To recruit a small driver like this, Tian Hui would not approach Zhao Huai’an directly on the first try. Instead, she sent her adopted relative Tian Ming. If Tian Ming truly could not convince him—and if Zhao Huai’an proved to be useful—only then would Tian Hui step in personally.
Tian Ming, a man in his early thirties, greeted Zhao Huai’an warmly.
“Oh, Brother Zhao! You’re really young and promising. I’ve never seen such a young driver like you before! I heard that in the transport team, it takes years of training in driving and repair before someone can officially work independently. And you’re already going out on routes with veteran drivers—you’re truly talented!”
To deal with young people like this, Tian Ming had his own method. First, praise him, elevate him to the sky, and then make the pitch. He also believed today’s young people were loose with money, so if he offered a high enough reward, Zhao Huai’an would surely take the bait.
But although Zhao Huai’an looked young, he had already spent many years struggling at the bottom of society in his previous life. He could easily tell whether someone was sincere or fake.
The three of them sat at the dinner table, seemingly cheerful, but apart from Zhao Huaguo, the other two each had their own hidden intentions. Their conversation carried a probing tone.
Tian Ming felt that although this young man looked easy, he was actually harder to deal with than his older brother—he didn’t reveal anything at all.
Zhao Huai’an, on the other hand, felt this man was definitely suspicious. “No one offers kindness without a reason; if it’s not theft, it’s deception.” Even if he was a driver who could bring them profit, there was no reason to be this enthusiastic.
“I’m still running routes with senior drivers right now, so I’m not familiar with many routes yet. I’m afraid I can’t help you at the moment,” Zhao Huai’an said as politely as he could.
But Tian Ming was still unwilling to give up.
“Oh, don’t worry, Brother Zhao. We’re not rushing you. When you start running routes on your own later, just let us know. If there’s anything we need help transporting, just lend a hand. The reward will definitely be generous. Don’t worry—we’re legitimate people and won’t do anything against regulations.”
Tian Ming assumed Zhao Huai’an was afraid of being caught or losing his job, so he quickly reassured him.
“Besides, we’ve already made connections and taken care of everything. You’d just be delivering a few items. Even if something happens, it won’t trace back to you. The capital is so big and there are so many drivers—who would know it was you?”
Zhao Huaguo also chimed in:
“Exactly, exactly. It’s just some food and basic goods. You don’t manage the household, so you don’t understand how expensive and hard-to-get daily necessities are. Even now, your sister-in-law and I have money and ration coupons, but there are still things we can’t buy easily. If it weren’t for Brother Tian’s connections, you wouldn’t even get this opportunity!”
In Zhao Huaguo’s view, it was just helping carry a few items. In the past, when the family lacked things, their parents would ask drivers like Uncle Bao to help buy goods. The compensation was always generous—so why was his younger brother suddenly so timid?
Zhao Huai’an rolled his eyes inwardly. He clearly doesn’t understand anything—just keeps saying “exactly, exactly.” He’s obviously trying to drag his own brother into a trap.
“Brother Huaguo is right. There are so many people in the capital with daily needs. Without us helping transport things, it really wouldn’t work. Brother Zhao, think of it as doing a good deed,” Tian Ming quickly switched tactics when profit didn’t work, trying moral persuasion instead.
Unfortunately, this tactic also failed.
Zhao Huai’an had seen plenty of moral manipulation in later years—he could reject it without hesitation. Not to mention, even without the danger, he had no intention of cooperating with people from the black market. These people knew his real identity, address, and job. If anything went wrong, they could disappear without consequence, while he would have nowhere to hide.
By the end of the meal, Zhao Huai’an still showed no sign of compromise. Tian Ming became irritated and, while going out for a smoke, spoke privately with Zhao Huaguo and even slipped him a few yuan.
“Maybe it’s inconvenient for Brother Zhao to speak freely in front of me. Brother Huaguo, help me out. I’ll leave first—just have your sister-in-law send me a message through the black market later.”
After he left, Zhao Huaguo’s face darkened. He was furious at his younger brother for embarrassing him. If Tian Ming hadn’t been there, he would have already slammed the table.
So once Tian Ming was gone, he immediately went into the room and snapped:
“Do you know what opportunity you just turned down? Brother Tian is an important figure in the black market! He smiled and talked to you so nicely, even ate and drank with you—and you still refused? Do you think you’re so capable now? Acting all high and mighty!”
“He was being polite because he needed something from me,” Zhao Huai’an replied calmly. “I already told you from the start—I won’t work with the black market. I just want to be a driver and earn an honest living. Why would I risk my head for this?”
“Our family has always been clean. Getting involved with those people is a trap. Brother, sister-in-law—do what you want, but don’t drag me into it.”
He took out two yuan and some ration coupons and placed them on the table.
“This meal counts as me treating you. As for Tian Ming, I’ve already clearly refused. If you keep bringing this up in the future, there’s no need for me to come anymore.”
With that, Zhao Huai’an stood up and left without looking back. He had no interest in staying to be insulted.
Soon after, angry shouting erupted from inside the house. Zhao Huaguo felt humiliated—he had promised Tian Ming everything would go smoothly, only for his younger brother to reject them outright.
But Zhao Huai’an didn’t turn back. He walked quickly toward his parents’ home, intending to explain his brother’s hidden intentions and make his own stance clear.