Chapter 1564 Resentment of the Rich? I'm not rich either.

Zheng Qiang was a little uneasy because Li Ye wanted him to return to Chuncheng to contact his former colleagues and see if he could get first-hand information in the upcoming prototype comparison test.

Although Zheng Qiang's former colleagues were not high-ranking, the leaders did not personally handle the testing; the actual work was done by these technical workers, who were well aware of any shady dealings involved.

However, things turned out somewhat unexpectedly for Zheng Qiang.

He had only invited a few close colleagues, but nearly two tables of people showed up, and with so many people, things got chaotic.

"Old Zheng, we joined Jiqi together back then, we were practically brothers who ate from the same pot. We all cried when you left, but now that you've made it big, we're all happy for you."

"Yes, Zheng Qiang, when we went to your house right after you left, your grandma looked worried and sighed a lot. But starting two years ago, she's been so happy, and even her black hair has grown back."

"Zheng Qiang is skilled and capable, and he deserves to be where he is today. However, it's easy to find a talented horse, but hard to find a discerning eye. Without Mr. Li's discerning eye, Brother Zheng Qiang wouldn't be where he is today. Come, let's toast Mr. Li."

"Please don't call me General Manager Li. I'm just a worker like you. If you keep calling me General Manager Li, I won't be able to drink this."

Hahahaha~

“.”

Seeing that Li Ye was completely unpretentious and happily drinking with his former colleagues, Zheng Qiang felt much less anxious.

Zheng Qiang knew very well that these colleagues were all concerned about saving face, and Li Ye's lavish hospitality was extremely beneficial to his work of gathering information.

If Li Ye looks down on people because of his status, then no one will pay attention to him. Even if the workers are poor, they will not lack backbone.

However, when Li Ye took the opportunity to go to the toilet and spoke to Zheng Qiang alone, Zheng Qiang became uneasy.

"Old Zheng, don't spread the word about gathering information. Just tell your few close, discreet brothers."

Zheng Qiang quickly replied, "I understand, Director Li. The matter was accomplished in secrecy. In fact, I didn't even need to tell my brothers that we wanted to gather information. As long as we indicated our relationship, they would let us know themselves."

Li Ye thought for a moment, then said, "That's good. Also, if any colleagues want to work in the south, those you know well and have the skills, or your two closest friends, are fine. Don't just agree to work with those who are all talk and no action."

Zheng Qiang was stunned for a moment, then nodded awkwardly, which was taken as an agreement.

Actually, Zheng Qiang did have a little scheme in mind. After all, he was a big shot at the vehicle factory in the city, and he could easily arrange for a few people to work there.

After all, before the 1990s, most workers were quite "loyal" and would contribute money or labor to each other if they encountered difficulties.

The money might not be much, maybe five or ten yuan per person, but if we pooled it together, it could amount to over a hundred. As for the strength that can be regained after it's used up, that goes without saying.

Zheng Qiang had a rough time at work in the past few years, and his few brothers were a ray of light for him during those days. One of his brothers asked about a job for his nephew yesterday, and Zheng Qiang replied, "No problem."

But Li Ye now gave him a reminder: nepotism is acceptable, but people must be talented; you can't just pull anyone into your lap.

I need to get Qiangjun's nephew a technical school diploma, otherwise I won't be able to explain it to him.

Zheng Qiang had already made up his mind that he would have his brother Qiang Jun give his nephew a "golden touch" and then he would help him improve his skills, otherwise there would be quite a few problems.

However, Zheng Qiang did not expect that, just as the banquet was about to end, his brother Qiangjun found him.

"Qiangzi, please don't handle my nephew's matter for now."

Zheng Qiang was taken aback and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong, Junzi? Is it because your family is reluctant to let your child go to the man's house?"

Qiang Jun shook his head and said, "It's not that I'm reluctant, but I need to hold off for now. I don't know who in my family leaked the news to all my colleagues. If you help my nephew, all his relatives will come knocking on your door. If you don't help them, your family in Chuncheng will be in trouble!"

Zheng Qiang asked in surprise, "What's wrong with my family in Chuncheng? If I don't help their extended family find jobs, will they still come to my house for meals?"

"This is much more serious than eating at your house."

Qiang Jun looked around and lowered his voice, saying, "Those of us with jobs are alright, but those without jobs are completely lawless."

"Your family has bought new houses and motorcycles over the years, and I heard you're even planning to buy your brother a taxi. This is too flashy; do you realize how much you resent the rich?"

"Resentment towards the rich? I'm not exactly rich myself. Besides, is it really that serious?"

Zheng Qiang was very shocked. Of course he knew what hatred for the rich meant, but he just felt that he had only left Chuncheng for a few years, so how could he suddenly be so full of hostility?

"It's more serious than you think."

Qiang Jun said helplessly, "Let me put it this way! Last year, various heinous incidents were just sporadic occurrences; at most, people were after money, not lives."

But since the beginning of this year, I don't know which bastard started it, but they've been shoving people in the street from behind, knocking them down, and then stealing their valuables.

Zheng Qiang was startled and said incredulously, "Use an adze to ram someone? Wouldn't that kill someone? Is it worth it for a few bucks?"

The planer is a production tool used in northern regions by carpenters and bricklayers. It is about the size of a regular hammer, but one end is like a hammer and the other end is like a hoe. No matter which end you use to hit someone on the head, it will result in an instant and serious injury.

That's why Zheng Qiang couldn't believe it.

But Qiangjun nodded and said solemnly, "Don't take this lightly. Now, if you go out after dark, either go in groups of five or six, or don't go out at all. Remember that."

“.”

Zheng Qiang agreed with some skepticism, still feeling a bit doubtful.

However, when the banquet ended, the other colleagues repeatedly warned Zheng Qiang in front of Li Ye, and only then did Zheng Qiang realize the seriousness of the matter.

Moreover, these colleagues, whether they came on foot or by bicycle, always went back together in groups of five or six, never alone, clearly showing their extreme caution when walking at night.

Looking at the dejected Zheng Qiang, Li Ye sighed and said, "Let's go, Lao Zheng, we'll drive you home."

Zheng Qiang nodded silently and got into Li Ye's car.

As a local, he must have felt ashamed in front of Li Ye after learning about these things.

It's like how, no matter how poor your family is, you have to put on a glamorous facade so that others don't see the poverty beneath your clothes.

(End of this chapter)