Chapter 699: Return to Zaocheng

Director Guo took over management of the Ancient City from us on the second day of the new year.

The handover between us was very simple.

Actually, as long as money wasn't involved, there was really nothing complicated to sort out.

I had Ding Li lead the Security Team brothers away first, and each person received a bonus of 20,000 yuan.

The young guys were overjoyed.

In just a month's time, they earned 20,000 yuan, and besides, food and lodging were provided here. The wages at the mine were not bad either.

Qian Director also left Huaihai on New Year's Eve to go home for the holiday.

I then met with Shi Yong, Li Jia, Yang Tao, and Director Guo in the office for a brief chat.

Li Jia explained the lottery procedure and the people brought by Director Guo once over.

Shi Yong was also introducing them to the situation of the shops.

Yang Tao was in charge of publicity, and there's no need to mention the TV station matters.

I said to Director Guo: "Director Guo, we've handed over Huaihai Ancient City to you."

We're leaving. We'll wave our hands and take nothing with us.

Director Guo laughed,

"Mr. Zhao, thank you for being able to revive the Ancient City."

"After we took over, if there are things we don't understand, we'll still need to ask you for advice."

"By the way, regarding those out-of-town tour groups,"

"they know that after we took over,"

"they might not come anymore."

"Don't worry about this; they all come of their own fame. It's not that I invited them; as long as Huaihai Ancient City is well managed, they will definitely come of their own accord." I said to Director Guo.

Hearing me say this, Director Guo felt relieved,

"Okay, Mr. Zhao, then I won't say anything else, and I wish you a smooth journey."

I shook hands with Director Guo,

"Thank you, Director Guo; let's keep in touch when we have time."

We then left the Ancient City.

When leaving, Shi Yong was a bit reluctant,

"Brother, we're just leaving like this."

"If not like this, how else would we go? Aren't you reluctant?" I asked.

"Yeah, I really am a bit reluctant; these days, busy inside and out, I've grown fond of this place." Shi Yong sighed, looking at the Ancient City.

"You've developed feelings so quickly; your affection is growing too fast." I laughed.

"Alas, feeling the times, flowers shed tears; hating separation, birds startle the heart." Shi Yong said, looking at the Ancient City.

"Shi Yong, how come you're reciting poetry? You've amazed me. Where did you learn these two lines?" Hearing Shi Yong recite poetry, I was startled.

"Xiao Qi taught me,"

"she said to let me read more books; only then can I improve my taste."

"I'm now studying the Three Hundred Tang Poems every day." Shi Yong said proudly.

I patted Shi Yong on the shoulder,

"All right, Shi Yong, actually I prefer the previous you."

"that was the real you. Now you're somewhat empty."

"I haven't changed; you all have." Shi Yong retorted.

"All right, let's go."

"everyone is waiting for us to get in the car."

After saying that, I walked to the car and opened the door.

Li Jia drove.

I and Shi Yong got into the car.

Li Jia asked,

"Mr. Zhao, where are we going?"

"I'm returning to Niushiling." I said.

"I'm not returning to Niushiling; I'm returning to Zaocheng. Jianqiang, come with me to Zaocheng."

"I still have money that hasn't been fully distributed." Yang Tao said.

"Brother, I'm also returning to Zaocheng; I miss Ya Ling and want to check out the gym." Shi Yong said.

As soon as Shi Yong said that, I just wanted to laugh, you Shi Yong still have the mood to think of Ya Ling.

I then said: "All right, let's all return to Zaocheng. After resting in Zaocheng, I'll go back to Niushiling."

"By the way, Mr. Zhao, Tian Shi told me that after we return to Zaocheng, we must first find him; he has something to discuss with us." Li Jia said.

"That works; let's all stay at the Zaocheng Grand Hotel, and I'll speak after meeting Tian Shi." I said to Li Jia.

Thus Li Jia drove the car toward Zaocheng Xin Cheng.

After a journey of over an hour, we quickly arrived at the Zaocheng Grand Hotel in Xin Cheng.

Yang Tao and I returned to the hotel's original room, and Shi Yong went to Ya Ling's gym.

However, Li Jia didn't leave and returned to the room with me.

I don't understand; this woman Li Jia, since coming out with me, has never mentioned going home. Could it be she has no home?

I directly said to Li Jia,

Li Jia, you've been with me in Huaihai for so many days; you should go home and have a look.

I'll contact Tian Shi again tomorrow. Then we'll go together.

Li Jia looked at me,

He let out a long sigh,

"Mr. Zhao, I have no home; I've already divorced."

"And the child?" I asked.

"She's staying with his father in Bian Jiang. I don't have the energy to take care of her right now." Li Jia said helplessly.

After saying that, her eyes turned red.

I hit Li Jia's sore spot.

Yeah, I said Li Jia works so hard because she's afraid that when she's idle, she'll think about things.

It seems everyone has a story behind them,

but nobody knows it.

I picked up a tissue from the table and handed it to Li Jia, letting her wipe her tears.

"Sorry, Mr. Zhao, I lost my composure." Li Jia said,

"Li Jia, what I want to tell you is, just follow me and work hard."

When the time is right, bring the child over.

After all, the education here is still decent.

Besides, there's a saying: better to follow a begging mother than an official father.

"After all, a father's ability to care for a child is limited." I said.

Li Jia nodded,

"Mr. Zhao, thank you for your concern."

I came to you just to say that I really can't take this 500,000.

You've put in so much hard work.

In the end, I didn't earn anything.

"Holding this money makes me feel uneasy."

It turned out that Li Jia followed me back to the hotel to talk about the money.

I rewarded her with 500,000 yuan,

but she actually refused to take it.

"Li Jia, you must take this money."

Actually, I want to tell you, these are just small amounts.

If you become capable enough,

your own ideas will be able to come true.

For example, give the child a good education, let her live with you.

You'd say that's right, wouldn't you?

"Mr. Zhao, you are a good person, and you have special sincerity toward me. I really don't know how to thank you." Li Jia said, and tears fell again.

"Do we still need to talk about thanks between us? Since you also don't have a fixed home, just stay at the Zaocheng hotel. I'll have Hou Laoban get you a room shortly."

Li Jia, hearing me say that, nodded again.

I found Hou Laoban's phone number,

"Happy New Year, Hou Laoban."

"Happy New Year, Jianqiang. I haven't seen you in a long time. Where have you been?" Hou Laoban asked over the phone.

"Oh, I forgot to report. I went to the United Kingdom with Yang Tao, I spent New Year abroad." I deliberately said to Hou Laoban on the phone.

"Going abroad for New Year, impressive. I heard it's open there; what fun things are there to talk about?" Hou Laoban said with a lecherous laugh on the phone.

This Hou Laoban is truly shameless; at his age, he has nothing else on his mind.

I spoke seriously with Hou Laoban,

"Hou Laoban, abroad is actually more conservative than here. A nun is a nun; no, I mean a sister is a sister, they would never behave improperly."

"Hou Laoban, please get me another room; I have a friend who needs to stay here."

Hou Laoban, upon hearing this, got angry and said: "I still understand what you're saying; I've seen a movie called something like 'Nuns Go Crazy'."

"Hmph, they're just more chaotic than we are here."

"Jianqiang, brother, you're living here because Second Master Wen arranged it specially."

"But others living here can't be counted together."

I understand Hou Laoban's meaning: I can stay for free, but I can't let others stay for free as well.