20: Chapter 20 Pangdahai Decoration Company

Chen Hao tossed and turned all night, yet he didn't feel the slightest bit tired.

To test his physical fitness after body tempering, Chen Hao chose to go for a morning run to release his restless energy.

He ran from the bustling commercial district all the way to the night market in the old town, covering over twenty kilometers. Chen Hao jogged the entire way without even breathing hard.

On the way past the morning market, he also picked up some breakfast.

When he arrived at the stocking store, the roller shutter was down. It was only a little past 7 AM, so Zhang Menglu hadn't woken up yet.

"Knock, knock, knock."

"Open up, the sun is shining on your butt."

It took about five minutes before Zhang Menglu lazily opened the roller shutter.

She was only wearing one oversized T-shirt, and under the sunlight, one could vaguely see that she was not wearing anything underneath.

Yawning lazily, her eyes were completely bloodshot.

As soon as Chen Hao entered the room, Zhang Menglu pulled the roller shutter down again. Yawning, she mumbled as she walked further inside.

"What were you up to again last night?"

Chen Hao put down the breakfast. Zhang Menglu collapsed onto the bed to catch up on sleep.

"I brought you breakfast. Eat it while it's hot, then you can sleep."

Zhang Menglu mumbled drowsily.

"I'm not eating. You eat it yourself. I was busy until very late last night, chatting with customers in the member group of over 500 people all night, and I waited for you all night too. I'm exhausted now."

It was clear she was genuinely tired, unlike the previous two days when she was always very energetic and excited when Chen Hao returned.

Chen Hao ate while observing her.

Zhang Menglu sleeping was even more beautiful, especially her pair of long, straight legs crossed lazily, with the blanket barely concealing them—a sight that never tired the eyes.

"You rest well today. Leave the decoration matters to me. I'll go coordinate this morning, and we need to leave for Guangcheng tomorrow. I've already booked the plane tickets."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Menglu instantly perked up, half-sitting and leaning back as she looked at Chen Hao.

"We're leaving tomorrow? Then should I still set up my stall tonight?"

Chen Hao calmly stated.

"Of course not. The money earned these past few days should be enough. Consider today a day off for yourself, and you should rest well too."

Zhang Menglu dragged her tired body to sit by the dining table and ate breakfast with Chen Hao.

"I've never been to Guangcheng. I don't know anyone there. Do I need to bring anything?"

Chen Hao affectionately rubbed her head.

"Don't worry, I've got everything covered. You just need to bring some intimate clothing; you can buy the rest in Guangcheng."

After that, the two chatted a bit more about the decoration topic. Chen Hao's intention was to find a professional decoration team to specifically design the style for the new store.

After breakfast, Chen Hao set off to discuss the decoration matters, while Zhang Menglu needed to continue sleeping.

The professional decoration team Chen Hao was looking for had quite an unusual background.

The boss was named Pang Dahai. Although his name sounded quite funny, he was actually a former criminal investigator. Because he sustained serious injuries during a mission, he retired early from the front lines and went into business, opening a Decoration Company.

Pang Dahai's employees were also not ordinary people; they were all ex-convicts released from prison.

Because society viewed people like them with prejudice, making it hard for them to find legitimate work, Pang Dahai took them in to earn a small amount of money to support their families.

Chen Hao met Pang Dahai purely by chance. In a fiercely competitive business district, apart from ability, background was everything.

Pang Dahai's construction team had ability, but their background was somewhat unsavory, which is why they were often looked down upon.

Chen Hao didn't care at all. Whenever a familiar company needed renovation, he would recommend Pang Dahai's team. Over time, Chen Hao and Old Pang became quite familiar.

Secondly, the main reason for seeking out Pang Dahai today was also to prevent Wang Kaiming from hiring thugs to retaliate against him.

Chen Hao had beaten Wang Kaiming yesterday. Given that scoundrel's personality, he definitely wouldn't let it go easily.

Even if evidence couldn't be found that Chen Hao was the one who struck him, Wang Kaiming didn't need evidence; his retaliation would certainly be even more ferocious than before.

Chen Hao absolutely could not agree to swallow his pride and act like a coward.

Therefore, after much thought, Chen Hao realized the only way that was legitimate, allowed him to be in the right, and achieved two goals with one action was this method.

If thugs really dared to come looking for trouble, Chen Hao could then openly beat Wang Kaiming up again, and afterward, he wouldn't have to bear any legal responsibility.

After leaving the house, Chen Hao immediately called Pang Dahai.

"Old Pang, it's Chen Hao."

"Brother Hao Zi, I heard about you being fired. Your former company is truly inhuman."

Chen Hao looked embarrassed.

"We can talk about that later when we meet. I'm calling you because I have business to introduce to you."

"Really? Then come to my shop, and we can discuss it in detail when we meet."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Hao hailed a taxi and headed straight for the Pang Dahai Decoration Company.

Calling it a company was an overstatement; it was actually just a small workshop.

On the way,

Lin Xiaomeng contacted Chen Hao via Alipay (phone blocked, WeChat blocked, only Alipay could be used). She sent many messages trying to pry information, asking where he was, and saying she wanted to meet up to discuss things based on their past relationship, etc.

If he didn't know the truth, he might actually have been fooled by her.

Lin Xiaomeng, oh Lin Xiaomeng, you truly disappoint me!

After getting out of the taxi, Chen Hao first looked around to confirm there were surveillance cameras everywhere before using Alipay to type a reply, telling Lin Xiaomeng his current location.

After completing all that, Chen Hao resolutely stepped into the Pang Dahai Decoration Company.

As soon as he entered the main door, the construction workers, bored, were playing cards to pass the time, but they still greeted Chen Hao politely.

"Brother Hao!"

"Hao Zi is here! I just brewed some Longjing tea, come over quickly and try it."

Pang Dahai stood at the entrance, waving enthusiastically at Chen Hao.

Chen Hao glanced at the indoor surveillance, confirmed everything was fine, and then entered the office.

A tea tray was set on the desk, and Pang Dahai was pouring tea for Chen Hao.

"You just resigned, and you still thought of your old brother when you had business. I truly feel indebted to you."

Chen Hao didn't stand on ceremony and sat directly opposite him.

"This is my own business. A friend of mine is opening a stocking store on the commercial street and just rented the shop. I came to you to design it."

The two drank tea and chatted for about half an hour.

"Bang!"

The Decoration Company's main door was violently kicked open.

Chen Hao's heart stirred—they had arrived!

Four or five thugs carrying clubs, wearing masks, and shouting boisterously rushed in. They were clearly gangster types.

As soon as they entered, they acted aggressively, shouting and roaring at everyone present.

"Hands on your head and squat down!"

"I told you to squat! What are you looking at!"

"If you don't want a beating, get out of the way and stand over there!"

Pang Dahai was somewhat stunned, confused about what was happening, and rushed out of the office to check the situation outside.

"Brothers of the martial world, let's talk things over nicely. There's no need for knives and guns!"

After Pang Dahai went out, he tried his best to manage the situation and prevent the violence from escalating.

The masked thugs, carrying clubs, were shouting aggressively and acting wildly.

Brother Hu, the leader, pointed his club at Pang Dahai.

"This is none of your business. Tell Chen Hao to come out and die! You, get over there and squat down!"

Looking for Chen Hao?

Pang Dahai and the construction workers were collectively stunned.