Chapter 1216: Taking Over the Construction Site

Elephant Dragon International.

Chen Hao listened to Zhou Bin's account of the meeting with Wang Yan, his hands gripping the sofa armrests with force.

How could he possibly swallow this insult?

Yet he showed no reaction, merely waving a hand at Zhou Bin to dismiss him.

Shortly after, someone entered and said respectfully, "Mr., everything is ready; we can depart at any time."

Chen Hao hummed in acknowledgment and asked, "Has my sister, along with that good-for-nothing, boarded the plane?"

"They are all there."

Chen Hao sighed, "Then let's go."

With that, he pushed himself up from the armrests with both hands, took the elevator to the rooftop of Elephant Dragon International, and boarded the already-running helicopter to depart...

Of course, he was unwilling to accept the humiliation of being single-handedly crushed by Wang Yan; he certainly intended to reclaim his dignity.

His previous inaction had been for investigation and preparation. After all, he had never seen, nor even heard, of anyone engaging in a close-range shootout with over twenty people while armed only with a pistol and emerging completely unscathed.

This display of power filled him with fear, making him dare not act rashly.

In fact, even if Wang Yan hadn't called him, he would have learned the news in advance; what he hadn't expected was Wang Yan's provocation.

Therefore, he naturally had to act; if he didn't, how could he continue to mix in Sanbianpo? How would the chickens view him? How would the ducks view him? How would the geese view him?

For safety's sake, he fled first; Wang Yan's threats were terrifying, and his combat record was verifiable—if he truly failed to kill him, then he would be finished.

As long as Qingshan remains, there will be no shortage of firewood...

Not only at the tattoo shop; Zhao Ziying lay in bed, unconscious as usual, while Susu sighed occasionally, busily packing up the belongings of the two sisters, unsure whether their journey ahead would lead to life or death.

On the balcony of the rooftop outside, Wang Yan stood with a cigarette dangling from his lips, holding binoculars and watching the helicopter fly away from the direction of Elephant Dragon International.

A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth...

Susu, still nervous, gripped her pistol tightly with both hands, gazing distantly at the entrance of Elephant Dragon International. After a long while, she finally saw Wang Yan emerge, swaying slightly, carrying a large box in each hand and a big bundle in the other, escorted out by the man who had previously delivered money to the shop; only then did she finally relax, fiddling with her pistol as she began to clear the chamber.

Wang Yan walked back carrying the large bags, tossed them into the trunk, then waved at Zhou Bin before decisively starting the car and driving off, heading back to Xiaomonong.

"Did you kill Chairman Chen?" Susu lit two cigarettes, ignited one for herself, and stuffed the other into Wang Yan's mouth.

"No." Wang Yan shook his head. "The old rascal fled with his people."

"So you've started a new venture?"

"That's why they say you're smart; if we returned to our homeland now, we could truly lie idle for the rest of our lives."

"You can't go back; aside from the killing, arson, and robbery you've committed here, you couldn't even bring that money back—how would you explain the source of such huge assets?"

"Not bad, you know your stuff."

"I did attend university, after all," Susu snorted, carrying a hint of tsundere pride.

Wang Yan smiled gently, pulled a small stone from his pocket, and handed it to her: "How's this material? Genuine old-pit glassy variety; it doesn't fetch a high price here, but outside, it could sell for over ten million."

"What do you mean? Is this for me?"

"Just for you to see."

"Even if you gave it to me, I wouldn't dare take it; I don't have that fate," Susu said with a nod and a smile.

Wang Yan laughed heartily, "I specifically got this for you; later, I'll get a set of tools to carve you a bracelet and a jade pendant, and maybe there'll even be enough left for a pair of earrings."

"No, no, no, I really don't want it. Besides, can you even carve? Do you have that craftsmanship? You'd just be ruining good material. You even said yourself this is worth over ten million; selling it for cash, what couldn't we do with that?"

"You'll understand when the time comes. Ruining it doesn't matter; that old rascal Chen Hao has plenty of good stuff. He said he has a mine over at the Mo mining area where he's a major shareholder; all the fine materials dug up are with him. If we run out, I'll just ask him for more."

Susu turned the jade over in her hands and asked curiously, "How did you two negotiate? Can he really swallow this insult?"

"If he can't swallow this insult, I'll help him swallow his last breath. Don't ask further; just know that we're safe now and don't need to live in fear."

Susu let out a long breath; she knew she couldn't truly set her mind at ease.

Although she seemed fine, even able to chat and laugh with Wang Yan, her little heart hadn't yet stabilized and was still pounding wildly, fearing that a team of men might suddenly rush out ahead and riddle them with bullets.

The cruel scenes from the battle's end kept flashing in her mind; every time she thought of them, waves of nausea rose within her.

That was why she joked and laughed with Wang Yan.

And that was why Wang Yan talked nonstop throughout the journey.

He naturally knew Susu's state was poor, and he still needed to care for her.

Susu was merely a good-looking woman with a bit of a story; even though she knew Sanbianpo was no benign place and wasn't conservative herself, she simply couldn't accept such a brutal battlefield state.

They were all human; seeing bodies lying here and sprawled there, scattered in pieces, while smelling the blood, was more than any normal person could endure. The gore depicted in movies and described in text pales in comparison to the terror of witnessing it with one's own eyes.

This return trip went very smoothly; even the government troops at the checkpoints along the way let them pass readily, even though Wang Yan's clothes were clearly stained with blood...

By the time they returned to the Xinhao Hotel construction site in Xiaomonong, the sun had set behind Mount Riluoxi, and the horizon glowed with red clouds stretching across ten thousand li, as if proclaiming Wang Yan's victorious return.

Accompanied by the evening glow, Wang Yan drove the off-road vehicle through the two large iron gates left open at the construction site.

"Are you really working as a steel fixer here?" Susu couldn't help but ask.

"Look at you; one moment you say you don't believe I'm lying, the next you don't believe I'm telling the truth. Why would I lie to you? I tie rebar quickly and well. Get out and stretch your legs."

As he spoke, Wang Yan opened the car door and stepped out.

It was precisely during those few words exchanged between him and Susu that the workers at the construction site all came out; some peered from the dormitory doors upstairs, while others simply ran down.

"Brother Yan, you're back."

The most enthusiastic was Guo Li Min, who came trotting over eagerly.

"Brother Yan, what happened to you?" Guo Li Min also came jogging over, looking Wang Yan up and down to show his concern.

"A little trouble on the road, nothing major." Wang Yan waved to summon Susu, who had exited the passenger seat, and put an arm around her as he said, "Let me introduce you: Susu. You're all fellow villagers; call her Sister-in-Law."

"Hello, Sister-in-Law." The two nodded obediently in greeting, not daring to look too closely.

Susu nodded lightly, "Hello to you both."

Wang Yan went to the trunk, took out two more boxes, and said to Susu, "Stay here for a while; she should be waking up soon. Keep an eye on her so she doesn't cause trouble. Once I'm done here, we'll find a place to stay."

"Okay." Susu agreed, lit a cigarette for herself, and wandered boredly beside the car, looking around.

Wang Yan carried two boxes and, together with Shen Xing and Guo Li Min, went to Shen Jiandong's office.

Flopping onto the chair and propping his feet on the desk, Wang Yan took out a cigarette, lit one for himself, passed one to Shen Xing, and asked, "Have you calculated the exact figure?"

Shen Xing did not answer; he and Guo Li Min just stared blankly at Wang Yan's shoes.

They were a pair of tactical hiking shoes; the shoes were very dirty, yet the dark red stains on the uppers and soles could not be concealed.

"Xing'er, I'm talking to you," Wang Yan said with a smile. "What's so interesting? They wanted to kill me, but I killed them instead. It's that simple."

Shen Xing swallowed hard and replied, "Including the money owed to material suppliers, the total is one million three hundred eighty-six thousand seven hundred ninety-two, of which less than one million one hundred thousand is for labor wages."

"Do you have the accounts?"

"Yes. The accounts for our construction site were all kept by my Uncle Ma—Old Ma. You still remember him, don't you, Brother Yan?"

Wang Yan nodded with a smile: "It hasn't been that long; how could I forget?"

"I was just afraid that with your many important duties, you might forget things. You must be doing even bigger things in Daqulin now, dealing with all sorts of powerful people."

"Enough with the flattery; go fetch Old Ma."

"I'll go, I'll go," Guo Li Min responded eagerly.

On one hand, he was doing things for Wang Yan; on the other, Wang Yan had said he would make him manager...

Even if he weren't made manager, he would have nothing to say, but if he could be, he couldn't help but think about it.

Shortly after, Old Ma walked in with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, flashing a mouthful of large yellow teeth at Wang Yan with a fawning smile.

Old Ma's name was Ma Zhou Jianguo; he came from the same village as Shen Jiandong. He was the very person who, in the drama, ran errands delivering goods alongside Shen Xing.

"Sit down, Old Ma."

Wang Yan gestured, then said, "You are steady and reliable, more so than those two. What are the fellow workers thinking now? Do any of them still want to continue working?"

"I'm afraid not," Old Ma sighed. "Everyone is worried that future wages won't be paid smoothly, and with the New Year only a few days away, they all want to go home first..."

He felt it was quite a pity; he had built things up step by step with Old Shen, only for it all to come to nothing in the end.

"How much longer until the topping-out ceremony?"

"Not much work remains. If so many people work together now, it should be done in about another month. The renovation will take three months to complete. After some careful cleaning and airing out to remove the smell, it should be ready to open for business in about half a year."

Wang Yan asked, "Old Ma, what do you think? Are you willing to continue? I certainly won't lack funds here. After finishing this hotel, there is still land nearby that can be developed further, so there will be no shortage of work. If you are willing, just carry on. After all, you know the ropes inside out and understand engineering well, which saves me trouble. I'll give you two hundred thousand a year; that should be more than you earned before, right?"

As he spoke, Wang Yan opened the box on the desk, revealing a pile of red banknotes, and counted out twenty bundles.

"A bank transfer is fine too; I'll pay you first."

Looking at the pile of money before him, Old Ma swallowed hard, then nodded: "Since you trust me and think highly of me, Old Ma, then I will work for you."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile: "Bank transfer or cash?"

"I'll take thirty thousand to spend; transfer the rest directly to my home, Boss."

"The old rascal still knows how to be flexible," Wang Yan laughed heartily, tossed three bundles of red notes to Old Ma, then stood up, went downstairs to fetch his laptop from the car, returned, and immediately performed the transfer on the spot.

In less than two minutes, Old Ma received a call from his family's bank verifying the transaction. A few minutes later, he received a call from his family. After all this, Old Ma finally set his mind at ease.

"I'm just someone who pays quickly," Wang Yan said with a smile, turning to look at Guo Li Min. "I just transferred seventy thousand to the card I provided you earlier; you also take thirty thousand to spend. Like Old Ma, your annual salary is two hundred thousand. Of that, one hundred thousand is you repaying my loan; the remainder can be repaid next year."

"Thank you, Brother Yan, I..."

Wang Yan waved his hand: "Save the useless talk. Old Ma, let him follow you; teach him more about the ins and outs of the construction site. Don't worry about the master going hungry because the apprentice has learned the trade; if you are willing, you can work here until retirement. As for him working elsewhere in the future, this kid is just timid and lacks sense, so train him up."

"No problem, Boss."

"Xing'er, what about you?"

"I'll do whatever Brother Yan says."

Wang Yan shook his head and smiled: "You kid are too slick. There's nothing left in this company anyway; the equipment belongs to you guys, but I'm the one paying the labor wages, so let's just offset it all, shall we?"

"Yes, it's not even enough. I checked before..." Shen Xing nodded very honestly, speaking the truth; he dared not deceive Wang Yan, nor could he succeed if he tried.

"You contacted me too late; the project progress was insufficient, delaying important matters. Now the money has been offset, and even you admit the equipment isn't worth the labor wages. However, I am a man of principle; I would rather suffer a small loss myself than ensure you are happy."

Saying this, Wang Yan counted out ten bundles of red banknotes. "Take this one hundred thousand; consider it a bit of a foundation so you won't be completely penniless."

"Brother Yan, I don't want the money. You are highly capable; if possible, could you help me find my uncle?"

"You overestimate me. They are at war; no one is allowed in or out. I haven't reached the level of being all-powerful yet. Moreover, you know what kind of business I'm involved in. Sang Kang was driven away, but he is still a warlord with over a thousand guns. Do you think I've lived long enough to go seeking him out just to get shot? I cannot help with this. Take the money; I know you are filial, so consider this funding for your efforts. If I hear any news, I will inform you."

Helpless, Shen Xing could only take the ten bundles of red banknotes.

"Alright, go bring the workers in. Settle the wages according to the ledger, and ask if they are willing to continue working. For those willing, increase their wages by ten percent. I will pay them half a month's wages in advance—money first, work later. Go ahead and distribute the money immediately.

You two have already taken sixty thousand; there is still one million nine hundred forty thousand in cash here, which is more than enough. Also, call the building material supplier, have him come to settle the bill, and bring another batch of materials; from now on, everything will be paid upon delivery. Distribute the money."

Wang Yan waved his hand, then stood up, took his laptop, and left the office...

Zhao Ziying had already awakened; leaning weakly against the car, supported by Su Su, she looked at the surroundings.

At this moment, a wind arose, swirling her white skirt. The sunset glow had not yet dispersed, and its slight reddish hue tinted her naturally fair but deathly pale face, actually creating a certain beauty.

Wang Yan felt nothing; after glancing once, he tossed the laptop into the car, took out his phone, scrolled through the contacts, and made a call.

"Wang Laoban, wasali," came Yan Baimei's seemingly very happy voice over the phone.

"What good news does Boss Bai have? Why so happy?"

"It's just that Wang Laoban has thought of me again; I am especially happy."

Conscience aside, after doing it once, it wasn't hard to accept; this applied to a certain individual, specifically regarding Yan Baimei licking Wang Yan's boots. But in reality, for Yan Baimei to have made it to where he was today, he was naturally very capable of bending and stretching as circumstances required.

Wang Yan cursed playfully, then said, "Have someone deliver two pigs and some fresh vegetables to the Xinhao Hotel construction site. Also, investigate the situation regarding Xinhao Hotel and report to me tomorrow."

"Of course, no problem; I'll have someone handle it right away."

Yan Baimei immediately asked, "Wang Laoban, last month someone came to me asking about your situation. Later, I heard that President Chen of Xianglong International lost face and suffered a huge setback..."

"Boss Bai, are you reporting news to me, or trying to fish for information from me?"

"I certainly hope Wang Laoban remains wasali."

"Enough; it was me. On the road back from Daqulin to Xiaomolong, I was even targeted by concentrated fire. Boss Bai, now you know how well I treat you, right? Hurry up and get things done."

"Yes, yes, yes, Wang Laoban; I will arrange for people to buy the pigs immediately."

Seeing Wang Yan hang up the phone, Zhao Ziying said, "I'm hungry! I want to eat!"

"Stay hungry! I haven't eaten yet either."

Wang Yan glared at her, so Zhao Ziying shrank her neck and became obedient again.

"Stop scaring her all the time," Su Su said. "There's still bread in the car; eat that first."

"I won't eat!"

"Eat or don't, as you please!"

So Zhao Ziying hugged her shoulders and leaned against the car standing up, Su Su strolled nearby, while Wang Yan lay on the car roof watching the sunset clouds, comfortably smoking a cigarette.

"I want to watch too." Zhao Ziying clung to the car roof, scratching the bodywork with her nails, utterly annoying.

"You're too thin; you'd be uncomfortable. Just lie on the ground."

"If I lie on you and you hold me, wouldn't that be fine?"

Zhao Ziying was acting up again.

"How about you just sleep then? This time, sleep a little less, and wake up when it's time to eat."

"Hmph! So boring!"

Under Wang Yan's gaze, Zhao Ziying obediently opened the car door and lay down in the back seat.

The world fell silent, so Wang Yan became comfortable again; today's sunset clouds were truly magnificent...

Twenty minutes later, a vehicle arrived from outside; it was delivering materials and settling accounts. It was that very Ti Pan from the original drama, the one who had introduced Shen Xing to borrow money from Brother Ba Zi, only to get thoroughly beaten by Brother Ba Zi afterward, whose fate—dead or alive—remained unknown.

Led by Old Ma, he came over to curry favor with Wang Yan.

Wang Yan turned his head to look at him: "I don't know how things were before, but from now on, if you dare to pass off inferior goods as quality in the materials, Boss Ti Pan, you won't have an easy time of it."

"Wang Laoban, I conduct business with the utmost integrity. All materials are shipped over from your Huaxia; quality is absolutely guaranteed."

Wang Yan smiled slightly, then waved his hand.

Ti Pan, being sensible, took his leave; he had also realized that this new boss was not someone to be trifled with...

Wang Yan's impressive deeds had not yet reached the ears of figures like Ti Pan. Currently, Wang Yan was merely flagged as a person of interest by the various factions on Sanbian Slope, including the Federal Government; he was considered an absolutely dangerous individual. But as long as they weren't provoked, they were unwilling to bother with Wang Yan.

At present, there were only two aggrieved parties: one was Yan Baimei, and the other was Chen Hao...

A little while later, Yan Baimei sent people driving a truck to deliver two live pigs, along with a large pile of vegetables, eggs, and similar items. The delivery personnel politely exchanged greetings with Wang Yan, unloaded the cargo, and departed quickly.

"Old Ma, when we first arrived, who made the braised pork? Is that person still here?"

"Old Liu made it. Shall I go fetch him?"

"Hurry up; we've been hungry for ages. Get everyone who has finished settling accounts to lend a hand."

"Alright." Old Ma responded and went to rally people to slaughter the pig and prepare the meal.

Wang Yan also flipped off the car, started a fire right there on the spot, and began decocting medicine for Zhao Ziying; she had to drink a dose morning and evening every day, without interruption.

Very quickly, everyone began bustling about noisily; having all received their wages, and with a ten percent raise on top of that, most chose to stay and continue working, not even returning home for the New Year.

This was naturally the correct choice; coming out here was all about making money. Now that they had earned some and could clearly see the potential to earn even more, the journey home was long and arduous, making the back-and-forth trouble not worth it; furthermore, travel expenses were not cheap, so everyone was reluctant to spend them.

Wang Yan had counted precisely on this point, though he indeed would not mistreat these workers...