Chapter 47: With a Wave of My Sleeve, I Leave Not a Cloud Behind (2/3)

Conference Room.

The clock hands pointed to 8:45. From today onward, Wang Qiang would no longer be affiliated with Jin Gong Machinery. As he looked at the familiar faces of Lu Dahai and Qin Xiaohui, he, who was not adept at expressing emotions, remained silent.

So, it’s over.
He could finally focus on his own affairs.

Wang Qiang sat quietly, his mind wandering far from the present, pondering whether he should play it safe or take a risk in the days ahead.

Lu Dahai’s voice pulled him back to reality. “Xiao Wang, I won’t say much by way of thanks. This is your rightful reward.” He pulled a bulging envelope from the folder and pushed it across the table.

“Thank you.” Wang Qiang took it, gave it a squeeze—it was thick, not quite what seven hundred yuan bills should feel like. Perhaps Boss Lu had slipped in some extra cash, but he didn’t dwell on it, carefully tucking it into his pocket.

“Xiaohui, see Xiao Wang out for me. I’m off to check the workshop.” Lu Dahai’s tone was a bit unusual; he got up and hurried away.

Although Lu Dahai’s manner seemed odd, Wang Qiang didn’t give it much thought—the contract was fulfilled, the payment received, nothing more to fuss over.

Yet Qin Xiaohui seemed somewhat awkward, casting a dissatisfied glance toward the doorway but defending him, “Qiangzi, sorry about that. Old Lu’s probably nervous about signing the contract this afternoon, so he’s keeping an eye on the workshop. Come on, let me walk you out.”

Wang Qiang stood up and waved his hand, “Sister Xiaohui, really, no need. You have your own things to do.”

Qin Xiaohui walked over and gave him a sidelong look, “What’s wrong? Afraid I’ll eat you?”

Wang Qiang, embarrassed, didn’t dare respond.

They left the conference room, chatting as they walked.

Down the stairs.

Qin Xiaohui held the railing, asking, “So, what are you planning next?”

“No real idea yet,” Wang Qiang replied vaguely.

Qin Xiaohui glanced around to make sure no one was nearby, then whispered, “Thank you for speaking up for me that day.”

He understood she meant the day she became the safety manager. Lu Dahai had sounded hesitant, but ultimately asked for Wang Qiang's opinion. Wang Qiang had already learned from Liao Wenfeng that Lu Dahai had intentionally brought Qin Xiaohui into management, likely to test whether his “second marriage” wife would prove trustworthy.

In the factory, aside from Liao Wenfeng, Qin Xiaohui was the closest to him. Wang Qiang wanted to warn her, but it was her family matter, and he didn’t feel right interfering. In the end, he simply nodded silently.

“Qiangzi, look at me.” As they reached the second-floor landing, Qin Xiaohui suddenly uttered something cryptic.

Remembering her playful teasing not long ago, Wang Qiang felt awkward. Fearing she’d stir things up again before he left, he avoided her gaze. “Sister Xiaohui, just tell me what you want to say. I’m listening.”

No sooner had he spoken than two fragrant arms settled on his shoulders. Wang Qiang was startled and looked up.

He saw Qin Xiaohui gazing at him with utmost seriousness. Her voice was solemn, “You may not realize how much you helped me, but I’ll make you a promise: Whenever you’re in trouble and can’t resolve it, come to me. If it’s within my power, I’ll help you to the end.”

Wang Qiang saw the sincerity in her face and finally murmured, “Alright.”

He had meant to politely decline, but seeing how earnest she was, he couldn't bring himself to refuse such goodwill, so he accepted. As for what use this favor might have in the future, he didn’t consider it. Wang Qiang believed he’d never need to ask for help.

…

At the factory gate.

The wind rustled the dawn redwoods on either side, making them creak. The sun was half-hidden behind clouds, and the air was not hot, but carried a hint of coolness—rare comfort for mid-August.

Wang Qiang waved to Qin Xiaohui at the gate. “Sister Xiaohui, go on inside. See you around.”

“Alright, I’m heading in.” Qin Xiaohui waved back and turned to walk inside.

Looking at the peeling walls and rust-stained gate of Jin Gong Machinery, Wang Qiang was suddenly reminded of a poem by Xu Zhimo.

Quietly, I leave, just as quietly as I came.
I wave my sleeve, not taking away a single cloud…

“Xiao Wang!”

A voice suddenly exploded at his ear.

In the midst of his melancholy, Wang Qiang jumped, exclaiming, “Good grief, who’s there?” He patted his chest and spat on the ground, then glanced sideways.

He saw Lu Dahai grinning as he poked his head around the dawn redwood, beckoning him over.

Wang Qiang was speechless. He had just wondered why Lu Dahai had left so quickly—turns out he was waiting outside the factory for him.

What could it be?
So mysterious.

He walked over and asked, “Boss Lu, what’s this about?”

Lu Dahai glanced back toward the factory before speaking. “I want to discuss something with you.”

“What is it?” Wang Qiang was curious.

Lu Dahai smiled sheepishly. “Some time ago, I gave you a watch. I bought it when I married my ex-wife. I…”

Before he could finish, Wang Qiang immediately took the watch off his wrist and handed it back. “I understand.”

So that’s it. No wonder the secrecy. If Qin Xiaohui found out, the couple would probably have a big row. If it were him, he’d do the same. Wang Qiang empathized with Lu Dahai; the watch meant nothing, but a man should be honest.

Lu Dahai took the watch and sighed, “It’s been with me for years. Without it, I really don’t feel right.” He put the Shanghai brand watch in his pocket, then pulled out a black leather-strap watch and handed it over. “Take this.”

Wang Qiang was perplexed. “Huh?”

“What do you mean, 'huh'? Take it.” Lu Dahai shoved it into his hand. “When I give something, I don’t expect it back. That watch meant too much, I had to ask for it, but this one can be your replacement.”

Wang Qiang hurried to return it. “Really, I don’t need a watch, it’s no use to me…”

“Keep it.” Lu Dahai’s face turned stern. “Refusing means you look down on me.”

With things stated so plainly, not accepting would be rude, though Wang Qiang still felt awkward.

Lu Dahai chatted with him for a bit, then patted his shoulder. “I won’t say more. Remember, if you ever have nowhere to go, Jin Gong Machinery will always welcome you.” He added self-mockingly, “I just worry this little temple won’t be able to accommodate a big Buddha like you.”

Wang Qiang was amused. “I’m just a poor student—what temple can’t hold me? Come on, Boss Lu, don’t joke. I’m heading home.”

“Alright, I’d better go too. Xiaohui will be looking for me soon.” Lu Dahai nodded and went back toward the factory.

Wang Qiang watched him until he reached the guard room before looking away.

He was just about to leave when Lu Dahai’s voice rang out from not far away, “Old Yang, if Xiao Wang tries to come in later, don’t let him. Remember!”

Uh?

What did that mean?

Wang Qiang immediately sensed something was off. His first thought was the thick envelope. He took it out, counted the bills—ten crisp hundred-yuan notes. He was deeply moved. Lu Dahai had given him three hundred extra, but that alone shouldn’t warrant Old Yang barring his entry.

Could it be...

He glanced at the watch and drew a sharp breath.

This black leather-strap watch was a Longines. Even the cheapest Longines cost several thousand yuan. An average worker earned only three hundred a month. He didn’t know much about watch models, but Wang Qiang understood it would take a worker two years of saving to afford the watch now on his wrist.

He was unsettled, and hurriedly called out, “Boss Lu!”

Lu Dahai, just rounding the corner, heard the shout and broke into a run, not listening to a word.

Wang Qiang panicked and tried to dash inside to return the watch.

But Old Yang blocked his way. “Xiao Wang, don’t blame me for not giving you face. The boss said you can’t come in.”

Wang Qiang pointed inside, “He… he…”

“I get it.” Old Yang sighed, his expression grave. “Lu Dahai, that old turtle, always up to no good. He’s always finding ways to skim money from the workers, and now he’s probably taken you for a ride too, right? You can’t win against him. Go on home.” He waved his hand.

Wang Qiang: “...”

What is he talking about?

He didn’t scam me. He gave me a windfall.

And those tricks for skimming money from the workers weren’t even his idea—they were mine.

But Wang Qiang didn’t dare say any of this aloud, fearful that if he did, the two or three hundred employees of Jin Gong Machinery would hate him to death, and might even sneak up on him some night with a club.

With no way to get back into the factory, Wang Qiang was resigned. The expensive watch felt like a hot potato, but he decided to return it to Boss Lu at dinner tonight. For now, he’d go home and discuss with his mother about not going back to school. He wondered if she would agree.