If nothing is done, and events unfold, there might be no way to change the outcome. But if action is taken, what should it be? One cannot simply wander about like a headless fly.
This is the predicament I face now. I worry that future events might cause trouble for Chang Dachun, even ruin his life. Yet, I don't know how to resolve this problem. I don't even know where the problem truly lies, and that latter part is the most terrifying.
In any game, the most crucial aspect is understanding the game. A faster understanding of the game leads to more conditions for planning and better methods for breaking it. Wang Ren's game must have been laid out long ago, yet I cannot even comprehend it. How can I fight?
...
In the afternoon, I was lazing in the small courtyard, thinking idly. Then the phone rang; it was Da Huang.
"Tang Nan, I need to discuss something with you."
"What is it?"
"Someone wants to invest in our agritainment restaurant."
"Invest? We don't lack money."
Da Huang lowered his voice, "Sister Han is right beside me. Whether you agree or not, you have to agree. Understand?"
"Mm!"
After I agreed, Da Huang's tone rose, "You're quite sensible, kid. Don't worry, Sister Han won't treat us poorly. It's our fortune to have Sister Han invest. Relax, I'll arrange... You want to have dinner with Sister Han? Rest up. Sister Han is a busy person, she doesn't have time to spend with you. Dinner? Yes, you can have dinner. Alright, Sister Han agrees. We'll have dinner tonight. Cancel your other plans. I'll notify you. Goodbye!"
I watched the entire exchange, not uttering a word, letting Da Huang monologue. I wondered who this Sister Han was. Where did she come from? Why the sudden interest in investment? This 'farmhouse canteen' was something I built for Li Feng; I wasn't even aiming for profit. Was it now being eyed by capital?
Da Huang isn't one to flatter usually. Clearly, this Sister Han must have formidable connections, otherwise, Da Huang wouldn't be acting so theatrically. Isn't that what brothers are for? Helping each other out? After learning about Li Feng's situation, I have no intention of withdrawing or increasing my investment. Let Li Feng fend for himself.
Based on current developments, even if branches open in various cities, his net worth won't significantly increase for years. As for Gao Ziyan's case, it will likely go to court within a month. As long as those two aren't linked, it should be fine.
So, if Da Huang needs to use this restaurant to maintain some relationships, let him handle it himself. He said to bring me, the initiator, to dinner, so I'll go. As for the investment amount, I won't make the decision; I'll follow Da Huang's lead on everything.
...
After hanging up, I was still pondering future events. I hadn't slept well the night before. Lost in thought, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I checked my phone and saw it was on silent, with several missed calls. I called Lin Han back first and doted on her for a while before calling Fatty. Fatty had called me several times.
"Where are you?" he asked.
"At home."
"The boss and Da Huang are fighting. Can you come over and mediate?"
I was baffled. How many years have we known each other? I'd never heard the three brothers quarrel. Chang Dachun is the elder brother, his words carry weight, and he's very measured.
Da Huang has a temper, but he doesn't clash with Chang Dachun. I always thought their fates were perfectly aligned.
"I don't..."
Before Da Huang could finish, I covered his mouth. He struggled, but he couldn't overpower me. After all, I'd trained in combat for years. While I might not be able to defeat desperate thugs, I could certainly handle Da Huang.
Seeing me make a move, Brother Fatty followed suit, pulling and dragging Chang Dachun away.
"Why are you doing this to me? It's not my fault! You want to use violence to make me submit? My bones are hard!"
"Brother Da Huang, is it necessary?"
"Why isn't it necessary? You get money and then you stop playing the game of relationships? What kind of future will you have? Big Brother wasn't like this before. He's been strange since he married that An Xiaoyue."
"Let's not get sidetracked. I'm asking you, who is this Sister Han?"
"A business associate."
"Is that all?"
"What else could it be?"
"Da Huang, don't just say nothing. I'm telling you, if you blow this up, our brotherhood will be ruined."
"It's not that serious. We've fought before."
"When?"
"When we had no idea where our next meal was coming from."
"When was that?"
My question visibly startled Da Huang. "No way, we faced hardship together. Surely we won't go down the path of not sharing prosperity?"
"You know this, and you're still making a fuss?"
"What do we do? What do we do now?" Da Huang panicked. He was just acting out, but when it came to true feelings, he wouldn't abandon his brothers for some Sister Han. What kind of person is Da Huang? He's the type to fight with a knife in a narrow alley for his brothers.
"First, tell me who Sister Han is."
"Just a woman in business. Quite beautiful. She likes to get involved in all sorts of businesses, and people are happy to have her invest. Don't even mention her wanting to invest; she might not even go if others beg her."
"She's so popular, there must be a reason."
"She's the mistress of the Deputy Procurator-General."
"Anything else?"
"No."
"Does this matter warrant the Boss getting so angry?"
"It's not entirely that. After Sister Han wanted to invest, I don't know how, but the chef found out. The chef went crazy, smashing pots and stoves and everything. The Boss happened to walk in. After he asked me about it, he lectured me fiercely. He lectured me for an outsider, so why shouldn't I retaliate? Because of that chef, what's his mindset? If he gets the investment, it's his? The money is ours. He's just contributing his skills, and he's still unhappy. No, no, it's not just because of that. The Boss just lectured me out of the blue."
I frowned, thinking carefully about what had happened. Suddenly, I remembered Gao Ziyan mentioning the Procurator-General at lunch.
"What's the Deputy Procurator-General's name?"
"Li Qiang."
"Li?"
"Yes, Li. What's wrong? What's the situation?"