Chapter 67: Until We Meet Again

Haihe Province, more than two thousand kilometers from Huaiyuan Province, sits on the opposite side of the nation. On the map, the two are separated at the northern and southern ends of China. Not only does this place enjoy spring-like weather year-round and picturesque scenery, but it is also the most developed inland region in the country. Here, certain light industries and equipment manufacturing have thrived, forming a robust industrial cluster.

Xiangzhou City.

This was the destination of Wu Ya’s journey south.

A mournful whistle pierced the air as the train slowly came to a halt at Platform Two. Wu Ya followed the crowd, stepping out of the carriage.

“Hello, I’m Wu Ya.”

Soon, he spotted a young man holding a sign high above his head—the name “Wu Ya” boldly written on it—coming into view.

Wu Ya walked straight over and introduced himself.

He had already spoken with Director Lan on the phone before arriving. The train’s schedule was known to them. To show respect—and to avoid any interference from competitors—sending someone directly to meet him at the station was the simplest and most effective approach.

“You’re Wu Ya? Boss Wu?”

Who would have guessed?

The young man glanced at Wu Ya a couple of times, his expression shifting from wary suspicion to outright annoyance!

Where did this kid come from? No manners at all! Here he was, sent to pick someone up, and this boy was having a laugh. And claiming to be Wu Ya? Why not say he was the Prime Minister? Making a mockery of himself—was he looking for trouble?

If it weren’t for the fact that the person he was to meet today was an extremely important client, with the director’s instructions repeated a hundred times—make sure the guest is well looked after, leave no room for dissatisfaction—he would have given this audacious youth a black eye.

“Get lost! If you mess up my assignment, I’ll have the police deal with you, you little troublemaker!”

But at the moment, picking up the guest was the priority. The young man barked a threat at Wu Ya, then promptly turned his attention back to the surging crowd.

Around the station, troublemakers and petty thieves were a common sight, blending in to scam or steal from unsuspecting travelers. This kid probably belonged to that lot. Was it worth arguing with him? Better to get on with the job.

Wu Ya’s lips curled in a self-mocking smile. Once again, his age was the source of trouble! Being too young was not always a blessing. Whether pretending or truly being a boss, no one believed it!

In everyone’s mind, including his own in the past, a boss was always a middle-aged man with a protruding belly. Who had ever seen someone as young, thin, and sallow as him claim the title?

“What are you laughing at? If you’re ill, go see a doctor. If not, get out of my way! Block my sign again and you’ll regret it!”

But Wu Ya was still standing squarely in front of the young man, tall enough to block the sign completely.

The young man grew impatient. Was this guy right in the head? Why wasn’t he upset after being scolded, and why was he still standing there grinning?

“Brother, I really am Wu Ya—the very one you’re supposed to pick up, from Weiling City in Huaiyuan Province!”

Resigned, Wu Ya introduced himself again, this time with more detail.

“What? You really are Wu Ya? Boss Wu?”

“Absolutely, without a doubt.”

Watching the young man’s face shift from anger to utter shock, Wu Ya spread his hands and answered decisively.

“Please, come this way! Boss Wu, the car is ready to take you out of the station.”

The young man hurriedly took Wu Ya’s luggage and bowed repeatedly. He dared not be careless—the director’s orders were strict. Whether this fellow was a real boss or not, his job was only to escort him and serve him well. The rest was not his concern.

Wu Ya nodded and followed the young man out of the station.

Soon, they arrived at a factory nestled by mountains and water, surrounded by lush greenery and winding streams.

“Boss Wu, this is our factory—Hongtu Yuanda Machinery Works.”

“Hongtu Yuanda.”

“Excellent!” Wu Ya couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. Whether he was praising the scenery or the name of the factory was unclear.

“Li Qin, did you meet our guest?”

Director Lan, who had been waiting with the management team, hurried over as soon as the car stopped. His smile was that of someone greeting a long-lost relative.

A business deal worth over a million! In those days, such an opportunity came once in a decade!

“Director Lan, this is Boss Wu!”

In an instant, with Li Qin’s introduction, every smile froze. The atmosphere grew heavy. Every eye fell upon Wu Ya, filled with disappointment.

“Director Lan, I have things to do in the workshop; I’ll be off now.”

“Director Lan, I have a pile of reports waiting for me in the office.”

“Director Lan, there are some technical issues I need to resolve urgently.”

One after another, people made their excuses and left in haste.

What a waste of time. A million-dollar deal? The need to show hospitality, to make the client feel at home? All a joke!

A kid, not even fully grown, bringing a deal worth a million? Who would believe that? Certainly no one here. Most likely, he was just a poor boy trying to scam a free meal and lodging. His clothes alone didn’t match the image of a boss.

“So… you… are Boss Wu? Here to purchase three production lines?”

But as the factory director, Lan Yaoming could not simply walk away. Responsibility for dozens of people rested on his shoulders. Even if this was all a farce, he had to see it through to the end, if only to confirm the truth. Unless it was proven beyond doubt that this young man was a fraud, he had to give his all. What if, against all odds, the boy really was a big client? That could bring tremendous benefit to the factory.

“Director Lan, I don’t dare call myself a boss, but I am Wu Ya. I have come here with the intention of purchasing three production lines. However, it seems your staff are not very welcoming. In that case, let us part ways here.”

Wu Ya nodded, his expression turning cold. A show of strength! He was used to being underestimated because of his age. While he didn’t take offense, he also saw no reason not to assert himself.

This equipment purchase left him strapped for cash. Thirty thousand—a fortune, yet barely enough for three lines. What to do? First, he could not afford to appear weak! Otherwise, he might as well go home now.

Besides, while he wouldn’t deceive them, he would certainly employ proper business tactics. This was standard practice, not fraud.

And so, with those words, he turned and strode away without hesitation, not pausing for a moment.