Chapter 123: Denied

"I can swear on my life that there will be a massive, unexpected shift in the bond market in ten days! Hmm... and that is the second thing I wanted to discuss with you today."

The second thing?

The confusion on Huang Silu's face froze. His squinty eyes blinked repeatedly, and he remained silent for a long time.

*You bastard,* he thought, *this isn't you giving me advice. You're just casting a brick to attract jade, itching to bring up your own business! You son of a bitch, trying to trap me again!*

"Wu Ya, get out! You’d better leave right now and disappear forever! Otherwise, I’m going to find Liu Qian’s parents and tell them she’s staying at your place! I’ll have them call the police immediately and report you for abducting a minor!"

*Abducting a minor again!*

Watching Huang Silu stand up abruptly, his whole body trembling with rage, Wu Ya almost felt like crying. Why was everyone so intent on pinning this specific crime on him these past two days? Did this charge somehow perfectly match his suave, dashing temperament?

"Fatty Huang, you dare threaten me with Liu Qian? Fine! Go ahead, go right now! Alright, I’m off! I’m going to find Qiao Ya immediately, and let's see who ends up losing more!"

Though he felt frustrated, he absolutely could not lose his composure. Threats? *Heh.* Let’s see whose spine is weaker!

Without another word, Wu Ya turned and walked away with a firm, steady stride. There was not a hint of hesitation in his movements, and he certainly didn't look like he was merely trying to scare Huang Silu. He carried himself with the air of someone truly leaving in a fit of rage to confront Qiao Ya.

"Get back here! Fine, tell me, what is this second thing?"

Huang Silu caved. Psychological warfare? He had never won against Wu Ya. But he had his reasons for losing this time—when something concerns one's own happiness, what’s the harm in bowing one's head just once? A true man knows when to bend and when to stand tall. Those who only know how to stand tall are just thick-headed fools.

Besides, the first time he successfully caught Qiao Ya's attention, it was all this guy's doing. If Wu Ya really exposed him, his relationship with Qiao Ya would likely end right there.

"Heh, were you just busy finding a dozen excuses to justify backing down? It’s okay, there’s no shame in admitting it!"

They knew each other too well. If they could shapeshift, they would be the worms living inside each other's guts. Seeing the shifting expressions on Huang Silu’s face, Wu Ya knew he was just comforting himself.

"Quit the chatter! Are you going to tell me or not?"

"I'm telling, I'm telling! Why else would I have trekked all the way here? This is the rich neighborhood, miles away from our slums!" Wu Ya laughed, hurriedly sitting back down on the sofa. He patted the spot next to him, signaling for Huang Silu to sit. Standing right in front of him, he was blocking all the light.

"This second thing is indeed related to the advice I just gave you. But I swear on heaven, it was purely coincidental! I was thinking, I need to buy textile equipment, right? But I’m broke. I only asked you to prepare fifty thousand. Why don't we just bundle it into a hundred thousand? I'll borrow the other fifty thousand from you!"

He was short on cash. He had reached an agreement with Factory Director Pei that he would front the capital himself. But where would the money come from? He had none. That was when he thought of Huang Silu, and subsequently, of Huang Silu’s father.

Surprisingly, it had gone quite smoothly. His father had agreed without hesitation to facilitate the whole thing from start to finish. That was perfect. The rest would be simple.

For the past few days, he had been worried that if Huang Silu made money too easily, he would become addicted to the bond market. That was why he had only let him put fifty thousand into the market—just enough to impress Qiao Ya once more. Now, it was time to put that plan into action.

But Wu Ya had set a limit for himself. Once he achieved the desired effect for Huang Silu and covered his own investment, he would pull out immediately. It wasn't that he didn't want to make money; it was that he didn't want to attract too much attention so early on, just as the market was being established.

*The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be broken by the wind.* If you dazzle people once, they might think you’re just a lucky fool. But if you do it a second time, it’s clearly no accident. People would dig three feet deep to find him, and he’d never have a peaceful day again.

Furthermore, his point remained: he couldn't let Huang Silu think money came easily. The stock market is the easiest place for a person to get trapped. He needed to let the kid get used to the numbers in his account growing slowly. Fortunately, Huang Silu came from a good family and was used to seeing money; otherwise, he might have already lost his way after the first success.

"Hmph, I knew you were up to no good! You say you don't want the fifty thousand I promised you, but in your heart? You've never forgotten it for a second! You've been obsessing over it day and night, right? Probably even thinking about how to ask me for it while you sleep!"

The first time, Huang Silu had made a hundred thousand. While winning Qiao Ya’s heart, he had also pocketed a huge sum. Before buying the bonds, Huang Silu had suggested splitting all profits with Wu Ya, but Wu Ya had refused. Now, however, he needed the capital. Huang Silu knew that if Wu Ya said it was a loan, it was a loan.

But he just felt uncomfortable, and he wanted to give Wu Ya a hard time. Otherwise, how was he supposed to vent all that frustration?

"Hahaha, say whatever you want. I just want the money!" Wu Ya laughed loudly. His shamelessness made Huang Silu's sarcasm dissolve into thin air without leaving so much as a breeze.

"I have absolutely no way to deal with you! Why aren't you leaving yet? What are you waiting for? Dinner? We’ve got dog food!"

Unable to win the argument, he decided to just kick him out. If he kept looking at him, he’d probably end up depressed! Huang Silu waved his hand impatiently, his large head shaking so hard his ears seemed about to flap against the back of his neck.

*This kid is too fat,* Wu Ya thought. *If he keeps this up, Qiao Ya will eventually grow tired of him. As girls get older, that halo of admiration tends to fade. And as for gold-digging? With Qiao Ya’s looks, she’ll never be short of rich suitors.* The "brilliance" he had manufactured for Huang Silu had no expiration date—because it had no shelf life at all.

"Fatty Huang, honestly, you need to lose weight," Wu Ya said suddenly, his tone serious. This was a heartfelt truth. Without real substance, even if you win a girl’s heart for a while, it’s only temporary. When Huang Silu first started high school, he wasn't this fat; he was actually quite decent-looking. But as his weight ballooned, his features distorted. It was hard to imagine any girl being interested in him.

"Yeah, I'm considering it. It really needs to be on the agenda. Qiao Ya mentioned it to me the other day, too." Huang Silu nodded, his expression one of helpless determination. It was clear Qiao Ya’s opinion still held significant weight.

"Hey, how come your old man hasn't called back yet? I'm a busy man! Or maybe..."

"Or maybe you should leave. I'm not in a hurry!"

Wu Ya had intended to change the subject and gently prod Huang Silu, but before he could finish, Huang Silu cut him off with a smug, punchable expression. Just a moment ago, he had been desperate for Wu Ya to leave, but the moment he realized he had leverage, he felt invigorated.

"Forget it, I'll wait a bit longer. My brother is hurting over a woman; the least I can do is offer some comfort, right? Leaving right after getting what I need would be a bit ungentlemanly."

He had never once won a battle of wits against Wu Ya. This smugness of his was not only easily deflected by Wu Ya but turned back on him as an insult. *Hurting over a woman? Why would I be hurting? That son of a bitch is mocking me!* Huang Silu’s squinty eyes widened into green beans, but he was so choked up he couldn't utter a word.

A brief silence descended upon the room. Then, "Ring-ring..." The living room landline suddenly rang.

"Hurry up, answer it!" Wu Ya perked up, his eyes locked on the phone as he shoved Huang Silu several times. This might be the call from his father! If he could get a definitive answer, he could rush back to the factory and make Factory Director Pei happy.

"Don't rush me! The phone isn't going anywhere; I'll get it." Huang Silu rubbed the spot where Wu Ya had poked him, his face full of annoyance. *Bastard. He's got such a heavy hand. I bet I've got a bruise! Doesn't he know I have delicate skin?*

Reluctantly, Huang Silu picked up the phone Wu Ya had been waiting for.

"Hello?"

As he spoke, Wu Ya’s eyes stopped blinking. His ears perked up instinctively. He listened with rapt attention, but alas, he could hear nothing. Until... *Click.* Huang Silu hung up the phone.

"Well? Is it done?" Wu Ya stood up from the sofa in a flash, his eyes filled with undisguised anticipation.

Only in front of his brother could Wu Ya truly relax, shed his mask, and enjoy his youth. With Factory Director Pei and the others, all they ever saw was his wisdom. He had no choice; his age was already a reason for people to underestimate him. If he displayed his youthful nature as well, it would just create more obstacles for himself. People would think he was easy to bully and would naturally make things more difficult.

"Well, do you think there's anything in this Suiyan District that my old man can't handle?" Huang Silu replied slowly, uttering the words that made Wu Ya feel incredibly reassured.

*Why does Huang Silu look so handsome right now? How did all that blubber suddenly become a form of exotic beauty?*

"Fatty Huang, thank you so much! With this settled, the foundation for my grand blueprint is laid!" If not for the physical struggle, an excited Wu Ya would have loved to pick Huang Silu up and toss him into the air. But alas, his life was more important.

"Then why don't you get lost? I'm annoyed just looking at you!" Huang Silu waved his hand. He knew Wu Ya was busy.

A moment later, the crisp sound of a bicycle bell rang out as Wu Ya sped away from Huang Silu’s house.

"Oh, Factory Director Pei, why are you back so soon? How did it go?"

They had split up when they left; Pei had gone to the Neighborhood Office, while Wu Ya had headed straight to Huang Silu’s. He had assumed Pei wouldn't be back yet. Reporting to leadership and proposing a new concept took time! You had to pace yourself, ensure the leader didn't get annoyed, and then listen to their advice so you could refine your plan for the next pitch.

But here he was, walking into the office to see a depressed-looking Factory Director Pei staring out the window, his eyes filled with sorrow.

"Sigh... how else could it go? I barely opened my mouth before I was shut down! They didn't even give me a chance to explain the general concept or the specifics of you fronting the capital. It seems the leaders have already given up on Chensi! And, by extension, they’ve given up on me, too."

It hadn't even been a real conversation?

"Oh..." Wu Ya paused, immediately understanding. Indeed, just as Pei said, the leaders at the Neighborhood Office no longer had any faith in Chensi. Naturally, if they didn't value the factory, was the director still important? He had been ignored along with it.

The reason Pei was so melancholy was that he was lamenting his own fate. He had been full of hope, thinking he could use this opportunity to move up, but he hadn't even managed to make a ripple before being cast into hell. After struggling for half a lifetime, he had reached the end of the line in this position. Was he unwilling? It didn't matter. Who told him he had no one backing him? These days, promotion wasn't just about ability; it was about whether you had someone to champion you.

"Wu Ya, I'm sorry. Your partner is incompetent; I've hindered your future and affected your plans!" Factory Director Pei looked at Wu Ya. A deep sense of loss and overwhelming guilt mingled within him. If Wu Ya had chosen another factory, perhaps the situation would be much better, and perhaps this matter would have been handled with ease. But Chensi, in the hands of an incompetent director like himself, could only rely on Wu Ya to survive while failing to bring him any benefits. He couldn't even provide the slightest bit of help!

It was such a good opportunity. If it had succeeded, it wouldn't just have benefited him—it would have been a development opportunity for Chensi. Wu Ya was young and clearly had an infinite future. If one could build a relationship with someone like that while they were still finding their wings and strive for mutual growth, one could only imagine how Chensi would rise with the tide.

Take the current situation: if they could build a new textile workshop, Chensi would be the largest textile factory in the entire Suiyan District! And the only one still in production! Not only were they not shutting down, they were running at full capacity! But instead, these short-sighted leaders had rejected it outright.

After this, would Wu Ya even stay at Chensi? That had become an unknown. Even if he stayed out of politeness for the time being, he would surely look for greener pastures and seek other avenues to pave his own way and avoid the risks that could arise at any moment.

After all, relying on the current Chensi could no longer satisfy Wu Ya’s needs. Once the supply chain failed, how could he continue to develop and grow? Thus, Factory Director Pei was not only grieving for himself but also worried for Chensi. He was afraid that Wu Ya would get angry and just walk away.