Chapter Thirty-Nine: Borrowing Someone

After finalizing the contract with Xu An, the next day Zhao Fan visited the renovation company.

He had already worked with them once before, so this second collaboration went smoothly. After a brief discussion, the company's designer immediately grasped what Zhao Fan wanted and quickly produced a preliminary blueprint for the renovations.

Zhao Fan raised a few points, which the designer promptly amended.

"Let’s stick to this framework for now. I want the renovation finished as soon as possible."

"Are you in a rush to open, Mr. Zhao? If so, I suggest changing the paint. This brand is more expensive, but as soon as the renovations are done, you can open for business right away."

Change the paint?

Zhao Fan followed the designer to look at the suggested paint, asked about the price, compared it to the money he had on hand, and nodded his agreement.

"Let’s use this one."

"Alright."

After paying the deposit, Zhao Fan left the renovation company and soon received a call from Mu Tianrong, who told him that there was news from Hong Kong City.

In that instant, Zhao Fan’s heart skipped a beat. "What’s the verdict?"

"It’s genuine!" Mu Tianrong could no longer contain his excitement. "It’s real—the Song dynasty shadow porcelain Listening Wind Vase is authentic!"

With three consecutive declarations of authenticity, a smile flickered in Zhao Fan’s eyes. Good—his money was secure.

"By the way, Mr. Zhao, the folks in Hong Kong City want to arrange an immediate auction. On your end…"

Once the authenticity of the Song dynasty vase was confirmed, Mu Tianrong felt a sense of awe toward Zhao Fan. While everyone else thought it was a fake, only Zhao Fan had remained firm, spending three million to acquire it.

Say what you will, Zhao Fan’s discernment was clearly unmatched.

"Tell them to go ahead—arrange it directly for auction."

A month ago, Zhao Fan would have felt compelled to go to Hong Kong City himself, but now things were different. He needed to keep things steady at home, so he couldn’t go.

"Manager Mu, find someone trustworthy. Once it’s done, I’ll give them a cut."

"How about Xu An, Mr. Zhao?"

Xu An?

Thinking of the contract, Zhao Fan agreed readily, "That’s fine."

That same night, Xu An took the soonest flight out of Yang City, while Zhao Fan sought out his old friend from his previous life, Chen Tianyu, hoping he could help him get in touch with his brother, Chen Jianyu.

Coincidentally, it was also time for Zhao Fan’s monthly visit to school.

After dealing with his homeroom teacher, He Yongshan, Zhao Fan dragged Chen Tianyu up to the school rooftop.

"What do you want with my brother?" Chen Tianyu was baffled.

"I can’t say right now. Tomorrow night, you’ll know."

Patting Chen Tianyu on the shoulder, Zhao Fan caught a glimpse of He Yongshan’s figure out of the corner of his eye and immediately stood up.

"Let’s go, let’s go—Old He is coming."

At the mention of Old He, Chen Tianyu shivered, fell silent, and obediently followed Zhao Fan, knowing full well how troublesome Old He could be.

The next evening, Zhao Fan strolled to the school and soon spotted Chen Jianyu leaning in a corner with seven or eight others, eyeing the passing students.

"Staring at people like that will scare them off, you know," Zhao Fan called out as he approached Chen Jianyu, tilting his head. "Come on, let’s find somewhere to sit."

"Alright."

It was just the right time for street food. The group of ten or so sat down at a noodle stall, and Zhao Fan ordered several bowls of noodles.

Chen Jianyu looked sullen. "So, what do you want from me this time?"

"I want to borrow someone from you—not much required, just someone who can act."

"Act?" Chen Jianyu frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I’ve run into a bit of trouble and need someone to help provoke a certain person."

"I see. Any preference for male or female?"

"No preference, as long as they're thick-skinned and can act."

"How much are you paying?"

"Two hundred a day, with meals and lodging included."

Two hundred a day, with meals and lodging?

Chen Jianyu’s eyes lit up. "Just one person?"

"Just one."

"Alright then."

Though Chen Jianyu was a bit disappointed, two hundred a day with meals and lodging was a good deal compared to current wages.

Zhao Fan reminded him, "Eat your noodles."

After they finished eating, the group wandered off, and Chen Jianyu soon brought out the person Zhao Fan wanted—a wiry, monkey-like young man, hunched and sharp-eyed, clearly street-smart.

"Here you go, he’s yours. We’re off."

As the group meandered away, Zhao Fan called out, "Are you planning to stay like this forever?"

Chen Jianyu paused. "What else should we do?"

"Yang City is developing quickly; there are plenty of opportunities. You could find something to do instead of wandering the streets all day."

Looking at these young men, Zhao Fan couldn’t help but think of his previous life. Back then, he hadn’t wanted to be dragged down, but Chen Jianyu and his friends were different—they were still young.

The key was their connection to Chen Tianyu.

If Zhao Fan wanted to go far, he needed to build his own team, and now was the perfect time.

Chen Jianyu’s eyes flickered. "We don’t have money."

"How about working as security guards?" Zhao Fan raised an eyebrow. His new supermarket was still under renovation, but given its size, he’d need a team to keep order.

Chen Jianyu and his crew had some local reputation in Yang City—more than enough for security work.

"Just guarding the gate?"

"No, handling troublemakers. You’ve probably heard about the famous new supermarket in Yang City?"

A thought dawned on Chen Jianyu. "Is that supermarket yours?"

"Yes. I’m planning to open a second one. Since it’s a large place, I’ll need a team to keep things under control. What do you say?"

What did they say?

Chen Jianyu wiped his mouth and sneered, "Aren’t you afraid we might be the ones causing trouble?"

Zhao Fan smiled. "Given my relationship with Chen Tianyu, you wouldn’t dare."

Having been around the block, Chen Jianyu knew the value of opportunity. And with the supermarket belonging to Zhao Fan, he wouldn’t risk jeopardizing his brother’s prospects.

"Besides, do you really want your crew to be street punks forever?"

"When do you open?"

"All goes well, in a month."

"Got it."

With just those words, Chen Jianyu led his group away.

Rubbing his chin, Zhao Fan called after him, "I hope to see a substantial team in a month!"

Chen Jianyu paused for a few seconds, then replied, "Not one will be missing."

Turning back, Zhao Fan slung his arm around the young man’s shoulders. "What’s your name? How old are you?"

"My name’s Fan Hong."

"Which characters for Fan and Hong?"

"The Fan with the grass radical, and Hong as in flood. I’m nineteen this year."

"Nineteen, still young. Why aren’t you in school?"

"…"

They walked and talked, their figures slowly fading into the night as the streetlights shone on and the crowd dwindled.

The next day, Zhao Fan brought Fan Hong to the hospital. By coincidence, Yang Qingqing was there too.

When the two sides met, Yang Qingqing’s eyes flashed and she straightened her back, looking at Zhao Fan with open challenge.

"So, little brother, you’re here."

"Who are you calling little brother?"

"It’s just the few of us here—who else could I mean? Little brother, there used to be misunderstandings, but it’s not good for family to fall out."

"Don’t talk about family. Someone’s already been found for the bone marrow transplant."