Chapter 352: Stepping In - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 352: Stepping In Lin Zhengran and Jiang Xueli hurriedly headed out, leaving Xiao Heqing and Han Wenwen, who were watching TV in the living room, puzzled. Xiao Heqing asked, "What's going on, Lin Zhengran? Why the rush?" As they left, Lin Zhengran quickly explained, "There's a bit of trouble at Lili's home. We're going to check on it. You two just stay home, and once Jingshi returns, head out for dinner without waiting for us." Han Wenwen and Xiao Heqing stood up. The young fox said, "Is something wrong at Lili's place? Can we come along? Maybe we can help." Lin Zhengran turned his head with a reassuring smile, "No need. It doesn't seem to be a big issue. If all goes well, we'll be back by the evening. Off we go." Jiang Xueli echoed, "We're leaving now," as she followed Lin Zhengran out, catching a ride away. Xiao Heqing and Han Wenwen chased to the doorway, watching them depart, worry in their eyes. In the car, both Lin Zhengran and Jiang Xueli sat in the back. Jiang Xueli attempted to call her home again. This time, Aunt Jiang didn't pick up, the busy signal indicating she was overwhelmed. Jiang Xueli's forehead glistened with worry-induced sweat. Lin Zhengran held Jiang Xueli's hand, "Don't worry, it doesn't sound like an unsolvable issue." She turned to look at Lin Zhengran, who always brought a sense of safety, and managed a small, earnest smile and nod. With him there, Jiang Xueli felt much calmer inside. Once Lin Zhengran soothed her worries, he took out his phone to call Pan Lin: "Hello, Pan Lin? Are you free right now? Yes, can you send a few people to Fuhua Community? There's a crowd gathered there. Yes, just go under the company name. Calm them down until I get there. It'll take me a little time to return." Already past noon, by the time the team arrived at the entrance of Fuhua Community in three cars, called over by Pan Lin after receiving the phone call. They found the streets lined with cars, far exceeding the usual number, making it impossible for vehicles to park. As they stepped into the neighborhood, the commotion from a specific spot echoed, with many local residents joining as onlookers. A crowd surrounded Jiang Xueli's parents, voices clamoring with grievances. "Mr. Jiang, you need to give us a resolution here, right? The factory hasn't paid wages for over four months, and you and President Wang said that once this batch is completed, we’d get our pay. Now that President Wang is gone, you can't just ignore us!" "Exactly, we're all waiting on this money. My son is sick now, and what's going on with the factory closing down? Don't tell me you're planning to run away too." "One way or another, you need to pay what we're owed. Otherwise, we're not leaving. We've worked hard for half a year, and we've even paid out of pocket for things like meals. Just leaving us like this is unreasonable." Uncle Jiang was in a state of anxiety, unable to make himself heard amidst the accusations: "Everyone, calm down, please. I didn't anticipate things would end up like this. It's not that I don't want to pay you, but this situation involves more than just your wages. We have a breach of contract penalty with the buyers. Just give me a little time to figure something out." The workers refused to listen: "Those details mean nothing to us. We just want our wages. Pay us now, and you can do whatever you want— shut down the factory, fire us, it's all up to you, but we need our wages today!" "Yes, we just want our wages! Give them to us, and everything else can wait." Faced with dozens of complaining workers, Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang could almost feel their hair turning white with worry. Dressed in a suit, Pan Lin approached and shouted, "Everyone, quiet down!" Some workers and curious onlookers turned around, as did Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang. Pan Lin, leading a group of about ten suited individuals, walked over. This imposing presence brought a momentary silence over the scene. Though Pan Lin seemed less severe when around Lin Zhengran and Jiang Jingshi, she had indeed absorbed much of Jiang Jingshi’s commanding presence as a personal secretary. Her demeanor now was very authoritative: "Enough with the noise! It's broad daylight, and you're causing a commotion over a minor issue, keeping the neighborhood up? You’ve blocked off nearby roads too. You're all employees of Zhenxin Products, right? Take the issue back to the factory." Curious, the workers asked, "Who are you?" Pan Lin presented her ID: "I'm Pan Lin, the secretary to President Lin and President Jiang of Zhengshi Company. Today, President Lin sent me here. Zhengshi Company will resolve this issue for you. If you want your wages, go back to the factory quietly. President Lin will arrive shortly, and it will be dealt with today." "Zhengshi Company..." The workers glanced at each other. Zhengshi Company was a major enterprise in Zitong City, employing tens of thousands. After confirming the authenticity of the ID, they immediately ceased their uproar. They merely asked, "Are you sure we'll get our wages today?" Pan Lin frowned slightly, "Of course, if President Lin made a promise, something as trivial as wages—nevermind bigger problems—will be resolved. If you trust him, head back to the factory to get paid; if not, feel free to stay here." After some discussion, the workers nodded and began to follow Pan Lin's team back. Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang exchanged glances, having overheard what was just said. Aunt Jiang, puzzled, asked her husband, "Zhengshi Company? Husband, isn't that the biggest company in our province? How did they end up handling our issue? Did you contact them?" Uncle Jiang was equally baffled, "Contact them? If I had that capability, would we be in this situation?" After the workers had been led away, the couple cautiously approached and shook hands with the team. Uncle Jiang asked, "Hello, you mentioned you’re the secretary to the top leaders at Zhengshi Company?" Pan Lin, observing the couple's timid demeanor, gave a reassuring smile, "Yes, my name is Pan Lin. President Lin sent me to address your issue. Are you the people in charge of Zhenxin Products?" Uncle Jiang quickly nodded, "Yes, I’m the current factory director, but you said President Lin... Who is this President Lin?" Pan Lin recalled that President Lin had been in a hurry and might not have explained clearly: "I can't divulge much right now. In short, President Lin called me, and thus, you don't need to worry about this issue anymore. Come to the factory with me; President Lin will arrive soon." The couple still didn’t grasp the full situation, but clearly, this President Lin was here to help them. So, everyone followed Pan Lin back to the factory. Now, at the gate of Zhenxin Products, many people stood around chatting, none understanding why the renowned Zhengshi Company would intervene in the factory's affairs. Some speculated if Director Jiang had connections at that level. Despite the rumors, Uncle Jiang was truly sweating with anxiety; he dared not inquire further. They simply waited with the company’s secretary at the gate for President Lin's arrival. Pan Lin suggested the couple have a drink of water and rest a bit. Uncle Jiang and his wife declined, nervously waving it off. Pan Lin mildly chided, "No need to be so tense. If I guessed correctly, you two are Jiang Xueli's parents, right?" Uncle Jiang and Aunt Jiang exchanged a glance and nodded, "Yes, do you know Lili as well?"