Chapter 57: New Year

Zhang Hanping had already been summoned twice by the Director Chang, and their conversations were very pleasant. Chang Fuyuan approached economic matters from a broad perspective—he really had substance. Zhang Hanping admired him, but whenever the Tiandu City’s electronic radio factory was mentioned, he immediately dodged the subject. Zhang Hanping had no choice.

After Zhang Hanping went back and repeated the conversation, Su Pingnan immediately understood the man’s intentions. He sent someone to inquire—good grief, that little factory occupying not even five acres actually had over 600 employees clamoring to be fed. ‘Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,’ Su Pingnan gave that single instruction and let it go. Poor Zhang Hanping could only pretend ignorance each day, calmly playing tai chi with the city officials.

After Li Changhai saw the clash between Su Pingnan and Du Jiu at the door of Jinxiu Pavilion, he immediately became interested in Du Jiu. After a trip to Hainan and returning, he immediately mobilized his connections to find Du Jiu’s whereabouts.

Mao Limin was the director of the police in the East District. When he received Li Changhai’s call, he was momentarily stunned, then said, “That matter has already been handled, and Su Pingnan of Jinxiu Pavilion also testified it was a misunderstanding—he said everyone had been drinking that day.”

After Li Changhai hung up, his subordinates had already reported back that the assailant from that day had become Su Pingnan’s driver. After Li Changhai sent his subordinates away, he smashed his most beloved cup.

Mao Limin had also heard of the conflict between Li Changhai and Su Pingnan at the auction house, so after some thought he still picked up the phone and made a call. “Hello, Xiao Guo? This is Mao Limin.”

It was noisy on Guo Guangyao’s end at first ,but after he took a few steps to the side, a clear voice came through, “Hello Director Mao. It’s Guo Guangyao. I still remember your voice clearly. Any instructions?”

Mao Limin understood that if he spoke up today, he would be seen as someone who stood with the Jinxiu crowd. But thinking of Guo Guangyao’s usual help with his daily matters and Su Pingnan’s rocket-like earning speed, he opened his mouth, “There’s a matter you should know: Li Changhai is looking for someone to poach Du Jiu.”

Guo Guangyao hung up. It seemed his past efforts had not been in vain. A few days ago, Mao’s brother-in-law got married, so Guo Guangyao had arranged twenty cars and waived the Jinxiu Pavilion’s banquet fees—today he finally saw some return.

Guo Guangyao immediately called Su Pingnan. After a brief pause Su Pingnan said, “Give me Mao’s number, I’ll contact him personally. From now on, keep some attention on Li Changhai.”

Mao Limin felt that betting on Su Pingnan sometimes meant a man’s intuition could be sharper than a woman’s. As for the rumors about Su Pingnan, he’d seen the internal documents and scoffed at them. The fact that this young man could so wonderfully leverage the situation and at twenty had built such an empire, he thought it necessary to cultivate good relations.

While he was lost in thought the phone rang; a young unfamiliar voice said, “Director Mao?”

“Yes, it’s me. Who are you?”

“I’m Su Pingnan. Thanks for today’s help, brother. When I return, please honor me with your presence, Director Mao.”

“Good, good, no problem.”

After hanging up Mao knew it had been worth it. Little Red Robe—everyone said he was very proud—had personally called, which meant he had acknowledged owing him a favor.

Near the end of the workday, Guo Guangyao came by. As soon as he entered, he respectfully placed a gold card for the top floor of Jinxiu Pavilion on Mao Limin’s desk.

“What’s this for?” Mao Limin asked, lighting a cigarette.

Guo answered meticulously, “Mr. Su said friends don’t need to be so formal with one another. This is for Director Mao’s convenience in the future.”

Mao Limin did not refuse, and left with a smiling face. Many people saw it.

It was New Year. To borrow a famous movie line from the future: ‘1992 is over, I miss it.’

Su Pingnan missed 1992—he’d had a very pleasant year. His rapidly advancing business and the ever-deepening roots of his contracts made him very happy.

Du Dandan was also very happy. On New Year, she finally had the chance to call Su Pingnan and wished him a Happy New Year in advance.

When Su Pingnan received the call he was on his way home, accompanied by Su Wenwen, Du Jiu and Du Jiu’s sister.

“Su Pingnan, Happy New Year,” Du Dandan’s voice came through.

Su Pingnan smiled wryly and said, “You too. Not calling me Bad Guy Bro anymore?”

Du Dandan’s face flushed immediately on the other end. She said a few words then hung up, staring at her pure face in the mirror in a daze. She was a little unwilling to face the true feelings in her heart—Li Luoran was too beautiful, and she felt somewhat inferior.

Su Pingnan had no idea what was going through Du Dandan’s mind on the other end of the line, but his own mood had inexplicably brightened. “Jiu, from now on, we’re one family,” he looked at Du Jiu driving seriously and at Du Ruoyun, who hugged herself shyly, and said earnestly.

Du Jiu hummed in response. He was an honest man with no tricks, and that represented his agreement. Du Ruoyun timidly looked at Su Pingnan and nodded too. The little girl was thin and delicate, possessing the gentle beauty of a Jiangnan maiden.