Chapter 94: Proper and Decent

The following day, the group emerged from the inn.

Shen Guodong maintained his usual attire, unchanged and composed. Zhou Meiniang, on the other hand, was dressed with striking sensuality. The night before, she had practiced walking in high heels within the inn, her feet blistered from the effort. Despite Shen Guodong’s concern, he endured it for the sake of their plan.

Fortunately, Zhou Meiniang seemed to possess a mysterious talent in this regard; by morning, she could walk comfortably, drawing the stunned gaze of all those around them. Who was this ethereal woman, so impossibly beautiful?

Shen Guodong and Zhou Meiniang led the way. Behind them followed Bald Brother and his companions, all uniformly dressed in sunglasses, suits, and leather shoes. Even those with intentions of their own dared not utter a word upon seeing such a display.

“Baldy, you’re in charge of driving. When we reach the steel mill, act tough. If anyone approaches me, step in and block them immediately, understood? Also, remember to open the car doors for me—just like in the movies. Play the role of a bodyguard, act fierce and intimidating. If you frighten them, that’s perfect,” Shen Guodong instructed thoughtfully. “Call me ‘young master’ or ‘Master Shen,’ that’s fine. Meiniang, you too—be casual, everything’s under my control.”

After he finished, the others realized he intended to make a grand show at the Shencheng Steel Mill. But could such a scheme really succeed? Though doubts lingered in their hearts, since Shen Guodong spoke with such certainty, they resolved to follow his lead.

This time, Bald Brother brought three cars. All were vehicles he’d acquired during his days of fighting—taken from others. In the middle was an Audi; the lead car a Fukang; the rear, a Xiali.

In an era when cars were rare, such a convoy rivaled the spectacle of Bentleys leading, Rolls-Royces in the center, and Maybachs at the rear in later years.

Naturally, their procession drew countless stares along the way. Three cars lined up in formation—such grandeur was reserved for officials. Had another big shot come to Shencheng?

The passersby speculated eagerly.

After a dozen minutes, the cars arrived at Shencheng Steel Mill. The gatekeeper was still that young man. At the sight of three cars, his sleepiness vanished. He hurried forward, filled with confusion—was some important person visiting today? Usually, he’d receive advance notice, but today, he’d heard nothing. The lack of information left him utterly perplexed.

Suddenly, seven or eight burly men stepped out from the front and rear cars, standing guard by the vehicles with a stern demeanor that startled the young man.

From the Audi, a burly man emerged from the driver’s seat, then opened the rear door. First to step out was a woman of breathtaking beauty.

The young man was stunned. He hadn’t expected this at all. Wasn’t this the woman he’d seen at the First Lathe Factory in Fengcheng? How had she ended up here, emerging from the car in such attire?

“Young master,” the beautiful woman greeted respectfully, bowing.

The young man recognized the youth from yesterday, still dressed as before. The reception staff was bewildered—what was going on? He couldn’t make sense of it.

Just as he was about to inquire, a sudden angry shout rang out, “Who are you? Get lost!”

The young man froze in place.

Shen Guodong spoke up, “It’s alright. I saw this fellow when I came yesterday—no problem.”

“Young master…” Bald Brother called anxiously, unsure how to proceed.

Shen Guodong replied, “It’s fine. I’m not so precious. Few people know about this visit, it’s not dangerous. Besides, this comrade spoke to me yesterday.”

Their exchange was seamless.

The young man’s expression changed completely; something felt amiss. Did this youth possess some astonishing identity? The thought unsettled him, and his face paled. Looking at their entourage, this was certainly not something an ordinary person could command.

He felt relief that he hadn’t done anything excessive yesterday; otherwise, not even the king of heaven could save him.

His breathing became rapid, his complexion shifting.

“Comrades, may I ask which organization you represent?”

Seeing Shen Guodong’s friendly manner, the young man dared to step forward, only to be met with a fierce glare from Bald Brother—so intimidating it nearly made him faint. This man was exactly like those bodyguards in television dramas; even his gaze seemed lethal. The young man’s conviction deepened: the youth’s identity was extraordinary, far beyond ordinary.

“Comrade, it’s not convenient to disclose which organization we belong to. Go inform the factory director—I wish to meet him to discuss important matters,” Shen Guodong said calmly, his gestures carrying a hint of distinguished bearing.

The young man shuddered. If the identity couldn’t be revealed, coupled with the companions’ attire and the central car—a genuine official vehicle—it all signaled the youth’s exceptional status. For a minor character like himself, the less he knew, the better. He dared not ask further.

He hurriedly ushered Shen Guodong and his party into the factory grounds.

“Comrades, please wait here. I’ll report to the director immediately,” he said.

The scene was so intimidating that he dared not take it lightly. Although there was no prior notice, he assumed this was a surprise inspection from above; only that would make sense. If he neglected his duty, he’d be in serious trouble.

The young man quickly left.

As soon as he was gone, Zhou Meiniang exhaled heavily, feeling as if she might collapse. “Guodong, this is exhausting! How did that young man believe us so easily?”

“Brother Shen… I’ve been around for years, but never so nervous. I was terrified I’d slip and give us away,” Bald Brother said.

Shen Guodong gave them a sidelong glance. “Don’t be nervous. I’m here. When the factory director arrives, don’t say a word—just act cold. Do as you’ve seen in those dramas: ruthless, silent types. Trust me, everything will be resolved.”

The group nodded.

Just then, some commotion could be heard outside.

They all tensed, on high alert.