Chapter 824: 818. Punishment? (Seeking subscriptions and monthly votes)

Meng Shu watched Zhang Ran's departing back and fell into deep thought. He had seen He Yong's look; at first, he didn't quite understand, but slowly, he seemed to figure it out.

Zhang Ran's visit this time didn't seem like he was just passing through. That made sense; he had seen the news earlier saying Zhang Ran was still in South Africa, so coming back now seemed to be specifically to find him.

Ever since he learned of Zhang Ran's return, he had been paying close attention to information about Zhang Ran, he just hadn't reached out to contact him.

Now that Zhang Ran had come specifically to find him, it was clear there were things that needed him to be done; he couldn't have come just to reminisce.

Thinking of this, Meng Shu's heart began to gradually stir with life.

Zhang Ran was in South Africa, yet he had specifically come back to find him, so what could he possibly help Zhang Ran with?

He couldn't think of the specific matter, but he knew this task must carry some danger and also required someone Zhang Ran trusted.

Otherwise, there would be no need to come find him at all. With Zhang Ran's current status and position, he was never short on talent; what he lacked were people worthy of trust.

Thinking of this, a sudden heat surged in Meng Shu's heart, and his eyes even grew a bit moist. This wasn't because Meng Shu was sentimental.

It was because after experiencing such things, Zhang Ran was still willing to trust him. This trust was worth him doing anything.

The deep guilt he had felt before now transformed into motivation in the face of Zhang Ran's trust.

Meanwhile, Dong Changhai watched Meng Shu. Although he had things to say, he didn't open his mouth, just quietly waiting for Meng Shu's verdict.

Once Dong Changhai understood the reality of the situation, he quickly adjusted his position, even though the Meng Shu from before still needed to beg him and didn't even dare to speak loudly to him.

But at this moment, Meng Shu was someone he had to look up to, all because of a single sentence from Zhang Ran.

If this gap were to happen to an ordinary person, it would truly not be easy to accept, but for someone like Dong Changhai, it was very easy to accept.

Because over those years, he had seen countless people who started as small-time thugs and then rose to the top quickly because they were bold and capable.

Of course, none of those people ended up well in the end. After all, being bold meant doing big things, and climbing fast meant becoming a big target.

So in the end, not one of them could escape.

Having experienced so much, Dong Changhai knew that when it was time to admit defeat, one should absolutely not try to hold on.

Meng Shu thought about these things, then looked at Meng Gu and Xiaomin, saying, "You two go back first."

"Dad, but here..." Meng Gu didn't want to go back at all right now. His dad was so impressive, and it was clear at a glance that Zhang Ran was a big shot.

Now that his dad wasn't letting him gain some experience so that the boss might value him, that was one thing, but why was he chasing him away?

Meng Shu saw through Meng Gu's thoughts at a glance and sneered, "Stop daydreaming. With your level of ability, Brother Zhang wouldn't even look at you. Alright, just go back and do your job honestly."

Meng Gu wanted to say something more, but Meng Shu glared at him, scaring him into leaving immediately. Meng Shu was truly a bit frightening at this moment.

However, he also played a little trick; he didn't go back to his own home, but instead went to his parents' house.

If this boss happened to go to his parents' house to sit for a while, that would count as an opportunity.

As for Xiaomin, she had completely lost her previous demeanor by now.

At this moment, she hadn't recovered her senses either, just looking at her father-in-law, a bit unable to react.

"This gentleman, whatever you need me to do, I will certainly complete it." Seeing Meng Shu recover his senses, Dong Changhai spoke directly.

Facing a Dong Changhai like this, Meng Shu's expression didn't change. He hadn't failed to encounter such people over the years.

"It's true that your company owes me money, right?" Meng Shu asked.

"Yes."

"And it's only right to pay back money owed, right?" Meng Shu asked again.

"Yes, I will have someone transfer the money to you right away, along with the interest," Dong Changhai said.

"Forget the interest. Just give me what you owe me," Meng Shu said.

Immediately after, he looked at Dong Changhai, "My business is a small matter, and Boss Dong understands this. You offended Brother Zhang here, so tell me, what should be done?"

Dong Changhai took a deep breath, knowing the final verdict had arrived, "Whatever you say should be done, I will absolutely have no second words."

Hearing Dong Changhai's resonant words, Meng Shu smiled, but quickly restrained his expression.

"First, the company will suspend operations for rectification for one month. During this month, carefully inspect all your company's projects. If there are any that are substandard, rectify them immediately. Do not let there be a single error or omission," Meng Shu said.

Dong Changhai's eyes showed some surprise; what kind of punishment was this?

Of course, suspending operations for rectification was indeed a bit troublesome, but that was all it was.

"No problem." Dong Changhai didn't want to cause himself more trouble, so he agreed immediately.

"Second, donate 50 million in charity funds in your own name. As for where it is used, you can decide that yourself, but one thing is mandatory: you must ensure all this money is put to practical use.

It's not enough to just give the money; you must supervise it personally. Not a single cent can be missing," Meng Shu continued.

Dong Changhai was even more surprised. What kind of punishments were these? He had originally thought he would need to pay a large sum or give up some shares to resolve this matter.

But now...........

After finishing, Meng Shu looked at the puzzled Dong Changhai and said with a smile, "Does Boss Dong not understand what this means?"

"Please enlighten me." Dong Changhai truly didn't understand.

"It's very simple. Brother Zhang is not short on money, and he is certainly not short on this bit of money from you. Brother Zhang has never been someone who bullies others by relying on his power, and he dislikes seizing things by force even more.

You know what you did before, so these things can actually be considered atonement for your past actions.

Of course, I am not standing on a moral high ground to criticize you, it's just that kind of meaning."

Dong Changhai was thoughtful. He understood what Meng Shu meant. Zhang Ran was definitely not short on his money, and he would never want his shares; Zhang Ran wouldn't deign to do such things as seizing by force.

And the two things he was asked to do now, truth be told, were actually beneficial to his company.

Suspending operations for rectification meant that when the housing quality was good, he might even be able to build a reputation. Donating money, and doing it in his own name, was also a good thing.

However, calling it a punishment was indeed correct. Suspending operations would certainly bring some trouble to the company.

And since the donated money was in his own name, he would have to pay it out of his own pocket. 50 million—it wasn't a lot, but it wasn't a little either. Excluding his fixed assets, this was basically all his liquid capital.

This money was a significant burden for him, and he also had to supervise it personally, which would consume a lot of his time and energy.