When Zhou Hu mentioned Gao Qilan, the atmosphere instantly turned strange.
Gao Qisheng, standing behind, knitted his brows slightly and looked at his elder brother with a hint of worry.
As for Zhou Long, who stood beside them and was Xiao Hu's biological brother, how could he not understand the implications of the words?
Gao Qiang had told the punk before that Gao Qilan held an important position at the cosmetics factory and had an unclear relationship with Gao Fei.
After the punk brought back the business card and the information, they were only suspicious about Gao Qilan's position as HR manager.
However, their so-called ambiguous relationship made them highly suspicious.
After all, with Gao Fei's status and position, what kind of woman couldn't he find?
If Gao Qilan were placed among the actresses in the entertainment industry, her looks and temperament would only be considered average at best.
Now, with the direct store opening, Gao Qilan had been conspicuously absent.
This was why Zhou Hu became suspicious and posed a probing question, wanting to see how Gao Qiang would respond and explain.
Zhou Long noticed his brother's gaze and, understanding his intent, chimed in, "Brother Qiang, I heard on the way here that Xiao Lan hasn't shown up at all since the opening. As the representative for Gao Lan Cosmetics' direct store, it's impossible for her not to be present today, right?"
The questioning from the Zhou brothers made Gao Qiang instantly nervous, his mind racing.
Before he could speak, Zhou Long leaned closer and, in a voice only they could hear, said again, "Brother Qiang, you told Ah Huang earlier that Xiao Lan had some kind of relationship with Boss Gao. Now, not only is Xiao Lan missing, but Boss Gao hasn't sent anyone to congratulate us either. Old Gao, are you lying to us?"
Brother Long's teasing tone was filled with doubt and mockery.
The punk and his two confidantes nearby changed their expressions upon hearing this, their eyes immediately focusing on Old Gao.
Feeling the malice from the Zhou brothers and the unfriendly gazes of his subordinates, Gao Qiang appeared outwardly calm, his face showing no ripples.
But inwardly, he was like an ant on a hot pan, extremely anxious and tense.
He had already thought of countless excuses in his mind to deal with the doubts raised by the Zhou brothers.
However, even he himself couldn't be convinced by those reasons, let alone the sharp-witted Zhou Hu.
"Brother Qiang, why aren't you talking? Did my elder brother's question hit a nerve?" Zhou Hu's calm scoff, his eyes fixed on Gao Qiang, who was forcing himself to remain calm.
His elder brother Zhou Long grinned knowingly and echoed, "Old Gao, we are indeed afraid of Gao Fei and wouldn't dare to touch his company employees, including Xiao Lan. We also wouldn't dare to cause trouble at any of his businesses, seeking our own demise. But you, Old Gao, are putting on an act to fool us? Do you really think we're easily fooled, like playing with an idiot?"
Brother Long sneered coldly, his hands behind his back, his imposing aura intensifying as he continued, "Are you and Gao Qisheng Gao Fei's people? No! If you're not his people, do you think he'd deign to help you out of kindness? I may not dare to smash the store, but do I not dare to deal with you two Gao brothers?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the punk and the other two subordinates surrounded Gao Qiang and Gao Qisheng.
Now that his lie had been exposed, Gao Qiang was completely flustered, his eyes no longer showing the feigned calmness from before.
Gao Qisheng clenched his fists, glancing at Zhou Long, Zhou Hu, and the three subordinates, his murderous intent now undeniable.
The sudden commotion in front of the cosmetics store immediately drew the attention of surrounding merchants.
Looking at the cornered Gao brothers and the overbearing Zhou brothers, everyone's faces showed either schadenfreude, mockery, or indifference.
"I really thought Old Gao had some connection with Gao Fei. I wanted to rely on Old Gao to get out of paying that protection fee, but it seems it was all nonsense!"
"Gao Fei is a young man worth hundreds of millions, a rising star in the scientific research community. With the status of the Gao siblings, they could actually get close to Boss Gao? It's obvious that Gao Qiang was lying!"
"Zhou Long and his gang were beaten into the hospital three days ago and have been holding a grudge. Gao Qiang lied to them, and he can't escape a beating today!"
"Gao Qiang tried to play smart, and now he's completely messed up!"
After Gao Qiang had used his supposed connection to intimidate the punk, those groundless rumors had spread throughout North Factory Street.
The shop owners had truly believed that Old Gao had some connection with Gao Fei.
But now, not only was there no sign of the higher-ups from Gao Lan Cosmetics, but Gao Qilan was also missing.
And as Zhou Long and his group were about to make a move, those rumors were instantly debunked.
Just as Zhou Long and the others were rubbing their hands together, ready to teach the Gao brothers a harsh lesson, several honks suddenly sounded from the end of the street.
"Beep! Beep! Beep!"
As the horns sounded, the merchants blocking the street immediately moved aside.
Five luxury cars worth millions, with their hazard lights flashing, drove in at a steady pace under the envious gazes of the merchants.
As the merchants wondered which wealthy boss was inside and what business they had on North Factory Street, they saw the five luxury cars drive a short distance and slowly pull up in front of Gao Lan Cosmetics' direct store.
The next second.
The Gao brothers, the Zhou family's ruffian team, and the surrounding merchants.
Everyone's eyes widened and their faces were filled with astonishment as they watched the people emerging from the five luxury cars.
From the first car, Gao Qilan, wearing light makeup, was the first to appear in everyone's sight.
Then came the executives of Gao Lan Cosmetics, Director Ding Yao and others.
Everyone gathered around the middle car and quickly formed two lines.
*Clack!*
The car door slowly opened.
A young man in a light blue casual outfit, wearing sunglasses, walked into the sunlight.
With his handsome appearance, elegant demeanor, and a faint smile playing on his lips, the young man's identity was immediately recognized.
It was Gao Fei, who had been secretly transferred to the research institute and had been out of public view for a month, now appearing in public for the first time.
"Comrade Xiao Gao!"
Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted.
Instantly, the crowd on the street took out their phones and started snapping photos of the tall and handsome Gao Fei!
More than a dozen young fan-like passersby even rushed forward for autographs and photos.
Originally, the opening of Gao Lan Cosmetics' direct store was the focus of attention on North Factory Street today.
But with Gao Fei's appearance, all the so-called focus was stolen by him.
His appearance caused a traffic jam on North Factory Street.
It wasn't until the police and traffic police were dispatched that the fans who were clamoring for photos and autographs finally dispersed, and order was restored to the street.
At this moment, inside the Gao Lan Cosmetics direct store.
Gao Qiang, who had been cornered and was about to be beaten, now wore his usual peaceful smile as he looked at Gao Fei, who was surrounded by a crowd outside, and Gao Qilan standing beside him.
He leaned back in his chair, leisurely sipping tea, while Gao Qisheng, sitting to his left, had a look of amusement on his face.
As for Zhou Long and Zhou Hu and the others, they stood by, their expressions stunned.
They glanced at Gao Fei, who had suddenly appeared outside, then at the incredibly calm Gao Qiang, and felt a myriad of emotions.
Gao Fei's sudden appearance at the opening ceremony finally confirmed the previously questioned rumors!
"Qiang, Qiang, Brother Qiang."
Zhou Long stammered.
But before he could finish, Gao Qiang pulled out a chair and said with a smile, "Have some tea, Little Long. We're all from the same neighborhood. What happened just now is in the past!"
His magnanimous attitude immediately moved the Zhou brothers.
The Dragon and Tiger brothers ultimately did not sit down but instead picked up the teacups, serving tea with smiles.
Their eagerness to please made Gao Qiang feel incredibly comfortable and satisfied.
His mindset was also rapidly changing at this moment.
Meanwhile.
At the entrance of North Factory Street.
A black car was parked by the roadside, with four plainclothes men inside.
"Captain Ge, should we go over now?"
The man in the driver's seat asked.
Ge Qing, in the passenger seat, glanced at the dispersing crowd ahead and waved his hand, saying, "Let's wait a bit longer. His status is unusual, and rushing over now would have a significant impact!"