Chapter 124: Failing to Sue and Becoming the Defendant Instead—Who the Hell Are You?
This trial was meant to be an internal judgment; those allowed inside were essentially people from both parties. On Zhang Tianfeng's side, only a young secretary accompanied him, which meant that all the spectators belonged to Xu Kuangdao’s faction.
When Zhang Tianfeng produced the authorization agreement signed by the creator himself, Xu Kuangdao’s heart skipped a beat—he had forgotten about that. Zhang Tianfeng, that little upstart, was truly cunning. Instead of approaching Toei, the company in charge of developing the comic’s rights, he had gone directly to the author.
No, if Zhang Tianfeng managed to turn the tables, endless trouble would ensue. He might even lose the toy company he’d painstakingly built. Xu Kuangdao’s face darkened as he left the audience, prompting a wave of murmurs. The judge, distracted from reading documents, tapped the desk and called for silence; the room settled down, and proceedings resumed.
A few minutes later, the judge removed his glasses and addressed Zhang Tianfeng. “Defendant, the authenticity of this authorization agreement requires verification. We will need time to confirm it.”
“How long will that take?”
“Seven business days,” the judge replied. “The creator is in Japan, so it will take time to process...”
“No need. I can summon them directly—they’re currently in Harbor City.”
The last time they came to Harbor City to sign the contract, the comic artists had been so thoroughly charmed by Zhang Tianfeng’s hospitality that they fell in love with the city’s allure. Besides, Japan had just endured a financial bubble, and those authors had spent years tightening their belts. Now that they had money, they’d surely indulge themselves for inspiration.
After receiving the lawyer’s letter yesterday, Zhang Tianfeng contacted Akira Toriyama and the others, learning they were still vacationing in Harbor City. He also found out their cooperation with Toei was temporarily suspended.
Zhang Tianfeng’s arrival had opened the authors’ eyes to overseas copyright opportunities. By establishing foreign copyright operations and selling their rights abroad, they would also renegotiate their partnership with Toei.
This turning point was entirely Zhang Tianfeng’s doing.
His words left the judge with no room to persuade further. The judge turned to the Tianlong Company side. “Plaintiff, do you have any counter-evidence? If not, we’ll adjourn and wait for the defendant to bring in the creator.”
Under everyone’s gaze, the puppet wanted to respond, but with Xu Kuangdao absent, what could he say? Better to stay silent than make a mistake—steady and cautious.
Thus, the case was adjourned: the court granted Zhang Tianfeng only half a day, with proceedings to resume promptly at 3 PM.
Leaving the courthouse, Zhang Tianfeng walked while making calls, instructing his contacts to invite Akira Toriyama and the others to testify.
The call finished as he reached his car. Seeing a crowd gathered around his vehicle, Zhang Tianfeng hung up and smiled brightly.
“So, you couldn’t beat me legally and now you’re planning something else?”
“Zhang Tianfeng, you’re impressive. You went behind my back straight to the author; this time, I admit defeat.”
“So quick to surrender? Don’t be! I haven’t had my fun yet.”
He’d waited so long for Xu Kuangdao to jump out and stir things up—life was dull without such entertainment. If Xu Kuangdao gave up now, it would be boring.
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Xu Kuangdao didn’t respond, his face full of swagger. “Let’s make peace. We each take a step back. I’ll send someone to handle the case, and you’ll be unaffected.”
“Peace is fine, but return all the channels and local preferential policies Tianlong Company snatched away, and I’ll settle.”
“That’s absolutely impossible.”
“Exactly, since you know it’s impossible, why should I compromise? The initiative is mine now.”
“I can mold you into whatever shape I please.”
“You’re not ready to compete with me!”
Seeing Zhang Tianfeng’s arrogance, Xu Kuangdao trembled with rage, but was powerless.
Not just outside the courthouse—even in some remote village—he wouldn’t dare touch Zhang Tianfeng.
He knew well that Zhang Tianfeng had a real giant behind him. If he tried anything beyond business competition, he’d be doomed, and the Xu family with him.
Just now, Tianlong’s factory called—someone had sneaked in and taken many photos.
He didn’t need to guess: Zhang Tianfeng’s people, for sure.
What now? He had all the evidence. If the authorization by the original creator was confirmed, it would be too late.
He couldn’t just sit and wait for disaster. He couldn’t threaten Zhang Tianfeng with underhanded tactics, so he’d have to negotiate.
This was Deep City—he knew plenty of people.
At a Sichuan restaurant, Zhang Tianfeng was devouring the spicy twice-cooked pork, while opposite him, Zhong Xiaoyi’s face was flushed from the heat.
It was so spicy her whole mouth felt ablaze, yet she couldn’t stop eating.
The more she ate, the spicier it got—the spicier, the more she ate.
Wiping sweat from her forehead and sipping iced drink, Zhong Xiaoyi said, “Boss, you’re really amazing.”
“Amazing how? Think carefully and praise me properly.”
Zhang Tianfeng half-joked, and Zhong Xiaoyi took it seriously.
Her head tilted in thought, Zhang Tianfeng felt an urge to pat her head.
After a moment, she said, “Boss, you’re a master strategist, planning everything in advance and waiting for the enemy to fall into your trap.”
“You make me sound like some fortune teller.”
“Isn’t that right?”
To Zhong Xiaoyi, Zhang Tianfeng was no different from a feng shui master.
Last month, on the 6th, he summoned her, and she thought something big was going to happen.
But when she arrived, it was about typhoons. He said there would be two major typhoons this month and next, and that waterproofing needed to be done—down to the exact dates.
At that time, the meteorological station hadn’t issued any warnings; the weather was perfectly normal. Even the most seasoned fishermen couldn’t have predicted it. Yet Zhang Tianfeng got it right.
Last month’s typhoon was ferocious, and most factories in Tangwan Town suffered losses. Only Blue Square Toy Factory remained unscathed.
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Heavy rain and strong winds meant no work? Simple—dedicated transport ensured workers could commute safely.
Power outage? A dozen generators ran round-the-clock, and not a single task was delayed.
Guessing right once is easy, but twice? Yesterday, Zhong Xiaoyi heard the meteorological station issue a typhoon warning—the predicted arrival was very close to Zhang Tianfeng’s dates.
“So, remember that I’m amazing. When I hand the factory over for you to manage someday, you must do your job well, understand?”
“Boss gives me work and pays me, even found doctors for my parents. If I ever betray you, I’d be less than human.”
As she spoke, Zhong Xiaoyi’s eyes reddened.
Zhang Tianfeng couldn’t stand women crying in front of him, especially cute girls like Zhong Xiaoyi.
“All right, all right. Eat up—last one done pays the bill.”
Zhong Xiaoyi let out a startled cry, forgetting even to wipe her tears as she hurried to eat.
Her simple, earnest manner made Zhang Tianfeng adore her—where else could he find such a little sister?
This cheerful scene was quickly broken by a discordant voice.
“Sichuan cuisine—everywhere. In nearly every city or county, you’ll find a Sichuan restaurant.”
“Why is it so widespread? Because it’s delicious and affordable.”
The speaker was a young man with a crew cut and sharp eyes.
His clothes were ordinary, but his bearing was remarkable—clearly raised in a wealthy family.
As he spoke, he took a seat next to Zhang Tianfeng and smiled, “Hey, mind if I join your table?”
“Go ahead, I’m about finished anyway.”
Zhang Tianfeng set down his chopsticks, picked up a napkin, and prepared to pay and leave.
“Don’t rush off, did you hear what I was saying?”
“I heard. Is there something you want?”
“Lots of people eat Sichuan food—some are dragons among men, others just alley cats. Would you say I’m right?”
“Right. If you have something to say, just be direct. Don’t beat around the bush like a woman.”
Zhang Tianfeng was annoyed by his interference and the self-important attitude.
“All right, I’m here to play mediator. Your issues with Xu Kuangdao end here. I want to be your friend.”
“Who the hell are you? Do I even know you?”