Chapter 88: Support (Part Two)
"Fang Yi, what did Brother Zhao just say to you?"
After Zhao Hongtao and his group departed, the portly man leaned closer to Fang Yi and inquired. Zhao Hongtao's seemingly casual gesture sparked a flurry of speculation among many, leading them to wonder if Fang Yi and his companions were somehow related to the Zhao family.
"He mentioned that he would be dining with Man Ge tonight. Are you planning to join us?" Fang Yi turned to the portly man, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he replied, "As you can see, Brother Zhao's words can spare us a great deal of trouble. You should raise a few more glasses to him tonight; it would certainly benefit our future business endeavors…"
"W-well, Fang Yi, why don't you just help me toast a few times?" The portly man struggled internally for a moment before speaking, "Fang Yi, as the saying goes, 'money is valuable, but love is priceless.' I think I'll pursue my romantic interests tonight instead…"
"Get lost, you heartless scoundrel…" Fang Yi chuckled, playfully rebuking the portly man before signaling San Pao to start packing up the stall.
"Ah, Boss Fang, I sincerely apologize for earlier. We meant no offense; we simply wanted to get to know you and your friends better…" Just as Fang Yi and his companions finished tidying their stall, four or five individuals approached, the leader tugging at Lao Ma's sleeve. "Lao Ma, don't you agree? The young men have been in the market for several days now, and we'd like to treat you all to a meal. It would be great to foster some camaraderie…"
Previously, these individuals believed that banding together would compel Fang Yi and his companions to bow to their influence, but now their perspective had shifted. The antique market had limited stalls, and if Fang Yi decided to oust them, it wouldn't take much effort. They realized that the moment Fang Yi took action, others would swiftly fill their place.
Thus, after the departure of Director Zhao and Director Zhou, these individuals quickly convened and approached with a conciliatory demeanor, their words dripping with caution, fearful that Fang Yi and his friends, being young and impetuous, might retaliate over earlier grievances.
"Brother, you're too kind. We all make our living in this market; it's tough for everyone…"
Noticing their cautious demeanor, Fang Yi waved his hand dismissively and said, "The market is vast; no single entity can monopolize it. We will adhere to the rules established by all, so there's no need for concern…"
"Boss Fang, that's not what we meant…" Upon hearing Fang Yi's words, the leader's expression shifted, and he forced a smile as he explained, "It's not that we envy your success; it's just that in this antique market, no one has ever hawked their wares. After all, this is a cultural market; if everyone were to shout for business, it would resemble a mere vegetable market."
"Indeed, my friend makes a valid point. We shall refrain from hawking our goods in the future; there's no need for alarm…" Fang Yi nodded in agreement, regarding the man with newfound respect. As the saying goes, 'the marketplace is mundane, while culture is refined.' If they were to muddy the waters of this market, even those engaged in other antique dealings would likely conspire against them.
"Honestly, even if you did shout, it wouldn't matter…" The man was nearly in tears at Fang Yi's words. Others, with their power and connections, could block customers at the entrance of the antique market without a second thought.
"Lao Jin, if Brother Yi says it's fine, then it's fine…" Lao Ma interjected, attempting to smooth over the situation. "Weren't we just discussing treating you to drinks? Let's go, why are we all standing around?"
"Ma Ge, Lao Jin, it's quite unfortunate today; I fear I won't be able to join you for drinks…" Fang Yi replied apologetically, "I have an elder at home who needs to dine with me; I simply cannot get away…"
"Ah, Boss Fang, perhaps we can reschedule? You must honor us with your presence…" Lao Jin's face darkened at Fang Yi's words, mistakenly assuming that Fang Yi was rejecting their apology, and even felt compelled to use honorifics when addressing the barely twenty-year-old.
"Lao Jin, as the saying goes, 'there's no time like the present.' Since you've extended your kindness, we shall certainly partake in the drinks…" Fang Yi suddenly broke into a smile and added, "I have prior engagements with the portly fellow tonight, but San Pao will represent us. We hope you will grace us with your presence when we next invite you…"
As the saying goes, 'it takes a village to raise a child.' Since Fang Yi wished to avoid conflict with the entrenched interests in the antique market, he was keen to maintain a façade of goodwill. However, his carefully chosen words effectively quelled any lingering thoughts of antagonism among the local powers.
Upon observing Fang Yi's resolute demeanor, Lao Jin and his companions could only extend their invitation to San Pao. Nevertheless, Lao Jin learned from Lao Ma that the only one among them capable of making decisions was this handsome young man, and he resolved that when Fang Yi next extended an invitation, he would ensure that the young man would not have to pay.
"Times are tough for everyone…"
After San Pao departed with Lao Jin and the others, Fang Yi and the portly man returned their goods to Man Jun's shop. As they walked through the market, feeling the mixture of envy and trepidation emanating from the onlookers, Fang Yi couldn't help but sigh. At that moment, he truly grasped the wisdom of his master's saying, "In the world of men, one is often not in control of their own destiny."
Fang Yi had initially intended to conduct his business with honesty, yet reality dictated otherwise. Without any form of backing, no matter how capable his friends were, the ultimate outcome would likely be a quiet exit. Thus, Fang Yi bore no resentment toward the portly man for alerting Zhao Hongtao; he was not the sort to be rigid and inflexible.
"Utter nonsense, a bunch of individuals who can't stand to see others prosper…"
The portly man was still unable to shake off the events of the afternoon. If they had managed to secure the tourist group that had just arrived, the money spent on their phones would have been completely recouped. Naturally, with real money at stake, the portly man was filled with frustration.
"Enough, my friend. One cannot dine alone; otherwise, no matter how skilled you are, the path ahead will only narrow…" Having cultivated wisdom over many years, Fang Yi understood the principle that rigidity can lead to downfall. Sometimes, conceding a little can yield greater benefits in the long run. Being obstinate in every situation would only hinder one's progress in society.
"Now that we've reached an understanding, let's maintain a good relationship. Now, go meet your Meng Shuangshuang…" Upon arriving at Man Jun's door, Fang Yi waved his hand and said, "Don't be too late, and avoid causing any trouble…"
It was rather peculiar; although Fang Yi and the portly man were of similar ages, Fang Yi exhibited a maturity far beyond his years. In just a few days since descending the mountain, the portly man and San Pao had reverted to following Fang Yi's lead as they had on the mountain.
"Brother Zhao, I truly appreciate your assistance today…" Upon entering the house, Fang Yi discovered that Zhao Hongtao had already arrived, engaged in conversation with Man Jun.
"What trouble? You are my junior brother; could I stand idly by while others bully you? These individuals wouldn't know their limits unless they were taught a lesson…" Zhao Hongtao spoke of reprimanding others, yet his face was adorned with a smile, clearly in high spirits.
Earlier that afternoon, Zhao Hongtao had received reliable news that another deputy director competing for the directorship would be reassigned next month. This meant that once the old director retired next year, Zhao Hongtao's promotion to director was all but assured.
Zhao Hongtao understood that the incident involving Gu Guo Guang alone would not topple the deputy director of equal rank. His teacher played a crucial role in this matter, and Zhao Hongtao recognized that while his teacher's intervention would certainly bolster his reputation, Fang Yi's involvement was equally significant.
Thus, after receiving the portly man's call that afternoon, Zhao Hongtao wasted no time in bringing Director Zhou along to support Fang Yi. After all, the fact that Fang Yi would soon be studying under Sun Lianda could not be concealed, and Zhao Hongtao was unafraid of gossip; why should he assist outsiders instead of his own junior?
"Actually, they didn't bully me…" Fang Yi chuckled at Zhao Hongtao's words, "The righteous often band together; the people in this market are quite decent, wouldn't you agree, Man Ge?"
Zhao Hongtao's statement encompassed everyone in the antique market, causing Fang Yi to notice that Man Jun, sitting nearby, appeared somewhat awkward, prompting him to intervene and ease the tension.
"Fang Yi is correct; Director Zhao, you mustn't generalize based on a single incident…" Man Jun jested with a smile, and given his current social circle and status, he had no need to ingratiate himself to Zhao Hongtao.
"What are you all discussing? Fang Yi, you haven't even prepared dinner today?" As their conversation progressed, Sun Lao arrived just in time to catch Fang Yi unprepared.
"Teacher, please have a seat; I'll start cooking right away…" Fang Yi scratched his head, offering a quick remark before diving into the kitchen, while Zhao Hongtao stepped outside to recount the afternoon's events to Sun Lao.
"If you can't conduct business properly, don't blame others for shouting. Fang Yi, if such incidents arise again, I will support you!" After learning the details, Sun Lao snorted, his eyes gleaming with pride. "My apprentice must excel not only in knowledge but also in business acumen. I foresee that in the future, young Man here won't be able to match Fang Yi…"
Sun Lao's attitude was a classic case of favoritism, fiercely protective of his own. Unfortunately, the innocent Man Jun found himself caught in the crossfire, nodding along helplessly.
Weekly Power Status
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