The next afternoon, Chen Hanxing arrived at New Century Electronic Equipment Factory and met with the deputy logistics supervisor, Zhao Chunming. After discussing his plans, he presented the arrangements.
Zhao Chunming glanced around. The only woman in the group was Nie Xiaoyu, who didn't seem particularly attractive. He sneered, "Why does everyone act like they're college students?"
Chen Hanxing handed him a cigarette and lit it for him. "As long as they can get things done, who cares about their identity?"
Zhao Chunming, who had already received 1000 yuan and two cigarettes, wasn't in a position to complain. He nodded and said, "Since you've asked, I won't have any issues with it."
Chen Hanxing turned to the part-time college students and said, "You guys go familiarize yourselves with the route to the administrative building. Head back to school on your own afterward. I'll accompany Supervisor Zhao to discuss some matters."
Zhao Chunming, seeing that Chen Hanxing was well-mannered, grinned widely. "You really know how to handle things. You'll have a bright future."
Chen Hanxing replied with a smile, "Everyone's got to help each other out."
As he drove out of the factory, a wine-red sports car passed by the gate. Chen Hanxing recognized it immediately as the same car he had asked for directions about when the semester started.
Zhao Chunming seemed a bit nervous about the car, more specifically, the person driving it. He shrugged and shrank his shoulders.
Chen Hanxing, curious about the woman behind the wheel, casually asked, "Supervisor Zhao, what would you like for dinner tonight?"
"How about seafood?" Zhao Chunming immediately suggested, planning to go for an expensive meal.
Chen Hanxing couldn't help but curse inwardly. "Seafood? The factory only makes about 30,000 yuan a month. I still have to pay the wages for the workers. If we go for a fancy seafood meal, that'll cost over 10,000."
As Zhao Chunming was indeed a bottomless pit, as described by Zhong Jiancheng, greedy and lacking taste, Chen Hanxing replied, "Why complain about the price if it makes you happy?"
Zhao Chunming relaxed and said, "Alright then, let's eat seafood."
Chen Hanxing, maintaining a serious expression, continued, "However, after scientific research, it's been proven that eating seafood in the winter, especially for men, should be avoided."
"Why?" Zhao Chunming asked, confused.
"It's scientifically backed." Chen Hanxing paused, seeing Zhao Chunming's skeptical look, and added, "The main component of crab roe is polychlorinated biphenyl. After it's absorbed by the human body, it turns into serotonin, which can make men feel tired."
"Is it really that exaggerated?" Zhao Chunming asked, now a bit more convinced after hearing these technical terms.
Chen Hanxing shrugged. "I watch CCTV Channel 10's 'Health Road' regularly. Still want seafood?"
Zhao Chunming quickly gave in, "Alright, health comes first."
"But," he continued, "we can eat seafood in the summer. A hot-and-cold combination is the best for the body."
Chen Hanxing smiled, thinking to himself, "Let's see if you even last until summer at the factory."
Their conversation had lightened the mood, and Chen Hanxing casually asked, "I saw a sports car when I left the factory just now. Who's that driving?"
"She's not a leader," Zhao Chunming scoffed. "She just lucked out in life. Doesn't know anything but comes in and starts giving orders. They're always talking about restructuring or merging. She even cut my salary!"
"She's a woman?" Chen Hanxing asked, feigning surprise.
"Yeah, a Hong Kong native, probably not even 30 years old," Zhao Chunming grumbled.
"That's chaos," Chen Hanxing commented. "Does your factory manager let her get away with that?"
Zhao Chunming sighed, "What can we do? She's a shareholder. The factory manager's basically working for her."
But then, Zhao Chunming grew suspicious. "Why is a delivery guy asking about this?"
Chen Hanxing replied casually, "I'm just curious. I'm a curious person."
Having gathered the information he wanted, Chen Hanxing said, "Forget it, let's just go eat."
They had a meal that cost over 200 yuan. When it came time to pay, Zhao Chunming nonchalantly took a cigarette. Chen Hanxing didn't say a word and happily settled the bill.
Seeing how obedient Chen Hanxing was, Zhao Chunming suggested they go get a foot massage to relax. Chen Hanxing, suspecting Zhao Chunming's true intentions, deliberately drove near a massage parlor by the police station. In the end, Zhao Chunming backed down, pocketed his cigarette, and returned to the factory.
After Zhao Chunming left, Chen Hanxing's expression turned cold.
"Damn it, this guy really treats me like an ATM!" Chen Hanxing thought angrily. He didn't mind occasional meals or drinks, but making it a routine was an insult.
Chen Hanxing mulled over it, then gunned the car and drove to the Baimaohui Computer Mall on Zhujiang Road.
He entered a store and asked, "Do you have any recording devices?"
"We have all kinds, at various price ranges," the salesperson said.
Chen Hanxing estimated his needs. "I need one that can distinguish sound quality, and it should be a portable, miniature recorder."
The salesperson showed him a device the size of a thumb. "This one costs 338 yuan. It has no static noise, long battery life, and supports computer connection..."
Before the salesperson could go on, Chen Hanxing paid with three 100-yuan bills and left.
"Wow, this young guy is so cold and detached, buying a recorder. Is he from the FBI?" the salesperson muttered.
Chen Hanxing had bought the recorder for Zhao Chunming. After all, this man had boldly asked for money on their first meeting and made endless demands on the second. Chen Hanxing's solution to dealing with such persistent pests was simple: a mix of sweetness and force.
However, the sweetness had its limits. Once it surpassed Chen Hanxing's tolerance, it would be time for the "force" to take over.
As he was about to head back to school, someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder.
"Are you here to pick me up?" It was Shang Yanyan, wearing a stylish but thin trench coat, with black stockings on her legs. She was shivering from the cold.
Chen Hanxing gave her a quick glance, waved his hand, and said, "Get in."
"Okay, thanks, Class Leader Daddy," Shang Yanyan said with a smile.