Zhao Xiaocui shot her brother a disdainful look, wiping the table irritably as she said, “You? Bringing money? I’d thank the heavens if you stopped taking things from this house! Stop trying to fool me. Hurry up and go home. Don’t pester your brother-in-law to handle those shady matters for you again.”
Just seeing Zhao Dezhu annoyed her these days.
“Ah, my dear Second Sister, you’re wronging me!” Zhao Dezhu grinned cheekily as he squeezed through the door, his eyes darting around the room in search of Director Wang.
“This time, I’m genuinely introducing a friend to Brother-in-Law. This person came with real sincerity—hard cash and all!”
Just then, Director Wang emerged from the inner room, holding a teacup, having clearly heard the commotion outside. He was wearing an undershirt, his slightly pudgy belly protruding, his face wearing the indifferent expression typical of the head of a household.
“Dezhu’s here? What is it now?” Director Wang’s tone was flat as he blew on the tea leaves floating in his cup.
“Brother-in-Law! Great news!” Zhao Dezhu immediately stepped closer, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile. He lowered his voice but couldn’t hide his excitement. “A guy from out of town showed up at the supply and marketing cooperative today. Name’s He Jianshe. Looks like a local rich guy trying to find connections—really free with his money!”
“Oh?” Director Wang lifted his eyelids slightly, not particularly impressed. He’d seen plenty of outsiders trying to climb the social ladder.
Seeing his brother-in-law’s lack of interest, Zhao Dezhu quickly pulled out the pack of cigarettes He Yuan had given him. He deftly shook out the various ration tickets tucked inside and presented them to Director Wang like a treasure.
“Brother-in-Law, look! This isn’t just empty talk! He handed these over right away! Called it a greeting gift. Just wants to invite you to a meal, get to know you, and ask for some guidance. Look at the sincerity…”
Director Wang’s gaze fell on the tickets, and his eyes flickered slightly. In a small county like this, these tickets were indeed hard currency and quite valuable.
He took the tickets, flipping through them slowly, the indifference on his face easing a little.
“He Jianshe? What’s his background?” he asked, still cautious.
“Said he’s from out of town, wants to find some opportunities to do business. Didn’t get into specifics, but he’s generous and knows how things work. Today, at my place, he was really humble, praising you nonstop, saying you’re the man!” Zhao Dezhu gave a thumbs-up.
“I think he just wants to connect with you, find a backer. Brother-in-Law, this is a fat lamb delivered right to our door. No reason not to take advantage!”
Director Wang pondered, his fingers lightly tapping his teacup. He did need some extra income to maintain his lifestyle and manage relationships. This one had come willingly, and through his brother-in-law, the risk seemed manageable.
Seeing this, Zhao Dezhu pressed his advantage. “Brother-in-Law, I already told him whether you meet depends on luck and his sincerity. From the look of him, he won’t be short on sincerity! How about… we meet him?”
“Let’s hear what he has to say? At the state-run restaurant—perfectly safe.”
Director Wang finally gave a slight nod. “You arrange it. Find a quiet private room. We’ll size him up first.”
“Got it! Leave it to me!” Zhao Dezhu beamed, as if he could already see the kickbacks coming his way.
Beside them, Zhao Xiaocui listened, her frown deepening. As Director Wang turned to set down his teacup, she couldn’t hold back. “Lao Wang, it’s better to have less to do with people like this. What kind of good intentions could someone have, sending such heavy gifts out of the blue? Don’t bring trouble upon yourself.”
Before Director Wang could speak, Zhao Dezhu was already displeased.
“Second Sister! What kind of talk is that! How is this ‘bringing trouble’? He respects Brother-in-Law’s ability and status! It’s just normal social interaction! How could Brother-in-Law get by in this county without a few friends?”
“Friends? More like a pack of shady characters! Have any of the people you introduced ever been reliable?” Zhao Xiaocui glared at her brother.
Director Wang waved his hand impatiently, cutting off the siblings’ argument.
“Enough, enough. I know what I’m doing. It’s just a meal, what could possibly go wrong? Women, with their long hair and short sight, what do they understand? Stay out of men’s affairs.”
Zhao Xiaocui’s face flushed bright red with humiliation and anger at her husband’s “long hair and short sight” comment. She threw the cleaning cloth onto the table.
“Fine! I’m short-sighted! I won’t bother with you anymore! Do whatever you want! Don’t blame me for not warning you if something happens!” With that, she turned and stormed into the inner room.
Director Wang didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. Instead, he instructed Zhao Dezhu, “Let me know once the time and place are set. Be smart about it. Don’t go blabbing everywhere.”
“Don’t worry, Brother-in-Law! You can count on me!” Zhao Dezhu thumped his chest in assurance, shooting a smug glance toward the inner room, feeling he had once again one-upped his sister in front of his brother-in-law.
He failed to notice the glint of shrewdness and calculation in Director Wang’s eyes as he turned away.
Director Wang hadn’t reached his position by being a fool. He was well aware of the risks, but the lure of profit was stronger.
He was determined to thoroughly sound out this He Jianshe during their meeting.
The next afternoon, Zhao Dezhu hurried excitedly to the guesthouse where He Yuan was staying and knocked on the door.
“Brother He! Brother He! Good news!”
Zhao Dezhu lowered his voice as soon as he entered, his face unable to conceal his delight and self-satisfaction.
He Yuan opened the door, immediately switching to an eager yet slightly anxious smile.
“Brother Zhao! What brings you here? Please, come in! Is it… news from Director Wang?”
He stepped aside to let Zhao Dezhu enter, his movements filled with respect.
Ji Shuyu was sitting by the window reading. Seeing the visitor, she set her book down and stood up, nodding politely at Zhao Dezhu, playing the part of a quiet, dutiful wife.
Zhao Dezhu entered but didn’t sit, standing in the middle of the room rubbing his hands together, looking every bit the accomplished messenger.
“You bet! I spent all last night persuading my brother-in-law, really emphasizing your sincerity! My brother-in-law doesn’t usually meet outsiders, but he couldn’t refuse me! He finally agreed!”
He Yuan’s face instantly lit up with surprise and gratitude. He grasped Zhao Dezhu’s hands tightly.
“Ah! Brother Zhao! Thank you so much! You’re truly my benefactor! If this works out, I will never forget your great kindness!”
As if suddenly remembering something, he quickly pulled another pack of cigarettes—a better brand—from his pocket and pressed it into Zhao Dezhu’s hand.
“For your trouble, for your trouble!”
Zhao Dezhu squeezed the cigarettes, feeling even more pleased. This He Jianshe was really learning how things were done.
“My brother-in-law agreed to meet tomorrow night. Location is a private room on the second floor of the state-run restaurant. It’s quiet there.”
Zhao Dezhu lowered his voice. “Time is set for 7 PM. Brother He, I’ve paved the way for you. When you meet him, make sure you’re fully prepared.”
“My brother-in-law likes straightforward people, but he hates it most when people try to trick him.”
Hearing this, He Yuan nodded repeatedly. “Of course, of course. I’m the most sincere person, you can rest assured.”
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