Chapter Sixty-Four: Zhang Ye, Who Holds Grudges

"Excuse me, are you the manager of this clothing factory?" Just as he was about to leave, Zhang Ye suddenly turned around and walked straight over, pointing to the sign nearby as he asked.

"Yes, my surname is Wu. Here is my business card." The middle-aged man in a suit and tie stood up with a friendly smile and casually took out a printed card from his pocket. It was made of stiff paper, which was quite popular at the time.

The saleswoman named Chen, who stood behind Manager Wu, turned pale when she saw Zhang Ye approaching. She glared at them fiercely, but there was a hint of timidity in her expression.

"There’s no need for the business card. Look at our clothes, they're dirty. We wouldn’t want to soil your merchandise or... your store." As he spoke, Zhang Ye carefully took a few steps back, as if he were genuinely afraid of dirtying their floor.

"May I ask your name, young man? What do you mean by this?" Manager Wu’s face changed slightly, looking even more bewildered.

Wu Dongjun blushed, holding back his feelings.

He hadn’t expected Zhang Ye to be so direct, or his retaliation so shrewd. As soon as the manager showed up, Zhang Ye went straight to complain, and did it so cleverly. First, he greeted them, making his presence known, then followed with an unmistakable air of mockery—a clear sign he wasn’t here with good intentions.

Next, Zhang Ye would probably describe the treatment they’d received, and the saleswoman would no doubt face a scolding from Manager Wu, who was already irritated by Zhang Ye. Perhaps nothing serious would happen to her, but it felt satisfying just to witness it. Truly satisfying.

Although Liu Wentao hadn’t thought as far ahead as Wu Dongjun, he could tell what was going on. Zhang Ye was here to settle a score. He immediately felt a surge of delight, a smile spreading across his face.

"Xiao Ye..." Liu Meiju was still a bit hesitant, not wanting to go too far. But remembering how that woman had looked down on her, and knowing Zhang Ye’s penchant for payback, she realized he wouldn’t be satisfied until he put the other party in their place.

Naturally, Zhang Ye spoke again, still wearing that exaggeratedly timid expression. "I’m a nobody, just a poor wretch. No need to sully your ears." With that, Zhang Ye chuckled.

"I wonder how we have offended you. If it truly was our fault, I apologize." The manager had a good temperament; despite Zhang Ye’s sarcasm, he didn’t become angry, but instead responded with genuine sincerity.

Zhang Ye thought for a moment, realizing it wouldn’t do to overdo it. He shot a long, meaningful glance at the saleswoman behind Manager Wu and said, "Offended is too strong a word. It’s just that your saleswoman here has a problem—her eyes are too sharp, she looks down on people. We didn’t really suffer any loss, just wanted to remind you: in business, people like that are ruinous." With that, Zhang Ye turned and walked away, ignoring the look of astonishment on Manager Wu’s face and the venomous glare from the saleswoman.

"That was so satisfying, absolutely exhilarating. Xiao Ye, what you just did was perfect—like a slap right across her face, loud and clear!" Liu Wentao’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

Everyone had been seething with anger earlier; although buying goods from the rival store had tempered it a bit, they still felt unsettled. Now, after Zhang Ye’s intervention, it was like eating ice cream in summer or warming oneself by a fire in winter—utterly refreshing.

"Hey, Brother Tao, Zhang Ye didn’t actually slap her, so what are you talking about?" Wu Dongjun, though also feeling vindicated, questioned Liu Wentao’s choice of words.

"You don’t get it. This is what we call a slap in the face. Even if it didn’t land physically, wasn’t it even more satisfying this way? Doesn’t it feel even better?" These were words he’d once heard from Zhang Ye himself. Now, when Wu Dongjun asked, he couldn’t help but show off a little.

"You’re right, it does feel great," Wu Dongjun nodded, laughing.

On the other hand, Liu Meiju felt uneasy and a bit guilty. "Xiao Ye, that was too much. Even if her attitude was bad, you shouldn’t risk her job over it." From Manager Wu’s reaction, her experience told her that the saleswoman’s future wouldn’t be pleasant; she might even lose her job.

"I don’t think I did anything wrong. She looked down on us, after all," Zhang Ye replied indifferently, then stopped in his tracks. "Mom, let me take you to buy some new clothes. You’ve been wearing that set for years now. No more scrimping—if we run out of money, we can always earn more." The thought made Zhang Ye’s heart ache, so he quickly took his mother’s hand and led her onto Southeast Street, straight into a mid-range boutique to help her pick out some new clothes.

Though Liu Meiju initially protested, the way she’d been treated at the wholesale market that day made her relent. Besides, her son was showing such thoughtfulness; her heart was full of happiness. For once, she decided not to pinch pennies and allowed herself a rare moment of generosity.

After that, Zhang Ye took his mother from store to store, their shopping bags piling up until their hands were full—some with clothes for Liu Meiju, others for himself and for his father.

Since they’d come all the way to Guangyang City, it wouldn’t do to return empty-handed.

Before they knew it, it was five o’clock. Only then did Liu Meiju remember she was supposed to accompany Liu Wentao and Wu Dongjun to buy a computer. Embarrassed, she said, "Look at me, I completely forgot you two still had things to do. Since it’s still early, let’s go." She gave them an apologetic smile.

"No need, no need, we’re not in any hurry. We planned to enjoy ourselves for a few days anyway. If not today, then tomorrow. The computers aren’t going anywhere," Liu Wentao said, laughing. Since even Zhang Ye wasn’t in a rush, neither were they.

"Alright then." With business concluded, Liu Meiju felt much more at ease. After buying a heap of things, they had dinner nearby and stayed at a cheap hotel for the night.

The next morning, Liu Meiju packed her things and left, leaving Zhang Ye behind. The way her son had conducted himself over the past few days reassured her, so she felt comfortable letting him stay.

Especially with Liu Wentao there—she knew he’d look out for her son.

Seeing his mother off, Zhang Ye and the others finally relaxed. They’d felt a bit constrained before; though Wu Dongjun was close in age to Zhang Ye’s mother, working alongside them made him feel like a junior.

So, once Liu Meiju left, not only did Zhang Ye feel at ease, but so did Liu Wentao and Wu Dongjun.

They didn’t bother with the computer that day, instead spending the whole day having fun, visiting nearly every scenic spot and landmark in Guangyang City. They sampled all sorts of local delicacies and snacks, sparing no expense. By day’s end, they’d spent over a thousand yuan.

The next morning, they got up at nine and went straight to the Digital Plaza in Guangyang City.