Chapter 25: The Resentment in Jiang Fan’s Heart

When both of them remained silent, Chen Anlong assumed the matter was settled and smugly added, “You start work today. Tonight, I’m going to Changping and need someone to accompany me.”

Chen Anlong, an old hand at such matters, knew well that people in the trade feared most having their profession exposed. He paid no heed to Hao Meng’s subtle hint, deliberately calling out “Hao’s mother” solely to achieve his own ends.

Unexpectedly, Hao Meng had already considered that if Jiang Fan worked alongside Chen Anlong, it was inevitable she would end up attending drinking parties at Harmony House. Earlier, she had naively believed that as long as Chen Anlong didn’t book her a room and she avoided entertaining in his room, she could keep Jiang Fan in the dark. Now, a simple professional code name had become a tool for Chen Anlong to threaten her. Harmony House was only so big; without Chen Anlong’s cooperation, secrecy was impossible.

She parted her lips, wanting to speak privately with Chen Anlong, but recalling how he had previously used her subtle advice as a weapon against Jiang Fan’s salary, she realized such a man had no credibility. After a moment’s hesitation, she swallowed her words.

Jiang Fan noticed that when Chen Anlong mentioned “Hao’s mother,” Hao Meng’s expression changed noticeably. Now she seemed to want to say something but held back, which only deepened his confusion. Her mood was clearly different now; though he couldn’t pinpoint the cause, he was certain Chen Anlong’s words had upset her.

Although anxious to find work, Jiang Fan cared more about Hao Meng’s feelings. Since Chen Anlong had made her uncomfortable, Jiang Fan refused to go along with him, yet he didn’t want to close the door completely.

He decided to use Chen Anlong’s demand for immediate employment as an excuse, leaving himself room to maneuver. “Starting today just isn’t possible. I need to consider the job further. If you can’t wait, please find someone else.”

Hao Meng was surprised at Jiang Fan’s response, but felt deeply relieved inside.

Seeing Jiang Fan’s tightly pressed lips and unwavering gaze, Chen Anlong wondered, “Why is this worker so different from the others in the factory, who always accept their fate?”

A man who dared to fight four robbers armed with steel pipes and homemade guns, without a trace of fear—such courage is rare, even among martial artists. He needed this man by his side to guarantee his safety to the greatest extent.

Yet having a rebellious subordinate who might disobey at any time would be a blow to his pride.

Chen Anlong was pondering what strategy to use: he wanted Jiang Fan in his service, but also needed him to obey.

Watching those shrewd, cunning eyes darting about, Jiang Fan sensed nothing good would come of it. Remembering how he had refused to start work immediately, and Hao Meng’s appreciative gaze, he stood up decisively. “Mr. Chen, thank you for your consideration, but I really don’t think I’m suited for this job. My apologies.”

With that, he motioned for Hao Meng and prepared to leave.

Seeing Jiang Fan really about to walk out, Chen Anlong finally dropped his schemes.

Afraid Jiang Fan would refuse again, Chen Anlong thought it wiser to persuade Hao Meng instead, so he pretended to be courteous. “Miss Hao, perhaps you can speak to your friend? If he has other requests, he can bring them up. He doesn’t have to start today; a few days’ delay is fine.”

Hearing Chen Anlong address her as “Miss Hao,” Hao Meng knew the old fox who usually loved to posture had conceded. She realized that if Jiang Fan worked for him, her secrets would be difficult to keep.

Ignoring Jiang Fan’s cue to leave, Hao Meng weighed her options for a long time. In the end, she couldn’t bring herself to sacrifice Jiang Fan’s chance for a high salary just to hide her profession.

Having made up her mind, Hao Meng feigned peacemaking and said to Jiang Fan, “Mr. Chen thinks highly of you; you shouldn’t disregard his goodwill. He’s very generous—if you’re unhappy with the salary, you can ask for more.”

She flattered Chen Anlong, but deliberately emphasized the word “salary.”

“Double the original rate. I want one day off every week, and I’ll choose the day myself.”

Seeing Hao Meng’s troubled expression, still worried for him, Jiang Fan had grown resentful toward Chen Anlong, no longer concerned about leaving himself an escape route. He simply wanted to stand up for Hao Meng and quoted what he thought was an outrageous salary, with added conditions.

Many factories only allow a single day off each month when wages are paid; otherwise, it’s nonstop work or overtime. One day off per week is something only the kindest employers offer, and letting workers choose their own days is unheard of.

The salary was negotiable, but granting a weekly day off at the worker’s discretion would feel like capitulating to Jiang Fan’s demands, which made Chen Anlong uncomfortable.

Yet seeing Jiang Fan’s resolute expression and knowing this was his final offer, Chen Anlong realized that refusal would mean losing this assistant for good. Failing to win over even a common worker was something his pride would not tolerate.

After much hesitation, Chen Anlong decided that having a brave assistant was far more reassuring than relying on Zhu Bing. Weighing his options, he feigned generosity. “All right, agreed. You’ll start tomorrow, is that fine?”

As a bodyguard, it was customary to also act as a driver, but Chen Anlong didn’t suggest Jiang Fan learn to drive yet; he still wanted to temper Jiang Fan’s spirit before making further plans. After all, mastering an extra skill meant another possible path, but for now, he didn’t wish to offer that opportunity.

This seemingly harmonious job negotiation ended with each of the three participants harboring a measure of resentment.

Chen Anlong immediately instructed the HR department to issue Jiang Fan a factory badge, since anyone entering or leaving the factory had to wear one.

Jiang Fan took the badge, still without a photo, and left Da Feng Shoe Factory with Hao Meng.

Feeling somewhat depressed, Hao Meng’s concern for Jiang Fan outweighed her own worries. Just outside the factory gates, she took the badge and glanced at it.

Seeing the title listed as “Deputy Manager of Security,” her mood lightened noticeably. “You bad man, you’re an officer now!”

Jiang Fan felt no excitement at finding a job, only concern for Hao Meng. “I don’t care about being an officer or not. Earlier, you seemed upset—did that old fox offend you?”

Hiding her thoughts, Hao Meng forced a cheerful reply. “No, don’t overthink it. This high-paying job is something most workers wouldn’t dare dream of. Do your job well, and when you get your paycheck, treat me to a feast.

Also remember, Chen Anlong is no easy character—he can stir up trouble at any moment. You should always judge the situation carefully. Some people, we truly cannot afford to offend. They say taking someone’s money means bearing their troubles, but it’s not worth risking yourself for a man like him.

And whatever you do, avoid bullying others. We're all wanderers here; life is hard for everyone.”

“I know. I wouldn’t bully the weak, even if I wanted to. Otherwise, the old man would beat me to death.”

Worried about her profession being exposed, Hao Meng remained distracted and couldn’t relax. To prevent Jiang Fan from noticing, after lunch she excused herself and left early.

After Hao Meng departed, Jiang Fan sat idly at the entrance of the dumpling shop, staring at passing pedestrians, his mind drifting far away.

Since leaving Beijing, every night when he slept, he dreamed of Wang Wenyu. Though his thoughts resisted recalling her, her shadow often floated before his eyes.

After a while in a daze, Jiang Fan came to himself, gazed into the distance, and muttered, “I didn’t know men and women shared a bathroom—I only looked at you once, and now I’ve ended up like this. I suppose that’s punishment enough. Could you stop tormenting me day and night, please?”