Zhao Mingming hid the handcuffs behind her back and said, "No, no, you can't just handcuff us and then release us like that. You're making a fool of us."
He Shan responded, "Yes, we can't just do whatever you say. This time, we must get a reasonable explanation."
Director Liu said, "I will definitely give it to you, I guarantee I will. I will go and investigate right away. Please wait a moment."
The so-called investigation was actually very easy. Director Liu knew perfectly well who brought the person back. He just needed to push that person out as a scapegoat and everything would be fine. He just needed to make an example of someone.
At this time, Zhao Qiang and Zhao Ling arrived at the branch office under the guidance of Tang Ziliang. Tang Ziliang was extremely attentive along the way, repeatedly assuring them that nothing would happen to them, because he had already called Director Liu in advance, and Director Liu would definitely release them.
The butcher who was following the X5 car then realized that this group of people were actually very familiar with the branch bureau leaders. He now regretted not only coming along, but also feared that he might have dragged his brother into the mess.
Upon entering the branch office compound, Tang Ziliang got out of the car first, then called Zhao Qiang and Zhao Ling to get out as well. Li Xiangxiang flattered Zhao Ling, saying, "Zhao Ling, we'll wait here and have Ziliang call their leader out."
There was no need to shout; Director Liu was already waiting in the lobby. He saw Tang Ziliang come down with a group of people, among whom the most familiar was Zhao Ling, the beauty he had always dreamed of. However, he dared not have any lewd thoughts now. Even Wang Yifan and Zhang Feng couldn't handle her, so what was he, a branch bureau leader, compared to her?
"Comrade Zhao Qiang, welcome, welcome!" Director Liu ran out of the hall and stretched out his hands to shake Zhao Qiang's hand.
Zhao Qiang dodged the attack. If it weren't for the fact that Zhao Ling's family still needed to live in Baiyuan, he would have kicked Director Liu aside. If this guy hadn't secretly tipped off Yang Yuhai, Yang Yuhai wouldn't have gone back on his word and sent the Municipal Public Security Bureau to arrest him and Zhao Mingming. Zhao Qiang knew perfectly well what Director Liu was up to with Zhao Ling, but in the end, he didn't succeed. Now that he knew the mayor and the director of the Municipal Public Security Bureau were quite wary of Zhao Qiang, Director Liu wouldn't dare to disrespect Zhao Ling even if he had the guts.
Tang Ziliang pointed at the butcher and said to Director Liu, "Director Liu, release him quickly. This is the real culprit. Instead of doing business, he's always up to crooked schemes. And our branch has someone backing him up. This guy has already stirred up huge public outrage in the market. We can't appease the people if we don't deal with him."
Director Liu waved his arms and said, "That must be dealt with. I've already placed Wang Liang under investigation." The butcher wilted upon hearing this, but fortunately he still knew to defend his brother, saying, "It has nothing to do with my brother. I forced him to do it."
"Don't give me that," Director Liu slapped the butcher on the head and said, "Come with me." Turning around, Director Liu put on a smiling face and bowed to Zhao Qiang and Zhao Ling: "Comrade Zhao Qiang, come on, let's go see classmate Zhao Mingming."
Zhao Ling asked, "What did you do to my brother?"
Director Liu said, "How could I dare to do anything to him? But your brother is a bit upset, so I hope Miss Zhao can put in a good word for him."
It turned out that Zhao Mingming wouldn't let anyone unlock his handcuffs, insisting on waiting for his brother-in-law to arrive. Director Liu had already beaten Wang Liang, who had arrested him, and taken him to the detention center to apologize and plead for leniency, but Zhao Mingming wouldn't admit it. When Zhao Qiang went in, Wang Liang was still pleading, "Zhao Mingming, Teacher He, it's my fault. I was blind. I didn't know my brother was bullying and monopolizing the market behind the scenes. I apologize to you all. Please leave and have some tea in the reception room."
At this moment, Zhao Mingming saw his sister and Zhao Qiang, and he excitedly shouted, "Brother-in-law, they're here!"
Zhao Qiang and Zhao Ling entered the house and greeted He Shan's parents. It was their first time meeting, but He Shan was very friendly towards Zhao Ling. Zhao Qiang slid his hand over Zhao Mingming's wrist, and the handcuffs came off. Zhao Mingming had witnessed Zhao Qiang's amazing abilities before, so he remained calm. Tang Ziliang, Director Liu, and He Shan's parents, however, were quite surprised.
Zhao Qiang said, "It's alright, everyone, let's go. This isn't a good place; staying here too long won't be good for your health."
Director Liu looked embarrassed. He tried to persuade Zhao Qiang to stay: "Comrade Zhao Qiang, come sit in my office for a while. We've had many misunderstandings in the past. I think this is an opportunity to clear them up."
Zhao Qiang said, "Director Liu, you know what you've done, but I don't want to dwell on your past mistakes here. However, if you make the same mistake again, I don't think you'll have a chance to atone for it."
Director Liu wiped the sweat from his brow: "Understood, understood. I sincerely hope Comrade Zhao Qiang will not report this matter any further. Let's stop here. Of course, I will give everyone an explanation and severely punish those responsible." Director Liu was naturally afraid that Zhao Qiang would directly tell Wang Yifan or even Chen Guangwei. If that happened, he would be in serious trouble and would be used as an example to be arrested.
Zhao Qiang also had other considerations. As the saying goes, it's easy to dodge a spear in the open but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. If he offended all these local bigwigs, it wouldn't be good for his future actions. No matter how much orders came from above, the people below might not carry them out or might just pay lip service while doing something else. Since he hadn't caused any real harm to Zhao Ling, Zhao Qiang didn't want to ruin his family.
Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, I'll give you, Director Liu, face this time. How to punish the responsible persons is a matter for your public security department, and I won't get involved."
After saying that, Zhao Qiang left with Zhao Mingming and the others. Director Liu would personally handle the case of Wang Liang's collusion with his brother. He would consult with his superiors on how to handle it, so that if Zhao Qiang was not satisfied, he would have a reason to shirk responsibility. But no matter what, Wang Liang's job was gone. He deserved it for running into the line of fire. Director Liu and Tang Ziliang both thought so.
Tang Ziliang borrowed a private car from a colleague, and it took two cars to pick up everyone before returning to He Shan's house. It was getting late, and He Shan's parents insisted that everyone stay for dinner. Zhao Ling couldn't refuse, so she discussed it with Zhao Qiang. Zhao Qiang said, "It's good to have something to eat, I won't be polite."
Zhao Ling rolled her eyes at Zhao Qiang and said, "Then you can't eat too much. If you're not full, I'll cook for you when we get home. This is my brother's mother-in-law's house. Don't make them feel embarrassed if they don't have enough to eat."
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "Of course I understand. You know I don't eat and drink to my heart's content wherever I go."
Zhao Ling hugged Zhao Qiang's arm and said sweetly, "It's okay at my house. My parents like you and don't care how much you eat. The more you eat, the happier they are."
Zhao Qiang asked, "Have your parents asked me about Xin Xin and me?"
Zhao Ling said, "Of course they asked, but I didn't say anything. My parents were angry with me because of it."
Tang Ziliang and Li Xiangxiang were helping in the kitchen, Zhao Mingming and He Shan were surfing the internet in the bedroom, and only Zhao Qiang and Zhao Ling were in the living room. Zhao Qiang said, "No wonder your brother doesn't want to go home. There's no nagging from your dad here, and it's spacious. If I were him, I wouldn't go home either."
Zhao Ling corrected her, "You're wrong. It has nothing to do with the size of the house. The key is that He Shan is here. My brother likes her, so naturally he stays here. You stay at my house because of me and Xin Xin. Hehe, am I right?"
Zhao Qiang touched his nose and said, "That makes some sense."
Zhao Ling pointed to the kitchen and said, "What should we do about my friend? She seems to be clinging to us."
Zhao Qiang said, "Anyway, we're not short of money, let's lend it to her."
Zhao Ling said, "I'm afraid she might not be able to repay it in this lifetime."
Zhao Qiang said, "Consider it as supporting the third-world countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We can't stay in Baiyuan City for long. Although your friend is a gossip, she's still reasonable. If we're not here, she and Tang Ziliang can take care of your family. There are too few selfless people like us in this world. Most people have one or another flaw. We can't condemn them all with one blow, otherwise there would be no one left in the world."
Zhao Ling said, "Okay, you really are a narcissistic person. You are so selfless, I didn't see that coming from you."
Volume 2 [497] Site Selection
[497] Site Selection
Li Xiangxiang carried the prepared dishes to the restaurant. Zhao Ling waved to her, and Li Xiangxiang quickly ran over. At this moment, she had accepted her lowly status from the bottom of her heart, and at the same time, she felt infinite envy for Zhao Ling. She had found a good husband and would never have to worry for the rest of her life.
"Lingling, what's wrong?" Li Xiangxiang asked ingratiatingly.
Zhao Ling asked, "By the way, how much money do you still owe them?"
Li Xiangxiang's face lit up with surprise. She knew that the loan had been approved. This was all thanks to the charade she had caused that afternoon. If it weren't for that idiot Wang Liang's mediation, she probably wouldn't have gotten Zhao Ling's approval.
"Another 100,000 yuan would be enough. Of course, nobody is afraid of having too much money."
Zhao Ling said, "Then let's have 100,000 yuan. It'll save you from spending your money on useless things. It's best not to touch the stock market. You can't figure out the rules, you don't have any inside information, you just follow the crowd, and you'll lose money sooner or later."
Li Xiangxiang accepted the advice: "Lingling, you're right. We'll never speculate on stocks again."
Zhao Qiang added, "Just keep those stocks that are stuck. Don't sell them. It's not like you're short of money. Consider it as saving up for your dowry."
Li Xiangxiang asked in confusion, "Keep them? Can they be raised again? With the emergence of new synthetic rubber, those old tires will probably be swept into the corner of history."
Zhao Qiang didn't explain, but Zhao Ling said, "Why are you asking so many questions? Anyway, we've told you what to do. You can decide what to do. Come and collect the money tomorrow morning. Large amounts of cash can't be withdrawn from ATMs right now."
Li Xiangxiang said, "No rush, no rush, let's talk about it tomorrow. Thank you so much, Lingling. Now I know you are a true friend. From now on, I will only speak well of you behind your back."
Zhao Ling was shocked. It turned out she'd only ever talked badly about her behind her back. If Zhao Qiang hadn't been kind-hearted and given Li Xiangxiang another chance, Zhao Ling really wouldn't have forgiven her.
Soon Tang Ziliang also learned that Zhao Ling had lent money to the couple, and he became even more attentive to them, pouring them wine and tea as if it were his own home.
After a satisfying meal, Li Xiangxiang and Tang Ziliang took their leave. They had no real connection with He Shan's family and were already grateful for the free food and drinks. However, He Shan's parents dared not leave them alone. Zhao Ling said to her younger brother, "Zhao Mingming, come home with me for the New Year. I'm here on Dad's orders to 'invite' you."
Zhao Mingming complained, "Sister, I ran away because it was for your own good. Now you're putting all the blame on me. If I go home, where will you and my brother-in-law sleep?"
Zhao Ling said, "Let's go to the hotel and book a room."
Zhao Mingming said, "Sister, then I can't go home even more. Think about it, you'll marry my brother-in-law sooner or later, and you'll have to go home with him for the New Year. To our Zhao family, you're a guest. How can we let a guest sleep in a hotel? So I can't go home and take over your love nest."
Zhao Ling said, "But you're our son. What will your parents think if you don't come home for the New Year?"
Zhao Mingming said, "Dad's thinking is so feudal and stubborn. Nowadays, it's popular to spend the New Year at your mother-in-law's house. Look at my brother-in-law, he's also going to his mother-in-law's house for the New Year. You're allowed to light lamps, but I'm not allowed to set fires."
Mr. and Mrs. He couldn't get a word in edgewise, but they also hoped that Zhao Mingming would stay, otherwise the three of them would have no fun celebrating the New Year together.
Zhao Ling said, "It's just that our house is too big. If the house were bigger, there wouldn't be any problems. We'll buy a new house for Mom and Dad later. What do you think, Zhao Qiang?" Since the money was from Zhao Qiang, Zhao Ling naturally wanted to get his opinion.
Zhao Qiang nodded: "But there's no time. We definitely can't move in before the New Year."
Mr. He said, "Just buy an existing old building. We can move in in a little over a day, and then hire someone to tidy it up before we can move in."
He Shan said, "By the way, didn't a family just move out of the building downstairs? I don't know if they're selling it."
Mr. He said, "Now that Shanshan mentioned it, I do remember. I'll make a call and ask. The family downstairs is a teacher from one of our schools. They bought a 168-square-meter apartment. Nowadays, people are living in bigger and bigger houses. Isn't one square meter enough?"
It wasn't too late, and Mr. He's call went through quickly. He explained the situation briefly, and the other party replied promptly. They explained that they needed to pay off a loan on the newly purchased apartment and also needed to buy large items for the new home, so they were short of money. However, the price wasn't cheap, totaling 350,000 yuan, which was almost 3,500 yuan per square meter. This was considered a mid-to-high price in Baiyuan City. But the location was in the city center, close to a kindergarten and school, which would be convenient for their future children's education.
He Shan whispered a few words in Zhao Mingming's ear: "Mingming, if your sister can really buy a house for your parents, this is the best place. You know my parents only have me as their daughter, so it's easier for us to take care of each other if we live together. Also, my parents might retire when we have children in the future, so we can leave them upstairs and let them help look after them. We can see the children anytime we come home."
Zhao Mingming was certainly tempted. He hadn't thought that far ahead, but since it would be convenient for the two of them to live in the same apartment as He Shan, he went to beg his sister: "Sister, are you really thinking about this? If you really buy an apartment for Mom and Dad, I'll have the right to live there, right? If I have the right to live there, I think the apartment downstairs from He Shan's is the most suitable."
Zhao Ling glanced at Zhao Qiang. This matter had to be decided by Zhao Qiang. Although the money was in her account, Zhao Ling would listen to Zhao Qiang's arrangements. Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "Since there is such a suitable place, let's buy it. If we can move before the New Year, we can move. If we can't move, we can stay in the original house for the New Year and move after the first month of the lunar calendar."
After receiving Zhao Qiang's reply, Zhao Ling said to her younger brother, "Okay, let's buy it."
Mr. He was very happy. Although he wasn't entirely satisfied with this son-in-law, his daughter liked him, and the son-in-law's sister seemed to be very wealthy and capable; otherwise, how could his family have returned safely from the police station? Under these circumstances, Mr. He naturally did his best to help with the arrangements, so he immediately called his colleague again, asking him to come to the old residence, open the door, and show the house.
Upon hearing that someone would buy it for 350,000 yuan including the transfer fee, the homeowner was very tempted. He immediately took a taxi and braved the freezing cold to come back, opened the door and let everyone in for a tour. Actually, there wasn't much to see. The apartment layouts were the same upstairs and downstairs, only the decoration styles were different. However, since they were all colleagues, they had consulted each other's opinions when decorating, so the differences were minimal. The house had only been occupied for five years, and the homeowner had taken good care of it, so the interior decorations were about 80% new.
Since Zhao Qiang had reassured Zhao Ling, Zhao Ling didn't stand on ceremony and said to the homeowner, "We've taken a liking to it. When would be a good time to complete the transaction? We're in a hurry, so it would be best if you could pay a deposit and give us the keys first, and then we can complete the transfer of ownership after the New Year."
The homeowner said, "No problem. If you want all the furniture and appliances in the house, give me an extra 20,000 yuan. I spent 70,000 to 80,000 yuan to have them made back then. If you don't want them, I'll arrange for someone to come and take them away. I can give you the keys now, but you need to pay a 30,000 yuan deposit. I'll give you a receipt, and we'll complete the formalities after the real estate bureau reopens after the New Year."
Zhao Qiang nodded in agreement to the landlord's request. Zhao Ling said, "Okay, here's 30,000 yuan for you. We'll contact each other again after the New Year when we're back at work."
The 30,000 yuan in cash was carried with them, so everyone went back to He Shan's house to write a receipt and count the cash. The landlord happily left the key and left. Zhao Mingming was overjoyed and took He Shan downstairs to choose a room first. Zhao Ling and Zhao Qiang went home to inform Zhao Shan and his wife that they should bring New Year's goods to stay here for a while tomorrow. They should move any usable furniture over and leave the rest at the old house.
The next day, Zhao Ling and her younger brother helped their parents with the arrangements for the new house, while Zhao Qiang took Chen Xinxin to Chen Guangwei's residence again. This time, Chen Guangwei's attitude towards Zhao Qiang was noticeably warmer, and even Chen Shuxian couldn't hide her smile. Zhao Qiang didn't want any of the 70% of the shares, providing the Chen family with technology for free. It would be impossible for him not to love Chen Xinxin.
"Qiang, come, come, have a cup of tea. This tea is not something ordinary people can get." Chen Guangwei personally served tea to Zhao Qiang. The Chen family's food and clothing were naturally of special quality, and their wine was specially supplied. How could their tea be of low quality? It's just that Zhao Qiang didn't know how to appreciate tea, so it was a bit like casting pearls before swine.
Chen Xinxin said to her mother, "Mom, let's go to our place for the New Year. It's too deserted here."
Chen Shuxian asked, "Is there room available over there?"
Chen Xinxin said, "Zhao Ling's family just bought a big house with one bedroom and one living room. It's enough. There will be many people and it will be lively during the New Year."
Chen Shuxian hesitated for a moment, but Chen Guangwei nodded to her secretly, so Chen Shuxian agreed to her daughter's request. No matter how important her husband was, he had neglected his wife and daughter for so many years, so it wouldn't hurt to let him spend a couple more lonely days.
Chen Xinxin said, "Zhao Qiang, hurry up and talk business, then we'll take my mother and leave." She didn't want to stay here for even a minute longer.
Chen Guangwei smiled wryly and said, "Wow, the first investment has arrived, amounting to 80 million RMB. Tell me, what should we do next, and where should we choose a factory site?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Uncle, what's your opinion? As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter where it's built."
Chen Guangwei said, "If I were to choose, Baiyuan City would be a good choice." There were reasons why Chen Guangwei chose this city at the intersection of the north and south. It is far from the Chen family's main base, so it is not easy to be affected by his second brother's family. Moreover, there are no powerful economic groups in Baiyuan City, so the impact of artificial rubber is less. In addition, the land here is cheap, and there are preferential policies for foreign companies. Furthermore, Zhao Qiang has some attachments here, so there is no fear that he might suddenly regain his memory and run away one day. In that case, he would have to abandon Zhao Ling and her family of four.
Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, let's choose Baiyuan City. However, it seems that you can't stay here for a long time, so it will be inconvenient to manage."
Chen Guangwei said, "That's the next question I wanted to address: how do we operate this factory?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I think Uncle has already seen it. I don't want to have anything to do with this factory. Except for the catalyst, everything else will be handled by Xin Xin."
Chen Xinxin looked up in surprise: "Zhao Qiang, are you talking about me?"
Chen Shuxian stroked her daughter's hair and said, "Xinxin, don't you know? You've already signed the documents. Now you're the largest shareholder of a new synthetic rubber production company with a total investment of nearly one billion yuan, even though the name hasn't been finalized yet."
"What did you say?" Chen Xinxin almost fainted. "I...I'm a shareholder? I thought Zhao Qiang was just asking me to sign some useless documents. I wasn't prepared at all. I'm still a child."
Chen Guangwei hesitated and said, "Qiang, it's not that I don't trust Xin Xin, but in terms of management, she's really..."
Zhao Qiang said, "Anything can be learned, especially since Xin Xin has been working very hard lately."
Before Chen Guangwei could express his opinion, Chen Xinxin objected, saying, "Zhao Qiang, I really can't do it. I'll ruin the company."
Zhao Qiang said, "If it collapses, it collapses. We'll rebuild. How many companies do you think need to collapse before you learn management? We'll take down a few, and I'll pay for it."
Since Zhao Qiang's attitude was so firm, Chen Xinxin no longer refused. She was moved to tears. No man had ever treated her so well before. She felt that she would live and die for Zhao Qiang. If Chen Shuxian and Chen Guangwei hadn't been there, Chen Xinxin would have wanted to throw herself into Zhao Qiang's arms and let him enjoy her body. This was the reward she most wanted to give Zhao Qiang.