Chapter 40: Getting Angry at Xiao Hua

I pick up a certificate.

I brush off the dust on it,

After opening it, it reads: Mr. Zhao Jianqiang, the chief benefactor of Zaocheng.

"Chief benefactor—what good is that?" I then toss the certificate onto the floor.

Nurse Lin bends down to pick it up,

"Chairman Zhao, this is your honor,"

"What honor—sigh! The company is on the brink of collapse now."

I finish speaking,

and footsteps sound behind me,

"Brother, why did you get discharged? Why didn't you tell me when you did?"

It's Xiao Hua's voice.

I signal Nurse Lin to swivel the wheelchair around,

Xiao Hua arrives with Xiao Feng, Director Feng, Qi and others standing at the doorway.

Seeing me, they immediately say, "Good day, Chairman."

I wave at them, counting it as a greeting.

At that moment, I deliberately wipe my hand across the desk,

"This office is filthy; how long has it gone without cleaning?"

"Brother, I'll have a waiter come up to clean right away; you go rest in my office first," Xiao Hua says.

"Xiao Hua, no need. I'm not here, and the cleaning won't be done—does that mean you think I won't return?" I say deliberately.

"Brother, what's that about? The company has been too busy these days; it's my oversight. Director Feng will call the waiter over," Xiao Hua hurriedly says.

I wave my hand,

"Director Feng, no need to call. Our company's problems are severe now; I came specially from the hospital today to take a look at the company.

On the first‑floor exhibition hall, not a single person is visible,

On the second floor, employees are drinking tea and cracking sunflower seeds,

On the third floor a meeting is in progress, the fourth floor is busy with a banquet,

Floors six, seven and eight have no mid‑level managers in sight.

I recall our company policy sets quitting time at 5:30 p. m.,

It's not even five yet, and there's not a soul around.

What the hell kind of company is this, freer than a vegetable market.

What kind of people have we been nurturing,

How can a company like this not be losing money.

You all indulge in daily songs and dances,

every day with wine and meat—so what's the situation at the construction sites,

Xiao Hua, do you know?

I loudly question Xiao Hua.

Xiao Hua pauses for a moment,

without a hint of shame he says, "Brother, some areas are poorly managed, but we aren't indulging in songs and dances. Chairman Fei arrived and organized a welcome banquet.

Your arrival is perfect,

you can join Chairman Fei for a few drinks; I heard he drinks heavily."

"Enough. I'm practically crippled already, and still drinking—do I want to speed my own death? I'm asking you about the construction site situation of the Project Department.

Tell me, Xiao Hua, why aren't the building materials being submitted for approval?" My voice rises another octave.

"Brother, you ask about material approvals. Jinghe really—this trivial matter still needs to be reported to you," Xiao Hua says indifferently.

"What, this is a minor issue, Xiao Hua? I'm asking about a major one. The company now hinges on the new project's completion and repaying the money to Southern Group; otherwise we'll owe Southern Group. We're at the most dangerous point. You're still numb, Xiao Hua, you're so ungrateful.

If you weren't my own brother, I would have killed you long ago.

Xiao Hua, do you think the company isn't yours, so we just write it off to them? It has nothing to do with you. I'm telling you the company is finished; you're all finished.

You're all going to be fucking unemployed.

Do you understand?

Xiao Hua, after hearing my outburst, says nothing further.

The others all exchange bewildered looks.

I continue shouting, "From now on, the company is in emergency mode. No one gets leave, no one has off‑hours.

We must operate 24 hours a day.

Director Feng, gather all mid‑level leaders; I'm holding a meeting tonight.

Director Xiao, you will speak at the meeting about the company's financial status.

Also, Sales Supervisor Manager Qi must report on the company's condition.

I'm back at the company, so I'll manage it anew. We can't keep muddling along.

After hearing me, they all look at Xiao Hua, but none move.

Xiao Hua then says, "Brother, can we postpone the meeting to tomorrow? Chairman Fei is here today; let's entertain the guests first."

I slam my hand hard on the table,

"No. I'll reiterate: we must hold an overnight meeting. I'm already this messed up, yet you expect me to work yourself to death—what for? Xiao Hua, just handle Chairman Fei's working lunch; no need to accompany him. The company is at this point, and you still want food and drink.

Call everyone in for the meeting."

I shouted loudly.

But those several directors still didn't move; they were all watching Xiao Hua.

My orders had no effect in front of those directors.

I was truly sidelined.

Xiao Hua then let out a light hum,

and said to the directors, "Did you hear? Chairman Zhao is holding a meeting; quickly make a phone call to gather people."

The directors hurriedly replied, "Alright, General Manager, we'll go right away."

After Xiao Hua finished the command,

he asked me, "Bro, is there anything else? I can arrange it."

I suddenly felt my leg throbbing with pain; perhaps I've been in the wheelchair too long.

I said coldly, "Nothing else. Call me when everyone is gathered."

Xiao Hua turned and left with the people.

I let out a long sigh,

and said to Nurse Lin, "Nurse Lin, there's a hidden door behind the office; there's a lounge there. I need to rest; my leg hurts too much."

Nurse Lin, following my direction, opened the hidden door.

Inside was a guest room,

it was originally built mainly for me to rest after drinking too much.

I asked Nurse Lin to push me into the room,

the room was a bit messy, and Nurse Lin wanted to tidy it up.

I said, "No need, I'll rest a bit; I still have a meeting later. Help me onto the bed."

Nurse Lin supported me; I first slowly lowered one foot to the ground, then placed the injured leg onto the bed.

Because of the poor effort, the wound on my leg almost made me faint from pain.

Fortunately, Nurse Lin was there,

so I could sit on the bed,

and then lie down, panting.

Nurse Lin said, "Chairman Zhao, that's not good; let's hurry back to the hospital. I see your pain is getting worse again."

I shook my head,

"Nurse Lin, go outside and get me something to eat; I don't know how late the evening meeting will go."

Nurse Lin replied, "Alright, Chairman Zhao, I'll pour you some water first."

I nodded.

After Nurse Lin poured the water and left,

I picked up the cup and took a sip,

today, when I returned, Xiao Hua's attitude was obvious: he didn't want me back.

Moreover, the company's middle‑and‑senior leaders all listened to Xiao Hua.

I am just an empty shell in the company now.

Although I least want to face my own affairs, this is the truth.

I took out my phone,

wondering why I hadn't seen Shi Yong in the company today,

I dialed Shi Yong's number,

the call connected quickly.

From the phone came Shi Yong's voice, "Bro, why are you calling?"

I said, "Shi Yong, where are you? Why didn't I see you in the company today?"

"Bro, I'm at Xin Cheng Guanghua City project department; some people are causing trouble at the site. Damn, a few thugs want to take over the site. I'm with Shi Jinhe."

"Oh, what then? If it really doesn't work, call the police," I said.

"Call what police? I already scared that little brat away; his hair hasn't even fully grown, yet he's trying to join society. Damn, I don't know whose kid that is. Bro, why did you return to the company?" Shi Yong asked.

"Yes, Shi Yong, you and Jinghe hurry over; I want to hold a meeting at the company tonight," I said.