"No biggie, just need a favor."Li Nanfang pondered for a moment, then gestured toward the southeast corner of the parking lot. "Let's head over there."Security guards at Kai Huang Group held a slightly higher status than the cleaning staff, but not by much. Their worth was pegged to their income, as with all rank-and-file employees. Yet their role was indispensable. For instance, if a stranger attempted to approach Yue Zitong within the company premises, the security team was the first line of defense.Given Yue Zitong's hostile attitude toward Li Nanfang, he couldn't provide close protection during working hours. To filter out potential threats from among those visiting her, he needed the security staff's assistance."You want me to monitor every stranger seeking an audience with Boss Yue and report any suspicious activity to you?" Wang Defa's face betrayed surprise and wariness after Li Nanfang laid out his request.Without a word, Li Nanfang produced a wad of cash—around three thousand yuan—and stuffed it into Wang's pocket.The look in Old Wang's eyes shifted instantly, though he feigned indignation. "Li Nanfang, what do you take me for?""Family," Li Nanfang retorted, producing a little red booklet. "You can read, right?""Came close to getting into university—"Wang Defa flipped open the booklet. His frame shuddered upon seeing the words "State Security Bureau Work Permit." Li Nanfang had come to the company earlier to secure this very document. With law enforcement cracking down hard, counterfeiters were a rarity. It had taken him over an hour and three hundred yuan to acquire this booklet.Sector Seven of the 13th Bureau, State Security's overseas intelligence division—this was Li Nanfang's purported workplace, classified at the S level, with the rank of Captain.Wang Defa was flabbergasted. How had Li Nanfang, a former convict, transformed into a state security agent?"I appear at Kai Huang Group in that capacity out of operational necessity. We've received reliable intel that a group of overseas criminals is plotting to kidnap Boss Yue for ransom. But since we haven't yet identified them, the bureau dispatched me to provide round-the-clock protection for Boss Yue."Li Nanfang's smile faded, his gaze sharpening. "But I've found that I alone can't ensure flawless protection. Hence, I'm seeking your assistance."The gears in Wang Defa's mind began to turn. He'd seen in countless movies how officers on covert missions hired informants. Never had he imagined he'd be in such a situation himself.Li Nanfang seemed sincere. If he were lying, the cash in Wang's pocket would be the butt of the joke. Money, after all, was loyal to its owner, never engaging in levity."This is just a deposit. If you provide valuable intel, I'll reward you with ten thousand yuan," Li Nanfang said, patting Wang's shoulder."Need I think twice? I'm in!" Wang blurted without hesitation.With money to be made, no encroachment on his off-time, and the chance to safeguard the boss's safety, only a fool would decline."Excellent," Li Nanfang smiled approvingly. "You understand the need for secrecy, right?"Old Wang interjected, "No worries. Your true identity stays buried with me."Damn it, thought Li Nanfang, watching Wang stride away. He'd intended to remind him to treat him to lunch after accepting so much cash. Now, he regretted parting with all his money, leaving nothing for meals or gambling.He still had the thirty thousand from Bai Ling, but it was stashed at home. Who carries that much cash daily? One might encounter a pitiful beggar and impulsively donate.Forget Min Rou. Fortunately, today was payday. Even if Li Nanfang hadn't contributed this month, he could pre-borrow three to five hundred from the finance department without issues.Li Nanfang decided to hit up the garage crew for a loan. Surely Sun Daming and the others would oblige; otherwise, Mr. Li might show them no mercy in the future.Unexpectedly, the big spenders weren't gambling today. Instead of enjoying the fine weather, they sat around the table smoking, drinking, and chatting. What was the deal?"Why, taking a vow of abstinence?" Li Nanfang joked upon entering."Who's too scared to play?" Sun Daming shot back. "We just can't gamble for the foreseeable future.""What's stopping you? Someone ratted us out?""See those cars outside?" Zhang Wei interjected, his expression grim.The garage crew was the happiest bunch at Kai Huang Group—light work, high pay. They'd swear on their lives that they wanted the company to flourish. So, when the district's joint inspection team moved in that morning, the crew became the company's most devoted stakeholders.Even a fool could see the team's intent was to nitpick. They'd dig until they found dirt harmful to the company's reputation.For a large private enterprise like Kai Huang, perfection was unattainable. The inspection team hoped to find flaws, exaggerate them, and publicize them through the media. Such exposure would devastate the company's reputation.Reputation was everything for a private firm. Once tarnished, the company's prospects would vanish, impacting everyone's income and job security.Under such tension, who had the heart to gamble? Even if they did, if someone reported it, Boss Yue might lash out at them."Last night, my cousin mentioned that some consumers have complained about our flagship products," Zhang Wei said, taking a drag from his cigarette. "Seems like Boss Yue's rubbed someone powerful the wrong way, and they're making things difficult for us.""Oh, I see," Li Nanfang replied, a hint of regret in his voice.He didn't concern himself with Boss Yue's conflict with a district official or the official's retaliation against the company. In fact, he secretly wished the company would shut down tomorrow, forcing Yue Zitong to stay home and be a housewife.Such corporate drama was nothing new. Li Nanfang was more puzzled that a district bigwig dared to cross Miss Yue, unaware that a mere word from her could ruin them.What truly disappointed him was that on payday, he'd sharpened his knife only to find no chance to use it. Seeing that Zhang Wei and the others genuinely had no interest in gambling, Li Nanfang left the duty room with a sigh. He'd have to pre-borrow three to five hundred from the finance department to cover lunch and evening groceries.On his way to the ninth-floor finance department, Li Nanfang sensed an unusual atmosphere. Everyone looked grave and hurried. The finance office was filled with uniformed personnel.A regular employee might think twice before asking for a loan under such circumstances, but Li Nanfang didn't care. He unbuttoned his shirt to reveal his chest tattoos and strode in—no one would dare chide him.A girl with glasses spotted him first and asked softly, "May I help you?"Seems like my fame around here isn't exactly stellar. Gotta find a way to boost my profile, Li Nanfang mused.He smiled warmly and said, "Hey there, I'm the new driver in the garage crew, Li Nanfang. Wondering if my salary is ready for this month. If not, could I get an advance of three—"Before he finished, a man auditing accounts interrupted rudely, "Get out! Can't you see we're busy?""Who's this?" Li Nanfang glanced at the man and asked the girl, "Doesn't look like he's from our company, does he?"The girl, kind-hearted, whispered, "He's a leader from the district audit department, hard at work. Li Nanfang, right? Leave and come back this afternoon. I'll sort it out for you.""Can't do that. Lunch is on the line here. Needs to be settled now," Li Nanfang shook his head."They work, I don't interfere—" he continued.The middle-aged man cut him off again, "Out! Now! Don't disturb us!"Li Nanfang had no intention of causing trouble and secretly hoped these people would mess up Kai Huang Group. But the man's attitude was too much. Was he blind? Couldn't he see Li Nanfang's tattoos?Looking at the stout man, Li Nanfang politely said, "Could you repeat that?""Get out!" the man roared, slamming the table and pointing to the door.SMACK!Before he finished, a resounding slap landed on his fat cheek.Chapter 60: The Scum's FlairEgg-picking in an egg.These six words encapsulate the essence of Director Kang's inspection at Kai Huang Group.Director Kang is undeniably the inner circle within the inner circle, the core affiliate of District Chief Jin. It's said that upon hearing of Young Master Jin's disabling, Director Kang's reaction was more intense than the chief's own. Had it not been for restraint, he might have stormed Yue Zitong's residence that very night—raising eyebrows as to who truly holds paternal authority over Young Master Jin.Director Kang advocated for a direct legal assault on Yue Zitong, demanding she and the assailant face "just and fair" punishment. Yet Chief Jin intervened, well-aware of his son's dubious character. A lawsuit's outcome was uncertain, and it might unearth the boy's sordid past—a risk not worth taking.Chief Jin sought a private settlement: a substantial compensation from Yue Zitong, say thirty to fifty million yuan. For a tycoon, such a sum was mere pocket change. With his son's fate sealed, what good was vengeance? Better to secure a fortune for the boy's future.Chief Jin's pragmatic approach led him to contact Yue Zitong, tactfully seeking resolution. Yue's response, however, was defiant. Not only did she refuse to apologize, but she claimed the beating was deserved and threatened further action. This was blatant contempt—a mere businessman defying a district leader.Chief Jin fumed. Did Yue Zitong truly believe her wealth rendered her untouchable? We shall see.Due to Yue's stubbornness, that afternoon the district's relevant departments notified Kai Huang Group. After meticulous planning, Director Kang led the charge to audit the company's accounts.When Li Nanfang entered, Director Kang was already vexed by Kai Huang's spotless financial records. His rambling complaints drew a sharp retort from Li Nanfang, who slammed the table and ordered him out.Dumbstruck and seeing stars, Director Kang couldn't believe he'd been struck during an official duty. "This is mutiny! You dare lay a hand on me?!" he roared after regaining his senses.SMACK! Another vicious slap sent him spinning in circles, landing him on his chair.Everyone in the finance department froze, staring at Li Nanfang as if he were a madman. Who would dare assault Director Kang in broad daylight?"Speak out of turn again, and I'll kill you!" Li Nanfang snarled, ripping open his shirt to reveal a chest tattoo. His grin was feral, the tattoo a clear message: I'm a desperate man, and I make good on my threats.The district officials accompanying Kang numbered over a dozen, yet none stepped forward. They stood silent, paralyzed by Li Nanfang's menace.Kang, a seasoned veteran, knew better than to escalate. Suppressing his rage, he wiped the blood from his lips, regained his composure, and snapped at his team, "What are you gawking at? Back to work!"The room returned to its tasks, though focus was irrevocably shattered."Much better. Let's keep the peace," Li Nanfang said, turning to the bespectacled girl. "Could you check if my salary is ready for this month?""Ah, yes, please wait," she stammered, grabbing the payroll list. "M-May I have your name?""Li Nanfang. My given name is Nanfang, as in the south of Beiyang. I'm a company-hired ex-convict, a driver in the garage crew, starting this month."Upon hearing he was an ex-con, Kang's lips twitched in disdain. The others realized—no wonder he's so fiery. The girl, however, felt no revulsion. If not for his intimidating tattoo, she might even admire his audacity to slap Kang. The man had it coming, strutting in with unwarranted arrogance.The girl searched the list several times but found no Li Nanfang. Just as she was about to speak, the finance director emerged from her office: "Stop searching, Miss Wang. Mr. Li is no longer employed here.""What?" Li Nanfang was taken aback.Director Zhang explained timidly, "During last Friday's mid-level meeting, Boss Yue instructed HR to terminate your contract."So, I was fired last Friday? Li Nanfang felt humiliated. His aunt's temper was no secret—firing him after his outburst was predictable. How foolish of him to come here seeking wages or a loan."Carry on, then. I'm leaving. silently fired me? You must be tired of living."Li Nanfang dropped a few final threatening words before leaving. At the door, he turned and smirked, "Don't bother seeing me off. I hate emotional goodbyes."The room exchanged sympathetic glances toward Kang. His slap seemed destined to go unanswered."Get back to work!" Li Nanfang could still hear Kang's furious roar as he reached the elevator.Unconcerned, Li Nanfang headed straight for Yue Zitong. How dare she fire him without warning? He'd lost face in front of colleagues—unacceptable.In the president's office, several uniformed individuals held photos of consumers allegedly harmed by Kai Huang's cosmetics. They demanded answers on behalf of the public. Yue Zitong responded with diplomatic platitudes—investigations, potential compensation, etc.Min Rou stood by the desk, her brow furrowed in worry. When someone burst in, likely to report an emergency, the group paused. The intruder promptly ordered everyone except Yue Zitong out, even excusing Min Rou.Stunned, the staff hesitated. One official reached to bang the table in outrage, but Li Nanfang slammed it first. The rosewood desk shuddered, the water cup rattled, and the desktop PC rebooted—a striking display of power.Undone, Li Nanfang ripped open his shirt, revealing tattoos. "Who dares to utter a peep? Let me hear it! I was released last month and just slapped a fatso in the finance department!""What's the meaning of this, Li Nanfang?" Yue Zitong shot up, her face cold with fury."The meaning? You know damn well," Li Nanfang sneered. "You fired me last Friday, didn't you?"Yue Zitong affirmed it bluntly. "So what?""I want to know why!" Li Nanfang yanked off his shirt, revealing his muscular frame and a sun god tattoo on his back. "Today, you give me a good reason, or no one works here.""I've just gotten out and miss prison grub. I'm itching to return."Li Nanfang then turned to the staff, his expression vile. "What a golden opportunity! Which kind soul will grant me that chance?"No one volunteered. Witnessing Li Nanfang's menacing presence, the staff resolved to stay clear. They were here to nitpick, not to provoke a thug."We'll take our leave, Boss Yue," the lead official said, ushering his team out hastily.Min Rou, eyeing Yue Zitong's rage and Li Nanfang's smugness, decided to exit as well.The door had barely closed when Li Nanfang's smirk vanished, replaced by a fawning grin. "Auntie, wasn't my entrance spectacular?"
