Chapter Fifty-Five: The Mad Gamble

Leaving Fengtian Steel!

Several inspectors followed them to the factory.

Throughout the journey, Zhou Meiniang struggled to contain her curiosity, glancing repeatedly at Shen Guodong with a look of utter bewilderment.

It wasn’t until the inspectors finished their tests, confirming the products’ top-notch quality and taking their leave, that Zhou Meiniang finally couldn’t hold back any longer. “Little man, how did you pull that off? Wang Zhongshan is nothing but an old lecher—he’s been after me for ages. This was the perfect opportunity for him, so how did you make him back off so quickly?”

“That was simple. The address I mentioned—that’s where Wang Zhongshan keeps a mistress he’s supported for years. All his dirty money is stashed there, along with an illegitimate child,” Shen Guodong replied with a cheerful grin.

This wasn’t much of a secret to him.

With the advantage of knowing the future, there were certain things he still remembered quite clearly. This particular scandal would be exposed about a year later.

Although Wang Zhongshan’s official rank wasn’t high, he wielded significant real power. In a state-owned enterprise like this, he was at the division chief level. When the scandal broke, it made the front page of every major newspaper in Fengcheng—a minor official who’d embezzled a fortune!

So Wang Zhongshan was treading on eggshells, not daring to make a fuss. With this handled, the order was as good as secured. Shen Guodong didn’t believe Wang Zhongshan would risk stirring up trouble; even if he moved his stash, he wouldn’t dare treat the matter lightly.

That final look in his eyes must have been a silent plea for mercy, and, just as Shen Guodong expected, the man would likely seek him out privately for a one-on-one meeting. Only then would Wang Zhongshan truly feel at ease.

Hearing all this, Zhou Meiniang was thoroughly shocked. “Is that really true? But how did you know his secret?”

“I know plenty of secrets. Haven’t you figured out your man’s abilities by now?” Shen Guodong replied, clearly in high spirits. Fengtian Steel was an enormous state enterprise; previously, they’d only given him a portion of their orders, mainly due to production capacity constraints.

Now, after the production line upgrades, they’d caught up—the quality and output had both improved, fully meeting Fengtian Steel’s demands.

If he could bring in all their orders, he’d have half his quota done. One more major client and sales would double.

Then, the land Shen Guodong had his eye on would finally fall into his hands.

At this point, Zhou Meiniang was at a loss for words. That such a secret could fall into Shen Guodong’s hands—was he some sort of secret agent? He’d struck right at the man’s most vulnerable spot, leaving him no room for reckless action.

...

The news that many major clients were canceling their orders quickly spread through the factory, fanned by those with ulterior motives. The once-vibrant plant was soon abuzz with worried speculation.

“Did you hear? A lot of our big clients canceled their orders...”

“Really? Then all our hard work is for nothing—if we can’t sell our products, where will our wages come from? The production line upgrade made things worse, not better.”

“I heard the same thing. I think Shen Guodong even went to Fengtian Steel to negotiate, and their technical staff came here too. Judging by their faces, things didn’t go well!”

“Yeah? What’s going on?”

The workers chatted animatedly among themselves.

“What are you all standing around for? Get back to work! Just do your own jobs—everything else is none of your concern!” Shen Guodong, passing by, caught wind of the whispering in the workshop. He frowned and spoke sharply, displeasure evident.

As a leader, no one likes to hear such talk. His air of authority, calm but forceful, startled the workers into silence. One by one, they bowed their heads and dared not speak further.

But just then—

A discordant voice rang out.

“Director Shen, aren’t you putting on quite the show of authority? You shouldn’t take your work frustrations out on the employees, don’t you agree?”

The speaker was none other than Yuan Junfeng. Upon learning Shen Guodong’s efforts hadn’t gone smoothly, he seemed positively giddy with delight.

He was convinced that Shen Guodong was headed for defeat.

With Shen Guodong losing his temper in front of everyone, it was clear he was feeling the pressure.

“And what business is this of yours? Instead of working hard during office hours, you’re gossiping about things that don’t concern you. Is this what you call doing your job?” Shen Guodong retorted, frowning at Yuan Junfeng, whose short stature he found particularly distasteful. The man’s personality seemed downright twisted.

“Ha! How could I possibly meddle in Director Shen’s affairs? Compared to you, I’m nothing but a small fry—not worth mentioning!” Yuan Junfeng replied with a sly smile. “I’m just marveling at how someone’s about to lose a thousand yuan to me. He boasted about doubling sales, but it looks like breaking even with last month would be an achievement. No real talent, just a lot of hot air. And the new sales staff you hired—you barely let them sit down before firing them! Keeping just two women for your own pleasure?”

“There’s still time left—why don’t you shut your filthy mouth? If you’re not aware of how disgusting you are, let me remind you,” Shen Guodong snapped, his gaze full of contempt. Yuan Junfeng was not only ugly, but also had a black mole between his brows that made him look even more shifty. Now, with his true nature on full display, his sinister side was obvious to all.

“Heh, say whatever you want. But since you’re so confident, why not raise the stakes? On top of our original bet, let’s add that whoever loses has to quit—with no compensation. Are you up for it?” Yuan Junfeng challenged, brimming with self-assurance. He was certain he’d win and had no qualms about putting his own job on the line.

Shen Guodong laughed aloud. “If you want to raise the stakes, so be it. Whoever loses resigns, with nothing in return. But since we’ve come this far, why not go further? If I lose, I’ll pay you an extra two thousand. If you lose, you give me that piece of land for free!”

He was certain of victory.

Since his opponent had raised the bet, he might as well save himself some money. A thousand yuan was no small sum; it could buy plenty for his household.

Yuan Junfeng, overjoyed and full of confidence, readily agreed. There was nothing he dared not bet on—especially since, with his schemes in place, he was sure the outcome was already decided in his favor.