As an elder in the factory, Zhao Zhijie knew exactly why the factory was opening a kindergarten.
It was for two main reasons: first, to ensure the children of employees had someone to care for them, and second, to provide these children with a better early education, covering moral, intellectual, and physical development. It was definitely worthwhile to enroll.
The factory's employees had all signed up their children, and Zhao Zhijie didn't want Huabao to miss such a good opportunity.
"Alright, when does school start?" Zhang Liunian trusted Zhao Zhijie's words and knew he genuinely cared for Huabao's well-being.
Since Huabao also wanted to go, they would send him.
"It starts the day after tomorrow," Zhao Zhijie smiled at Huabao, thinking that he could pick Huabao up after work from now on. How wonderful.
Zhang Liunian was unaware of Zhao Zhijie's thoughts. Had he known, he would have agreed. "Okay, we'll take Huabao to kindergarten together the day after tomorrow."
"No need. From now on, leave Huabao's commute to me. Qingqing is about to give birth, you should take more care of her and the baby in her womb," Zhao Zhijie didn't want Zhang Liunian to take away the job of picking Huabao up and dropping him off. He also wanted to experience the feeling of picking up a junior from school.
"Uncle Zhao, you'll be very tired doing that."
"Taking Huabao is not tiring at all. I haven't done it before!"
"..."
Meanwhile, at the Tang family residence, Tang Shikang was discussing the Nan Cheng Food Factory's employee housing project with his second brother, Tang Shikai.
"That wretched woman Fang Yan still rejected me. It's utterly detestable. Second brother, we must teach her a lesson. Otherwise, where will the Tang family's honor be placed?" Tang Shikang's anger was boundless as he recalled being rejected by Fang Yan on two separate visits.
They were a first-class family in Nan Cheng, and everyone showed them respect. Yet, that self-important woman Fang Yan refused to give them face, which was truly despicable.
"It seems her ambition has grown after becoming the factory director these past few years. She's forgotten how she got to where she is today," Tang Shimen had also heard about Fang Yan rejecting their Tang family and felt the same as his elder brother.
They needed to teach Fang Yan a lesson, but they also needed to deal with whoever dared to snatch food from the Tang family's mouths.
Otherwise, the people of Nan Cheng would think the Tang family could be bullied.
"Elder brother, I heard that Fang Yan has already reached a cooperation agreement with someone. The contract is signed, and they are now raising funds to pay the project costs. We must investigate this person and deal with them together." Tang Shikai clenched his fists, wishing he could immediately drag that person out and beat them.
"Don't worry, second brother. If he wants to take on such a large project, he'll definitely have to order from my brick factory and purchase materials from my sister-in-law's cement plant. It's easy to find out who it is." Tang Shikang wasn't in a hurry to know the person's identity, as it was easy for him. What he wanted most now was to get revenge on Fang Yan.
Didn't she look down on Ding Zhao Shan's youngest son, Ding Heng? Then he would fulfill that wish for her.
"Elder brother is right. However, if we want to regain this cooperation from him, we must make sure he cannot proceed. That way, we'll have a chance," Tang Shikai was still very eager for the Food Factory's employee construction project. It was the largest project in Nan Cheng at the moment, and everyone in the city was watching.
If the project was completed well, it would establish their reputation in Nan Cheng and yield good returns.
After all, it was a multi-million dollar project. If they took it on, they could earn at least a million dollars.
A million dollars was an amount many people couldn't earn in a lifetime. Even if their Tang family's combined wealth was added up, it would only be around that figure.
"Second brother, I know you're also anxious about this project. Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. As long as he approaches us, whatever goods he needs, we can make sure he can't proceed and abandon this cooperation." Tang Shikang had already devised a plan for this matter. Yesterday, he had discussed it with his family and relatives. If anyone came to order a large quantity of construction materials, they were to inquire thoroughly and provide a problematic contract.
Not only would that person be unable to get the goods and complete the project, but they would also have to pay compensation.
"I trust elder brother's arrangements. What about Fang Yan?" Tang Shikai, seeing his elder brother's confidence, began to ponder ways to deal with Fang Yan.
"Doesn't she dislike Ding Heng the most? Then let's play the role of a peacemaker and help them achieve their goal. What do you think?" Tang Shikang's idea was malicious. Everyone in Nan Cheng knew that Ding Heng, a lazy, gluttonous, and gambling addict, had always wanted to pursue Fang Yan. For this reason, he had repeatedly gone to the Food Factory to block her.
He had been blocking her for two years. During this time, Fang Yan had declared that the person she disliked the most in her life was Ding Heng.
However, since Ding Heng was from the Ding family, Fang Yan couldn't do much to him, leaving her in a predicament.
"Elder brother has a great idea. When should we proceed?"
"Today."
"..."
Zhang Liunian was completely unaware of these developments. At this moment, he was in the office of Su Muqi, the director of the Nan Cheng Cement Plant.
"Comrade Zhang, why do you need such a large quantity of cement? Didn't you just say you were from Zhangjia Village?" Su Muqi was stunned when he learned that Zhang Liunian intended to order millions of dollars worth of cement.
What would a country bumpkin do with so much cement?
"I've recently taken on a house construction project, and the demand is quite high. Therefore, I hope Director Su can give me a discount." As Zhang Liunian said this, he didn't notice the change in expression of the female assistant behind Su Muqi. This woman was Tang Shikang's sister-in-law, Hu Xiang.
"Do they have such good conditions in the countryside now that everyone is building houses?" And building so many houses, Su Muqi was even more bewildered.
Zhang Liunian didn't want to answer and changed the subject, "Let's talk about the price."
Su Muqi knew he had been a bit intrusive. The person was here to buy cement, not to have his life story dug up. He gave an awkward smile and replied, "Our factory's cement is normally priced at four yuan per bag. If you buy a lot, I'll give you a discount of two mao per bag."
A discount of two mao per bag was a considerable amount, and Su Muqi's sincerity was quite good.
Zhang Liunian smiled upon hearing this. "Thank you, Director Su."
"Xiao Xiang, go prepare a purchase order contract," Su Muqi was pleased that Zhang Liunian agreed so readily. Such a large order would be enough for them to operate for a year.
"Yes," Hu Xiang, upon hearing the order, turned to draft a problematic contract. If one didn't look carefully, there would definitely be issues.
"Here is the purchase order contract." Hu Xiang was very quick, and the contract was ready in less than ten minutes. Su Muqi took it and directly handed it to Zhang Liunian for review.
Hu Xiang watched as Zhang Liunian took it and began to examine it, a cold smile on her lips. How could a country boy understand the trick she had designed? As long as he signed this contract, Zhang Liunian would never be able to complete the project.
While Hu Xiang was feeling smug, Zhang Liunian's expression suddenly became serious. He glanced at Hu Xiang, and that single glance inexplicably sent a chill down Hu Xiang's spine.
Could it be that he saw through it? Impossible. He had introduced himself as a rural fellow just now. How could he possibly see the problem with the contract? Absolutely impossible. Perhaps Zhang Liunian didn't understand the contract; it must be that.
As Hu Xiang comforted herself, Su Muqi also noticed Zhang Liunian's increasingly solemn expression and asked with some confusion, "What's wrong?"