Chapter 21: Desperate Male Side Character Tweaks the Script Online

Chapter 21: Desperate Male Side Character Tweaks the Script Online

Qin Qing test-drove the car in the spacious courtyard.

Ji Mingtang sat in the passenger seat, gripping the seatbelt tightly, looking fearful but with a childlike grin on his face.

"Grandpa, how's the acceleration?" Qin Qing asked, turning the steering wheel.

"Impressive! Your driving skills are almost on par with an F1 racer!" Ji Mingtang exclaimed, hyperbolically praising, "Tomorrow, I'll buy you a car, even better than this one!"

"Thank you, grandpa!" Qin Qing responded with a brilliant smile, not refusing the offer. He understood that wholeheartedly accepting the love gifted by family was the true way to make them happy.

Considering his grandfather's high blood pressure and not wanting to over-excite him, Qin Qing dropped Ji Mingtang off at the entrance of the house after a couple of rounds and continued driving.

Ji Lan, standing on the steps, quickly supported Ji Mingtang. Qin Guangyuan also came out of the house, smiling as he watched his grandson drive.

"So, have you realized who truly cares for you?" Ji Mingtang said, his voice laden with meaning.

Ji Lan's eyes followed her son's joyous face unwaveringly.

"It's strange. I've bought four or five cars for Zishi," she murmured, "But none of those times made me feel as happy and content as today."

Ji Mingtang glanced at his daughter, snorting, "That's because Qin Zishi has always had too much. Any luxury seems mundane to him. No matter how good you are to him, he's never satisfied, leaving you equally unsatisfied. His heart is a bottomless pit."

Pondering over it, realization dawned on Ji Lan's face.

Just then, a phone call came in. Recognizing the caller ID as Qin Zishi's, Ji Lan instinctively looked at Ji Mingtang and then Qin Guangyuan. Both had already noticed the caller but remained indifferent. It was her call to take or reject.

Ji Lan gripped her phone, her finger hovering uncertainly over the answer button.

At that moment, Qin Qing drove by with the car's convertible top down, arm raised high, joyfully shouting, "Mom!"

Ji Lan immediately looked up, responding with a smile. As she was about to answer the call, her finger shifted direction and pressed "decline."

Ji Lan, while nodding in agreement, subtly shifted her finger's direction from answering to hanging up the call.

The phone screen dimmed, but Qin Zishi's face looked even darker. The call wasn’t just ignored; it was cut off midway.

What does this mean?

It means that even Ji Lan no longer values him. It means he can never return to a place like the Qin household. Qin Zishi put down the phone, his fingertips trembling involuntarily.

Fear, panic, bewilderment... he was utterly lost.

The phone vibrated. A WeChat notification popped up: "What's happening? I saw Qin Qing test driving in your yard. Where are you? Were you kicked out?"

This was from Qin Zishi's neighbor, who lived next to the Qin family.

"Did your parents disown you?" Another message from a rich second-generation friend came in.

They were all part of the same circle. Everyone could see who disappeared, and who was thriving. The circle was tight-knit, yet pragmatic. Fall behind, and you'd never fit in again.

On Qin Qing's birthday, Qin Zishi leveraged his connections to overshadow him completely. But in just a few months, the tables had turned entirely.

The right to inherit, the vast wealth, contacts, and resources within the circle, even his professional domain, had all been taken over by Qin Qing. How would he live in the future? Fate shouldn't have played out this way!

Qin Zishi pressed down on the table with clenched fists, seething with jealousy and frustration.

Word spread quickly in the company about Qin Qing being a second-generation wealthy kid, but it didn't ease his workload. He still had to pull the same overtime, memorize the necessary laws, and endure the hardships of his job.

Fortunately, Qin Qing was hard-working and dedicated, and he integrated into the team in just half a month.

Of course, a very few in the department resented him and enjoyed playing petty tricks behind his back.

"Qin Qing, you need to sort these financial reports by tomorrow for Director Xu's review." Pang Yong'an placed a stack of files, weighing a good five or six jin, on Qin Qing's desk.

How chaotic would the financial statements of a bankrupted company be? It wouldn’t be a few hours' task. Even five or six days might not suffice for Qin Qing.

Qin Qing looked up at Pang Yong’an, whose eyes held a hint of malice and satisfaction. He then picked up the stack and began circulating the office.

At each colleague’s desk, he’d leave a couple of reports. By the end, he’d distributed them all.

No one found it odd, nor did they object. These reports were originally meant to be shared tasks, otherwise, Director Xu wouldn't have mentioned the immediate deadline.

Pang Yong’an's attempt to make things difficult seemed child’s play to Qin Qing.

Pang Yong'an was an expert at bullying newcomers. He'd saddle them with heavy tasks and then harshly criticize if they failed to complete them, deducting their bonuses generously. Within a fortnight, he'd have them tamed and submissive.

Pang Yong'an had "tamed" many new employees using these manipulative tactics.

But Qin Qing's actions had genuinely angered him. The feeling of defeat was one thing; the most embarrassing part was the mocking gazes from everyone in the office.

From this point on, he would neither be respected nor feared.

With his cheeks turning an ashen hue, Pang Yong'an slammed his hand on the desk, shouting, "Qin Qing, you son of a—"

He was interrupted by someone at the door, "Excuse me, is your department handling POC's debt issue?"

Both Pang Yong'an and Qin Qing turned to the doorway.

A haggard-looking middle-aged man, dressed shabbily, stood there, his face clearly showing signs of anxiety and unease.

"Yes, our company is in the process of acquiring POC, and we're handling their debts. Are you one of the creditors?" Qin Qing promptly brought out a debt register.

Pang Yong'an, frustrated and recalling that he should be the one leading this acquisition, snatched the register from Qin Qing and beckoned the man over to his desk.

Pang Yong'an sat down, crossing his legs confidently.

The middle-aged man stood nervously by the side, offering a pack of cheap cigarettes from his pocket. Pang Yong'an declined with a shake of his head, a clear look of disdain on his face.

The man lowered his head, his back bent, appearing to have lost all his dignity.

Qin Qing observed the situation briefly before resuming his work.

Moments later, following something Pang Yong'an said, the man fell to his knees, clutching at Pang's legs and begging. Panicked, Pang tried to kick the man away, but the man only clung tighter.

The once tranquil office was suddenly filled with commotion.

996, holding a packet of potato chips, dashed in and took shelter under Qin Qing's desk.

"What's happening, meow?" It tore open the chips packet with its chubby paws.

"POC hasn't paid its employees, and they've come here to demand their wages," Qin Qing responded, nudging his chair slightly to glance underneath, "I've been hearing that snacks in the pantry disappear fast lately. That's all you, isn't it?"

"They're free, so why not take advantage?" 996 stuffed chips into its mouth, its tiny round nose making munching noises.

"I'll replace whatever you eat. But if you continue like this, you'll eat the microwave and coffee machine in the pantry too. Have you gained weight again? I can't even see your neck," Qin Qing remarked with a frown.

"None of your business!" 996 snapped, showing his teeth in frustration.

"If your weight wasn't a concern for your health, I wouldn't care," Qin Qing said, shaking his head and then turning to look at the entangled Pang Yongan and the middle-aged man.

The man's eyes were bloodshot, suggesting countless sleepless nights. His dark skin had an unnatural reddish-purple hue, with thick veins and blood vessels bulging at his temples and neck.

This was the face of someone overwhelmed with extreme agitation. This man could lose his sanity at any moment.

Qin Qing's frown deepened. Setting aside his work, he walked over slowly.

"I've told you, we haven't started paying the employees' salaries yet. Come back on the sixth of next month! Your daughter's sick, not dead. What's the rush? When she's gone, we'll even cover the funeral costs. Get out and don't disturb me. Damn psycho!"

Pang Yongan forcefully kneed the man in the head.

The man howled in pain, falling backward. As he tried to get up, one hand gripped Pang Yongan's pant leg while the other discreetly slid into his pocket.

He lifted his gaze, eyes burning with a mix of madness and fury. No one should ever wish death upon his daughter!

In that instant, Qin Qing spoke up, "30,000 yuan, right? We'll give it to you today. Just write a receipt for us."

The middle-aged man was taken aback.

Pang Yongan roared, "Qin Qing, this isn't your call! There are protocols for debt repayments! I won't approve this payment!"

The man, whose face had just shown a hint of elation, turned his desperate gaze back to Pang Yongan.

Qin Qing took out his phone, speaking calmly, "No need for your approval. I'll transfer it from my own account." He held out the phone to the man, his tone gentle. "Come collect your wages next month on the sixth, and then repay me."

The middle-aged man looked at Qin Qing in disbelief.

Pang Yongan laughed sarcastically, "Playing the good guy, Qin Qing? Whether his wage is truly 30,000 or not is still under review. If it's less, will you cover the difference? You're violating the rules. I'll report this to Director Xu! Let me remind you, our legal department values regulations. Work is work, personal is personal. If you can't differentiate, there's no place for you here. Prepare to be fired."

Fuming, Pang Yongan slammed the debt registry onto the desk with a loud thud, then stormed towards the director's office.

"Qin Qing, let it go. This isn't your fight. Many would kill to work at Lanyu. Why bother?" a female colleague said, trying to mediate.

"It's not a matter of money, but of verification. Stop making a scene, or I'll call security!" another female colleague threatened, picking up the phone.

The middle-aged man's chapped lips trembled as he looked at Qin Qing, his eyes filled with both despair and a hint of hope.

Without heeding the others, Qin Qing held out his phone, "Show me your QR code, and I'll transfer the amount."

The man's eyes lit up as he quickly presented his phone.

With a chime, 30,000 yuan was transferred. After writing a promissory note, the man left the office with profuse gratitude, tears glistening in his eyes.

Qin Qing examined the note and a knowing look flashed in his eyes.

"You gave him the money?" A deep, resonant voice sounded from behind.

Swiftly turning around, Qin Qing bowed slightly, "Yes, Director Xu."

"You violated protocols," remarked Xu Yizhi, impassively.

A gleeful smirk stretched across Pang Yong'an’s face. He thought, "Wasn't this newcomer acting all high and mighty? Where's that arrogance now? Can't wait to be rid of his insufferable face tomorrow! What a delight!"

"Had I not given him the money, there might have been a fatal incident here. News of it would have severely tarnished the company's reputation," Qin Qing replied candidly.

"A fatal incident? What are you talking about? Have you lost your mind?" Pang Yong'an was the first to scoff.

996 peeked out from under the table, observing the situation curiously.

The room was filled with disbelief. Many shook their heads, some with pity, others suppressing their laughter.

Only Xu Yizhi looked intently at Qin Qing, saying nothing.

Meeting Xu's gaze, Qin Qing earnestly asked, "Director Xu, do you trust me?"

The question stirred memories in Xu Yizhi.

"I detest being misunderstood, doubted, negated, and overlooked."

"I deeply yearn to be trusted, chosen, and valued."

Thus, Qin Qing had always been subjected to continuous skepticism and misunderstandings, often followed by abandonment and betrayal.

Xu Yizhi's eyes darkened momentarily before he spoke softly, "I believe you." Then, taking out his phone, he dialed a number. "Security? Could you send up all the surveillance footage of the middle-aged man who came in earlier?"

Qin Qing stared at him, perplexed.

If Xu Yizhi claimed to trust him, why the need for surveillance footage?

Xu Yizhi firmly gripped Qin Qing's shoulders, forcing him back to his seat. Softly, he said, "While I trust you, it's essential for everyone else to do the same."

Qin Qing, having just snapped out of it, was stunned once again.

No one had ever spoken such words to him. Nobody had ever done such a thing for him. Not only to believe in oneself but to make everyone else believe...

Qin Qing blinked, a shimmering hint of light gleamed in his eyes — the sting of tears.

He quickly lowered his head, using his slender fingers to cover the damp corners of his eyes.

Xu Yizhi gently patted his back. Wordlessly, his touch conveyed warmth.

The turmoil within Qin Qing began to settle.

About ten minutes later, security delivered a USB drive. Xu Yizhi stood behind Qin Qing, leaned over, and plugged the drive into Qin Qing's computer for everyone to see.

He fixed his gaze on Pang Yong'an with a voice both cold and deep: "Look carefully."

On the screen, a middle-aged man approached the company's reception desk, gaining entry to the legal department as a creditor. He begged standing, kneeling, and crying. He was kicked, humiliated, and cursed. Qin Qing stepped forward, handing him thirty thousand yuan, and with tears in his eyes, the man left.

The surveillance footage showed no anomalies.

Pang Yong'an, who had been intently watching the computer screen, wore a look of disdain. However, in the very next moment, his sneering expression twisted into rigidity.

The video showed the middle-aged man going to the basement level, taking a dagger from his pocket, and discarding it into a trash bin.

It was then that Xu Yizhi pressed the pause button.

"Was the dagger found?" he asked the security guard waiting nearby.

The security guard nodded, "Yes, we found it."

"Did you see it clearly?" he then asked Pang Yong'an, his tone icy and serious.

Pang Yong'an felt a chill enveloping him, unable to respond.

Xu Yizhi rewound the video.

On-screen, the man was knocked over by Pang Yong'an. As he reached into his pocket, his face revealed a crazed and malicious expression.

The screen paused once more.

Xu Yizhi pointed to the man's hand tucked inside his pocket and asked, "Had Qin Qing not stepped up at that moment, what do you think would have been your fate?"

Pang Yong'an's legs trembled, and his body swayed. His lips quivered, unable to form a coherent sentence. If it wasn't for Qin Qing, he would undoubtedly be lying in a pool of blood right now. Qin Qing's warning of a potential homicide turned out to be true!

"Do you still think Qin Qing handled it inappropriately?" Xu Yizhi patted Qin Qing, who sat in the chair, and coldly turned to ask Pang Yong'an.

Pang Yong'an's teeth chattered from sheer terror. How could he fault Qin Qing? Qin Qing had saved his life! As he wobbled, someone helped him sit down on a nearby chair.

Xu Yizhi picked up the IOU note the man had written, pointing to a red fingerprint mark at the bottom right. "See this bloody fingerprint? He was so enraged that he didn't even notice when the blade cut his hand. Thirty thousand yuan might be insignificant to you, but it could save his daughter's life. You delayed her treatment; he could've torn you apart. Never underestimate the determination of a father!"

Pang Yong'an instinctively clutched his stomach, feeling as though he had truly been stabbed. It was unimaginable to think he had been on the brink of life and death.

Xu Yizhi, no longer interested in witnessing Pang Yong'an's pathetic state, leaned close to Qin Qing's ear and whispered, "Your observation, adaptability, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are commendable. You have all the makings of an exceptional lawyer. Don't let this incident deter you. Keep up the good work. I'll reimburse you for the thirty thousand."

Qin Qing nodded, remaining silent for a few seconds before sincerely saying, "Thank you, Mr. Xu."

He lifted his head, his tear-filled eyes intensely fixed on this man.

This time, it was Xu Yizhi who was taken aback.

To think there existed such mesmerizing eyes in the world—so clear and tranquil, yet deep enough to drown one's soul.

A warm, overwhelming sensation bubbled up from the depths of Xu Yizhi's usually empty heart.

He smiled softly, gently pressing down on Qin Qing's shoulder and said in a tender voice, "Never fear mistakes. I've got your back."

"Never fear mistakes, I've got your back"? Throughout his tumultuous journey, akin to walking on the edge of an abyss, had anyone ever said such words to Qin Qing?

Qin Qing's lips tightened, his heart both aching and warming.

Looking up unwaveringly at Xu Yizhi, his voice tinged with gratitude, he said, "Mr. Xu, I'm glad I chose you."