Chapter 63: Big Shot

  "What's going on? How can this be?" Cao Yao's face turned green with rage, and he wished he could snatch the camera from Hao Wei's hands and smash it to pieces.

  He never thought these people could actually produce evidence, and it's such solid evidence. Now the supervisor is right next to him, with so many onlookers, he can't even try to deny it. But if he can't deny it, that means he'll have to pay out of his own pocket for the 100,000 yuan difference, which is equivalent to more than a year's salary down the drain!

  "Old Cao, you really have the ability." Manager Zhang's gloomy gaze swept towards Cao Yao Shi. Under everyone's watchful eyes, he could no longer show favoritism. "Letting you sell medicine in our pharmacy seems to be a waste of your talent. For someone as wealthy as you, this small temple probably can't afford it."

  Cao, the sixth senseless pharmacist, heard this and suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. "Manager Zhang, listen to my explanation. I was also furious at the time and only said those words. But I really didn't expect these people would record video, who would normally record video around them all the time? I think they were prepared early on, it's clearly a phishing scam."

  Fishing scam?

  Manager Zhang furrowed his brow, and these four words reminded him.

  Although almost everyone's mobile phone now has camera function, the people who are making trouble in front of me have brought out professional cameras. Moreover, they turned on the camera during the process of buying medicine, which is clearly a prepared move.

  If it wasn't premeditated, who would have made such preparations?

  Thinking of this, Manager Zhang felt that the intentions of these troublemakers in front of him were quite suspicious.

  The display screen of the camera was still playing Cao Yao Shi's voice and image, Hao Wei saw the crowd around him whispering to each other, obviously dissatisfied with the pharmacy's sales attitude, he couldn't help but feel pleased.

  After giving Qin Lang a sly glance, Hao Wei fixed his gaze on Cao Yao Shi and Zhang Jingang, "How about it now? The evidence is irrefutable. Do you still have anything to say?"

  Manager Zhang sneered, "I'm looking at what you've taken out and it doesn't look like evidence, but rather like a sneak shot. Tell me, what's the purpose of taking a camera to our pharmacy to take sneak shots? If you don't come up with a good explanation today, I'll have to call the police."

  As soon as the word "sneak shot" came out, the faces of the people around changed, and their gaze at Hao Wei also became strange.

  After all, sneaky photography is always detestable.

  Especially those who bring their mistresses to the pharmacy, they almost subconsciously suspect that the person holding the camera is hired by his legitimate wife at home to take pictures of him having an affair.

  "I knew you'd say that." Hao Wei smiled slightly, as if he had expected it, and calmly pulled out a press card from his pocket, with the five golden words "Press Journalist Certificate" printed on the cover.

  He held up his ID and flashed it around.

  The people around finally realized that after making a big fuss, it turned out to be a reporter. No wonder why they would carry hidden cameras with them and always be in a state of shooting.

  "Reporter?" Qin Lang was somewhat surprised.

  He really hadn't thought that this overly enthusiastic young man would be a reporter. But in light of this identity, he began to understand the strange behavior and irrational actions of this person before.

  "Are you clear? This is my press card, and this camera was also issued by the station. I came to your pharmacy for a news investigation task. As for capturing your staff's brilliant performance, it was purely coincidental. Of course, if you have any doubts about my identity, feel free to call our provincial station to verify."

  Hao Wei aimed his press card at Manager Zhang, brazenly revealing his identity. Although he had originally intended to go undercover and not reveal his true self, now that he had the chance to make an impression in front of a big shot, he couldn't care less about being discreet.

  "Hao Wei, a reporter from the provincial TV station, right?" Manager Zhang took a closer look at the information on the press card and instead of being shocked, he seemed to relax, as if Hao Wei's identity as a reporter made things easier to handle. He smiled slightly and said, "It seems like this is a misunderstanding, I suppose you just happened to be here and aren't actually buying medicine?"

  "Not bad, it was this guy who bought the medicine." Hao Wei pointed at Qin Lang, "I just can't stand the attitude of your pharmacy staff."

  "That's easy to handle." Manager Zhang's expression became more relaxed, "Reporter Hao, I advise you not to get involved in this muddy water. Since the matter has nothing to do with you, why bother getting mixed up in it? How about I host a dinner tonight to welcome your esteemed presence at our pharmacy?"

  Hao Wei refused without hesitation, "Don't try that with me, first solve the things in front of you."

  Manager Zhang shook his head with a smile, "Reporter Hao, one can't be too rigid in life. Meddling in trivial matters may not necessarily lead to good things. How about this? Let's just say I'm giving you face, Reporter Hao. The two parties involved will shake hands and make peace, and the price of the medicine will be 200,000 yuan. What do you think?"

  His words were like a thunderclap, and two people's hearts were lifted up, one was Cao Yao Shi, the other was Zhu Gang Lie.

  Cao heard Manager Zhang say that they would go with the price of 2 million, and his heart sank. It was clear that he had to pay the difference of 1 million yuan out of his own pocket.

  As for Zhu Ganglie, it was naturally all about the 200,000 yuan, because this money had to be paid by him, and the price would definitely come down. He would have to pay this money, which was like cutting his own flesh.

  The two people almost simultaneously had an idea in their minds, hoping that Hao Wei would not agree and must stick to the end.

  It was as if he had heard the voices of both of them, and Hao Wei immediately shook his head, completely disagreeing. Because he was very clear that for his noble person, it was no longer a matter of 200,000 yuan now, but a matter of losing face. If they were to shake hands and make peace, then it would be as if neither of them had been wrong, nor did anyone need to apologize for this matter, so what's the point of losing face?

  Manager Zhang's face didn't look good, as the head of this Sino-foreign joint venture pharmacy, he wasn't someone who was incompetent. A small reporter, even if it was from the provincial station, he didn't take seriously.

  He just gave the little reporter some face, on the one hand because he took real evidence that would affect the pharmacy's image. On the other hand, many people were watching, so he had to be careful. So he thought of taking a step back, losing some money to buy peace, but the bottom line was that they absolutely did not admit their mistake. Once they admitted it, it would be like smashing their own signboard in front of everyone.

  Now that face has been given, but the other party doesn't buy it, he thinks he doesn't need to be polite anymore. Then, this Manager Zhang took out his mobile phone, gave Hao Wei a cold smile, and immediately dialed a number.

  The phone rang, and Manager Zhang was not afraid of his own voice, because he had intended to proclaim it, letting everyone see his strength.

  "Hello, Director Xu. I'm Little Zhang. Yes, yes, it's me, Little Zhang from Fugui Pharmacy. Haha, you're too polite..."

  As Manager Zhang's voice drifted out, the crowd of onlookers couldn't help but be greatly astonished.

  Although there are many wealthy and influential people among them, few can match the level of Provincial Governor. Money can be earned by anyone with ability, but having strong connections is not that easy to come by, often requiring a strong background oneself. So when they looked at Manager Zhang, their gaze changed immediately, even with a hint of reverence. Some people were even thinking about turning back and building a relationship with this Manager Zhang.

  Of course, as soon as the call was made, almost everyone present understood that the little reporter was in trouble. The director wanted to crush a small reporter, which was simply effortless.

  Hao Wei's expression also changed, as soon as he heard the three words "Xu Deputy Director", he knew who the call was for. The TV station only had one deputy director surnamed Xu, and although it was just a deputy director, the other party happened to be in charge of their reporter department, which made him his direct superior. Compared to Xu Deputy Director, he was like an ant compared to an elephant's leg.

  "Terrible!"

  Hao Wei's heart sank, and he subconsciously looked at Qin Lang with his eyes. He knew that at this time, except for the appearance of this nobleman with a deep background, he himself could not hold down the scene. Even because of this, he would be scolded by Director Xu, and perhaps there would be more serious consequences on his back.

  Just as he was about to go over and ask Qin Lang for help, Manager Zhang suddenly paused the conversation on that side, beckoned to Hao Wei with a wave of his hand, and said smugly: "Come, come over, Director Xu from the Provincial Station wants to have a talk with you."

  Hao Wei's face suddenly turned green, and he was so frightened that his six senses were gone.

  If it were at a different time, being able to have direct conversation with Xu Taichang would be the greatest honor, but now he knew that such a conversation would mean disaster for him.

  He walked over with trepidation, took the phone from Manager Zhang's hand, and immediately shouted "Director Xu" with great respect. Then, Director Xu's severe criticism came from the phone, scolding him until his face turned red with embarrassment.

  Manager Zhang was gloating on the side, thinking that a small reporter dared to provoke him, and it's really "declining an offer only to be forced to accept a worse one".

  Cao the pharmacist saw this and immediately seized the opportunity to flatter Zhang, slapping him on the back. After Zhang was pleased, he said: "Don't worry, you're my subordinate, no matter right or wrong, I'll cover for you. But such things are not allowed to happen again in the future, control your mouth."

  Cao the pharmacist was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed his agreement while slapping his thigh even louder.

  The onlookers saw Manager Zhang being so overbearing and felt a chill in their hearts, secretly thinking that this wealthy pharmacy was not simple at all. If even a manager was a hidden dragon or crouching tiger, then the top leader must have had connections that reached the heavens.

  Hao Wei is still on the phone.

  Over the phone, Director Xu ordered Hao Wei to apologize to Manager Zhang immediately and delete the video footage from the camera, then return to the provincial station to write a report for him.

  Hao Wei listened and knew that if he really did this, his future would be completely over. Since that's the case, it's better to make a desperate struggle, the final result won't be worse than now. So he took a sneak peek at Qin Lang and said a few words in a low voice into the phone.

  A moment later, Hao Wei's face lit up with joy, and he repeatedly replied "yes" to whatever the person on the phone was saying. Only then did he return the cell phone to Manager Zhang.

  Manager Zhang took the phone and saw that it had already been hung up, but he didn't think it was unexpected. He sneered at Hao Wei and said, "How's that? My great journalist? I just gave you face, but you refused to accept it. Now you should know that you can't interfere in other people's business. Are you going to delete the things inside the camera yourself, or do you want me to help you?"

  Hao Wei sneered, "Who told you I'm going to delete the evidence from the camera? Hmph, if your Rich and Noble Pharmacy doesn't give me a satisfactory explanation today, don't blame me for exposing you directly on Provincial TV. Let all the people in the province see what kind of black-hearted store your Rich and Noble Pharmacy is."

  "Ah?"... Manager Zhang suddenly stood up, looking up and down at Hao Wei: "You don't even listen to Director Xu's instructions. I think you're a journalist who doesn't want to work anymore."

  He was still holding his phone in his hand when it suddenly rang.

  Manager Zhang proudly waved his mobile phone screen, "See that? It's a call from Xu Taichang, I just happen to have something to say to him. How big is the scope of this little reporter?"

  Hao Wei revealed a strange smile, he knew why Xu Tailing called this time, because just now on the phone, he mentioned Qin Lang and the governor's relationship to Xu Tailing, Xu Tailing's attitude changed immediately. Later, after hanging up the phone, it was to go confirm whether the governor's pen had been given away, now presumably having found out the result, so he dialed back to warn this Zhang manager.

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, Manager Zhang answered the phone and after listening to just one sentence, his face changed drastically. He was seen nodding repeatedly on the phone before hanging up with an uncertain expression.

  Xu Tailong's phone call only conveyed one message to him, which was that he must immediately agree to all the demands of the person who bought the medicine, and must turn bad things into good things. Because among the people who bought the medicine, there is a relative of the provincial governor, who is a big shot that he cannot afford to offend.

  Who is the big shot that Director Xu is talking about?

  Manager Zhang's gaze swept across the four troublemakers and soon locked onto Qin Lang.

  It's him, it must be him.

  Director Zhang almost immediately confirmed that this seemingly ordinary but extraordinary young man was the "big shot" in Xu Taichang's mouth who had a relationship with the provincial governor. Because he remembered not long ago, the momentum and eyes of this young man made him feel afraid, which is not something that ordinary people can possess.

  The next second, Manager Zhang's face was filled with a big smile, and he quickly walked up to Qin Lang, his powerful physique intentionally restrained into a humble posture, smiling obsequiously: "Ah, ah, look at my eyes, I didn't even notice your esteemed presence, it's really shameful, too shameful."

  This sudden change stunned everyone present.