Chapter 54 Abusing Public Power for Private Gain, Only to Be Slapped in the Face

Commercial Street, inside the shop.

“Old Zhou, can you stop being lazy? Come over and give me a hand.”

Youliuhua, wearing a mask, waved at Zhou Zheng, her eyes filled with disdain.

“Come on, Liuhua, at least call me Senior. You make me sound like some middle-aged uncle,” Zhou Zheng said helplessly as he came over to help Liuhua steady a drawing board. Liuhua scribbled on it without even looking up.

“You look much older than my Brother Luo. Why shouldn’t I call you Old Zhou? Hurry up and work! Hold it steady, why are you so clumsy?”

Hearing Liuhua’s complaints, Zhou Zheng rolled his eyes. How could he possibly look older than Chen Luo? They were clearly the same age.

But this girl, always talking about Brother Luo, and the way she looked at Chen Luo was full of affection. Clearly, she liked him too.

Chen Luo really was popular with girls, but unfortunately for them, President Wen had already claimed him. No way a little girl could compete for that.

“Old Yu, sorry to trouble you today. Let’s get everyone to handle these boards first. Once this little girl’s designs are finalized, we’ll officially start tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, Young Master Zhou.” Yu Dongshan called out to the team, urging them to cut and process the wooden boards and materials.

While everyone was busy, the shop door opened. A tall man in uniform strode in, followed by a group of people.

“Market Enforcement Team. Who’s in charge here?”

Zhou Zheng narrowed his eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting beneath his mask. Liu Feng’s next move came quickly.

Liuhua tugged his sleeve and whispered, “Should we call Brother Luo and ask Sister Wenwan for help?”

“No!” Zhou Zheng refused outright. If he made that call, not only would he fail Chen Luo’s test for sure, he’d lose his chance to cling to the prodigy. Even President Wen’s goodwill toward the Liu family would drop to zero. Forget about the Zhou family hitching a ride on the Wen family’s coattails—if President Wen got angry, he and his father would be left begging on the street.

Besides, if he couldn’t even handle Liu Feng’s tricks, he might as well start begging now.

“You step back. Leave this to me.” Wearing his mask, Zhou Zheng stepped forward to greet the group.

“I’m the store manager. May I ask what brings you all here?”

Zhou Zheng looked at the leader, instantly recalling his background: a collateral relative of the Liu family, probably named Liu Fang.

“I’m Liu Fang from the District Market Bureau’s Food Service Approval Office. According to regulations, you must obtain a business license before starting any renovations on a restaurant. Otherwise, renovations are prohibited!”

Liu Fang looked at Zhou Zheng with contempt. Only a pair of young eyes showed above the mask—clearly just a student.

A little brat actually dared to offend the Liu family’s young master? He really didn’t know his place.

If this milk tea shop actually opened, he might as well quit as the department head.

“Oh, our approvals are all in order. We got them from the city bureau,” Zhou Zheng replied, producing a document clearly stamped by the city bureau, with his direct supervisor’s signature in plain sight.

Seeing the signature, Liu Fang’s eyes narrowed. How did this kid get the city bureau’s stamp? Could he have some background?

There weren’t many families in the catering business who could take on the Lius. But those big families wouldn’t bother with such a small business. Besides, Liu Feng said the owner, Chen Luo, was just a freshman with an ordinary background—not connected to any major families. Maybe he was overthinking it.

“Hmph! This approval is fake! The city bureau would never bypass us to approve you. You dare forge documents?”

“Check this shop thoroughly for any other violations, then seal it up and suspend business for a month!”

Tearing the document to shreds, Liu Fang ordered his men to begin a showy inspection, deliberately making things difficult for everyone present.

“Director Liu, this is against regulations. Aren’t you afraid I’ll file a complaint against you?” Zhou Zheng asked with a smile, showing no fear.

“Go ahead. I’m also head of the Complaints Office. Let’s see if anyone cares,” Liu Fang retorted, clapping his hands lightly. “Such power in your hands, Director Liu. But are you sure you know who’s behind you?”

“Oh? Planning to run, kid? Do you think that childish trick will help you?” Liu Fang sneered. “We’ve already investigated your background. Just a few college students playing around. Do you expect that Chen Luo kid to have some incredible background?”

“Well, you never know.” Zhou Zheng grinned and waved at someone behind Liu Fang. “Hello, Section Chief Meng.”

Hearing the title, Liu Fang spun around and saw a middle-aged man in a black administrative jacket, his face dark as thunder.

“Director Liu Fang, do you remember me?”

“M-Meng… Section Chief Meng Dong, I—”

Liu Fang’s heart trembled. Standing before him was the city bureau’s Discipline Inspection Chief, responsible for oversight and investigating violations.

“Good, as long as you remember. You’ve been reported for dereliction of duty, abusing your position for personal gain, and disrupting the market environment. Come with me,” Meng Dong ordered.

Hearing he was to be taken away, Liu Fang panicked. Over the years, he’d used his Liu family background to do plenty of questionable things. If he was detained, he’d rot in prison.

“Section Chief Meng, you must be joking. My uncle, Liu Gan, has always guided me well. I’ve been very careful.”

Liu Gan was Liu Feng’s father—Liu Fang was trying to use the family name to intimidate Meng Dong into letting him off.

“Liu Fang, don’t waste your breath. Even your Liu family can’t protect you now.”

At Meng Dong’s command, two young officials stepped forward and grabbed Liu Fang.

“No! Who did I offend? My uncle can’t possibly let this happen!”

“You offended me. No need to wonder,” Zhou Zheng said, taking off his mask and looking Liu Fang in the eyes. “Ask your Liu Feng when you get back.”

Seeing Zhou Zheng’s face, Liu Fang was stunned.

Zhou Zheng! The eldest son of the Zhou family, the catering tycoon of Hangzhou!

Why the hell was he wearing a mask? If I’d known it was his shop, you couldn’t pay me to come here!

No, this must be Liu Feng’s doing.

“Take him away!” Meng Dong ordered, and Liu Fang was escorted out.

Outside, Liu Fang looked up and saw Liu Feng peering down from the second floor. He shouted furiously:

“Liu Feng, you useless fool! You didn’t even know who you were up against! You’ve ruined me!”

Liu Feng and Tang Xiwei stared in confusion at the furious Liu Fang below. What on earth just happened?

…

Hangzhou University, Boxue Building, Room 502.

“All right, class. Something urgent has come up. Next period is rescheduled for tomorrow. You’re dismissed.”

As the finance professor announced the end of class, Chen Luo quickly packed his things and hurried out.

“Class ended early. I’d better go check on how the renovations are going. I can’t always just be a hands-off boss.”