"What do you want? You were the ones who started hitting people, don't you have any sense of reason?" Wang Aixiang finally understood. It turned out this so-called department head wanted to cause trouble for them.
If he had reasoned with her properly, Wang Aixiang might not have said anything. But now, with fines, business license revocation, and even attempts to lay hands on them, they weren't just being unreasonable; they were being outrageously presumptuous. Seeing the two staff members approaching with hostile expressions, Wang Aixiang decided to go all out. She gathered her breath and shouted, "Help! The head of the Administration of Industry and Commerce, Sun Zhiqiang, is trying to kill us!"
No one expected her to do such a thing. The two staff members backed away in alarm, and Sun Zhiqiang, fearing the situation would escalate, hurried forward to close the door.
Chen Lishu gave Wang Aixiang a look of approval.
"What's going on? Who's trying to kill whom?"
Hearing the voice, Sun Zhiqiang's expression changed slightly. He shot a fierce glare at Chen Lishu and Wang Aixiang, then turned towards the figure appearing at the doorway and smiled, "Director, what brings you here?"
Hearing Sun Zhiqiang's address, everyone instinctively straightened up and fell silent.
Han Shengquan's sharp gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Sun Zhiqiang with displeasure. "Section Chief Sun, what is going on here?"
Sun Zhiqiang quickly stepped forward, bowing slightly, and said respectfully, "Director, we received a report that a clothing store was inflating prices for exorbitant profits. This is a clear case of speculation and profiteering, an act we have always resolutely curbed. We found them to be extremely arrogant when we asked them for questioning, and they even resorted to violence. I've already sent someone to call the police. Don't worry, I can handle this small matter."
Han Shengquan frowned. Such a serious matter had occurred right under his nose? Seeing his displeased expression, Chen Lishu quickly explained, "Hello, Director. My name is Chen Lishu, and I am the owner of 'Shuse' clothing store. We sell bell-bottom pants, and their quality and workmanship are superior. In the south, they sell for twenty, but we only sell them for eighteen. Moreover, business hasn't been good, and we can barely cover basic expenses."
"After receiving the report, Section Chief Sun did not investigate or listen to my explanation. He directly intended to fine me five thousand and revoke my business license. I wanted to understand the reasons behind his actions and the regulations he was citing. He couldn't provide them and stated that here in the Administration of Industry and Commerce, he makes the rules. He can fine whoever he wants."
"You're talking nonsense!" Seeing Chen Lishu, this young girl, speaking so calmly in front of the Director, Sun Zhiqiang panicked and became agitated, resorting to foul language.
Chen Lishu didn't even spare him a glance and continued, "As for the violence, it was when this Section Chief's daughter suddenly appeared. Without understanding the situation, she immediately attacked me and repeatedly threatened to have her father ruin me."
"I didn't say that," Sun Ling hastily denied.
Chen Lishu didn't care whether she said it or not. She understood it that way and explained it accordingly.
"We were classmates. I admit we had some disagreements in the past, but I always thought they were just academic differences. She's not staff here, yet she was present. I strongly suspect the purpose of Section Chief Sun summoning me. He also slandered us, claiming my sister and I were causing trouble. There were four men in the office at the time. What kind of investigation requires four men? We two weak women were completely unfamiliar with such a scene, feeling flustered and scared, so we naturally shouted out."
Chen Lishu sniffled as she spoke, her voice involuntarily quivering.
She knew that no matter how excessive Sun Zhiqiang's actions were, he was still under the authority of the Director present. As the saying goes, officials protect officials. She was merely a small merchant with no power or influence. Even if she spoke eloquently today, with just one word from the Director, she would be forced back to square one.
Instead of stubbornly resisting, it was better to show some vulnerability. As long as the Director's scales tipped even slightly in her favor, she could get through this situation.
She wondered how Lin Qi was doing. Regardless, she had to protect the business license. As for the fine, if it couldn't be avoided, she would have to accept it. However, accepting it didn't mean she wouldn't pursue accountability for Sun Ling and her father's actions today. She would definitely make them pay the price.
"My dear niece, don't be afraid. Uncle will stand up for you. Let me see who is so arrogant, bullying a young girl with several strong men."
Chen Lishu's words were heard perfectly by Han Sheng Lin, who was standing outside the door. He understood the situation clearly: this was the surname Sun trying to abuse his power and exact personal revenge.
If it were anyone else, he might have turned a blind eye and pretended not to hear, as he wasn't part of the Administration of Industry and Commerce. But now, Chen Lishu was clearly being bullied.
Who was Chen Lishu? She was a great contributor who secured millions in orders for their factory. At the trade fair, she was the only English translator, and many people were vying for her services. Yet, she worked diligently and even offered valuable suggestions. It could be said that without Chen Lishu, with so many competitors, their factory would never have secured such large orders.
Now that this young lady was in trouble, could he just stand by and watch her be bullied? Absolutely not! Hearing his brother's address, Han Shengquan instinctively raised an eyebrow. He was sure he didn't have a daughter, so it must be one of the two women inside. He looked at Chen Lishu and Wang Aixiang suspiciously before speaking.
Chen Lishu looked up and gave Han Sheng Lin a grateful smile. "Thank you, Uncle Han."
"What does this have to do with you? If she violated regulations, she must be punished. The Director hasn't said anything yet, so why are you, an old man, interfering with such a condescending tone?"
"Ling'er, shut up!"
Sun Zhiqiang knew the relationship between Han Sheng Lin and their Director. Seeing Sun Ling speaking more and more inappropriately, he quickly interrupted her.
Sun Ling, however, paid no attention. "It's true, Dad. He just appeared out of nowhere and wants to meddle. He's getting too full of himself..."
Seeing the Director's increasingly stern expression, Sun Zhiqiang made a decisive move and slapped Sun Ling, "Shut up!"
Sun Ling was stunned by the slap. She was their only daughter and had been doted on by Sun Zhiqiang and his wife since childhood, never having been spoken to harshly. Now, being slapped in front of so many people, how could she accept it? Angrily, she stamped her foot, covered her face, and ran off crying.
"Director, my child is ignorant. I will speak to her properly when we get back."
Director Han's expression was calm. He didn't reply but turned to the other two staff members. "What exactly happened? You tell me."
Caught between their superior, Sun Zhiqiang, and Chen Lishu, who had the Director's own brother backing her, the two staff members deliberated for a while before speaking as truthfully and judiciously as possible.
"Since she did not operate according to regulations, she will be temporarily fined..."