Chapter 25

I could only smile and say: "Ya Li, how did you tell me? I've been called several names."

Every name after it has a wonderful story; why change my name to Zhao Jianqiang? It was changed by Mayor Huang back then, who hoped I could, "Heaven moves vigorously; the gentleman constantly strives for self-improvement."

The name Sun Yansheng hasn't been called by anyone for a long time.

You called out today, and only then did I remember my past.

Ya Li said: "Yansheng brother, I never imagined back then that Chairman Zhao Jianqiang would be you. When Da Cheng Company ran into trouble, I was studying in the Provincial Capital; my parents told me that fortunately I had left then, hearing that many people were arrested over this matter. Are you alright?"

I said: "How could I be alright? I spent two years in prison before coming out. Then after coming out, I single-handedly founded Da Heng Company. All these years I've been striving hard for the company."

"You've been to prison." Ya Li asked.

I nodded,

"Yeah, that place really is a university, with all kinds of talent."

My mind immediately recalled those times in prison—Lao Wai, Fan Shazi, the group leader, the eunuch, and others together.

Have they all come out? I don't know what they're like now.

Ya Li then whispered: "Yansheng brother, I can't understand, your company really can't borrow money anymore?"

You should know that signing this betting agreement carries very high risk.

It could even ruin you financially.

I sighed and said: "Ya Li, you also know the company's situation—now wages owed reach 100 million yuan, plus bank loans of 420 million yuan. If we can't repay, our company will face bankruptcy."

The bank only adds icing on the cake, never gives charcoal in the snow.

For a livelihood, I could also choose this.

Besides, this intermediary is Zaocheng Kong Shi making introductions; our cooperation with your Southern Group is the best choice.

I can only give it a try.

After Ya Li heard me finish speaking,

she nodded,

"Then there's no other way, Yansheng brother; actually your company is not bad, so the developed projects are all in Xin Cheng, and the project locations are also good."

It's just that cash flow is too poor,

The Xin Cheng project uses too much capital.

That's why we're in this predicament. If the Xin Cheng project is completed and then the houses are sold, the company can get out of the predicament.

Yansheng brother, I will be stationed at your company from now on.

If you need any help, just speak up.

Ya Li coming to see me so late, taking the initiative to reconnect and offering help—this all makes me deeply grateful.

I sincerely said: "Ya Li, thank you. I'm really grateful; in our future cooperation, there will definitely be many things that will trouble you."

When the time comes and I need your help, I will definitely speak up.

Also, let's not tell others about how we knew each other in the past.

From now on, in public settings, I'll call you Kang Zong, and you can call me Zhao Zong.

This way we can avoid suspicion and make your work easier.

Ya Li said: "Yansheng brother, you're really a good person, always thinking of others. I understand; it's getting late, I won't disturb your rest—I'll come see you when I have time."

I immediately waved my hand,

"Ya Li really doesn't need to come see me anymore; our positions are different now—you're a creditor representative, I'm the borrower, we can't have frequent private contact. Alright, I won't see you off."

In a few days, once my health recovers and I return to the company, we'll talk again.

Ya Li then said: "Alright, Yansheng brother, I'm leaving. Keep it up, believe in yourself—you will surely succeed."

"Thank you, Ya Li." I waved at Ya Li.

Ya Li left.

After Ya Li left, I was thinking about her words; it seems that coming to see me so late, her main purpose was to cheer me on.

It gave me confidence to repay the 520 million yuan loan and complete the betting agreement.

Ya Li is a good girl; although we've been apart for many years, her kind nature hasn't changed at all.

I also must strive and must complete this betting agreement.

I want to take advantage of being awake to look over the personnel materials that Shi Yong sent to the company again.

I want to scout new talent to help us get out of our current predicament.

While I was looking at the materials, my phone rang.

I saw it was a call from Xiao Shitou.

I then pressed the speakerphone.

From inside came Xiao Shitou's urgent voice.

"Dad, what exactly happened to Mom? Why haven't you told me?"

Xiao Shitou has liked basketball since childhood, so Zhou Wei used his connections to send Xiao Shitou to the provincial team for training.

Soon he became a starter in the provincial youth team; before our accident, Xiao Shitou kept playing games outside the province.

So as not to affect Xiao Shitou's game, I told the people around me not to inform Xiao Shitou, and to tell him after his match.

I didn't expect Xiao Shitou to find out beforehand.

Xiao Shitou asked me again over the phone,

"Dad, what exactly are you saying? What happened to Mom?"

I said: "Xiao Shitou, don't rush; I and your mom were in a car accident. Mom's condition is not great right now; she's undergoing treatment, and I believe she will recover after treatment."

"Dad, I'm asking you—how long ago did you have the car accident? Why didn't you tell me? Why?" Xiao Shitou loudly questioned me over the phone.

"Xiao Shitou, back then Dad considered you were out playing a game; I was afraid that if you knew about our car accident, it would affect your mood for the match, so I didn't tell you. After your match ends, I plan to let you know." I explained.

"By then, will I still be able to see my mother? I know my mother is currently in the ICU, and she hasn't woken up."

"I don't want to hear your explanation; I've already taken leave and am waiting for the flight. Tomorrow afternoon I'll be able to return to Zaocheng." Xiao Shitou shouted angrily into the phone.

"Damn it, for your own good, not letting you know about our car accident, this kid instead blames me."

"What are you yelling about? Your mother is just unconscious; you brat, honestly competing outside, if you have the ability to get first place, that would also count as repaying your mother's nurturing kindness."

"Even if you come back, can your mother's condition improve? Xiao Shitou, I'm telling you, hurry up and get lost back here." I also shouted loudly at Xiao Shitou.

"Hmph, don't yell at me; I just won't listen to you. Tomorrow I'll return to Zaocheng." After saying that, Xiao Shitou hung up the phone.

After hanging up the phone, actually I'm not angry at all,

Xiao Shitou being able to voluntarily give up the competition and come back to see his mother is quite good; this shows the child has filial piety.

Much better than those children lacking filial piety.

Tomorrow, waiting for Xiao Shitou to come, I want to have a good talk with him.

Since he doesn't want to compete anymore, let him stay at the company and assist me with work.

I really need a trustworthy young person right now.

Regarding Sun Dajun being promoted to Vice President, I also discussed it with Shi Yong, Shi Jinhe, and Xiao Hua.

They had no objections.

I hope that after Dajun becomes Vice President, he can help me and stop holding a grudge against me.

Qiao Jie's heart will feel a bit better.

The more children, the more things there are.

Ru Meng hasn't yet been told about our situation; if this child knew we had a car accident, what kind of reaction would she have?

When I have free time, let Li Ming bring Ru Meng over,

My daughter, I haven't seen her in days; I miss her so much.