The four of them pounced on Luo Xin, shaking and jerking him violently. Zhao Qiang, not wanting to be bothered, stepped forward and easily lifted the four of them out. Although the madmen were strong, they were still no match for Zhao Qiang. Seeing that his father didn't react, Luo Wanfeng stepped forward and called out, "Dad, Dad?"
Luo Wei hurriedly touched her grandfather's wrist, but there was no pulse! She shouted for the doctor outside. The doctor came in, looked at him, and shook his head. He was already a dying man, and he was content to have managed to see the Haifeng Group's success today. His previous vomiting of blood had already foreshadowed the end of his life, and today Old Master Luo could finally rest in peace.
At this point, saying anything else would be useless. On his deathbed, Luo Xin gave Zhao Qiang an answer: he was not without selfishness; he was just as selfish. However, when faced with the choice between selfishness and the continuation of the family business, Luo Xin ultimately used reason to overcome kinship. He knew better than anyone that handing Haifeng Group over to Luo Wanjiang would mean certain death for the company. It might fall apart within half a month and disappear completely from China's home appliance industry within six months.
However, Old Master Luo wasn't entirely devoid of family affection. In fact, he had already hinted at it to Xu Xiaoya that morning. When Xu Xiaoya recalled their conversation, she remembered that Luo Xin had made two requests of her: first, the name of Haifeng Group could not be changed! This was his and his wife Ye He's last wish; second, his child would always be a member of the Luo family, and Xu Xiaoya could not touch him! No matter what serious mistakes they had made before, they could not be pursued any further.
Having figured all this out, Xu Xiaoya sighed. Zhao Qiang squeezed her hand, and Xu Xiaoya said, "We owe Old Master Luo, so let's not keep pressing Luo Wanjiang and the others. Let them stay in the company and retire. Just keep an eye on them occasionally. I originally wanted to change the name of Haifeng Group to Qimingdeng Electronics, but now I think if Old Master Luo knew in the afterlife, he would definitely scold me. So let's not change it. In the end, we owe Old Master Luo, and the only thing we can do in the future is to manage Haifeng Group well, which is also a way of repaying him."
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Let's talk about this later. Wei is feeling down right now, so please comfort her."
Xu Xiaoya released Zhao Qiang's hand and walked towards Luo Wei.
Life is sometimes so dramatic, with heaven on one side and hell on the other. One careless step can lead you into hell, while another can lead you into heaven. This was the case with Luo Wanjiang and his sister. They were teetering on the edge of hell when their grandfather suddenly pulled them towards heaven. But before they even reached the gates of heaven, they slipped and fell back into hell, this time even deeper, directly into the threshold of hell. Fortunately, the money they lost has been covered, and the shareholders will no longer pursue their responsibility. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been long before the China Securities Regulatory Commission came down to investigate.
All the prominent figures in Donghai City attended Old Master Luo's funeral. His birthday banquet had only been a few days ago, and now they were holding a funeral. It seems the Luo family's feng shui isn't very good this year. But if things aren't going well, Haifeng Group is riding the wave of good fortune. Its stock price is soaring, already back to where it was a year ago, and it's showing no signs of stopping, almost hitting the daily limit up every day. No wonder, they're just too powerful. They have money, technology, and more people than they can use. The government's praise is endless; it seems they're showered with all sorts of favors.
Zhao Qiang and Xu Xiaoya also went to Luo Lao's grave separately to lay wreaths. The two did not want to comment on Luo Lao anymore. Whether he said he used them as pawns or that he treated them as friends despite their age difference, it was all in the past. Let future generations judge his merits and demerits. What Zhao Qiang needed to do was continue to do his job as a repairman well, and what Xu Xiaoya needed to do was to quickly rebuild Haifeng Group. Then she would continue to hide behind the scenes and take action against any large enterprise that she didn't like.
A week later, Zhao Qiang and Wang Meng drove back to Dongyang City. They went home first, and then Zhao Qiang asked Wang Meng to drive them to Hedian District. Wang Meng drove away, and Zhao Qiang went into Heqing Pharmacy by himself. Su Su had gone home, and Zhao Qiang wanted to keep his promise and spend these few days of vacation with her, because Su Su might not go back to Hedian for the summer vacation. This was good, so that Xu Xiaoya wouldn't keep pestering him to introduce Su Su to him, and even threatened to ask Su Su to be the spokesperson for Haifeng Group. If that happened, Zhao Qiang's relationship with her would definitely be exposed.
The pharmacy's business had always been lukewarm. Zhao Qiang originally didn't want Su Su's parents to run it, but their family troubles had passed, and the two elders were idle anyway. Running a pharmacy was a form of entertainment; otherwise, they might get sick from boredom. Seeing Zhao Qiang enter, Su Heqian smiled and opened the counter to greet him.
Volume 2 [303] The Behavior of the Rich
"Zhao, you're here! Su was just talking about you. Come sit down, your aunt went home to cook. Come over for dinner later."
Hearing the sound, Su Su ran out of the bedroom, still as beautiful as ever, her ponytail swaying. "Brother Qiang," Su Su rushed over, not minding hugging Zhao Qiang in front of her father at all, which made Zhao Qiang blush.
"Dad, let's not eat at home, let's go for a walk outside." Su Su said to her father. Su Heqian naturally let his daughter have her way. Now the family is living the life of a daughter, because she found such a rich boyfriend.
When they arrived at the door and didn't see Su Su's car, Zhao Qiang said, "Where's the car? I had Wang Meng drive mine back."
Su Su said, "Don't even mention it. Your classmate, who is also my sister, took the car. It belongs to her when I'm not home, but now she's hogging it and won't return it. I even told her in advance that she would return it after get off work in the evening."
Zhao Qiang didn't mind and smiled, saying, "Forget it, let's just buy a new one. After all, she's your sister."
Feeling very happy to be pampered by Zhao Qiang, Su Su asked with a smile, "You made money again?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I've made a little money." Not much, a few billion a day, but now a lot of funds are being injected into Haifeng Group, so Zhao Qiang doesn't carry much with him, usually just a few million.
Su Su asked, "How much is this 'point'? One million?"
To be honest, Zhao Qiang didn't really care about one million today. This amount was about the same as when he was working and said he would earn one cent. People can change, but fortunately, Zhao Qiang's nature hasn't changed.
Zhao Qiang said, "Anyway, I've taken good enough care of you. Let's go and take a look. I'm just afraid there might not be any good cars around here."
Su Su pulled Zhao Qiang's arm, and the two walked and talked, "There's no need to waste money. My sister likes that car so much, so let's just give it to her. Of course, you have to be okay with that, since I only stay at home for a few days a year, and I won't need that car."
Zhao Qiang said, "Don't worry about it. We can buy a new car and drive it back to the school in Beijing. Let's go, I'll make the decision."
Su Su was very well-behaved. She snuggled up to Zhao Qiang, and the two walked to the car market, just to stroll around. Naturally, they attracted envious glances from many men along the way. Zhao Qiang was extremely proud; having such a girl by his side really made him look good.
According to Zhao Qiang, Su Su should also buy a BMW 7 Series so that everyone can drive the same kind of car and look more impressive. However, Hedian District can't compare to Donghai City. It's estimated that there are cars worth around 300,000 yuan available. Other cars need to be ordered, but Zhao Qiang can't wait. Once the cars arrive, he will return to Donghai City, and Su Su will return to Beijing. What's the point of driving then?
When they arrived at the car market, Zhao Qiang was quite frustrated. He couldn't find a car priced over 500,000 yuan. It wasn't that he was now of a higher standard, but rather that lower-priced cars were inferior in every aspect, including safety. In particular, Zhao Qiang planned to have Su Su drive the car to Beijing, and if it was of a lower standard, it wouldn't be easy to present it there.
Su Su didn't have any special requests. She didn't care about anything anyway, and she would do whatever Zhao Qiang said. After all, she had to listen to Zhao Qiang. It was almost noon when she finally saw a Mercedes-Benz GLK3507 SUV at the dealership. It was the kind of car that Su Su liked. However, after inquiring, she found out that it was a pre-ordered item. Otherwise, the dealership owner wouldn't have displayed such an expensive sample. You know, sometimes they don't sell even one car for several months. Hedian is just a district.
Seeing that someone was interested in a car worth over 700,000 yuan, the shop owner personally came out to greet them. "Gentlemen, I don't need to say much about the performance of this car. It's a Mercedes-Benz, a well-known brand. Everyone in China knows it. As long as you pay a deposit of 5,000 yuan, I guarantee that you can pick it up within a week."
Zhao Qiang said, "But we want to drive away today. Boss, is there any way?" As long as there's a car here, Zhao Qiang believes there's a solution; it just depends on how.
The shop owner was in a dilemma: "This is difficult. We've already notified the customer who placed the order, and they're coming to pick it up tomorrow."
Zhao Qiang said, "Could you help me think of a solution?"
The shop owner thought for a moment and said, "Then you'll have to pay more, otherwise I won't be able to explain it to my customers." That's a solution, isn't it?
Zhao Qiang didn't even ask the price: "Deal." Things that can be solved with money aren't really problems. Zhao Qiang is now thinking like a spoiled brat; he's stepping into that world. Otherwise, how come he even has a mistress? If Xu Xiaoya found out about this, it'd probably be a world war.
The shop owner cautiously asked, "You'll have to add 20,000." The shop owner planned to keep 15,000 for himself and compensate the customer 5,000. The customer would surely be very happy, considering that they had argued about the price by 500 when making the reservation. Now, he would get ten times the amount back, and all he would have to do was wait a few more days. Wouldn't he be overjoyed?
Zhao Qiang said, "Then let's get it done quickly. We'll keep it running for now, and you can help us put up a sign and handle the paperwork later."
Thinking about the commission he could get from selling insurance later, the shop owner was overjoyed. "Great, no problem, don't worry."
Su Su swiped her card and left the store, excitedly getting into the car. It was definitely much more comfortable than the Hyundai Tucson! However, after driving for two minutes, she felt a little sorry for herself. "You didn't even try to negotiate the price. The shop owner must be overjoyed. It's over 700,000 yuan. You work very hard to earn money."
Zhao Qiang chuckled, "Forget it, let them earn more. Anyway, I've already made money off others." Thinking about the astronomical sums he made from slimming tea and cosmetics, Zhao Qiang felt relieved. He only spent a few minutes each day, like meditating or practicing martial arts. Sometimes, with Wei's help, he could even save that little bit of time. Yet, by evening, his billions would be in his account. He was counting money until his hands cramped.
Su Su said, "You're so considerate. Where shall we go? Shall we eat?"
Zhao Qiang said, "What good food is there in Hedian District? Let's go eat there."
Su Su said, "Why don't we eat at home? My stomach hurts a little."
Zhao Qiang said, "Ah, I didn't upset you, so why would your stomach hurt?"
Su Su gave Zhao Qiang a disapproving look: "I didn't say it was you who made me angry. You don't understand girls' secrets."
Zhao Qiang chuckled foolishly. He actually knew the answer, but he'd pretend not to for now.
When Su Su got downstairs, she saw her old Hyundai Tucson parked there. "My sister is back."
Zhao Qiang said, "I didn't bring any gifts with me, okay?"
Su Su waved her hand and said, "Giving her a car isn't enough, let's go." With that, she took Zhao Qiang's hand and went upstairs.
Wang Yuru had already received the call. Su Heqian rushed back when he heard that his daughter was coming home for dinner. Su Su and Yang Wei were sitting obediently in the living room. Usually, the two of them could be a bit more flamboyant when they got home, but when they heard that Zhao Qiang was coming today, they hadn't planned to come back at noon, but now they had taken the afternoon off to prepare to receive Zhao Qiang's instruction. How could they not curry favor with someone who could be on such good terms with the district party secretary?
"Sister, brother-in-law," Su Su called out affectionately. Although her sister had once made her very angry, how could she hold a grudge against her own family?
"Zhao Qiang is here," Su Su and Yang Wei quickly got up to greet him, but Zhao Qiang wasn't carrying anything, so there was nothing for them to take.
Su Heqian followed her in and asked his daughter, "Is that the car outside without license plates the one you just bought?"
While changing into her slippers, Su Su casually said, "Yeah, the license plate will be put up this afternoon. My old car, Qiang-ge said he gave it to my sister."
Su Su was worried that she wouldn't have a car to drive from the afternoon onwards when a huge windfall suddenly fell from the sky, making her a little dizzy. Yang Wei was also overjoyed. After all, it was something worth over ten thousand yuan. Things weren't like before; he was living a bit tight on money. If he could save the money for the car, he would be much better off.
Su Su stammered, "Oh dear, I... I can't possibly accept this."
Su Su said, "Alright, sis, you've been driving it for so many days now and you're used to it. Brother Qiang, please sit wherever you like." With that, Su Su pointed to the toilet and ran away. Her stomach hurt, and she was sure she needed to go in to change something.
Su Heqian greeted them and went into the kitchen to help Wang Yuru cook. Zhao Qiang, Su Su, and Yang Wei sat in the living room, unable to find anything to talk about, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Su Su asked, "What kind of car did you buy for Su?"
“gLk35o,” Zhao Qiang replied.
Yang Wei didn't know much about this thing: "What is it?"
Su Su rolled her eyes at him and said, "Mercedes-Benz, 5-door, 5-seater, 7-speed automatic SUV, 6-cylinder, 24-valve, 6 airbags, keyless start system, multi-disc DVD system, 8-speaker system, xenon headlights..."
Zhao Qiang stared in disbelief: "You...you've sold cars before?"
Su Su blushed slightly: "I just like doing research, it's a pity I found a boyfriend who doesn't have the money to buy it."
Zhao Qiang didn't reply. "Where were you all those years ago? It's too late now. I'm only interested in your sister."
Yang Wei's face was even redder than Su Su's, but he had to hold it in. Su Su was of a higher status than him. If it weren't for the relationship between Su Su and Su Su, if Su Su hadn't pleaded with Zhao Qiang on behalf of her sister, and if Zhao Qiang hadn't helped, Comrade Yang would still be eating cornbread right now.
Su Su asked Zhao Qiang, "The company's business has been pretty good lately? That car must have cost over 700,000 yuan."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's alright, it's always been like this."
Su Su then asked, "Can there really be such a large profit margin in the computer and repair business? What do you think about me opening one in Hedian District?"
Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "I don't earn much from just this. I also have some odd jobs, mostly repairs and patchwork, which I can barely make ends meet."
Su Su then asked, "I heard that the Bee Slimming Tea and the Beauty Girl series of cosmetics are both from Donghai City, is that true?"
Women all over the country are talking about this topic now. Zhao Qiang said, "Probably. It seems the factory isn't too far from where we are." It really isn't too far. He had just talked to Zhang Lingfeng for a while this morning. Zhang Lingfeng insisted on coming along, but Zhao Qiang didn't agree.
Su Su became interested: "Could you get in touch with people in their factory?"
Volume 2 [304] Cosmetics That Are Unaffordable or Unavailable
Zhao Qiang was somewhat embarrassed. He didn't want to have any business relationship with Su Su. "I wouldn't say we're even close," Zhao Qiang replied casually.
Su Su asked anxiously, "Could you help me get two advance tickets? The advance tickets available in Dongyang City are booked until next year. What's the point of using cosmetics when I'm old and faded?"
Yang Wei reminded Su Su, "That's a set that costs tens of thousands of yuan, don't overthink it."
Su Su said, "So what if it's tens of thousands? Other girls can use it, but I can't?"
A loud crash came from the bathroom, followed by Su Su's scream. Zhao Qiang jumped up and flung open the bathroom door: "What happened?"
Su Su was washing her hands when she saw Zhao Qiang rush in. She smiled apologetically and said, "I accidentally broke the bottle of cosmetics you gave me."
Zhao Qiang looked at Su Su's hands and feet: "Are you alright?"
Su Su said, "It's okay, I'll just sweep it up. It's just a pity about these cosmetics, they must cost tens of thousands." Su Su wasn't unaware of their value, but she still underestimated the worth of the cosmetics Zhao Qiang gave her. They were absolutely genuine, pure mother liquor, and by market prices, a bottle would be worth more than a million.
Zhao Qiang took a broom from the corner and said while cleaning up, "I'll give you two more bottles later. As long as you're alright, that's fine."
Su Su rushed in and was relieved to see that her sister was alright. However, she immediately noticed the cosmetics on the ground and exclaimed, "Oh, it's the Beauty brand! Is it genuine?"
Su Su was a little angry: "Sister, you can doubt me, but you can't doubt Zhao Qiang. He gave this to me."
Su Su snatched the broom from Zhao Qiang's hand. "Stop sweeping! I'll find a spoon and scoop it up. This is worth tens of thousands of yuan, and even if you have the money, you might not be able to buy it. Only first-tier cities have advance tickets, and the scalpers here have driven the price up to the sky."
Su Su wiped her hands, chuckled, and pulled Zhao Qiang out of the bathroom: "Never mind, let my sister do it."
In the bathroom, Su Su carefully scooped the cosmetics back into the bottles with a spoon. Looking up, she glanced around and asked, "Sis, whose cosmetics are on the table? Mom's?"
Su Su had already pulled Zhao Qiang to her room, her voice coming out somewhat impatiently: "The face wash is mine, the rest is Mom's."
Where did you buy your face wash?
"It was given to me by Brother Qiang."
"Let me pour some in." Su Su started working, pouring out more than half a bottle. She even washed her face to test it first, fearing it was just ordinary stuff. The result was immediately clear: she felt refreshed, and her complexion became much rosier and fairer. This was the legendary fairy-grade cosmetic! Such obvious results after just one use—if she used it every day, she'd be a heartthrob! No wonder her sister looked so much prettier when she came back. Of course, psychological factors were also a major factor. And if Zhao Qiang's personally refined mother liquor didn't have some effect, then there would be no point in selling cosmetics.
Inside the room, Su Su scratched her head in anger, "My sister is so awful."
Zhao Qiang chuckled; he didn't care as long as Su Su was happy. Su Su first hugged Zhao Qiang, then let him hug her. Lying in Zhao Qiang's arms, she was so happy she didn't know which way to face him.
"Brother Qiang, shall I sing you a song?"