Chapter 217: Zhao Daxing Takes the Blame and Is Ruined

Chapter 217 Zhao Daxing Takes the Blame and is Dismissed

After Peng Zhiming left, Director Li gave Zhao Daxing a pat on the shoulder, his expression unreadable.

"Daxing, heh, you’re something else. When did you catch the eye of Deputy Director Peng? I never pegged you for such a talent!"

A bunch of coworkers crowded around, buttering Zhao Daxing up.

"Director Zhao, you’ve got real talent—you’re a people person!"

"Exactly, Director Zhao, when you climb the ladder, don’t forget us little guys—give us a leg up!"

"I bet that 'deputy' in Director Zhao’s title won’t stick around for long. We should learn more from Director Zhao."

"Yeah, yeah, Director Zhao, don’t hold back—give us the inside scoop! Help us out!"

Zhao Daxing was eating up all the praise. "Aw, I didn’t do anything special—just my job!"

"If we keep our noses to the grindstone and put the factory first, the higher-ups will notice us sooner or later!"

As soon as these words came out, a few sharp-eyed coworkers gave Zhao Daxing a second look.

Director Li’s eyes even held a touch of pity.

This guy’s all talk, a real yes-man, always kissing up. With all the shake-ups at the factory, plenty of folks are nursing grudges. Meanwhile, he’s being thrown under the bus and charging ahead like a fool.

But Director Peng has no intention of moving against me, and someone has to take the blame for this mess. Zhao Daxing just had the bad luck to stumble into it. No point in ticking off Deputy Director Peng over this idiot!

He’s been with me for years—not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he’s had his moments. Still, Director Li gave him a word of advice.

"Daxing, since the leader values you so much, you should perform well. Lay low for a while, head straight home after work, and steer clear of those shady alleys! Be careful!"

Zhao Daxing didn’t take Director Li’s advice to heart. After work, a few coworkers talked him into picking up the tab.

Riding high on his luck, Zhao Daxing treated everyone to a meal and ordered a spread. Basking in all the praise, Zhao Daxing felt like he was on top of the world.

After the meal, he settled the bill with what was left of his loan money. After saying goodbye, Zhao Daxing staggered home, his head spinning.

He was still daydreaming about getting his hands on a bike. With Deputy Director Peng in his corner, a promotion and raise were within reach.

Indeed, after divorcing Su An, his good days had come!!

The more he thought about it, the more he grinned, even whistling a little tune. At a fork in the road, he looked at the street ahead. Taking the main road had streetlights but was a longer route, while the nearby alley was dirty and chaotic but would lead directly to the back gate of the steel factory's residential area.

Without a second thought, Zhao Daxing turned into the alley. It was cold, and he wanted to take a shortcut.

Just a few steps into the alley, Zhao Daxing felt a dark cloud descending. He instinctively raised his hand to block it.

Soon, his upper body was restrained, and a foul smell hit his nose.

In the darkness, several burly men worked together to put a smelly sack filled with chicken manure over his head, then gave him a hard push. Zhao Daxing fell with a loud thud.

"Ow~~ Who is it?"

The response was a rain of fists and kicks.

"Bang bang bang~"

"Hmm... uh..."

"Aahhh!!!!"

"Help! Who are you guys? You’re killing me, help!"

"They’re robbing me! Help!"

"Ouch! Ahhh! They’re killing me!"

"Stop hitting me! Do you know who I am? I work at the steel factory... ah!!!"

The attackers swung their fists even harder when they heard his screams.

The leader, his eyes fierce, grabbed Zhao Daxing’s leg, propped it against the wall, and stomped down hard!

With a loud crack, Zhao Daxing’s leg bent at a right angle, and his piercing scream echoed through the alley.

Lights came on in many houses as people rushed out with carrying poles and shovels.

The man in the Zhongshan suit, the leader of the attack, waved his hand when the sack stopped moving. "Let’s get out of here!"

"Today, we didn’t see anything. Split up and run!"

As soon as he spoke, the others scattered. The man in the Zhongshan suit bolted toward the main road but, hearing footsteps behind him, doubled back.

"What’s happening?"

"I was walking by and heard someone screaming for help!"

A young man pointed to the sack in the corner and yelled, "Look!"

"Oh my God, it’s a person!"

They yanked the sack off Zhao Daxing’s head, revealing a face even Xiao Jiliang wouldn’t recognize.

"He’s alive!"

"Oh my God, he must’ve crossed someone and got ambushed!"

"Get him to the hospital, quick!"

"Mr. Luo, I can’t thank you enough!" Su An bowed gratefully to Mr. Luo.

......

Mr. Luo was her guardian angel!

From their first meeting in the sports park, where he taught her three deadly moves, to their growing friendship, he’d guided her, helped her resolve her struggles, recommended her brother to Cheng Kang, and even sorted out her academic issues.

Each of these was a huge kindness to Su An.

She vowed to treat Mr. Luo like family from then on.

"Ah, we’re family! No need to stand on ceremony!"

"Besides, I just passed on a word, didn’t really do much."

Su An shook her head. "No, no, Mr. Luo, I know very well that if it weren’t for you, they wouldn’t have paid any attention to me!"

"If it weren't for your connections, even if I came knocking with money in hand, I might not find a way in!"

Mr. Luo crossed his arms and rubbed them, joking, "Oh, don't look at me like that, you're giving me goosebumps, I'm scared. If you really want to thank me, just treat me to more lamb meals and buy me some good wine!"

"My ungrateful sons are busy all year round, and they don't have much time to come back and see me. If you have time, drop by more often!"

Su An nodded seriously, "Alright, I’ll make sure to treat you to great meals, get you some fine wine, and visit you often!"

Mr. Luo's eyes lit up, "Why wait? Let's go!"

Su An waved her hand, "Let's go!"