Chapter 10: Hidden Dangers at the Construction Site

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Zhao Chuxi gave a clear response, but unfortunately, after waiting for a full half month, the big shot still hadn't summoned him. This made Zhao Chuxi even more uneasy, fearing that his good days might suddenly come to an end. He had already prepared for the worst. If it turned out to be a trap, and he had no way out, he would not surrender easily. He was ready to fight to the death and run away again if necessary. This was his last resort, and he would only choose it as a last option. People are like this; once they think of the worst, they feel no pressure.

At first, Zhao Chuxi suspected that this might be a trick by Han Sanqiang. After all, he had beaten Han Sanqiang badly that time, and Han might bear a grudge. However, he eventually dismissed this idea. For one, Han Sanqiang had been almost inseparable from him for the past few months, and over time, he had seen Han's true character. Unless Han was extremely cunning and had deceived him, it didn't make sense. Moreover, if Han had such connections, why hadn't he acted earlier? Why wait four months to act, especially since Han Sanqiang was the type who wouldn't let a slight go unpunished. If you slapped him today, he would dig up your family grave tomorrow.

Zhao Chuxi attributed everything to the last fight with the gang of hooligans. He had been ruthless and vicious, and it puzzled him that they hadn't come after him. As his reputation at the construction site grew, he became more prominent and vulnerable. Now, the inevitable had finally arrived.

In early December, the weather grew colder, and the northwest wind howled mercilessly every day. The number of workers on the construction site gradually decreased, and some teams began to stop working, preparing to return home for the winter and the New Year. Because it was light at 8 a.m. and dark by 6 p.m., Zhao Chuxi's schedule shifted back by an hour. He and Erpang still insisted on sleeping on the 16th floor, but the cold nights had made him consider finding a new place to stay. As for the big shot's summons, Zhao Chuxi gradually forgot about it. He had mentioned it to Erpang, who immediately and without hesitation said, "Chuxi, I'll go with you."

This touched Zhao Chuxi. Erpang was the second person he considered a brother after leaving the Qilian Mountains. The first was Xiao Wang, who was too shy to confess to the girl he liked. Although they had only known each other for a day, Zhao Chuxi still considered him a brother who would risk his life for him. Not everyone would dare to sacrifice their future to take the blame for someone else. This great kindness, Zhao Chuxi would never forget.

Since Zhao Chuxi had visited Hepingmen, he had been going there more often. Each visit brought a good meal, and whenever Zhao Chuxi and Erpang returned, the old lady would cook something delicious. Even the most ordinary dishes became exquisite in her hands. This made the food at the construction site seem like pig feed in comparison. Sometimes, Zhao Chuxi wondered if the old lady had been a national-level chef in the past. Besides the free meals, the most important thing for Zhao Chuxi was choosing books. At first, the old lady let him pick freely, but his choices were too random. To avoid him going astray, she kindly suggested that he read history books in chronological order, as most historical events had their causes and effects. For feng shui, he should first find the dragon and then pinpoint the acupoint. With her guidance, Zhao Chuxi's reading became more efficient.

At noon, Zhao Chuxi had a hot pot at the Sichuanese workers' place. He loved spicy food, which made him sweat all over. The Sichuanese workers felt guilty for not helping him last time and feared he might hold a grudge. However, Zhao Chuxi was not that kind of person. He knew they were ordinary migrant workers with families to support, and few would dare to stand up. Zhao Chuxi didn't blame them and continued to eat and drink with them, though he rarely helped them with work anymore. One time, after a group of them had drunk too much, Zhang Dashan, with red eyes, pulled Zhao Chuxi aside and said he wasn't a coward but that life made him cautious. For ordinary people, any trouble could be a disaster.

After lunch, Zhao Chuxi was about to go to work when the project manager of the International Mansion construction site pulled him into the office for a chat. Normally, they had no interaction, as one was a common worker and the other a boss. However, Zhao Chuxi's reputation at the site was well-known, and the project manager, Huang He, wanted to build a good relationship to prevent any trouble. Huang He was in his early thirties, from Chengdu, and was responsible for the developer's side. He had chatted with Zhao Chuxi a few times before, but this was the first time he had formally invited him to the office.

Huang He personally poured Zhao Chuxi a cup of tea, which surprised him. Zhao Chuxi felt a sense of foreboding, wondering what the short, bespectacled man with a sharp gaze was up to.

"Drink up, Chuxi, don't be nervous, we're all friends here," Huang He said, sitting on the sofa opposite Zhao Chuxi, trying to make the atmosphere less tense. He knew that this seemingly calm man was a seasoned player, or he wouldn't have earned the respect of hundreds of workers.

Zhao Chuxi picked up the teacup and took a sip, feigning ignorance. "Brother Huang, you're so busy, how do you have time to chat with me?"

The office was nearly empty except for Huang He's female assistant, a recent college graduate with decent looks. Rumors on the site suggested she and Huang He were having an affair, but that was just sour grapes from those who couldn't get her. Zhao Chuxi thought she was average, the only one on the site who caught his eye being the cold and beautiful Su Xiluo and her secretary, Qin Yan, who were both attractive and had great figures and personalities. Zhao Chuxi dreamed of marrying such a woman, how glorious it would be.

Although Zhao Chuxi and Huang He were on different levels, Zhao Chuxi wasn't intimidated. Li Qingyi had said, "What you see in others is what they are." To maintain control, you must see yourself as an equal. If you put others on a pedestal and lower yourself, they won't respect you. So, to Zhao Chuxi, Huang He was just a man with glasses.

"Who said I'm as busy as the Prime Minister?" Huang He laughed, while his assistant kept giving him meaningful looks. Zhao Chuxi noticed and thought they were indeed having an affair.

Zhao Chuxi narrowed his eyes and smiled. "I know, Brother Huang. Your job looks glamorous and pays well, but it's stressful. You have to worry about everything on the site, unlike us, who just need to do our jobs and not worry about anything else."

Huang He was surprised by Zhao Chuxi's mature and tactful words. A rural worker speaking so eloquently was unexpected. He shook his head, thinking this was what made Zhao Chuxi different.

"You think so, and there's a strong female boss above me," Huang He sighed.

Zhao Chuxi followed up. "Brother, you must be suffering but enjoying it. Being with a beautiful boss every day, we all envy you."

"What's there to envy? I can't do anything with her, just fantasize. It's a pleasure for the eyes but a pain for the heart," Huang He whispered, and Zhao Chuxi laughed along, a pair of scoundrels.

Huang He didn't dare say more about his boss, who was the daughter of the company's chairman. If she heard, he would be fired immediately. He was just venting and trying to build a rapport with Zhao Chuxi.

"Chuxi, I have some questions for you," Huang He finally got to the point, putting down his teacup and smiling.

Zhao Chuxi thought, "Sure enough, there's something up," but he played it cool. "Brother Huang, ask away."

"The wages for last month haven't been paid, and it's almost time for the next payment. What's the mood among the workers? What are they saying privately?" Huang He asked seriously. This was information the higher-ups wanted. Huang He had learned that the company's two projects in Chengdu had issues, causing a tight cash flow. They were trying to raise funds, but they couldn't pay the workers on time. With the New Year approaching, the workers were waiting for their wages to go home. The company feared problems, as the government was strict about paying migrant workers and didn't want any mass incidents.

Thinking about the wages, Zhao Chuxi had his own grievances. Last month's wages hadn't been paid, and it had been over half a month. It was almost time for the next payment. The foreman, Old Wang, had said they would be paid together, but now Huang He's question made Zhao Chuxi suspect that there might be a problem.

"Brother Huang, I think I understand. Is it because the company can't pay the wages?" Zhao Chuxi asked directly, though it was abrupt, he wanted the truth.

Huang He quickly denied it. "The company can pay, but there are some cash flow issues, so the payment might be delayed."

Zhao Chuxi ignored Huang He's words, knowing they were just excuses. He spoke frankly. "Brother Huang, I'll be honest. The foremen told us we'd be paid together for two months, and the workers haven't said much. But if this month's wages aren't paid, there might be trouble. Everyone is waiting for the money to go home for the New Year."

"Don't worry, you'll all get your wages, just a bit later," Huang He said with a smile.

Zhao Chuxi shook his head. "Brother Huang, that's all I know. I hope it helps. Try to pay this month, or I'm afraid the workers will cause trouble."

"Alright, I understand. I'll pass this on to the higher-ups," Huang He said, seemingly relaxed.

"If there's nothing else, Brother Huang, I'll go back to work," Zhao Chuxi said, thinking about the possibility of not getting paid. The children in Phoenix Village and Li Qingyi were waiting for the money to celebrate the New Year. Without it, the New Year would be tough.

As Zhao Chuxi left Huang He's office, he saw Su Xiluo's Audi A8L drive into the site. He thought this explained why she had been absent lately. The company must be having problems. Zhao Chuxi sighed, knowing he would need to plan ahead if he didn't get paid.

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