As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 520: Blacklisted, Don’t Stay in the Country! (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Zhou Chao also sensed Ling Chen’s digression and realized that someone was eyeing the foundation’s funds. However, it was only natural, considering the attractiveness of 20 billion in liquid assets. If this money were invested in third or fourth-tier cities, it could make a big difference.

“I understand. I’ll be in Modu the day after tomorrow. Let’s discuss things when I return. By the way, make sure to gather Si Cong and the others when I’m back. If their fathers are willing to join, that would be ideal. Sharing the responsibility is the best approach; we should avoid getting directly involved.”

“Boss, you’re getting craftier. You’re basically using them as human shields,” Ling Chen remarked with a hint of amusement.

“No worries, they hope for this too. After all, if this foundation takes off, it will serve as a protective charm,” Zhou Chao reflected.

Ling Chen immediately understood the boss’s intention. “Understood, boss. I’ll take care of it.”

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Chao contemplated how Si Cong, Qin Fen, and Zhang Wenxuan’s families would act as a buffer against those who were eyeing the funds. It felt like a favorable situation.

As Zhou Chao made his way towards Jiang Li, he noticed a commotion ahead. A group of people had formed a circle, engaged in a heated argument. Jiang Li’s voice was unmistakable among them. Zhou Chao’s expression changed, and he hurried towards the crowd.

“Excuse me, make way,” Zhou Chao said as he squeezed through the onlookers due to his physical advantage.

“Don’t push! My milk tea spilled on the ground!”

“My egg, my egg is broken,” a man lamented as he looked at his cracked boiled egg-

As he passed through the crowd, Zhou Chao saw Jiang Li confronting three men who appeared to be crew members. He also noticed a broken phone on the ground, which he recognized as Jiang Li’s. His face turned cold, and a glint of anger flashed in his eyes.

“Ah Li, are you okay?” Zhou Chao approached and gently embraced Jiang Li.

“Brother Chao, you’re here. They bullied me,” Jiang Li said, looking aggrieved.

Zhou Chao furrowed his brow and turned to the three men. “What’s going on here?”

“Here’s what happened. As soon as you left, I took some photos of the crew. Then, these guys approached and asked if I was taking them for someone else. I denied it, but they insisted on checking my phone. When I refused, an argument broke out. The leader of the group snatched my phone and smashed it,” Jiang Li explained, pointing at the tall, thin man among the three.

Zhou Chao had heard about the formidable crew members in the entertainment industry, skilled in various forms of combat. While some freelancers engaged in unethical practices, today’s incident couldn’t be allowed to pass without consequences. Fortunately, a crowd had gathered, preventing any physical altercations.

His face remained icy, and his cold gaze bore into the three men as he said, “Bring your director here. I want to know who gave you the audacity.”

“Kid, it’s useless to look for anyone. I have the final say here, and besides, you were taking pictures first. It’s your own fault. This is none of your business.” the leader sneered, seemingly experienced in handling such situations.

“So, your point is that smashing my phone was justified?” Zhou Chao couldn’t help but find the situation amusing. This man’s audacity was remarkable.

The leader laughed, “Isn’t it obvious?”

The man finished speaking and approached Zhou Chao, his voice lowered so that only the two of them could hear. “Don’t think that having a crowd on your side makes you right. In this society, money talks. I’ve seen plenty like you. Even if you post this online later, it won’t matter. We can easily hire some internet trolls to control the narrative, and you might end up exposed and humiliated. Don’t cry when that happens.”

As the man stood there, exuding an air of arrogance, Zhou Chao’s temper flared. He had initially planned to handle the situation peacefully, but now he found himself being threatened instead of asserting his dominance. Thinking about it, Zhou Chao shot a cold glance at the leader, then stooped to pick up Jiang Li’s shattered phone, holding her hand as they walked away.

Seeing this scene, the leader wore a smug smile on his face, and the other two men joined in his laughter.

The bystanders also began to murmur quietly, “This young man is ready to give in. It’s surprising how he lacks any backbone. Such a waste of his handsome face.”

“That’s right. I thought they were going to fight, but this? It’s a waste of my time.”

“Well, let’s disperse. I thought we were going to witness some drama.”

In no time, the onlookers scattered, leaving the three crew members behind. They stood there, watching Zhou Chao and Jiang Li walk away, quietly laughing among themselves. “Motherfucker, just because he looks good doesn’t mean he’s tough. He surrendered without a fight.”

“Brother Chen is really something.”

“Yeah, with just a few words, he scared them away.”

At that moment, a stern voice with a touch of authority came from afar, “What are you three still standing there for? Why don’t you go buy some fruit? Can’t you see that Young Master Wang has been waiting for a long time?”