Chapter 100: The First Confrontation

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Although Lu Zai had the backing of his immediate superior, handling matters in a place that represented justice carried a different significance. Section Chief Li was also aware that if Lu Zai were allowed inside and Wang Wenyu pressed forward relentlessly, Lu Zai might not come out safely, potentially implicating other issues and triggering a chain reaction. That would only invite trouble upon himself.

Seeing Section Chief Li caught in a dilemma, the man beside him took the initiative to speak: “Miss Wang, I am Qi Dongyang from the Town Industry and Commerce Bureau. This is my business card. I wonder if you’d be willing to hear me out.”

Wang Wenyu did not take it but glanced at the business card Qi Dongyang offered. She saw his title was Deputy Director of Market Supervision.

She sneered coldly, “Does the Industry and Commerce Bureau even handle public security matters?”

Qi Dongyang realized he had indirectly revealed his hand, but Wang Wenyu clearly showed no respect. He said coldly, “Don’t think you can be so bold just because you have someone backing you. We are here to handle this properly. Who do you think you’re showing attitude to? If this matter isn’t dealt with, let’s see how much trouble you can stir up.”

Section Chief Li was aligned with Lu Fuen, but Qi Dongyang was not. He was a cadre dispatched from the city government. Although he was only in his early thirties and held only a deputy director position, he was someone whom even Lu Fuen sought to curry favor with.

He had no knowledge of the fact that Uncle Liang had sent Wang Wenyu; he had only heard rumors that Wang Wenyu came from a certain background.

Lu Zai was his unlimited ATM. No matter when he asked for money, Lu Zai always complied unconditionally. When Lu Zai came to him tearfully in the afternoon, after much consideration, he agreed to step in personally.

Qi Dongyang, who regarded himself as someone with a strong backing, expected others to know who supported him, so he introduced himself first. Unexpectedly, Wang Wenyu still gave him a cold shoulder.

He was also somewhat arrogant but, bound by the constraints of his secure government position, his arrogance was not like Lu Zai’s—who was a streetwise figure unconcerned with public opinion.

Having just arrived, Wang Wenyu did not know Qi Dongyang’s background. When he bluntly revealed his own backing, she replied even more bluntly: “If I have backing, I will be strict with myself and not engage in corruption. But you, an Industry and Commerce official, meddling in public security matters—whether you took dirty money or not—is something to consider.”

Hearing Wang Wenyu’s direct accusation, Qi Dongyang grew furious and retorted, “Even if I took dirty money, what can you do? Old Li, let’s go. No need to handle this matter. If anything happens, I, Qi Dongyang, will take responsibility.”

Seeing Qi Dongyang lose his temper, Section Chief Li dared not say a word and trailed behind him.

Section Chief Li returned to the bureau and gave Lu Fuen a detailed report of what had just transpired.

Though many at the bureau knew Wang Wenyu came from a powerful background, thanks to Uncle Liang’s special warning, most were unaware of the exact identity behind her, and Lu Fuen did not dare to reveal Uncle Liang’s identity to others.

Protecting Lu Zai was also a way of protecting himself. Section Chief Li’s report—that two well-backed figures were in direct confrontation—left Lu Fuen deep in thought.

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Wang Wenyu was Uncle Liang’s niece; Qi Dongyang was a local member of the privileged political class. Lu Fuen began weighing whose backing carried more weight in the eyes of their patrons.

He reasoned that officials tend to leave room for others as long as their own interests are not compromised. This convenience led him to conclude that although Uncle Liang held greater power, his niece was not as important as his own blood. Those in the background would also consider their own reputation, making it unlikely for the matter to escalate.

Reaching this conclusion, Lu Fuen decided to adopt Qi Dongyang’s approach: temporarily not to handle the dispute but to instruct Lu Zai to deepen ties with Qi Dongyang.

For the time being, Lu Zai was to avoid public appearances. After a while, if those in the background did not pursue the matter and Wang Wenyu’s anger subsided, a bit more money from Lu Zai would smooth things over.

Following these orders, Lu Zai, prioritizing safety, shut down the hair salon business that Jiang Fan knew about.

Less than an hour after Qi Dongyang left, A Xue posted a notice on the door: “Closed for interior renovation.”

Xiao Yuxin did not want to trouble Wang Wenyu, but since the fruit shop was the mother and son’s livelihood, she hesitated long before telling Wang Wenyu, “Before you came, that man named Qi Dongyang was so arrogant. He demanded to buy everything in the fruit shop and subtly threatened us. If I hadn’t spoken well to your bureau’s Section Chief, this fruit shop wouldn’t be able to stay open.”

“Ni Zi, to be honest, I still have some savings, but money is becoming increasingly worthless. If the fruit shop can’t stay open, I might have to return to my old life.”

“I’m already tired of that kind of life, but if Industry and Commerce wants to cause trouble, it’s only a matter of time. I hope you can help your sister.”

Wang Wenyu had already guessed that a woman approaching twenty-five or twenty-six, working honestly, could never afford to run such a classy fruit shop alone.

Out of respect for Xiao Yuxin, Wang Wenyu did not ask what that “old life” meant but comforted her: “Sister Xin, we are sisters. Your troubles are mine. Besides, this mess was caused by my husband and me, so I won’t stand idly by.”

Thinking there might be more influential visitors, Wang Wenyu stayed in the fruit shop instead of returning to the rented room.

Jiang Fan didn’t wake until after eleven. Coming downstairs, he saw Wang Wenyu helping sell fruit, while Xiao Yuxin was preparing a late-night snack in the kitchen.

He teased, “You said you’d be back in an hour. I’ve slept for five or six hours, and you didn’t even come home to check on me. Looks like Sister Xin matters more to you than I do.”

Wang Wenyu, with her back to the kitchen, put a finger to her lips to hush him, then walked over quietly and said softly, “Sister Xin’s mood isn’t good. Don’t say anything wrong. I’ll explain when we get home.”

Jiang Fan grabbed a piece of paper used to wrap apples and playfully covered his mouth, looking at Wang Wenyu as if to ask, “Is this okay?”

Wang Wenyu smiled and lightly tapped him, “Stand outside the door and watch the fruit. Don’t let anyone sneak away with some.”

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Before Wang Wenyu, Jiang Fan could only obey. After helping Xiao Yuxin close the shop, the couple returned to their rented room.

Wang Wenyu explained to Jiang Fan why she had to keep watch at the fruit shop.

She also warned him, “If we encounter officials, you can’t just deal with them like street thugs by using force. No matter where we are, we must not lose the moral high ground.”

Jiang Fan nodded in agreement, then added, “That Qi Dongyang must have some backing; otherwise, he wouldn’t speak to you that way.”

Wang Wenyu smiled slightly and offered a deeper analysis: “Section Chief Li came under orders from Lu Fuen, and he was polite to me. But Qi Dongyang’s earlier words, though appearing gentle, revealed a rebellious glint in his eyes.”

“He not only introduced himself but also took out his business card, as if afraid I wouldn’t recognize him as an important figure. For someone so young to hold a deputy director position, he either has exceptional ability or strong connections. Judging by his style, he doesn’t seem very capable. So I conclude his background is not simple, which explains his arrogance.”

Though lacking workplace experience, Wang Wenyu was no stranger to the behavioral style of officials’ offspring, having been influenced by her upbringing in a government compound.

Although she knew Wang Wenyu’s background was also formidable, she was unaware of the details. After hearing Wang Wenyu’s analysis, Jiang Fan worriedly asked, “This matter won’t get back to your family, will it?”

Wang Wenyu teased, “If it reaches my family, you’ll finally get to meet your mother-in-law. What’s there to fear?”

Jiang Fan stuck out his tongue and hurriedly waved his hand, “Please don’t let it reach my parents-in-law. Just mentioning them makes me shudder. If they find out you suffered because of me, our relationship would definitely be doomed.”

Seeing Jiang Fan truly anxious, Wang Wenyu feigned seriousness, “There is indeed such a possibility. If it reaches my family, we’ll have to think about us long-term.”

Hearing the words “possibility,” Jiang Fan’s expression immediately changed. His brows furrowed, and his gaze became distant. “Really?”

Jiang Fan seemed like a lost soul after a trip to Guangzhou and failing to return on time as promised. Wang Wenyu understood this was his fear of losing her.

To reassure him, she took his hand and vowed, “Rest assured, I agreed to be with you after careful consideration and am prepared to face family opposition. As long as you don’t stray in this chaotic world, I, Wang Wenyu, will stand by you for life. No one will tear us apart.”