"Who are you guys? Why are you hitting people without any reason?"
Zhu Wanli frowned, looking at the newcomers, but he also subtly took two steps back, hiding behind Wang Jin, who was still rolling on the ground, clutching his face.
Perhaps because the slap was quite heavy, Wang Jin cradled his head and rolled on the ground, emitting pig-like squeals.
Well, his movements were indeed like a pig being slaughtered. He was rolling all over the dusty ground, completely unconcerned about his image... though it seemed that fellows who climbed up by flattery were always indifferent to face and image.
"Enough! Get up!"
Zhu Wanli's face darkened as he kicked Wang Jin.
Was a mere slap worth such a dramatic display? Anyone would think he was being subjected to a thousand cuts!
"Boss!"
Wang Jin quickly regained his composure and scrambled to his feet. His face was somewhat swollen, and there was a slight trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.
Sensing the look from his boss, Zhu Wanli, Wang Jin, the golden-legged sycophant, quickly understood. He stepped forward and questioned the newcomers:
"Who are you? What do you want? Don't you know we're from the State-Owned Department Store? How dare you hit someone!"
"Hit you? What's wrong with hitting you?"
Everyone could now see clearly. The newcomers were a group of burly men, dressed in simple, worn-out work clothes, their faces contorted with anger.
"You bunch of good-for-nothings, you can't do anything yourselves but gang up on others. I'm Ding Jianwei, the head of Unit 367. If you have the guts, go report me to whoever you report to!
Let me tell you, Jiangyang Automobile Factory is our closest partner right now. You trash, if you want to play dirty, you'd better think twice."
"What Unit 367? Never heard of it!"
Someone among the mob of petty factory managers behind Wang Jin spoke up.
His words were immediately met with mockery, and drew agreement from others.
"Yeah, yeah, what's this guy? Trying to act all important?"
"Dressed like a beggar, who knows where this guy crawled out from."
"Judging by your appearance, you're probably just some jobless workers from a failed factory. Get lost and stop being an eyesore!"
"Hurry up and apologize to Manager Wang, or you'll regret it! A mere worker dares to challenge our State-Owned Department Store? Manager Wang can crush you with a word!"
...
Each of them spoke with undisguised contempt and disdain, perhaps to mask their earlier shock.
Although they were startled by the sudden slap, they quickly regained their composure. They weren't here to fight, so what was there to fear?
"Did you hear that?" Wang Jin, basking in the surrounding flattery, sneered at Ding Jianwei and his entourage. They were all tall but wore old, tattered work clothes, clearly not powerful individuals.
"You deadbeat workers, get lost and stop blocking the way. As for the slap you gave me, kneel down, kowtow twice, and then pay 1000 yuan in compensation, and we'll call it even. Otherwise, you'll regret it!"
At the same time, Wang Jin cast a triumphant glance at Wang Yu, as if to say, "Aren't I here to help you? You can only find these common laborers to put on a show, hehe!"
"You have the ability, why don't you say something? Just pretending to be weak here, looking at me with helpless, pleading eyes."
Sensing Wang Yu's gaze, Wang Jin felt even more pleased.
In reality, Wang Yu's look was not what he imagined, but one of pity.
Unit 367... it was a factory with only a designation and no full name, originally responsible for producing military batteries and various specialized processed parts.
These factories were mostly low-profile, but their technology and foundation were very strong. However, most of them were now facing difficulties transitioning to civilian industries, leading to their current dilapidated state.
But to treat them as ordinary laid-off workers... tsk tsk!
Wang Yu shook his head. In Wang Jin's eyes, this was undoubtedly a sign of weakness, and his face became even more smug. But before he could speak, Ding Jianwei stepped forward.
"Kowtow to you? Kowtow to your third uncle!"
Without further ado, Ding Jianwei grabbed Wang Jin by the chest. He initially intended to slap him again, but seeing Wang Jin's small physique, he simply threw him forward.
*Bang!*
Wang Jin was flung away, hitting the ground and rolling around like a disoriented gourd.
And the managers of the smaller factories who had been clamoring joyfully were all thrown together by the burly workers behind Ding Jianwei, becoming rolling gourds themselves, like bowling pins.
"You... what do you think you're doing?"
Zhu Wanli began to back down, retreating two steps and yelling at Ding Jianwei with a feigned ferocity:
"What do you think you're doing? Let me tell you, I am the general manager of the State-Owned Department Store! My connections are all over the province. If I want to, I can find the relevant officials in your area at any time and make your lives miserable!
Not just you, but also a small automobile factory like Wang Yu's. You can't fight against the established powers. Do you know the consequences of opposing me?
I can make you go bankrupt and beg on the streets at any time!"
Zhu Wanli's string of threats elicited simultaneous laughter from Wang Yu and Ding Jianwei.
"Heh heh!"
"Heh heh!"
Wang Yu was genuinely unconcerned by this man's threats. With so many international orders and cooperative agreements in his hands, did they think they could simply snatch his technology?
They would have to ask the international friends first if they agreed. Even if you have connections in the government, you have to weigh the pros and cons!
As for Ding Jianwei, it was even simpler. He chuckled heartily without politeness, "Alright, go ahead and develop your connections. Just say that Unit 367 and Jiangyang Automobile Factory are now in deep cooperation. Anyone who threatens Jiangyang County Automobile Factory is making an enemy of us. Let's see who dares to act!"
"Yes, anyone who opposes us!"
A group of people behind Ding Jianwei spoke in unison. Though their clothes were old and ragged, they exuded an air of confidence and defiance!
"You... you! Just you wait!"
Zhu Wanli's eyes twitched, his face turned crimson, and he could only utter this final threat before turning and leaving with his entourage.
Watching them leave, Ding Jianwei turned to Wang Yu.
"You're that Wang Yu? I have a small problem that needs your help to resolve."