Liu Yifeng's words made Zhang Jin fall into deep thought. He had to admit, it was indeed an excellent plan to turn enemies into friends. As the saying goes, the most dangerous place is often the safest.
"I think it's a go, this is truly a great solution," Zhang Jin gave Liu Yifeng a thumbs-up, feeling fortunate to be working with him, confident that any problem could be resolved effectively.
Liu Yifeng remained silent, merely nodding. He knew this was the best approach for now, and Zhang Jin, lacking better options, had to agree.
"Alright, then I'll handle the rest and go talk to Peng Zhou. You focus on the greenhouse vegetable garden matters," Zhang Jin said to Liu Yifeng and then immediately set off to take care of things. After all, his hotel required a steady supply of organic vegetables, and dealing with this issue was the priority.
"Daddy, don't worry about Zhang Jin for now. Let's go to the greenhouse first and see what the problem really is," came Tong Tong's childish voice from the other end of the earpiece. More than the immediate issue, he was curious about the method that could detect pesticides in organic vegetables.
Liu Yifeng and Lu Fei headed directly to a nearby greenhouse.
"Lu Fei, go and test the soil," Liu Yifeng said as soon as he entered the greenhouse, immediately detecting a strong chemical smell. It was evident that someone had deliberately caused this. Previously, entering the greenhouse brought a refreshing scent, characteristic of organic vegetables. This time, the smell was acrid.
"Don't you smell it too? I felt stuffy and even got a headache when I first came in. Someone definitely tampered with the greenhouse," Liu Yifeng observed Lu Fei sniffing the air intently, realizing he too must have detected the foreign smell.
"Indeed, this smell is too pungent. Even organic vegetables can't remain organic with such a smell. Someone is definitely behind this!" Lu Fei angrily threw the soil in his hand to the ground. Such boldness! It seemed giving them freedom had only made them more reckless.
"Calm down for now. Since someone is daring to cross us, they need to understand the consequences. You go and call an emergency meeting. The culprit will reveal themselves then," Liu Yifeng had already deduced that the problem was internal to the greenhouse. It was unlikely to happen at such a critical juncture of market expansion unless someone was envious.
"Daddy, do you already have someone in mind?" Tong Tong on the other end thought the same. If there was a problem, the vegetables in the greenhouse would likely be unusable for now.
"Here's what, Daddy. Tong Tong still has some 'Returning Vitality Powder'. I'll get it for you later. See if it can revive any of the vegetables," Tong Tong said while accessing the greenhouse's surveillance footage, knowing it would be useful for his father at the meeting.
"Okay, Tong Tong. Daddy will deal with things here first. We'll chat when we meet later."
"Alright, Daddy. I'll send the surveillance video to your phone shortly. You'll definitely need it."
The father and son then parted ways to attend to their respective tasks, indicating the gravity of the greenhouse situation.
"I believe everyone knows why I've called you all here today. I have evidence in my hand. If you wish to continue working here, I hope you will tell me the truth. I'm willing to give you a chance based on the severity," Liu Yifeng's words hung in the air for nearly a minute. No one stepped forward. The factory area was silent, and even breathing sounds were audible. It seemed everyone had their own agenda.
"Very well. Since you refuse to take the step down this ladder I've offered, don't blame me for being impolite." Liu Yifeng then displayed the surveillance footage on the large screen. Since they refused the opportunity, he saw no need to be merciful any longer.
The surveillance footage was clear. A short, stocky staff member had been acting suspiciously for the past few days, with his expression clearly broadcasting his mischievous intentions.
"Colleague, please step forward," Liu Yifeng paused the footage, directly addressing the man standing behind him.
"What can this surveillance footage prove? I just wanted to check if all the vegetable gardens were sealed after work. I haven't done anything wrong." The man was still defiant. Lu Fei couldn't stand it any longer and grabbed him by the collar. "Still trying to argue? The way you were looking around like that didn't look like you were checking vegetable gardens!"
"Lu Fei, why be so crude? It just means we don't pay enough for him to risk his life. Besides, he's not very educated and doesn't realize this could lead to a death sentence." Liu Yifeng's words stunned both Lu Fei and the short man. Seeing Lu Fei's confusion, he winked, making him instantly understand the implication.
"Ah, yes. People like him deserve the death penalty," the short man was truly terrified, his panicked gaze giving him away. It was Peng Zhou's poor judgment in choosing someone whose emotions were so transparent. This made it impossible for them not to discover the flaw.
"Lu Fei, call the police." Liu Yifeng presumed the man's internal struggle had begun, and now it was up to his final choice.
"Wait!"
As expected! Liu Yifeng's gamble had paid off. After committing such a significant offense, if he couldn't even maintain his composure, it would be impossible to deem him the responsible party for the entire greenhouse.
"I'll tell you, I'll tell you everything. It wasn't my intention. It was that Peng Zhou who forced me. He said if I didn't do it, he'd sell my daughter. I was truly forced! I can't die! I have elderly parents and children. This family cannot be without me! Manager Liu, save me, save me! I was forced!"
With a thud, he knelt before Liu Yifeng. It seemed the threat of the death penalty could indeed frighten these people who farmed for a living.
"But you just said you did it for the vegetable gardens. If I were to let you off now, I would be letting down the vegetable gardens that have been ruined, and also the people here. They all watched you deny it." Liu Yifeng said with feigned difficulty, as if dealing with him was a tough decision.
Lu Fei gave him a look of admiration. Indeed, experience was the best teacher. He spoke with the gentlest words while doing the most ruthless things.
"Manager Liu, Manager Liu, I truly know I was wrong. You can't call the police! My daughter's life can't be tarnished! Manager Liu, please, I was wrong, I was truly wrong. I shouldn't have listened to that surname Peng. I deserve to die."
Liu Yifeng sighed helplessly. "These words are useless to me. Go and tell the police. Perhaps they can give you a way out. There's no need to beg me anymore. You are the one who brought yourself to this point. The only thing you can do now is to tell the police the truth about what you did. Perhaps they will give you a chance to redeem yourself."