He Yuan’s face broke into a wide smile as he vigorously shook Zhao Dezhu’s hand.
He had to admit, this acting business was far more challenging than leading troops into battle.
But to uncover the mastermind behind the scenes, he’d endure it.
“Brother Zhao! Don’t you worry! I, He Jianshe, can’t boast about much else, but I’m absolutely genuine! I promise I won’t make you lose face! Tomorrow night at seven, state-run restaurant, I’ll be there on time. I’ll make sure Director Wang has a great time!”
Zhao Dezhu nodded with satisfaction, then leaned in closer, adding mysteriously in a hushed tone, “By the way, my brother-in-law has a taste for Maotai. If that could find its way to the table, the conversation would definitely go even smoother!”
“Understood! Understood!” He Yuan caught on immediately, thumping his chest. “Leave it all to me! I’ll guarantee Director Wang drinks comfortably and enjoys the conversation!”
“Good! Then it’s settled! I’ll head back now, need to report to my brother-in-law.” With his objective achieved and a new pack of cigarettes in his pocket, Zhao Dezhu left, looking immensely pleased with himself.
The moment the door closed, the eager smile vanished from He Yuan’s face, replaced by a cool, sharp intensity.
He walked to the window, watching Zhao Dezhu’s retreating back as he hummed a tune on his way out of the guesthouse.
Ji Shuyu set down the knitting in her hands and asked softly, “It’s set? Will that Director Wang really come?”
“If the bait is tempting enough, the fish will bite,” He Yuan said flatly, though his eyes held no warmth. “People with a bit of power and a greedy streak can’t help but be tempted when they see those tickets. Add a brother-in-law eagerly egging him on, and he’ll definitely come.”
“That Zhao Dezhu, he’s really…” Ji Shuyu shook her head, seeming to search for the right words.
“Fools have their uses,” He Yuan turned, a trace of cold mockery curling his lip. “Without him jumping around in the middle, getting close to Director Wang would have taken more effort. Now it’s perfect—he’s smoothed the path for us himself.”
He picked up his jacket from the bedside. “I’m heading out to get a bottle of Maotai and prepare a few other things. Tomorrow night, we need to perform this act well.”
Ji Shuyu nodded, a faint, almost imperceptible worry in her eyes. “Be careful in everything.”
“I know,” He Yuan responded, then opened the door and left.
At ten minutes to seven the following evening, He Yuan was already waiting in the innermost private room on the second floor of the state-run restaurant.
Cold dishes and that conspicuous bottle of Maotai were arranged on the table.
He was dressed in a respectable dacron shirt, his hair neatly combed, looking every bit the businessman anxious to find connections—nervous yet eager.
Right at seven, the door to the private room was pushed open. Zhao Dezhu squeezed in first, his face all smiles. “Brother He, have you been waiting long? My brother-in-law is here!”
Following him in was Director Wang.
He had changed into a Mao suit, his belly slightly protruding, his face still wearing that reserved, indifferent expression. His gaze swept around the room before finally settling on He Yuan and the bottle of Maotai.
He Yuan immediately stood up, almost scurrying forward to greet him, his body leaning slightly forward, both hands extended.
“Director Wang! Ah, for you to honor me with your presence despite your busy schedule… it truly brings me such great honor! Please, take the seat of honor! The seat of honor!”
Director Wang gave a noncommittal “Hmm,” shook He Yuan’s hand perfunctorily, his attitude neither cold nor warm, and took the main seat.
Zhao Dezhu hurriedly pulled out the chair next to Director Wang and sat down, scrambling to pour tea for his brother-in-law.
He Yuan picked up the bottle of Maotai, opened it skillfully, and personally filled the liquor cup in front of Director Wang. The aroma of the alcohol immediately filled the air.
“Director Wang, our first meeting, just a small token of my respect. It’s hardly worthy. Let me propose a toast first, to thank you for honoring me with your presence!”
He Yuan filled his own glass, raised it with both hands, his posture exceedingly humble.
Director Wang looked at the clear liquor in his cup, the rich aroma wafting to his nose, and the indifference on his face finally eased a little. He picked up his cup, took a small sip, and nodded. “Not bad liquor.”
He Yuan immediately seemed greatly encouraged. He threw his head back and drained his own glass in one go, showing the empty bottom. “Director Wang, your capacity is immense! Please drink at your leisure, I’ll finish mine!”
After sitting down, He Yuan promptly served food to Director Wang. “Director, please try this cold tossed tripe. I hear the old master chef here has unparalleled skill.”
Director Wang took a few bites with his chopsticks, and the atmosphere gradually warmed up.
After a few drinks, Director Wang became slightly more talkative, but his questions carried a probing tone. “Xiao He, I hear from Dezhu that you’re from out of town? What line of work are you in, specifically?”
He Yuan immediately set down his chopsticks and sighed with feeling. “Ah, to be honest with you, Director, I used to dabble in small goods down south. Made a bit of money, but down there… the relationships are too complicated, hard to get by.”
“So I thought about coming back here to see if there are any steady, reliable businesses to be had. I’d heard long ago that under your management, Director, the county has a righteous atmosphere and plenty of opportunities. That’s why I’ve come, drawn by your reputation!”
This flattery was delivered just right—not too heavy, not too light, hitting the spot perfectly.
A trace of pleasure appeared on Director Wang’s face, though his words remained modest. “Ah, it’s all about serving the people. But indeed, we have rules here. Everything must be done according to procedure.”
“Yes, yes, without rules, there’s no order! I really like places that operate by the book, it puts my mind at ease!” He Yuan agreed repeatedly, refilling the other man’s glass.
“I don’t have any special skills, just a bit of strength and a willingness to learn. I was thinking… if under your guidance, Director, or through your connections, I could find some honest work… I’m not afraid of hard work!”
As he spoke, he added as if casually, “Of course, I understand the necessary protocols. I won’t be vague about what needs to be taken care of.”
“As long as there can be a steady income, everything is negotiable.”
Director Wang ate his food leisurely, listening to He Yuan’s words, his eyes narrowing slightly. He understood the other’s implication: he wanted to secure some work through him and was willing to pay for the privilege.
This wasn’t the first time he’d encountered such a situation.
He looked at He Yuan—well-dressed, generous, judging by the tickets and the Maotai, and speaking the right language—he seemed like someone genuinely trying to find a way to make money.
“Procurement and transport…” Director Wang drew out the words, his fingers lightly tapping the table. “There are many intricacies there. It’s not something just anyone can do.”
He Yuan immediately put on a pleading expression. “That’s exactly why I need a respected person like you, Director, to point the way! I’m not afraid of deep intricacies, I’m only afraid of having no one to guide me!”
“If you could give me a hand, I would remember your great kindness for the rest of my life!”
Zhao Dezhu chimed in from the side, “Brother-in-law, Brother He is a really good guy, genuine! Can you see your way to helping him out?”
Director Wang pondered for a moment, took another sip of Maotai, and finally loosened up a bit. “At the moment… I did hear that a warehouse under the supply and marketing cooperative needs its accounts settled. They might need some temporary hands to help with inventory and transport…”
“But this matter isn’t confirmed yet. I’ll have to inquire.”
He Yuan’s face immediately lit up with immense delight, as if he had heard the best news possible. He hurriedly proposed another toast. “That’s wonderful! Thank you, Director! Thank you so much! Whether it works out or not, I’m endlessly grateful that you’re even considering it!”
“If this really comes through, I… I will absolutely thank you handsomely!”
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