"Now, I hereby announce that this factory and everything in it belongs to Jiang Feng from this moment on," Cai Xiaoqiang declared through gritted teeth, unwilling to accept the decision.
As soon as the announcement was made, the workers finally stirred, breaking their silence and becoming animated.
Their long-held grievances erupted all at once.
Cai Xiaoqiang was no longer in charge of the factory; they had nothing to fear anymore.
"Never thought you'd see this day. Serves you right, ptooey."
"That bloodsucking tiger is finally getting kicked out. This is the best news ever."
"Good riddance. You should've left long ago. You exploited us every day and docked our wages."
"Let's beat him up and vent our anger."
"Yeah, beat him up."
The workers quickly lost control, surrounding Cai Xiaoqiang and starting to punch and kick him.
Cai Xiaoqiang was pushed to the ground, not moving or resisting, letting them beat him as if he felt nothing.
He felt like dying, like a walking corpse. Each blow from the workers struck deep into his soul, filling him with regret and tearing at his heart.
Unconsciously, he felt the world darken, as if his life was ending, like it was the end of the world.
All he could hear were the chaotic shouts and curses.
"Everyone, calm down. No matter how wrong he was, we can't beat him to death. He's already like this, and he's received his due punishment. Let's just let him go. Whatever happens to him in the future, even if he becomes a beggar, it's none of our business," Jiang Feng shouted.
Jiang Feng's voice spread out, and the workers gradually calmed down, restraining their excitement.
Once everyone quieted down, Jiang Feng shouted again, "Tiger, Bearded Man, maintain order and prevent anyone from acting impulsively."
"Got it." Tiger and the Bearded Man immediately mobilized people to persuade the workers.
Then Jiang Feng said to Cai Xiaoqiang, who was lying on the ground, "You should leave. It's best if you never come back."
Cai Xiaoqiang didn't say anything, staggering to his feet and walking aimlessly towards the exit.
But as he walked, he suddenly stopped and turned to look at a woman not far away.
That woman was Yu Xiaohong, who had been with him just the night before.
"Xiaohong!" Cai Xiaoqiang called softly.
Unexpectedly, Yu Xiaohong's face changed, and she cursed, "Ptooey, who do you think you are? You're just a penniless loser. Get lost."
Saying this, Yu Xiaohong stepped forward and slapped him, then turned and left heartlessly.
As the saying goes, when the wall falls, everyone pushes; when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.
Yu Xiaohong had only been with him for his money.
Now that he had nothing, how could she still care about him? She couldn't avoid him fast enough.
The most venomous is a woman's heart; a mistress can never be relied upon. When there's money, everything is fine, but once the money is gone, they turn their backs immediately, eager to sever all ties.
Cai Xiaoqiang's current situation was the best illustration of this.
Yu Xiaohong not only didn't sympathize with him but also kicked him while he was down, wishing he would die right then and there.
Cai Xiaoqiang was utterly despairing this time. He felt darkness all around, with not a single ray of light, none, none...
Thud!
Cai Xiaoqiang fell to the ground again, crawling towards the factory gate with his hands.
Jiang Jianjun watched, feeling a bit sympathetic, wanting to help him.
But Jiang Feng stopped him.
Jiang Feng said, "Dad, sympathy should be reserved for those who deserve it. Cai Xiaoqiang doesn't deserve it at all. He exploited the workers and made dirty money, committing countless sins. Even death can't wash away his crimes."
"Evil should be met with retribution. Soft-heartedness now would only build a wall for ourselves, which might collapse one day and crush us instead."
"Everything he's facing now is the result of his own actions, so this is his just deserts. We just need to watch."
"Everything has its destined outcome."
Jiang Feng's words were profound, and Jiang Jianjun didn't fully understand, but he nodded and listened to his son.
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Cai Xiaoqiang crawled out of the factory like a dog, and the factory fell into complete silence.
Now, all eyes were on Jiang Feng and his family.
This was a moment of being in the spotlight.
Jiang Feng liked this feeling; it was comfortable and satisfying.
"Boss, here's all of Cai Xiaoqiang's money and the factory's business license," Lü Shaguang handed a bank card and certificate to Jiang Feng.
Jiang Feng looked at them and nodded in satisfaction. Despite his name, Lü Shaguang was quite capable and not foolish at all.
"Very good, well done," Jiang Feng said.
"Thank you for the praise, Boss," Lü Shaguang replied with a smile.
"Dad, you take these. From now on, you'll be in charge," Jiang Feng handed the items to Jiang Jianjun.
This time, Jiang Jianjun didn't hesitate and took them directly, saying, "Alright, I'll keep them here. Whenever you need them, just come and get them."
"Dad, you're joking. This is my way of showing filial respect," Jiang Feng said.
Jiang Jianjun held the items tightly, speechless for a long time, his eyes a bit misty.
Jiang Feng's words of filial respect greatly preserved his father's dignity, giving him a reason to accept them calmly.
Jiang Jianjun and Zhang Mei looked at this sudden windfall with excitement and joy. They would no longer have to worry about living expenses, endure others' disdain, or suffer from others' mockery...
A dazzling light appeared in their darkest moment.
This light made the two, who had lived in poverty all their lives, feel youthful again, with a renewed desire to strive and fight.
...
"Everyone, listen up. From now on, my dad is the factory director here. You all have to listen to him. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will end up like Cai Xiaoqiang, walking in but crawling out. Got it?" Jiang Feng said to all the employees.
"Got it!" the workers shouted in unison.
"Good. But I won't be autocratic. If anyone doesn't want to work here, you can say so now and go to the finance office to get your remaining wages and leave. If you stay, work diligently, and we won't treat you unfairly," Jiang Feng added.
The crowd was moved, but no one stepped forward, as they didn't dare to lose their jobs easily.
Jiang Feng looked around and, seeing no objections, said to his father, "Dad, why don't you say a few words?"
"Me?" Jiang Jianjun was taken aback, "What should I say?"
"Dad, you're the factory director now. You have to face this big responsibility. You need to say a few words. Besides, there will be many more times you'll need to speak in the future," Jiang Feng said.
"Alright, I'll say a few simple words," Jiang Jianjun said.
Jiang Jianjun cleared his throat, took a step forward, and said, "I believe everyone knows me, so I won't introduce myself. Since I've taken over this factory, I'll do my best to run it well and ensure everyone's welfare. I hope you'll support and cooperate with me in the future."
After he finished speaking, there was a brief silence before everyone started shouting, "Support Old Jiang, support Old Jiang."
In the factory, everyone usually called Jiang Jianjun "Old Jiang."
"Go Old Jiang, we believe in you."
"Yes, we believe you can provide us with a better working environment."
"No matter what, your son Little Feng drove away Cai Xiaoqiang, and we're all very happy and grateful."
"As long as Old Jiang is here, I believe our factory will be more profitable."
"Yes, we believe in you."
"Old Jiang's family is thriving now."
"Yeah, Little Feng has made it. I wish my son had even a tenth of Little Feng's ability."
"Little Feng used to be so low-key and quiet. Who would've thought he'd achieve so much upon his return? It's truly admirable."
"Studying in the big city really makes a difference. Ever since he went to school in Meilong City, he's changed so much."
"Looks like I need to send my child to study in Meilong City too, otherwise they'll never amount to anything."
"I just remembered, my niece is of age now. Maybe she could date Little Feng and we could become relatives."
"Get real. Do you think they'd be interested in your niece? Don't forget, everything here belongs to the Jiang family now. Cai Xiaoqiang's assets are also theirs, worth at least three million. When it comes to marriage, they'll definitely choose the best."
"How do you know my niece isn't good enough? I think you're just jealous."
"Alright, everyone, enough talking. We should go and get on Old Jiang's good side."
"Right, right, let's go and greet them."
Soon, a group of people surrounded Jiang Feng and his family, exchanging pleasantries with smiles on their faces, saying flattering words.
Although most of it was sycophantic, Jiang Feng didn't mind because such situations exist everywhere and are unavoidable.
Being at the top means receiving others' flattery, admiration, and support. Being at the bottom means facing disdain, humiliation, and contempt...
Now that his family was at the top, they should enjoy the treatment that comes with it and accept it calmly.
Jiang Feng watched his parents' smiling faces. When had they ever been this happy? Never, except when he was born.
Now, being admired by everyone was a form of compensation for the past.
Jiang Jianjun was delighted today, his face flushed, constantly shaking hands and greeting people, saying more words than he had in his entire life.
Zhang Mei was also very happy. Many female workers praised Jiang Feng, and some even brought up daughters from their extended families, insisting on introducing them to Jiang Feng to see if they were a good match.
Jiang Feng couldn't help but smile wryly. What a lovely group of workers.
Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, Jiang Jianjun announced, "Everyone, listen up. I have another rule to announce. From now on, working hours won't exceed eight hours a day. Overtime will be paid separately. You can take leave if needed, and there will be two days off each month."
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted.
Jiang Jianjun's words directly addressed the workers' grievances.
When Cai Xiaoqiang was in charge, they had to work over ten hours a day, sometimes being forced to work overtime without pay.
For the sake of their families, they dared not complain.
They were all from farming backgrounds, and having a job was already a blessing. How could they afford to be picky or full of complaints?
So no one dared to bring it up, and Cai Xiaoqiang only became more exploitative, like a bloodsucking demon.
But today, they finally heard good news.