Chapter 169: Promises and Shadows

After securing the vice principal’s promise, Xu Chen and the other three classmates headed out of the comprehensive building.

Xu Chen walked ahead, the three behind him eyeing his back with odd expressions.

Back in the vice principal’s office, Xu Chen’s bold approach in their conversation had shocked the three classmates.

There was even a hint of fear…

After all, they were just eighteen-year-old high school students facing a respected, authoritative vice principal.

Xu Chen’s attitude in that ‘negotiation’ was forceful, decisive, and unyielding.

They never imagined that Xu Chen, who always sat quietly at the back of the classroom rarely joining in the boys’ banter, could be so fearless.

They’d never pictured a student talking to a vice principal like that.

What stunned them more was that the vice principal didn’t get angry—instead, he showed a trace of unease around Xu Chen.

Of course, it wasn’t Xu Chen’s outward forcefulness, but his predictions and maneuvers…

The four recordings, the pre-sent complaint emails, the talk about journalists, and his on-the-spot, evidence-backed responses.

The three classmates trailing Xu Chen couldn’t help but think to themselves that they could never pull off what he had.

No wonder he tops the exams.

Maybe his usual rank in the teens was all an act…

…

At the school gate, Xu Chen stopped and turned to the trio, smiling as he said:

“The issue’s sorted, so I’ll head out now…

Have a great summer!”

One of the girls spoke up timidly:

“Xu Chen, thank you…

Without you, I never would’ve gotten my college choices back.

My parents totally bought into what the homeroom teacher said…”

“Yeah, we really owe you, Xu Chen.

Thinking back, it scares me—I was almost convinced yesterday.

If I’d changed my choices, I’d probably have slipped up big time.”…

Xu Chen smiled and didn’t say more, bidding them goodbye before leaving on his own.

…

…

Xu Chen went back to the company first, dropping off his backpack and computer.

His father, Xu Zhiquan, was out networking, leaving only Fang Jun in the office.

With the Bright Factory contract about to be signed, Fang Jun was sorting through East Morning Star’s financial records, swamped with work.

Xu Chen washed some fruit and brought it over to Fang Jun.

Fang Jun paused, surprised to see Xu Chen there.

“Thanks…”

Xu Chen chewed on an apple and grinned innocently.

Yang Congxin had been at the town’s factory grounds these past few days, helping his maternal uncle Zhang Yongqing with seedling samples, and he was enjoying it.

Of course, this was all part of Xu Zhiquan’s deliberate plan…

In their set strategy, after taking over the Mechanical Factory, they’d shift the current workers to the Seedling Company temporarily.

This would solve the Seedling Company’s labor shortage while giving the Mechanical Factory workers some income.

But both father and son anticipated that some of these technical workers might question or resist farm work.

In that case, the former tech line supervisor, Yang Congxin, would serve as a perfect example.

His quick adaptation to seedling planting could ease concerns and lead by example.

…

With nothing else on in the afternoon, Xu Chen took the bus back to town for driving practice at the school.

Though his past life’s driving instincts had resurfaced, to pass the second subject, he needed to log the required training hours with video recordings.

The instructor, recognizing Xu Chen, assigned him a car and let him circle the training field to record the session.

Clearly, after seeing Xu Chen drive a couple of times, the instructor had full confidence in his skills and left him to it while teaching others.

Midway through his drive, Feng Qingqing showed up again, fully geared in sun-protective clothing.

Xu Chen tried to avoid her, but she spotted him right away.

The mayor’s daughter checked in with the instructor, then ran over and insisted on joining Xu Chen in the car.

Xu Chen felt helpless but agreed to let her practice with him for a bit.

Xu Chen sat in the passenger seat, buckled up, and placed his right foot on the passenger-side brake, taking on the coach’s role.

Feng Qingqing looked thrilled to have Xu Chen guiding her.

After a few minutes of driving, Xu Chen hit the brakes hard several times, growing increasingly frustrated.

He thought to himself, was it even legal for the instructor to hand her off to a unlicensed learner like him?!

…

During a break, Xu Chen got a call from Vice Principal Zhao Xueqian, updating him on the school committee’s initial decisions.

Homeroom teacher Zhang Liqun had been suspended.

But the full penalties would wait for the Education Bureau’s response.

Additionally, the school would review and revise the ‘homeroom and subject teacher reward system’ for senior year admissions.

This confirmed for Xu Chen that the school did have such incentive policies.

For instance, if a class got into a 985 university, the homeroom teacher would get rewards…

Vice Principal Zhao Xueqian carefully hinted that Xu Chen should avoid contacting journalists.

Knowing when to stop, Xu Chen gave a vague but appropriate assurance.

…

While taking a water break, Feng Qingqing asked about his college choices.

Xu Chen didn’t hide it and told her straight.

Hearing about Tonghai University, Feng Qingqing showed envy but couldn’t hide her disappointment.

Xu Chen wasn’t sure how to comfort her, so he brushed it off with a light laugh…

Before evening hit, Xu Chen made an excuse and slipped away.

Feng Qingqing pouted, looking quite annoyed.

…

…

In the blink of an eye, July arrived.

The Mechanical Factory transition was proceeding smoothly.

Xu Zhiquan and Fang Jun had made several trips to the city center, signing documents.

But the official handover and full control of the Mechanical Factory would take more time…

These days, Fang Jun and Director Yang were both busy—Fang Jun with finances, and Director Yang on electric vehicle production plans.

When Xu Chen had free time, he hung out in the Jinfeng Business Tower office, as the factory takeover was the top priority.

Staying there let him catch any urgent issues right away.

…

That afternoon, Xu Zhiquan returned from a city meeting and hurried into the office, with Li Rui and his two companions following.

For safety reasons lately, President Xu had been bringing these three along.

Xu Zhiquan called Xu Chen, Fang Jun, and Director Yang to the reception room for a meeting.

…

In the reception room.

Director Yang lit a cigarette for Xu Zhiquan and one for himself.

Xu Zhiquan settled into the boss chair, took a few puffs, then spoke:

“From what I’ve heard, the old secretary of Bright Factory, Ji Yusheng, has been completely sidelined.

As expected, he’ll take the fall for Bright Factory’s collapse and all the issues.”

Director Yang sighed and said:

“The old secretary is honest and kind, but he’s too old—half-retired these last few years.

The Mechanical Factory’s decline wasn’t something he could control…

It’s just sad that he’s tarnishing his reputation right before retirement, covering for the unreliable folks below.”

Xu Chen glanced at his father, Xu Zhiquan, and saw his serious expression:

“Dad, is something up?”

Xu Zhiquan exhaled a long stream of smoke and shook his head:

“It’s unclear…

Bright Factory still feels murky, like undercurrents are stirring.”

He paused, then continued:

“After Ji Yusheng was sidelined, the former vice president, Jin Guiyuan, became the acting factory head and now holds the real power.

The city has hinted that when we take over Bright Factory, we shouldn’t touch Jin Guiyuan lightly.

The unspoken suggestion is to keep him as my deputy…”

Xu Chen frowned:

“That’s disgusting.

After the acquisition, it’s a private company, yet someone like him is untouchable?”

Director Yang said:

“Jin Guiyuan has connections.

He was parachuted in a few years ago as second-in-command.

But no one’s ever figured out who backs him.”

Xu Zhiquan paused:

“Let’s not worry too much for now.

Doing business in this environment, relationships are always the trickiest part.

Though Bright Factory has a lot of twists, I’ve been around the block—I’m no pushover.

Whatever comes, we’ll handle it…”

He thought for a moment and asked:

“That photo Xu Chen showed me last time, the one with the Fengrong Commerce people—that was Jin Guiyuan, right?”

Director Yang:

“Yes, in the reception room, there were two mingling with Fengrong Commerce.

One was this vice president, Jin Guiyuan.

The other was the tech line leader, Zhao Jihong.”

Xu Zhiquan stayed silent but exchanged a knowing look with Xu Chen.

The father and son understood each other—the message in their eyes was:

Jin Guiyuan had to go, no matter what…

Xu Chen thought for a second and said:

“I remember when we left the Mechanical Factory last time, the old secretary came out specially, seeming very welcoming to East Morning Star.”

Director Yang: “But he’s already sidelined…

His welcome doesn’t mean much.”

Xu Chen: “Even sidelined, he’s still in that position and could share some key upper-level info.

That might uncover something.”

Xu Zhiquan nodded and said to Director Yang:

“Director Yang, can you help set up a private meeting with Old Secretary Ji Yusheng?”

Director Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses, looking uneasy:

“Well…

I’m not really acquainted with him, and I don’t even have his number.”

Fang Jun, who had been quiet, spoke up:

“Leave that to me—I can arrange a meeting with Secretary Ji.”

Xu Zhiquan smiled:

“Perfect, thanks for handling it, Fang!”

Fang Jun: “When should we set it?”

Xu Zhiquan: “Whenever works for him—we’ll adjust. And pick a discreet spot…

Make sure it’s confidential, especially from Jin Guiyuan.”

Fang Jun: “I’ll take care of it and let you know once it’s set.”

Xu Zhiquan took a few more puffs:

“One more thing—that’s odd.

The investigation into my assault stopped at Boss Huang and Boss Yu—no follow-up.

I’ve asked around, and it seems someone’s blocking it…”

Director Yang: “Ah?!”

Xu Chen murmured:

“So there really are undercurrents…”

Xu Zhiquan chuckled:

“Good—it makes things interesting.”