After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

Gong Yuelong sat in the car, not in a hurry to get out. After the dust settled, he felt a faint sense of relief and comfort.

He finally understood something more: those who can truly gain a foothold and grow big in the construction industry rely on far more than just skills.

A craftsman is someone who can only do physical work;

A good boss is one who can keep people engaged, manage resources effectively, keep accounts clear, and balance the interests and concerns of all parties.

Before, he only thought about how to build the building; now he has to think about how to establish rules and weave a tight net around his own people.

Giving the materials to Cao Dayong was to plug the most likely loophole that would lead to money leakage, and also to give the brothers who had followed him the earliest a real support.

The idea of ​​insurance and retirement is like a carrot hanging in the sky, giving people hope and a sense of purpose.

These two things are more effective than empty words of loyalty.

The construction industry is a murky business.

On the surface, it's all blueprints, cement, and steel bars; beneath the surface, it's all about connections, kickbacks, factions, and naked exchanges of benefits.

Wu Jinshui, that kind of local bully, makes a living by stirring up trouble.

You want to work and earn money cleanly? No way. You have to learn to swim in muddy waters first, and you have to swim faster and harder than others in order not to be dragged down, and even... have a chance to clear a small patch of water.

Kicking Wang Biao's leg today is the first step in swimming – telling all the fish, shrimp, and turtles watching this pond that a dragon that doesn't follow their rules has arrived.

Whether the duck can be fast, steady, and find its own food remains to be seen.

……

The car drove to the edge of the labor market in the north of the city where Cao Dayong rented a place, and the road was narrow and bumpy.

There's a small restaurant by the roadside with a sign that says "Home-style Dishes."

Gong Yuelong glanced at it and pulled the car over to the side of the road.

"Get out of the car," he said to Cao Dayong, then gestured with his chin to Shunzi, Lao Nian, and Xiao Wu in the back seat, "Get out of the car. You've been up all night, your stomachs are empty, have something to eat before you go back."

Cao Dayong hurriedly said, "Brother Long, no need to spend money, I'll just make some noodles when I get back..."

"Stop talking nonsense." Gong Yuelong had already pushed the door open and left. "Shunzi, help your brother Yong. Just to calm the brothers down."

The group entered the restaurant.

The place wasn't big, with five or six tables set up, and the walls were yellowed from the soot.

At this time, there are still two tables of scattered customers drinking.

The proprietress was a plump middle-aged woman who recognized Cao Dayong; these migrant workers often ate dinner at her place.

"Oh, what's wrong with Dayong? His face is pale." The proprietress came over wiping her hands.

"It's nothing, Auntie, I just bumped into something," Cao Dayong forced a smile.

"Same as always, bring a couple more hearty dishes." Gong Yuelong found a round table further inside and sat down. "Bring a big pot of stewed bone broth. Also, get... a bottle of baijiu and two cases of beer."

"Okay!" The proprietress quickly wrote it down and called out to the kitchen.

Soon, the dishes were served.

A large pot of steaming bone broth, topped with oil and chopped scallions;

A plate of glistening braised pork belly, with alternating layers of fat and lean meat;

Stir-fried green peppers with eggs, stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, and a large plate of peanuts.

The wine has also been set out.

"Everyone, pick up your chopsticks." Gong Yuelong first ladled a bowl of soup for Cao Dayong and pushed it towards him, "Drink it while it's hot, it's good to have something to eat."

He poured beer for the others, and opened a glass of baijiu for himself, pouring about half a glass.

"Let's put this matter behind us. Be more vigilant in the future, but don't be afraid of trouble. Come on, let's have a toast."

The glasses clinked together, and the chilled beer went down, carrying a slightly bitter malty aroma.

After a few bites of food and drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

Shunzi vividly recounted how Brother Long kicked him, how Wang Biao fell, and how the thugs signed the IOU.

Old Nian silently gnawed on the bone, occasionally adding a few details.

As Cao Dayong sipped his soup, listened to his brothers talking, and looked at the steaming dishes on the table, the awkwardness he felt from the money spent on his injury slowly melted away.

Brother Long didn't treat him as a burden, and the brothers didn't laugh at him either. They even sat together to drink and eat meat.

This feeling is more effective than any medicine.

Gong Yuelong slowly sipped his baijiu, listened, and occasionally chimed in with a word or two.

He looked at the familiar faces on the table: Cao Dayong's honesty, Shunzi's cleverness, Lao Nian's silence, and Xiao Wu's impetuousness.

They were all brought from his hometown, or later became devoted followers of him.

Tonight's performance has bound them even closer together.

If we share the risks, we should share the rewards in the future.

"Brother Long," Shunzi leaned closer and whispered, "Wu Jinshui... he definitely won't let this go, right?"

"Okay. So from now on, keep your eyes peeled. If anything seems off, don't make assumptions, tell me immediately."

The group of people straightened up and nodded.

"But don't be too tense," Gong Yuelong said, softening his tone.

"We'll work when we need to work, and we'll eat when we need to eat. Wu Jinshui is a local bully, but we're not made of clay."

These words, spoken in a plain tone, caused the people at the table to unconsciously straighten their backs a little.

After a few rounds of drinks, most of the dishes had been eaten.

Cao Dayong regained some color in his face and became more talkative.

One case of beer was empty, and a few bottles were opened in the other case.

Gong Yuelong checked the time; it was almost time.

He asked the proprietress to settle the bill.

"Brother Long, this meal is my turn..." Cao Dayong reached for his crumpled wallet again.

"You can hire me after you become a materials clerk and start earning a proper salary." Gong Yuelong pressed his hand down and paid him.

As we left the small restaurant, a night breeze helped us sober up a bit.

In the narrow alleyways of the urban village, only the sound of their footsteps and the faint barking of dogs could be heard.

After seeing Cao Dayong off to the door of his rented room, Gong Yuelong patted him on the shoulder: "Take your medicine on time and get some rest. You can take over the materials clerk job once you've recovered."

He then said to Shunzi and the others, "Go back, you all, we have to get up early tomorrow."

Watching them disappear into the maze-like alleys, Gong Yuelong turned and walked towards the parking lot.

That night, blood was spilled, authority was established, and people's hearts were calmed and appeased.

The road has been paved a step forward.

He opened the car door, got in, but didn't start the car immediately.

He took out a cigarette, lit it, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled.

The meal was eaten, the wine was drunk, and people's hearts were temporarily united.

Next, we just have to wait and see what kind of stones Wu Jinshui will throw over.

He stubbed out his cigarette and started the car.

……

The next day, at Juxian Pavilion, in Tingsong Room.

Jiang Yan arrived early and personally arranged the tea set.

Today's game is crucial.

She glanced at Gong Yuelong who had come in; he had changed into clean clothes and shaved his beard, and looked alright.

"The next one is Fu Mingde, the deputy head of security at the High-tech Zone, in charge of security," Jiang Yan said in a low voice.

"This man is cunning, has a respectable appearance, and can get things done, but he never gets involved in any dirty business."

Wu Jinshui and he used to have dealings, but those relationships have faded now.

"Speak less and listen more later. If he asks about the construction site, tell the truth, but don't mention the details of your broken leg. He wants to know that you're okay, not a story."

Gong Yuelong nodded: "Understood."

Footsteps approached.

The door opened, and Fu Mingde came in, wearing a jacket and shirt, with a standard smile.

He first nodded to Jiang Yan: "President Jiang." His gaze swept over Gong Yuelong, lingering for a moment.

"Director Fu, this is Gong Yuelong, Boss Gong, the one who gets things done," Jiang Yan introduced.

"Director Fu." Gong Yuelong stood up.

"Sit down." Fu Mingde waved his hand, sat down, and accepted the tea. "Good tea."

They exchanged a few pleasantries about the weather.

Fu Mingde changed the subject casually: "The High-tech Zone values ​​stability, especially public security; there can't be any trouble. I heard things weren't peaceful at the construction site in the north area a few days ago? There was even some fighting?"

"Here he comes." Gong Yuelong's mind raced. Fu Mingde had indeed found out, and had even pointed it out directly.