Chapter 51: The Snake Has

Lin Wei was still receptive to advice. Chen Yang suggested building a platform first, so she specifically went to ask Liu Qingqing about website construction knowledge.

Liu Qingqing rarely acted domineering; she immediately put on airs, demanding Lin Wei serve tea and water and kowtow as a disciple. In the end she was again pressed onto the bed and rubbed, and could only obediently become a lecturer who got free lessons. She felt resentful, wishing she had learned some martial arts as a child.

"Qingqing, lend me two technicians for a few days!"

"You need to clarify first—are you borrowing or seizing? If borrowing, it's definitely not possible. I've just started, I have a lot on my plate!"

"Then let's seize them!"

"Hmph, you're shameless!"

"Don't worry, just a few days; I'll return them as soon as the platform is built."

Lin Wei gave Liu Qingqing a solemn promise.

"Give me the address, and I'll have my dad send a few technicians over later. These few people I have are really swamped."

"That works too! I still trust the technology of the Liu Clan Group."

"Hmph, every time I see you nothing good happens; don't come again."

"That's a bit difficult, unless you pay to renovate my and Chen Yang's new home. Once Chen Yang moves out from here, you'll get your wish."

"Pah! I'm not that stupid!"

"Then there's no way around it—I'll still have to come. Su Su, please keep an eye on things; don't let her harass my man."

"Oh, my stomach feels uncomfortable..." Su Mingyue covered her belly and hurried into the toilet.

"Alas, the world is grim and people's hearts are not what they used to be! In just a few days, my dearest best friend has betrayed me..."

"Hehe, those who follow the Dao gain much help; those who lose it gain little; the masses' eyes are bright!"

"Is that so? Then I can only destroy you both!" Lin Wei lunged at Liu Qingqing, and they started grappling with each other.

The two women quarrelled for a while before Chen Yang returned. He bought two sets of high-end skincare products, one set for Lin Wei and one set for her to give to Deputy Mayor Xu. He also bought some southern fruits that are hard to find in Qingshui, filling the back seat and trunk of his Jetta.

"Honey, are you making me go back to sell fruit?" Looking at a carload of mangosteen, longan, yangmei, lychee, and peaches, Lin Wei felt a bit headache. Although they're all fruits she likes to eat, it's just too much.

Chen Yang said seriously: "If you can't finish them, give them to leaders and colleagues. You've just started work; maintaining good relations with everyone does no harm."

"Got it, you talk just like my mom." Lin Wei was a bit impatient, but she was still happy inside. These days, finding a man you like who also treats you well is not easy.

"Has your mother returned from her business trip?" Chen Yang, reminded by Lin Wei, then realized he had visited her home twice without seeing his mother-in-law.

"Not yet! If she returns, she should first come to Xingcheng."

"Oh, why come to Xingcheng?"

"My maternal grandparents are in Xingcheng; do you want to go together?"

"I've been busy lately; let's go together when you have time!"

"Look at your timid look. Don't worry, my grandparents are more open-minded than our grandfathers."

"Oh, then I ought to treat them well!"

"That's a must. I'm heading back to Qingshui; take care of yourself." Lin Wei hugged Chen Yang, then waved to Liu Qingqing and Su Mingyue watching from upstairs, and drove off from the teachers' college attached residential compound.

She had just left when Liu Shijie's call came in.

"Chen Yang, that classmate of yours is a real jerk—he actually stood me up. He also said my reputation in the Xingcheng banking circle is bad, and their bank won't even consider a loan."

"In that case, the Zhang brothers are hooked. I'll make a call to confirm, then call you back later."

Chen Yang hung up Liu Shijie's call, then dialed Luo Zhikai. Not bad—he wasn't blocked again.

"Old Luo, what's going on? I heard you stood up my friend."

"Chen Yang, I really did my best. Our leaders assessed Liu Zong's situation and deemed the risk high. Coincidentally, Zhang Jun's company also needs a loan of five hundred million. Their economic strength is far greater than Liu Zong's, and they're fellow alumni, so I couldn't well raise an objection. How about this: another day I'll also invite you and President Liu to dinner, to apologize to you in person."

After hanging up, Chen Yang carefully recalled his past life's events, vaguely remembering that Zhang Jun said the problematic plot was Plot No. 8 of the International New City Project. So he called Liu Shijie back.

"Brother Jie, go to Worry-free Residence now. Do your best to let the Zhang brothers know that you are determined to obtain Plot No. 8 of the International New City Project."

"You little brat, all you know is to order me around. Why don't you go yourself?"

"Ah, I'd like to go too, but I lack the qualifications!"

"Hmph, you're on such good terms with Yexin and you're not short of money—is getting a membership really that hard?"

"It really is hard; I've just been issued a banishment order by her, so I can no longer go to Worry-free Residence."

"... you've got guts, then I'll go once more. Whether it succeeds or not, you'll have to compensate me properly."

To be safe, after hanging up Chen Yang found Su Mingyue and had her leak the news that he was preparing to bid for Plot No. 8 of the International New City Project to Zhang Jun.

Su Mingyue firmly refused, clearly stating she did not want to get involved in the grudge between Chen Yang and Zhang Jun.

Chen Yang knew she feared retaliation from Zhang Jun, so he didn't press her.

After returning home and taking a shower, Chen Yang waited for Liu Shijie's news while lying on the sofa watching TV. The station was again rerunning the summer divine drama Journey to the West.

Previously Chen Yang thought Sun Wukong was the most formidable character in Journey to the West, capable of anything—heaven‑toppling, earth‑shaking, slaying demons and monsters. Later he realized this kid was just a snob; when he slayed demons and monsters, he only took out the low‑level nameless sprites. Those major monsters with backgrounds who committed heinous acts were all let go.

The whole Journey to the West performance is nothing but the interpersonal politics of officialdom.

Therefore, Chen Yang still hopes Lin Wei will go further in officialdom. He can avoid using power to do evil, but he also doesn't want to become a petty sprite tossed about at fate's whim.

After watching two episodes of Journey to the West intermittently, Chen Yang's phone finally rang again. It was Yexin calling,

"Chen Yang, aren't you supposed to be setting up an agricultural products trading company? Why are you investing in real estate instead?"

"Agricultural products don't make money like real estate does—how did Yexin know I wanted to invest in property?"

"Hmph, Liu Shijie and the Zhang brothers are about to start fighting on my turf."

"Really? Then I ought to come help—I can't let Brother Jie suffer a loss!"

"You brat, behave yourself; my affairs here aren't for you to meddle in. The International New City Project is deep water—if something goes wrong, don't blame me for not warning you!"

After hanging up Yexin's call, Chen Yang felt refreshed. It was obvious the Zhang brothers were hooked. Moreover, Yexin's warning also conveyed a message: the International New City Project indeed has problems.

That's enough.

The more the Zhang family loses on the International New City project, the lower the difficulty of Chen Yang's revenge becomes. If luck is good, perhaps he won't need to return to Clear Water, and his great vengeance can be repaid.