Chapter 67: Zhao Xiaoli, the Scapegoat

After Chen Yang left Wolong Mountain Villa, he received a phone call from his aunt Chen Chunmei, asking her to go to Sunshine Garden Residential Complex. She said there was an urgent matter.

When he drove to the entrance of Sunshine Garden Residential Complex, he found that the sales office of the complex was surrounded by many people. They were discussing loudly, even attracting police cars from the station.

Chen Chunmei was standing by the road at the community entrance; seeing Chen Yang's car return, she hurried over to meet him.

"Chen Yang, just now a few women came and beat Xiao Zhao, calling her a mistress. Hurry and go see."

Chen Yang immediately understood. He told Chen Chunmei to go back to the supermarket first, then called Liu Shijie. "Jiege, my sister-in-law is causing a scene at the sales office. What's going on between you and Manager Zhao?"

"Ah, what could be going on. It's just my spouse being bored at home, day‑dreaming and stirring up trouble."

"You really have nothing going on?"

"I'm with you every day; if there were something, could I hide it from you? Besides, I don't have the habit of nibbling on the grass next to my own nest."

"So you're saying there really is one out there?"

"Men are just playing around; I know my limits."

"... Then what should we do about my sister‑in‑law here? It's not right to let her keep causing a scene."

"Like this, I'll call and ask her to go back. As for Zhao Xiaoli, let her rest for a while, with salary and bonus still paid."

"You need to solve the root of the problem! If my sister‑in‑law keeps coming to cause trouble, it'll be bad for the whole complex."

"Alright, first help me calm Zhao Xiaoli down; I'll treat you to a meal later."

Chen Yang hung up and waited in the car for a moment. A few minutes later, five women walked out of the sales office. The leader, about thirty, looked decent, though her figure management had failed; she walked with a murderous air. Judging by her demeanor, she should be Liu Shijie's wife.

Chen Yang didn't want to get involved in Liu Shijie's family affairs, so he waited until they left before getting out of the car. The police officer on duty was a friend of Chen Bing; he had also come to show support when the supermarket opened. Chen Yang went over, greeted him, handed him two packs of Chinese cigarettes, and asked him to help disperse the onlookers.

After the crowd dispersed, Chen Yang entered the sales office. The lobby was in disarray; Zhao Xiaoli sat on the floor, crying softly. Her hair was messy, her clothes torn down to her underwear, and a clear slap mark remained on her face. Several female sales staff gathered around to comfort her.

Chen Yang had someone help Zhao Xiaoli put on her coat, then, in Liu Shijie's name, let the other staff leave work first.

"Manager Zhao, Manager Liu has told you to rest a few days to lay low; your salary and bonus will still be paid."

Zhao Xiaoli didn't respond, sitting on the floor and crying even louder.

Chen Yang sighed and said, "I know you're innocent. A girl, just because she's pretty, has her work ability overlooked and is falsely accused of being a mistress—that's truly absurd. But that's real life; when you're lower than others, you must endure all kinds of rumors."

Zhao Xiaoli cried out, feeling wronged: "I don't steal or rob; I work hard every day. Why must I suffer this? The last time Ms. Liu came, I explained it to her, and I've kept my distance from Manager Liu all this time, yet they still don't believe me."

Chen Yang also found it strange—Liu Shijie had been with him all this time, Zhao Xiaoli only works or helps at the supermarket, and Liu Shijie's wife had no reason to seek her out. He thought and asked Zhao Xiaoli, "Have you offended anyone lately?"

Zhao Xiaoli shook her head.

Chen Yang speculated, "Could it be that someone is jealous of you and deliberately slandering you to Manager Liu's wife? If they drive you away, she can take your position."

Zhao Xiaoli furrowed her brows. This possibility is indeed very large. The problem is that there are over a dozen employees in the sales office, and she doesn't know who is secretly sabotaging her. Moreover, that Mrs. Liu is completely unreasonable……

Chen Yang told Zhao Xiaoli, "You'd better follow Manager Liu's advice and rest for a while. Once your position is taken, the truth will naturally surface."

Hearing Chen Yang's suggestion made Zhao Xiaoli feel even worse. "Manager Chen, your idea is not good at all. Do I have to suffer the injustice and lose my job as well?"

Chen Yang comforted her: "Rest assured, Manager Liu is not cold‑hearted. Since you've suffered injustice for him, he will surely compensate you later. If you're bored during this leave, I happen to have a little side income for you to earn."

Zhao Xiaoli said, "Manager Chen, you won't have me sell watermelons, will you?"

Chen Yang laughed: "Selling watermelons actually makes good money, though you often have to stand in the sun and rain—it's not as comfortable as selling houses for you. Of course, I'll definitely put your strengths to use; selling watermelons would be a bit of a waste of your talent."

Zhao Xiaoli asked, "First tell me what it is."

Chen Yang said, "My agricultural products company is preparing to expand its business, wanting to add many storefronts in Xingcheng and the surrounding cities. You work in real‑estate sales and should have a good network—are you interested in taking on the job of finding premises? For each premises you secure, I'll give you a bonus of two thousand yuan."

Zhao Xiaoli's heart stirred immediately. Selling houses means you beg people to spend; buying houses means people beg you to spend. The treatment is completely different. "Manager Chen, what kind of premises do you want to buy, and what are the specific requirements?"

Chen Yang thought and said, "Xingcheng has eight districts; my goal is four stores per district, each store having four to six premises. The distance between premises can't be too close, the location can't be too remote, and they must be near a living‑services area."

Zhao Xiaoli calculated in her mind: if she completes the task, she will receive at least 265,000 yuan in bonus. She could buy a decent commercial apartment in Xingcheng, or start her own shop. "Manager Chen, you're not just joking with me, are you?"

Chen Yang said, "You're capable and kind‑hearted. My aunt's supermarket has kept you busy, and I haven't had a chance to thank you. Let me have you do this job—consider it repaying a favor."

"Manager Chen, I've only done some trivial things. Your favor is a bit too big," Zhao Xiaoli said, feeling a little embarrassed. Her monthly salary plus bonus is just over two thousand yuan. With this move from Chen Yang, she's effectively saved ten years of struggle.

Chen Yang said, "A favor is a favor, work is work. If the premises you find don't meet my approval, you won't get this money."

Zhao Xiaoli nodded and promised, "Manager Chen, rest assured, I will give it my all."

Chen Yang was pleased with her attitude. Seeing her still sitting on the ground, he teased, "You probably don't have time to cool off on the ground anymore, do you?"

Zhao Xiaoli blushed, stood up, and brushed off the dust on her clothes.

"Alright, later I'll talk to Manager Liu and have him arrange a car for you to get around."

"Thank you, Manager Chen!"

Chen Yang waved at Zhao Xiaoli, then returned to the supermarket to report the situation to his aunt Chen Chunmei. This aunt of his still feels quite fond of Zhao Xiaoli.