Diary of Getting Rich Quick in the South

I told Su Wan to wait in the corridor outside the private room, and then I turned around and caught up with Zhao Hongqi, who had just left.

Ultimately, tonight's events were due to my impulsive actions. I not only disrupted the order of the event but also caused Zhao Hongqi considerable trouble, and I've felt terrible about it ever since.

I quickly caught up with him and said apologetically, "Brother, I was reckless today and caused you trouble."

Zhao Hongqi paused, turned his head to look at me, and showed no sign of blame on his face.

"We're brothers, there's no need for such formalities. Let's go to the tea room to talk."

I followed Zhao Hongqi to a secluded tea room.

This place is usually deserted and very quiet, perfect for discussing serious matters.

Zhao Hongqi gestured for me to sit down: "Sit down, let's chat for a bit."

I sat up straight, my mind preoccupied with the finishing touches on Liu Ming's side.

I took the initiative to ask, "Brother, does Liu Ming need the venue to step in and compensate him? No matter how much it is, it's all on me; just deduct it from my monthly salary."

Zhao Hongqi didn't respond to me. Instead, he picked up the tea set on the table, poured me a cup of hot tea, and gently pushed it towards me.

"You don't need to worry about the expenses."

He leaned back in his chair, looking at me calmly: "There are things I approve of about what you did tonight, and there are things I'm not entirely satisfied with."

I couldn't quite figure out what he meant, so I quickly corrected myself: "Brother, I'm young and don't think things through. Just give me some pointers."

Zhao Hongqi picked up his teacup and took a sip: "I admire you because you have a sense of responsibility in your bones. When you saw others being bullied, especially Su Wan being driven to the brink, you didn't stand idly by. You dared to stand up for her. You are loyal and courageous, which are rare qualities."

His tone suddenly turned serious: "But what I'm not happy about is that you act too hastily and without considering the consequences. In today's society, problems are no longer solved with fists."

Zhao Hongqi said in a deep voice, "Tonight, it was clearly Liu Ming who bullied us by taking advantage of his power, and we were in the right. But you turned a reasonable matter into a mess by hitting people."

If this really escalates to the authorities, you'll be the one who suffers in the end.

Fighting is always the dumbest way to resolve things; if you win, you lose money, and if you lose, you suffer.

I quickly lowered my head and admitted my mistake: "I know I was wrong, brother. I couldn't help it when I saw Sister Wan being bullied by him. I will take full responsibility for all the losses caused this time."

Zhao Hongqi waved his hand: "You don't need to take the blame. You are a brother I've chosen. I only intervened to save your sister-in-law, not to cause trouble for no reason. I can clean up this mess. It has nothing to do with you."

I felt increasingly guilty.

Zhao Hongqi seemed to have easily resolved the conflict, but behind the scenes he must have paid a lot of favors and sacrifices, he just didn't want me to feel guilty.

Zhao Hongqi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then reminded me, "Brother, Liu Ming is a narrow-minded and vindictive man. He's only doing this because he's giving me face and doesn't dare to lash out on the spot or openly cause you trouble, because of my status."

"But he definitely won't let it go like that."

"Given his methods and connections, even if he doesn't do anything to you openly, he will definitely find a chance to retaliate behind your back. Be more careful in the future, and go out less when you're alone."

"Especially your sister-in-law's side, order less takeout these days, install a security camera on the door or replace it with a sturdier lock, and check the door before anyone knocks, so as not to get into trouble with others."

It warmed my heart when I heard that.

Saving Zhao Hongqi at the time was out of necessity, and later trying to build a relationship with him was also for the sake of that debt.

But judging from Zhao Hongqi's attitude, he really treats me like a brother; otherwise, he wouldn't have given me such thoughtful instructions.

"Brother, I understand, thank you!" I said with heartfelt gratitude.

Zhao Hongqi waved his hand with a smile: "Alright, we don't talk like that among brothers. Hurry up and go back, don't keep your cousin-in-law waiting."

As I left the teahouse and walked down the corridor, many KTV employees came up to greet me warmly.

The waitresses and pretty PR girls were especially enthusiastic towards me.

He kept calling him Brother Chen.

Several female PR girls were even getting close to me, subtly suggesting that I go out for drinks and food later.

I have a feeling that if I nod my head, there will be at least two beautiful female escorts, each over 1.7 meters tall, lying in my bed tonight.

At first, I thought the reason these people were so enthusiastic was because of the relationship between Zhao Chujing and Zhao Hongqi.

I learned from the conversation that they actually thought I hit Liu Ming to stand up for Ruan Dong and those female public relations staff.

Ruan Dong is the female PR person who was just slapped.

When Liu Ming got angry, everyone thought they were doomed, including Zhang Qiang and his godmother, who could only passively take the beating. But I, a waiter, actually stood up for them.

In their eyes, I am no different from a savior.

After figuring out what happened, I was both amused and exasperated.

I don't know who spread the word, but how did I become a celebrity at Hongyun KTV?

Despite my repeated explanations that I didn't mean it that way, they didn't believe me and said I was just being modest.

After finally getting rid of these enthusiastic colleagues, my clothes were soaked through when I got outside the KTV.

This is more tiring than fighting a battle.

"Zhao Hongqi didn't give you any trouble, did he?"

Seeing me come out, Su Wan quickly walked up to me and asked worriedly.

I said no, he was very easy to talk to, and even told us to be more careful in our daily lives.

I repeated to Su Wan what Zhao Hongqi had told me earlier.

"I didn't expect Zhao Hongqi to treat you so well," Su Wan exclaimed.

I nodded: "Brother Zhao is indeed very good."

"Brother Zhao?"

Su Wan raised an eyebrow, looking worried, and said, "Chen An, when did you get so close to Zhao Hongqi? You wouldn't be hanging out with him, would you?"

"Let me tell you, you can't go down this road. You've seen what happened to your cousin. He's doing well now, but who knows when he'll be hacked to death or arrested and shot."

My original plan was to continue the conversation along the lines of Su Wan's, and then slowly explain things to her; maybe she would be able to accept it.

But seeing her attitude now, I'm still quite glad I changed the waitress's clothes back then.

Otherwise, if she finds out I work here, she'll be furious!

"I understand, sister-in-law. I'm still working at Mr. Zhang's logistics company. You can call her if you don't believe me," I quickly interrupted her, speaking with certainty.

Hearing me say that, Su Wan finally felt relieved.

After sending Su Wan back, I also went home.

At 6:30 p.m. the next day, I left home on time to prepare for work.

Just as I got downstairs, my phone suddenly rang. It was Zhang Dongting calling.

"Sister Ting, why are you calling me all of a sudden? Do you miss me?" I joked with a smile.

I haven't had a chance to see her these past few days. She's always too busy to go, so we haven't been able to meet.

The fact that she called me now means she's definitely thinking of me because she's free.

Zhang Dongting's soft, charming laughter came from the other end of the phone.

"Yes, I've been thinking about you every day these past few days, and I haven't been able to sleep. How about I come see you tonight? I bought a cute new outfit, and I even prepared a pair of pink handcuffs."

Handcuffs?

My heart skipped a beat, and every nerve in my body tensed up.

"Sister Ting, I abide by the law and haven't done anything wrong."

She chuckled softly on the other end of the phone: "Whether you've broken the law or not isn't up to you to decide! I'll come over tonight to interrogate you myself..."

That vixen!

Hearing these words made me feel hot all over, and a surge of heat welled up inside me. I couldn't wait to drop everything and turn around to see her.

Before I could even speak, Zhang Dongting abruptly changed the subject: "I forgot to tell you the important thing, your friend is looking for you, they've even come to the company."

"My friend? What friend?"

I was taken aback.

I've only been in Kunming for a short time. What friends could I possibly have? I can count my friends on one hand. How could I possibly end up with Zhang Dongting?

Could it be that someone from our hometown has come?

"They seem to be from your hometown. They were carrying big bags and were dressed simply. They said your mother told them you work here and asked me for your address..."

Before Zhang Dongting could finish speaking, I saw a dilapidated bread truck parked next to me.

Two men dressed like migrant workers jumped off the vehicle and greeted me with smiles.

One of them even came up and put his arm around my shoulder.

"Chen An, long time no see! I've missed you so much!"

Wait, who are these two?

Before I could even remember who these two people were, a sharp pain suddenly shot through my waist, and a dagger was pressed against my lower back.

"Kid, stop yelling and come with us!"