[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-get-stronger-every-payday-with-one-billion-emp":3,"chapter-i-get-stronger-every-payday-with-one-billion-emp-i-get-stronger-every-payday-with-one-billion-emp-chapter-18":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Get Stronger Every Payday—With One Billion Employees!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2264231,4419,"Chapter 18: Even If You Call Him Dad, It Won't Work","i-get-stronger-every-payday-with-one-billion-emp-chapter-18",18,"\u003Cp>\"Here's your change, please take it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Auntie, the data cable and Bluetooth earphones are free gifts—they're all in the storage bag.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chen Yansen, the MP4s are sold out again—hurry up and bring another box!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her straightforward personality, Meng Jie quickly got into the groove; seeing the box nearly empty, she shouted loudly at Chen Yansen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had no idea that her tomboy image made ordinary boys see her as just a buddy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss, you're awesome!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zihao grinned broadly and praised her without restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Make way! Last box—first come, first served!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen carried a box of MP4s and gently dumped it onto the table, all while shouting out to attract attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The foot traffic at Anfeng Market was astonishing—nearly twice that of Zhongqiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they’d packed their trunk to the brim before setting out, they still sold all 400 MP3s and 200 MP4s in just over three hours.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shall I go with Coach Huang for another run?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zihao shook the empty box and volunteered the suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No way—round trip takes two hours, it’s almost twelve already; by the time you get back, the market will be empty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen checked the time and shook his head in refusal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his peripheral vision, Meng Jie’s short-sleeved shirt was soaked through with sweat, the pale green straps underneath barely visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, glistening under the sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The car has air conditioning—go rest. I’ll finish up with Haozi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen pointed to the Bluebird parked nearby and urged her gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need! We’ll finish together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie waved her hand, showing not a hint of softness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re about to be exposed—there’s a shirt of mine in the backseat, put it on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen whispered a reminder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was a head taller than her; following his gaze, one could clearly see a faintly raised contour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Asshole, why didn’t you say anything sooner?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie instinctively looked down and realized sweat had trailed down her neck, soaking a patch of her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I hadn’t had my fill yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen chuckled, answering with startling honesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, others could only make out a vague outline—he was close enough, and had deliberately lingered, to catch a glimpse of that pale skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie pointed at Chen Yansen’s nose, her chest heaving with rage, speechless—his brazenness had clearly surpassed her tolerance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a loud \"thud\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie obediently slipped into the backseat of the Bluebird.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Huang, recommend a good grill spot—I’ll treat you to lunch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen raised his hand and waved at Huang Boxiang, his tone generous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s a little place called Sihai Kitchen in the town center—it’s been open for over twenty years. The shop’s small, but the taste rivals any big restaurant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Boxiang scratched his head, his eyes flickering, then spoke up suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corners of his mouth couldn’t be suppressed—he’d rented his car to Chen Yansen for a day, but they only worked half a day, got fuel reimbursed, and now got a free lunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only downside was that Chen Yansen had rented it for only ten days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, then it’s Sihai Kitchen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen called Wang Zihao to help; they swiftly packed up the table and supplies. Huang Boxiang naturally didn’t sit idle—he neatly stacked their packed items into the trunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten minutes later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group entered Sihai Kitchen. The interior was indeed small, barely fitting six tables—typical of a husband-and-wife operation, one cooking, the other taking payments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come in, please sit! What would you like to eat? We serve stir-fried rice and dishes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Chen Yansen and the others could find seats, a plump, smiling owner greeted them warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cold beef salad, three-flavor soup, salted goose...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen glanced at the simple menu on the wall and randomly ordered a few dishes, mostly cold appetizers and soups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weather was hot; hot pots and stews looked unappetizing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder none of you agreed to hang out—I get it, you were busy making money!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie lifted her cup, drained it in one gulp, and sighed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course—when you can make...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zihao cut himself off mid-sentence, realizing Huang Boxiang was present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, we don’t make much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen followed along, then turned to Meng Jie and said seriously: \"You look really cool in that shirt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The loose, oversized white shirt hung on her, the hem tucked into her jeans—effortlessly cool and alluring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It reeks of your sweat!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie tightened her collar, speaking against her true feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier in the car, she’d secretly sniffed Chen Yansen’s shirt when no one was looking, expecting a foul odor—but instead, it carried a faint, clean soap scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen smiled, too lazy to argue, and picked up his cup to drink water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Meng, I just saw your daughter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Anfeng Town Agricultural and Livestock Bank, Meng Zhenguo heard his colleague and smiled faintly: \"She insisted on coming to keep me company today—see? A daughter really is the best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh, it’s already half past twelve—why hasn’t Hehua returned? I’ll call her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Zhenguo pulled out his phone to dial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Director Meng, she seems to be selling things at the market entrance, with two big boys beside her—oh, and a middle-aged man too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The colleague hesitated, then after a moment’s thought, chose to speak plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you sure?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Zhenguo shot to his feet, immediately pressing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve watched your daughter grow up—I’m absolutely certain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The colleague’s certainty shattered Meng Zhenguo’s last hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two big boys?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How big?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Zhenguo suddenly felt as if his home had been invaded—his heart hollowed out. Didn’t his daughter say she was going to see lotus flowers with classmates?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had she started dating?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of it, he rushed out the door and began searching the streets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he reached the town center, he saw his daughter wearing a man’s shirt, laughing and chatting with two boys as they approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was dark-skinned and bulky, unimpressive in appearance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other was tall and handsome, wearing a white shirt, smirking with a carefree grin—clearly not a good sort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie looked up and saw the familiar figure—her expression froze, rooted to the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if you call him Dad, it won’t work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen, head down, assumed she was speaking to him and teased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xiao Jie, are these two your classmates?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Zhenguo’s face darkened—he’d guessed right. This kid was trouble. After a few seconds of deliberation, he asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad, they’re both my high school classmates—we’re in the same class.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is Wang Zihao. This one is Chen Yansen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie lowered her head, stammering in nervous explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Uncle Meng!\" Wang Zihao greeted warmly, oblivious to the tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uncle Meng, have you eaten?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yansen also smiled and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He squinted, smiling at the man, keenly sensing a hint of hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood: men like Meng Zhenguo—the local patriarchs—spent their lives striving to lift the next generation, elevating their family’s status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Jie was an only child; all of the Meng family’s resources and connections would pass to her. Dating was fine—but only after passing through Meng Zhenguo’s scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chen, could we have a word?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meng Zhenguo spoke softly, staring fixedly at Chen Yansen—his tone sounded like a request, but his expression was grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Masters, please follow~(_)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1221,"2026-06-19T19:17:18.227Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","7dafb5ef29b00d91585e213ab49da71b3891d59589fcb6677f065b765eb3a0cc","i-get-stronger-every-payday-with-one-billion-emp-chapter-19","i-get-stronger-every-payday-with-one-billion-emp-chapter-17",387,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-get-stronger-every-payday-with-one-billion-emp-cover.jpg"]