40: Chapter 40 Brother Qiang Takes a Job

In the eyes of those large construction companies, this project might be small fry, but for the fledgling construction team led by Gao Qiqiang, it was a rare and lucrative opportunity.

He immediately thought of his cousin-in-law, Chairman Shen Dawei, who served as the Chairman of the People's Congress in Guantian Township. He specifically brought two bottles of fine liquor and a carton of premium cigarettes to knock on Chairman Shen Dawei's door.

Under the warm hospitality of his cousin, Gao Qiqiang recounted the whole matter and earnestly asked for her help in pleading his case: "Cousin, you know that although my construction team is small, we are absolutely reliable in our work."

"This opportunity is too important for us; please put in a good word for me with your husband."

Gao Qiqiang poured tea for his cousin, wearing an apologetic smile.

Looking at the cousin she had watched grow up, Chairman Shen Dawei's wife finally softened and that night whispered into Chairman Shen Dawei's ear: "Old Shen, Xiao Qiang has been a sensible child since he was small. Now that he finally has an opportunity, you should help him."

Unable to withstand his wife's nagging, Chairman Shen Dawei had no choice but to agree to step in and plead with Li Dakang.

Thus, Chairman Shen Dawei specifically sought out a suitable opportunity to recommend Gao Qiqiang's construction team to Li Dakang.

Li Dakang thought for a moment and readily agreed. After all, it made no difference to him who did the work, especially since he didn't care for such kickbacks anyway.

Since Chairman Shen Dawei had asked, it was better to do him a favor. This would not only appease an old colleague but also get the other party to owe him one, which could lead to more support for his work in the township in the future.

"Xiao Qiang." Chairman Shen Dawei's expression was serious.

"I am only doing this for the sake of your cousin. Although Township Head Li is young, he is extremely principled and cannot tolerate any sand in his eyes."

He lowered his voice: "You must not forget a single word Township Head Li said just now. If anything goes wrong, don't blame me for not warning you then."

Gao Qiqiang nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, brother-in-law, I will never embarrass you! I'll make arrangements tonight to properly thank you."

...

In the provincial capital, Mingzhou, night had fallen.

In the small woods of Jiang Province University of Science and Technology, a breeze blew, and the leaves rustled.

A young couple sat huddled together, the girl leaning on the boy's shoulder, whispering softly.

"Xiaoyan, good news!" the boy said excitedly.

"My dad asked someone to contact Division Chief Xie at the Provincial Department of Personnel. Have your dad come over this weekend, and our two families will take Division Chief Xie out to dinner to finalize your job."

The girl looked up, her eyes sparkling with joy: "Really, Brother Fan? I'll call my dad tomorrow!"

But soon, her eyes dimmed again.

"But... if I can't stay in Mingzhou to work, will your parents still agree to us being together?"

The boy held her hand tightly: "Don't worry! No matter the outcome, I will go wherever you go. To the ends of the earth, no one can separate us!"

The girl's eyes reddened with emotion: "Mhm, Brother Fan, you are so kind..."

The boy suddenly leaned in, his breathing becoming rapid: "Xiaoyan, since I'm so good to you, shouldn't I get a reward?"

The girl instantly blushed and lightly punched his chest: "You're annoying..."

The night breeze blew, the shadows of the trees danced, and the young figures gradually disappeared into the night.

...

On the other side, Gao Qiqiang was holding a meeting with his subordinates in a temporarily rented warehouse.

More than twenty sturdy men sat in a circle, some old, some young, all with dark skin and calloused hands. These were the brothers who had fought their way up with Gao Qiqiang from his fish stall.

"Brothers."

Gao Qiqiang stood in the middle, his voice loud and clear: "We've landed a big job! A ten-plus kilometer concrete road in Guantian Township, we start tomorrow!"

The crowd immediately began to discuss, their faces full of excitement.

"Brother Qiang, how much can we make this time?" a young man asked impatiently.

Gao Qiqiang glared at him: "Put the money issue aside for now. This was personally assigned by Township Head Li in the township; we must do a beautiful job!"

He looked around at everyone, his tone serious: "Listen to me carefully: use the best materials, follow the standards for construction. If anyone dares to cut corners, don't blame me for turning against you!"

Old Yang, smoking his dry pipe, said slowly: "Qiangzi, don't worry. Although we are a small construction team, our reputation is more important than our lives."

Gao Qiqiang nodded: "Old Yang is right. If we do well this time, there will be bigger projects waiting for us, and we won't have to worry about not making money."

He clapped his hands: "Alright, go get ready. Gather at five tomorrow, and we set off on time!"

After everyone dispersed, Gao Qiqiang stood alone at the warehouse door, gazing at the starry sky.

He knew this opportunity was hard-won and must be firmly grasped. It was not just about immediate interests, but also about whether he could firmly establish himself in this industry.

The night wind blew, and Gao Qiqiang's gaze became increasingly firm.

...

That morning, Director Du Cheng of the Township Credit Union hurried to the front of Li Dakang's office.

He straightened his slightly wrinkled suit collar and gently knocked on the door.

"Brother Du, what wind blew you here today? Please, sit!"

Li Dakang put down the documents in his hand and greeted him warmly.

Director Du Cheng forced a smile, sat down slowly, and sighed: "Sigh, brother, I wouldn't come to your door if I didn't have a reason!"