Chapter 12: Redemption Denied

As soon as Zhou Ming and Su Han returned to the factory, they called Zhang Lei over. Zhang Lei, who had to stay at the factory and didn't accompany Zhou Ming and Su Han to Jiangxia, hurried over as soon as he heard they were back. He asked anxiously, "How did it go? Zhou Ming, did you manage to sell the treasury bonds at an interest rate of fifteen cents in Jiangxia?"

"Of course. Do you think Zhou Ming is just blowing smoke like you?" Su Han retorted.

"That's great news! I didn't expect you could actually sell them at fifteen cents. So, Director Dai must have agreed to cooperate with us, right?" Zhang Lei asked excitedly.

Zhou Ming nodded. "Yes, not only is Director Dai on board, but Gou Ye, whom we borrowed high-interest loans from, is also cooperating with us. To show his sincerity, he even waived all our interest."

"Waved the interest? That's several hundred yuan!" Zhang Lei said, feeling a bit incredulous.

"Dazhuang, you really didn't think of that? The profit from the treasury bond business is far greater than the interest. Gou Ye is a smart person and can clearly see the bigger picture," Su Han explained, her hands on her hips as she scolded Zhang Lei.

Zhang Lei then noticed Su Han's new clothes. Seeing Zhang Lei's surprised expression, Su Han proudly said, "Do you like them? Zhou Ming took me shopping in Jiangxia and bought these for me."

Su Han glanced at Zhou Ming with a look full of affection, making Zhou Ming's heart skip a beat. Could it be that, in this era, a shopping trip with a girl is akin to a date and signifies a relationship?

Zhang Lei nodded vigorously, impressed by Su Han's appearance. Zhou Ming then asked, "Dazhuang, since you've been at the factory, my dad hasn't had any issues with his health, right?"

"No, he's been working at the factory since yesterday. According to your request, I've been checking on him in the morning and afternoon. Uncle is full of energy and seems to be in good health," Zhang Lei answered.

Zhou Ming sighed in relief. It seemed that his father was likely suffering from chronic appendicitis. In his past life, due to a troubled mindset and constant worry, his condition deteriorated rapidly. However, this time, with the success of the treasury bond business and his father's improved mood, along with some medication, his condition had stabilized and didn't worsen like before.

Su Han then recalled something and asked, "Zhou Ming, did you mention anything about Director Dai knowing about your father's illness?"

"No, it's just that my father had some stomach discomfort. You know how he is; he'd rather endure discomfort than spend money on treatment. I was just concerned," Zhou Ming explained, unable to reveal his foresight about his father's condition.

"Well, we should get the treasury bond business moving quickly. Once we have the money, we can take Uncle and Auntie for a full check-up to catch any issues early," Su Han suggested.

"That's the only way," Zhou Ming agreed, feeling that Su Han's suggestion was more than just friendly advice.

Suddenly, Zhang Lei exclaimed, "Zhou Ming, there's trouble! Ma Lin has started moving. Since yesterday morning, he's been collecting treasury bonds from the whole factory using his father's name. By now, he must have collected nearly a hundred thousand!"

"Where does he get that much money? Even if his father is the deputy factory director, he shouldn't have so much cash," Su Han said, surprised.

Zhang Lei explained, "He doesn't actually have that much money, but he's using his father's name. With his father being the deputy factory director, he's claiming that the treasury bond money will be paid by the factory's finance department."

Understanding Ma Lin's plan, Zhou Ming and Su Han realized he was trying to play an elaborate con. By using the factory's name, Ma Lin intended to collect treasury bonds from factory workers without spending a dime. He could then exchange them for cash at the bank and use that money to either buy more treasury bonds elsewhere or pay the factory workers if he chose to. Given that the factory employees didn't understand the true value of treasury bonds, this plan could have worked.

Zhou Ming commented, "Ma Lin's plan is quite clever. If it weren't for me, he might have made quite a bit of money."

Su Han chuckled and said, "It's a good idea, but it's doomed to fail. Director Dai is cooperating with us, so he definitely won't accept his treasury bonds. Even if he did, he'd drive the price down. I can't wait to see how Ma Lin will explain himself when he can't redeem the treasury bonds or make the payments."

Su Han then had an idea and suggested, "Considering the timing, Ma Lin should be at the bank to exchange the bonds now. Should we go and see?"

Zhou Ming, who was somewhat uninterested in the drama, agreed to accompany Su Han, who was eager to see Ma Lin's misfortune. They set off to the bank.

The bank was a few miles away from the factory. It took them about ten minutes by bicycle to get there. As luck would have it, they arrived just as Ma Lin was going in to exchange the treasury bonds.

Ma Lin arrived in the factory's jeep. As he got out of the car and saw Zhou Ming and Su Han approaching, he was about to make a snide remark. However, his attention was immediately drawn to Su Han as she got off Zhou Ming's bicycle. His eyes widened, and he walked over, saying, "Xiao Han, you look absolutely stunning today! I've always said you're a flower in our factory. How about dinner tonight? We can talk and catch up."

Zhou Ming was displeased and stepped forward, saying, "Ma Lin, stop being inappropriate here!"

"Get out of my way. I'm talking to Xiao Han, not you," Ma Lin replied disdainfully, then turned back to Su Han, "Xiao Han, you might not know, but I'm here to exchange treasury bonds too, ten thousand worth. I heard you've been trying to find a way to get back into the factory after being expelled. How about dinner tonight? I could ask my dad to arrange for you to be reinstated."

"I'm not interested," Su Han replied coldly, her tone as if speaking to a particularly unpleasant dog. She even wrapped her arm around Zhou Ming's.

Ma Lin felt his ego bruised and said, "Fine. But I hope you'll reconsider. Maybe when you see me with fifteen thousand yuan, you'll change your mind."

With that, Ma Lin walked into the county bank, followed by Zhang Qian. Zhou Ming was surprised to see Zhang Qian accompany him, as he had expected Ma Lin to be more focused on his own ambitions. Zhang Qian's presence suggested that her situation with Ma Lin was less than ideal, and Ma Lin didn't really regard her as a serious partner.

Zhou Ming felt a pang of sympathy for Zhang Qian, though it was her choice to be with Ma Lin.

Su Han's voice interrupted his thoughts, "Zhou Ming, don't be upset. I hate people like Ma Lin. I will never agree to him."

Zhou Ming turned to her and smiled, "I'm not upset. I trust you."

They entered the bank and heard Ma Lin shouting inside, "Why can't I exchange them?"

Zhou Ming knew exactly what was happening. The bank was refusing to exchange the treasury bonds, as he had arranged with Director Dai to give Ma Lin a lesson. 

"I'm sorry, but due to widespread speculation with treasury bonds, according to the latest policy from the central government, our bank is currently not processing any exchanges of treasury bonds," said the bank clerk.

"But I'm not speculating! I'm here on behalf of the 760 factory workers to exchange treasury bonds. Please, at least exchange a little for me," Ma Lin pleaded.

The clerk remained unmoved. "Sorry, that's the policy. If you really need to exchange them, we can consider offering a discounted rate: one hundred yuan of treasury bonds for twenty yuan."

Su Han couldn't help but laugh. It was clear that this response was orchestrated by Director Dai. First, the bank refused to exchange the bonds, and then they offered a rate drastically lower than the market value. Ma Lin's ten thousand yuan worth of bonds was now worth only two thousand, a devastating blow to him.

Hearing Su Han's laughter, Ma Lin turned around, pointing at Zhou Ming angrily, "It's you, Zhou Ming, isn't it? You did this on purpose, didn't you? You knew the bonds couldn't be exchanged and set this trap for me!"

Zhou Ming gave Ma Lin a thumbs-up. "Young Master Ma, you have quite an imagination. Unfortunately, I'm not as dark-hearted as you."

"Scum! You're all scum! I'll make sure you pay for this!" Ma Lin yelled in frustration. He couldn't help but lash out, feeling humiliated as he had flaunted his authority in front of Zhou Ming only to be made a fool in front of him.

Director Dai Zhenjiang emerged, nodding at Zhou Ming before addressing Ma Lin, "What's going on? Who are you, and why are you causing a scene in my bank? Leave now, or I'll call the police and have you arrested!"

Ma Lin, who had been arrogant in the factory, now shrank under the pressure from the bank's leadership. He glared at Zhou Ming, gritting his teeth, "Fine, Zhou Ming.

 You've won this round, but remember, your parents are still working at the factory."

Zhou Ming, who had initially come to watch the spectacle with little interest, now took a serious tone. "Ma Lin, you better not try any more dirty tricks. Otherwise, you'll regret it."

"Oh, really? Let's see what you can do!" Ma Lin retorted defiantly.