Chapter 356: Unexpected Support

Later, Pan Lin brought the procurement team to inspect the products and confirmed the quality was excellent.

As a result, they signed a contract to supply parts exclusively for Zheng Shi Company.

As for the workers, though they hadn’t received wages for six months and the former factory manager had fled, their trust in the factory was low.

But with Lin Zheng Ran’s arrival and Zheng Shi Company’s involvement, after the workers received their wages, they all believed that the current factory manager—Jiang’s Uncle—had a strong backing through Zheng Shi Company.

So, they all stayed on, not a single one quit; in fact, they were even more motivated.

In short, Lin Zheng Ran’s appearance completely saved the Jiang family.

Downstairs in the office, the workers collected their wages with smiles and headed back to the factory to work. Jiang’s Aunt watched as they overcame this crisis, feeling the unpredictability of life.

She answered her husband’s call and heard that the contract with Zheng Shi Company was signed, leaving her too thrilled to speak.

With this, the factory would have steady orders going forward.

After hanging up, Lily asked beside her, “Mom, once the factory finishes this batch, how much can we pay back to Zheng Ran?”

Jiang’s Aunt calculated, “Zheng Ran covered the workers’ wages and raw materials, totaling over 13 million for us. After completing this big order and subtracting costs, we can probably earn over 3 million. We’ll set aside money for the next batch and can repay nearly 2 million to Zheng Ran.”

Only nearly 2 million—that’s less than 2 million out of 13 million. Lily thought, this will take forever to pay back.

Lily reminded, “I understand. So, whenever the factory makes money later, we have to pay Zheng Ran first. We can’t keep owing him!”

Jiang’s Aunt nodded, “Of course, Zheng Ran is our family’s lifesaver. We can’t delay this debt. But I’m curious, how old is he? How did he become the boss of Zheng Shi Company?”

“It’s a long story. I don’t know the details, just the basics. He invested with Jiang Jie, and over a few years, it grew to this scale.”

“Right, Zheng Shi Company is a new player in the last few years. But this Jiang Jie you mentioned…”

“She’s the current vice general manager of Zheng Shi Company,” Lily said.

“Oh, has this Boss Jiang gotten married? Or at least have a boyfriend?”

Hearing her mom say that, Lily knew what she meant—her mom was worried Zheng Ran might fall for someone else. But that seemed impossible; at most, he might play around. She chuckled,

“Mom, don’t worry about that or ask. Zheng Ran does things his own way—nobody can guess or interfere.”

Jiang’s Aunt thought that made sense:

“Zheng Ran is the most brilliant genius in our small town. I used to think he’d just do well in school and succeed, but now I see it’s way beyond that—he’s incredibly impressive.

But… Lily, don’t take this the wrong way… Before, I thought our families were on the same level, but now… Can ours still match up to him?”

Lily saw her mom’s worry and let out a soft sigh.

Just then, Lin Zheng Ran came down with Jiang’s Uncle.

The mother and daughter hurried to greet them.

Lin Zheng Ran chatted casually with Jiang’s Uncle and said, “Uncle, you handle things here. I’ll head out now. Since I’m back in the small town, I plan to check in at home.”

Jiang’s Uncle quickly agreed, “Sure, go ahead. Don’t worry about this side—I’ve got it!”

Jiang’s Aunt heard this, “Zheng Ran, you’re leaving? Then… come over for a meal another day.”

Lin Zheng Ran smiled, “Okay, I’ll make a point to visit you and Uncle another day.”

Jiang’s Aunt felt relieved, “Just give us a call in advance, and we’ll prepare properly.”

During the chat, Lin Zheng Ran looked at Lily, “Lily, stay here with your uncle and aunt for now. I’ll go home and check in, then come pick you up tonight?”

Lily stared at Lin Zheng Ran in a daze, her eyes full of unspoken regret.

Jiang’s Aunt supported her daughter, “Lily, you don’t need to stay with us. Go with Zheng Ran to see his uncle and aunt, and pick up some gifts for the elders.”

Lily glanced at her mom.

Her parents were both giving her meaningful looks.

Jiang’s Uncle added, “We’re fine here, Lily. Go with Zheng Ran and rest.”

Lin Zheng Ran noticed the odd vibe and asked curiously, “What’s up, Lily? You seem a bit spaced out.”

Lily turned back to Lin Zheng Ran and managed a smile, “Nothing. Okay, Mom and Dad, I’ll go with Zheng Ran. Call me if you need anything.” She asked him, “I’ll come with you?”

Lin Zheng Ran saw that Jiang’s Uncle and Aunt were settled, so he didn’t object, “Alright, it’s good for you to come along and see home with me.”

With Jiang’s parents bidding farewell, Lin Zheng Ran drove off with Lily, heading back to the Lin family.

As they left the factory intersection, Jiang’s Uncle and Aunt waved until the car vanished completely.

Jiang’s Aunt frowned, “Lily’s reaction just now—she feels like we’re indebted to Zheng Ran. Without his help, we might not have gotten through this.”

Jiang’s Uncle sighed, “Over 13 million—that’s huge. Zheng Ran’s on another level now. This favor… we might never fully repay. If Lily and Zheng Ran end up together, it’d be a blessing for us.”

Jiang’s Aunt nodded.

“Let’s head back to the factory and get this batch done quickly.”

In the taxi cruising through the small town, Lin Zheng Ran and Lily sat in the back seat.

Lin Zheng Ran noticed Lily’s guilty expression and smiled, gently stroking her head.

“What’s on your mind? Isn’t this trouble sorted out?”

Lily looked at Lin Zheng Ran with lively eyes.

Soon, the taxi arrived at the Lin home. It was past one in the afternoon, and no one was home—Lin Ying Jun and his wife hadn’t returned from work yet.

Lin Zheng Ran slipped on his house slippers, washed his face, and sat on the sofa to eat some fruit.

He picked up an apple and handed it to Lily, but she walked over slowly after freshening up.

She seemed less playful than usual, more serious, standing straight with her hands behind her back and head down: “Zheng Ran, thank you so much for helping this time. That 13 million—we’ll pay it all back. We won’t just take your money without reason.”

Lin Zheng Ran laughed, “What are you saying? Why so serious?”

Lily clenched her fists and looked up with a worried brow,

“This is over 13 million! That’s enough to buy several houses in the small town! The money I earned from singing over the years isn’t much—just a couple million at most. Even adding the 2 million from this order, it’s still not enough. I have no idea how long it’ll take to pay it off.”

She was anxious, her eyes welling with tears:

“I don’t know if this is right to say, but I hate taking so much from you for nothing. I’m not as capable as you, and I try not to hold you back. But if my family uses this much of your money, it feels like I’m dragging you down and not good enough.”

Lin Zheng Ran watched Lily curiously, with a half-smile.

“Not good enough for me?”

Lily said defiantly, “Why are you smiling? Isn’t it true?”

“Take the apple from my hand first—I’ve been holding it out forever.”

“Oh.” Lily took the apple from Lin Zheng Ran.

Lin Zheng Ran said, “Just holding it? Take a bite.”

Lily pouted, “I’m trying to talk seriously here.”

“Bite first, then talk.”

Lily sighed and took a bite of the apple. “Okay, it’s pretty sweet.”

Lin Zheng Ran said, “See? So, are you saying you’re not good enough to tell me I should break up with you? Find someone new?”

“Of course not! Why would we break up?” Lily’s face turned red as she explained, “I mean, I’ll pay back this money for sure, and then… oh!”

She hugged her knees and squatted on the floor, saying loudly, “I don’t even know what I’m trying to say. Anyway,” she sniffed with teary eyes, “I just feel like my family held you back this time and I’m sorry.”

Lin Zheng Ran reached out and rubbed her head, gently saying,

“Silly girl, you’re my girlfriend—what’s wrong with helping you out? If you really feel bad, win first place in this year’s competition. Then, this money won’t mean much to you anymore. Right, silly Lily?”

Lily looked up at Lin Zheng Ran, stunned, like she wanted to cry even more, “Silly Zheng Ran, why are you always so good to me? You big dummy.”