Chapter 48: Why Did You Hit Me?

"Minnie, what are you talking about? Brother Tong would never hit me! He just gave me a light push earlier, I lost my footing and fell, that's all." Wang Zhisheng immediately shook his head, denying Minnie’s claim.

Brother Tong had always treated him so well, always trying to curry favor, even thinking about inviting him out for a meal. Remembering this, Wang Zhisheng, not caring about his own disheveled appearance, hurriedly said to Brother Tong, "Brother Tong, I'm free tomorrow. Why don't you treat me to dinner?"

As long as they agreed on a time, he could tell the old man in the evening, and then meet Brother Tong together tomorrow. The old man would probably be so happy he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.

"I'll treat your sister to dinner, not you!" Brother Tong, furious, kicked Wang Zhisheng square in the stomach.

With a loud thud, Wang Zhisheng was sent flying several meters.

"Ow! Brother Tong, why did you hit me?" This time, Wang Zhisheng finally believed Minnie’s words—Brother Tong really did want to hit him.

Brother Tong cursed angrily, "Damn it, get lost! If I catch you showing off in front of me again, I'll kick you to death."

On the street, Li Qingwan pulled He Haoxuan aside and asked in a low voice, "Do you have enough money to take a cab home?"

She wasn't sure why, but watching He Haoxuan trying to hail a cab by himself, she felt a pang of sympathy, worrying he might try to ride without paying and end up getting beaten by the driver.

"I—" He Haoxuan was about to say he still had a few dozen yuan in cash when Li Qingwan stuffed a hundred yuan bill into his hand. "You shouldn't be so proud. If you don't have money, you don't—it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just take a cab home quickly, I'm leaving with my classmates."

After that, Li Qingwan and Xiao Juan got in a cab and left.

He Haoxuan stared at the hundred-yuan bill in his hand, unsure how to feel.

His wife gave him money, his old flame gave him money, and now even his sister-in-law was giving him money. Perhaps he was just destined to live off women.

Li Qingwan, don't worry. For the sake of this hundred yuan, I'll make sure you have something to be proud of this weekend.

In the morning, Cao Dawei arrived at the office, picked up a rag from the corner, and began his day's work.

There was still half an hour before work officially started, but he was used to it by now. As a temp, he had to work hard and hope for a chance to become permanent.

Though the chances were slim—this year's spot had already gone to someone else. Next year, the odds would be even worse.

Last night, Cao Dawei had complained to He Haoxuan and drunk too much, cursing his fate. But once the alcohol wore off, there was no bravado left in him.

Life is just life. If you can't fight back, you might as well close your eyes and let it roll over you.

People began arriving for work, and seeing Cao Dawei working so diligently, many sneered inwardly.

Hmph. Some things just aren't up to you, Cao Dawei. Without connections or influence, you’d better just keep squatting here.

Not long after, a colleague told Cao Dawei that the boss was looking for him.

Hearing this, Cao Dawei didn’t dare delay and hurried to the inner office.

Damn, someone must have ratted him out, saying he had the wrong attitude, and now the boss wanted to settle scores.

He knocked on the door, and only entered after hearing "Come in." He respectfully greeted his boss, "Good morning, sir. Actually, I don't have any negative thoughts, don't listen to—"

Before Cao Dawei could finish, the boss cut him off with an ingratiating smile. "Dawei, you're here! Please, have a seat, let me make you some tea. You've worked so hard for us these years, and I've noticed. I’ve decided—you’ll be made permanent this year. You’ll get a higher salary, no more temp wages."

"What?" Cao Dawei thought he must have misheard and pinched his thigh hard.

But the sharp pain told him this was no dream—it was real.

"Here, have some tea." The boss immediately poured him a cup of hot tea, beaming as if greeting his own parents.

"Sir, you don’t have to be so polite." Cao Dawei was utterly confused. The boss had been so harsh yesterday—what had changed overnight? Did he suddenly become handsome or something?

Seeing him sit down, the boss leaned in and whispered, "Dawei, so you have friends in high places!"

"In high places?" Cao Dawei instantly understood—the boss must think he had some influential connection, and that’s why he was being so deferential.

Given such a golden opportunity, of course Cao Dawei wouldn't deny it. But he wouldn't outright admit it, either—sometimes a little mystery was more useful.

Seeing Cao Dawei’s inscrutable smile, the boss felt his assumption was confirmed. Even if Cao Dawei didn’t admit it, he wouldn’t dare cross him now.

The higher-ups had personally mentioned Cao Dawei’s name. If he didn’t know what to do now, he’d be a fool.

"Dawei, take this regularization form home and fill it out. Best if you can return it today—I’ll submit it right away," the boss urged.

All day, Cao Dawei felt as if he were dreaming. The boss was so nice to him that the other colleagues followed suit.

The regularization form had already been submitted. Barring anything unusual, he would become a full employee.

From now on, he’d have a formal job and no longer have to suffer humiliation. Cao Dawei felt a surge of pride and vindication.

He pulled out his phone and called He Haoxuan. "Haoxuan, let's hit the barbecue place again tonight—same spot as yesterday, don’t be late!"

"Get lost! You ducked out before paying last night. Don’t think you can freeload again tonight," He Haoxuan replied with a laugh and a curse.

In her office, Li Qingying listened as Mo Xiufang reported that Quange Corporation had transferred the full one hundred million into Baili Group’s account. She was secretly delighted. "Excellent. Keep up the good work. If the group’s performance rises to the next level this year, I’ll give you all a bonus."

"Thank you, President Li," Mo Xiufang replied happily.

Li Qingying suddenly remembered He Haoxuan’s job. "By the way, have you arranged work for He Haoxuan?"

"I’ve been thinking about it but haven’t found anything suitable yet," Mo Xiufang said nervously, trying to explain.

The truth was, she hadn’t looked into it at all. With a useless husband like President Li’s, bringing him into the company would only embarrass her.

So Mo Xiufang was absolutely unwilling to have him come, for fear people would laugh at Li Qingying.

"Find something soon," Li Qingying said. "We have so many projects now, every area needs people. There must be a place for him."

Thanks to the partnership with Quange Trading, Baili Group had expanded significantly and was hiring everywhere.

Mo Xiufang said hesitantly, "The main problem is, with someone like Mr. He—no education, no skills—I really don’t know what job to give him."

"In that case, just make him a warehouse manager," Li Qingying decided. After all, aside from driving, He Haoxuan didn’t seem capable of anything else.