Chapter 055: Xu Juncong Makes a Discovery

Walking along a perilous path, no one lives without fear, clinging to each day with trepidation. But after tallying up their profits last night, all traces of fear had been thrown aside; this being their first time engaging in such business, they carried that youthful audacity of a calf unafraid of the tiger.

So, after each pocketing their share of 120,000, Xu Juncong and Wang Qi were practically floating with pride. When Xu Juncong saw Zhang Tianfeng, he couldn’t resist boasting.

Casting a sidelong glance, Zhang Tianfeng’s tone remained even, “Boss Xu, you’re in high spirits so early—found money on the street?”

“More or less. Look at the line outside my company’s shop—hasn’t even opened yet, and so many people are already waiting. Then look at you.” Xu Juncong shook his head, stroking his chin. “Brother, maybe you should consider backing out. You’re no match for Yuanli Group.”

“My family’s Yuanli Group has capital and connections. And you? A nobody. People say you have the backing of some tycoon from Harbor City, but I haven’t seen any sign of it. What, you think dealing with someone like me won’t require them to step in?”

“Oh? So you actually guessed what I was thinking?” Zhang Tianfeng blinked with feigned surprise.

“Hahaha, keep up your act. I’d like to see how long you can last!”

With that, Xu Juncong leaned in and whispered, “Let me warn you—if you don’t quit now, I’ll not only see you out of this business, but you can forget about sticking around on Midnight Snack Street, too.”

“I’ll make sure you slink back to your stinking mountain village, to live out your days as a lowly farmer.”

“What are you doing? You bastard, what do you think you’re doing?”

Red Hair, who had just arrived for work, saw Xu Juncong’s twisted expression. Though he couldn’t hear what was being said, he was certain this scoundrel was up to no good!

Seeing their boss in potential danger, the reformed hoodlums instantly reverted to their old ways, striding forward with a menacing air.

Xu Juncong recoiled a step, trembling, “Zhang Tianfeng, control your people—if you win a fight, you’ll end up in jail, you know that?”

“With your kind of skills, you dare threaten others?” Zhang Tianfeng’s eyes brimmed with disdain. He spoke airily, “Boss Xu, if I were you, I’d focus on hiding your fox’s tail. Some people are easy to fool, but not everyone is so gullible.”

Xu Juncong’s heart gave a jolt. Had he been found out?

No, impossible!

If Zhang Tianfeng really had something on him, he would have exposed him already. Why posture here without any real evidence?

Yes! He’s just bluffing, putting on a show!

Comforting himself with these thoughts, he had barely opened his mouth when a bold laugh rang out, “Who’s bluffing? Come on, say it out loud for me!”

Wang Qi strode over, exuding arrogance, a cigarette dangling from his lips, moving as if he owed nothing to anyone.

He stood by Xu Juncong, looking down his nose at Zhang Tianfeng. “I am now the sole agent for Mighty Toy Factory. That Harbor City tycoon put me in charge—recruiting workers is my job. How is that deceiving anyone?”

“Then tell me, what’s the name of this Harbor City investor? How much has been invested? And where, exactly, is your new factory being built?”

“Why should I tell you? Who do you think you are?” Wang Qi sneered, head held high. “You’re just bitter because you’re losing in business, so you resort to slinging mud.”

“Talking to someone like you is a waste of time. Never mind, let’s get back to work. If we don’t find enough people, the boss will be angry.”

These words weren’t just for Zhang Tianfeng—they were also a reminder to Xu Juncong to get the money fast.

The two exchanged contemptuous smiles and left.

Red Hair clenched his fists, grinding his teeth. “I wish I could smash those two in the face. They’re infuriating.”

“Don’t be hasty—the real show has just begun.” Zhang Tianfeng raised an eyebrow and, turning to leave, said, “Let’s go back to the shop and watch the fun.”

This time, Wang Qi came prepared. Dissatisfied with the pace, they’d called a bus directly to Tangwan Middle Street—workers could board as soon as they signed up, speeding up the swindle.

Meanwhile, to pacify any unrest Zhang Tianfeng might have sown, they also employed a few tactics: handing out iced water, providing a place for people to rest and cool off under fans, and arranging for staff to hand out forms for workers to fill in advance.

This string of seemingly legitimate actions won over quite a few jobseekers.

When all was done, Xu Juncong and Wang Qi returned, sweaty, to the lounge. Once the door was closed and they were sure no one was eavesdropping, Wang Qi whispered, “Brother, why did you have to provoke that jinx? I was scared half to death out there.”

“What’s there to be scared of?”

“Have you forgotten how Zhou Yuancong ended up in prison?”

“He brought that on himself. If you don’t leave yourself a way out, no one else will.”

Xu Juncong took a drag of his cigarette. “No need to worry—Zhang Tianfeng is just a posturing clown, very good at borrowing power but with no real strength of his own!”

“A farmer’s son—what are you so afraid of?”

“My father is a farmer!” Wang Qi bit out. “Are you planning to tar everyone with the same brush?”

Xu Juncong hadn’t expected that and hesitated. “Come on, no need to fight among ourselves. You know I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Fine. But tell your staff—anyone wanting to jump the queue needs to pay a bigger red envelope.”

“The longer we keep this up, the more dangerous it gets. Best to make one big score and get out!”

“What’s dangerous? If investors show up, the Zhucheng officials will welcome them with open arms.”

“And what if this investor is too powerful?”

These days, ninety-nine percent of state-run enterprises are losing money—even in coastal regions. That’s a dangerous mountain everyone wants to remove. The most capable are the investors, especially those from Harbor City; many are easily fooled, though few are easy to find.

The mere mention of Harbor City investors gets officials as excited as cats scenting fish.

Seeing Xu Juncong’s blank look, Wang Qi sighed inwardly. Was he simply blind to the obvious, or was something wrong with his head?

He was about to offer a warning when Xu Juncong suddenly shot to his feet, eyes wide. “We’re in trouble. We’ve been caught.”

“What happened?” Wang Qi tensed immediately.

Before Xu Juncong could explain, there was a knock at the door—it was his personal secretary.

“Boss, reporters from Zhucheng TV and the Employment Bureau are here, asking for you by name.”

“That’s what I mean by trouble!” Xu Juncong said with a bitter laugh. “Old Wang, it seems we’ve fallen into Zhang Tianfeng’s trap.”

“No, tell me clearly—what exactly happened?” Wang Qi was so anxious, he was on the verge of swearing.