Chapter 64

Chapter 20: An Uninvited Guest

Bailin felt very depressed because the summons from Director Gong still left him somewhat confused. Although he did not understand how his housing allocation was linked to his young nephew's contract signing, Director Gong had made it very clear: if he could persuade the author of "Yu Yu Hakusho" to sign with "Weekly Shonen," he might be allocated a two-bedroom apartment within the Second Ring Road, or a three-bedroom apartment near the Third Ring Road. If he failed to do so, he would not be considered for this housing allocation. This outcome made Bailin feel uneasy and bewildered, and even somewhat angry. "What does Mr. Kono from 'Weekly Shonen' and Mr. Miyamoto from 'Monthly Shonen' have to do with Mingyuan's contract signing? Why do I have to persuade Mingyuan to sign with 'Weekly Shonen'? And why is this tied to my housing allocation?"

Although everyone wanted a good apartment, and Bailin was particularly eager to improve his family's living conditions, he still felt a strange taste from this bizarre request.

Sujun was just back home and had not yet changed his clothes when he heard his wife call out, "Jun, it's a call from Bailin in the capital!"

Sujun quickly walked over and answered the phone, "Yes, it's me. Ha ha, Brother Bai, are you anxious? I'll tell you, Mingyuan has already signed with 'Monthly Shonen,' and the terms are quite generous. This kid will soon be listed as a high-income individual. His monthly income will surpass ours for several years. Yes, Miyamoto will bring the contract back to Japan tomorrow. 'Weekly Shonen'? Hmph, that little Kono and that second-rate Japanese, Sun Lan, are no good! The contract they offered is just trash compared to 'Monthly Shonen.' Do you know how much they offered Mingyuan? Four hundred Huayuan per week, less than what a part-time student in Japan earns! And it's all obligations and responsibilities for Mingyuan, with no rights for him! What a load of nonsense! Especially that Sun Lan, the worst of them all! He treats me like a country bumpkin, talking about diplomatic influence and putting on a big act..."

The joy of Mingyuan's contract signing and his disgust with Kono and Sun Lan made Sujun tell Bailin everything in one breath. Bailin felt both happy and angry. He was happy that his nephew Mingyuan had signed with "Monthly Shonen," which would significantly increase his sister's family's income. He was angry at the shamelessness of "Weekly Shonen" and the high cost of living in Japan. He had heard that four hundred Huayuan per week, converted to yen, was indeed less than what a part-time student in Japan earned. The income of Japanese manga artists, even the lowest, was dozens of times higher. This exploitation was ruthless.

"That's good, that's good! I can rest easy now!" Bailin almost instantly made his decision. Although this would affect his family, he could not harm his nephew's interests for his own benefit. Besides, Mingyuan had already signed the contract; he couldn't ask him to break it.

After hanging up, Sujun felt that something was off with Bailin, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

"You're still standing there dazed? The guests will be here soon, and you haven't even helped me yet!" His wife's complaints came from the kitchen. Sujun shook his head and put the matter aside for the moment.

To celebrate the successful signing, Sujun proposed a dinner gathering, also as a farewell for Miyamoto. Originally, Mingyuan wanted to go to a famous restaurant in Fengyuan, but Sujun thought a home dinner would be better, making it easier for everyone to talk.

Mingyuan and Fang Bin soon arrived at Sujun's house with Miyamoto. Fang Ya had other matters and did not come. Fang Bin brought two bottles of Maotai, and Miyamoto bought some wine and dishes, making the dinner quite lavish.

After a few rounds of drinks, everyone's spirits were high. At this moment, a series of urgent knocks came from the door.

"Coming, coming!" Sujun's wife called out.

As soon as she opened the door, Sun Lan and Kono entered.

"Oh, Director Su, you're having a party here?" Sun Lan said with a fake smile, "Looks like we came at the right time!"

Sujun's face, which was red from drinking, immediately turned cold, "Interpreter Sun, why are you here again? I've already said everything clearly, there's nothing more to talk about."

Sun Lan invited Kono to sit on the sofa and then plopped down in Sujun's wife's seat, grinning, "Director Su, a guest is a guest, and as the host, you should act like one."

"Hmph, friends are welcomed with fine wine, but wolves are met with guns!" Sujun said irritably, now seeing Sun Lan as a source of anger.

Sun Lan's face turned cold, playing with the wine glass on the table, "Director Su, hasn't Bailin explained it to you yet? You need to think carefully about the consequences!"

"Bailin?" Everyone present perked up their ears.

"What are you talking about?" Sujun asked in surprise.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, no wonder Bailin has been a mid-level official in the company for so many years. He's so indecisive and doesn't know how to please his superiors. How can he expect to get promoted and become wealthy?" Sun Lan paused, then laughed.

"Stop your nonsense and speak clearly! If you keep rambling, I'll throw you out!" Fang Bin, already angry, shouted.

"Are you threatening me? Do you know what the consequences would be if I were thrown out?" Sun Lan looked at Fang Bin with disdain, "You're just a brute, all muscle and no brains."

Fang Mingyuan tugged at Fang Bin's sleeve, and Fang Bin held back his anger and said no more.

Seeing that Fang Bin was silent, Sun Lan became even more arrogant. "Director Su, let me be clear. I have connections in the China Book Import and Export Corporation. If you sign this contract and apologize to Kono, it will be fine. If you remain stubborn, not only will Bailin not get this housing allocation, but he will never get one in the future. I can also transfer him to a dead-end position, ensuring he never gets a promotion again."

Everyone present, except for Kono who didn't understand Chinese, was stunned. Sujun finally realized why he had felt something was off with Bailin on the phone. He hadn't shown the expected joy about Mingyuan's contract signing. The root of the problem was here.