Chapter 9

After I finished speaking, Zhengzheng also didn't speak, continuously wiping tears.

I only spoke loudly two sentences, and he actually cried.

Too cowardly, his face is too damn thin, far worse than his mother Hui Ling.

Because when I was young, I cried too much,

I especially hate children who shed tears in front of me.

I immediately said to Zhengzheng: "Zhengzheng, stop crying, got any cigarettes?"

Zhengzheng slowly pulled out a box of slim cigarettes from his pocket,

As soon as I saw these cigarettes, I got even angrier, they're ladies' cigarettes.

Forget it, it's better than nothing.

I had just taken out the cigarettes when Shi Yong came in from outside.

Shi Yong still had a dark face, just his body became broader.

Over these fifteen years, the only thing that hasn't changed is Shi Yong.

Shi Yong and Ya Ling have been married for those years, yet they couldn't have a child. Later they simply decided not to.

Ya Ling opened a fitness center in Zaocheng, which I invested in for her.

That way, when they have nothing to do, they can work out together, their shared hobby.

Working out like that has almost deformed Shi Yong's physique.

Seeing Zhengzheng sitting in front of me,

Shi Yong greeted Zhengzheng,

Zhengzheng hastily wiped his eyes and stood up,

"Dad, Uncle Yong, I'll leave you to chat."

I nodded,

From behind, Zhengzheng's walking looked like a little girl's.

I'm really worried, Zhengzheng developing like this.

After Zhengzheng left,

I said to Shi Yong: "Shi Yong, got the cigarettes? Zhengzheng's ladies' cigarettes, what the hell is this, damn thin-skinned, I only said two sentences and he actually cried."

Shi Yong took out the cigarettes and put them in my mouth,

"Brother, if it really won't work, send Zhengzheng to Ya Ling's gym; three months will change him, this kid is so effeminate."

"Right, that's what we'll do; when he's on break, let him follow Ya Ling to work out, strengthen his body, then his demeanor will be different." I said that and took a puff.

"Brother, it's so late, you called me not to talk about Zhengzheng, right?" Shi Yong asked.

"Of course, there's something very important; I need to rush back to Zaocheng." I said.

"What? Your leg injury hasn't healed yet, how can you go back to Zaocheng?" Shi Yong said.

"This leg injury isn't important, Shi Yong, listen to me: the company now has a major problem internally.

We've owed migrant workers' wages for half a year, and they've taken it to TV.

I must go back to settle this; otherwise, our Da Heng Group will be finished." I said to Shi Yong.

"Xiao Hua, you can't even handle this wage issue? Really, you still have to go back to deal with it." Shi Yong said angrily.

"I just spoke with Xiao Hua on the phone; the company has no money. Not a cent on the books." I took another puff.

"What? No money at all? Such a big company with no money—who would believe that? We have real estate, coal mines, and cement building materials in Zaocheng, none of which fail to make money. No money on the books—how is that possible?" Shi Yong shouted.

I gestured for Shi Yong to speak softer, lest we attract the nurse, then I couldn't smoke.

"Shi Yong, the finance side used to be managed by your sister-in-law; I never asked about money matters, I don't really know the specifics; Xiao Hua told me the situation, I can only go back to Zaocheng to see for myself before saying anything.

"Now the situation is complicated, Shi Yong; I and your sister-in-law suddenly had a car accident, and your sister-in-law is now unconscious.

"The Group Company also suddenly had problems; a string of issues have come up, I must return to Zaocheng immediately to resolve them, otherwise Da Heng Company will be in big trouble."

I took another puff.

Shi Yong nodded,

"Alright, I'll handle the discharge formalities tomorrow morning, then use an ambulance to escort you back to Zaocheng."

I shook my head,

"Shi Yong, we won't do the discharge formalities for now. We'll sneak back to Zaocheng.

You tell Dean Ren that we're leaving the hospital; no one must say anything, and it must stay confidential.

Also, whoever comes to visit later, we'll give a uniform reply: we have inflammation and won't accept visits." I arranged this with Shi Yong.

Shi Yong said: "Brother, I understand what you mean.

"Okay, I'll go do it now. What if Dean Ren doesn't listen to me?"

I said: "Dean Ren and I are old friends; I once had him hide Yang Tao for me, so when you tell him, he'll understand the situation—don't worry."

Shi Yong said: "I'll go find Dean Ren now."

After saying that, Shi Yong walked out of the ward.

My mind started thinking, where to stay first when I go back.

I thought of a person, Director Yang Yuhua, formerly a top surgeon in the Zaocheng Mine Hospital's surgery department, now deputy director of Zaocheng City Hospital.

I have deep ties with these people; I visit them every year and often drink with them.

I found Yang Yuhua's phone number,

The call connected quickly.

"Hello, Dean Yang, it's so late, sorry to bother you." I said.

"Jianqiang, don't be polite; how's your recovery? Heck, I was just about to go to the province to visit you." Dean Yang said.

"Dean Yang, you don't need to come from the province to see me; I'm returning to Zaocheng today and need a favor—find me a ward," I said.

"That's great, still going back to Zaocheng. I'll look personally; those provincial experts are nonsense. Arranging a ward is a trivial matter. When will you arrive? I'll greet you myself," Yang Yuhua said politely.

"Don't greet me, Dean Yang. Get me a regular ward, use an alias, and don't let anyone know," I said.

"Why? That's not good. You have such influence in Zaocheng; many people will come to see you. We must arrange a deluxe ward to accommodate guests," Yang Yuhua said.

I said, "Dean Yang, if that's the case, I won't go back. I just want some peace; I need a regular ward, under an alias. I don't want anyone to know I've returned to Zaocheng."

"Alright, Jianqiang, I'll follow your plan. I'll contact the Nurse right away and set it up; when you arrive, I'll examine your injury personally," Yang Yuhua said.

"Then thank you very much, Dean Yang. Also, Dean Yang, my wife Zhou Wei can also be brought back to Zaocheng for convalescence soon; I'll need your help then as well," I said.

Yang Yuhua said, "I've heard Li Ming about Zhou Wei's condition; let's discuss it after returning to Zaocheng. I will do everything to treat Zhou Wei and find a way to revive them."

I said, "Dean Yang, I won't say any more thanks; whether it's me or Zhou Wei, we must keep it confidential. The fewer who know, the better."

Yang Yuhua: "Don't worry, Jianqiang. I understand your meaning."

After I finished the call with Yang Yuhua,

Shi Yong pushed the door open, followed by Dean Ren.

Dean Ren looked at me and said, "President Zhao, your condition isn't fit for discharge. The injury on your leg hasn't healed. I suggest you undergo treatment for another half month."

I said, "Dean Ren, I'll continue treatment at a hospital in Zaocheng. Just keep this ward reserved and prevent anyone from visiting."

Dean Ren nodded,

"I understand. Very well, President Zhao, I'll arrange a car now, with the doctor and the Nurse on board, to take good care of you all the way."