CHAPTER 386: COOPERATION WITH HUA ZIFENG 371

Tian Sangsang found herself once again standing at the entrance of the State-Owned Huarun Food Factory.

After a few days, she had become quite familiar with the guard. Seeing her return, he grew increasingly impressed by her persistence. Such a pretty young woman, and yet her audacity was equally striking. Women like her were rare these days. As he thought this, his admiration was genuine—after all, even he couldn’t do what she had managed to accomplish. How did she pull it off?

In reality, Tian Sangsang didn’t feel as carefree as the elder guard imagined. She was uneasy. Four days of waiting, and Director Xu still hadn’t returned. How much longer would this wait last? How would she finally get the approval she needed? Her confidence wasn’t limitless, and her resolve was wearing thin. Today, she had decided that if she didn’t see Director Xu, it would be the last day she tried. Tomorrow, she’d have to explore other options.

Shoving one hand into his pocket, Hua Zifeng walked aimlessly, kicking small pebbles along the ground.

As he neared the factory, he instinctively lifted his gaze, noticing a graceful figure ahead. His interest sparked.

"Whoa, looks like a pretty chick."

He whistled; she didn’t turn around.

Another whistle; still, no reaction.

He approached her patiently.

Spotting her profile, he stared for a few moments, his amusement deepening: "Hey, little cupcake, we meet again!"

Tian Sangsang glanced around, only then realizing he was talking to her.

What’s wrong with him?

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and stared blankly at the factory gate.

"Hey, pretty girl, I’m talking to you. How can I, a warm-blooded man, compete with that factory gate for your attention?" Still receiving no response, Hua Zifeng waved at the guard nearby: "Old Zheng, why are you being so heartless? Leaving such a lovely lady standing in the sun like this? She’ll get a tan if you’re not careful."

The guard instantly ran over, wiping sweat as he explained bluntly: "Young Master Hua, this woman is here for the director, but she doesn’t have an introduction letter. I can’t let her in, so she’s been waiting here. You know her, huh?" He thought to himself, oh no, the troublesome young master is back. He’s wrecked enough lives already; is this girl his next casualty?

Could she actually escape his clutches?

And worse—do they actually know each other?!

Tian Sangsang overheard every word of their conversation. Her gaze toward Hua Zifeng shifted. Young Master Hua? Hua Family? Could he be another spoiled second-generation heir?

Her almond-shaped eyes swept up and down, sizing him up for a minute.

Hmm, he had the looks—a refined face, expressive features, and a nonchalant attitude. His outfit matched—white shirt and tailored trousers—that leaned toward casual elegance. His posture wasn’t as upright as Jiang Jinghuai’s; instead, there was a deliberate slouch, with one hand in his pocket. To manage turning proper business attire into something resembling a hooligan’s outfit—this was definitely a first for her.

"You’re looking for my uncle?" He raised his perfectly arched brows, his smile charming. "My uncle’s not here right now."

"Apologies." Tian Sangsang lifted her gaze to him, her tone flat: "Who’s your uncle? And why would I be looking for him?" There are countless uncles in the world.

Hua Zifeng tilted his head and let out a chuckle, then laughed louder: "My uncle, the director."

Tian Sangsang straightened up, shifting into a more respectful posture: "Ah, yes, I am looking for him. If you can get me in touch with him, I’d be deeply grateful."

"Then follow me in." Hua Zifeng didn’t hesitate, turning to lead the way. "To my uncle’s office."

Tian Sangsang stayed put: "Your uncle isn’t actually in his office."

"Wow, you sure are a cautious woman. What, you think I’d eat you alive?" He turned back lazily.

Tian Sangsang gave a light smile: "Of course. After all, it’s hard not to worry when I’m this pretty."

Hua Zifeng pivoted around, crossing his arms over his chest, his expression radiating amusement.

"You’re the first person to ever see through my motives."

"Likewise." Tian Sangsang raised her hand in a mock salute.

He scratched his chin, let his hand drop, and contemplated: "You know what? Let me tell you the truth. My uncle listens to my dad, and my dad listens to me. So, in reality, the head of this factory is me."

Tian Sangsang still didn’t budge.

He chuckled a few more times: "When my dad first saw me, you wouldn’t believe how thrilled he was. He grabbed me and cried, ’My son!’ Honestly, he was just shy of grabbing my family jewels and claiming me as his heir!" With that, he turned and strode inside.

"Oh." Tian Sangsang gave him a sideways glance and followed. After all, judging by the guard’s attitude earlier, maybe this guy really was the factory’s top decision-maker. Might as well take her chances—after all, someone whose family jewels were so precious might actually wield some power.

Hearing her footsteps behind him, Hua Zifeng raised a brow in surprise.

Inside the director’s office, Hua Zifeng slouched into the chair as though he were a collapsing landslide. Leaning back lazily, he crossed one leg over the other and picked up the documents on the desk.

"Alright, spit it out. What’s your business? I’m telling you now—our factory isn’t a place anyone can just waltz into. Unless you’ve got something worth talking about, don’t be surprised if I actually eat you alive."

He didn’t lift his gaze, his tone less playful than before, as he focused on flipping through the paperwork.

Of course she believed him; this was precisely the kind of behavior she expected from him.

Tian Sangsang watched him for a few seconds. With each page he read, his brows furrowed slightly. Standing calmly across the desk, she finally spoke: "I want the clothing factory you own on Beijing’s outskirts."

Hua Zifeng’s brows drew closer together, and his flipping hand paused briefly. He gave her a grin:

"You’re pretty bold. Asking for the moon and stars here. I, too, would like the stars and moon from the sky—who’s going to fetch them for me?"

Tian Sangsang replied, "There are people willing to fetch them, and it’s not impossible to get them—as long as the conditions are compelling enough. People risk their lives for money, and birds die for food. It’s just human nature."

Bold and straightforward, huh? Hua Zifeng: "Alright, let’s hear your conditions. Are we talking external or internal value?" To him, she was just joking. He didn’t believe a woman could accomplish much, though her looks made him curious enough to play along.

Tian Sangsang fixed her gaze on him: "I’ve developed a new type of fast food product that I guarantee will become a nationwide bestseller—the first of its kind domestically. I know, Mr. Hua, your factory dominates Beijing. Besides the food factory in the southern part of the city, you’re the leader. But personal enterprises and township businesses are starting to boom. It’s easy to foresee this trend continuing, which will inevitably eat away at your market share. As for your factory, all you produce are canned goods—there’s a lack of new products. If this trend continues, the future looks bleak."

Hua Zifeng frowned slightly, now taking her a bit more seriously. His uncle had only recently taken over the factory, without any significant achievements to his name and without a strong hold on his staff. The factions within the factory were mostly loyal to the former director. If the factory continued to idle along, surviving off scraps might be possible, but Hua Zifeng had bigger ambitions than just survival. He wanted to ride the waves of success.