Chapter 66: If You Don’t Obey Me, I’ll Really Snap

Chapter 66: If You Don't Obey Me, I'll Really Snap

In the meeting room of the Hong Kong Office, the Special Operations Team was in a meeting.

Xiao Zepeng took the seat at the head of the table.

Zhuang Ziguang maintained an air of calm. After Director Gao was removed from his position, he was mentally prepared for Xiao Zepeng to take over.

Ever since he learned that Xiao Zepeng was a former subordinate under Director Qiu, he understood that this guy was a mole planted by Director Qiu long ago.

The Hong Kong Office wasn't part of the Confidential Department, and even Linghu had no authority, let alone Zhuang Ziguang, who was even more powerless.

But it wasn't a big deal. Even if his current position was lower than Xiao Zepeng's, as the head of the third group in the Confidential Section, he could still give orders to Xiao Zepeng if needed.

Xiao Zepeng sat stiffly upright, his expression serious. His first act after taking over was to put Zhuang Ziguang in his place.

"Concerning the unauthorized probe into the Hongxing Paper Factory, the higher-ups demanded an explanation to Zhao Zhiao. After thorough deliberation, Dong Yushan was demoted to Deputy Leader of Special Operations Team 2, and the position of Team Leader will be temporarily filled by Wang Liu."

Hearing this, Wang Liu's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Dong Yushan's expression turned grim, feeling resentful but powerless. Xiao Zepeng must have discussed this with Director Qiu, and openly resisting would only humiliate him, possibly even costing him his position as Deputy Leader.

Zhuang Ziguang stayed quiet.

He was now curious about who would take over Xiao Zepeng's former position as the leader of Special Operations Team 1.

It had to be either Deng Kuan or Longjing. He would definitely use someone from the original team.

Sure enough, Xiao Zepeng continued, "After the vacancy of the leader of Special Operations Team 1, Deng Kuan will be promoted."

Deng Kuan and Wang Liu exchanged glances, both holding back their laughter. Who would have thought that such a twist of fate would benefit them both.

Zhuang Ziguang nodded slightly with a smile. Although on the surface, Special Operations Team 2 was still under his management, in reality, both team leaders were now Xiao Zepeng's people.

After the arrangements, Xiao Zepeng looked around the room, finally resting his gaze on Zhuang Ziguang's face.

"Additionally, Deputy Director Zhuang, your side needs to write an apology letter to Zhao Zhiao and his wife, as well as the Hongxing Paper Factory. The related compensation will be handled by you and Dong Yushan."

Even the compensation has to be borne by the staff? How ridiculous!

While seething inside, Zhuang Ziguang could only smile slightly, "Alright, I'll arrange it."

After the meeting, Wang Liu danced his way into the office of Special Operations Team 1, brimming with satisfaction.

"Oh, what should I do? I really can't bear to leave such a warm, lovely, and vibrant family like our Team 1."

The other team members laughed and cheered, "Captain Wang, treat us to a meal!"

"Of course, of course, Deng Kuan and I will split the bill."

Deng Kuan, who entered later, knew exactly what Wang Liu was scheming.

Although they said they would split the bill, Wang Liu would definitely claim he had no money in the end, leaving Deng Kuan to pay alone.

Deng Kuan smiled, "Captain Wang, why be so stingy? Let's treat them to two meals. You pay for lunch, and I'll pay for dinner."

Longjing immediately clapped, "Captain Deng is mighty!"

Wang Liu put an arm around Deng Kuan's shoulder and whispered, "Are you crazy? I don't have that much money."

Deng Kuan: "We can split the bill. You take out your money first and give it to me."

"You jerk!" Wang Liu playfully swatted at Deng Kuan.

"What the hell!" Deng Kuan cursed, "Wang Liu, can't you act normal? You're giving me the creeps."

*

That night, Zhuang Ziguang returned to his bedroom in Qi'an Apartment. He didn’t bother turning on the lights and just slumped onto the sofa, clearly in a bad mood.

After who knows how long, the phone suddenly rang.

He sat up and picked up the phone: "Hello... Director!"

Linghu's voice came through the receiver: "I’ve heard about the office matter. I’ll take care of the compensation."

Zhuang Ziguang quickly responded: "No need, no need, the amount isn’t much, it’s a small matter."

Linghu: "It’s not your fault; the Communists are just too sneaky, and Director Qiu took advantage of the situation. After removing Director Gao, he promoted his own people. This is for the best. If you don’t stick your neck out, you won’t get blamed. Let Director Qiu take the responsibility from now on."

It was just lip service. Who wouldn’t want power?

Zhuang Ziguang could only follow the leader's tone: "That’s what I think too."

Linghu asked: "This time Zhong Dinghui was killed, do you really think Director Gao was one of the assassins?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "Director Gao did have a lot of red flags before, and the evidence is also very unfavorable to him this time, but there’s one doubt I can’t figure out."

Linghu: "What doubt?"

Zhuang Ziguang: "If Director Gao was really an assassin, why would he dare to go to the hospital so openly to remove the bullet? He should’ve gone to some back-alley clinic to get the bullet removed. Too bad Director Qiu was in such a rush to get rid of him, and I had no chance to question him face to face."

Linghu: "I’ll bring Director Gao’s case up with the higher-ups. For now, don’t waste your time on Xiao Zepeng. There are more important tasks to complete next."

Zhuang Ziguang agreed: "Understood. What’s the new assignment, Director?"

*

Lin Yufan got up early today and left early. She had the driver swing by to pick up He Xiaoqing on the way to Weiyin Apartment.

Arriving at Weiyin Apartment, she ran into a moving truck blocking the entrance.

Lin Yufan got out of the car early and walked towards the apartment entrance.

There was a new tenant on the first floor, and a woman in a light blue cheongsam stood at the door of apartment A.

The woman looked to be in her late twenties, with slightly curly hair, deep-set eyes, and high heels at least ten inches high. She looked very stylish.

Lin Yufan didn’t know who the new tenant was; she had never dealt with the rental matters here.

The woman noticed her coming in and gave her a wary look.

Lin Yufan didn’t know her, so she didn’t say hello, but went straight to the stairs.

She went up to the third floor and knocked on the He family's door.

The maid who answered the door saw it was Lin Yufan and smiled: "Madam, it’s your cousin."

Sun Jingxi was having breakfast. She came out, surprised to hear her voice: "What brings you here today?"

Lin Yufan smiled: "I got an early start today, so I thought I’d swing by and pick up Xiaoqing. Where is she?"

"She’s still messing around in the bathroom. Did you eat breakfast yet?"

"I've already eaten. How about the others?"

"Your uncle has gone to work, and the kids are still in bed. You came just in time, I have something for you." Sun Jingxi walked into the room and loudly urged her daughter, "He Xiaoqing, hurry up, Fan Jie is here to pick you up."

Lin Yufan held the tea the maid had brought and stood by the window, watching the movers still busy below.

Soon, Sun Jingxi came out of the room and also looked downstairs, "Do you know who just moved in?"

"Who?"

"Lian Ruifang, the great-grandniece of the third branch of your Zhao family."

Lin Yufan thought for a moment and guessed, "Lian Jin?"

"That's her."

"I only remember her pen name, didn't know her real name was Lian Ruifang."

Lian Jin was the most popular romance novelist in Haicheng these past two years. Lian Jin's grandmother was the grandaunt of the third branch of the Zhao family, so she was also related to the Fifth Branch.

Lin Yufan had read her novels and liked them very much, but had never had the chance to meet her.

In her previous life, after Lian Jin came to Hong Kong, she also made a name for herself in the literary world.

Sun Jingxi: "She rented your apartment, didn’t you know that?"

Lin Yufan shook her head: "I don’t deal with these things. Tie Long probably didn't know she was our relative, so he didn't tell me."

"Then just act as if you know nothing, so you won’t have to worry about how to collect the rent." Sun Jingxi handed her something, "Here, take this."

Lin Yufan picked it up and saw it was labeled "Clomiphene."

"What is this?"

Sun Jingxi lowered her voice: "A medication recommended by the gynecologist at your uncle's hospital. Take one pill daily for ten days after your period is over. Many people conceive within three months after taking this."

Lin Yufan questioned: "Can this medicine be taken just like that?"

"I checked, it's safe if you follow the instructions I just gave. Try it for three months, if you don't conceive, it’s probably Zhao Zhiao’s issue, and then you'll have an excuse to take him to the hospital for a check-up, right?" Sun Jingxi was even more anxious about her having a child than her mother-in-law.

Lin Yufan didn't want to take it, "We've been married for less than a year, he's not in a hurry, why should I be?"

"He's a man, he wouldn’t bring it up so easily. Do you think he would voluntarily go to the hospital for a check-up?" Sun Jingxi pouted, "I suspect it’s likely his issue."

Lin Yufan laughed.

She accepted the medicine, it was Xi Gu’s kind gesture, she wouldn't take it but also wouldn't argue much.

He Xiaoqing rushed out of the bathroom: "Fan Jie, why are you so early today? Wait five minutes, I'll have some breakfast."

"Don't rush. I’ll chat with Xi Gu for a while."

Sitting on the sofa, Xi Gu curiously asked her: "Has the multiple of three been figured out?"

Lin Yufan shook her head: "I don't know."

"Yesterday's lottery numbers came out as..." Sun Jingxi picked up a small notebook from the table, which she had copied from yesterday's broadcast news, "27, 9, 36, 15... all multiples of three, someone followed this hint and won nearly a hundred thousand, the morning broadcast said Mi Xian is quite mystical."

Lin Yufan really didn't know it would align with the lottery. If she had known, she would have purchased a lottery ticket herself.

She just randomly wrote multiples of three.

No matter how random, a fitting answer can always be found.

Once Mi Xian became famous, scholars naturally came forward to defend her.

"I asked Xiao Qing about Mi Xian, and ugh, this kid, she just got annoyed and said no one knows who Mi Xian is," Sun Jingxi glanced at her daughter and complained.

Lin Yufan explained, "We truly don't know who Mi Xian is; she submitted her work on her own. Maybe one day she'll stop submitting and just vanish."

Sun Jingxi speculated, "I bet she's at least a skilled old lady in her sixties or seventies."

Lin Yufan nodded with a smile, "Possibly."

"Without that age, she wouldn't have that kind of skill. Our Chinese culture is vast and profound."

Lin Yufan responded with a smile, "Vast and profound."

Once He Xiaoqing finished eating, Lin Yufan went downstairs with her. The movers helping downstairs had already left.

There were still a few small items in the yard that hadn't been moved inside, and Lian Jin was nowhere to be seen, likely busy inside.

At the publishing house, Lin Yufan first talked with Wang Muxun about the future of Wanxiang Magazine.

Wang Muxun presented two plans.

"One is to bring in famous writers to boost the quality of the content; the second is to keep collecting novels, pick talented authors, and build our own star writers."

Talking about famous writers, Lin Yufan thought of Lian Jin, wondering if she could be brought on board.

But this might not pan out, so she kept it to herself, only saying, "We can go both ways, either bringing in famous writers or collecting novels to build our own star writers. First, draft a solid plan, and we'll discuss it together at the next meeting."

Wang Muxun agreed, "We might have to wait until the fourth issue comes out."

"No rush."

Mi Xian's popularity won't fade fast; they can take their time.

Wang Muxun asked, "What's going in the fourth issue of the 'Asking Mi' column?"

Lin Yufan had already thought about it, she said, "Check with me before printing."

"Okay."

Wang Muxun wanted to ask about the progress of adapting "The Mantis" into a movie, but after he refused to change the ending last time and said he wouldn't sell the rights, Lin Yufan hadn't brought up the adaptation of "The Mantis" with him since.

Wang Muxun tried to bring it up a few times but eventually gave up.

As soon as Wang Muxun left, Director Chen knocked and entered, "President, we've got a problem."

Lin Yufan looked up and asked, "What is it?"

Director Chen handed Lin Yufan a book, "A threedime novel from another publisher."

Lin Yufan took it and saw the cover was a half-naked woman, titled "The Lustful Widow," and a quick glance at the content was simply appalling.

"Which publisher is this from?"

"Threedime Publishing House."

Lin Yufan glanced at the small print on the back and indeed saw the words "Three Dime Press." She asked, "What’s the deal? Who is so brazenly using our publishing house's name?"

Director Chen explained, "The issue is, they’re not stealing our name. They are an officially registered publishing house with the Book Administration Bureau. Their publishing house is called 'Three Dime Press,' exactly the same as ours."

Lin Yufan was taken aback, "Can publishing house names be duplicated?"

Director Chen replied, "No, they can't. The problem lies with the Book Administration Bureau. Earlier this year, Sister Hong submitted the name change application early, but there was a loophole in the approval process at the bureau. Our name change process hasn't been approved yet, but their new publishing house name application was approved first."

Lin Yufan asked, "Did we apply first or did they?"

Director Chen said with a sigh, "We applied two days earlier. I suspect they saw our newspaper announcement and then applied. They likely knew the name change process takes longer than applying for a new publishing house, so they took advantage of this loophole!"

This is just outrageous!

Lin Yufan was speechless, "What did the Book Administration Bureau say?"

Director Chen sighed, "They suggested we change our name to something else."

Lin Yufan firmly refused, "No, the principle is on our side. Why should we change our name? And their 'Three Dime Press' name is practically in our face. How can we back down? Contact Lawyer Yan to communicate with them. If it comes to it, we’ll take the Book Administration Bureau to court! Their process design is flawed."

Director Chen, who prefers to avoid trouble, said, "We still need to get ISBNs from the Book Administration Bureau in the future. It's best not to strain our relationship with them too much. Or maybe we can talk to them ourselves first. Besides, you know the boss who registered 'Three Dime Press.'"

"Who is it?"

"Boss Xie from Wenmo Printing Factory."

So it's the former boss of Yaohui Shoe Factory, Boss Xie.

Hearing Boss Xie's name gave Lin Yufan a headache, "This guy is the poster child for greed and betrayal! Director Chen, talking to them ourselves would be a waste of time. It would be more effective to involve Lawyer Yan."

Director Chen, unaware of the prowess of Hong Kong's top lawyers, had no choice but to ask, "How do we contact Lawyer Yan?"

Lin Yufan said, "Xiao Qing has the phone number for Lawyer Yan's office. Call him and explain the situation."

"Alright. I'll make the call right away."

Lawyer Yan sent legal notices to both the Book Administration Bureau and Boss Xie that same day.

He personally reached out to the higher-ups at the Book Administration Bureau to discuss the critical points. Before leaving work, Lawyer Yan came to Seeking Light Press to update Lin Yufan on the progress.

In Lin Yufan's office, Lawyer Yan said, "The Book Administration Bureau admits there is a problem with their process. The bottom line is, if it's just a loophole in their process that was exploited, they can only apologize. For the already approved 'Three Dime Press,' the bureau has no grounds to revoke the name if the other party has done nothing wrong."

Lin Yufan asked, "What about Boss Xie?"

Lawyer Yan replied, "Xie Guixiang is feigning ignorance. He claims he followed the proper procedure, went through the normal approval process, and did nothing wrong. He said he had no idea the name overlapped with ours and apologized."

Lin Yufan’s brow furrowed slightly, "So, it's quite troublesome for us to reclaim the name 'Three Dime Press,' right?"

"Unless we can prove that Xie Guixiang knew about your application for the name 'Three Dime Press' before he applied."

"He probably subscribes to the Hong Kong Ming Daily. He must have seen our announcement."

Lawyer Yan said, "He claims he didn't read the newspaper during that time. Now we’ve got to prove he’s lying."

This is a tough nut to crack.

Lin Yufan was unwilling to let someone take their name like this.

This doesn’t just hurt their publishing house’s growth, but also leaves Lin Yufan fuming.

Lawyer Yan continued, "This Xie Guixiang has also hired a lawyer. From what I see, they are likely to turn around and sue us."

"Turn around and sue us?"

"Have you recently published any 30cent novels that have started using the name 'Three Cents Press'?"

Lin Yufan nodded, "Some of our publications have already started using the new name."

"Mrs. Zhao, you need to be mentally prepared. They might turn around and sue you."

Boss Xie is shameless; he's capable of pulling something like this.

Lin Yufan asked, "What should we do now?"

"First, we need to stop using the name 'Three Cents Press.' Then, we'll find a way to gather evidence to sue Xie Guixiang in court."

Lin Yufan had no choice but to agree, "That seems to be our only option. Do you have any suggestions on how to collect evidence, Lawyer Yan?"

Lawyer Yan said, "Direct evidence would be Xie Guixiang or his employees admitting they knew about your name change beforehand. Indirect evidence would involve witness testimony and physical evidence showing Xie Guixiang knew about your name change before applying for 'Three Cents Press.'"

Both types of evidence will be difficult to obtain.

Lawyer Yan added, "If we can't find evidence, we'll have to fight this case head-on."

"How do we fight head-on?"

"We need to start by explaining the origin of the name '30cent novel.' We need to prove it originated from your publishing house and is recognized by the media and public as yours. In other words, '30cent novel' is essentially the same as Qunqing Press. If the judge accepts our argument, they could rule the other party infringed on our rights and invalidate their publishing house's application."

Lin Yufan thought for a moment, "Then let's take them on! A thief suing the original owner will play in our favor in the court of public opinion. I'm ready for their lawyer's letter."

Lawyer Yan seemed somewhat excited; after all, this was a tough battle.

With the popularity of 30cent novels and 'The Gold Heist's' public favor, winning this case would make Lawyer Yan famous.

"I'll get started on preparations. Xie Guixiang might use this lawsuit to boost his publishing house's reputation and exploit you. I'll push their lawyer to file the lawsuit quickly."

The next day, Qunqing Press received a lawyer's letter from Boss Xie.

Three days later, Boss Xie filed a lawsuit against Qunqing Press for infringement.

As soon as the lawsuit was filed, Lin Yufan had Xiao Qing leak the news to major media outlets.

This coincided with the early promotion phase for the movie 'The Gold Heist.' As promotions ramped up, a petty man named Xie stole the '30cent novel' name and sued the original owner, outraging readers.

Suddenly, the backlash against Xie Guixiang became overwhelming.

*

That day, Wang Junyao was reading the newspaper in her bedroom, while Zhao Lixiang was eating double-skin milk in her room.

"How did your sister-in-law get mixed up with such a petty man? Look at the novels he publishes, like 'The Amorous Widow.' It's obvious he's targeting your sister-in-law. Such a person really deserves to die." Wang Junyao put the newspaper on the table and stopped reading.

Zhao Lixiang said, "Mom, you're overthinking it. Sister-in-law was a widow, but she isn't anymore. Why would you associate that novel with her? Other people wouldn't make that connection either. Everyone's just cursing that petty thief Xie for turning around and suing the original owner."

Wang Junyao worried, "I don't know if we can win this lawsuit. I don't dare to ask your sister-in-law, afraid she might be upset."

Zhao Lixiang put down his spoon, "Mom, since when have you been so afraid of sister-in-law?"

Wang Junyao glared at her son, "Isn't it because you're not doing well? By the way, how are things going with Miss Xu?"

Zhao Lixiang shook his head, "Just friends. She's not interested in me."

"So, do you have any romantic interest in her?"

"I see her like a little sister."

Wang Junyao was getting a little impatient: "What about Shu Ping? You don’t like either of them, do you?"

Zhao Lixiang waved his hand: "There’s even less chance with Ji Shuping. When I see her, my heart is as still as a pond, no ripples at all. I’m more excited about this double-skin milk than about her."

Wang Junyao was so mad it gave her a headache, "Then who does make your heart race?"

The seductive widow.

Zhao Lixiang quickly brushed the thought aside.

"What kind of girl are you looking for? Zhao Lixiang, don’t be so ungrateful! I met Miss Xu the other day, and I really liked her. She's good-looking and polite. Feelings can grow over time. Back in the day, people got married without even knowing each other, no emotional connection at all."

"Then why didn’t you grow to love my dad?"

"Zhao Lixiang! You little rascal!" Wang Junyao scolded and tried to pinch him.

Zhao Lixiang quickly dodged, "I'm leaving."

*

Since his back injury, to avoid raising suspicions, Zhao Zhiao kept up his usual social engagements every day.

That night, when he returned, Zhao Zhiao went to the third floor to Zhang Aiming's room.

Since the wound was a little inflamed, Zhang Aiming gave him an anti-inflammatory shot and told him to take it easy.

Returning to his own bedroom, Zhao Zhiao went to the walk-in closet to change clothes, just as Lin Yufan came from the living room.

She asked, "I saw you got back a while ago. Where’d you go? I didn't see you when I came over earlier."

"Zhang Aiming gave me an anti-inflammatory shot. How is your lawsuit going?"

Lin Yufan was somewhat unhappy, "Still waiting for the trial date."

Zhao Zhiao took off his shirt, revealing his broad and sturdy back covered with a white bandage: "I met Lawyer Yan this afternoon. He said although the public opinion is in your favor, we should also be prepared for a second lawsuit if we lose."

Lin Yufan helped him with his robe, murmuring with a face full of grievance: "If I don’t find a way to take down this Xie guy, I’ll change my last name."

Zhao Zhiao couldn't help but reach out and touch her cheek: "Tomorrow I’ll get someone to rough him up."

Lin Yufan was amused, "You’re just like my Fifth Brother. He also said he would find someone to beat him up."

"I like Fifth Brother's style. This Boss Xie has it coming. If one beating isn't enough, then beat him two or three times."

Lin Yufan: "But not right now. And just beating him up a few times won’t cut it for me."

Zhao Zhiao lifted her chin, gently rubbing the hair by her ear, "How do you plan to deal with him?"

"I want to ruin him financially." Lin Yufan just thought so, without a concrete plan yet.

But as long as she had the idea, there would surely be an opportunity in the future.

"I never thought the gentle, soft, and intellectual Mrs. Zhao could be so fierce when pushed," he whispered in her ear, "Why don't you bite me."

She nestled in his arms, touching his smooth and shiny chest muscles, "You just got an anti-inflammatory shot, so take it easy for a bit."

"I've been resting for several days, if I don't get up soon, I'll rust." He leaned over to kiss her, tickling her so she shrank back. Zhao Zhiao lifted her up and placed her on the wardrobe cabinet.

The height was just right.

Lin Yufan, startled, quickly reminded him, "Don't exert yourself, or your wound might reopen."

"If you don't give in, it's gonna tear," he said, gripping her chin and kissing her fiercely.

She was surrounded by a sweet, fragrant scent, every part of her exuding aroma. He held her tightly, thrusting deeply. The temperature in the dressing room shot up.

Lin Yufan was worried the wardrobe might not hold up and could collapse, which would be embarrassing if it got out.

Zhao Zhiao didn't care, "If I can bring it down, that's my strength. If it falls, we'll just throw it away and get a new one."

She nestled into the hollow of his shoulder, her back against his wound, feeling like she was floating, moving back and forth in the turbulent flow.

His greatest talent was setting off fireworks in the vast ocean, the bubbling stream carrying sparks.

"Miss!"

It was Gui Xiang's voice.

Lin Yufan tensed up in fear, almost cutting him short. They both let out muffled sighs. He didn't stop; instead, he worked even harder. Lin Yufan bit her lip, covered in fine sweat, clinging tightly to him.

Gui Xiang was looking for Lin Yufan in the adjacent living room but couldn't find her after searching around.

Fortunately, she wouldn't venture into Zhao Zhiao's dressing room and bedroom without permission.

The wardrobe swayed and undulated, accompanied by various subtle sounds.

She was nearly losing herself.