Diary of Getting Rich Quick in the South

"You dare lay a hand on our General Manager Liu? Believe me, you'll be leaving here straddling a chair today!"

"You're so young and don't know your place! Kneel down and apologize right now, or you won't leave here unscathed!"

Several people pointed at me and threatened me.

I wasn't afraid at all, and I stood in front of Su Wan to protect her: "I know, she's an animal!"

"You still dare to be stubborn!"

One of the tall, thin men gritted his teeth and was about to step forward.

Just as they were about to make their move again, the door to the private room was pushed open from the outside.

Zhao Hongqi walked in.

He was followed by Old Ghost and a henchman, looking extremely intimidating.

It was clear that someone had notified him immediately when Liu Ming caused trouble earlier.

Zhao Hongqi glanced at the chaotic private room, his gaze first landing on me. He was slightly taken aback when he saw that I was dressed in casual clothes.

When he saw Su Wan, whose face was pale, he immediately understood the situation.

He was very tactful and showed no intention of exposing my job as a waiter; he acted like a boss who was simply there to handle customer disputes.

Upon seeing Zhao Hongqi, Liu Ming hurriedly covered his mouth and stood up, shouting, "Mr. Zhao, you've come at the perfect time! Look at this! I'm here on your turf, just to enjoy my business, and some random kid barges in and starts hitting me. Is this place now a place where just anyone can beat up customers?"

His three friends also stood up to support him.

"That's right, Mr. Zhao! Our Mr. Liu has been a customer here for years and has never caused any trouble. Today, he was inexplicably beaten up. You have to give us an explanation!"

"This isn't over until you give us an explanation!"

A hint of displeasure flashed in Zhao Hongqi's eyes, but having been in the business world for many years, he understood the ways of the world and knew that he couldn't confront a big client like Liu Ming head-on.

He didn't use harsh words to intimidate him, but said calmly and respectfully, "Mr. Liu, I'm really sorry. It's my fault for not managing the store well, which has caused you to suffer. This is my oversight."

As he spoke, he pointed at me and said, "But I know this young man. He's a bit hot-tempered. I also have a general understanding of what happened. This Miss Su is his cousin-in-law. I think you two might have some misunderstanding?"

"Cousin-in-law?"

Liu Ming was taken aback, squinted and looked me up and down, as if he was trying to recall something.

It took him several seconds to remember, and he frowned as he asked, "You're Wang Long's cousin, Chen something...?"

"Chen An!" I interrupted him.

Upon hearing my name, Liu Ming's expression turned somewhat strange, and there was a hint of embarrassment.

Zhao Hongqi promptly spoke up, saying, "President Liu, you've always been my most honored guest. Please give me, Zhao Hongqi, some face today and don't take it personally with a child. After all, it wouldn't look good if word got out, would it?"

After saying that, he turned to Old Ghost behind him and ordered, "Old Ghost, all the expenses for Mr. Liu's table tonight are on the house. Quickly take Mr. Liu to the best hospital nearby to treat his wounds. I will pay for everything."

Old Gui stepped forward: "Mr. Liu, this way please. I'll take you to handle this."

But Liu Ming's anger hadn't subsided at all, and his face was frighteningly gloomy.

He knew very well that if things really got out of hand, it would be pointless to offend Zhao Hongqi. Moreover, it would be really unpleasant to hear about him bullying his widowed sister-in-law in front of her brother. But he couldn't swallow his anger.

After a few seconds of silence, he said coldly, "No need!"

He glared at me fiercely: "Fine! I'll give you, Zhao Hongqi, face today, and I'll let this matter slide for now."

After saying that, he snorted coldly and turned to leave with his men.

"Let's go!"

Anyone could see that even though he said it was over, he had already put the blame on me.

After Liu Ming left, the private room quieted down, leaving only Su Wan, Zhao Hongqi, and my group.

Zhao Hongqi waved his hand, signaling Lao Gui and the others to leave first, and to close the door to the private room behind them.

Zhao Hongqi didn't ask about the details, but simply asked, "Is the person alright?"

"It's nothing, thank you for your trouble, Mr. Zhao." I looked at him gratefully.

If Zhao Hongqi hadn't rushed over today, something terrible would have definitely happened.

Zhao Hongqi smiled, but didn't mention that I worked here, nor did he look at Su Wan.

"This is nothing, but Old Liu is narrow-minded and holds grudges. You guys should be careful lately and avoid being alone."

After saying that, he didn't linger and wisely turned and left, leaving Su Wan and me alone.

The moment the door to the private room closed, Su Wan, who had been trying so hard to remain calm, suddenly collapsed.

She lowered her head, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her skirt. "Chen An, I'm sorry... Are you very disappointed? Do you think I broke my promise and came to a place like this again?"

Seeing her so cautious, all my previous suspicions and dissatisfaction vanished instantly.

I stepped forward and brushed the stray hairs from her face.

"I didn't misunderstand you."

I spoke with utmost seriousness: "I heard everything outside the door just now."

Su Wan's body stiffened abruptly, and she slowly raised her head, her eyes reddening.

She must have finally broken down, because her voice was trembling with tears.

"I didn't mean to lie to you... I really didn't want to come to a place like this. I promised you I would do my live streams properly and live a good life."

"I never expected Liu Ming to do this. When your cousin was alive, he was a very good person. Even while your cousin was away, he always tried his best to help me and even lent me money. Who knew he would suddenly..."

Su Wan paused, then choked up and said, "I don't dare tell you. I'm afraid you'll impulsively go and cause trouble for him, and I'm also afraid you'll look down on me..."

As she spoke, tears began to fall.

Seeing her tears, I felt a tightness in my chest, as if my heart was being choked.

"It's my fault."

I sighed and said guiltily, "It's my fault for not explaining it to you sooner."

Su Wan looked at me with teary eyes: "What do you mean?"

I hesitated for a few seconds before speaking: "I haven't dared to tell you the details about Zhao Hongqi's matter before."

I looked into her eyes and said, word by word, "I saved his life, he recognized me as his brother, and he has already written off all the money we owed him."

Su Wan was completely stunned, staring blankly at me, unable to react for a moment.

"I haven't told you this because you have a deep-seated aversion to people involved in organized crime. I was afraid that if you knew I was associating with Zhao Hongqi, you would be angry and ignore me."

I said helplessly, "I never expected that because of my concealment, you would have to bear so much pressure for nothing."

After hearing these words, Su Wan was completely stunned.

So all her grievances and helplessness during this period were in vain?

After a long pause, she sniffed softly, "Then... what about the 1.5 million from President Liu's side?"

"It's none of your business."

I said, "I'll settle this score for you. From now on, no one can force you to do anything you don't want to do."

Su Wan was startled, opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

I smiled and didn't dwell on the topic any further. I told her to go outside and wait while I went to talk to Zhao Hongqi and thank him for helping me tonight.

"Okay, I'll wait for you outside!"