620: Chapter 33: Scarf 620: Chapter 33: Scarf Da Tou drove his Passat while glancing at Da Zhe and said, “Brother Zhe, when you see President Xiao in a bit, please, smile a bit more.”
“This isn’t my first time dealing with this person.” Da Zhe looked out the window and suddenly asked, “Why change the car again?
Did your boss reward you with it?”
Da Tou replied with some pride, “Brother Zhe, I’m just scraping by, you know?”
Da Zhe then looked at Da Tou and said, “Scraping by?
Haven’t you seen what I’m like now?
Da Tou, you’re not young anymore and you’ve managed to save some money over these years, right?
Stop following that person surnamed Xiao, start a small business of your own, marry an honest woman, and live a rightful life.
It’s better than being on edge all the time.”
“Brother Zhe, we’re doing business with the Bureau of Industry and merce’s license now, aboveboard, aboveboard!
No problem!”
“Is black eating black considered aboveboard?” Da Zhe shook his head, “Alright, I’m pletely out of touch with this world, I’ll say no more.”
“Hey Brother Zhe, what do you mean!” Da Tou hurriedly said, “I know what you’re saying is true, but times have changed!
We’re not doing the same old things, you know that!
Furthermore, the black eating black stuff, we should speak of it less in the future!
We’re civilized people now, we call ourselves ‘a vibrant social organization’!”
“A vibrant social organization?” Da Zhe sneered lightly and didn’t speak again on the way to the Hongfu Tower.
…
In general, this person surnamed Xiao is indeed considered a businessman — especially since the development in these small towns began a few years ago.
He personally set up a construction pany, but he doesn’t really have knowledgeable workers — because this President Xiao specializes in handling demolition matters for those corporate panies.
Despite the government’s policy for paving way for development zones and large-scale construction, not everyone is willing to move away from their original places, so President Xiao specializes in this sector.
Of course, President Xiao is quite cautious in his dealings, never overstepping — and he never uses anyone from his own pany.
Boss Xiao has money, and Da Zhe needs money, so in recent years, they naturally got along well.
Every time Da Zhe got out of jail, he would get quite a decent reward from Boss Xiao.
When Da Zhe met Boss Xiao, it was almost half-past nine in the morning…
Hongfu Tower just opened last year and is considered an upscale place in such a small town.
“Da Zhe, e, sit.” The over-forty-year-old Boss Xiao, with a full smile on his face, invited Da Zhe to sit down, “Ah, look how busy I’ve been recently!
I didn’t have the chance to properly wele you after you got out!
It’s my fault, my old brother’s fault, have some tea, some tea.”
“President Xiao, I’ll skip the tea, I’m afraid I can’t afford to drink it.” Da Zhe shook his head, seemingly not giving any courtesy at all, “I made it clear last time, I’m done with all this.”
Da Tou continuously nudged Da Zhe’s arm, looking awkwardly at his boss while forcing a smile, “President Xiao, my Brother Zhe said it’s not an issue, we just talked it all over.”
President Xiao just put away his smile and waved his hand towards Da Tou, “You wait for me outside, I want to have a chat with Da Zhe.”
Da Tou, feeling helpless, had no choice but to exit the room.
Inside the room, only Da Zhe and President Xiao remained.
President Xiao made a gesture of invitation for Da Zhe to sit down and talk.
Da Zhe, not willing to offend this guy too much, pulled out the chair, sat down, and said seriously, “President Xiao, it’s not that I don’t want to help you.
It’s just that after getting out this time, I told myself I want to quit.
And besides, you don’t necessarily have to look for me.
If it’s because of Da Tou’s connections, it’s unnecessary.
I’ve gotten old, and I’m now cautious and not as capable as today’s young people.
I believe with your current influence, finding someone is not difficult at all.”
“Ah, how can young people today stay calm?” President Xiao poured hot tea for Da Zhe, nodded, and said, “Yes, anyone can do the job, but the real issue is what happens after the task is done, not just anyone can handle that.
You see, those young chaps are so impatient, won’t settle down, right?
Lock them in for a month or two, might hang on, but a long time?
Maybe not.
If they can’t take it and start babbling inside, wouldn’t that be bad, right?”
President Xiao patted Da Zhe on the shoulder, speaking earnestly, “Da Zhe, you are different, having worked together, we know each other well.
What kind of person are you?
Loyal, a man of promises, clear about public and private matters!
Such a person is hard for me to find!
Really hard to find, Da Zhe, just do me this last favor, okay?
Besides, I’ve calculated this time, you’ll go in for no longer than a year, for sure you’ll get out!
And I promise, this time, the pay will absolutely satisfy you!
Half a million!”
“You better find someone else.” Da Zhe was silent for a while, ultimately shook his head.
“What’s the matter?
Too little?” President Xiao, smilingly, said, “This price is negotiable, after all, we are partners, good friends…
Ah!
How about this, I’ll personally add another thirty thousand, alright?”
“Thank you, thank you, President Xiao.” Da Zhe instead clasped his hands in respect, “But as I said, I’m done with this.
Really, please, let me go.
Find someone else, I’m sure you’ll find someone more suitable than me.”
“Da Zhe, what do you mean?
Keep pushing it back, is it fun?” President Xiao’s eyes suddenly squinted slightly.
“It’s my fault, I was too harsh.”
Da Zhe stood up, bowed deeply towards President Xiao, and apologized, “President Xiao, I know you are busy, I’m sorry for wasting your time.
How about this, let me treat you to this tea as an apology.
Okay, let’s part on good terms.”
Saying so, Da Zhe no longer looked at President Xiao’s expression, turned around, and headed towards the door.
President Xiao suddenly slapped the table forcefully, and said in a deep voice, “Wei Dazhe, you’d rather drink the penalty drink than toast, is that it?
If you dare to walk out that door, you might find it hard to proceed from here, right?”
Da Zhe paused, slowly turned around, and slowly said, “President Xiao, I said, part on good terms.”
“Wei Dazhe, you aren’t qualified to negotiate with me.”
Emotionless, Da Zhe approached President Xiao, directly stopping in front of him.
This President Xiao was a tough guy, unmoved.
President Xiao coldly smiled, “Wei Dazhe, I’ve treated you with respect, I hope you’ll do the same.
Those who offend me, you know their fate.
Think it over carefully.”
“Then I’ll be honest with you,” Wei Dazhe said coldly, “Xiao Yu Cheng, I’m telling you, I’m now a broken-down man with nothing but a worthless life, unable to pare to your current dignity.
But remember this: if you dare to mess with my peace, I can do the same to you…
Right, I’ve laid down my knife for cutting people for many years now, but if I want to find it, I can, I definitely can find it!
And!
The first one I hack down will definitely be you!”
“You…” Xiao Yu Cheng’s eyes widened the same.
But his back felt cold.
Da Zhe said calmly, “There are rules in this world, no harm to wives and children…
Xiao Yu Cheng, you also have a wife and children, don’t push me to that point.”
Da Zhe left, and Xiao Yu Cheng just watched as Da Zhe disappeared from view and left the room pletely before sitting down.
He picked up the teacup, his hand trembling a little, not knowing what flavor the tea had.
At this moment, Da Tou hurriedly entered, flustered, “President Xiao, this, this…
what’s happened?”
“Get out!
Useless thing!” Xiao Yu Cheng glared at Da Tou severely.
Da Tou could only quickly exit the room again, but before closing the door, Xiao Yu Cheng shouted suddenly, “Wait a minute!”
“Yes?” Da Tou had to stand respectfully again.
“Help me buy two flight…” Xiao Yu Cheng suddenly paused, looked Da Tou up and down, then shook his head, “Never mind, go settle the bill, and then wait for me back at the pany.”
“Alright!”
Da Tou was a bit puzzled but did not say anything, went directly to settle the bill, while Xiao Yu Cheng lightly tapped the table with his finger in deep thought.
Ah…
you, Wei Dazhe.
Xiao Yu Cheng suddenly showed a glimmer of a cold smile, leisurely picked up his phone — the caller was his wife.
“Old Xiao, what’s up?
I’m at the beauty salon!”
“Didn’t the kid at home keep pestering about going to Disneyland?
You just, give that brat a few days off, take him to play, to stop him from whining all the time!”
“What’s the matter with you?
Suddenly deciding to leave?
Doesn’t the kid have to go to school?
Old Xiao, let me tell you, the kid’s grades are already bad enough because you indulge him!
I’m not taking him!”
“Alright, alright, I’m not going to argue with you about this.
I’ve already made up my mind!
Just tell the kid that if he doesn’t do well in the final exams this semester, he can forget about getting any allowance next year!”
…
…
After leaving Hongfu Tower, Wei Dazhe didn’t leave the place immediately.
He hid in a nearby alley, observing the entrance of Hongfu Tower.
It wasn’t until he saw Xiao Yu Cheng leave that Wei Dazhe finally left the area.
He didn’t go back to the construction site but instead made a phone call to that mean foreman, naturally expecting a round of scolding.
Of course, Wei Dazhe simply held his phone at a distance from his ear, letting the foreman vent all he wanted.
Wei Dazhe couldn’t help but amusingly think: if it were in the past, with his explosive temper, something might have happened to that mean foreman tonight, huh?
Wei Dazhe shook his head and, after leaving there, called for a motorcycle, as he suddenly had a place he wanted to go.
Not long after, Wei Dazhe arrived at a small residential area—certainly not parable to those in big cities.
It was just a small living area surrounded by a few buildings, not tall, each about six stories high…
and naturally, there was no elevator.
The gatekeeper was an old man, dozing off at the moment.
Wei Dazhe easily made his way to the door of an apartment and was about to knock when he suddenly stopped.
Wei Dazhe washed his hands with a bottle of mineral water and then washed his face.
After tidying up his clothes, he took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door.
It wasn’t long before a voice responded from inside…
a woman’s voice, somewhat deep, with a hint of wariness…
and even a trace of unease.
“May I ask who it is?” a voice inquired from inside the door.
Wei Dazhe took another deep breath before speaking, “Sister Lin, it’s me, Gan Jing.
You wouldn’t forget me, would you?”
The sound of the door opening, followed by the security door being pulled open, revealed a woman with graying hair and an aged face, her hands resting on the door frame.
The woman blinked her eyes repeatedly but tilted her head to listen, “It really is Gan Jing!”
“Isn’t it me?” Wei Dazhe said with a smile, quickly supporting the woman’s—Sister Lin’s—hands, “Sister Lin, you can’t recognize my voice?”
“Oh!
I recognize it, I recognize it!” Sister Lin grinned from ear to ear, “Gan Jing, e in, e in, you haven’t visited me in a long time.”
“Walk slowly…
hey, watch your step!” Wei Dazhe cautiously helped Sister Lin into the house.
Sister Lin said, “No worries, this is my home, I’m familiar with it!
You, you really think just because I can’t see, I’m pletely useless now?”
“Of course not!” Wei Dazhe earnestly replied, “How could I!”
Wei Dazhe assisted Sister Lin into the living room…
the house wasn’t large, two bedrooms with a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, but since only Sister Lin lived here, it didn’t feel cramped at all.
In the living room, Wei Dazhe noticed a bag of plastic flowers and some pleted ones on the table.
Seeing Sister Lin reaching for the coffee table, trying to find a cup, Wei Dazhe quickly found a cup and placed it by Sister Lin’s hand, allowing her to grasp it easily.
“Wait a moment, I’ll pour you some water.”
“Alright.”
Wei Dazhe then took off his shoes, tiptoed around Sister Lin, moved the kettle to a place she could easily reach, and finally tiptoed back to his original spot, nonchalantly saying, “Sister Lin, have you started making these plastic flowers recently?
Ah, I remember I arranged a special welfare allowance for you, didn’t I?
Is the money not enough?”
“No, no!” Sister Lin quickly replied, “Gan Jing, what kind of welfare allowance did you arrange for me?
When I went to the bank, it was several thousand yuan a month!
The people there helped me withdraw the money, and I got a shock!”
Wei Dazhe chuckled, “Sister Lin, haven’t I told you already, we are with the International Red Cross, a global organization!
Many wealthy and kind people both abroad and at home are willing to donate, so of course, the money is a bit more.
Besides, you are a priority for us to assist.”
Sister Lin sighed, “Oh, Gan Jing, your organization has given me too much; I’m a little afraid to accept it.
You speak of so many people needing help, but you give me so much.
It’s not right, it’s not right!”
Wei Dazhe gently patted Sister Lin’s hand, “Rest assured, we treat all our beneficiaries the same.
All the others are just like you!”
Sister Lin responded half-believingly, “Really?”
Wei Dazhe softly said, “Sister Lin, you don’t trust me?”
Sister Lin shook her head, “Oh, if I don’t trust anyone else, I would still trust you.
Gan Jing, honestly, if it wasn’t for your Red Cross Society, if you hadn’t found me, who knows where I’d be now.
You not only took care of me but also provided this home for me.
I really can’t believe it…
but it’s true…
if it weren’t for good people like you, I wouldn’t know what to do now…”
As she spoke, Sister Lin began to tear up and sob.
“Sister Lin, it’s all in the past, let’s not dwell on unpleasant things,” Wei Dazhe said, gripping Sister Lin’s hand, “Things will get better.”
“You’re right,” Sister Lin smiled slightly, “Let’s not mention it!
Oh, right, Gan Jing, last time you mentioned going on a business trip or something, but you were gone for more than half a year, worrying me for quite a while.”
“Oh, I went to Africa, where many people need help, so I didn’t have time to inform you,” Wei Dazhe replied with a smile, “Fortunately, Sister Lin, you can’t see, otherwise, you’d see a piece of charcoal now.”
“Really?” Sister Lin was amused and then curiously asked, “Is it as black as Bao Qingtian as shown on TV?”
“Black!
Even blacker than him!” Wei Dazhe laughed, “If I hid in that alley, no one would see me!”
“You mischievous guy,” Sister Lin shook her head, “Just trying to make me happy…
wait a moment!”
With that said, Sister Lin supported herself by the knees to stand up and slowly felt her way into her room.
It took a while before she slowly came back out.
She held a scarf in her hands.
“Sister Lin, this is…”
“I knitted it by hand,” Sister Lin said with a smile, “I didn’t know what else to make.
You see, clothes might not be done right, pants are even harder, so I settled on something simple.
I thought, whenever you came to see me, I’d give you this.
Just in time, it’s getting cold now.
Here, let Sister Lin put it on for you.”
Sister Lin put the scarf around Wei Dazhe.
“Is it warm?”
“Warm!”
“Oh, what a good kid!”
Tears streamed down Wei Dazhe’s face.
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