A Valiant Life

Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations

The shop owners looked at the situation and gathered in front of their shops as they looked at the notable leader.

“He looks like a notable leader.”

“I’ve seen him on TV before.”

“I have an impression of him too. He is really quite powerful. D*mn, why is he at Cloud Street?”

“I think he is definitely here to meet Master Lin.”

“Highly possible.”

Ever since they had opened their shops with Little Boss, they had been used to weird situations. Recently, several wealthy men came to request for Little Boss’ artworks. However, they were all rejected by Little Boss.

The shop owners were happy to be able to set up their shops alongside Little Boss. There was a sense of pride.

The leader’s secretary, Lil’ Dong, saw that the notable leader was going to go to Master Lin’s shop directly. He nudged him gently and hinted at him not to do so.

Fang Zheng Yan looked at Lil’ Dong with appreciation. He didn’t think too much about it. If he was to go to Master Lin’s shop directly, people would definitely expose him. Hence, he had to spend some time walking around first.

They went to a random shop.

“Boss, how’s your business? Are you satisfied with your current life? Do you need help from the government?” Chief Fang smiled and asked politely. He seemed to be someone that was concerned about the welfare of the citizens.

Elder Chen had previously contracted bladder cancer and his son got bullied in school. Initially, he thought that his whole family was going to die. However, because of Little Boss, everything was fine. His life was gradually improving. Although he didn’t know who this person was, he smiled as he knew that he was a big shot.

“I’m satisfied, really satisfied. I don’t really need the government’s help. Master Lin is looking after all of us in Cloud Street. Everyone’s business is good. In the past, we’ve never imagined our lives would be so good. You don’t know how good Little Boss is…” Elder Chen wasn’t really capable and powerful but he was grateful for Master Lin. He knew that the person in front of him was a big shot and he wanted to praise Little Boss so that he would have a good impression of Little Boss.

Although Little Boss didn’t really need it, it wasn’t a hassle to do it.

Fang Zheng Yan smiled and listened closely to their replies. His image was well-portrayed.

“It’s all because our leader is good at his job,” Chief Che quickly praised him.

He thought to himself, “Why do these shop owners not know what they’re doing? He is a big shot and all of you are praising Master Lin. You must have forgotten your leader’s contributions.”

Fang Zheng Yan smiled and looked at Chief Che. Chief Che was overwhelmed with favor from his superior. He stood by Fang Zheng Yan and did his job conscientiously.

To be able to be appointed to such a high position, one had to have a certain level of intelligence. Although Chief Che didn’t dare to confirm the purpose of the leader’s visit, he made an accurate guess.

The leader couldn’t possibly have told them the truth. As the leader’s subordinate, he had to share his burden and understand his situation too.

Chief Che said, “Leader, Master Lin’s shop is just in front. Let’s go and have a look. Master Lin is a Chinese Arts Master and all ten of his artworks are displayed at the national museum. That brought some pride to Shanghai.”

Chief Fang smiled and nodded, “Alright, we shall go and pay Master Lin a visit.”

Elder Chen replied, “I’ll bring the chiefs there.”

The other shop owners smiled.

“Elder Chen knows what he is doing, offering to bring them there.”

“Hey, he helped Little Boss again.”

“Let’s go and have a look. He is a big shot that we don’t see often.”

…

At the entrance of Master Lin’s shop.

Fraud Tian said, “Do you think it’s weird? I saw this man on TV before. He is a notable leader of Shanghai. Why is he inspecting Cloud Street? I think it is highly possible that he is here for you.”

Lin Fan was a little helpless, “I hope he’s not here for my artworks.”

Fraud Tian nodded, “I think that is highly likely. If he is really here for them, would you give him face?”

“Cheh…” Lin Fan’s mouth twitched. “If I was to give everyone face, I wouldn’t be back here from Beijing. However, that might not be the case after all. What if he is just here for an inspection? Let’s see how it goes.”

The two of them shook their heads and returned to the shop.

Although Fraud Tian wasn’t really reliable, he wasn’t the type to curry favor with the superiors.

However, with his capability, he would definitely be an influential figure if he were to curry favor with them.

Although he wasn’t doing very well, Fraud Tian was a Ba Gua Zhang master after all. If he tried to lean on authority, a lot of people would definitely be willing to hire him.

Wu You Lan asked, “Brother Lin, what is happening outside? It looks lively.”

Lin Fan replied, “Nothing much, a notable leader is here for an inspection. I don’t know what he is really here for.”

Wu Tian He walked to the door and looked far away, “Fang Zheng Yan. I didn’t expect it to be him.”

Lin Fan replied, “You know him?”

“He used to be in charge of Lianzhou in the past. It’s been almost ten years. After that, he got sent to Shanghai. I didn’t expect him to become a notable leader in Shanghai. He must be powerful,” Wu Tian He replied.

He was considered to be one of the most powerful people in the country. Furthermore, Fang Zheng Yan was still young. He was only in his fifties. His future was still bright.

“He is definitely one of the more powerful individuals of the government,” Wu Tian He said.

Lin Fan couldn’t figure out why such a high-ranking official would come to Cloud Street. However, if he was really there to ask for an artwork, should he really give it to him?

Cheh!

Even if it was a higher ranking official, it wouldn’t matter. He was extremely lazy. All he had to do was to reject him.

However, that might not be the case. The person might not be there for an artwork. Hence, he still had to see what was going to happen.

Indeed.

“Chief, this is Master Lin,” Elder Chen entered his shop and introduced him to Lin Fan.

Chief Che followed behind the notable leader and felt the pressure. He was nothing compared to Fang Zheng Yan. To be able to follow him around was an extremely rare opportunity.

His secretary, Lil’ Dong, looked at Master Lin and gasped. He was indeed a young and capable man. Using ‘genius’ to describe a man like him would be an understatement since he had an impeccable talent at such a young age.

Fang Zheng Yan smiled and praised him, “A young hero. Nice to meet you, comrade Lil’ Lin.”

“Thank you, Chief, for your compliment. However, comrade Lil’ Lin sounds a little weird. I feel more comfortable with Master Lin.” Master Lin had participated in major events before and although Zheng Zhong Shan wasn’t really powerful anymore, he was still a higher ranking official than Fang Zheng Yan. If Zheng Zhong Shan was to find out that this fella called him Lil’ Lin, it’d be like punching him on his knees. Was he trying to disrespect the elderly official?

Fang Zheng Yan was stunned. Then, he smiled, “Right, right. Sorry for the slip of my tongue. Master Lin’s talent is extraordinary. Your artworks are internationally recognized. They’ve helped the country gain some pride. You’re indeed a treasure of the nation. I should address you as Master Lin instead.”

Chief Che wiped the sweat from his forehead. Master Lin was indeed a bold man. It was frightening. Thankfully, the notable leader wasn’t angry. If the leader was furious, he would probably be affected in the future.

…