Chapter 21: The Major Shareholder

"Name, age, place of origin!"

At the police station near the market, a stern-faced officer in a hat was taking down Zhao Chen’s statement.

Zhao Chen was reluctant to give his personal information and retorted, “Comrade, aren’t you mistaken? Those two accused me of stealing jadeite, yet you haven’t even asked them for evidence, and instead, you expect me to prove my innocence?”

The officer replied calmly, “We’re just following proper procedure. Don’t get upset. We’re not saying you definitely stole their jadeite.”

“But you admit there was a street fight, and we have to enforce the law impartially,” the officer continued with an even tone.

“Can I make a phone call first?” Zhao Chen, who had traveled all the way from his hometown for just one day, was naturally annoyed to be caught up in such trouble.

Even if he followed procedure, the incident would be recorded here. After obtaining the other party’s consent, he immediately called Tang Yan.

After explaining the situation, Tang Yan teased him cheerfully over the phone, “Zhao, you’re quite fierce. How do you want me to help you?”

“Use your connections to get me out. I was tricked into Myanmar for two years and don’t want a record here. You know why.”

“Alright, but you have to help me find a few good pieces. If you can, I’ll come over in person and guarantee you’ll be out within half an hour. How’s that?”

“No problem.” Zhao Chen agreed right away.

Before long, Tang Yan arrived with a lawyer. After a brief discussion with the chief, Zhao Chen was released.

Stepping out of the station, Tang Yan smiled slyly, “Zhao, I made a big sacrifice to save you this time. Wen Min will soon find out it was me secretly helping you. She might never want to cooperate with the Tang family again.”

“But whatever she can provide, I can too, and mine is even better quality. You won’t lose out.”

Zhao Chen understood what she meant and said calmly, “Coincidentally, I’ve found two good pieces at my place. Want to see them?”

Tang Yan’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Sure, let’s go check them out now!”

By now, she trusted Zhao Chen’s abilities completely. It was precisely because she valued him that she came personally to bail him out.

Even if Wen Min asked later, she could feign ignorance and stall.

After all, the Tang family held some influence near the border and weren’t afraid of Wen Min causing trouble.

---

At the hotel, Tang Yan left the lawyer downstairs and followed Zhao Chen into the room.

Zhao Chen pretended to rummage under the bed and produced two large jadeite rough stones from his hidden space, placing them by the bedside.

These two stones were taken from Wen Min’s warehouse. The larger one weighed over twenty kilograms, and the smaller one more than ten.

“The big one is spring jadeite; from the central crack to the right is all glutinous icy jade. The other piece is yellow with green, with a slight mutation at one pointed end, but it’s good enough to cut four or five bangles. If you don’t believe me, we can go to your shop and cut it on the spot.”

Tang Yan examined them under a light for a long time but saw nothing conclusive. Trusting Zhao Chen, she said, “No need, just give your price. How much are you asking for these two?”

She had already witnessed Zhao Chen’s impressive skills the night before. If what he said was true, these two pieces would be worth millions combined.

“I don’t want cash. I want five percent of the shares in your shop,” Zhao Chen smiled.

Tang Yan immediately understood his intention and pretended to be angry, “Oh, Zhao, you’ve got your eye on our branch, huh? Trying to take over my whole shop?”

“Not quite. I have no power or influence at the border, so I won’t buy all your shares. Let’s just make money together,” Zhao Chen said cheerfully.

Initially, he had wanted to buy all the shares of that branch, but after recent events, he realized he lacked the leverage to establish himself here.

A man with no power or influence but a pocket full of cash easily becomes a target.

Before he could stand firm, he would have to rely on the Tang family’s clout at the border.

Tang Yan thought for a moment and agreed readily.

“Alright, my lawyer is downstairs. Let’s sign the agreement and transfer five percent of the shares to you. Also, I’ll need you to help move these stones into the car. Is that okay?”

The two stones weighed over thirty kilograms—almost as much as she did.

Zhao Chen carried one in one hand and, to Tang Yan’s astonishment, strode down the stairs to load them into the trunk.

Tang Yan gave a thumbs-up and praised, “Zhao, you’re amazing. I feel like you could lift me with one hand.”

“No problem. Want to try?” Zhao Chen grinned.

If he could win this girl over, Tang Jewelry would be his sooner or later.

---

“Next time. I still have to prepare the goods for the jewelry exhibition,” Tang Yan declined with a smile, then took Zhao Chen to the branch to draft another share transfer agreement.

With this, Zhao Chen effectively controlled thirty-five percent of the shop’s shares, making him a major shareholder.

Pan Yumei treated Zhao Chen more respectfully and brought him a cup of coffee, complimenting, “Mr. Zhao, are you planning to take over this shop? We employees have been here over five years. Could you please keep us all?”

She was the shop manager and one of the original founders, deeply attached to the place and hoping Zhao Chen would keep everyone.

Zhao Chen smiled reassuringly, “Don’t worry, Sister Pan. I haven’t considered buying all the shares. You’ll all keep your jobs.”

“Really? Not only are you handsome, Mr. Zhao, but you’re kind-hearted too. No wonder you’re so accurate judging the stones. It’s a blessing from above!”

Hearing this, Pan Yumei was in high spirits and flattered him openly.

Meanwhile, Tang Yan had already begun cutting the stones according to Zhao Chen’s markings. Once opened, she beamed with joy, “It’s appreciating! Zhao, you’ll always be my hero. Thank you!”

The finished products from the two stones were worth at least double the rough value, and the best parts could be showcased in jewelry exhibitions.

Zhao Chen raised his coffee cup in a silent toast and then continued pondering.

The border area was crawling with Myanmar thugs. Perhaps they had already been bribed by Wen Min, or maybe she had issued a bounty.

He certainly didn’t want to be followed the moment he stepped outside.

As the saying goes, it’s not the thief you fear stealing, but the thief who’s watching you. From now on, he’d have to disguise himself so no one would recognize him at a glance.

At the same time, Zhao Chen worried that if his whereabouts were exposed, Wen Min might become desperate and resort to more extreme measures to drag him back.

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