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Chapter 64: Chapter 57-58: Heart of Making Friends (Looking for Recommendations!)_1
"Master Tang, are you satisfied?" As soon as Fan Jian left, Liu Kai’s face changed. He turned his head and respectfully said to Tang Qing, as if he were seeking praise. This shocked Section Chief Jing and Fan Tong, who was in the middle of handling something.
Master Tang?
Section Chief Jing couldn’t help but give Fan Tong a sympathetic look and internally curse him. You really know how to stir up trouble. That’s obviously another big shot’s child, at least at the city level. Now you’ve managed to offend Liu Kai, the future director’s son, and another big leader’s kid, on top of the executive deputy mayor from last time, who is also next year’s mayor. Alright, wait for the next section meeting; the section chief will surely be furious and probably have a mind to eat someone.
As for Fan Tong, he didn’t know what his fate would be, but clearly, this time he had offended two princeling males at once. The bureau would definitely not let him off easily. His eyes turned gloomy. Although being fired was unlikely, his career was basically ruined.
Fan Tong wanted to apologize, but he was just a recently graduated student. Looking at these two obvious high school second-generation rich kids, he couldn’t muster the courage to ask for forgiveness.
"It’s okay, thanks." Tang Qing said with a smile. Although Liu Kai was slightly dissolute, he did lend a hand. Whether they’d become friends depended on his future behavior.
"Don’t mention it. It’s my honor to do business for Master Tang. This is my phone number. If you need anything in the future, just let me know. I’ll find a way to get it done." Liu Kai said as he wrote his phone number on a piece of paper and handed it to Tang Qing. This promise was solely for Tang Qing. The money from last time could not be easily spent. Plus, their rich second-generation friend also wanted to show off. They even called some other friends over, who insisted on repaying kindness to Tang Qing. There were many things he couldn’t do alone, but they might be able to help.
"Hmm, not bad. Although your character needs improvement, your judgment is pretty good. Don’t do such unethical things in the future." Tang Qing accepted the paper and advised. He then saved the number into his phone and dialed it.
"Yes, yes. Since last time, I’ve turned over a new leaf. I won’t be involved in such petty trouble anymore." Liu Kai was delighted to see Tang Qing store his number. Clearly, Tang Qing meant to let bygones be bygones. As Liu Kai saw his pocket phone ring, he felt even more joy - a small gesture showing Tang Qing’s forgiveness.
Seeing the mobile phone in Tang Qing’s hand, Liu Kai wasn’t surprised. A few thousand yuan for playthings wouldn’t be wasted on a trash phone. His father wasn’t corrupt, hence no luxury. Being a student, Liu Kai couldn’t be too flashy. Having a simple pocket phone bought by his family was already good. He didn’t feel inferior. With his father backing him, even the richer second-generation kids had to respect him.
"Good, know it well. Call me if you need something; don’t call if it’s nothing. I have zero interest in your gatherings. I’m busy." Tang Qing smiled while putting his phone away.
"Yes, yes. I understand." Liu Kai quickly responded. If he had thought Tang Qing was busy with school matters before, seeing his company now made him think otherwise. While he was still in high school, Tang Qing was already running a company. Balancing high school and business would drive one mad. Liu Kai admired Tang Qing.
"Good, focus on your studies. Stop fooling around." Tang Qing added.
"Yes, yes. Master Tang is right." Liu Kai agreed. If anyone else said this, he would be dismissive. But coming from Tang Qing, it felt right. Tang Qing was wealthy yet still studying. There was no reason to refute. Though Liu Kai was just being polite - sometimes, when friends called, he had to show up. Most times, he wasn’t in control. Only people like Tang Qing could afford not to attend social events. With envy, Liu Kai looked at Tang Qing. Background did make one enviable.
"Come, Prince Liu, Master Tang, everyone, please sit and have some tea." Section Chief Jing immediately moved chairs over with a smiling face, not daring to show any arrogance in front of these second-generation rich kids. He poured each a cup of water - persistence was futile.
"Thank you, Section Chief Jing. No need to bother with us. Sister Yan, Lawyer Kong, please sit and rest for a bit." Tang Qing smiled.
"Okay." Qi Yan didn’t hesitate, finding a chair to sit.
"Then please wait a moment, Xiao Fan, hurry up, alright? Everyone, I’ll go to the meeting; the leaders are waiting." Section Chief Jing cautiously said after hurrying Fan Tong. With a valid reason, he wasn’t worried about being blamed by the leaders.
"Okay, you go ahead." Tang Qing replied.
"Liu Kai, let’s have lunch together later." Tang Qing said after Section Chief Jing left, almost lunchtime. Liu Kai did help, and not treating him to a meal wouldn’t be justified.
"Sure, thank you, Master Tang." Liu Kai happily agreed. He was eager for more interaction with Tang Qing.
...
"Deputy Chief Jing, why are you only here now, making the leaders wait?" Upon entering the conference room, Chen Rui frowned and asked first. Jing Wu was under his command, and in a meeting, he needed to respond first.
Ten people in the meeting turned their eyes toward Jing Wu, making him nervous.
"Uh, something happened downstairs that delayed me a bit." Jing Wu hesitated and replied.
"What’s so important that it surpasses Director Liu’s meeting?" Chen Rui reprimanded. This wasn’t to truly scold but a matter of stance and formality - irrelevant to mood, significant to position. Only he ought to say such things.
"Fan Tong downstairs caused another incident, I mediated it, and it took some time." Jing Wu had to be honest, since the chief questioned.
"That Fan kid, again. Teach him a proper lesson." Chen Rui said. His rank wasn’t fit for commenting on this matter. Still, he had some influence and wasn’t afraid of the municipal leaders. Besides, scolding his subordinate wasn’t a big deal.
"Well, educate that comrade properly. Now, let’s continue the meeting. We’ll discuss..." Liu Kai’s father, Liu Huadong, intervened.
After the meeting
"Chief, I need to report something." After the leaders left, Jing Wu quietly addressed Chen Rui.
"What’s up?" Chen Rui sat down, curious.
"About Fan Tong. Just now, he offended Director Liu’s son, Liu Kai, and another person called Master Tang, whom Liu Kai highly respects." Jing Wu briefly explained.
"What? Liu Kai and Master Tang? What background?" Chen Rui exclaimed in shock. Fan Tong had offended two powerful young men at once.
The thought of Fan Tong causing trouble made Chen Rui fuming mad. He remembered last being reprimanded - now, the situation seemed worse.
Thinking about it, Chen Rui got angrier. Despite his background, dealing with leadership and seeking promotions was a challenge. Now, Fan Tong gave him two problems at once. His source of frustration was this young troublemaker.
"Unclear, but Liu Kai respects him. He seems wealthy, owning a company." Jing Wu added. Despite there being no Tang leaders in the city, he suspected connections to provincial or municipal leaders.
"Good job handling it. I’ll report to Director Liu. This time, Fan Tong must be dealt with severely." Chen Rui gritted his teeth. However, this required the bureau’s leaders for approval, beyond his authority.
"Yes."
Chen Rui then entered the director’s office.
"Chen, why are you here? What’s up?" Liu Huadong looked up briefly before continuing to read his documents.
"Director, I need to report about Fan Tong from my section." Chen Rui cautiously said.
"Fan? Just educate him. After all, he’s a university student, youthful entanglements are normal." Liu Huadong said calmly. Trouble like Fan Tong’s wasn’t new, but this case’s severity raised eyebrows. Despite being tired of bureaucracy, Liu Huadong planned to address it post-promotion.
"He clashed with your son, Liu Kai." Chen Rui clarified, thinking Liu Huadong wanted to downplay the matter.
"What? Xiao Kai? Is he alright?" The instant Liu Huadong heard his son was involved, he became concerned. Children’s matters always took precedence.
"He’s fine."
Chen Rui explained the conflict, emphasizing Tang Qing’s involvement.
Understanding this, Liu Huadong pondered. Knowing his son wouldn’t randomly respect someone, the matter’s weight surfaced. To avoid Master Tang’s potential anger, Fan Tong’s case warranted serious attention.
"Chen, let’s discuss Fan Tong’s issue in next Monday’s meeting. I’ll confer with the deputy directors. Do you have any suggestions?" Liu Huadong solemnly asked.
"I’m unsure. It’s up to you. But, he shouldn’t remain in external affairs." Chen Rui said cautiously. While having ideas, he wasn’t Liu Huadong’s confidant.
"Right. What about archives? Old Yang isn’t doing well, needs help." Liu Huadong pondered briefly.
"Director, you’re compassionate. Old Yang indeed needs more rest; younger ones should help." Chen Rui praised, aligning with his initial but unsaid thoughts.
"Decided. You may go." Liu Huadong said softly. Despite needing a meeting, the matter would spread through the bureau swiftly. Nobody would oppose.
"Yes."
After exiting, Chen Rui closed the door.
"Master Tang?" Liu Huadong leaned back, mumbling, pondering the identity—yet to figure it out. Only his son might clarify later.
Since the entire registration process was much more complicated than Tang Qing had imagined, it was virtually impossible to get the license by the afternoon. After all, there were many internal procedures they still had to go through, and it would be at least next week before they could receive the license.
Liu Kai also assured that they could definitely get the license by next Monday. Tang Qing didn’t comment much on this; as long as he had finished the part that required his presence, it didn’t matter if it was a few days late.
After all, he still had a lot of things unprepared on his end. Even the company address was given as the clothing factory’s, but the factory office was too small and not well-designed. He still had to find a new location and deal with a host of matters such as staff recruitment.
After finishing their tasks, Tang Qing took a few people to a restaurant near the Bureau of Industry and Commerce for a meal. At first, he wanted to go to Li Jianguo’s restaurant, but thinking that his uncle might also be there, if he got caught it wouldn’t be fun at all, then he would really be at a loss.
After the meal, Liu Kai left first. He had only taken a half-day leave and still had to attend school in the afternoon. He had initially wanted to continue taking time off to follow Tang Qing, but was refused by Tang Qing. Tang Qing had not fully trusted Liu Kai yet and did not want him to be overly involved in his affairs.
Liu Kai was tactful, and after being refused, he didn’t ask further and simply said to call him if anything came up and left.
"Why does he call you Tang Shao (Young Master Tang)?" Qi Yan murmured this question once they left the restaurant. From the beginning, her mind was full of doubts and not asking was simply unbearable. She couldn’t hold it in anymore once she saw Liu Kai leave.
"Misunderstanding. He thought I was some official’s kid," Tang Qing said nonchalantly, not wanting to divulge this matter to Qi Yan. A brief explanation was a better way to shut her up.
"Well, won’t that cause problems?" Upon hearing this, Qi Yan’s expression changed and she voiced her concerns. If Liu Kai realized this, would he make things difficult for their company? After all, she could see that Tang Qing’s attitude towards Liu Kai wasn’t very good. If the other party discovered the deception, retaliation could be too easy, considering the many things he could do with his connections.
"Of course not. If you don’t talk, and I don’t talk, no one will know. Keep it a secret for me, okay?" Tang Qing said in a pretended serious tone.
"Ah, alright, no problem, I won’t tell anyone," Qi Yan whispered, covering her mouth. She was just on board and didn’t want the ship to capsize so soon. This was a sense of trust derived from Tang Qing’s performance that day.
Otherwise, how could the clever her so easily believe Tang Qing’s words? A little reasoning would expose the problem. Upon hearing this, Tang Qing chuckled inwardly. When women play dumb, they can be quite adorable sometimes.
The company registration process was stuck at the license step. The next few departments would have to be handled by Qi Yan and Lawyer Kong next week. Thanks to Kong’s help, they were able to complete most of the factory transfer procedures in the afternoon. Since it also involved land transfer, they made a trip to the Housing and Land Departments. Fortunately, everything went smoothly with no wicked ideas occurring.
...
Half-past ten.
After ending the evening engagements with Liu Huadong and returning home, Liu Kai was watching TV after finishing his homework. Liu Huadong didn’t say much; if scolding or punishing his son would have worked, he wouldn’t be in his current state. Fortunately, his son was smart and did well in his studies. Although he hadn’t made it into the top three hundred in his grade, this was in a school packed with top students. With his scores, he should have no problem getting into a first-rate university, but if it came down to it, he knew some people and could get his son in by pulling some strings.
Liu Huadong made a cup of tea and sat beside Liu Kai, speaking softly: "Son, I heard that you had an argument with someone at the bureau today?"
"Yeah, that administrative officer, Fan Tong, was really annoying. It’s one thing not to recognize me, but he also cursed me. His manners are terrible." Liu Kai started complaining as soon as he heard.
He wanted to say to just fire that person, but this was his father’s work. If he dared to meddle in personnel arrangements, his father would surely scold him. Then, the topic would deviate and it would make him seem in the wrong even when he was right.
Last time, because some people were trying to curry favor with him, he carelessly talked about personnel arrangements, promoting some and firing others. Liu Huadong gave him a good beating for that. Yes, he directly hit him with a belt. The pain was still unforgettable. From then on, he dared not mention a word about personnel arrangements at his father’s office.
"Oh, he should be educated properly then." Liu Huadong nodded indifferently. The entire incident had spread around the bureau in the afternoon, and the deputy directors would definitely know. At next week’s meeting, Fan Tong would surely be relegated to the Archive Room.
Fan Tong seems to have already realized that he’d been abandoned by everyone in the bureau. He looked pale all afternoon, just after coming in he was demoted, and he had offended several people he shouldn’t have.
Even if Liu Huadong was promoted and left, none of the succeeding deputy directors would dare to bring him out. This guy caused too much trouble, it was better if he didn’t meet people. Everyone preferred to have a quiet life. If Fan Tong couldn’t stand it and resigned, that would be even better. There were not many positions in the unit, it was one person, one post, and many people were waiting to be instated.
"Exactly, that person is totally oblivious. If he offends Young Master Tang, it will be troublesome." Upon hearing that Fan Tong would be reprimanded, Liu Kai spoke cheerfully. He understood his father well. If it were merely a case of simple education, his father would just say that Fan Tong is still young and deserves a chance, but since it was mentioned as ’educating’, it was definitely not ordinary; the cold bench was set.
As for the matter of dismissal, he wouldn’t even consider it. This is the rule in government units; it’s hard to enter, but once you’re in, it’s not easy to dismiss someone.
Without justifiable reasons, even he, as the bureau chief, doesn’t have the authority to fire Fan Tong. At most, he could shuffle positions.
"Who is this ’Young Master Tang’?" Liu Huadong finally voiced his doubts. The previous topic was just a guide, not that he was playing mind games with his own son, but rather subtly teaching him conversation skills.
"Er, I do not know much, but I know he’s wealthy. Last time, when I was dining with Feng Sen, we bumped into each other. He seems to have an excellent relationship with Liu Qian. He even spent sixty thousand to treat us to dinner, and the hotel directly recorded the expenses. Oh right, he also knows Secretary Feng Hai. He was quite boastful at that time, calling Feng Hai directly by his name, with no sense of respect." Liu Kai pondered for a moment before speaking. Upon finishing, he could not help admiring his father’s conversational skills. He had already understood his father’s primary intent, to lead subtly and effectively.
"Is that so? What did he come to do today?" Liu Huadong asked, already aware of the answer.
"It seems like he’s running a company, and is planning to buy a factory—some five to six million in total. Most importantly, he’s still a senior in high school!" Liu Kai expressed with emotion. Every time he thought about it, he felt as though he’s wasting his life, the gap between individuals is just too wide.
"Oh? Senior? Which school?" Liu Huadong queried further. He merely knew that Tang Qing is young, from the declaration of data that he could definitely see. But he didn’t know that Tang Qing was still in school, hence he specifically instructed that the license must be processed first thing on Monday. In reality, if he wanted to, he could get it done by this afternoon. But Tang Qing didn’t know this. Fan Tong also had no idea about this speed, and as for how director Jing could make such a promise.
"The Eight Middle School. Yes, the Eight Middle School." Liu Kai thought carefully and confirmed his answer.
"Well, you should make friends with people like him more often. He’s wealthy and influential, and competent. Learn from others. Don’t mingle with those unlearned ones all day long. Look at him, he’s wealthy, has broad social relationships, and even knows Liu Qian so well.
Don’t underestimate Liu Qian just because he’s a businessman. His connections reach all the way up to the big shots in the province. Even our city’s Party Secretary dares not offend him too much. Son, take a look at this Young Master Tang. Young, low-profile, capable, the same age as you are, but you can’t compare to him in any aspect. You need to pull yourself up too." Liu Huadong spoke earnestly and gravely. Upon hearing about his son’s description, an image of a young, wealthy, well-connected person instantly popped into his mind. You can’t really feel the pain without comparison. He really wished for his son to be successful.
"Yes, you’re right. Looking at Young Master Tang, I realized how foolish I was before comparing myself to a real Young Master. When I compare myself to Young Master Tang now, I can’t even raise my head. Rest assured, I will set him as my goal." Liu Kai said earnestly.
Every time he thought about Tang Qing, he didn’t know whether he should feel happy or sad. It’s a joy to know a remarkable person, and the sadness springs from the vast difference between them. If he hadn’t done Tang Qing a small favor, Tang Qing wouldn’t have paid any attention to him. Thinking about it, a second-generation who devotes himself passionately to studying and managing his business, why would he take note of a second-generation like him who does nothing but show off.
"Good, that’s good. Study hard. I hope that later you can enter politics like me. Don’t covet money. Mingle with more friends like Young Master Tang. Once you hold great power, what do you need those things for? In one’s life, power is the most important. Does that make sense?" Liu Huadong advised patiently.
He had reiterated these words countless times, but he still wanted to state them. The so-called concept of instilling an idea for brainwashing is repeated till you naturally agree with it. As for whether it really is right or wrong, different strokes for different folks.
"I got it, Dad. From now on, I will establish a good relationship with Young Master Tang and learn a lot from him." Liu Kai promised. At this point, he was quite vexed about how to establish contact with Tang Qing. If he invited him out to have fun, he would certainly not come. What interest does he have that could attract others, none at all.
He guessed that Tang Qing had long been bored with all kinds of entertainment venues and was not willing to go. As for beauties, he did not even think about it. Tang Qing has wealth, power and beauty, he lacks nothing.
This really puzzled Liu Kai. If you don’t have something that interests others, how can you create a harmonious atmosphere? How to make contact points? It’s difficult even to invite him out, let alone establish a good relationship.
Hey, isn’t there that Su Ziwang? He could inquire about Tang Qing’s hobbies.
Once Liu Kai thought about this, he decided it was an excellent plan.
"Well, I’m glad you understand. Go to bed early." Liu Huadong said with a smile. Every parent’s heart cares for their child, and seeing his son’s transformation after realizing the gap between himself and the true second generation, he felt relieved. It’s not that he really wanted his son to climb a relationship with Tang Qing. After all, these things can’t be forced, and whether Tang Qing looks down on them is still unknown. He just hopes his son will have a good goal.
"Alright."
