Chapter 352: Unexpected Family Turmoil

Lin Zheng Ran and Lily rushed out in a hurry, leaving Xiao Heqing and Han Wenwen puzzled as they watched TV in the living room.

Xiao Heqing asked, “What’s going on, Lin Zheng Ran? Why the rush?”

Lin Zheng Ran replied while walking, “Lily’s family has a bit of trouble. I’m going with her to check it out. You two stay home. Wait for Jingshi to get back, then go eat together. Don’t wait for us.”

Han Wenwen and Heqing stood up, and the little fox said, “Lily’s family is in trouble? Can we come too? Maybe we can help out.”

Lin Zheng Ran turned back with a smile, “No need. It’s not a big issue. If things go smoothly, we’ll be back tonight. See you later.”

Lily added, “We’re heading out,” and followed Lin Zheng Ran out the door, getting into a car and leaving.

Xiao Heqing and Han Wenwen chased to the doorway, watching the two hail a cab and drive away, exchanging worried glances.

In the car, Lin Zheng Ran and Lily sat in the back, while Lily called home again.

But this time, Jiang’s aunt didn’t answer; it showed the line was busy, clearly indicating she was swamped.

Anxious sweat beaded on Lily’s forehead.

Lin Zheng Ran held Lily’s hand, “Don’t worry. It sounds like a problem we can fix.”

She turned to gaze at the ever-reassuring Lin Zheng Ran, forcing a smile and nodding.

With him there, Lily felt much calmer inside.

Once Lin Zheng Ran steadied Lily’s nerves, he pulled out his phone and dialed Pan Lin’s number:

“Hey, Pan Lin? Are you free right now? Good. Send a few people over to Fu Hua Residential Area right away. There’s a big crowd there. Go in the company’s name, calm everyone down, and wait for me. It’ll take me a while to get back.”

By now, it was past twelve noon, and three cars pulled up at the entrance of Fu Hua Residential Area.

It was Pan Lin and the team she’d brought after the call.

At the residential area’s entrance, they saw cars parked on both sides of the road, four or five times more than usual, causing a massive backup.

The congestion was so bad that no one could park.

As soon as they entered, they heard a noisy commotion from somewhere nearby, with many residents gathering to watch.

A crowd had Lily’s parents surrounded, everyone shouting all sorts of things.

“Boss Jiang, you need to sort this out for us! The factory hasn’t paid wages for over four months. You and Boss Wang said we’d get paid after finishing this batch, but now he’s gone. You can’t just ignore us!”

“That’s right! We’re all waiting for money. My son’s sick, and now the factory’s shut down. Don’t tell me you’re planning to run too.”

“No matter what, you have to pay us. We’re not leaving until you do. We’ve worked hard for half a year, even covering our own food costs. This is just unfair.”

Jiang’s uncle was in the middle of it all, overwhelmed and at a loss for words:

“Everyone, please calm down. I didn’t expect things to turn out like this. It’s not that I won’t pay you; it’s just that with the factory’s contracts and penalties, I need time to figure something out.”

The workers wouldn’t hear it: “We don’t get all that. We just want our wages. Pay us, and you can shut down or fire us—whatever. But we need the money now!”

“Exactly! Just give us our wages, and we’ll talk about the rest.”

Jiang’s uncle and aunt faced the dozens of workers, the couple looking utterly stressed and worn out.

Pan Lin, dressed in a suit, stepped forward and shouted, “Quiet down, everyone!”

Gradually, workers and onlookers turned to look, and Jiang’s uncle and aunt did the same.

They saw Pan Lin approaching with about ten people in suits.

The sight made the crowd fall into a brief silence.

Though Pan Lin wasn’t always serious around Lin Zheng Ran and Jiang Jingshi, as their personal secretary, she’d picked up their authoritative presence. Now, she said sternly:

“Enough noise! It’s broad daylight, and you’re causing a scene in the residential area. Do the neighbors need to sleep through this? You’ve blocked the roads too. You’re all from the True Faith Product Factory, right? Take your issues back to the factory.”

The workers asked curiously, “Who are you?”

Pan Lin showed her ID badge:

“I’m Pan Lin, secretary to the bosses at Zheng Shi Company. Lin Zheng Ran sent me. We’ll handle this for you. If you want your wages, head back to the factory quietly. He’s on his way and can sort it out today.”

“Zheng Shi Company…” The workers glanced at each other. It was the most famous big company in Ziteng City, with thousands of employees. Once they confirmed the badge, the fuss stopped immediately.

They asked, “Are you sure we’ll get our wages today?”

Pan Lin frowned, “Of course. If Lin Zheng Ran says so, it’s not just your wages—any trouble can be fixed. Believe me and go back to the factory for your pay, or stay here if you don’t.”

After discussing briefly, the workers nodded and followed Pan Lin’s people back.

Only Jiang’s uncle and aunt stood there, having overheard everything.

Jiang’s aunt asked her husband, “Zheng Shi Company? Isn’t that the biggest company in our province? Why are they getting involved? Did you call them?”

Jiang’s uncle shook his head, “Call them? If I had that kind of pull, we wouldn’t be in this mess.” Once the workers left, the couple approached nervously.

They shook hands with her.

Jiang’s uncle said, “Hello. You mentioned you’re the secretary for Zheng Shi Company’s bosses?”

Pan Lin smiled at the timid couple, “Yes, I’m Pan Lin. Lin Zheng Ran sent me to resolve your issue. Are you the ones in charge of True Faith Product Factory?”

Jiang’s uncle nodded quickly, “Yes, I’m the current factory manager, but you said Lin Zheng Ran—who’s that?”

Pan Lin thought to herself that Lin Zheng Ran had been in a rush and hadn’t explained much:

“I can’t go into details now. Just know that Lin Zheng Ran called me, so you don’t need to worry. Come with me to the factory; he’ll be there soon.”

The couple didn’t fully understand, but it was clear this Lin Zheng Ran was here to help.

So, everyone followed Pan Lin to the factory area.

At the True Faith Product Factory gate, many people stood around chatting, wondering why the renowned Zheng Shi Company was stepping in for this small factory.

Speculation spread: Did Jiang, the factory manager, have some connection?

As people murmured, Jiang’s uncle sweated nervously. He didn’t dare ask more and just waited with his wife and the company secretary for Lin Zheng Ran’s arrival.

Pan Lin suggested the couple have some water and relax, but they waved it off, too uneasy.

Pan Lin added, “You don’t need to be so tense. If I’m right, you two are Lily’s parents, aren’t you?”

Jiang’s uncle and aunt exchanged looks and nodded, “Yes, how do you know about Lily?”