Chapter 48: Honey, You’re Always Right

Chapter 48: Honey, You’re Always Right

In the afternoon, the second-floor office of Qunqing Press was unusually lively.

Yang Pinwen stood at the edge of the crowd, his face ashen. He wanted to run, but with so many people around, it was difficult for him to escape.

Uncle Qiang hadn’t expected Lin Yufan to have such a significant background, no wonder she was so confident. He deeply regretted it—why did he have to mess with a wealthy lady?

Meanwhile, Zhao Lixiang stood by the table and quickly glanced at the three handwritten manuscripts on the table. He immediately said with certainty, "No need to scrutinize, these are definitely not Si Mu’s handwriting. Si Mu’s writing is very bold and wild, it’s unforgettable at first glance."

Lin Yufan, upon hearing this description, was both amused and annoyed because she had written Si Mu’s manuscripts with her left hand, deliberately making them look so wild.

Yang Pinwen’s heart sank.

Editor-in-Chief Wang’s palms were sweating. Yang Pinwen had really screwed him over this time, but Yang Pinwen had something on him, so he couldn’t immediately surrender.

What does it matter if they’re rich? No matter how rich they are, they can’t dictate what we do here, right?

So Editor-in-Chief Wang smiled and made a desperate attempt, "Doesn’t Mr. Zhao have Si Mu’s original manuscripts? Could you show them to us for reference?"

Director Chen had already mostly believed that Yang Pinwen had forged the manuscripts, but he needed to be thorough to convince Editor-in-Chief Wang and the rest. He also said, "Yes, Mr. Zhao, do you have Si Mu’s manuscripts with you?"

Lin Yufan gave Zhao Lixiang a look, signaling him to take them out.

Zhao Lixiang’s expression turned serious. He took an envelope out of his pocket and said, "First, let me declare, you can look but not touch. This is my prized possession."

Lin Yufan thought it was somewhat absurd that Zhao Lixiang regarded Si Mu as a great writer and idolized her. She stifled a grin and watched as he carefully unfolded the manuscript paper and placed it on the table.

This was the last manuscript Si Mu had submitted to Guangming Daily, which Tie Long had managed to get to another editor, Su Yibai.

"See for yourselves. This is an article that was published in Guangming Daily, with Si Mu’s signature and date on it."

Director Chen and Editor-in-Chief Wang stood at the front, while others crowded in the back.

Hui Yan couldn’t help but comment, "It’s obvious at a glance. The two manuscripts Yang Pinwen provided are not Si Mu’s authentic works."

Yang Pinwen wasn’t about to give up. He quickly pinned the blame on Qin Hai, who wasn’t present, "These were given to me by Editor Qin. He said Si Mu was seriously ill, so it’s likely someone else copied them for her."

Zhao Lixiang immediately said, "Fine. Call Qin Hai over right now and let’s hash it out."

Yang Pinwen quickly agreed. In this situation, he definitely wanted to bail and figure out a plan later, "I’ll go find him. Just hang on a sec."

After saying this, he awkwardly smiled.

Lin Yufan knew this guy was trying to take the opportunity to escape, "No need for you to run off. Lixiang, don’t you have his number? Just call and ask about the situation."

Calling was the quickest and simplest way. Director Chen also hurriedly said, "Right, calling will clarify the situation immediately."

Zhao Lixiang: "Then let me use your phone."

The office phone was on Sister Dao’s desk. Sister Dao immediately said, "What’s the number? I’ll dial it for you."

While everyone was gathered around Zhao Lixiang making the call, Yang Pinwen quietly inched his way toward the door.

Just as he was about to slip out quickly, a burly man stood in the doorway.

Tie Long gave him a cold stare: "Trying to run? Did our First Madam give her okay?"

Yang Pinwen laughed awkwardly: "No, no, no... I wasn't trying to run."

He had no choice but to step back to where he was.

Zhao Lixiang pulled out his little phone book, looked up Qin Hai's number, and called his home. He wasn't home, so his wife told them to try his office.

"What's Editor Qin's office number?" Zhao Lixiang asked over the speakerphone.

"Here it is," the other party provided a number, which Sister Dao jotted down.

After hanging up, Sister Dao dialed Qin Hai's office.

A young man picked up. When he heard they wanted Editor Qin, he said, "Hold on."

After a moment, a deep male voice answered: "Who is this?"

Zhao Lixiang: "Editor Qin, it's Zhao Lixiang."

Qin Hai's voice perked up: "Lixiang! I really dropped the ball last time. I didn't even realize you'd left."

Zhao Lixiang: "Editor Qin, I'm calling to check something with you."

Qin Hai: "What is it? Go ahead."

Zhao Lixiang: "Do you know someone named... what's his name?"

He turned back to ask.

Lin Yufan whispered: "Yang Pinwen."

Zhao Lixiang: "Do you know someone named Yang Pinwen?"

"Yang Pinwen?" Qin Hai thought for a while before remembering who it was. Considering Zhao Lixiang had specifically called to ask, it was probably not good news, so he said, "Not really. Why do you ask?"

As soon as "Not really" came out, the onlookers exchanged looks, sensing drama.

In the late November weather, Editor-in-Chief Wang was sweating buckets.

Zhao Lixiang: "Yang Pinwen said you gave him Si Mu's manuscript and okayed its publication..."

Before he could finish, Qin Hai quickly interjected: "What? I couldn't possibly authorize him to publish Si Mu's novel. You know how it is—I’m not connected to Si Mu anymore."

Yang Pinwen realized Qin Hai had tricked him too.

Qin Hai had lied about being close to Si Mu and about Si Mu being too sick to come to Hong Kong.

But Yang Pinwen didn’t bother refuting it—it was pointless. Plus, he couldn’t risk offending Young Master Zhao or Qin Hai, in case they worked together later.

Zhao Lixiang: "So, you never approached Yang Pinwen to publish Si Mu's novel?"

Qin Hai: "No way. What’s this about? He didn’t fake Si Mu’s manuscript to con you, did he?"

Zhao Lixiang laughed: "It’s a long story. I’ll fill you in when we meet."

Qin Hai didn't press further, only asking, "Who was the woman speaking earlier?"

Zhao Lixiang: "My sister-in-law."

Qin Hai: "Oh, Mrs. Zhao. Actually, I wanted to talk to you the other day, hoping you could help introduce me. I’m short on funds for running the newspaper, and I wonder if your brother might be interested in investing."

Zhao Lixiang replied perfunctorily, "I’ll ask my brother for you later."

Qin Hai said cheerfully, "Great, I’ll leave it to you then."

After hanging up the phone, everyone exchanged meaningful glances.

The truth was out, and Yang Pinwen could no longer deny it!

Yang Pinwen looked at Editor-in-Chief Wang with resentment.

Editor-in-Chief Wang, fearing that Yang Pinwen might be pushed to the brink and expose their secrets, wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. He thought to himself that this was, after all, an internal matter of the publishing house. Even if the Zhao family had money and influence, they had no right to interfere.

The most urgent task now was to have Yang Pinwen apologize to Lin Yufan and try to minimize the issue as much as possible, so as to ultimately save Yang Pinwen’s job.

"Pinwen, you’ve let me down," said Editor-in-Chief Wang.

Yang Pinwen lowered his head, "I’m sorry, Editor-in-Chief, it wasn’t intentional."

"Come here," Editor-in-Chief Wang gestured to Yang Pinwen, "Come and apologize to Mrs. Zhao."

Lin Yufan refused, "Don’t call me Mrs. Zhao here. Besides, I don’t need his apology. He just needs to fulfill his promise and place the ad in the newspaper."

Hui Yan loudly reminded Yang Pinwen, "Place an ad in the newspaper: Yang Pinwen is a fool, shooting his mouth off without thinking and acting recklessly!"

Everyone broke into laughter.

Yang Pinwen forced a smile and bowed awkwardly, "I’ll do it, I’ll publish it tomorrow."

Editor-in-Chief Wang scolded, "You’ve made a huge mistake this time. Fortunately, it hasn’t caused any actual damage to the publishing house, or the consequences would have been disastrous. We all could’ve been dragged into this and lost our jobs."

Yang Pinwen said, "Editor-in-Chief Wang, Director Chen, I was wrong. My cousin couldn’t get his book published and kept pestering me, and I was eager to help Qunqing Press reverse its losses. That’s why I went down this path. Please give me another chance. I’ll take out my entire month’s salary and split it evenly among everyone. Is that okay?"

Offering a month’s salary to everyone was clearly an attempt to buy off his colleagues.

Uncle Qiang and two other editors under Editor-in-Chief Wang indeed came around to his side.

"We’re all reasonable. The key is to see what the leaders think."

Since Yang Pinwen belonged to the editorial department, his matter should be decided by Editor-in-Chief Wang. Editor-in-Chief Wang, fearing that Director Chen might have a different opinion, didn’t give him a chance to speak.

"I think we’ll handle it this way," said Editor-in-Chief Wang. "Mistakes should be punished. Yang Pinwen will be demoted from senior planner to junior planner, with a corresponding salary adjustment. He’ll also be fined one month’s salary and must publish an apology in the Hong Kong Ming Daily, keeping his word."

Director Chen clearly felt that rushing to a decision was too hasty, but in front of so many people, he couldn’t directly contradict Editor-in-Chief Wang, as his position was slightly lower than Editor-in-Chief Wang’s.

He could only pass the issue up the chain, "Why don’t we ask the President? He happens to be here today."

Such matters were better resolved privately with the President, who wasn’t one to meddle in management. Usually, whatever he said, President Liu would listen.

Editor-in-Chief Wang quickly nodded, "Yes, yes, we should explain the situation to the President. I’ll report to him later."

The others exchanged glances, muttering to themselves that this brown-nosing was really worth it!

Most people were dissatisfied, but no one dared to speak up.

Editor-in-Chief Wang looked at Zhao Lixiang, "Mr. Zhao, thank you for your help today. Why don’t you join me upstairs in my office for some tea? Yufan, you’re welcome to join us."

Zhao Lixiang waved his hand: "Such a big matter, and it's resolved just like that? Sister-in-law, your publishing house is really incompetent."

Editor-in-Chief Wang's smile froze on his face: "..."

Yang Pinwen, who had just calmed down, felt his anxiety spike again.

Lin Yufan sneered slightly: "If this publishing house were competent, we wouldn't have needed you to testify earlier; the matter would have been resolved already. Yang Pinwen impersonated a famous author, defrauded the publishing house of royalties, and even placed the publishing house in legal jeopardy. This isn't just a simple mistake; it's a crime."

Upon hearing the word "crime," Yang Pinwen's expression darkened, and he gritted his teeth in his heart. If this woman weren't Zhao Zhiao's wife, he would have found someone to deal with her.

Editor-in-Chief Wang awkwardly smiled: "We really appreciate you bringing this to light this time. It's thanks to your help that we were able to stop the crime in time. Yang Pinwen's mistake didn't cause any tangible losses, so even if we reported it to the police, they wouldn't handle it. As for the specific punishment, after I discuss it with the president, we will deliberate further internally."

Zhao Lixiang, having come all this way, was determined to get to the bottom of this. He looked at Lin Yufan: "Sister-in-law, should I wait here for the answer?"

Lin Yufan also wanted to know immediately how Editor-in-Chief Wang would discuss the outcome with the president. She said, "Editor-in-Chief Wang, I called my brother-in-law here to testify. I can't let his efforts go to waste, can I? He won't leave without an answer today."

These rich folks have nothing better to do!

With Lin Yufan speaking up, others who had been hesitant earlier also chimed in softly.

Sister Dao was the most direct: "I’m not buying this. How is this not a loss? He withdrew a 300-yuan advance payment for royalties."

A Tang: "All bark and no bite..."

Wang Muxun reminded: "If we drag this out, the president might leave."

Editor-in-Chief Wang had no choice but to hurry to the third floor to find President Liu. Soon, in less than ten minutes, he returned.

Lin Yufan saw his smug look and knew it wouldn’t end well.

Sure enough, Editor-in-Chief Wang smiled: "I reported the situation to the president. After careful consideration, on top of what I proposed earlier, the penalty was upped from one month’s salary to two. The 300-yuan advance payment for royalties must also be returned immediately."

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Yang Pinwen felt cheated, while Lin Yufan, Zhao Lixiang, and others felt the punishment was too lenient, merely a change in form but not in substance.

Zhao Lixiang shook his head sarcastically after hearing this: "Does your boss know how ‘diligently’ you’re protecting his interests?"

Editor-in-Chief Wang thought to himself that he really didn't need anything from this Mr. Zhao. At worst, he could just not take his order. As for Lin Yufan, after this incident, she definitely wouldn't come to work anymore, so what did he have to worry about?

He forced a smile and took a subtle dig: "We really appreciate your help today, Mr. Zhao, but this is ultimately an internal matter. Qunqing Press is a small outfit with plenty of flaws. Really... Mr. Zhao, how about joining me in my office for some tea?"

Most folks would’ve walked away by now, not wanting to stir the pot.

But Zhao Lixiang was stubborn, "Who is your boss? I need to talk to your boss. Does your boss know how his people are running the show?"

Editor-in-Chief Wang's face darkened, and he remained silent.

Yang Pinwen, afraid that Editor-in-Chief Wang might change his mind out of fear, immediately raised his voice in protest: "You rich folks are squeezing us commoners dry. I know I made a mistake. The leaders of the publishing house are merciful and giving me a chance. Why are you driving me to the edge? Will my death make you happy?"

Zhao Lixiang immediately retorted: "Hey! Cut the theatrics and talk straight! Who's pushing you? When did I ever use my status as a rich person to push you?"

"You’re doing it right now!" Yang Pinwen’s voice turned shrill.

Lin Yufan showed slight impatience: "Speak normally, don’t screech like a woman. We don’t sound like that."

A few people in the room couldn’t hold back their laughter.

Yang Pinwen gritted his teeth: "Look at you, acting all high and mighty. This isn’t your business, yet you’re making a spectacle out of me! The director, editor-in-chief, and president are all merciful and giving me a chance. But you’re all itching to cause a scene, even though it’s not your problem."

Lin Yufan gritted her teeth: "You think I'm causing trouble, huh? Fine, since you've put it that way, I'm definitely going to stir this up... I'm going to kick him while he's down!"

"Are you ever going to stop? Is money so great? Does money mean you can do whatever you want?!" Yang Pinwen roared like a madman.

Since he had already offended Lin Yufan and couldn't benefit from her, Uncle Qiang sided with Yang Pinwen: "Young man, know when to let things go, don't push it."

Sister Dao shot Uncle Qiang a glare: "Uncle Qiang, shut up! How has Ah Fan gone too far? It's Yang Pinwen who keeps causing trouble here!"

Yang Pinwen thought even if Lin Yufan called the police, it would be useless; she wasn't in charge.

In such matters, unless the injured party calls the police, they won't get involved.

Lin Yufan thought even if she wasn't the boss, she would make sure the boss knew about it. If necessary, she could also hire a lawyer under Si Mu's name to sue him.

While they were arguing, President Liu, who was about to leave work, passed by the second floor and realized the commotion was still ongoing.

Earlier, Editor-in-Chief Wang had only briefly mentioned Yang Pinwen's fraud, and as he was in a hurry to leave, he didn't let Wang go into detail.

President Liu quickly asked others what was happening, and upon hearing, he hurriedly came in.

"Second Young Master... Mrs. Zhao..."

Everyone was stunned.

The president called Lin Yufan "Mrs. Zhao"?

It wasn't difficult to understand.

Lin Yufan instantly realized that the new boss was Zhao Zhiao? He must have seen her working here and, worried, bought the publishing house.

Lin Yufan confirmed with President Liu: "Who is the boss?"

President Liu looked submissive: "The boss is Mr. Zhao."

"Zhao Zhiao?"

"Yes." President Liu was sweating buckets, looking at Lin Yufan, thinking, you didn't know? Stop playing dumb.

Everyone was shocked: "!"

Lin Yufan's anger flared up, "So the boss is my family?"

She looked at Editor-in-Chief Wang and Yang Pinwen: "Do I have the authority to call the police now?"

Who would dare say she didn't?

Editor-in-Chief Wang explained: "Mrs. Zhao, I didn't mean... that."

"Tielong, get the police!"

Tielong, who had been standing at the door, quickly went downstairs to get the police. The police station was close, and going there was quicker than calling.

Everyone watched the sudden twist, and for a moment, no one dared to speak.

Who would have thought that the little clerk everyone thought was a widow would turn out to be their madam?

Director Chen was trying to remember if he had slipped up.

President Liu was sweating like crazy; his daily slacking off at work was all under the madam's watch, and he might lose his position.

Editor-in-Chief Wang was, needless to say, scared out of his wits.

His kid just got into college; he couldn’t afford to lose his job!

Yang Pinwen, in disbelief and at a loss for words, blurted out without thinking, “Looks like it’s raining outside.”

Hui Yan couldn’t help but snap, “You’re nuts!”

Zhao Lixiang hadn’t expected his big brother to buy such a small publishing house. He said to Lin Yufan, “This rundown publishing house was definitely bought for you by my brother.”

Lin Yufan had already figured as much.

When the police arrived and sorted things out, Yang Pinwen was immediately arrested for dereliction of duty and embezzlement.

Back then, many cops in Hong Kong City were crooked, and procedures were anything but standard. If you didn’t have cash to grease the wheels in jail, you’d be in for a rough time.

Even if Yang Pinwen had the cash to bribe his way out, he couldn’t match the Zhao family’s wealth. Terrified, he dropped to his knees: “Mrs. Zhao, please have mercy. I’ve got old parents and little kids—they’ll starve if I go to jail. Please, let me go. I know I messed up, I’ve got a big mouth, I’m worthless!”

Yang Pinwen said, slapping his own face.

The cops snapped the cuffs on him: “Shut it! Quit the sob story and move!”

Director Chen headed to the station to help with the investigation.

Leaving President Liu and Editor-in-Chief Wang sweating bullets, waiting for their fate.

Lin Yufan turned to Editor-in-Chief Wang first: “Head upstairs and wait for the news.”

Editor-in-Chief Wang figured Lin Yufan was about to make an example of him and fire him.

“Mrs. Zhao, my son’s starting college soon—I really need this job…”

Lin Yufan raised an eyebrow: “Seems like you needed Yang Pinwen’s services more.”

Editor-in-Chief Wang’s face burned, and he didn’t dare say another word, just bolted back to his office.

Then, Lin Yufan turned to President Liu: “I’m done here. Won’t keep you from clocking out, President Liu?”

She glanced at her watch—it was only 2:30—and added, “Usually by now, you’d already be home, President Liu.”

President Liu gulped, not daring to argue.

Of course, he didn’t dare leave and instead slunk back to his third-floor office.

The calm before the storm is always the scariest.

Zhao Lixiang, seeing the matter was pretty much settled, took off to handle other business.

The rest of the office didn’t dare cozy up to Lin Yufan; they all scurried back to their desks.

Only Sister Dao softly asked her, “Shall I tidy up an office for you?”

Lin Yufan shook her head: “Not necessary for now.”

And when Zhao Lixiang walked in and called Lin Yufan ‘sister-in-law,’ Wang Muxun’s mind went into overdrive.

He never expected that Lin Yufan was Zhao Zhiao’s wife.

In this lifetime, everything else remained the same, only things related to Lin Yufan were strangely different from the previous life.

Over an hour later, Director Chen returned with the police.

Yang Pinwen, in an attempt to lessen his charges and reduce his sentence, confessed to the quid pro quo sexual favors between him and Editor-in-Chief Wang.

The police came and took Editor-in-Chief Wang away.

The old man didn’t dare to look up at anyone as he was being taken away.

After handling these matters, Lin Yufan finally headed home after work.

She was going back to discuss the purchase with her husband about buying that lousy publishing house.

*

In the warehouse, another shipment had arrived today.

Cui Yuan was smoking at the warehouse entrance, talking to Liu Pangzi: "When did Captain Zhuang last say the goods would be shipped out?"

Liu Pangzi shook his head: "I don’t know."

Unable to get any information, Cui Yuan complained softly: "Keeping watch every day is such a drag. I don’t even have time to play mahjong. If they don’t ship it out soon, the guys are going to lose it."

Liu Pangzi stood behind Cui Yuan, giving him a look with disdain, "It should be soon. Last time, Captain Zhuang told us to hold on a little longer."

After Liu Pangzi went in, Wang Liu came out and whispered in Cui Yuan’s ear: "I’ve been keeping an eye on him for days, and every time Liu Pangzi patrols, he always pauses in Zone D. I wonder what he’s thinking about."

Zone D?

Cui Yuan took out a cigarette and gave one to Wang Liu, "Don’t let him catch you spying on him."

"Got it." Wang Liu placed it behind his ear.

*

Zhao Zhiao got home pretty late today.

Lin Yufan had already taken a shower and slipped into the study in her slippers to find him.

Opening the door, she leaned against the doorframe, silent.

Zhao Zhiao looked up at her, knowing what she wanted to question, and quickly explained: "I didn’t mean to oppose you. I had already bought the publishing house when you told me not to."

"Just because we have money doesn’t mean you should throw it around like this. Is a shoddy outfit like Qunqing Press worth your money? Who was it that taught me to buy only quality assets?" Lin Yufan used his own words against him.

As she spoke, she walked in and pulled out a chair to sit opposite him.

Zhao Zhiao, pinned down by her, had to lower his head: "You’re right, my dear. Since it’s already bought, what should we do now? Let President Liu go and let you manage the publishing house from now on?"

"I don’t want it! You made this mess, you deal with it."

Zhao Zhiao: "..."

*

Liu Pangzi hummed a tune, keys jangling, and walked up to the third floor in the dark.

The scent of burning joss paper drifted down from upstairs. The Chaozhou people living on the second and third floors often burned paper offerings in the hallway, always worried they might accidentally set the building ablaze.

Using the faint light from the hallway, Liu Pangzi unlocked the door.

Entering the room, he went to flip the light switch, but his foot caught on something, and without warning, he fell flat on the ground.

He cursed as he got up, feeling something tighten around his neck, and the next moment, he was yanked up!

"Mmm!!!"

He struggled violently, trying to speak, but his throat was too tight to make any normal sound.