Chapter 226: Warning
"I didn’t come here today with the intention of doing anything, just to warn you." Ding Ancheng looked at the three members of the Zou Family, and glanced at Wu Zhuoyue, "If any of you, or anyone you instigate, harms even a hair on my wife, I will ensure the Zou Family’s glory ends with Director Zou’s generation."
Such a light statement pressed down on the Zou family, leaving them breathless.
"The matters at that time were widely entangled, not just involving the textile factory, so the case was settled early on, and generous compensation was given to the injured workers," Ding Ancheng recounted very calmly, "But since the incident occurred, someone must know the truth."
"I’m not one to dwell on old grievances, especially those unrelated to me," Ding Ancheng continued, "So, Director Zou, please keep your distance from my family and the Xie siblings."
"Alright, I came today just to say this. Please proceed promptly with apologies and compensation procedures. I will take my leave." Ding Ancheng stood up, nodded at the group, and opened the door, closing it to separate the space.
In the office, silence swallowed the three members of the Zou Family and Wu Zhuoyue. However, Zou Xuri was not truly contemplating; he merely turned his head to glance at one, then the other, saying nothing. At last, he couldn’t hold back because his uncle and father’s faces were ashen.
"Uncle, Dad, what’s wrong? That guy was too arrogant. How are we going to teach him a lesson unless we..."
"Shut up." Zou Jianling sharply interrupted, looking fiercely at Zou Xuri, "You mustn’t provoke that person in the future, and stay away from Yi Roujing and the Xie siblings."
"Uncle—" Zou Xuri couldn’t believe his uncle was backing down, "How can we just cower because of some inexplicable threat from that man..."
"Is it really inexplicable? Ask your father." Zou Jianling frowned, "Jianfeng, you have to discipline Xuri well. If he gets involved with people he shouldn’t, our family may indeed come to an end."
Zou Jianfeng nodded, pale as a sheet.
"Dad—"
"Xuri, don’t get involved in this any further," Wu Zhuoyue said solemnly, "That Ding Ancheng is not a simple character. I was surprised to find him in Director Wan’s office; his connections probably extend much further."
"Director Wan wasn’t aware of the events back then. He hadn’t been transferred to Huaixi County yet, but Ding Ancheng knew. How he knew, we have no idea, nor what else he knows."
"If we really clash, we might not win. For the sake of a woman or a dyeing technique, are we really willing to risk everything the Zou Family has? Think about it, Xuri." Wu Zhuoyue said seriously, looking at Zou Xuri.
"Didn’t Uncle say to find someone else..."
"You fool," Zou Jianfeng couldn’t bear it anymore. While he knew his son had his limits, the contrast made him truly uneasy.
"When we get home, I’ll tell you about the events of those years. Although I wasn’t the one exposed back then, they still managed to find out the truth. Even if you find someone else to deal with them, they have the means to uncover the truth. Our family will be doomed when that happens." Zou Jianfeng’s shoulders slumped as if he’d aged ten years in an instant.
Zou Jianfeng, although fond of petty gains, was never one to harm lives. Back then, he was merely after some money, and someone was pulling the strings. His brother agreed, but it was him who signed the contract. Even though his own brother sought ways for other procurement staff in the factory to take the fall, Zou Jianfeng always felt haunted by that incident.
Zou Xuri had never seen his father in such a despondent state, nor his uncle’s continuously grim expression. Even cousin Wu Zhuoyue remained silent.
"I will find out exactly what Ding Ancheng’s story is. Until I do, anyone daring to act privately had better not blame me for turning hostile," Zou Jianling said, staring straight at Zou Xuri.
"Uncle, I understand." Though Zou Xuri harbored resentment, he could only comply now; his arrogance stemmed entirely from the support of his uncle and father.
Despite Ding Ancheng appearing gracious and forgiving, the Zou Family did not know he had no intention of letting Zou Xuri off easily beneath the surface.
Ding Ancheng went to the north of the city, turned into an alleyway, and pushed open a door at the end of the alley.
"Mr. Ding." Zhao Guang, Heizi, and Liu Si emerged from the house and respectfully greeted Ding Ancheng as he entered.
Since Gu Shizhao returned to the capital, Zhao Guang and his team had been under Ding Ancheng’s leadership. Previously, it was mostly Gu Shizhao handling negotiations. Zhao Guang’s group did not realize many connections had been facilitated by Ding Ancheng.
These details were revealed to them by Gu Shizhao before his departure, emphasizing the need to respect Ding Ancheng, "Teacher Ding," more so, as their future would only become brighter under his guidance.
After following Ding Ancheng for a while, the trio was impressed by his methods, acknowledging and respecting him from the heart. Following Xu Jinchun’s example, they privately began addressing him as such.
"Mr. Ding, to what do we owe the pleasure at this hour? Is there something you need?" Zhao Guang asked with concern.
"Find some people to give Zou Xuri a beating. Just don’t kill him; make sure he learns a thorough lesson." Ding Ancheng instructed plainly.
"Understood." Zhao Guang agreed without questioning the reason.
"Be cautious during the task; don’t let your faces show. I will manage everything afterward." Ding Ancheng reassured them.
"Yes." Zhao Guang responded resolutely, without a trace of worry.
"Heizi, you’ll make a trip north. You can start collecting the New Year’s goods; take a few people with you." Ding Ancheng planned out.
"Alright." Heizi nodded in agreement.
"Let me know the roster, and I’ll have someone purchase your tickets. Traveling in sleeper carriages is safer and more private. If you encounter any issues or difficulties at that place, go find this person." Ding Ancheng handed Heizi a piece of paper with a name, address, and phone number.
"Yes," Heizi replied, "I’ll confirm with the people below and report the list to Mr. Ding."
Ding Ancheng nodded.
"What about me, what about me?" Liu Si impatiently inquired. Everyone had tasks, so he couldn’t be left out.
"You head south. I’ll have someone who went with me before take you. Next time, you’ll have to handle it alone." Ding Ancheng said.
"Promise to complete the mission." Liu Si beamed.
After leaving the north of the city, Ding Ancheng returned to County First Middle School, where the fragrance of food and joyous laughter emitted from his own courtyard, bringing him great comfort. Entering, he relayed the outcome of the matters to Yi Roujing, whose confidence in Ding Ancheng’s capabilities remained unwavering.