Chapter 599: Explaining the Situation to Hou Laoban

I followed Hou Laoban to his office in the hotel.

Upon entering the office door,

I saw a jade Guanyin Bodhisattva statue.

In the office there was a young nun sitting with eyes closed, chanting sutras.

Seeing us enter, she immediately stood up and said, "Master."

Hou Laoban said to this nun, "Miaoqing, go rest. I have something to discuss with Patron Zhao."

The nun named Miaoqing immediately stood up,

and bade us farewell.

As Miaoqing stood up, I clearly saw black stockings inside her nun's robe.

It seems Hou Laoban really keeps a nun for his own enjoyment.

Hou Laoban said to me, "Miaoqing is studying Buddhism with me."

I smiled,

"Hou Laoban, no need to explain. I believe you."

At this moment, Hou Laoban picked up three incense sticks from the table,

After lighting them, he first offered incense to the jade Guanyin statue.

He muttered something under his breath.

After he finished offering incense,

Hou Laoban pulled over two futons.

"Jianqiang, sit down and talk."

I sat on the futon,

Hou Laoban sat cross-legged opposite me,

I took out a cigarette and tossed it to Hou Laoban.

Hou Laoban caught it and lit it,

"Jianqiang, what's up?"

"Hou Laoban, I'm in trouble." I took a puff of smoke.

"What trouble, something only I can help you with, just a matter of a word." Hou Laoban said.

"Thank you, Hou Laoban. This trouble is too big; I'll first explain the situation to you."

When I was chairman of Da Heng Group, in order to topple Kong Shi and his group,

I promised Director Qi and Yang Tao, who were abroad, four hundred million shares,

as long as they helped defeat Kong Shi and his group, it could be fulfilled.

I also signed a contract with Yang Tao and Director Qi.

Yang Tao and Director Qi also agreed.

Later, with Mr. Wen's help, we together defeated the Zhou Family, Kong Shi and his gang.

I also told Mr. Wen about promising Director Qi and Yang Tao four hundred million shares.

He then had me withdraw from Da Heng Group.

That way the debt would be blocked; besides, I don't have that much money to give them.

Now Director Qi and Yang Tao have returned from abroad and are asking me about that four hundred million. It's really a headache.

Hou Laoban also took a puff,

"Yang Tao, isn't that the beautiful woman who had her arm around you coming downstairs?"

I nodded.

"The Director Qi of Sijiucheng, I've also heard that when Da Heng Group was just developing, he also helped a bit, then retired and went abroad."

"Has he also come back?" Hou Laoban asked.

"He's back, now staying at our Zaocheng Grand Hotel." I said.

"This guy has a good relationship with the Wang Family, right?" Hou Laoban asked again.

"Yes, it seems Hou Laoban knows quite a bit about Sijiucheng affairs."

"It's just hearsay, Jianqiang; you have no money anyway, what are you afraid of? Those four hundred million aren't a small amount."

"Mr. Wen's having you withdraw is correct; otherwise Da Heng Group would have to come up with the money."

"You're no longer chairman of Da Heng Group and have no signing authority. Four hundred million, you don't need to fear; if it were four million you'd be scared." Hou Laoban said with a laugh.

"Hou Laoban, this isn't the hardest part."

"I have no money, I've already explained it to those two."

"Anyway, I've only got this miserable life; let things be as they may."

"Now the problem is this: today I met with Director Qi."

"He no longer asks me for it; he plans to directly demand it from Da Heng Group."

"Tomorrow he wants me to go with him to Da Heng Group to explain the situation."

"Sigh, this matter will be difficult to handle."

"Director Qi's intention is also to prepare a lawsuit against Da Heng Group."

"He intends to break with Mr. Wen."

"I'm stuck in the middle and feel awful."

"Director Qi and I are old acquaintances; behind him is the Wang Family of Sijiucheng supporting him."

"As for Mr. Wen, his kindness to me is as weighty as a mountain."

You know everything,

If they turn against each other, what should I do?

Ah, I've thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a foolproof plan. Hou Laoban, you're two years older than me and have more experience. If you were in this position, what would you do?

I, Zhao Jianqiang, come to you humbly for advice." I said humbly.

At this moment, Hou Laoban fell into thought for a while,

"Jianqiang brother, I understand your predicament."

The hardest thing in life is making a choice.

If you choose wrong, you'll regret it for a lifetime.

Yeah, you're in the middle; this matter ultimately arose because of you, and Second Master Wen has put you at the front,

They need a witness to sue Da Heng Group, and you are definitely the first witness.

Whether to help or not help anyone is difficult.

Since you've asked me,

I'll speak plainly,

People fear most straddling two boats,

Wanting a foolproof plan,

Is that possible?

Even praying to the Bodhisattva offers no guarantee.

Then what foolproof plan is there?

You, since you're acquainted with Second Master Wen and he's helped you, if you offend him, think about the consequences—you know better than I do.

This Director Qi is just a retired old man; what's there to fear?

And that woman Yang Tao is just a woman.

They'll just make a fuss for a while; if you don't help them,

they'll have no way to retaliate.

The Wang Family isn't scary either, considering the Wen Family is now at its peak.

If they really fall out, let's see who fears whom.

Jianqiang, this is my sincere advice.

You understand my meaning; we must go down one path, do you understand?" Hou Laoban said earnestly.

After hearing Hou Laoban's words, I just wanted to laugh; back then, weren't you, Hou Laoban, straddling two boats?

Following Kong Shi, secretly colluding with Wen Han.

Now they urge me to be wholly loyal.

He's just talking while standing, not feeling any back pain.

If he were in my position, he'd be just as flustered.

I told Hou Laoban all this so that he would pass it on to Wen Han.

Now, when I want to show my loyalty to Wen Han, everything must be conveyed through Hou Laoban.

I hurriedly said: "Hou Laoban, hearing your words is better than ten years of study."

You're right; straddling two boats easily capsizes, and I've followed Mr. Wen,

so I must trust Mr. Wen,

this Director Qi is basically a thing of the past,

as they say, an outdated phoenix is no better than a chicken,

what do I have to fear from him?

Mr. Wen wants me to be a shield; then I'll be a shield.

Anyway, no money, just one life—do whatever you want.

Fortunately, I consulted with Hou Laoban.

Even if they turn against each other, I'm not afraid; with Mr. Wen behind me, what's there to fear?" I said confidently.

Hou Laoban then clapped and said: "Jianqiang, I like this about you most—you're not afraid of trouble. Great."

Believe that Second Master Wen will know and be very pleased.

"'Just Mr. Wen far away in Sijiucheng, how could he know my heart? It's getting late, Hou Laoban, I should go rest.'" I said as I rose.

"'Jianqiang, don't worry about anything; everything will be fine.'"

"'Believe that tomorrow Second Master Wen will give you instructions; just listen to him.'" Hou Laoban said proudly.

"'Great, however Mr. Wen arranges things, that's what I'll do. Anyway, we're just destined to work. I'm off, Hou Laoban—don't disturb your chanting and Buddha worship.'" I waved at Hou Laoban.

"'You Jianqiang, what Buddha are you chanting in this dark half-day? Even the Bodhisattva needs rest.'" Hou Laoban also rose to see me off.

I left Hou Laoban's office,

feeling light and relaxed.

I believed Hou Laoban would tell Wen Han,

it would be better to convey this message through Hou Laoban to Wen Han,

through Hou Laoban I could express my difficulties to Wen Han.

Hou Laoban could earn merit.

I returned to the hotel,

and lay comfortably on the bed.

Soon I fell asleep.