Chapter 73: The Dominant Merchant, Sailing with the Wind

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Li Chao did not sleep all night, his heart filled with a longing for the truth and an alertness to hidden threats.

At dawn, he went straight to the village committee and found the village chief, Li Xitian, and wasted no time in asking about Jiang Shiren’s whereabouts. Li Xitian, though unable to give Jiang Shiren’s home address, provided the exact location of his furniture factory, pointing Li Chao in the right direction. When Li Xitian asked for the reason, Li Chao replied, “I've just got some new scores to settle,” his tone resolute and carrying a hint of coldness that was barely perceptible. The words unsettled Li Xitian—he didn’t press for details, but he could vaguely sense new entanglements between Li Chao and Jiang Shiren. Li Xitian shook his head slightly, secretly worrying for Jiang Shiren. He knew Li Chao was not one to accept defeat easily; once he set his sights on something, he would pursue it at any cost. This time, Jiang Shiren seemed to have become Li Chao’s prey once more.

Yet what Li Xitian did not know was that the “new scores” in Li Chao’s mind were not merely personal grievances. He mistakenly believed Jiang Shiren was the mastermind behind an attempt on his life. This misunderstanding and fury brought Li Chao's hostility toward Jiang Shiren to unprecedented heights.

As Li Chao departed, a storm appeared to be brewing. Jiang Shiren, at the eye of the storm, remained oblivious, immersed in his own world, unaware of the danger drawing near.

When Sun Peng and his father arrived unexpectedly, Li Chao’s taut nerves relaxed a little. He realized that, despite his anger and thirst for vengeance against Jiang Shiren, he could not neglect his promises and responsibilities to others.

Yuxin watched as Li Chao deftly wielded silver needles to treat Sun Peng’s father, feeling a hint of relief. She knew that Li Chao, despite his cold exterior, was a man of loyalty and feeling.

Sun Peng looked at Li Chao’s focused expression, filled with gratitude. He appreciated Li Chao taking time to help his father despite his own troubles, and he vowed never to forget this kindness.

Gradually, a healthy flush returned to the old man’s face, his spirits revived like a willow refreshed by spring rain; his back straightened, and even his words flowed with renewed ease and joy.

Li Chao carefully placed the last silver needle back in its cloth pouch, his movements calm and unhurried. He glanced at Sun Peng, concern and relief shining in his eyes: “Now that your father’s health is restored, we can finally set our hearts at ease.”

He smiled gently and added, “I suppose you can also lay down your burdens for now and return to the ordinary nine-to-five life?”

Yet, in his heart, Li Chao pondered that the world seldom meets one’s wishes, especially amid the turmoil of mortal affairs.

Sun Peng, hearing this, did not brighten at the good news but instead gave a bitter smile, tinged with helplessness and sorrow: “Go back to work? Yesterday, I was frantic searching for my father, like an ant on a hot pan, not caring about anything else. As a result, not only did I lose my job, but even the half-month’s hard-earned wages were withheld by that heartless employer.”

His voice grew choked, each word squeezed painfully from deep within.

Li Chao’s brows knit tightly at this, a flash of indignation in his eyes. He narrowed his gaze, as if seeing through all injustice: “Withholding wages? How can anyone be so callous in this day and age? Is there no law?”

His words brimmed with righteous indignation.

Sun Peng shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips: “That’s exactly it. These days, people’s hearts are harder to fathom than anything. I later learned from others that Golden Glory Furniture is infamous around here—a real 'iron rooster,' harsh to employees, a true skinning company.”

“Golden Glory Furniture?” Li Chao’s face changed dramatically at the words, as if hearing something incredible. He sat bolt upright, brows raised, disbelief glittering in his eyes. “You mean the one notorious for luring customers with low prices but exploiting its workers to the extreme?”

His voice was awash with shock and outrage, as though questioning fate and speaking out against the world’s injustice.

Sun Peng was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting such a strong reaction from Li Chao. He blinked and nodded, confusion coloring his tone: “That’s the one. Why, Brother Chen, have you heard of it too?”

Li Chao did not answer immediately but sighed deeply, gazing out the window as if seeing far beyond the city’s towers.

After listening to Sun Peng’s worries, Li Chao’s smile grew warmer and more resolute, like sunlight piercing clouds in spring—comforting yet undeniably powerful.

“Well, isn’t that a coincidence!”

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He gently patted Sun Peng’s shoulder, his eyes gleaming with cunning and determination. “I happen to have a score to settle with Golden Glory Furniture myself.”

With a flourish of his hand, he pointed toward the distance, as though directing a coming battle for justice. “Let’s go—while I resolve my own issue, I’ll help you get your rightful wages!”

Sun Peng was about to refuse again—he knew the risks and did not want his friend to be caught up on his behalf. But Li Chao’s unwavering gaze and the boldness in his words stirred warmth and trust within him. So he nodded, said no more, arranged for his father to rest in the clinic, and then mounted his motorcycle, taking Li Chao with him, racing toward West Street in the county town.

...

Time slipped by like a white horse galloping past a gap, and soon the two men stood in the bustling heart of East Street, Kaiyuan County. The sign for Golden Glory Furniture was prominent—over ten meters long, shining gold, imposing, yet unable to conceal its notorious reputation.

Parking the motorcycle securely, they entered the shop side by side. The decor was luxurious, but the air was thick with an indescribable sense of oppression and indifference. The staff either kept their heads down, busy with tasks, or watched coldly, paying little attention to the unexpected visitors.

Li Chao and Sun Peng were undeterred. They walked straight to the reception desk, their gaze sharp, as if seeing through all pretense and injustice.

The dialogue that would follow was to be a contest of justice and courage, and they were ready for whatever came.

Inside, the spacious shop was brightly lit, with all sorts of furniture arranged in elegant disorder—from refined sofas to rustic wooden beds, to graceful dining tables, each piece hinting at extraordinary taste and craftsmanship. Yet, behind this splendor, secrets and coldness seemed to lurk.

Several female sales staff in matching uniforms sat in a corner, quietly conversing, apparently in a meeting, paying little heed to Li Chao and Sun Peng.

Just then, a security guard in uniform emerged from the shadows, striding toward them. His gaze lingered on Wang Chao for a moment—clearly recognizing the former employee.

“Aren’t you the one who got fired?” The guard’s tone was tinged with confusion and caution. “Why are you back?” As he spoke, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes, habitually offering them as a gesture of informal communication.

Li Chao politely declined, indicating he didn’t smoke. Sun Peng accepted a cigarette, lit it, took a deep drag to steady himself, then pointed toward the deepest office in the shop and asked, “Is Jiang Shiren here?”

His voice was soft but unmistakably resolute.

The guard nodded, a complicated look in his eyes, as if surprised yet resigned to Sun Peng’s return. “Boss Jiang just arrived!” he answered briefly, then turned, offering one last bit of advice. “You’re not here for your wages, are you? Don’t make trouble! You barely worked, got fired for mistakes, there’s no way you’ll get your money back!”

His tone was sympathetic yet betrayed the unwritten rules and indifference within Golden Glory Furniture.

Li Chao merely smiled, appreciating the guard’s goodwill and confident about what was to come. “As long as he’s here!” he replied, his voice firm and powerful.

He said no more, striding toward the office, Sun Peng following closely. Their silhouettes, illuminated by the store’s lights, radiated determination and resolve.

Sun Peng kept pace behind Li Chao, each step unwavering, as if nothing could block their path.

The guard wanted to urge caution, but finally chose silence. He’d witnessed too many similar scenes—those who challenged Jiang Shiren’s authority rarely succeeded and often faced harsh consequences.

Therefore,

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he could only sigh inwardly, marveling at the impulsiveness and fearlessness of these two young men.

With a forceful kick from Li Chao, the heavy office door flew open with a deafening crash. The blast startled not only the guard but everyone inside the office.

The guard’s heart jolted; he sensed trouble was imminent and secretly worried for Li Chao and Sun Peng.

Sure enough, Jiang Shiren’s bodyguard reacted instantly. He charged out in anger, his eyes locked on Li Chao and Sun Peng like a predator ready to pounce.

The bodyguard was burly, muscles knotted, radiating an intimidating aura. His presence made the tense atmosphere even more charged.

Yet Li Chao and Sun Peng did not retreat. Their eyes were steadfast and fearless, ready for any challenge.

The guard’s sigh had barely faded before the scene before him left him dumbfounded, as if time itself had frozen.

He stared in disbelief as the arrogant and disdainful bodyguard, upon seeing Chen Shan, trembled uncontrollably as if confronted by a monstrous threat, then bowed deeply in a gesture of utmost respect, a stark contrast to his previous swagger beside Jiang Shiren.

This scene was a tremendous shock to the guard. He rubbed his eyes vigorously, fearing he’d mistaken the moment, but everything was undeniably real.

He thought to himself, “What the hell is going on?” His mind reeled with astonishment and confusion, almost questioning whether he was in some surreal dream.

Standing at the door, the bodyguard was equally discomfited. He knew his duty was to protect Jiang Shiren, but in the face of someone like Li Chao, he dared not even think of resistance. Bitterness and helplessness mingled within him, forcing him to endure the humiliation and pressure in silence.

Inside the office, Jiang Shiren was also taken aback by Li Chao and Sun Peng’s sudden appearance. His face turned pale, eyes flashing with terror and unease.

Jiang Shiren’s attitude changed so quickly it was astonishing. He was clearly surprised and nervous at Li Chao’s arrival, not daring to show the slightest disrespect. He hurriedly rose, forcing a strained smile, trying to ease the awkward tension with pleasantries.

“Mr. Li, what brings you here?” he asked, his tone trembling. “You could’ve let me know in advance—I would have come out to welcome you!”

He then turned to Sun Peng, speaking kindly: “Peng, you never mentioned you knew Mr. Li. If I’d known, I would never have fired you!”

Sun Peng stood by, utterly bewildered. He had not expected his friend Li Chao to command such respect, making even Jiang Shiren, the boss, so apprehensive. He marveled inwardly and was intensely curious about what Li Chao would do next.

Li Chao walked calmly to Jiang Shiren’s desk, pulling two spring knives from his pocket. His movements were fluid and composed, as if he held nothing more than ordinary stationery.

With two crisp metallic clinks—“clang! clang!”—the knives were embedded in the desktop, gleaming with a chilling light.

The abrupt gesture terrified Jiang Shiren, making his legs weak. He stared wide-eyed at Li Chao, as if witnessing the arrival of death itself.

His voice trembled: “Mr... Mr. Li, what do you mean by this?”

Li Chao did not answer directly but spoke coldly: “Talk.”

His voice was not loud, but it carried undeniable authority. Those two words struck Jiang Shiren’s heart like a heavy blow, leaving no room for evasion or delay.

“Talk about what?” Jiang Shiren attempted to feign ignorance, but Li Chao’s piercing gaze seemed to strip away all his pretenses.

He knew he could not escape, so he steeled himself and said, “Mr. Li, I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Yet Li Chao gave him no chance to dodge, immediately pointing out Sun Peng’s dismissal.