Luan Hai waved his hand: "No need, hurry up and get on with your work. The higher-ups are waiting to see the designed control program. Let me remind you a couple of things: the steel plant is the source of raw materials for the southern military industry enterprises. The old man attaches great importance to this. If things are delayed or damaged here, I don't need to say what will happen next."
Wu Zhiming wiped sweat from his brow, saying, "No need, no need. Please rest assured, Vice Governor Zhang and the old man, I guarantee I'll handle things well."
Luan Hai said, "Don't use the old man's name or the province's name. This is a normal business between your steel mill and Yihai Company. You have to pretend that I have never been here and have never said anything to you, understand?"
Wu Zhiming sweated even more, and his feet were soaked. "I understand, I understand."
With a bang, Luan Hai left through the gate. Wu Zhiming was so lost and dejected that he forgot to see him off downstairs, a serious breach of etiquette. Fortunately, Luan Hai wouldn't hold it against Wu Zhiming, because he had realized that Wu Zhiming was not a capable person. He would report the matter truthfully to Vice Governor Zhang when he got back. If Wu Zhiming handled the matter well, that would be fine; otherwise, his position would be in jeopardy.
Wu Zhiming's wife came out of the bedroom after hearing the door close. She had never seen her husband like this before, so she asked with great concern, "Old Wu, what's wrong? You're sweating so much. Oh dear, what happened to the back of your head? And your face?" Wu Zhiming's wife had been so busy attending to Secretary Luan that she only noticed her husband's injuries now.
Wu Zhiming waved his hand impatiently: "Go away, don't bother me."
Wu Zhiming's wife was terrified of him, so she went back to the bedroom without saying a word. As for her husband's injuries, she let them be, since he was fine anyway.
Wu Zhiming lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. He was now certain of one thing: the Chen family valued Zhao Qiang highly. He had made a very basic mistake by making a hasty judgment without understanding the other party's background. Now he had offended them badly and was locked up in the police station. If he couldn't resolve this matter, it wouldn't just be a matter of losing his job. If the Chen family got angry, they could easily eliminate him. Even if they didn't kill him, it wouldn't be difficult for him to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Wu Zhiming jumped up, threw away his cigarette butt, slammed the door, and left without calling the driver. He drove his wife's car at high speed towards the branch office, while calling other leaders in the factory and asking them to come to the branch office immediately. Wu Zhiming was afraid that he had just offended Zhao Qiang and the others, and that his appearance in front of them now would cause them to have a strong aversion. Therefore, he thought that it might be more hopeful to find someone else to handle this matter.
In the branch office, several women were handcuffed and locked to radiators, while Zhao Qiang was handcuffed to an iron chair, which was farther from the radiator and not very warm. However, it wasn't very cold in the south, so he could bear it.
The guards closed the door and left. Chen Xinxin was the first to shout, "We were too kind. If only we had known, we should have seduced Wu Zhiming and then turned around and ruined his reputation."
Chen Shuxian said, "I shouldn't have accepted Wu Zhiming's invitation. If I hadn't gone to his office, everything would have been fine."
Zheng Nan said, "Don't panic, everyone. Section Chief Sun will definitely know that we've been arrested and taken to the branch office. Although he won't show up, he will definitely notify my friends in Yihai, so we'll be out soon."
Zhao Qiang suddenly shook his wrist and stood up. "Why go through all that trouble? Don't worry, I'll have Wu Zhiming kneel down and beg us to leave after dawn." Zhao Qiang had already used a monstrous screwdriver to unlock the handcuffs.
Zhao Ling asked in surprise, "Your handcuffs?"
Zhao Qiang walked over to everyone, then inserted the monstrous screwdriver into the lock of each person's handcuffs and snapped them open. Zheng Nan asked worriedly, "Are we trying to break out of prison?"
Zhao Qiang shook his head: "No need for that trouble. Uncuffing the handcuffs will make everyone more comfortable. There are chairs here, you can sit and wait. I'll go out to take care of some things when it gets a little darker. Wu Zhiming, that bastard, is done for. I'll make him remember this night forever." Everyone felt a chill from Zhao Qiang's words.
A person who is used to killing people will have their suppressed violent emotions triggered at the right time. Zhao Qiang has tolerated Wu Zhiming several times. Wu Zhiming's decision to arrest them and bring them to the branch office was a huge mistake. So Zhao Qiang is going to take action. He is not confident in dealing with the entire police force in Lingjiang, but he can easily subdue Wu Zhiming.
(Thanks to Mo Shou Cheng Gui for the reward and to Jing Heng for the monthly ticket support)
Volume 2 [458] Face Change
【458】Face Changing
Zhao Qiang's ability to unlock the handcuffs had already convinced Zheng Nan and the others. However, before they could even settle in, the police officers guarding outside peered through the window. Upon discovering they had broken free, they immediately began shouting, alerting the entire police station. A large number of officers rushed in, and everyone was on high alert, some even drawing their guns and surrounding the door, ready to break in. Zhao Qiang hadn't expected such a strong reaction from the police; otherwise, he wouldn't have unlocked the handcuffs for them, thinking he could have waited until he finished his business.
"Wait!" The bureau chief arrived at some point, his voice booming and drowning out the commotion. "Put down your guns and everyone back off!" The bureau chief had just received a call from Wu Zhiming. Things had changed; Wu Zhiming had informed him that these people were no ordinary individuals and that he must be well taken care of. If the bureau chief had arrived even a few seconds later, his men would have rushed in and held guns to their heads.
Wu Zhiming arrived shortly after. Seeing the men who had just dispersed, some still carrying guns, Wu Zhiming broke into even more sweat; his clothes were completely soaked. The bureau chief greeted him: "Old Wu, what's going on? You're the one who ordered me to arrest them, but why did you say on the phone earlier that they have connections? Aren't you setting me up for failure?"
Wu Zhiming smiled wryly: "How could I dare to harm you? I didn't know either before, but now that you're on the ship, let's not complain anymore. Let's see how we can get someone to come out and calm them down. What do you say?"
The bureau chief yelled, "What else can I do? You've really ruined this for me. Tell me the truth, who exactly are they?"
Wu Zhiming didn't dare to hide too much from the bureau chief, and said, "This is the highest instruction from the Chen family. I don't need to say anything more, do I?"
The bureau chief pointed at Wu Zhiming's head: "You surnamed Wu, you've ruined this whole thing! Get the hell out of here! I'll never know you again!" The bureau chief was truly enraged. The Chen family's highest directive? That meant that the people inside were practically untouchable in the south. How dare a small branch office arrest them? They've got a death wish.
Wu Zhiming didn't dare to argue, fearing that the branch director might refuse to release the person in anger, and he would be the one in a hurry then.
Zhao Qiang wasn't particularly panicked in the room. He had already released his energy to create a bulletproof net in front of everyone. At worst, he would be locked to the radiator by the police again, but that was no big deal.
Three soft knocks sounded on the door. Then Wu Zhiming said in a friendly voice, "General Manager Chen, Engineer Zhao, it's me, Wu Zhiming. We've really messed things up. I've come to apologize to you." Wu Zhiming originally wanted to wait for the other factory leaders to arrive before speaking, but he couldn't wait any longer given the situation.
Zheng Nan was stunned, thinking she had misheard: "What? An apology? Wu Zhiming, are you kidding us?" He had just brought the person in and now he was coming back to apologize? Who would believe that?
Wu Zhiming said sincerely, "I've come to apologize to you all. I'm opening the door, so don't be afraid." As he spoke, Wu Zhiming turned the doorknob from the outside and pushed it open a crack with a creak. He peeked in and saw four women and one man. As long as Zhao Qiang didn't attack first, the four women's lethality was limited.
Zhao Qiang was also somewhat bewildered. The Lingjiang incident had been incredibly troubling for him, and he was reflecting on his actions to correct them in the future. Wu Zhiming's sudden change of attitude confused him. He could explain it away by saying he had already taught him a lesson, but he hadn't even left the detention cell. Why had Wu Zhiming changed his attitude? Did he know his thoughts? But if Wu Zhiming knew his power, he shouldn't have acted recklessly before.
After entering the room, Wu Zhiming looked around and then suddenly knelt on the ground, which surprised the five people who had been on guard. Was this really Wu Zhiming? Everyone knew perfectly well how he had acted just now.
"President Chen, I'm worse than an animal! I've offended you repeatedly, and I've come to apologize with a bundle of thorns on my back." Wu Zhiming said loudly. The bureau chief standing outside couldn't help but admire him. He was truly a man who could bend and stretch; no wonder he was able to sit in a position where he could make money.
Chen Shuxian glanced at Zhao Qiang, who didn't know what to say. Chen Shuxian said, "Secretary Wu, you're like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken." Who would believe him now?
Wu Zhiming said, "No, no, Mr. Chen, you misunderstood my sincerity. I thought about it at home and suddenly realized that your company has great strength. I shouldn't have been so unreasonable and confused for my own selfish desires. I was possessed by a ghost before and offended you a lot. Please forgive me and give me a chance to correct myself. Without your steel plant's control procedures, it wouldn't have been possible to complete this."
Zhao Qiang suddenly thought of something, but he didn't ask Wu Zhiming. Instead, he straightened his clothes and said to Chen Shuxian and the others, "Let's go. There's no point in staying here."
Chen Shuxian and the others naturally followed Zhao Qiang's lead, leaving the room behind him. Wu Zhiming chased after them on his knees, but Zhao Qiang ignored him completely. Chen Xinxin snorted and said to Wu Zhiming, "If you knew this would happen, why did you do it in the first place?"
Zhao Ling walked so far away and then came back to ask Wu Zhiming, "Wu Zhiming, did you get your head stuck in a door? You're completely different before and after. Are you having an episode? Are you a jerk?"
Wu Zhiming replied, "Yes, yes, I'm having a fit. I'm a jerk. You need to help me persuade General Manager Chen and Engineer Zhao. As long as they're willing to design control programs for the steel plant, I'll do anything."
Seeing that Zhao Qiang had already walked quite far away, and that the police officers dared not stop him without orders from their superiors, Zhao Ling said to Wu Zhiming, "You're dreaming. We're not doing this anymore."
Even after leaving the police station, no one said to stop. Zheng Nan was curious and confused. The turn of events was too sudden, and no one could understand the reason behind it. Zhao Qiang didn't explain, and it wasn't convenient for anyone to ask. So Zheng Nan took out the impounded Audi, and despite Wu Zhiming's 'enthusiastic' attempts to persuade them to stay, everyone got in the car and left Lingjiang City. Were they supposed to stay here and wait to be detained at the police station? Only a fool wouldn't leave.
Returning to Yihai overnight, Zheng Nan escorted Zhao Qiang and the other three home. When they arrived downstairs, she felt very apologetic and guilty. "Zhao Qiang, Sister Chen, I didn't expect this trip to Lingjiang to turn out like this. I'm really sorry."
Chen Shuxian didn't say anything, after all, she wasn't the boss. Zhao Qiang said, "Sister Zheng, just go home and relax. Remember to call us again if you have any business in the future."
Zheng Nan said, "Okay, I'm glad you think highly of me. I'm going to return the car now, let's get together again tomorrow."
After going upstairs, the three women went to take a shower. Afterwards, Chen Shuxian went to the small room again, and Zhao Qiang went into the large room with a smile. Not long after, Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling also came in wearing bathrobes, laughing and joking.
"Xin Xin, I really admire your mother. If it were my mother, she would probably kick me out of the house right now."
Chen Xinxin said to Zhao Ling, "My mother loves me the most. She will never stop me from doing anything I like. It's just that Zhao Qiang, that little hooligan, got lucky."
Zhao Qiang yanked off Chen Xinxin's bathrobe, and her proud, enormous breasts swayed violently with the force of the pull. Chen Xinxin screamed and fell onto the bed, while Zhao Ling laughed incessantly behind her.
Chen Xinxin pulled the blanket up to cover herself and poked her head out, saying, "You really do what I call a hooligan, Zhao Ling. Make him sleep outside tonight."
Zhao Ling said, "How could I bear to part with it? We've spent all our money on this trip to Lingjiang. Let's quickly think of how to make money tomorrow."
Zhao Qiang said, "Don't worry, someone will come to deliver the money to us tomorrow."
Zhao Ling asked, "Give them money? How do you mean give it away? For free? And you don't have to do any repairs for them?"
Zhao Qiang said, "It's free. Just wait and see."
Because it was too late, the three of them did nothing. The two girls hugged Zhao Qiang on either side, and everyone quickly fell asleep. They slept until 10 a.m. the next day. The two girls stayed in Zhao Qiang's arms and refused to come out. Their lingering made everyone very angry. If it weren't for the fact that Chen Shuxian lived next door, the three of them probably would have already made it a done deal.
The three of them were covered by blankets, and Chen Xinxin quietly suggested, "Let's go to a hotel tomorrow, the beds in the repair shop are too small."
Zhao Ling said, "I agree. Zhao Qiang can be a saint, but I can't stand it. If this continues, I'll go crazy."
Zhao Qiang pulled back the covers and took a deep breath of fresh air. "We'll have a house eventually, no need to rush."
They could vaguely hear Chen Shuxian on the phone outside. A moment later, she knocked on the three of them's door. Chen Xinxin said, "Mom, we're awake. Get dressed right away."
Chen Shuxian said, "Okay, get up quickly. Zheng Nan invited you to lunch. She has already booked a table at the restaurant."
Zhao Qiang originally planned to go to the repair department to finish the backlog of work, but since Zheng Nan was going to treat everyone to dinner, he could only wait until the afternoon. After washing up and putting on makeup, the three of them went out and took a taxi straight to Yihai Hotel. Zheng Nan was already waiting at the door, with three other people standing next to her. When Zhao Qiang saw them, a smile appeared on his lips, while Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling were furious.
"Why is it Wu Zhiming?"
Chen Shuxian was also somewhat surprised and asked Zhao Qiang, "He tracked us all the way here. What is his purpose?"
Zhao Qiang shook his head. "Auntie, don't worry about him, let me handle it."
Chen Shuxian was now practically Zhao Qiang's employee, so she naturally didn't say anything. She smiled and greeted Zheng Nan. Standing next to Zheng Nan, Wu Zhiming preemptively greeted Chen Shuxian with a forced smile: "President Chen, we meet again. You left in such a hurry last night, I didn't even have a chance to apologize. This meal is on me today, please let me explain properly."
Zheng Nan said to Zhao Qiang with difficulty, "He came to me and begged me, so I had no choice but to call everyone out."
Before Chen Shuxian could reply, Zhao Qiang chuckled and said, "Of course I'd come if there's free food. I've wasted so much time on this stupid bidding these past few days that I haven't even earned enough for living expenses. I've really lost out."
Wu Zhiming smiled and took over Zhao Qiang's words: "I really admire Engineer Zhao for his hard work. It wasn't easy for everyone to go to Lingjiang to bid, which took up a lot of time and work. This is a small token of our appreciation from Lingjiang Steel Plant to compensate for the losses caused by the trip to Lingjiang. Please accept it, otherwise I will kneel down to Engineer Zhao."
Wu Zhiming's secretary handed him a check, which Wu Zhiming accepted with both hands and respectfully presented to Zhao Qiang. Zhao Qiang glanced at it; one million, that amount was about right. So Zhao Qiang reached out and took it, saying, "Since it's Secretary Wu's kind gesture, then I'll accept it." There was no trace of the two having clashed the night before, even though Wu Zhiming's lower abdomen was still throbbing with pain.
Zhao Qiang handed the check to Chen Xinxin, who then gave it to her mother. In her previous life, checks were almost unheard of, so she didn't know their value. However, Chen Xinxin knew they represented money. She remembered Zhao Qiang saying last night that someone was coming to deliver money; she hadn't expected it to actually be true.
Chen Shuxian was extremely puzzled, but she still accepted the check without making a sound, and would check with the bank later to find out if it was real or fake.
Wu Zhiming warmly invited everyone into the Yihai Hotel. Zhao Qiang took the lead and unceremoniously sat in the main guest's seat. When ordering food, he picked the most expensive dishes. Wu Zhiming smiled and added a few more dishes. The total cost of the meal was over eight thousand.
Volume 2 [459] Extortion
[459] Extortion
After ordering the food, Wu Zhiming said, "How can such a joyous occasion be without wine? Waiter, bring us a few bottles of your best wine."
So, including the drinks, this meal was worth 20,000 yuan. In Yihai, this was a big deal. Even Zhao Ling, who had accompanied wealthy people to high-end places before, found it hard to accept. During her most difficult time, 20,000 yuan was her annual expense.
Wu Zhiming carefully poured tea for Zhao Qiang and said, "Deputy Factory Director Wang and I have come here with the utmost sincerity. First of all, we want to apologize to Engineer Zhao again."
Deputy Factory Director Wang poured wine for Zhao Qiang: "Engineer Zhao, we were quite negligent in Lingjiang, please don't take it to heart."
Zhao Qiang smiled but didn't answer them. At this moment, the dishes started to be served. Zhao Qiang picked up his chopsticks and called to Chen Xinxin and the other three girls, "Eat, eat quickly. Didn't you see a laptop you liked in the provincial capital? We'll go buy it this afternoon."
Wu Zhiming interjected, "Oh, I don't know what brand it is. I can offer some suggestions."
Chen Xinxin didn't understand why Zhao Qiang brought up the laptop at this moment, but Zhao Ling understood somewhat. She said, "Anyway, it's the most expensive one that they're touting in the mall. It comes in red, blue, and black. It's very exquisite, and it looks beautiful when they're all displayed together."
Wu Zhiming nodded repeatedly: "Oh, I see. The brand that the two ladies have chosen must be good." After saying that, Wu Zhiming winked at his secretary standing behind him, who nodded and quietly opened the door and left.
Wu Zhiming stood next to Zhao Qiang, while Deputy Factory Director Wang stood next to Chen Shuxian and the other women. They kept refilling the cups with water when they were empty and the wine with wine when they were finished, making Zheng Nan and the others feel very awkward. Only Zhao Qiang felt at ease.
The meal lasted an hour and a half. During that time, Wu Zhiming did not rush to ask Zhao Qiang for forgiveness again. Instead, he kept trying to please and get closer to him, and he did not mention the design of the control program. It seemed that he also knew that he could not rush it.
After a satisfying meal, Zhao Qiang got up to leave. Deputy Factory Director Wang had already settled the bill. Wu Zhiming followed behind Zhao Qiang and asked, "Where is Engineer Zhao planning to go?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Let's look at some houses. The place we're renting now is too cramped, and it's inconvenient to sleep at night. I'm planning to buy two buildings, preferably on the same floor and facing each other."
Zheng Nan said, "I have a friend at the sales office. Let me take you there."
Zhao Qiang said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Sister Zheng."
Zheng Nan said, "Why are you being so polite? Let's go downstairs and get a taxi." Zheng Nan was riding an electric scooter, and he had already returned the Audi to his friend, so he had no choice but to take a taxi.
Chen Xinxin held Zhao Qiang's hand and quietly asked, "Zhao Qiang, are you really planning to buy a house?"
Zhao Qiang hummed in agreement. "Otherwise, what will I do to sleep at night? Do you think I really want to be a saint?"
Chen Xinxin blushed. It would be so much more convenient to have her own house at night. She really looked forward to it.
Zhao Ling asked, "But do we have the money to buy a house?"