In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 19. Two Faces
Wu Hongtao changed the subject, looking at Yang Guangming with a hint of "I've been a good friend, haven't I?" in his eyes:

"You're my old classmate, and he's my cousin. Although we're not that close, he's... a bit of a snob, and he likes to put on airs in front of his relatives..."

I don't really like him.

But this trip is to save a little girl's life, so I should help if I can.

"If you'd like, I can call him right now and arrange a place for you two to meet and talk. He'd be more than happy to!"

Yang Guangming was secretly delighted; this was like a godsend! But he maintained a calm demeanor and nodded.

"Hongtao, you're right, saving lives is the priority."

I have these things here, they're just sitting there anyway, so I hope they can come in handy.

Could you please help me make some contact and arrange a place? The sooner the better.

"Great!" Wu Hongtao slapped his thigh. "You wait here, I'll go make the call right now! There's one in the office."

As he spoke, he quickly walked out of the small office and went to the public telephone booth in the pharmacy in front.

A few minutes later, Wu Hongtao returned, looking relaxed.

"It's all sorted out! He was incredibly excited when he heard the news!"
To put it simply, he treated us to lunch at the "Xinfeng Restaurant," which is diagonally opposite the Ala Pharmacy. At 11:30, he was waiting for us at the restaurant entrance.

This shop may be small, but it does have private rooms, so it's easier to talk there.

He leaned closer to Yang Guangming, lowered his voice, and spoke with a hint of mischief and a reminder:

"Remember what I just said. He's a very shrewd man. He says one thing to people and does another behind their backs."

When we meet later, don't hesitate to ask for my money back. Just name your price!
He'd definitely be willing to spend a fortune for his son! I'll just sit back and encourage him.

Yang Guangming smiled and said, "I understand. Thank you for reminding me, Hongtao. I know what I'm doing."

At 11:20, Yang Guangming and Wu Hongtao arrived at the entrance of Xinfeng Hotel a few minutes early.

Sure enough, a middle-aged man in his early forties, wearing a dark blue "Dacron" short-sleeved shirt and with a neatly combed haircut, was already waiting there.

He was of medium build, slightly overweight, with obvious anxiety on his face, and his eyes constantly scanning the street.

Upon seeing Wu Hongtao and Yang Guangming approaching, he immediately forced a very warm and even somewhat humble smile and quickly went to greet them.

"Hongtao! You're here!" Tang Jianhong's voice was loud and clear, conveying a deliberately feigned warmth.

He first patted Wu Hongtao's shoulder forcefully, then his gaze quickly fell on Yang Guangming, his smile widening as he extended his hand:
"This must be Yang Guangming, right? Oh my, what a handsome young man! Thank you for making the trip! My name is Tang Jianhong, Hongtao's cousin."

"Hello, Section Chief Tang." Yang Guangming shook hands with him and felt that the other's palm was a little damp.

Tang Jianhong's enthusiasm seemed very sincere, even a bit ingratiating, and he showed no trace of the "official airs" that Wu Hongtao had described.

"Oh, why call me Section Chief? It's too formal! Just call me Uncle Tang!"

Tang Jianhong waved his hand repeatedly, adopting a very humble posture, "Come on, come on, it's hot outside, let's go inside and talk, we've reserved a private room!"

As he enthusiastically led the way, he didn't forget to say to Wu Hongtao, "Hongtao, thank you so much this time! Your uncle will remember your kindness!"

The private room was small but fairly clean, with a square table and four chairs.

Tang Jianhong was clearly a regular customer here, and the waiter quickly brought him tea.

Tang Jianhong picked up the menu and generously ordered six dishes: braised pork belly, steamed sea bass, stir-fried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms and bok choy, and cold jellyfish salad. He also specifically requested ice-cold "Bright Brand" beer. At the time, this was definitely considered a sumptuous, even luxurious, lunch.

"Xiao Yang, Hong Tao, don't be shy, help yourselves! Treat yourselves like family!"

Tang Jianhong personally poured beer for the two of them, his face beaming with smiles.

He didn't mention the rhinoceros horn at all, but instead asked about Yang Guangming's recent situation as if they were having a casual chat.

"Hongtao told me that you, Xiaoyang, are also graduating this year? Have you found a job yet? Are you having any difficulties?" Tang Jianhong's tone was full of concern.

Yang Guangming truthfully replied, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Tang. I've already got a job. I'll be reporting to the factory office of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill next Monday."

"Red Star State-Owned Cotton Mill? Factory Affairs Office?"

Tang Jianhong's eyes lit up, and his voice rose a few decibels, filled with genuine admiration and perfectly timed surprise:
"Wow! This is a great place! The Factory Affairs Office is a core department. Xiao Yang, you're so young to have gotten into the Factory Affairs Office, you have a bright future ahead of you! A truly bright future!"

He raised his glass. "Come on, Uncle Tang, let me toast you!"

The three clinked glasses. Tang Jianhong put down his glass, then changed the subject, his tone carrying a familiar warmth reminiscent of "one of us":

“Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill is great! Let me tell you, I have an old classmate named Wei Hongyu, who is the head of the housing management department at Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill.”

We're best buddies!
If you have any questions about anything at the factory, especially regarding housing, feel free to tell Uncle Tang.

I'll put in a good word with Lao Wei for you. He's our own Xiao Ning; we should take care of her if we can!

Yang Guangming understood that this was both a gesture of goodwill to close the distance and a demonstration of his "network value," paving the way for the upcoming negotiations.

His face showed just the right amount of surprise and gratitude:

"Really? Thank you so much, Uncle Tang! I'm new here and don't know anyone, so I might really need your help in the future."

He neither showed excessive enthusiasm nor rejected the "kindness," and his attitude was very appropriate.

Tang Jianhong seemed quite satisfied with Yang Guangming's reaction, and his smile deepened.

He was very talkative, making witty remarks throughout the meal. He took care of the two young people, constantly urging them to eat and drink, and telling them some interesting stories from the factory and trivial matters of human relationships, trying his best to create a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

His behavior today was warm, considerate, generous, and down-to-earth, completely different from the "snobbish" and "pretentious" uncle Wu Hongtao had previously described.

Wu Hongtao, watching from the side, was somewhat stunned, glancing sideways frequently, clearly having gained a new understanding of his cousin's "face-changing" skills.

The meal was enjoyed in a lively atmosphere.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Wu Hongtao, seeing that they had almost finished eating, and noticing the lingering anxiety in Tang Jianhong's eyes despite his cheerful demeanor, tactfully stood up.
"Uncle, Guangming, I've finished eating. I have some business at the pharmacy, so I'll head back now. You two can talk later."

He gave Yang Guangming a knowing look.

"Okay, okay! Hongtao, your work is important, go ahead! Thank you!"

Tang Jianhong quickly replied, his tone sincere.

"Thank you, Hongtao." Yang Guangming nodded in thanks.

After Wu Hongtao left, the atmosphere in the private room fell into a subtle silence for a moment.

Tang Jianhong's smile remained, but his deliberate enthusiasm subsided slightly. He picked up the teapot and refilled Yang Guangming's cup of tea, his movements slowing down.

(End of this chapter)