Chapter 172: Chapter 171: Forcibly Seizing the Civilian Man
As the time for the school’s summer vacation approached, the bus station was packed with people.
Shi Yang sat with Qu Chaozong in the waiting room, first making a phone call to Li Shuren to inform him about Qu Chaozong’s arrival time. After exchanging a few polite words, he hung up.
Qu Chaozong yawned, reached out to unscrew a bottle of mineral water, and took a couple of swigs directly from it: "You can go back, no need to wait here with me."
Shi Yang leaned lazily against the iron chair and stretched his neck: "I’ve got nothing else to do anyway. But you, once you get on the bus, don’t fall asleep. I’ve already talked to Li Shuren and arranged for you to have a day off. You can go find him tomorrow."
Qu Chaozong twisted the cap back on: "I know."
In order to free up time for a trip to the provincial city, Qu Chaozong stayed up all night, wrapping up work and settling accounts with everyone. He came straight to the bus station from the kindergarten this morning.
Qu Chaozong rubbed his face with his hand, still feeling a little distressed: "Is it really necessary to give such a big gift? Our relationship with Li the sly fox is just a business partnership, he gets the business, and we provide the manpower. We’re not really working under him. Is it necessary?"
Shi Yang beckoned Qu Chaozong closer with his finger and said, "You don’t get it. Let me tell you, the person who runs things in Li Shuren’s house is his wife. Now, what does it say about a successful man who’s afraid of his wife at home?"
Qu Chaozong raised an eyebrow: "Wow, I never expected that. He’s quite the devoted guy, huh? He’s almost fifty, and after all these years, he’s still in love?"
Shi Yang shot a sidelong glance at Qu Chaozong: "Get lost!"
Qu Chaozong’s eyes rolled around: "So he must have someone on the side. That old rogue, as soon as I saw him, I knew he was no good!"
Shi Yang chuckled silently: "What are you talking about! Let me tell you, Li Shuren’s wife is surnamed Han, named Han Jiao, and she has a brother. Her father was the head of the provincial fire department, and after retirement, he helped his son get into the department. Now he’s sitting in the deputy director’s chair, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets promoted to director."
Qu Chaozong’s eyes widened: "From the provincial city? Got some real connections, huh?"
Shi Yang nodded.
Qu Chaozong: "Where did you get this information?"
Shi Yang gave Qu Chaozong a mysterious look, raising an eyebrow: "You think all that money I spent greasing palms was just for fun, to make noise?"
Qu Chaozong sighed: "No wonder you’re so close to Li Shuren."
Shi Yang snorted: "With our work, the only higher-ups we deal with are from the fire department. Once we smooth things over in the provincial city, the lower levels will be like our backyard!"
Qu Chaozong looked at him with genuine admiration and gave a thumbs-up: "You’re something else. How did you get such a sharp mind?"
Shi Yang grinned, his eyes showing pride. Every man has a strong sense of vanity, especially when they manage to earn some respect among their peers.
Shi Yang threw a knowing look at Qu Chaozong: "Now do you still think my gift was too much?"
Qu Chaozong immediately changed his tune: "Not at all."
Having shown off enough, Shi Yang didn’t forget to remind him: "Once you get to the provincial city, hold back when necessary, especially be polite to Li Shuren. His wife is his true family. Only by gaining favor with Li Shuren can you make a good impression on his wife."
Qu Chaozong nodded: "Don’t worry, I get it."
After arranging everything, Shi Yang placed a hand on Qu Chaozong’s shoulder and shared the story of the phone call he received from Zhang Xin on his birthday.
After hearing it, Qu Chaozong silently covered half of his face, feeling like a maiden in ancient times being eyed by some wealthy young master. Was Zhang Xin trying to abduct him?
Qu Chaozong’s face was filled with unease, but Shi Yang teased him, nudging him with his elbow: "Hey! Chaozi, be honest! She’s been chasing you for almost half a year, right? When you pursued Peng Rui, it only took about two months. Why is it so hard when it’s your turn?"
Qu Chaozong’s supposedly thick skin couldn’t take it anymore and he gave Shi Yang a sideways glare: "Shut up! Don’t mention Peng Rui! And besides, is that even the same thing? Would you dare to go after someone like Zhang Xin?"
Shi Yang chuckled and shook his head honestly: "Nope."
Qu Chaozong sighed: "A woman like her is clearly not someone you can settle down with. If I really brought her home, my mom would kick me out with a broom, believe it or not?"
Qu Chaozong said seriously: "Besides, at my age, I can’t afford to mess around anymore. I just want to find a decent woman and settle down. With Zhang Xin, I don’t even dare glance her way."
Shi Yang nodded in agreement: "If you really think that way, then I’m relieved."
Having laid bare his thoughts, Qu Chaozong couldn’t help but ask: "So what are you going to do about the mall lease situation?"
Shi Yang smirked, his smile sly: "You don’t have to worry about that. I guarantee Zhang Xin will, figuratively speaking, enjoy the aroma through a banana peel and happily help us get it done."
Qu Chaozong looked at his smug demeanor and cursed: "You’re such a schemer. Whoever marries you is out of luck!"
Shi Yang kicked at him: "Get out! Get out! I’m telling you, my wife already gave me a token of love long ago, so you don’t need to worry about that!"
Qu Chaozong didn’t believe him at all. If Shi Yang really had a wife, it would be because she saw something in him. Considering Shi Yang’s work-obsessed appearance, thinking he’d find a wife? Nonsense!
Shi Yang saw Qu Chaozong off, then drove to the mall. Once inside, he headed straight for the jewelry counter on the first floor.
Dressed in top-tier luxury brands and with a sharp appearance, Shi Yang attracted a sales attendant to approach him with a flower-like smile: "Sir, what kind of jewelry are you looking for? I can help with recommendations."
Shi Yang smiled slightly, looking at the gold and silver jewelry in the counter, sparkling under the colored lights, making him a bit dizzy.
He took a ring out of his pocket and handed it over: "I want to buy a chain to wear this ring as a pendant on."
The sales attendant took it and examined it, pausing—it was silver.
She hesitated and asked: "Do you know what kind of material you’re interested in?"
Shi Yang remembered Zhao Meimei’s words: "Bro, I don’t have money right now, so I bought a silver one to tide you over. But when I start making money, I’ll get you a platinum one with real diamonds, which will definitely look better."
Shi Yang’s smile widened, his eyes smiling: "Platinum. Oh, and I want to buy two chains. The other ring is a women’s ring, a bit thinner than this one. Help me match them, and then I’ll take a look."