Chapter 72 (1/2)

He’s A Dog

Xia Lei went to the bank to withdraw 200,000 the next day and brought it to Thunder Horse Workshop. The employees had already started working earnestly though they were just some small orders.

Zhou Xiao-Hong did not listen to him and was not resting. She was holding a painting brush and metal ruler, drawing on the steel plate for Ma Xiao-An and the others, making it more convenient for them to cut the materials and save time.

Seeing her work hard reminded Xia Lei of the situation last night when he was bandaging her wound for her. That white thigh, that gap that appeared because of the bandaging…

‘I really need to find myself a woman. It’s not good for me to be so sensitive all the time.’ Xia Lei shook his head and smiled wryly as he chased the images in his head away. This wasn’t the first time he’d thought of getting himself a woman but it seemed to be just a mantra. It was easier said than done to find a woman to love and to be with.

He thought of Shentu Tian-Yin for no apparent reason; that haughty, queen-like woman. He smiled wryly again, and thought ‘I keep thinking of her for no reason. Does this mean that she is the woman I want? What a joke. I really should know my limits…’

Zhou Xiao-Hong was the first to see Xia Lei enter the workshop and she got to her feet, “I’ll make you tea, Big Brother Lei.”

“Didn’t I tell you to rest? Why are you working?” asked Xia Lei.

Zhou Xiao-Hong gave a small laugh, “Nah, I’m not doing heavy work. I’m just drawing. It’s no different from resting.”

“Be careful. Don’t get hurt again,” Xia Lei cautioned.

“Mm,” Zhou Xiao-Hong made a sound of agreement and went to make tea for Xia Lei.

Ma Xiao-An and the others greeted Xia Lei and he smiled as he greeted them back. What had happened yesterday definitely affected them but life was life. They were people who needed to earn money for their families so work was most important; they didn’t care so much about other things.

Zhou Xiao-Hong made tea for Xia Lei, then went back to the metal board to draw.

Xia Lei’s phone rang before he could take a sip of tea.

The call was from Qin Xiang. His voice was soft but sharp and very sissy, “Xia Lei, I’ll wait for you at Ju Shan Garden Teahouse.”

“Okay. I’ll be right there.” Xia Lei hung up and went straight out.

Ma Xiao-An came over and pulled him by the hand, then spoke in a low tone, “Lei, what are you doing?”

“Nothing,” said Xia Lei.

“Tell me if something’s up. We can handle it together,” said Ma Xiao-An.

Xia Lei smiled as he said, “There’s really nothing. You just have to help me take care of the workshop. I’ve actually been busy registering us as a company. We won’t be just a workshop in the future.”

Ma Xiao-An paused, then said in delight, “Really? That’s great! You have to appoint me as Workshop Director or I won’t let you off.”

“Is that all you want? Just Workshop Director? I’ll make you a Deputy Head,” smiled Xia Lei.

Ma Xiao-An shook his head instead, “I’m not cut from that cloth. I’ll be a Workshop Director.”

Xia Lei patted Ma XIao-An on the shoulder, “Let’s not talk about this yet. We can tell them when there’s a positive outcome or we’ll be laughed at if it doesn’t work out.”

“I know. Don’t worry, I won’t tell. I’m not a blabbermouth,” said Ma Xiao-An.

Xia Lei nodded and left the workshop.

Ma Xiao-An sent Xia Lei out the door, and turned around, guffawing, “You guy know what? Lei is preparing to start a company! We’re going to to be founders and doyens of the company!”

Cheers sounded from Thunder Horse Workshop and it was very lively.

Xia Lei watched Ma Xiao-An and the others cheer as he sat in the ratty-tatty Polo. He shook his head, then started the engine and entered traffic, heading towards Ju Shan Garden Teahouse. He did not tell the truth to Ma Xiao-An but it was for his own good. It was a dangerous affair to go up against He Lao-Qi so he did not want Ma Xiao-An to get involved. Lying to him was for his own good; it was a kind lie.

Xia Lei received another call before he got to Ju Shan Garden Teahouse. It was not from Qin Xiang but from an unknown number.

“Hello? Mr Xia?” It was a woman’s voice, gentle and pleasant.

“Yes. Who is this?” Xia Lei could not tell who it was and he was curious.

“Can’t you tell? I’m Liang Si-Yao. Remember me?” said the woman.

“Oh, so it’s Miss Liang. Of course I remember. Hello. What did you call me for?” Xia Lei found it surprising that Liang Si-Yao would call him.

“Nothing much. Just wanted to ask why you didn’t come to the school to practice today,” said Liang Si-Yao.

“I’m sorry, I’m busy with something at my workshop and I can’t make time. I’ll be there tomorrow,” said Xia Lei.

“Mm, okay. Oh right, have you thought about what I’d talked to you about yesterday?” said Liang Si-Yao.

Xia Lei remembered Liang Si-Yao calling him to Liang Zheng-Chun’s office to ask him to consider giving up his workshop and concentrate on Wing Chun before he left the school. This seemed to be Liang Si-Yao’s true motive in calling him. He thought for a bit before replying, “This isn’t a small matter. How about this, Miss Liang - let me think about it some more and we’ll talk at another time, okay?”

“Mm, okay. I won’t disturb you any longer. See you tomorrow,” said Liang Si-Yao.

“Goodbye, Miss Liang.” Xia Lei hung up.