Chapter 58 No Reward, No Work!

Yang Changfeng was well aware that his opponent was no ordinary figure—at the very least, he was someone to be reckoned with. For someone even the boss couldn’t handle, mere seniority wasn’t enough; without a close-knit faction within the company and powerful connections both in the underworld and among legitimate circles outside, how could he possibly throw his weight around in the group? In the world of capital, the rules of the game are brutally severe. If you don’t follow the rules set by capital, you’ll either be crushed or forced to crush those rules yourself.

Clearly, Wang Hu had neither shattered the rules nor been broken by them, and that alone was proof of his strength. When a lion hunts a rabbit, it still fights with all its might—let alone when facing a foe who is anything but weak. Yang Changfeng held a “strategic contempt, tactical caution” toward his adversary.

Anya’s information was a bit fragmented, but there was one crucial detail: Wang Hu had established sworn brotherhoods with quite a few people in legitimate circles. Though none of them were especially powerful or influential, to ordinary people, these individuals were practically untouchable. The public resources and authority they wielded were enough to render even the group company helpless against Wang Hu.

There had already been a minor clash in the past. Anya recounted, “It happened last year. Early in the year, President Chen wanted to replace the head of the Security Department. Within half an hour, the police, fire department, tax bureau, customs inspection—even the Women's Federation—sent people over to nitpick. Our company is so large, it’s inevitable there’ll be small problems; these people latched onto every little thing, and nearly forced the company to shut down for a thorough inspection. Also, some media outlets in River State have a close relationship with Wang Hu. I suspect Wang Hu has some dirt on these people. Otherwise, who would turn down money? Unfortunately, up to now, we haven’t found any major problems with Wang Hu.”

“To capture the ringleader first is sound strategy, but the method was wrong,” she went on. “To avoid turmoil in the company, Chen Aijia had no choice but to adopt milder measures to restrain Wang Hu. The crux, however, is that as long as Wang Hu stands, all those resources remain under his control. In fact, taking Wang Hu down would cause his whole network to collapse. No one would ignore an opportunity to get close to such a huge group company, let alone seek to protect someone without value or threat. What justice could Wang Hu possibly claim? His downfall would be justice itself.”

Yang Changfeng snorted. “If we don’t topple Wang Hu, what’s the point in fixing these minor issues? The biggest enemy is right in front of us—knock him down in one blow, and all those tangled connections will scatter. Focusing on tiny details while ignoring the major problem? That’s running the wrong way on the road. Never mind, leave this to me.”

Anya protested, “So you really plan to go? This is clearly a trap—a feast with murder in mind. Going alone…”

“It’s easier with fewer people. If no one plays tricks, good; but if they do, let’s see who bests whom. It’s not as simple as you think.” He gently patted Anya’s pretty face. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. Also, you should move in with us as soon as possible. From today, it will become even more dangerous for you alone. It’s best if you go with Chen Aijia after work—be good and listen.”

A sweet warmth blossomed in Anya’s heart; she had no objections. “Just be careful. Stay sharp. If anything happens, send a signal first, so we can figure out how to help.” She knew that following him would only be a burden. Smart people didn’t imitate the melodramatic heroes of television and charge into trouble knowingly—that wasn’t bravery but foolishness, the mark of a useless teammate.

Yang Changfeng subconsciously touched his eye. Wang Hu only had a few tricks up his sleeve. In the brutal contests he’d weathered on the battlefield, he’d seen everything. Whatever Wang Hu might try was child’s play to him. With his “clairvoyant eye” to guide him, whether it was a deadly banquet or a gentle snare, Wang Hu would only end up humiliating himself. If the opportunity presented itself, Yang Changfeng might even settle things with Wang Hu today.

Anya hurried back to the office, still uneasy. She went to check and saw that Vice President Su had returned to her office, while Chen Aijia seemed relaxed, humming a tune. She glanced at Anya and frowned, “Didn’t you twist your ankle? Why aren’t you resting instead of running around?”

So… he’d even gone to Chen Aijia’s office and spun some nonsense. What a schemer!

Anya couldn’t explain, so she simply claimed it was nothing serious, then quickly reported Yang Changfeng’s plan to walk into Wang Hu’s trap. She summed up, “I don’t think this is a good idea. Even if he escapes, it would only alert Wang Hu—there’s no real gain.”

Chen Aijia picked up the phone, thought for a moment, then set it back down. With a resigned smile, she said, “He’s so headstrong—once he’s decided something, how could we change his mind? Forget it, let him go. I’ll have someone keep an eye on things; nothing serious will happen. By the way, after work today, you’re coming home with me. After all this, it’s not safe for you to be out there alone. You can’t afford to let anything happen.”

These two really were cut from the same cloth—one more forceful than the other. But the boss wasn’t nearly as domineering as that peculiar employee; he acted like the emperor of the company.

A smile spread across Anya’s face. She didn’t refuse.

That afternoon, word quickly spread throughout the company: the two arch-rivals from the Security Department were going out for drinks together. Several vice presidents made a point of visiting Chen Aijia’s office, some looking rather pleased with themselves. To agree to Wang Hu’s invitation was as good as sealing one’s fate. No matter the means, they believed Yang was finished this time—Wang Hu would never let him off the hook. Hadn’t President Chen been relying on Yang’s strength lately, acting tough? Just wait until tomorrow—if she’s still bold, then there’s no justice left in the world.

Fuming inside, Chen Aijia called Yang Changfeng to ask when he’d deal with Wang Hu.

“You’re leaving this entirely to me?” Yang Changfeng bargained cheerfully. “I can’t do this for free, you know. There has to be some reward.”

Chen Aijia knew exactly what he was hinting at and replied coyly, “I’ll give you a raise.”

“Nope, no kiss, no hug, no deal!” In the study, Yang Changfeng lounged with his legs on the desk, flirting shamelessly over the phone with Chen Aijia, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Who else would dare tease their boss like this?

Having experienced Yang’s thick skin before, Chen Aijia simply giggled, “That’s not out of the question, but I’ll need to see some results first, right? Only then will I decide on your reward.”

She never mentioned kisses or hugs. In her mind, a reward meant a pay raise—nothing else.

Yang Changfeng wouldn’t fall for it, but he understood clearly: whether or not Chen Aijia rewarded him, there would be plenty of chances for stolen touches, and taking down Wang Hu didn’t require any special incentive from the beautiful president anyway.