Free Web NovelChapter 715: Chapter 685: Rift
Zhao Feiyang saw Gao Xinhua and others helping out on the scene. It wasn’t surprising for Gao Xinhua to assist Xu Chunliang, given their existing relationship. However, the fact that several leaders from the cultural and tourism bureau were also there to help indicated that Xu Chunliang was doing well at his new position.
In fact, Fu Guomin and Xu Chunliang originally met through Zhao Feiyang’s introduction. Now their relationship has rapidly advanced, and Fu Guomin’s career has progressed similarly. He used to be on equal footing with Zhao Feiyang, but now he has left him far behind.
Lately, Zhao Feiyang often reflected on his past choices. He found countless excuses for himself, but reality made him realize he made the wrong choice back then, and there was no turning back. He had to swallow that bitter pill on his own.
Zhao Feiyang walked over to Fu Guomin, greeting him, "Guomin, you’re here to help too."
Fu Guomin replied, "They’re busy, I’m just here to show support." He pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Zhao Feiyang, who spotted Fu Xuedong not far away. Children change quickly, and he hesitated to recognize him: "Is that your son?"
Fu Guomin called his son over and introduced him to Zhao Feiyang. Zhao Feiyang couldn’t help but remark, "I can’t believe how tall this kid is now." He wondered inwardly, now that their relationship was so close, would Fu Guomin even bring his son to family events of Xu Chunliang?
Of course, Fu Guomin wouldn’t tell Zhao Feiyang about his son apprenticing under Xu Chunliang. He had heard bits and pieces about the situation between Xu Chunliang and Zhao Feiyang.
Fu Guomin remarked, "Yes, as the kids get older, we get older too. Feiyang, when are you planning to invite me to your wedding noodles?"
As much as Zhao Feiyang wanted to hide things, Pei Lin’s belly couldn’t be concealed. Zhao Feiyang replied, "At our age, I’m too lazy to organize it."
Fu Guomin said, "What needs to be done should be done." He glanced towards the mourning hall, contemplating inwardly—Xu Chunliang went too high-profile this time. But the kid indeed commands respect, with everyone’s presence, people will be wary of provoking him in the future.
Zhao Feiyang asked Fu Guomin if he had settled in well after returning to work. Fu Guomin said he was adapting, mostly focusing on adjusting various departments within the unit. The saying goes, "before external troubles, internal strife must be resolved." He needed to sort out the cultural and tourism bureau internally to improve efficiency.
Fu Guomin said, "Is the construction of your new hospital going well?"
Zhao Feiyang sighed, "The construction of the joint-stock hospital is running smoothly, but the funding for the second phase of Changxing headquarters has yet to arrive. We are waiting for Hu Shan Town to give us the green light. The transfer of Equatorial Capital’s fifty million is still under their supervision."
Fu Guomin said, "Qin Zhengyang was just here.
Zhao Feiyang came intending to meet with Qin Zhengyang. He had been searching earlier but couldn’t find him and thought he missed him. Fu Guomin also helped him look and saw Qin Zhengyang chatting with Fan Lidada.
Zhao Feiyang smiled at him. Fu Guomin knew what he meant and gestured with his chin to encourage him to handle business.
Qin Zhengyang was helping Fan Lidada balance accounts and needed to leave soon.
Zhao Feiyang said, "Secretary Qin!"
Qin Zhengyang had noticed Zhao Feiyang earlier but didn’t have much to discuss. Previously, Weishan Island Hospital was a branch of Changxing, and they had work-related interactions. Now that Changxing Hospital had transferred the branch to Equatorial Capital, it meant Changxing no longer had any investment projects in Hu Shan Town.
Qin Zhengyang knew the purpose behind Zhao Feiyang’s greeting. With a smile, he said, "Dean Zhao is here, too."
Zhao Feiyang said, "I just arrived. Is Secretary Qin busy?"
Qin Zhengyang said, "Nothing much, just helping to balance accounts." He greeted Fan Lidada before moving aside to talk to Zhao Feiyang.
Zhao Feiyang went straight to the point, asking about the transfer of funds.
Qin Zhengyang appeared quite surprised, "What? It hasn’t been transferred yet?"
Zhao Feiyang thought he was playing the fool. Fifty million isn’t a small sum. If it hit Changxing’s account, how dare the hospital’s finance department not report it to him? If you’re trying to spar with me, you’re still a bit inexperienced. When I was in the system, you were still in elementary school.
Though infuriated, Zhao Feiyang remained composed and said, "No, has Secretary Qin given approval?"
"The approval was granted a long time ago!" Qin Zhengyang replied earnestly.
Zhao Feiyang found this absurd. You, Qin Zhengyang, are after all the head of Hu Shan Town. You shouldn’t utter blatant lies. Zhao Feiyang said, "But our Changxing Hospital hasn’t received this amount!"
Qin Zhengyang said, "Has Hua Nian not transferred the funds to you?"
Zhao Feiyang was stumped upon hearing this. It didn’t seem like Qin Zhengyang was joking with him. He gave the escrow funds to Hua Nian’s account. Zhao Feiyang said, "But the contract specifically noted that the escrow funds should be directly transferred to Changxing Hospital’s account afterward."
Qin Zhengyang said, "But the parties to the contract were Equatorial Capital and Hua Nian Group. Hua Nian Group sent someone to request the lifting of fund supervision. Haven’t they informed you of this?"
Zhao Feiyang couldn’t tell if Qin Zhengyang was being deliberate, but he had no grounds to argue. Indeed, the trading parties were Hua Nian Group and Equatorial Capital.
Seeing Zhao Feiyang’s sudden gloomy expression, Qin Zhengyang felt sympathy for him. He was also very aware of Hua Nian’s current state. Once the money entered Hua Nian’s account, it would be near impossible for Zhao Feiyang to retrieve it.
This was Xu Chunliang’s idea to give the fifty million in escrow to Hua Nian instead of Changxing.
Qin Zhengyang sighed at how ruthless Xu Chunliang was, causing Zhao Feiyang’s predicament and further straining relations between Changxing and Hua Nian.
Zhao Feiyang no longer wished to continue the conversation and concluded it quickly. He didn’t want to linger. Hu Shan Town deliberately confused the situation in this matter, setting him up. Was it believable that they didn’t know whom the money should go to? While others might not be aware, Xu Chunliang certainly was. Wu Fajun even specifically went to Weishan Island to find him. Oh, Xu Chunliang, despite my kindness, you still hit me when I’m down.
Zhao Feiyang didn’t even say goodbye to Xu Chunliang before getting into his car. His mood was extremely foul because he knew better than anyone that recovering this fifty million would be like casting a bread roll at a dog, gone with no return.
Even knowing the likely outcome, Zhao Feiyang still reached out to Tang Jingwei, though he didn’t expect much. Tang Jingwei had initially promised him the fifty million would go to Changxing Hospital, for the second phase of the hospital’s construction.
Tang Jingwei laughed immediately upon hearing Zhao Feiyang was inquiring about the fifty million, "Feiyang, I’m not too aware of this. How about this, it’s late today, I’ll check with finance tomorrow."
Zhao Feiyang knew instantly he was being brushed off, "President Tang, we’re waiting for funding to come through for phase two of Changxing’s construction. If funds don’t arrive, we’ll have to halt progress."
Tang Jingwei said, "Don’t worry about funding."
Zhao Feiyang cursed internally: not to worry? Then give it to me! The fifty million in escrow funds, which initially arrived in your account, wasn’t even communicated to me. What do you take me for?
Straightforwardly, Zhao Feiyang said, "President Tang, didn’t we agree that this fifty million would be transferred to Changxing Hospital’s account right after Hu Shan Town lifted supervision?"
Tang Jingwei said, "Feiyang, we’re family now, and Changxing Hospital is part of Hua Nian. You need to have a broader perspective. I’m considering nominating you for Hua Nian’s board. You can’t view issues as narrowly as before. You must consider the overall strategy from the group’s perspective."
Zhao Feiyang held back, thinking, "Your board, my ass. Hua Nian, deeply burdened by debt, wants me to join the board to take the blame? Smart calculation, but you can’t fool me." Holding back his anger, "President Tang, phase two of Changxing Hospital is critical now. Any issues will significantly impact both Changxing and the group."
Tang Jingwei laughed, hearing the threat in his tone, "For you, Changxing is your only child. For me, both hands are indispensable. I know how and where the money should be spent. Rest assured, Feiyang. By the way, Pei Lin is giving birth soon, right?"
Zhao Feiyang considered it a Tai Chi move, replying calmly, "Thanks for your concern."
Tang Jingwei said, "She’s my god-sister. How can I not care? But seriously, you can’t dedicate your life solely to your career. You should pay more attention to your wife. I heard from Pei Lin that you’ve been stressed and in a bad mood. Maybe it’s my fault for giving you too much to handle."
Alarm bells rang inside Zhao Feiyang. What did he mean? Was this a threat? Zhao Feiyang never considered Tang Jingwei a friend but always assumed he couldn’t do without him. Nobody else could manage Changxing as he did. However, recent events had made him wary. Tang Jingwei was extremely selfish and cold-blooded. If he believed one violated his interests, he would never let personal feelings get in the way.
Softening his tone, Zhao Feiyang said, "President Tang, I am thinking about the group. You’ve placed your trust in me, and I cannot let you down."
Tang Jingwei replied, "Take care of your health. If you’re exhausted, how can I explain it to Pei Lin or the shareholders? Changxing can’t do without you. I’ll check with the finance department tomorrow. Regardless, I’ll make sure some funds are transferred to you first."
"Thank you, President Tang!" Zhao Feiyang’s heart grew cold. He realized there was no way to get the full fifty million back. Most likely, Tang Jingwei would give him only a small portion. Zhao Feiyang understood Tang Jingwei’s true nature more clearly and knew one must be prepared and have a backup plan when dealing with him.
