Chapter Ninety-Two: Shen Guodong’s Scheme

Zhou Meiniang also noticed Shen Guodong's sorrow, but at this moment, she didn't know how to comfort him. The two walked to the entrance.

The young man instinctively straightened his posture and asked, "How are you both doing?"

Zhou Meiniang originally had no intention to respond, but she thought she might glean some useful information, so she inquired, "Comrade, may I ask you something? Why does Director Wang seem reluctant to speak with us? Do you know the reason?"

"I'm not sure myself! Oh, wait, there was something—Director Wang once told everyone that Factory No. 1 was where he grew up, and if possible, he would be inclined toward it. But then a letter arrived from Fengcheng—just two days ago. After reading it, Director Wang stopped mentioning Factory No. 1 altogether. I don't know why," the young man replied.

Zhou Meiniang's expression shifted slightly, while Shen Guodong felt a shock in his heart. He suddenly turned around, his previously dazed face now transformed, completely taken aback.

"Comrade, do you know who delivered the letter?" Shen Guodong, as if seeing a glimmer of hope, asked with a hint of excitement.

The young man was somewhat startled by Shen Guodong's demeanor and replied, "Brother, how could I know? I delivered the letter myself. I only saw it came from Fengcheng, but I really don't know who sent it."

Shen Guodong realized he had pressed too hard. He quickly apologized, "Sorry, comrade, I was being presumptuous. We'll be on our way now, won't disturb you further."

He took Zhou Meiniang and left. She hurriedly thanked the young man, which made him quite excited, but then he felt a bit disappointed—there was nothing to be done, as she already had a husband.

He couldn't help but envy Shen Guodong. What a fortunate man—to have such a beautiful wife! If he could even taste a kiss from a woman like that, he would wake up smiling from his dreams.

They arrived at the hostel arranged by Shencheng Steel Plant.

Only one room had been provided. In these times, conditions were modest; they didn't care if you were man or woman, or what your relationship was. If you didn't want to share, you'd have to pay for your own room. But given Shen Guodong and Zhou Meiniang's relationship, sharing was no issue.

They had already agreed to meet Bald Brother at this hostel, and had seen his car parked downstairs.

Shortly after the two checked in, there was a knock at the door. It was Bald Brother and his group.

"Brother Shen, you just came back from Shencheng Steel Plant, right? How did it go?" Bald Brother was quite concerned; he'd recently heard rumors that state-owned enterprises would undergo reform, so Shen Guodong's words must be true, without a shred of falsehood.

If Shen Guodong secured the contract, his authority in the factory would certainly increase, an inevitable outcome.

"Not very well. Director Wang is from our factory, so I thought we'd at least have some advantage, but unexpectedly, he's not enthusiastic about our factory—he doesn't even really want to hear us out.

I was puzzled, but now I think I understand." Shen Guodong spoke calmly, "Director Wang received a letter these past two days. The key lies in that letter; I'm certain it contains something unfavorable about our factory, which ultimately made Director Wang abandon us.

Meeting us now is just a formality. Director Wang has likely already made up his mind, and when it comes to the bidding, we'll most likely be eliminated right away."

"What!" Bald Brother, who had been confident, was now completely stunned. What should he do? After Shen Guodong’s assurances, he'd begun gathering funds. Shen Guodong had said the chances of success were high.

Now, thinking about it, his expression soured. Undeniably, his spirits plummeted in that instant.

"Brother Shen, what should I do? You promised me before. These days, I've been gathering funds; I've borrowed a lot from friends and family, and also from the bank with interest," Bald Brother said anxiously.

"Bald Brother, don't worry. Since I promised you, I'll find a way—that much you can trust. Besides, the bidding is the day after tomorrow, so we still have one day to turn things around. Just follow my lead!

I brought you here as a precaution; otherwise, you could have just waited in Fengcheng. No need to come all the way here!" Shen Guodong was surprisingly calm.

Bald Brother was a straightforward man—good for tough jobs, but he had no business acumen, so it was up to Shen Guodong to manage the situation. Even a small mistake could spell disaster.

As the backbone, even if he was deeply anxious, he had to remain composed—there was no question about it.

Besides, things might still be salvageable. Shen Guodong believed there would be a solution, as long as he played his cards right.

"What do you want me to do? Should I get a few guys to wait for Director Wang after work and threaten him?" Bald Brother said fiercely.

Such was the style of those in the underworld.

Hearing this, Shen Guodong was more speechless than ever. Director Wang wasn't the only decision maker—even if you killed him, nothing would change.

There was little he could actually do. Targeting Wang Dayou was less effective than targeting those above him. Of course, that was just a passing thought.

After all, this was Shencheng; Bald Brother’s few men wouldn’t accomplish much, and it would be troublesome if they couldn't even return home. That was undeniable.

In that moment, Shen Guodong said, "Bald Brother, we're here for business, not violence. Put that away; I have my own methods."

Bald Brother smiled awkwardly. "Alright, Brother Shen, just tell me what to do—I'll follow your instructions and won't mess around."

"Right… Take a few brothers and get properly dressed: suits, leather shoes, sunglasses, the whole ensemble. Meiniang, you should buy a new outfit too—dress like a secretary, just like those you see on TV from Hong Kong," Shen Guodong instructed quickly.