Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Rise of the Small Man

As soon as he got into the car, Qian Gui went wild, yelling and furiously pounding the steering wheel with his fists. Qian Zhen sat quietly in the back seat, watching his younger brother. He felt a pang of pity for him. In front of outsiders, Qian Gui always put on a genial face, acting as if nothing could bother him, no matter how much injustice he suffered. But who really understood the pain he bore within?

Qian Zhen didn’t know how to comfort his brother. All he could do was sit silently, letting Qian Gui vent his frustration in his own way. Unlike himself, who would use his fists to express dissatisfaction, Qian Gui was not that sort—he remained the same pitiful child who chose to endure, swallowing all the bitterness and injustice the world offered him.

After a long while, Qian Gui finally calmed down. Seeing his brother’s mood had stabilized somewhat, Qian Zhen said, “Let’s go. Why don’t we find somewhere to sit for a while?”

The two left the company in their car and parked outside a coffee shop. They walked inside and chose a corner table. Qian Gui ordered two coffees, which the server brought over promptly before returning to the bar.

Qian Zhen looked at his brother and asked, “So, what happened? Tell me.”

Qian Gui took a gentle sip of coffee and replied, “I went to talk to Zhu Qiyu about getting you into the company. I didn’t expect him to give you any special treatment, just thought you could start in the marketing or public relations departments—not in any core business area, and certainly not as a manager.”

“It’s really nothing—just joining as an ordinary employee. But Zhu Qiyu wouldn’t even grant me that courtesy. I told him you were my own brother, but he refused, insisting recruitment must follow procedure, no exceptions. In the end, he said the most he could do was let you be Li Jinlong’s driver. Who is Li Jinlong? He’s just the brother of Zhu Qiyu’s mistress, strutting around as if he’s somebody, knowing nothing and doing nothing—a useless loafer!”

Qian Zhen smiled at his brother. “Have you forgotten? Your big brother is a loafer too! Who are we to judge others?”

Qian Gui grew anxious. “He’s nothing like you! You were forced by circumstances. He’s different—he’s pure scum. Besides, you were notorious, a little tyrant in your circle. Him? He’s just a pimp in a karaoke bar. How could he compare?”

“He only got a manager’s position in PR because his sister was Zhu Qiyu’s mistress and whispered in his ear. You think a fool like him can handle the job? He’s never accomplished anything, spends his days harassing female colleagues and stirring up trouble. I’ve had to cover for him countless times.”

After a pause, Qian Gui continued, “Recently, a female client came to inspect the company. He was supposed to entertain her, but he took her to a nightclub to find escorts and even suggested she have a fling with a handsome guy for a night. The client had just been married for two months. How clueless can one be? The next day, she left without even saying goodbye and never discussed business again. If you ask me, she didn’t beat him up only because she had mercy.”

Hearing this, Qian Zhen almost spat out his coffee. He’d never imagined someone could be so stupid. Calling Li Jinlong a loafer was an insult to loafers.

Qian Gui went on, “But Zhu Qiyu just lets him run wild. Someone like that can be a manager, yet I just wanted you to join as a regular staff member. Is that too much? I’m the deputy general manager—don’t I have even this little bit of authority? Zhu Qiyu is too much. He treats the company as his own household.”

Qian Zhen asked, “Who exactly is this Zhu Qiyu you’re talking about? Didn’t you say the company belongs to our family? Why does he get to call all the shots?”

Qian Gui’s mood softened slightly as he explained, “I wasn’t wrong when I said the company was ours. When we started it, your one million went in and we have shares. But that’s not enough for this business—the lion’s share came from Zhu Qiyu.”

“I met him through a friend. He used to be in real estate, wanted to do bigger deals and dabble in finance. I was looking for a partner, and our friend brought us together.”

“At first, he was pretty good. He didn’t know much about the business, but he trusted me and let me handle operations. He just invested money and used his connections to find projects and funding. We worked well together, and the business flourished.”

Qian Gui took another sip of coffee and continued, “But once the company was running smoothly, he changed—no longer the man he had been. He started spending his days indulging in pleasure, though that didn’t really affect operations.”

“But he kept bringing in random people—this one’s a connection, that one’s a connection. The company became his personal placement center. Li Jinlong was hired solely because his sister was Zhu Qiyu’s mistress. He got a manager’s job just for sleeping around. I was at my wit’s end.”

Qian Zhen smiled. He was all too familiar with Zhu Qiyu’s ways. He’d seen plenty of bosses like that—well-fed, well-clothed, and eventually obsessed with pleasure. It was a timeless story.

Qian Zhen asked, “Then why keep working with him? Why not split up?”

Qian Gui shook his head. “Without his connections, we can’t get bank loans. With just our money, we can’t do anything. More importantly, finance needs licenses—leaving the company means we’d be breaking the law without permits, and we could end up behind bars.”

Qian Zhen thought for a moment and said, “I’ve been inside before. I won’t let you go in. And I won’t let Zhu Qiyu keep riding roughshod over you. He wants me to be Li Jinlong’s driver? Fine, I’ll do it.”

“But, big brother—” Qian Gui tried to object.

Qian Zhen raised his hand to stop him. “No buts. It’s settled. I’ll go back to Yanbei, find a few friends. Tell Zhu Qiyu I’ll start work next Monday. Leave everything else to me. Just focus on your own responsibilities.”

Qian Gui could only follow his brother’s instructions.

Meanwhile, Zhu Qiyu’s days grew ever more carefree. The company remained firmly under his control; Qian Gui offered no opposition, and Zhu Qiyu had the final say in all matters.

Outside of work, his life became even more interesting. Initially, he had arranged for Qian Zhen to be Li Jinlong’s driver to embarrass Qian Gui, but gradually he discovered that Qian Gui’s brother was nothing like him—much more charming. Even Li Jinlong praised Qian Zhen, often speaking highly of him to Zhu Qiyu.

Zhu Qiyu had grown tired of Li Jinlong’s tricks, and even his sister had lost her allure. After all, eating the same dish every day breeds boredom.

Qian Zhen was different. He always came up with fresh ideas. Drinking and partying with him was far more entertaining. Zhu Qiyu even reassigned Qian Zhen as his personal secretary, ostensibly to save face for Qian Gui—after all, having the deputy GM’s brother as a driver didn’t sound good.

The more Zhu Qiyu appreciated Qian Zhen, the more dissatisfied he became with Li Jinlong, whose incompetence had alienated several major clients. If not for his sister, Zhu Qiyu would have kicked him out long ago. Qian Zhen became the favored confidant, and even Qian Gui regained Zhu Qiyu’s trust thanks to his brother, restoring the company’s operations to him.

Moreover, Qian Zhen somehow procured a pair of twin beauties for Zhu Qiyu, who became utterly enthralled—so much so that he visited the company less and less, even taking Qian Gui along to network, hoping Qian Gui would soon take over his relationships so he could devote himself to pleasure.

Since Qian Zhen’s arrival, Zhu Qiyu felt his life had become more vibrant. Qian Zhen had opened a new world for him, making Li Jinlong’s tricks seem utterly amateurish.

For the first time, Zhu Qiyu realized how wonderful the world of the rich could be—a delight he’d never imagined. Soon, Qian Zhen introduced him to Texas Hold’em and various casino games. Zhu Qiyu finally felt like a true success, experiencing the intoxicating nightlife of the metropolis.

He no longer cared to visit the company, leaving everything for Qian Gui to handle, trusting his honest nature. Even board meetings became chores he reluctantly attended.

Li Jinlong was completely abandoned; just seeing his face annoyed Zhu Qiyu, and he couldn’t fathom why he’d ever liked such a fool. Li Jinlong’s sister, once his sweetheart, had become a torment. Zhu Qiyu ignored her, hoping she’d take the hint, but she persisted.

In frustration, he summoned Qian Zhen to deal with her. Qian Zhen deftly arranged for the company to open a branch in Yanbei, sending Li Jinlong’s sister there. She went eagerly, and Zhu Qiyu’s problem was resolved effortlessly, further impressing him.

Zhu Qiyu began to feel like an emperor of old—wine, women, and endless revelry, living in a dream. Yet, after a while, he grew bored and called Qian Zhen over for fresh ideas.

Qian Zhen smiled, “I’ve heard there’s a new casino in Annam—very exciting, high stakes, and all the servers are model-bodied, angel-faced beauties. Not just local girls, but also some from Japan, and many blond, blue-eyed beauties. Would you be interested in visiting?”

Zhu Qiyu’s eyes gleamed. He immediately called Qian Gui to delegate all company affairs, announced he was traveling abroad for business, and had Qian Zhen arrange everything.

With his twin beauties and Qian Zhen, Zhu Qiyu set off for Annam. Upon arrival, he was enchanted by the exotic scenery—a blend of Oriental charm and French allure, so different from Tanghua’s bustling city, offering tranquil landscapes and winding streams.

The lush mountains and rivers were refreshing, the vibrant fruits tempting. At the casino, the opulent yet ancient architecture left Zhu Qiyu in awe; he never expected such splendor in a small country. Inside, beauties abounded, crowds buzzed, drums sounded—it felt like the gates of paradise had opened.

Fired up, Zhu Qiyu threw himself into gambling. That night, he was unstoppable—winning at every turn. In just two or three hours, he amassed over ten million in chips, feeling as if fortune itself favored him. Then Qian Zhen tapped him on the shoulder, suggesting he stop.

Zhu Qiyu looked at him, puzzled, “Why stop? My luck’s on fire! Why quit now? Let’s play a little longer.”

Qian Zhen leaned in, whispering, “We’re not just here for a day. There’s plenty of time ahead. Let’s call it a night—there are other entertainments waiting for you.”

Reluctantly, Zhu Qiyu left the table for the promised new event.

When Qian Zhen led him to the hotel room, Zhu Qiyu was confused—wasn’t there supposed to be a new program? Why bring him back to the room? He almost wished he’d stayed at the casino.

But when Qian Zhen opened the door, Zhu Qiyu was stunned. Including his twin beauties, there were seven gorgeous women in the room, each dressed in alluring uniforms. The sight was intoxicating. Qian Zhen handed him a pill, advised him to take care of himself, and left.

The next morning, Zhu Qiyu awoke feeling as if he’d dreamed it all. Seeing the beautiful women lying naked and sprawled around, he realized it had really happened. He’d outdone even Wei Xiaobao, who had seven wives from one country—while Zhu Qiyu had spent the night with seven beauties from different nations.

When Qian Zhen knocked, Zhu Qiyu was already eager for another round at the casino. He greeted Qian Zhen with a broad smile and endless praise. The experience had been divine, and he couldn’t have been more satisfied.

That night’s gambling, however, took a strange turn. At first, Zhu Qiyu’s luck was as good as the previous day, winning several rounds and making bigger bets.

But gradually, he began to lose—first occasionally, then more often, until he lost several consecutive hands. Not only did he lose the day’s winnings, but also all he’d gained the night before.

Qian Zhen came over to tell him to stop, but by now Zhu Qiyu was consumed by the game, unable to heed advice. He increased his bets, borrowed money from the casino cashier, lost it, borrowed again, until the cashier refused further loans and demanded settlement. Only then did Zhu Qiyu realize he’d lost a total of three hundred million. He panicked and called Qian Zhen over.

“What do I do? I’ve lost three hundred million! What now?” Zhu Qiyu whispered urgently, “Go buy tickets quietly—we’ll run!”

Qian Zhen shook his head, giving a wry smile. “How could we escape? If we don’t pay, we won’t even get out of the casino. This isn’t home; if we anger them, nobody will care if we end up dead in the wilderness.”

“So what now? Even if I give them everything I own, it’s not worth three hundred million! They won’t really kill me, will they? Think of something! You brought me here—you can’t abandon me!” Zhu Qiyu pleaded desperately.

“I told you to stop, but you wouldn’t listen. What else can I do?” Qian Zhen shrugged.

“What now? It was my fault—I shouldn’t have ignored your advice. But now, you’re my last hope. Please, think of something!” Zhu Qiyu was like a trapped animal, clinging to Qian Zhen as his lifeline.

“There’s a way, but…” Qian Zhen hesitated.

“What but? If you have an idea, just say it! Don’t stall now!” Zhu Qiyu urged.

“We’d have to sell the company to cover the debt,” Qian Zhen sighed.

“Even if we sell the company, it’s not worth three hundred million. At most, it’s valued at two hundred million. That’s still not enough!” Zhu Qiyu protested.

“We’d need to handle your properties and cars as well,” Qian Zhen added.

“That won’t be enough either! Besides, selling property and cars isn’t something you can do overnight. Finding buyers for the company is even harder. It’s like trying to put out a fire with water from far away!” Zhu Qiyu was almost in tears.

“The bank loaned us one hundred million just recently. If we use that, along with selling assets at discounted prices, someone will buy.” Qian Zhen said.

“But using the bank’s money is a crime—I’ll never be able to return home!” Zhu Qiyu said dejectedly.

“That’s better than losing your life. Is there any other way?” Qian Zhen replied helplessly.

Zhu Qiyu sighed deeply. “It seems I have no choice—heaven is out to destroy me!”

So the casino detained Zhu Qiyu, and Qian Zhen took the authorization papers back home. A week later, he returned to the casino, and Zhu Qiyu was finally released.

Utterly defeated, Zhu Qiyu could only pat Qian Zhen’s shoulder. “Thank you for coming back to save me. I should have listened to you—then I wouldn’t have ended up like this. I have nothing left to repay you, so let’s leave it at that.”

“Don’t say that, Mr. Zhu. You’re talented—unlike a rough man like me. You’ll rise again!” Qian Zhen pulled a wad of cash from his pocket and handed it over. “You know my brother and I don’t have much. The proceeds from the company all went to cover debts. This is just a token from us—you must accept it.”

At this, Zhu Qiyu was overwhelmed with shame. He accepted the money and said, “I’m sorry for what I did to you two brothers. Please convey my apologies to Qian Gui. I’ll repay your kindness in the next life.” With that, he left alone.

In truth, the Annam casino trip was a setup by Qian Zhen, though Zhu Qiyu would never know. In this way, Qian Zhen took over the company, Li Jinlong was expelled, and the company finally belonged to the brothers.

With Qian Gui’s management, the company’s credit business soared. Though Qian Zhen was unfamiliar with the business, his grasp of social dynamics was unmatched—he opened all necessary channels and even used his experience from loan-sharking to help Qian Gui expand operations. Thus, two once penniless youths became prominent tycoons, and the name of the Qian brothers began to ring throughout Tanghua.