Chapter 138: If I Die, I’m Taking You with Me

Outside on the street, the security team, unaware of the situation unfolding inside, was still throwing its weight around.

"Smash it! Keep smashing, hit it hard!"

"All of you, pay attention. This is what happens when you openly flout the rules."

"If you want to set up a stall here, you have to follow the rules I’ve set!"

The security captain barked these orders loudly. This was the first time anyone had openly challenged their authority at the Canton Fair, and he was determined to make an example of them to ensure no one else dared to repeat such behavior.

"The rules you set?"

A voice filled with fury rang out. Expecting Zhang Tianfeng’s group to have returned, the security captain turned around with a cocky, swaggering attitude. When he saw a group of foreign guests, interpreters, and, most crucially, his own top superiors standing there, he nearly collapsed to the ground in terror.

"L... Leaders, why are you here?"

"What is going on here?" the leader surnamed Liu asked through gritted teeth.

"Some people were setting up a street stall, making the place dirty and messy. I told them to clean it up, and not only did they refuse, they argued with me. So, I smashed their stall and drove them out."

"Where are they? Where are the people?"

"They’re resting inside. The leader is a volunteer, registration number 32645."

"Get back there and wait for me. Once I’m done here, I’ll deal with you!"

After a sharp reprimand, the leader turned around and put on a different face.

"Mr. Alex, the owner you are looking for is not here; he is inside."

"Then what is happening on the ground?" Alex asked, bending down to pick up a piece of wooden debris.

"These were some imitation products. Our country is very strict when it comes to counterfeits."

"Is that so? Then please, take me to him quickly."

Upon hearing that the owner of the gift items had been found, Alex was overcome with excitement. He hadn't been boasting earlier; if he could secure the agency rights for these products in the United States, he was confident he could sign commercial contracts worth 100 million U.S. dollars. That was no joke. As an American, he knew exactly what the U.S. market was currently lacking.

A few minutes later, in the volunteer lounge, Yun Qian hid in Zhang Tianfeng’s arms, peering at the room full of people from the corner of her eye.

"What is the meaning of this? Are volunteers not even allowed to rest?"

Zhang Tianfeng sighed and said, "Fine, I understand. I’ll go to work now and guide the foreign guests, happy?"

After saying this, Zhang Tianfeng repeated it in fluent English. He knew exactly what had happened outside and what these people were here for, but he decided to play along. A child who doesn't cry doesn't get any candy. He had endured enough of Ji Heng’s bullying over the past few days, and this score could not be settled so easily.

Seeing Alex standing nearby with wide eyes, the leader surnamed Liu felt a wave of pressure.

"Only translate when I tell you to," he cautioned the interpreter before stepping toward Zhang Tianfeng.

"Young man, we aren't here to make you work; we have a favor to ask."

"Oh, a favor to ask?" Zhang Tianfeng sat on a stool, crossed his legs, and said, "Go ahead, tell me what you want me to do."

"Is this Qilin toy something you made?"

"Not me, it’s this girl’s father." Zhang Tianfeng pointed at the television, which was looping a documentary on the poverty alleviation project in Shuangshen Village. This was a move he had prepared after reaching an agreement with the old village chief; it wasn't something filmed specifically because Ji Heng had kicked him out, but it was a fortunate coincidence.

Seeing the words "Poverty Alleviation Project" on the screen, the leader surnamed Liu felt a headache coming on. He swallowed hard and said, "Young man, can you help us out? I want to meet this girl’s father and discuss a major business deal with him."

"Forget it. We came here to set up a stall and earn a living, only to have our livelihood smashed by you. What is there to discuss now?" Zhang Tianfeng stood up and said, "We can't afford to offend big shots like you, but we can certainly stay out of your way."

"Don't worry, we will withdraw from this Canton Fair immediately. We certainly won't tarnish your reputation."

Alex had been observing the whole time, and after waiting for a long time without getting the translation he wanted, he walked over and grabbed Zhang Tianfeng’s hand.

"Hello, sir. I would like to purchase your products."

"I am sorry, sir, but my factory is not permitted to participate in the Canton Fair, so I must apologize." Walking toward the door, Zhang Tianfeng continued, "However, if you are willing to discuss this with me privately, you are welcome to come along. I will take you to the factory to see it for yourself."

"Good, let’s go. Let’s go now."

The two communicated entirely in English, leaving the leader surnamed Liu completely lost. It was only after they had left that he turned to his interpreter.

"Leader, Boss Zhang has taken the foreign guest to his own factory."

"Why?"

"He said he isn't qualified to participate in the Canton Fair, so he can only conduct private transactions."

A factory capable of hiring a champion team to produce such a stunning commercial, and capable of creating toys that captivated foreign guests—if such a place wasn't qualified for the Canton Fair, it was a disgrace!

"Where is his factory?"

"Tangwan Town."

"Get the town mayor here to see me immediately. No—prepare a car, we are going to Tangwan Town! I want to see exactly what that mayor thinks he’s doing!"

With the biggest potential client gone, what was the point of staying here? If he really allowed Zhang Tianfeng to strike a private deal with that foreign guest, his position as a leader of the Canton Fair would be in jeopardy.

...

Half an hour later, at the Lanfang Toy Factory in Tangwan Town.

Stepping out of the car and looking at the factory environment, Alex’s eyes lit up. He had visited many other factories before, but the vast majority were filthy and chaotic. A small minority had decent environments, but compared to American factories, they still fell short. However, this factory—from its fire safety systems and security measures to the workers' attire—was on par with American factories, and in some aspects, even superior, such as the speed of their work.

When Alex witnessed toy parts being produced on the assembly line and then transformed into a perfect toy by the workers, he was completely stunned. He had once believed that such perfect toys must be hand-carved, taking at least several days for one person to complete. When had China’s industrial machinery technology become this advanced?

"Mr. Alex, what do you think of these products?"

"They are perfect. Mr. Zhang, can you give me a price?"

"We can take our time with the contract. Let me take you on a tour of the production workshop and the entire manufacturing process first, if that’s alright?"

"No problem. Mr. Zhang, you are truly the most impressive person I have ever met."

"Mr. Alex, you are too kind. Please, this way."

According to Zhang Tianfeng’s plan, the contract would not be finalized today. He needed enough time to verify Alex’s background. After all, while there were many foreign guests in this era, there were also many con artists. This was where Tang Tianxiong came in. Taking advantage of the time while Alex was in the restroom, Zhang Tianfeng called Tang Tianxiong and told him to investigate everything about the foreign guest.

On the other side, the rushed leadership of the Canton Fair finally arrived at Ji Heng’s home. Ji Heng was still lounging under a lychee tree, wearing a tank top and holding a palm-leaf fan, feeling quite relaxed.

*Bang!*

The iron gate was kicked open, startling Ji Heng into sitting up. Upon rising, he saw several strangers with a powerful, commanding aura—clearly senior officials.

"What are you doing here?" Ji Heng asked cautiously.

"I am Liu Yueguang, a director of the Canton Fair. Mayor Ji, I want to ask how exactly the quotas for the Canton Fair were screened in your Tangwan Town. Give me an explanation!"

*It’s over,* he thought. *Something big has happened.* Ji Heng felt his heart sink; he had a terrible premonition.

"Leader, the screening was carried out strictly according to the rules issued by the Canton Fair. There is absolutely no problem."

"Then answer me this: why was the Lanfang Toy Factory rejected?" Liu Yueguang slammed his hand on the table and roared, "You shoved three pieces of trash in and left the best factory in your town out in the cold, forcing them to set up a street stall outside the fair. What exactly are you trying to do?!"

"Leader, it’s really not my fault! The Lanfang Toy Factory is embroiled in a lawsuit; according to the rules, they aren't eligible for selection."

"Ji Heng, do you think I’m blind? I’ll give you one last chance. If you don't come clean, it won't just be your own reputation that’s tarnished—it will bring disaster upon your descendants as well."

Seeing the fury on Liu Yueguang’s face, Ji Heng realized that his dirty dealings had likely all been exposed. *Damn that Xu Kuangdao, the bastard! He promised he could handle it perfectly, and now look—he’s brought these people right to my doorstep. If you’re going to ruin me, don't blame me for dragging you down with me!*

"Leader, I’ll confess. I did exclude the Lanfang Toy Factory out of personal bias, but I was not the mastermind."

"Who is the mastermind?"

"The Xu family from Shenzhen—Xu Kuangdao!"