"Comrade Liu Nian, can you tell me what project you've taken on and why the Tang family would get involved?" Su Muqi, an old factory director, didn't believe the Tang family's involvement was for his factory. If it were for him, why would it erupt only after Zhang Liunian appeared? They could have handled it gradually and didn't need Hu Xiang to do such a thing.
"I've taken on the workers' dormitory project for the South City Food Factory," Zhang Liunian said frankly now that they were alone.
"What? You took on that major project? No wonder the Tang family is targeting it. They've been watching that project very closely too. Be careful from now on; they won't give up easily." Su Muqi had indeed heard of the project. It was one of the largest in South City. With an investment of several million, it wasn't easy for Zhang Liunian, who had no backing, to take on such a large piece of cake. There would be many more challenges ahead.
"I know the Tang family is eyeing this piece of meat, which is why I was reluctant to say early on that we had reached a cooperation. Now it seems this can't be hidden, and the Tang family will soon know I've taken on the contract." Hu Xiang was Tang Shikang's sister-in-law, so the news would reach the Tang family within an hour.
Su Muqi sighed inwardly. Comrade Zhang Liunian would definitely clash with the Tang family, so should he continue the cooperation? After a moment of silence, he looked up directly at Zhang Liunian with a determined expression. "Don't worry, I will give you my full support on the cement supply. The rest will be up to you."
"Thank you for your support, Director Su."
"I'm about the same age as your father; you can call me Uncle."
"Uncle."
"Good lad."
"..."
Meanwhile, Fang Yan, who had just finished her shift at the food factory, encountered Ding Heng again at the factory gate. This Ding Heng was the slick-backed man Zhang Liunian had met twice before. He was also Ding Zhaoshan's youngest son.
"Yan Yan, I've booked a private room at a restaurant to treat you to a meal. If you grace me with your presence this time, I'll never bother you again. How about it?" Ding Heng leered at Fang Yan's chest, his face splitting into a smile.
Fang Yan didn't want to deal with him and turned to leave. Seeing this, Ding Heng quickly reached out and grabbed her arm, only for Fang Yan to shake him off again.
"Don't touch me like that." Fang Yan glared at Ding Heng with an angry expression. He didn't get angry but continued to persuade her to have a meal. "You've refused my invitations every time for the past two years. Now I'm just asking you to have one meal with me, and I won't pester you anymore. Won't you fulfill this small wish of mine? Do you enjoy me pestering you, are you reluctant to let me go?"
"Nonsense! Who's reluctant to let you go? Ding Heng, don't slander me here. It's just a meal, isn't it? Follow me." She chose another place, unafraid of whatever tactics Ding Heng might employ. Ding Heng was overjoyed when she agreed, "Great, we'll go wherever you say." No matter where they went, Fang Yan wouldn't escape his grasp. Today was the day Ding Heng would have Fang Yan.
"Later, Zi Teng and I will go to the food factory to check out the construction site." After the cement issue was resolved, Zhang Liunian returned to the braised meat shop and sat down to eat with Du Ziteng, Zhang Ziping, and Master Huang.
"Alright, I can finally get out and about. Ziping, work hard. You're learning quickly; I believe you'll be able to replace me in three days," Du Ziteng said with a grin, clapping Zhang Ziping on the shoulder meaningfully upon hearing they could go out.
Zhang Ziping lowered his head, blushing, "I'll work hard." Everyone was used to him acting like a shy bride and continued eating. Only Zhang Liunian knew that this demeanor wouldn't deter troublemakers or those who sought to cause trouble. He thought it was best for Zhang Ziping to train boxing with Du Ziteng. He said, "Starting tomorrow, Ziping, you and Ziteng will train boxing with me. With some skills, you won't have to fear people causing trouble."
"Train boxing? That's great!" Zhang Ziping was surprised at first, then overjoyed. Every man wants to possess absolute strength and not be bullied. The matter was settled.
After the meal, Zhang Liunian and Du Ziteng went to find Fang Yan, hoping she would take them to the site personally. However, halfway there, they saw Fang Yan rushing out of an alley with blood on her lips. Behind her, a slick-backed man, holding his ear and gritting his teeth, was chasing her relentlessly.
"Fang Yan, you have nowhere to run. Just obediently go back and be my wife, Ding Heng. I can overlook you biting me just now."
"I'd rather die than marry you," Fang Yan said as she turned and threw the words back. She continued to run but stopped abruptly after a few steps upon seeing Zhang Liunian and Du Ziteng, momentarily forgetting to move forward. But she quickly recovered, sped up, and rushed directly into Zhang Liunian's arms, hugging his strong waist and saying to Ding Heng, "I'd rather give my body to him than to you."
"..." What kind of unexpected disaster was this? Zhang Liunian pushed Fang Yan away. But Fang Yan was persistent; after regaining her balance, she rushed forward again and said to Zhang Liunian, "If I die, the contract will be void."
"..." Was she threatening him? Zhang Liunian frowned and was about to speak when Fang Yan suddenly reached out, grabbed his neck, and kissed him fiercely.
"Mmm!" Zhang Liunian tried to push her away, but Fang Yan bit his lips tightly, making it impossible to push her away for a while. Du Ziteng, standing nearby, was stunned, looking at Zhang Liunian with admiration in his eyes. He thought, Brother Liunian is really amazing, having women throw themselves at him on the street. Compared to him, he was truly pathetic.
"You slut! You're kissing someone else in front of me! I'll break your legs!" Ding Heng was furious when he saw Fang Yan throwing herself at Zhang Liunian again and giving him a kiss. He had pursued Fang Yan for two years, not even touching her hand, let alone her lips. Yet now Fang Yan was kissing another man, completely disregarding him. What was wrong with him, Ding Heng? Did she have to kiss a man just because she grabbed him? Thinking this, Ding Heng ran towards them, wanting to see which lucky dog it was.
Just then, Zhang Liunian successfully pushed Fang Yan away, wiping his mouth and cursing, "Fang Yan, don't push your luck. I don't want to get involved in your romantic entanglements. I have a wife and daughter."
Fang Yan licked her lips, still lingering on the taste, then realized how scandalous her actions were and felt ashamed.
"You slut, you slut! You don't want those who like you, but you cling to a married man. You're truly a slut." Ding Heng rushed over, recognized Zhang Liunian immediately, and without thinking, slapped Fang Yan.
"Ding Heng, you despicable scoundrel!" Fang Yan, who had been slapped, was furious and lunged at Ding Heng, tearing at him. Ding Heng hadn't expected Fang Yan to be so fierce and allowed her to hit him several times.
"Are you dead? Hurry up and drag her back! I must have her today! Once she gives herself to me, I don't believe she can marry anyone else?" Ding Heng shouted to his two companions who were arriving late. Hearing this, they quickly stepped forward to take Fang Yan away, but although Zhang Liunian disliked Fang Yan's earlier actions of hugging and biting, he wouldn't stand by and watch her be violated by Ding Heng.
"Let her go." Zhang Liunian grabbed one man in each hand, his expression cold. These two men didn't recognize Zhang Liunian and were about to curse when Ding Heng beat them to it.
"Didn't you say you have a wife and daughter? Didn't you say you supported me being with her? What are you doing interfering in our business now?" Ding Heng recognized Zhang Liunian as the man he'd met at the food factory a few days ago. He remembered Zhang Liunian saying he would support him and Fang Yan being together. How come he was now blocking his way and about to take action? Had that one moment made him develop feelings for Fang Yan?
"I support you, but I support you pursuing her honorably, not destroying her through unscrupulous means," Zhang Liunian said, holding the two men and turning to face Ding Heng directly.
"I didn't! You're spouting nonsense. It's Fang Yan who likes it this way. Don't interfere." Ding Heng looked at Fang Yan's flushed face and thought to himself that he couldn't delay any longer; something truly bad would happen if he did. With that thought, he grabbed Fang Yan's arm and, disregarding her protests, began to drag her away.