Chapter 7: Malin’s Obstruction

After dinner, while his mother, Wang Fengqin, was clearing the table, his father, Zhou Guoping, and Zhou Ming were watching TV. Zhou Guoping said, "I don't understand this business with the government bonds you're doing. You say it's legal and profitable, and I don't object to it, but it still seems like you're taking shortcuts. You call it financial economics, but I don't think the government will allow this to go on forever. You can't keep doing this indefinitely. And since government bonds are so profitable, others will eventually find out. Once they do, you might not be able to continue."

Though Zhou Guoping was just an ordinary worker at the factory, his insight was sharp. He had correctly identified the limitations of the government bond business. Government bonds were a unique phenomenon of that era and would quickly fade away with reform and central regulation.

Zhou Ming nodded and said, "Don't worry, Dad. I'm only doing this because it's currently profitable. Once I've made enough money, I'll move on to other businesses."

"As long as you understand," Zhou Guoping said.

After their discussion, Zhang Lei came to Zhou Ming's house, knocking on the door anxiously. He had come early because he was worried Zhou Ming might be scolded by his parents. Zhou Ming reassured him that he had already explained the situation to his parents, though he hadn't mentioned that the money for buying government bonds was borrowed from high-interest loans. Zhou Ming advised Zhang Lei to be careful not to let that slip.

Zhang Lei was relieved and said that they should go find Su Han and continue buying government bonds that evening. However, Su Han ran over, looking distressed, and said, "Something's wrong! Someone is trying to steal our business!"

Zhang Lei was shocked. "How is that possible? No one knew about the government bonds in the factory for years."

Zhou Ming remained calm. "Su Han, calm down and tell us what happened."

Su Han caught her breath and said, "Malin and his cousin are trying to take over our government bond business!"

It turned out that Malin, his cousin, and Zhang Qian were having a meal at Su Han's restaurant. Zhang Qian had mentioned seeing Zhou Ming buying government bonds in the factory, which initially made Malin mock Zhou Ming as a fool. However, his cousin had reminded him of the potential profit in this business, and Malin had realized the opportunity.

Malin had said, "Zhou Ming might be good at these shady tricks, but now that I know about it, you can just dream about getting rich. Since I know about it, I'll be taking over the government bond business."

Su Han relayed Malin's exact words. She didn't stay to hear how Malin planned to do it because she was too anxious to warn Zhou Ming.

"Malin?!" Zhang Lei fumed. "That woman Zhang Qian is such a troublemaker for revealing our secret. She must have been following us on purpose."

Su Han clarified that Zhang Qian probably just happened to see them and wasn't intentionally tracking them. Zhou Ming sighed, acknowledging the oversight.

Zhang Lei suggested, "Shouldn't we raise our purchasing price to compete?"

"But if Malin raises his price too, we'll end up losing out," Su Han pointed out.

Zhang Lei was silent, realizing that if Malin used his father's influence, he could easily outcompete them. Their position was precarious, and Malin's actions might lead to them being forced out of the business.

"Hey, what's this little meeting you're having?" came a familiar irritating voice. It was Malin.

"We're just discussing our business. It's none of your concern," Zhang Lei replied impatiently.

Malin smirked. "Let me guess, you're trying to figure out how to continue with your government bond business? I overheard that Su Han's restaurant suddenly closed and came over to see what was going on. And look at that, it's exactly as I thought. A woman who used to flirt with men is now eavesdropping."

Su Han denied it, but Malin ignored her. He continued, "Anyway, it doesn't matter if you overheard. I'm here to let you know that I'll be taking over the government bond business at Factory 760. I'll have my father issue a notice to the workshops tomorrow, warning everyone to be cautious of fraudsters. Only trust my collection service."

Malin's arrogance was infuriating. Su Han and Zhang Lei shared the sentiment, but they were well aware of Malin's advantage. His father's influence made it easy for him to block their efforts.

Zhou Ming, however, was not disheartened. "So you think you can block us? We'll see about that."

Malin mocked Zhou Ming's response and said, "You're just talking big. I'm going to tell my dad, and you'll see how your little business crumbles."

Malin left, leaving Su Han and Zhang Lei dejected. Although Zhou Ming's retort had felt good momentarily, it didn't solve their immediate problem.

Zhou Ming, noticing their concern, said, "Are you giving up already?"

Su Han replied, "It's not that we want to give up, but Malin's father has significant power in the factory. If he wants to control the bond business, it'll be hard for us to compete. Plus, Malin is vengeful and will likely retaliate for what happened today."

Zhou Ming nodded. "You're right. Malin's influence is significant, but there are ways around it. If we can find someone with even more influence than his father, we might be able to turn this situation around."

Su Han and Zhang Lei were skeptical, wondering where Zhou Ming's confidence was coming from. They were in no position to be choosy and chose to trust him. Malin's sudden interference was unexpected, but Zhou Ming was determined to find a solution.

The next morning, as Zhou Ming and Su Han were preparing for another day of buying government bonds, Zhang Lei rushed in, out of breath.

"Something's wrong! Malin has made a move! You need to see the notice at the factory entrance!" Zhang Lei said urgently.

Zhou Ming frowned and, along with Su Han, hurried to the factory entrance. A crowd had gathered around a prominent red notice posted by the factory's security office. Zhang Lei pointed to it, saying, "Zhou Ming, Su Han, look at this notice."

The notice read:

"Recently, some criminals have been posing as collectors of government bonds and dealing in counterfeit money. Please be cautious. Government bonds are issued to support national construction. The factory will have designated personnel for bond collection. Please report any individual collectors to the factory's security office."

The notice was clear. Su Han immediately cursed Malin for using his father's position to post such a notice. "He's so shameless! Calling us fraudsters while covering his own tracks. If anyone's deceitful, it's him!"

As Su Han vented her frustration, Malin arrived and taunted, "Oh, look who's here. Zhou Ming, you're also checking the notice? Indeed, these fraudsters are becoming more brazen, targeting government bonds. Isn't it alarming? What do you think?"

Zhou Ming responded, "It's clear you're abusing your father's influence. Your excuse is flimsy. Fake money? The bank can detect that easily. You think you can fool anyone?"

Malin shrugged, "The reason doesn't matter as long as the factory workers believe it. My dad has already coordinated with the security office. If you continue collecting bonds from factory workers' families, they'll arrest you."

"Malin, don't push your luck!" Zhang Lei shouted angrily.

[2:05 AM, 8/16/2024] Front Office- Argan : Zhou Ming's gaze was steady as he confronted Malin, "You think you can just block us like this? I won't let you get away with it."

Malin smirked and retorted, "You're all talk. I'm going to my dad right now, and you'll see how your little operation gets shut down."

With that, Malin walked off, leaving Zhou Ming, Su Han, and Zhang Lei feeling frustrated. Though Zhou Ming's defiant attitude felt momentarily satisfying, it did little to address the immediate challenge.

Seeing Su Han and Zhang Lei's worried expressions, Zhou Ming reassured them, "Don't give up yet. We can still turn this around."

Su Han, still upset, said, "It's not that we want to quit, but with Malin's father having so much influence, if he really starts collecting bonds, it'll be hard for us to compete. And Malin's vindictive nature means he'll try to retaliate."

Zhou Ming nodded in agreement. "Malin's father's influence is significant, but if we can find someone with even more authority, we might be able to challenge him."

Su Han and Zhang Lei were uncertain about Zhou Ming's optimism but had no better options. They chose to trust him. Malin's interference was unexpected, but Zhou Ming was determined to find a solution.

The next morning, as Zhou Ming and Su Han prepared for another day of collecting government bonds, Zhang Lei burst in, breathless.

"Something's wrong! Malin has taken action. You need to see the notice at the factory entrance!" Zhang Lei said urgently.

Zhou Ming frowned, and together with Su Han, rushed to the factory entrance. A crowd had gathered around a prominent red notice posted by the factory's security office. Zhang Lei pointed it out, saying, "Zhou Ming, Su Han, look at this notice."

The notice read:

"Recently, some criminals have been posing as collectors of government bonds and dealing in counterfeit money. Please be cautious. Government bonds are issued to support national construction. The factory will have designated personnel for bond collection. Please report any individual collectors to the factory's security office."

The notice was clear. Su Han immediately cursed Malin for using his father's position to post such a notice. "He's so shameless! Calling us fraudsters while covering his own tracks. If anyone's deceitful, it's him!"

As Su Han vented her frustration, Malin approached and taunted, "Oh, look who's here. Zhou Ming, you're also checking the notice? Indeed, these fraudsters are becoming more brazen, targeting government bonds. Isn't it alarming? What do you think?"

Zhou Ming responded, "It's clear you're abusing your father's influence. Your excuse is flimsy. Fake money? The bank can detect that easily. You think you can fool anyone?"

Malin shrugged. "The reason doesn't matter as long as the factory workers believe it. My dad has already coordinated with the security office. If you continue collecting bonds from factory workers' families, they'll arrest you."

"Malin, don't push your luck!" Zhang Lei shouted angrily.