Volume One: Beihai Qin Yang Chapter 0007: Mobile Phone
The afternoon weather had improved slightly, the sun no longer so merciless, and with September just begun, the heat would soon ebb away. In Bin City, he was utterly alone, without a single acquaintance; if he needed reliable, familiar people, only Wang Hu could help him.
He hailed a cab and made his way downtown.
Kitty Bar.
Black Three and his crew had mentioned this place; from now on, whenever something came up, he could find them here.
As he was about to enter, he heard shrieks of pain from within.
There were chaotic noises, the unmistakable sounds of a brawl underway.
Qin Yang strode in, his brow furrowed.
“Brother Yang!”
“Brother Yang, what brings you here?” Black Three greeted him with a broad, obsequious grin.
“What’s going on?”
In the center of the room, two young men stood protectively around a girl. She was attractive, likely tipsy, and stared intently at Black Three. Qin Yang didn’t even need to ask—he knew what had happened.
Bang!
His kick was sharp and decisive, breaking Black Three’s leg. A ferocious murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
“Third Brother!” The others’ faces changed dramatically at the sight and rushed forward, but Black Three stopped them: “Don’t move! This is Brother Yang.”
Sweat beaded on his forehead, the intense pain nearly causing him to faint.
“Brother Yang, I was wrong. I won’t dare again.”
Qin Yang waved his hand, signaling one of Black Three’s men to bring over a chair. He sat, eyeing the two plainly dressed young men before him. Judging by their travel-worn appearance, they weren’t locals.
Both men were taut and muscular, with the bearing of those who’d spent three to five years in the military, at the very least.
“What are your names?”
“Brother Yang, I’m Wang Lei, and he’s Li Jun. We only came for a drink, didn’t expect any trouble. You see?” Wang Lei, a year older than Li Jun, spoke carefully. Faced with a local tough, and a dangerous one at that, they had no desire to stir up trouble.
“Were you soldiers?”
“Haha, Brother Yang, yes, we served five years. How did you know?” Li Jun replied boisterously, entirely unafraid.
Qin Yang searched Black Three, pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Black Three, despite his agony, quickly lit one for him.
“My brother here acted foolishly. Sorry about that. So, what brings you two to Bin City?”
“Brother Yang, everyone says Bin City is paved with gold. We’re here looking for work.”
Qin Yang nodded, saying nothing. He placed a strong hand on Black Three’s injured leg and swung it forcefully.
Bang!
Black Three was sent flying, landing a dozen meters away. The onlookers watched in shock.
When had human strength become so formidable?
A true monster.
Black Three moved his legs experimentally and found them restored. Gratitude filled his face. “Thank you, Brother Yang.”
Qin Yang gave him a cold, penetrating look. “Black Three, mind yourself. If I ever catch you in a situation like this again, you’ll disappear.”
Black Three shuddered. He knew Qin Yang’s methods well—the leg injury their leader Wang Hu had suffered, his own leg broken just now, and then Qin Yang simply fixed it with a touch. Such skill was unheard of.
“Brother Yang, it won’t happen again.”
“Alright, disperse.”
As music resumed, Qin Yang strolled over, ordered a beer, and watched Wang Lei and Li Jun. He’d intended to ask Wang Hu for men, but now he had two ready candidates—clean backgrounds, too.
“Have you found work yet?”
Wang Lei and Li Jun, as if forgetting the earlier unpleasantness, shook their heads ruefully. Neither could read or write much; no company would hire them.
“Not yet.”
Qin Yang pondered, then smiled. “Tell you what, why don’t you both work for me?”
“Brother Yang, what do you do?”
“Head of security. Just joined a company today. If you’re willing, follow me—I guarantee you’ll earn a living here.”
“How much?” Wang Lei was keenly interested.
“At least three thousand plus.”
“Alright, we’ll follow you, Brother Yang.” Both were delighted. Other jobs they'd asked about offered barely two thousand; now, finally, a high-paying job.
“Brother Yang, does it include meals and lodging? We’ve only got two hundred yuan left between us.”
Qin Yang was exasperated. He’d thought himself poor, but these two were worse off.
He glanced at Black Three and beckoned him over. Black Three approached respectfully. “Brother Yang, what is it?”
“Got any money on you?”
“Uh!” Black Three was embarrassed. “Let me check.”
“Damn it, whoever’s got money, put it on the table.”
They piled up small bills and a few red banknotes; all told, less than a thousand yuan.
“Black Three, for someone who runs in the underworld, you’re pretty pathetic. A dozen brothers, and this is all you can scrape together? You need to use your brains—mindless fighting is for fools. And pass my words on to Wang Hu.”
“Of course, Brother Yang. We’ll relay your message.”
Qin Yang didn’t realize his advice would soon prompt Wang Hu and Black Three to pool their resources and start a business—though he wouldn’t know this for now.
Back at the company, he looked at Wang Lei and Li Jun. He needed to keep them, but the thought of Su Ying made his head ache.
Su Ying and he didn’t get along. If he forced Wang Lei and Li Jun into the team, it wouldn’t go smoothly.
Just as he entered the factory grounds, Wang Da Fu approached with a smile. “Boss, General Manager Wu wishes to see you!”
Wu Yao Yao was back?
He thought of the young woman from yesterday, nodded at Wang Da Fu, and said to Wang Lei and Li Jun, “Wait here for me; I’ll be right back.”
At the general manager’s office, he knocked. When a voice said “Come in,” he entered.
Wu Yao Yao was engrossed in paperwork. He was surprised—time passes quickly, but this transformation was remarkable.
Wu Yao Yao was dressed in professional attire, a stark contrast to yesterday. This was what a senior white-collar worker should wear.
She looked mature, attractive, and full of energy.
“Qin Yang, you’re here. Sit down,” Wu Yao Yao said, putting aside her documents. “I heard from Su Ying that you don’t have a phone. I went ahead and got you one—after all, you need to be reachable at all times in our company.”
He glanced at the elegant phone, recognizing the brand—surely expensive. “Thank you, General Manager Wu. By the way, I met two people outside today and want them to join the security department. What do you think?”
“You’re the head of security. If you think they’re suitable, go ahead. Personnel decisions in the security department are yours.”
“I’ll call Manager Su and have her handle it.”
Qin Yang was full of gratitude. “Thank you, General Manager Wu. Thank you.”
Su Ying, having finished her work, stormed into Wu Yao Yao’s office. “Wu Yao Yao, are you crazy? Buying a phone for a subordinate? Don’t tell me you’re interested in him!”
“Impossible!”