Zhao Qiang didn't dare say several hundred million, fearing his parents wouldn't believe him. He figured tens of millions would be enough for them to digest for a while. Actually, Zhao Qiang could have chosen to keep it from his parents, but he thought that telling them sooner would allow them to put down their burdens and rest. They had worked so hard for him and the family.
Liu Huilan asked Zhao Qiang tremblingly, "How...how did you earn so much money? It seems like just a few months ago you were still working odd jobs, right?"