Chapter 102: Trouble Arrives!

Zhou Meiniang's beauty was beyond description.

Wang Chengzhi had had his eye on her for a long time.

When he heard the news that Zhou Meiniang had divorced Wang Weihua, Wang Chengzhi saw it as an unparalleled opportunity. He was utterly convinced that nothing now stood in the way between himself and Zhou Meiniang.

Moreover, Wang Chengzhi did not believe that a divorced woman could refuse him, especially now that he had been promoted.

Having encountered Zhou Meiniang here, he was determined to win her over...

The thought that such a woman would soon be within his grasp made Wang Chengzhi so excited that he could barely control himself. Even while eating, his eyes constantly strayed in Zhou Meiniang's direction.

Yet, what he could never have imagined—even in his dreams—was that Zhou Meiniang was chatting and laughing with another man.

That fellow seemed vaguely familiar.

Back when Wang Weihua was fooling around outside, this man's shadow seemed to linger nearby as well. Wang Chengzhi frowned, pondering deeply. As an old hand, he keenly sensed that the relationship between the two was anything but ordinary.

They sat close together, which was unremarkable, but what mattered greatly was that Zhou Meiniang was gazing at the man with tender affection!

That was intolerable.

Now, after so much effort, he finally had his chance!

If this man snatched her away...

He would never accept it!

That was inevitable.

Wang Chengzhi was no fool. Zhou Meiniang was from Factory One, and the man’s purpose here was to negotiate with Shencheng Steel, meaning he was likely from Factory One as well.

And possibly Zhou Meiniang's superior!

Factories One, Two, Three, and Four all belonged to the same state-owned enterprise, though competition ran fierce between them. This order might decide which factory would gain the opportunity—a matter of great importance.

He could certainly use this to his advantage!

"Those over there are from Factory One, aren't they?" Wang Chengzhi said deliberately.

Several dining with him were his subordinates. Eager to curry favor with their newly promoted director, they responded quickly.

"Director Wang, they are from Factory One, but you needn’t worry. How could they compare with us?"

"Factory One ranks among the bottom two of the four factories—practically brothers in adversity with Factory Two. You really don’t need to worry about them!"

"They pose no threat to us at all. Those guys would never dare be arrogant in front of us. That would be a joke—ridiculous, really."

Their words brimmed with contempt, for to them, there was absolutely no threat. Such was the obvious reality.

Wang Chengzhi frowned. Even when flattering, they ought to perceive their superior’s intentions. Did he ask for this?

He spoke, "What are you saying? We’re comrades on the same front, all striving for the company’s profit!

Come, let’s go over and say hello, let the colleagues from Factory One get to know us."

He then led the way toward them.

The others followed closely behind.

Over at Shen Guodong’s table, they were eating. In truth, Bald Brother had already noticed their movements and nudged him, the meaning clear.

"Wang Chengzhi is Wang Weihua’s cousin," Zhou Meiniang explained quietly. "He’s the one I mentioned before—he's interested in me. Back when I was still married to Wang Weihua, he used to say filthy things to me—utterly disgusting.

Now, could he be here because of me? Logically, news of my divorce from Wang Weihua should have reached them by now."

Shen Guodong shrugged. "You already said he has designs on you. Now that you’re divorced, it’s the perfect moment for him to make a move. He needn’t bear any unpleasant reputation!

He could even keep you as his golden canary openly, without sneaking around. How could he possibly let this chance slip?"

How could he not see through the man’s intentions?

Besides, the competition among the factories was fierce—being mere rivals was fortunate enough. Was the man really here to reminisce? Impossible!

"I am Wang Chengzhi, Investment Director of Factory Three. You’re from Factory One, right?" Wang Chengzhi got straight to the point. "We’re all part of the same family. Why not sit together, have a meal, and get acquainted?"

It was said that one should not strike a smiling face.

From a broader perspective, the factories belonged to one family.

So sitting together for a meal was not unreasonable.

After all, though they disliked each other and competed fiercely, the conflict could never be brought into the open—that would be another matter entirely.

However, Shen Guodong was a man who enjoyed breaking the rules. He looked at them coldly and said, "What is the relationship between Factory Three and Factory One? Don’t you know yourselves? If you’ve got something to say, say it; if you want to fart, fart. There’s no need to eat together—the dishes are all the same. I don’t want to watch you eat; it ruins my appetite!"

His words stunned everyone around.

This fellow... his words were far too blunt!

It was almost unbelievable.

In that instant, Wang Chengzhi’s expression darkened. He hadn’t expected Shen Guodong to speak to him in this manner—wasn’t he courting disaster?

"How can you speak to Director Wang like that!"

"Apologize to Director Wang at once. Do you even understand your own position? Why act tough here?"

"You’re asking for trouble. Who do you think you are, Northeasterner? If you don’t apologize to Director Wang today, don’t blame us for being rude!"

"We know exactly what Factory One is like. How dare you flaunt in front of Factory Three? You’re asking for trouble!"

"You ought to look in the mirror! Director Wang greets you; that’s giving you face. Who do you think you are, daring to speak to us like that?"

"Don’t you know how to behave, kid?"

The men from Factory Three, hearing Shen Guodong refuse to honor their superior, reacted as if someone had violated their wives—their rage reached a fever pitch.

They glared at Shen Guodong, furious, like cats with their tails stepped on.

Shen Guodong regarded them with disdain.

This bunch of petty thugs dared to be arrogant before him? They were courting death.

Did they really think he brought Bald Brother along just for show?