Zhao Xingwang had only operated as a reseller within the provincial capital before, having visited only a couple of county towns. This trip to the north was the furthest he had ever traveled.
After a night on the train, Zhao Xingwang alighted at a little past ten o’clock the following morning.
As soon as he stepped off the train, Zhao Xingwang froze.
Everything around him was a vast expanse of white.
The platform was small, smaller than the bus station in the county towns he had visited. It was a simple affair with only a few single-story buildings for the ticket office. Several staff members, clad in thick army overcoats, were huddled around a stove to keep warm.
Stepping out of the exit, a blast of cold wind hit him, and Zhao Xingwang couldn’t help but shiver.
It hadn’t snowed in the provincial capital yet, but here, the accumulated snow already reached past his ankles.
He quickly found a guesthouse, though “guesthouse” was a generous term for the few dilapidated single-story houses.
After settling in, he ordered a bowl of noodles in the lobby. Enjoying the warm meal, he then proceeded to ask for directions to Sun Wu’s residence, using the address Chen Lishu had given him.
At that moment, Sun Wu was entertaining a friend.
“I really didn’t expect you to bring so many good things,” Sun Wu said, beaming as he looked at the two large bags on the floor. Scarves, knitwear, and other items were the most coveted by women in Su Country.
“I used to deal in small sundries, and now I’m back to my old trade.”
Sun Wu paused his rummaging and looked up. “I was wondering why you didn’t come this year. Then I found out you weren’t selling cashmere sweaters anymore.”
Liang Chunsheng offered a wry smile.
He had initially thought that joining the factory would change everything. With his abilities, he believed he would eventually be promoted by his superiors. But his expectations were too naive. How could an ordinary employee without power or influence easily advance? What’s more, his past actions meant his leaders not only didn’t value him but also frequently made things difficult for him. Later, an incident arose where they tried to pin the blame on him. In a fit of anger, Liang Chunsheng resigned.
After leaving the factory, he felt lost, unsure of what to do. Then, he suddenly remembered his connection with Sun Wu. The previous dealings with Chen Lishu, exchanging cashmere sweaters for woolen yarn, had yielded considerable profits. He decided to pursue this avenue.
“If you want cashmere sweaters, I can bring them next time. The price will be even cheaper, and payment will still be the same – in exchange for woolen yarn.”
The items he brought were not particularly valuable trinkets, but for Sun Wu, acquiring them would have taken more effort. Once he exchanged them for woolen yarn and resold them, he was sure to make a substantial profit.
“No problem with that.” As long as there was profit to be made, cooperation with anyone was the same. Sun Wu, being shrewd, didn’t ask too many questions.
After agreeing on the terms, Liang Chunsheng took his leave. As he opened the door, he bumped right into Zhao Xingwang.
“Liang Chunsheng?” Zhao Xingwang was clearly surprised to see him.
Liang Chunsheng was also taken aback by the coincidence of meeting an acquaintance. Zhao Xingwang should know about his situation. He nodded awkwardly and continued on his way without stopping.
“Who are you?” Sun Wu asked curiously, looking at the thin man standing before him.
Zhao Xingwang collected himself and smiled, “Hello, are you Comrade Sun Wu? My name is Zhao Xingwang. Chen Lishu sent me.”
Hearing Chen Lishu’s name, Sun Wu realized and warmly invited him inside.
As soon as he entered, Zhao Xingwang noticed the goods on the floor and the table. His eyes flickered, but he didn’t comment.
“I brought fifty cashmere sweaters this time and wanted to exchange some woolen yarn to take back.”
“Brother Xingwang, if you had come a day earlier, even half a day would have been enough. All the woolen yarn has already been reserved by someone.”
Zhao Xingwang understood immediately. Liang Chunsheng must have intercepted the deal. He felt even more contempt for him. After all, he was profiting from Chen Lishu’s money, yet he was biting the hand that fed him. Now, he was even trying to poach from his former employer. He used to think Liang Chunsheng handled himself well, but now he realized he had been blind.
Zhao Xingwang: “It’s booked this time. Do you know when the next batch will be available? We can wait.”
Sun Wu: “I can’t say for sure.”
It wasn’t easy to just go to Su Country, and they didn’t always manage to bring back woolen yarn. Sometimes, if people from that side discovered them, it was one thing if they only seized goods and money. But if they opened fire directly, dumping the bodies in any mountain forest, there would be no returning. Therefore, for such dangerous ventures, Sun Wu would go at most once or twice a month. The risk was immense, and sometimes, to save his life, he would lose all his goods and money.
Zhao Xingwang was somewhat disappointed to hear this. This was a small county town. There were few people as bold as Sun Wu, and almost no one who could procure woolen yarn.
“How about this: you send me the cashmere sweaters, and I can give you cash. However, the price can’t be the same as before, as Little Liang’s price is significantly lower than yours.”
Liang Chunsheng? Zhao Xingwang was truly infuriated. This scoundrel, who ate human food but acted inhumanely, would stoop to such despicable acts.
Zhao Xingwang explained, “While they are both called cashmere sweaters, there can be significant differences in quality. The cashmere sweaters we sell are produced by large factories, guaranteeing their quality.”
Sun Wu waved his hand. “Brother, you don’t understand. As long as it’s a cashmere sweater, even if it sheds wool, there will be some left on that side. So, I don’t need to pay a high price for good quality.”
Liang Chunsheng had already promised to call him back, and the goods would arrive before he departed. If the price was the same, he would naturally prefer to buy the better quality from Chen Lishu. If not, he would settle for Liang Chunsheng.
Zhao Xingwang stood up. “I need to make a phone call before I can give you a reply.”
After bidding farewell to Sun Wu, he went directly to the post office to call Chen Lishu. As he approached the entrance, he saw Liang Chunsheng coming out.
This place was indeed small; he could run into people everywhere.
“Are you working for Chen Lishu now?” Liang Chunsheng hesitated before speaking his mind. “Let me tell you, she is not worth anyone’s help.”
Zhao Xingwang glanced at him. “I know her character better than you do.”
Liang Chunsheng: “She’s just pretending to be generous. I was the one who established this connection with Sun Wu, and I’ve been handling those cashmere sweaters. She only provided the capital. You know the profit margin in this, right? And what kind of share did she give us? Even though I’m no longer working for her, I still made her a lot of money. Even if I don’t deserve credit, I deserve acknowledgment for my hard work, right? What about her?”
Before Liang Chunsheng could finish, Zhao Xingwang let out a cold snort. “What about her? Do you expect Chen Lishu to beat gongs and drums to thank you for betraying her? Or award you a banner of commendation? Liang Chunsheng, you’re a grown man who urinates standing up. Have some self-respect.”