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“From now on, Brother Zhen will be the company’s Executive General Agent, responsible for training and supervising our agents. Of course, if any of you want to leave for another company, I won’t stand in your way. We’ll part on good terms and see each other again down the line.”

Qi Zhen was so excited his body was trembling. “Thank you for this opportunity, President Chen! I’ll definitely do my best!”

“Alright, it’s not like I’m asking you to sell your life away,” Chen Jiao said with a smile. “Let’s eat. We’ll head out after we’re done. I have things to do tonight.”

Chen Jiao’s attitude was gentle, but no one dared to act out of line in front of her. The Sanlong Gang had just left without a sound. Didn’t that speak for itself? As a result, no one at the table tried to pressure anyone into drinking. Everyone just focused on their food, occasionally murmuring a few quiet words.

It might not have been as lively as a banquet with clinking glasses, but eating in such a quiet atmosphere actually made everyone feel at ease. It was just as Chen Jiao had said: if the company could protect its artists and map out good career paths for them, then even if they earned a little less, at least they could keep their hands clean.

The female artists, in particular, understood the cruelty of trying to make a living in the entertainment industry. ‘Weren’t there stories from the future about actresses having to deal with so-called “courtesy” propositions? And that was just the bare minimum.’

Gatherings without alcohol always end quickly. Especially since Chen Jiao had just clearly stated she had things to do later, when Zong Qi went to pay the bill after dinner, everyone was perceptive enough not to suggest a round two.

‘Are you kidding? Who was in the mood to go out and party right now? This was the time to report back to their connections. They could only send messages during dinner. To explain things clearly, they needed to speak in person or over the phone.’

Zong Qi returned with Chen Jiao’s bank card. “The front desk said our bill has been put on Brother Long’s tab. They also passed on a message. Basically, tonight’s dinner is Brother Long’s apology to you.”

Chen Jiao paused for a moment, then smiled. “Got it. Let’s go.”

Watching Chen Jiao and Zong Qi get into a taxi, the crowd collectively breathed a sigh of relief. ‘The owner of a company, and she’s still taking taxis to get around? Isn’t that a bit lacking in prestige?’

Tan You had naturally thought of this as well. So, while Chen Jiao and Zong Qi were on their way to Tanhou Village, she sent Chen Jiao a series of car pictures, showcasing all sorts of models.

Chen Jiao wasn’t interested in cars. “I’m fine, really. I’m not too picky about these things. Besides, I don’t have a driver’s license, so I couldn’t drive it even if I bought one.”

Tan You replied, “Let Zong Qi drive. Having a car would be more convenient, after all.”

Chen Jiao then turned to look at Zong Qi. “Should we buy a car? It would make getting around easier. What kind of model do you like?”

Zong Qi replied, “Anything works for me. If we get a car, I plan on having someone modify it. He’s an old master at his craft.”

Chen Jiao’s eyes lit up instantly. “Really? Can I go watch? I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

Zong Qi smiled. “Of course. We’ll go together sometime.”

「Tanhou Village.」

Having received word that Zong Qi and Chen Jiao were on their way, Li Shun, Little Liu, Big Guy, and the others were all waiting at the factory. The workers had all left after lunch, leaving only a few core members behind.

Big Guy was sticking close to Brother Biao. His ability to catch people was purely thanks to his innate talent. Brother Biao, on the other hand, was the real deal—a man who had survived a sea of blood. So, Big Guy naturally wanted to learn a thing or two from him.

Brother Biao didn’t hold anything back. Eventually, almost everyone was gathered around him, asking for pointers. Chen Jiao saw this scene when she arrived. It was her first time meeting Brother Biao in person, not counting seeing him on a screen.

Zong Qi and Brother Biao shared a powerful hug. They even thumped each other on the chest, creating a dull THUD. Chen Jiao shivered. ‘Is this how men greet each other?’

‘Like two brawny wildebeests…’

Zong Qi had already started the introductions for Chen Jiao. “This is Brother Biao. I met him back when I was an underground fighter. Li Shun and the others are still young, after all. Since I’m usually with you, having Brother Biao watch over things is safer.”

Chen Jiao smiled at Brother Biao. “Hello, Brother Biao. I’m Chen Jiao. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope we can work well together in the future.”

“You’re the one looking after me,” Brother Biao said, lowering his head slightly. “I’m very comfortable working here. Brother Qi found me a great job.”

Chen Jiao’s eyes curved into a smile as she looked back at Zong Qi. “Should we go see those guys first? Did you get anything out of them?”

Zong Qi looked at Brother Biao, who was perfectly calm. “We got it out of them. They’re just a few small-time thugs from the streets. They took money from a rival clothing factory and were told to teach you a lesson.”

“President Chen is especially famous right now, so they wanted to use her reputation to make a name for themselves. They’re just a bunch of third-rate punks.”

Chen Jiao understood. She looked at Zong Qi. “Do what you have to do. Just one thing: don’t kill anyone.”

Zong Qi made an ‘OK’ sign. “Don’t worry. Why don’t you go rest in the office? Brother Biao and his guys will take care of it.”

Chen Jiao chuckled. “Don’t talk like you’re in a triad movie. We’re civilized people.”

“Understood. Civilized people,” Zong Qi said, the corners of his lips twitching into a small smile. “Go get some rest. I’ll call you when it’s done, and we can head back together.”

She was fine until he mentioned rest, but the moment he did, Chen Jiao immediately started yawning. She really hadn’t slept well these past two days; it had been one thing after another.

“Then I’ll just lie down for a bit…” Chen Jiao yawned again. “There’s so much to do. There’s company business tomorrow, and I still have to contact Liu Fu…”

Zong Qi asked softly, “It all happened so fast. Why did you suddenly decide to buy the company?”

Chen Jiao said lazily, “I’m signed to an agency contract, after all. To avoid being controlled by others in the future, this was the only way. I’m going to get some shut-eye. I’m really exhausted.”

Zong Qi draped his overcoat over Chen Jiao. “Go ahead and sleep. I won’t bother you.”

Chen Jiao lay down on the office sofa, hugging Zong Qi’s coat, and quickly drifted off to dreamland.

While Chen Jiao was sleeping peacefully, Li Shun and the others were driving the four petty thieves, including one they called Magan’er, toward a certain boss’s clothing factory. Heizi pressed his lips together. “We’re just going to dump them at the factory gate? Isn’t that letting them off too easy?”

Li Shun said from behind the wheel, “We do legitimate business. You know President Chen doesn’t like needless fighting.”

Big Guy muttered, “But Big Sister-in-Law just took care of the Sanlong Gang before she came here.”

News on the streets travels fast. It had been less than two hours since Chen Jiao parted ways with the Sanlong Gang, but word was already everywhere. At the very least, everyone knew the Sanlong Gang hadn’t gotten any advantage over Chen Jiao.

As for what they actually discussed, the Sanlong Gang’s members were tight-lipped, and no one knew the specific details of their conversation.

Li Shun glared. “What ‘Big Sister-in-Law’? Call her President Chen. President Chen is so capable, which is all the more reason we can’t just go around doing things in her name. We have to be even more proper in how we handle things.”

“Believe it or not, if we dare to step out of line, we won’t even need anyone else to deal with us—President Chen will be the first to teach us a lesson. Haven’t you had enough of the suffering from last time?”

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