Chapter 61: Good Brothers Don’t Forget Each Other
Author: Black Lantern (黑色花灯)
Link: https://book.qidian.com/info/1009922190
Translated by Gumihou
Now that Ye Fei had moved to a different neighbourhood, Fatty’s Stall was a little out of the way for him. Therefore, he had to leave an hour early in order to meet with Fang Xiaohu at 6 pm.
After locking his door, Ye Fei left Yijing Garden and hailed a taxi near the gate. He got in, told the driver where to go, and the car sped along quickly to his destination.
A good 50 minutes later, Ye Fei got off the taxi and took a few turns down some streets on foot before finally reaching Fatty’s Stall.
Fang Xiaohu was already waiting for him. When he saw Ye Fei, he cheerfully walked over to lightly punch Ye Fei on the shoulder, “I say, why is this fellow so unique? Normally, creditors are the ones who should be chasing after the debtors, how come you’re so eager to pay back?”
Ye Fei laughed and said, “I have to pay back sooner or later, right? I happened to get my hands on some money and want to pay you back quickly before I decide to spend it on something else.”
“So what if you spend it? Just let me know if you need more.”
“How can, ah? You’ve already helped me out a lot. Come, let’s go inside and chat over a good meal.”
The two of them entered the food stall and ordered a few dishes of food and two bottles of beer.
Fang Xiaohu was a mechanic by profession and worked at an auto repair shop. His salary was pretty decent.
However, Ye Fei knew that Fang Xiaohu’s biggest wish was to leave this salaried job and open up an auto repair shop of his own.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to open a repair shop. For one thing, even after you have managed to buy or rent a storefront, there is still the issue of purchasing automobile parts, relevant machines and special tools. The capital needed to open an auto repair shop is not small.
“Hey, are you still thinking about opening your own shop?” asked Ye Fei as he nibbled on some peanuts.
Fang Xiaohu down a glass of beer, smiled and said, “When am I not thinking it? As you know, with my skills I can make a lot more money than following others around. This current boss is too stingy. New Year red envelopes and bonuses aside, he refuses to even let us have any small benefits. If possible, I really don’t want to work for him anymore.”
“Then, do you have a location?”
“There’s a shop on Golden Sea Street. I’ve taken a look at it. It’s not very big but it’s a good place to start. However, the rent is quite high. I’m still negotiating with the owner. I’m hoping to persuade him to lower his price a bit.”
“How much?”
“8,000 a month, moreover, I have to give a 3 year advance. Utilities are counted separately.”
“That’s really not cheap, but for a location like Golden Sea Street, it’s worth the price. It’s a fairly prosperous area with plenty of passing cars. Business would not be bad.”
“Yes, ah. So, I’m kind of in a hurry now. The landlord only gave me a week to decide. If I can’t decide in a week, he will rent it to someone else. Also, he might actually raise the rent if I try to negotiate more.”
Ye Fei said nothing. He poured himself and Fang Xiaohu another glass of beer each, and took a sip before saying, “How much can you give?”
Fang Xiaohu had no idea why Ye Fei wanted to talk about this. Still, after looking into Ye Fei’s eyes, he pondered for a long time before saying, “I have some savings. About HX¥300,000. If I borrow from a few friends, I could probably collect up to HX¥500,000. To be honest, I’m still a bit short so I’m thinking of finding somewhere less expensive. Even if the business isn’t as good, at least I won’t be working for others.”
Ye Fei nodded. He lowered his glass and said, “How about this? I will give you HX¥60,000. I can’t give more, so you’ll have to figure out the rest by yourself. How about it?”
Fang Xiaohu was shocked. He had not expected Ye Fei to suddenly come up with HX¥60,000 for him. Although it was not a lot, it would certainly help his current situation.
“I say, you brat. Have you struck it rich?”
Ye Fei smiled, “I can’t say I’ve struck it rich, but I did come by a little money. Well? Are you willing or not?”
Fang Xiaohu slapped his thigh, “Of course, I’m willing, ah. How can I not be? If you must know, I nearly went crazy just thinking about money. If I can’t gather enough capital, that store would be gone and let me tell you, I’ve been eyeing that location for a long time. There’s only one auto repair shop in that area and the master’s skills are pretty good. Their business is solid. If I can tap into the business there, I dare say I can get back my investment in just a year.”
“Good enough, whether you can get your money back or not, consider this HX¥60,000 my investment in your business. Give me your account number. I’ll transfer the money for you. I’ll return the 8,500 to you too.”
When Fang Xiaohu realised that Ye Fei was for real, he said sincerely, “Ye Fei, I don’t know where you come by your money but I trust you and believe that you come by the money honestly. How about this, since you help this brother during his time of need, once my business is up, I’ll give you 30% shares. How about it?”
Ye Fei laughed, “No need to give me your shares. Let’s talk again when you’ve expand your business. Right now, nothing has been set up yet so let’s not talk about the far future. Come on, give me your account number now.”
Fang Xiaohu no longer stood on courtesy and gave Ye Fei his account number.
Then, right in front of Fang Xiaohu, Ye Fei directly transferred HX¥68,500 yuan into his account.
Fang Xiaohu looked at the numbers on his phone. He was silent for a long time. Then, he transferred HX¥500 back to Ye Fei. “Bro, good brothers don’t forget each other. There’s no need to give me this HX¥500 yuan. Ye Fei, I will remember this sincerity from you. In the future, if you happen to encounter any difficulties, you can speak to me anytime. I, Fang Xiaohu, will never turn you away.”
Ye Fei also knew Fang Xiaohu’s character and did not quibble over the 500 yuan. Instead, he said, “That’s fine, if I ever find myself in need of help, I’ll trouble you, ah.”
“No problem, come, let’s drink.”
They ate and drank until 7pm before the two friends split up and went their own way.
Not long after he had left the stall, Ye Fei’s phone began to ring.
He took out the phone and saw an unfamiliar number. Nevertheless, he still answered it, “Hello? Who is this?”
The person on the other side of the phone sounded very excited.
“Deity Ye, are you Deity Ye?”
Ye Fei, “… …”
F*ck, I dare not call myself deity, ah. Just who is this guy?
“There’s no need to address me as Deity Ye. Just Ye Fei will do, who is this?”
“I’m Feng Tianlai. QQ Platform’s Fine Food Section’s Supervisor, Feng Tianlai.”
Ye Fei laughed. His phone number was given out when he registered with QQ Platform, so it was not surprising that Feng Tianlai would have access to his number. But, just why did he call me?
“Supervisor Feng, ah? It’s an honour to speak with you.”
Feng Tianlai coughed twice and said, “Deity Ye, there’s no need for you to be so courteous. Just call me Feng Tianlai. Although, since I am older, if you don’t mind, please call me Brother Feng.”
“That’s fine. I shall call you Brother Feng. So, is there something you need?”
“Yes, actually,” said Feng Tianlai. “In fact, this matter requires face-to-face discussion. Where are you now?”
Ye Fei was taken aback. Feng Tianlai wants to meet with him? To talk? Right now? Surely this is some sort of joke? But… but, the possibility is there, ah.
Ye Fei suddenly remembered that QQ Platform’s headquarters was in Yinzhou City? Since Feng Tianlai was a staff member, then, this fellow should be in Yinzhou City, too, right?
“I am in Yinzhou City now, on [1] Binzhou Street.”
“Alright, please wait for me. I shall be there soon. I’ll give you a call when I reach there.”
With that, Feng Tianlai hung up the phone.
Ye Fei stood by the side of the road in a daze, phone in hand. Then, he laughed a little before making his way to a shop that called itself Snow Café.
[Gumihou: Wow, a decent-ish MC? Who pays his debts quickly? An MC who helps out his bro instead of hoarding money? Okay, Gumi is down with this kind of MC.]
[1] Binzhou Prefecture actually exist, but it’s been repurposed as Binzhou Street (滨州路)here
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