Back To The 80s-Chapter 374 - 384: Report_1

Gu Xiaobei stood in the middle of the door, somewhat angry, saying, "Are they closing my store without any explanation? On what grounds can they just close me down?"

One of them in uniform snorted coldly, "Someone reported that you’re engaging in unfair competition, undercutting market prices and disrupting the order of market sales."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xiaobei became even angrier. She felt that they were making unfounded accusations. With her face turning red, she stood her ground, saying, "You can’t hang this notice. What good does so-called ’unfair competition’ and ’undercutting market prices’ do for me? Moreover, I didn’t inflate the market price to make an exorbitant profit, which means I didn’t disrupt the market price. No matter how far up the chain this goes, I’m in the right."

A short, overweight officer replied disdainfully, "Move aside, don’t obstruct us from performing our duties. Just because you’re a woman doesn’t mean we won’t take action."

Qin Li and Wang Wei came to stand behind Gu Xiaobei, fearful that the men might use violent law enforcement techniques and hurt Gu Xiaobei.

Gu Xiaobei scoffed, her voice raising, "What’s wrong with being a woman? We’re discussing matter of principle here. If you can’t come up with a reason, I’d like to see who dares to close my store today!"

"Move aside now!" The short fat man reached for Gu Xiaobei’s arm as he spoke, but Wang Wei caught his hand and pushed it away.

Surprisingly, the chubby man allowed himself to fall on the ground, crying out in pain.

The other three in uniform rushed in, saying, "Publicly resisting and injuring an official, you people are really audacious."

Gu Xiaobei realised this wasn’t law enforcement; they were here to hustle her for money. She turned to Qin Li, saying, "Call the police and see if there’s any place in this matter for reason."

These men were undeterred. One of them scoffed, "Call the police, huh? We have an official directive from the Development and Reform Commission and a written complaint. Our actions are legitimate, while you are resisting the law with violence. Let’s see who will end up suffering."

It finally dawned on Gu Xiaobei that it must be Zhan Hezhi’s doing. He must be jealous because she was making money. She was suddenly calm. Turning to Qin Li and Wang Wei, she said, "Let’s leave. Let them close up the store. However they chose to close it today, they’ll have to rip it off later. And if anything is missing from my goods, they’re going to have to compensate ten times the cost." After speaking she left with Qin Li, standing right outside watching them seal off the store.

After the men left, angered, Gu Xiaobei turned to Wang Wei: "You wait outside the store these few days. If any customers come, explain to them that our prices were too competitive, someone was jealous, and reported us. As soon as things clear up, we will reopen, in two or three days tops."

As Gu Xiaobei and Qin Li exited the market building, Qin Li suggested, angrily, "Should we ask my uncle? I think he might be able to help."

Gu Xiaobei shook her head, "We didn’t do anything wrong, we don’t need connections. I can handle it. You go home, I’ll think of a way."

Pushing her bike, Gu Xiaobei became even more irate at the thoughts of the injustice she faced. She decided to go home and ponder solutions. Approaching Zhan Hezhi would likely lead to more complacency by the official, and a few photos of him beside Liao Qing aren’t substantial enough to overturn him. But she was also hesitant to involve Tong Dajie and harm the woman further.

Upon reaching her house, Gu Xiaobei composed herself before stepping in.

Unripened grapes hung in clusters on the vine, glistening like agate beads. Bai Xiaolan was mischievously holding Xiaopang to grab the grapes. When Xiaopang got one and put it in his mouth, his big round eyes screwed up at the tart taste and he grimaced. Bai Xiaolan laughed heartily at the sight.

"You’re teasing my daughter again," Gu Xiaobei entered and saw this scene. She scolded jokingly.

Bai Xiaolan responded with a chuckle, "It’s too fun. Eh, why are you back so early?"

Gu Xiaobei nonchalantly replied, "It was too hot, not many people around, so I just came back."

Lu Zhanguo was in his office when he received a call from Wang Wei. His face darkened at the obvious bullying. After informing Zeng Changzhi, he drove straight to the city. He may not be well versed in bureaucracy, but he knew Ji Xiangdong was. And so, he decided to visit Ji Xiangdong first.

While in the car, listening to what Lu Zhanguo relayed, Ji Xiangdong gave it some thought and said, "There are two possibilities. One, Xiaobei advanced in business too fast and someone who wasn’t pleased reported her; or second, Xiaobei offended someone higher up. But the first possibility is less plausible, because Xiaobei’s business practices are transparent and fair, it shouldn’t be considered as unfair competition. Therefore she has likely offended someone higher up."

Lu Zhanguo frowned, "Who can she offend? She has just started her business. Ah, she mentioned that Zhan Hezhi from the Development And Reform Commission once hinted to her about wanting some benefits, but Xiaobei didn’t oblige."

Ji Xiangdong’s gaze became serious. He looked to the front and asked, "Do you want to help Xiaobei yourself or let her handle it?"

Anger laced Lu Zhanguo’s voice as he said, "I can’t stay uninvolved when she’s in trouble."

Ji Xiangdong glanced at Lu Zhanguo, seriously suggesting, "The business world is no different to the political world with people of all sorts. Now that Xiaobei has chosen this path, she should learn how to face any hurdle. You can’t always be there to help her."

Lu Zhanguo asserted emphatically, "As long as I live, I won’t let anyone take advantage of her and our sons."

Ji Xiangdong nodded with a smile. He gave a cryptic piece of advice, "You can directly find Zhan Hezhi. Rest assured, usually government officials do honour the military."

Lu Zhanguo pondered over this, gaining some clarity. He dropped Ji Xiangdong off and drove straight to the city government office.

Zhan Hezhi was enjoying himself in his office, sipping tea, using a fan to cool himself while reading the newspaper. Especially today, when he had managed to close Gu Xiaobei’s store, he was particularly satisfied with the downfall of this woman.

Lu Zhanguo, suppressing his anger, knocked on the door to Zhan Hezhi’s office, even though he would rather kick the door open.

Seeing Lu Zhanguo walk in, an intimidating chill radiated from him, making the office temperature drop several degrees.

Zhan Hezhi recognised Lu Zhanguo as the man he had met on the train. He remembered Lu Zhanguo’s imposing aura left a strong impression, which was why he did not remember Gu Xiaobei; he hadn’t paid her much attention and as a man, it was improper to stare at a strange woman.

However, seeing Lu Zhanguo’s aggressive attitude, Zhan Hezhi decided to feign ignorance. Using official rhetoric, he asked, "What can I assist you with, comrade of the People’s Liberation Army?"

Lu Zhanguo did not respond immediately. He pulled a chair to sit down in front of Zhan Hezhi. After a full minute of silence, he softly asked, "I came to inquire why my wife’s store was closed."

Zhan Hezhi finally understood. Gu Xiaobei and Lu Zhanguo were married. He internally cursed his luck, while maintaining a smile on his face: "So you are the husband of Miss Gu. She’s quite accomplished, able to establish such a large business in the provincial capital on her own. However, someone claimed that Gu Xiaobei was deliberately lowering prices while conducting business, thereby disrupting the market order and using unfair competition methods."