Chapter 83: Smooth Progress

After resolving the issue with the badge, Zhao Fan casually inquired about the company’s situation.

“How’s the company these past two days?”

“Not bad. We’ve developed quite a few things. Oh, and the software you mentioned earlier—I’ve started to get some ideas about it.”

When Han Chen brought it up, Zhao Fan was momentarily at a loss.

“What are you talking about?”

Han Chen didn’t answer, instead he revealed the finished product.

Suddenly it dawned on Zhao Fan, “Oh, you mean this. Let me try it first.”

“Alright.”

The computer screen was turned toward Zhao Fan, who operated it roughly. Something felt off, and his gaze dropped to his phone.

Hmm, it was still just an ordinary keypad phone.

Zhao Fan looked up, meeting Han Chen’s eyes in silent understanding.

“Han Chen, let’s set this aside for now.”

The phone wasn’t compatible; even if the software was finished, it could only run on the computer. Reaching the level Zhao Fan hoped for was still far off.

Han Chen sighed, “Alright.”

After Han Chen left, Zhao Fan rubbed his brow. Having ideas too far ahead wasn’t always good; after all the effort, he ended up with finished products that couldn’t be used, and it was exhausting.

If worst came to worst, he’d have Han Chen and his team draft a project proposal first, then he’d provide reminders based on its contents.

Thinking this way, Zhao Fan found it quite feasible and immediately shared the idea of a project proposal with Han Chen.

A day later, Zhao Fan received Han Chen’s proposal, clearly outlining the e-commerce arrangement.

The software had been ready for some time, but since the bank’s online service hadn’t launched, it was left on hold.

Han Chen understood, though he was unwilling to let it go.

So when Zhao Fan mentioned the proposal, Han Chen brought it up again.

Knowing Han Chen was earnest, Zhao Fan had no choice but to seek out Mu Tianrong once more and ask about the online banking.

“It’s already launched.”

Zhao Fan was surprised. “Wasn’t it supposed to be at the end of the year?”

“We did say that, but lately the bank hasn’t had much to do, so we brought it forward—as an early promotion.”

Zhao Fan was speechless.

Such capriciousness left him at a loss, but it was a good thing. Now his website could be arranged.

The next day, Zhao Fan announced it at the company, and with that, the whole company sprang into action.

Zhao Fan spared no expense, launching aggressive advertising campaigns. Within just a week, the concept of online shopping with Feiteng spread across Yangcheng.

Not only that, he also contacted the official station, extending coverage to other areas as well.

Half a month later, applications for stores on the Feiteng shopping site surpassed a thousand.

In response, Zhao Fan organized promotional activities.

Thanks to the online banking, the bank both openly and discreetly helped with promotion, especially Xia Xing in Yangcheng, who worked the hardest.

In fact, Xia Xing’s efforts brought tangible results; if nothing else, the surge in bank card applications brought considerable funds.

As the shopping site’s reputation grew, so did the number of store applications.

Zhao Fan had Han Chen and his team monitor and adjust, preventing malicious activity. He even assembled a customer service team as the official mediator, ensuring there were no issues like refund refusals.

With everyone watching closely, time slowly passed, and before anyone realized, October had arrived.

Winter came early to Yangcheng. As soon as October began, the temperature dropped sharply, and people on the streets donned thick cotton coats.

During these months, Zhao Fan delved deeper into the shadowy world of private auctions, uncovering many truths.

The number 103 signified he was the 103rd recipient of a badge; before him, there were 102 others, all carefully selected by the auction house.

They weren’t necessarily people of high status, but each had a unique vision.

Zhao Fan received his badge mainly because he’d snagged the Song Dynasty porcelain Listening Vase.

Poor Mu Tianrong believed Zhao Fan was chosen as host for the auction because of his success with the vase.

As Zhao Fan ventured further, Fang Tiancheng’s understanding of these clandestine auctions deepened.

Meanwhile, the items Zhao Fan won at auction grew ever more precious, and twice he nearly spent all his resources.

Feeling overwhelmed, Zhao Fan had to cut back on attending auctions.

Fortunately, after he made that decision, the auctions abruptly halted for two months.

By the time Zhao Fan realized, it was near year’s end.

By then, Feiteng’s assets had soared, and the company made its mark in Yangcheng. Zhao Fan’s name gradually entered the public eye.

Everything went so smoothly it surprised Zhao Fan—until a storm broke.

A building overseen by Sangtian collapsed overnight, and no one knew why. Multiple inspections failed to reveal the cause.

Luckily, no one was inside when it happened, so there were no casualties.

At Sangtian Company,

President Shi Wenxuan’s expression was grave. “I can guarantee Sangtian’s design was flawless.”

Zhao Fan smiled lightly. “It’s not about what you say, Mr. Shi. Bring me the evidence.”

Only with evidence could he believe.

Shi Wenxuan fell silent. If evidence existed, they wouldn’t be sitting here.

“Mr. Shi, I trusted you enough to hand over the site entirely. Now the money’s spent, the building’s collapsed. Tell me, what’s the plan going forward?”

Shi Wenxuan remained silent.

Zhao Fan adjusted his posture, unhurriedly waiting for Shi Wenxuan’s explanation.

“I’m sorry, President Zhao.”

Zhao Fan gazed at Shi Wenxuan, saying nothing.

Shi Wenxuan stood up. “I’m sorry, President Zhao.”

As he bent to bow, Zhao Fan stopped him. “I’m not looking for an apology.”

“I understand your point, but this matter…”

“Find the evidence and resolve it.”

Shi Wenxuan was stunned. Find the evidence and resolve it?

“President Zhao, you…”

“Don’t speak. I don’t want to hear pointless excuses. Just resolve this—any losses, I’ll shoulder them myself.”

“Yes, sir!”

Leaving Sangtian Company, Zhao Fan slumped back in the driver’s seat, fatigue etched across his face.

A collapse without cause?

He scoffed. Even if he died right there, he wouldn’t believe such nonsense.

Rolling down the window, Zhao Fan glanced out—and was surprised to see something drifting from the sky.

He reached out and caught it, astonished. Snow had begun to fall.

Yangcheng’s first snow arrived in mid-November, swirling for half a day, piling thickly on the ground. Passersby slowed their steps, wary of slipping and hurting themselves.

Watching the persistent snowfall, Zhao Fan turned the steering wheel toward Zhao Haitian’s supermarket.

Due to the snow, Zhao Haitian was already busy closing up.

“Brother, what brings you here?”

“Just passing by. Thought I’d give you a ride home. How’s the packing going?”

“Almost done.”

Parking at the entrance, Zhao Fan got out to help, and after closing up, the two prepared to head home.

Just then, a screeching brake shattered the quiet, followed by agonizing screams.

“Ahhh…”

Boom!

Zhao Fan’s expression changed dramatically.