“Try some, that old man’s strawberries are pretty good.”
“I saw you bought all of that elderly gentleman’s strawberries. Quite the big spender, aren’t you?” Fang Qingye said as he took a strawberry and tasted it – indeed quite sweet.
Hearing this, Song Dahai laughed: “A basket of strawberries doesn’t cost much, couldn’t be bothered to bargain. Besides, that old man isn’t a regular vendor – he grows these strawberries himself and comes to the city to sell them. Not easy work.”
At this point, Song Dahai paused. “If it were those regular vendors trying to pull something, I wouldn’t be so polite. Don’t look down on those street vendors – some of them earn no less than you bank employees!”
“I know, like that fruit vendor at the crossroads. I heard he bought apartments in both the city and county – quite impressive,” Fang Qingye remarked.
“Did you order the food yet?”
“Already did.”
“The beer! Why haven’t you brought the beer? Waiter, bring a case of Da Fuhao!” Song Dahai called toward the counter.
“Bring an empty plate for the strawberries too!” Fang Qingye added.
The hotpot was soon ready, and the two ate while chatting.
Located in central Jiangsu, people in Nanxin generally couldn’t handle spicy food well, but Song Dahai was an exception. Having spent several years in the northwest, his taste preferences had changed dramatically – he now couldn’t enjoy food without chili.
“Want one?” Song Dahai pulled out a pack of Su Cigarettes from his pocket.
“You go ahead, don’t mind me.” Fang Qingye wasn’t much of a smoker, only occasionally having a couple when he’d had too much to drink.
Song Dahai knew this habit of his, so he lit one for himself.
Just then, a middle-aged man walked in. With his slicked-back hair and casual but imposing dress, he looked every bit the big boss.
Fang Qingye recognized him.
This was Qian Weimin, owner of Tenglong Industry.
Qian Weimin noticed them too. Seeing Song Dahai eating heartily, he approached with a smile and greeted: “Dahai.”
“Oh! Uncle Qian, you here for hotpot too?” Song Dahai put down his beer glass and stood up to greet him.
“Have a friend visiting from the city who’s interested in this stuff, so came to try it.” Qian Weimin smiled in response, then glanced at Fang Qingye.
“Having hotpot with a friend?”
“Yes, this is my classmate and close friend, Fang Qingye. Son of Principal Fang from Chengguan Middle School, works at Dongfang Bank.” Song Dahai introduced.
Hearing he was from Dongfang Bank, Qian Weimin looked at Fang Qingye again and extended his right hand: “Which department are you in?”
“I just passed the exam last year, still in rotation. Currently in the Credit Department.” Fang Qingye answered truthfully.
“Credit Department? I know your Section Chief Su quite well. Let’s arrange a meal with Section Chief Su someday.” Qian Weimin said while shaking hands.
“Thank you.” Fang Qingye knew this was just polite conversation.
Inviting Su Ming to dinner was one thing, but someone of his own level didn’t warrant an invitation from such a big boss.
After exchanging a few more words, Qian Weimin left, and Fang Qingye and Song Dahai continued their meal and conversation.
“Dahai, you’re quite close with Boss Qian, calling him uncle and all.” Fang Qingye joked.
“Hey, don’t get the wrong idea.” Song Dahai immediately responded:
“My father’s in real estate, and Qian Weimin’s companies include building materials businesses, so our families have business dealings. There are only a few big players in Nanxin County’s business scene – everyone knows each other. We younger generation just call them uncle when we meet them, that’s all there is to it.”
“No other relationship?” Fang Qingye deliberately asked, suppressing a laugh.
“Really, nothing.”
“I thought you and Qian Xiaoli had rekindled an old flame,” Fang Qingye chuckled.
“Rubbish about rekindling an old flame! There was never anything between us!” Song Da Hai retorted. “Qingye, don’t you dare mention Qian Xiaoli’s name again. If you do, I’ll get mad at you!”
“Alright, alright, I won’t say it, I won’t say it.” Fang Qingye held back his laughter and took a sip of beer.
Qian Xiaoli was Qian Weimin’s daughter and had attended the same elementary school as Fang Qingye and Song Da Hai, though they were in different classes.
Originally, the two didn’t know each other. Song Da Hai was a mischievous student who liked pulling girls’ ponytails from behind. At first, he targeted girls in his own class, but later expanded to neighboring classes.
Once, he foolishly tugged Qian Xiaoli’s hair, not realizing he had stirred up a hornet’s nest.
Back then, Qian Xiaoli was a wild girl. It was said she had practiced some martial arts with her grandfather. She grabbed a broom, chased Song Da Hai around the playground several times, finally pinned him to the ground, sat on him, and gave him a thorough beating.
The whole school was abuzz.
This was Song Da Hai’s great humiliation, leaving a psychological scar. From then on, he would detour whenever he saw Qian Xiaoli.
Years passed, and the children grew up. Song Da Hai became tall and sturdy, while Qian Xiaoli blossomed into an elegant young woman. She later attended Jinghai University of Technology and, after graduation, worked at the county power bureau with a decent salary.
Their parents had matchmaking intentions, and it was said Qian Xiaoli didn’t refuse. However, Song Da Hai firmly opposed the idea.
“I’d rather stay single my whole life than be with Qian Xiaoli! If you push me, I’ll go to Dinghui Temple and become a monk!”
Seeing their son so resolute, the families dropped the marriage proposal. But the story of him and Qian Xiaoli was occasionally brought up by friends for a laugh.
Of course, the jokes were kept in moderation.
Fang Qingye dropped the subject, but Song Da Hai suddenly remarked:
“Tell me, why does Qian Weimin seem completely unfazed by the disappearance of 20 million in deposits?”
“How should he act? Crying for his parents and beating his chest in despair?” Fang Qingye retorted.
“At the very least, he should report it to the police! Let the authorities investigate. What can your bank possibly uncover investigating itself? Nothing!” Song Da Hai argued.
“Da Hai, why are you so convinced the problem lies with our bank? Maybe they’re staging this whole drama themselves! Do you think they’d dare report it to the police?!” Fang Qingye snapped back irritably.
“What?! You actually think that?” Song Da Hai widened his eyes, looking utterly incredulous.
“Fine, I’m just guessing wildly. What does it have to do with us? Let’s drink!” Fang Qingye didn’t want to discuss the topic further, but Song Da Hai seemed eager to continue.
“How is it not your business? You’re part of Dongfang Bank, aren’t you? Besides, your Director Xia is your senior from university. Are you just going to stand by and watch your beautiful senior suffer? If I had a beautiful senior like that, I’d do everything in my power, risk everything, to help her solve her problems.”
Song Da Hai grinned, though his expression carried a somewhat lewd undertone.
“Get lost! If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll call Qian Xiaoli over. Didn’t you say you had no pretty girls to keep you company? I think Qian Xiaoli is quite pretty.” Fang Qingye made a move to pull out his phone.
“Alright, alright, I’ll stop. Let’s drink, let’s drink.” Song Da Hai quickly raised his glass.
“Oh, right, Da Hai, I need to tell you something. Could you do me a favor?” Fang Qingye suddenly remembered something and said.
“What is it?”
“Lend me 200,000 yuan,” Fang Qingye said.
“What for? Buying a car?”
“No, I’m planning to invest in stocks,” Fang Qingye stated his purpose.