Chapter Nineteen: The Deputy Director’s Order

One round after another, Wu De kept losing, and by the end he had lost nearly five thousand yuan. He wanted to keep gambling with Chen Huajiang, but had already run out of money. People like him, who can lose five thousand gambling, are unlikely to have a bright future. He was a gambler, through and through. Who knew how his father, the deputy factory director, would react if he found out.

Chen Huajiang took the five thousand yuan he’d won and split it evenly with Liang Long. With someone like Wu De, who was both lecherous and addicted to gambling, this was the only way to teach him a lesson.

The next day, just as Chen Huajiang’s snack shop was opening, Wu De showed up with a group of people.

“Who gave you permission to open a snack shop here? Shut it down right now,” Wu De said arrogantly, looking down at Chen Huajiang.

“I rented this place with my own money. The factory approved it at the time. Why should I shut it down? If you want, I can show you the rental agreement,” Chen Huajiang replied.

Luckily, Chen Huajiang had been smart enough to sign a contract with the security department. Otherwise, things would be hard to explain now.

“I don’t believe you. Let me see it,” Wu De insisted, his skepticism clear. In those days, contracts were rare; usually, a few words exchanged and the deal was done.

But Chen Huajiang had long anticipated a day like this. He retrieved the contract from the cabinet and tossed it in front of Wu De.

Wu De looked it over and saw that it was indeed a proper contract, even bearing the signature of Liang Yuan-chao, Liang Long’s father.

Since Liang Long managed that area and the factory had given him the authority, it was only natural.

After reading the contract, Wu De left in a huff, planning to tell his father and have him intervene.

Around noon, a few middle-aged men who looked like leaders came by. The one in front wore black-rimmed glasses and had a sincere smile.

“Young man, how much for your braised pork? We just arrived and were drawn here by the aroma,” Chen Maoran asked with a smile.

These men were inspectors sent from the province to check on the Hongqi Factory. They had planned to eat at the cafeteria but were lured over by the smell before they got inside. They had arrived incognito; not even the factory director, deputy director, or anyone else knew.

Chen Huajiang was shrewd. One look at them and he knew they were not ordinary.

“It’s seventy cents a serving. But since you all look new here and it’s your first time, I’ll give you a discount—fifty cents a serving,” Chen Huajiang said. He didn’t offer it for free, since he couldn’t be sure of their identities.

“The young man’s giving us a deal, so let’s try it. Give us three servings, and six buns,” Chen Maoran ordered.

“All right, you sit tight. I’ll get it ready for you now,” Chen Huajiang replied.

The group ate with great satisfaction. Chen Maoran, in a low voice, remarked, “It’s young entrepreneurs like him that we need now. With people like this, our future will only get brighter.” He greatly admired enterprising young people, especially in these years when the Reform and Opening-up had sparked a business boom nationwide.

There weren’t many places like the city district where Chen Huajiang was located.

“If you ask me, the factory cafeteria should be shut down or contracted out to private operators. The food there is inedible, and if workers can’t eat well, how can they work well?” one of the men commented, and it made perfect sense.

The cafeteria accepted meal tickets—it wasn’t even free. Everyone nodded in agreement. After finishing their meal, Chen Maoran paid Chen Huajiang and continued into the factory.

Meanwhile, in Deputy Director Wu Min’s office, Wu De wore a bitter expression.

“Dad, the security department rented the place to Chen Huajiang without your approval, and for three years at just ninety yuan. Look at that guy—he’s made a lot of money now,” Wu De complained.

Wu Min frowned. He hadn’t really minded Chen Huajiang before, but hearing his son talk like this, he wondered why such a low price had been given to this young man. One day’s profit could cover three years’ rent. He was not pleased.

“I’ll talk to the head of the security department about this. You don’t need to worry,” Wu Min said, and with that, Wu De could say no more.

That afternoon, Liang Yuanchao was summoned to Wu Min’s office.

“Yuanchao, the factory needs those rooms by the entrance for the snack shop. Work out a solution,” Wu Min ordered—not a suggestion, but a command.

“But when we rented the place to Chen Huajiang, the contract was for three years. How am I supposed to resolve this?” Liang Yuanchao responded, unaware that Wu Min was deliberately making things difficult for Chen Huajiang, thinking instead that the factory genuinely needed the space.

“That’s not my concern. Just handle it. Who told you to sign such a long lease?”

Wu Min’s position was higher, so Liang Yuanchao had no choice but to comply. Sullen, he returned to the security department and called Chen Huajiang in.

“Hua Jiang, the factory has just issued a notice that they need these rooms. You’ll have to find a way to vacate them,” Liang Yuanchao said awkwardly.

“It’s not the factory that needs them. Wu De put his father up to this just to drive me out,” Chen Huajiang said bluntly.

Liang Yuanchao was stunned for a moment. After all, his own son, Liang Long, had a stake in the shop and had made quite a bit of money recently.

“But even so, I’m in a tough spot,” he admitted. The head of the security department couldn’t compete with the deputy director.

“Uncle Liang, I understand. Just say I’ll vacate in a week. I need time to move my things anyway,” Chen Huajiang replied. He knew he might not be able to resolve the situation, but perhaps with a week he could turn things around.

The Wu family had embezzled plenty from the factory, selling off items on the sly. If he could find evidence, he could expose them—then not only would he not need to move out, he might even see Wu Min imprisoned.

Corrupt men like that were a menace and had no place in the factory.

By the time Chen Huajiang returned to his snack shop, dusk was settling in. At that moment, he noticed Chen Maoran, who had come for lunch, approaching again—this time accompanied by the factory director.

“Director Liu, there’s no need for a fancy hotel. I haven’t tried this barbecue yet. The young man’s skill is impressive. Let’s eat here,” Chen Maoran said with a smile.

“If you wish, that’s fine,” the director replied respectfully.

“To have a snack shop like this at the factory entrance is thoughtful planning. I fully support this kind of business,” Chen Maoran said as he naturally took a seat at the table.

“Absolutely. I’m all for it, too. I drop by for a bite now and then—it’s great,” the director added.