Chapter 493: First Retaliation

Hey! Chen Yongren stood up: 'Regarding hiring at the factory, I only want to recruit Japanese workers.'

Since we have new job positions, we naturally ought to consider our own nationals.' Chi Mu Chengping said with a smile: 'How could you even think of giving those hard-won job positions to those Chinese?'

It's best to let them work in the factory; with a job, they won't cause trouble.

The Locust Emperor had them come to this land to work hard, gradually replacing the people of this land!

Chi Mu Chengping was very angry.

Although there are few job openings in Jinmen, why can't you reflect a little and create jobs for yourselves?

However, this bunch of idiots, relying on their Japanese nationality, have grown arrogant and accustomed to lawlessness—how could they be willing to work and endure hardship?

The frontline fighting is extremely fierce, and even the Pacific Ocean is at war.

They have now become an inescapable burden.

A burden?

Isn't this retaliation coming?

Chen Yongren pondered for a moment and said: 'Uncle, I remember when they first landed at Jinmen Port.'

'We seemed to have promised to give them a subsidy every month?'

Chi Mu Chengping nodded: 'Exactly, that's why these guys just loaf around, waiting for us to notice—but what does that have to do with them working?'

Chen Yongren pursed his lips and said: 'Why not stop the relief payments, or at least delay them?'

Chi Mu Chengping said helplessly: 'I've certainly thought of that, but in the end we still have to compromise.'

Chen Yongren shook his head: 'This damned weather keeps getting colder, prices keep rising—if they have money, they'll spend it all; who would save?'

'So, to help them live better, I can lend them some money.'

'Huh?' Chi Mu Chengping's mind couldn't catch up for a moment.

'Paying back debts is natural and right.'

'If they don't repay, let them use their houses as collateral…'

'I remember that when they came to Jinmen, each of them owned a house.'

'Without a house and unwilling to work, they can only freeze to death.'

'That will surely cause trouble!' Chi Mu Chengping said bluntly.

Although this tactic is useful, Chi Mu Chengping still worries about causing trouble.

Chen Yongren shook his head: 'Uncle, these folks have come to Jinmen, far from their homeland, without travel permits—they can't even leave Jinmen.'

'A bunch of good-for-nothings, they'll only cause us trouble—if they cause a fuss again, what waves could they possibly raise?'

'Even if they cause a disturbance all the way to Jingdu, it's only those idiots bringing it on themselves.'

'They can't just owe money and not pay back—wouldn't Jinmen fall into chaos?'

'Besides, we're not denying them freedom or wages; we just want them to work to repay their debts.'

'Once they've paid off their debts, they can quit their jobs—I won't stop them.'

'I'll tell them that if they want higher wages, they should work overtime; good performance brings bonuses, and even promotion opportunities.'

'Uncle, believe me, these guys will work harder than ever.'

Of course, Chen Yongren still had a few things left unsaid.

With only a meager base salary, these little devils can't even afford to eat, let alone repay their debts—so they can only work harder.

This isn't Chen Yongren not saying it—who let Chi Mu Chengping not ask?

It fell into Chen Yongren's hands.

He has plenty of ways to deal with these little devils and exploit their labor for free.

Feel the retaliation from Chen Sang with all your heart.

Lending money is just a trifle; Chen Yongren has plenty of ways to completely bind these little devils.

After hearing these words, Chi Mu Chengping felt a bit dizzy and looked at Chen Yongren in astonishment.

Hiss~

Leaving aside other things, this actually makes some sense.

Chi Mu Chengping is a smart person; he immediately understood what Chen Yongren meant and what he wanted to do.

That old devil is quite certain—this is definitely not something the Yuan Chief thought of.

After all.

Such a vicious tactic—apart from old hands who have struggled in society for years, ordinary people simply couldn't think of it.

'Chief, tell me the truth—where exactly did you learn all this?' Chi Mu Chengping stared fixedly at Chen Yongren, as if trying to see through him.

'My older brother told me all of this.' Chen Yongren feigned alarm and hastily shifted the blame.

Anyway, Yuan Gangxian isn't any good either, and Chi Mu Chengping couldn't possibly go ask him voluntarily—letting him take the blame would be perfect.

'Surely it's him.' Chi Mu Chengping wasn't surprised: 'Only someone like that could think up such a messy bunch of things.'

He looked at Chen Yongren, sizing him up from head to toe.

Yesterday the Yuan Chief went to Yuan Gangxian's company to study; today he can put it into practice—he's really a fine prospect.

This will surely make the clan elder relieved.

Chi Mu Chengping took a deep breath and said: 'Do you see? This is exactly why I had you follow him to learn!'

'This guy will stop at nothing to succeed.'

'Only people like this can succeed and deserve success!'

'Hey!' Chen Yongren straightened up: 'I will definitely stay by your side and study earnestly from now on.'

When the old devil only talks about how Yuan Gangxian is, without saying the plan won't work, it shows he has already approved this.

Chen Yongren knows this, but the Yuan Chief still needs to grow.

"Is this plan feasible?" Chen Yongren pretended not to understand.

"Uncle, I gave it some thought, and this plan is actually quite good."

"Let those bastards go to work, and they won't think about all that nonsense."

"Not only can it maintain Jinmen's stability, but it can also increase Jinmen's tax revenue; if the higher-ups knew, they would surely praise your extraordinary ability and competent management."

Anyway, Chen Yongren just took those words as fart.

"Us?" Chi Mu Chengping asked.

Chen Yongren said, "Uncle, you've gone to trouble for my sake; I can't let you work for nothing."

"The beverage company also has your shares; of course, this isn't on the surface."

"After all, imperial soldiers engaging in trade is always unsavory; my father also taught me to try not to bring you trouble."

"This idea is mine alone, not my brother's!"

Upon hearing Yuan Chief's last words, Chi Mu Chengping couldn't help but laugh: "You kid, you're working hard for your own career—how could you be causing me trouble?"

In his view, soldiers' lives are merely a string of data, stepping stones on the road to progress, and a weapon to attack political rivals.

Dealing with civilians is nothing special—just make them work, without taking their lives.

After a moment's thought, Chi Mu Chengping nodded in agreement: "Leave the matter of borrowing money to the subordinates; don't handle it yourself."

"Hai!" Chen Yongren's face lit up with surprise and joy as he straightened and bowed deeply.

"Your business is done; now it's my turn to speak." Chi Mu Chengping said.

"Yours?" Chen Yongren pretended not to understand.

Chi Mu Chengping sighed, feigning helplessness: "Your arrival has attracted quite a bit of attention."

"Ah?" Chen Yongren continued to play dumb.

"Some people from the forty‑nine cities know you've come; they want to visit you specially to see Jingdu's famed handsome gentleman." Chi Mu Chengping said.

Chen Yongren deliberately furrowed his brows: "Uncle, those guys won't try to introduce their daughters to me again, will they?"

Chi Mu Chengping nodded slightly.

"Can't I just tell them I already have a fiancée?" Chen Yongren complained deliberately.

"Of course not." Chi Mu Chengping shook his head: "These are all Jingdu's nobles; even if you're unwilling, you still have to meet them."

"Chief, I've helped you all this time—surely you can help me too?"