The tremors quickly passed, and those who had been frightened but unharmed began to eagerly contact their family and friends. Only after receiving assurances of their safety did they allow themselves to smile with relief.
In the face of natural disasters, everyone is insignificant. "Safety" is the greatest fortune one can have.
Wang Xianqing sat down beside Wang Lijun and handed his son a cigarette. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "What's your relationship with that... Xiao Ming like?"
"Just average," Wang Lijun scratched his head, "At the beginning, I didn't believe in him, just like you. Only Shen Siyi was on good terms with him.
Now they've started a company together, and I heard they just bought a plot of land for over two hundred million.
By the way, he told me when he came to the store to buy a car the day before yesterday, there will be an investment opportunity in a little over a month, and he wants me to prepare one or two million in funds."
Wang Xianqing nodded and patted his shoulder, saying, "I'll allocate two million five hundred thousand from the company's finances later. Two million for investing, and five hundred thousand for treating people to meals and giving gifts as appropriate.
We must properly express our gratitude to those who have saved us from such a big loss."
Similar conversations were taking place in the office of the director of the gynecology hospital.
Although the earthquake was not strong, hospitals are places where panic can easily arise, especially a gynecological hospital housing many pregnant women.
Therefore, Xiao Ming also gave Zhang Dachuan a heads-up yesterday.
Compared to Wang Xianqing's somewhat apologetic instructions, Zhang Wenli's words to his son were much more straightforward.
"You've finally made a friend that makes me proud. What are you dawdling for? Go call and express your gratitude right away, and then make plans to invite him for a meal.
Also, add Mrs. Xiao Ming's name to the VIP records system. Whenever she comes to our hospital, no matter the issue, we'll have expert consultations and luxury wards ready for her, got it?"
Meanwhile, Zhou Qingyuan was tidying up the shattered vases and glasses. Zhou Jicang had just finished the last of his obligatory phone calls and lit up a cigarette.
"When he says eight thirty, it's eight thirty. Xiao Ming is definitely not as simple as he seems!"
Zhou Qingyuan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "Dad, so far, he's the only man that I deem worthy of me."
"Cough, cough, cough..."
Zhou Jicang choked on his cigarette and began coughing violently. Zhou Qingyuan pouted her lips and stepped forward to pat his back and help him catch his breath.
It took a while before the old man felt better and, with a wry smile, said, "My girl, I know you've always been proud and care about few things. But even when it's just the two of us, can you please watch what you say, okay?
I'm too old to be frightened like that."
"I didn't mean to scare you, that was the truth."
"But he has a wife."
"Married people can get divorced! I don't believe that with my looks and abilities, I can't compete with a woman from an ordinary family."
Zhou Jicang's expression became serious as he looked at his daughter earnestly and said, "Qingyuan, you've been clever since you were young, and you know very well what you should and shouldn't do. That's why I've never restricted you and have let you do as you please.
But this time, I have to warn you.
You must have read the investigative report on Xiao Ming more than once. This man does not conform to the norm, his talents are immeasurable, and it's clear he plays by a set of rules exclusive to himself.
In ancient tales, such a person has a special name—Aberrant.
If you treat Xiao Ming like any other ordinary man out there, you will be the one to suffer, and it might be a colossal loss that you cannot recover from."
Zhou Qingyuan pouted her lips high in defiance and said with a face full of dissatisfaction, "It's so hard to find a man that catches my eye. Are you saying I shouldn't even give it a try? I won't be content with that."
In an average family, a daughter's determination to pursue a married man would definitely earn her a slap from her father.
But the Zhou Family was different. Zhou Jicang understood his daughter very well, realizing that not only could he not physically intervene, but he also couldn't be too forceful in stopping her, or the consequences would be unthinkable.
With a sigh, he said, "It seems that you've made up your mind. There's nothing much for Dad to say. I only hope that you remember one thing, never ever do anything to hurt Xiao Ming or his family."
"To be honest, I have never met such a mysterious young man in my life, and I worry that once you become enemies with him, I won't be able to protect you."
Zhou Qingyuan was stunned, utterly shocked.
Although she acknowledged Xiao Ming's strength, she had never felt he could compare with her father. Now hearing her father admit to being inferior, she was at a total loss for words.
Just then, Zhou Jicang's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he gave his daughter a look that signaled her to stay silent and answered respectfully, "Old Sir Shi, are you well?"
"I'm fine. I should thank you for your warning, Xiao Zhou!" Shi Qianshan sounded vigorous over the phone.
"This is what the younger generation should do. Besides, I was also reminded by someone else, you need not be concerned."
"Someone else? Could it be that young Mister Xiao you mentioned?"
"You've heard of Xiao Ming as well?"
"Yesterday, Mr. Muye came to examine me, and he mentioned a few words about him, which I found quite interesting," said Shi Qianshan. "Xiao Zhou, you have always been accurate in judging people. What do you think of this Xiao Ming?"
After pondering for a moment, Zhou Jicang replied, "I just discussed him with my girl. I thought of a word."
"Which word?"
"Aberrant."
At eleven o'clock noon, Duan Hongqing boarded the car waiting for him at Donghai Airport. Before he could exchange a few words with his second son who had come to pick him up, his assistant suddenly turned around from the passenger seat.
"Chairman, at 8:30 this morning, Longyin experienced a level 4 Richter scale earthquake, which brought down a three-story building and several houses. There have been no reported casualties so far."
Duan Hongqing froze, and after a long time, he let out a deep breath and patted the back of his son's hand saying, "Forget about the stock market competition, don't feel resentful. You're simply not in the same league as Xiao Ming.
Damn, why didn't I have a daughter all those years back? Such a good opportunity, and I let Zhou get the jump on it, it's infuriating."
Under the same sky, at different times and in different places, many people were talking about the name "Xiao Ming."
If before he was only the object of a few women's and a group of dandies' following, after this earthquake, he had formally entered the apex circle of Longyin City's hierarchy.
And years later, the nickname "Aberrant Xiao Ming," coined by Zhou Jicang, remained the protagonist of bizarre tales discussed over tea and dinner by many.
The scene returns to Maohe Real Estate.
Thanks to Xiao Ming's timely warning and advocacy, the company's employees suffered minor injuries, such as twisted ankles or scraped skin, but no significant harm. Economically, only a few monitors and light tubes were damaged, negligible losses.
Yet because of this, the way the employees looked at him had changed, from the previous curiosity and awe to clear admiration and submission.
What is leadership quality?
Actually, it's quite simple. In the animal kingdom, where 'herding' and 'admiration for the strong' are two features, being able to stand up in times of crisis, a few roars or a few words are enough.
This could also lead to an awkward result, where the person seen as a leader may actually be a sly and deceitful individual behind the scenes.
For example, after everything had settled down, Xiao Ming took a phone call alone in the pantry. At the end of the call, the cold smile on his lips would make anyone doubt he was a good person.
The pit prepared by fate was sealed, and now, it was time to start digging some people's graves.