Rebirth 93: Break off the engagement at the beginning and marry Bai Fumei

After a few questions, Director Li opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found that he couldn't say anything.

His mind was blank; he couldn't answer any of these questions. In other words, he hadn't thought about them when he came; he was only thinking about how to get the factory back to production.

But the problems Chen Yang is raising now—the workers' resignations—were caused by Section Chief Ma's factory closure; the suppliers' demands for payment were also caused by the factory closure; and the loss of credibility on the other hand, was also caused by the factory closure.

But how can he compensate? What will he use to compensate?

Sweat dripped down Director Li's forehead and cheeks, making a soft "plop" sound as it fell onto the coffee table.

Looking at his disheveled appearance, Chen Yang's lips curled into a slight smile, a smile that contained mockery, pleasure, and a hint of coldness.

He crossed his legs again, leaned back on the sofa, and looked as relaxed as a spectator watching a play: "Director Li, it's not that I'm not giving you face. If these issues aren't resolved, the factory will have to close down even if it's open."

"If Ziwei gets even sicker by then, I'd rather not open the clinic at all!"

Director Li finally came to his senses and hurriedly said, "Mr. Chen, this... I will handle this. I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer."

"But the most important thing right now is to resume production. We can discuss other things slowly..." As he spoke, he himself felt a lack of confidence.

Sure enough, Chen Yang waved his hand, interrupting him, "Let's discuss it slowly?"

Chen Yang's smile carried a hint of sarcasm: "Director Li, I can't believe what you're saying."

He leaned forward, staring into Director Li's eyes, and said, word by word, "When Section Chief Ma shut down the factory, he was also 'handling official business'."

"Now that the lockdown is about to be lifted, it's all about 'taking it slow and discussing it.' Our Ziwei can't take this kind of turmoil."

Hearing this, Director Li became anxious: "Boss Chen, this really can't be delayed! The main problem is that he's on the national news, and the higher-ups are pressing us hard, I..."

Chen Yang interrupted him directly, his voice as cold as the winter wind: "Director Li, as I just said, if the higher-ups are pressing you, that's your business. My wife's health is my business."

After speaking, Chen Yang stood up, walked to the door, opened it, and sunlight shone in from outside, casting a long shadow on the floor.

He stood by the door, looking at Director Li, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Director Li, please go back. We'll talk about everything after Ziwei recovers."

Director Li stood there, unsure whether to advance or retreat; his face was filled with embarrassment and helplessness.

Chen Yang looked at him, his smile unchanged: "Also, Director Li, I have something to tell you—"

His voice turned cold and hard, carrying an undeniable force: "The factory belongs to our family. We decide when it opens, and it opens when we say it won't. If I say it won't open, even the King of Heaven himself can't change my mind."

Chen Yang's lips curled up slightly. "Anyway, I, Chen Yang, am not short of money. I can keep paying the workers' wages for free."

"But I, Chen Yang, will never spend a single penny of money that is not properly accounted for!"

Director Li's face turned grim. He realized that Chen Yang was pressuring him—forcing him to offer real terms and make genuine promises.

But he had no say in the matter; he could only stand there, like a chicken with its neck being squeezed, unable to utter a single word.

After a long while, he finally moved, lowered his head, and silently walked out the door.

As he reached the door, he turned around, wanting to say something, but found himself unable to utter a word.

Chen Yang looked at him, his smile unchanged: "Director Li, take care. Don't bother seeing me out."

Before getting into the car, Director Li stood by the door, staring at the small villa for a long while. Then, he slowly turned around and got into the car.

This young man is ruthless!

He's fearless; he has no shortage of money, connections, or confidence. He can keep dragging things out and waiting.

But I can't wait, Secretary Wei can't wait, and the higher-ups can't wait either!

Upstairs, Chen Yang stood by the window, watching the car drive away, a smile playing on his lips. That smile contained satisfaction, smugness, and a hint of coldness.

"Director Li," he muttered to himself, "go back and tell your Secretary Wei—this time, don't even think about getting me to open the door without paying a hefty price."

Behind him, the bedroom door opened. Fang Ziwei came out, stood beside him, and gently took his hand: "Brother, aren't you... going too far?"

Chen Yang turned to look at her and smiled: "Passed? When they shut down your factory, didn't they ever think about that?"

He gently pulled Fang Ziwei into his arms, resting his chin on her hair: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Fang Ziwei leaned against him, silent. But she knew this battle had only just begun. And her man was seeking justice for her in his own way.

Outside the window, the sunlight was perfect, and a golden ray of light shone on the two of them.

Director Li returned to the province and went directly to Wei Yuan's office. Wei Yuan was sitting behind his desk with a furrowed brow and an ashtray full of cigarette butts in front of him.

Seeing Director Li enter, he looked up and asked, "How did it go?"

Director Li shook his head, recounted what had happened, and finally sighed, "Secretary Wei, that Chen Yang is trying to make demands of us. But I don't have the authority to do so, and I can't meet his demands."

Wei Yuan remained silent for a long while, then he sighed heavily: "This time we've really bitten off more than we can chew."

Director Li was taken aback: "Secretary Wei, you mean..."

Wei Yuan stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to him: "The higher-ups just called again, asking about the progress of the matter." He paused, his voice becoming heavy: "I just found out myself that this couple's background is not as simple as just Fang Zhenguo."

Director Li's heart tightened, and he sat up straight. Wei Yuan slowly said, "First, her husband, Chen Yang, is a specially invited appraiser of the National Appraisal Committee. Do you understand what this identity means?"

Director Li gasped. A specially invited appraiser of the National Appraisal Committee—that's one of the highest honors in the field of cultural relic appraisal. Those who can become this person are people with real skills and real backgrounds.

Wei Yuan took a deep drag on his cigarette, looked at the setting sun outside, and continued, "Secondly, Chen Yang is Song Kaiyuan's grand-disciple. You should know Song Kaiyuan, right?"

Director Li nodded, indicating that he had heard of him, "He's just a grand-disciple, not Old Song's biological grandson..."

Song Kaiyuan, the elder, needs no introduction about his status. It is said that even high-ranking leaders treat him with great respect.

"He's not my biological grandson, but he's better than my own!" Wei Yuan breathed a long sigh of relief.

“Song Kaiyuan is extremely proud of this grand-disciple,” Wei Yuan said with a hint of bitterness. “No one in the capital is willing to offend him, but we’re the ones who deliberately walk into his trap.”

Director Li's legs were a little weak. Wei Yuan continued, "Third, Fang Ziwei's brother, Fang Dahai, married Guan Xiaona, the daughter of Minister Guan."

Wei Yuan turned around and looked at Director Li: "These are not the most important things."

Director Li was stunned, and opened his mouth: "If none of these are important, then what is the most important thing?"

Wei Yuan stubbed out his cigarette and took a deep breath: "I just received news that this Fang Ziwei has been cooperating with Baoli Group for the past two years, providing them with polypropylene masks."

Director Li asked in confusion, "What? Baoli Group?"

Wei Yuan nodded weakly: "Baoli Group has signed contracts with hospitals in many countries to supply medical supplies on a long-term basis. The delivery date has not yet arrived."

"But if we can't deliver the goods by the due date..." He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

Director Li sat in his chair, completely dumbfounded. He stood there stunned for a long while before stammering, "Secretary Wei... what... what should we do?"

He recalled Chen Yang's leisurely demeanor and the words he had spoken that afternoon, and a chill ran down his spine: "Based on my interaction with Chen Yang this afternoon, this kid is trying to get conditions from us."

"But my rights are absolutely insufficient to satisfy him!"

Wei Yuan remained silent for a while, then looked up at the window. "It seems that I have no choice but to take action myself."

Director Li was stunned: "Governor Wei, you..."

Wei Yuan waved his hand: "This matter is best resolved as soon as possible. The longer it drags on, the bigger the problem will become."

He turned around and looked at Director Li: "You'll come with me to dinner!"

"I've inquired and found out that Secretary Fang has been having dinner at Chen Yang's house these past two days. With Secretary Fang there, we can talk to each other more easily. After all, with Secretary Fang around, Chen Yang wouldn't dare to ask for an exorbitant amount."

"Even if they don't give us face, they have to give face to their father-in-law!"