Support (Part One)

"The newly appointed Director Zhou has arrived at the market…"

"Hmm? It's nearly closing time; why has Director Zhou come here?"

"He must be accompanying someone important, right? Did you not see how cautious Director Zhou was while speaking to him?"

"That's our museum's Deputy Director Zhao. You don't even recognize him? How are you managing in the antique market?"

As the day's business in the antique market was drawing to a close, a minor commotion erupted at the entrance, where vendors who were packing up to leave turned their attention to a bespectacled man in his thirties.

Being part of the Jinling Museum, the antique market was held in high regard by officials. After the former director was dismissed, the new director was appointed swiftly. This Director Zhou, however, held the legitimate title of Deputy Director; he had previously served as the Deputy Director of the Logistics Department and was now also managing the affairs of the administration.

Having worked at the museum for over a decade since his graduation, Director Zhou was not a frequent visitor to the market, yet many vendors recognized him. Those who believed they could engage in conversation, along with some vendors who had visited Director Zhou a few days prior, eagerly approached him, offering cigarettes and greetings.

Of course, there were also sharp-eyed vendors who immediately recognized the man walking alongside Director Zhou. Their steps faltered, for they understood that Deputy Director Zhao was likely to assume the top position at the museum, making conversation with them inappropriate given their status.

Temporary workers from the administration, including Liu Er, cleared a path ahead, and soon Director Zhou and Zhao Hongtao arrived at Fang Yi's stall, halting before it. Without uttering a word, they elicited gasps of surprise from the surrounding vendors.

The previous conflict at Fang Yi's stall had occurred on a weekend, bustling with visitors. Amid the chaos, few vendors had noticed the minor altercation, and only a handful had seen Old Sun and Deputy Director Zhao; the events of that day had been relayed by these few.

In truth, the majority of vendors in the antique market were skeptical about the rumors circulating from that day. They questioned how a leader of the museum could possibly have been imprisoned over a small vendor; many believed it was merely a case of the former director offending someone influential, with little connection to Fang Yi and his associates.

However, upon witnessing Deputy Director Zhao approach Fang Yi's stall directly, the vendors suddenly realized that these seemingly unassuming young men indeed had substantial backing.

"Perhaps it's just a coincidence?"

The vendor who had earlier warned Fang Yi felt a flicker of hope. If Deputy Director Zhao truly had ties with Fang Yi, their prospects in the market would be severely jeopardized.

It must be noted that the antique market was a part of the Chaotian Palace, with all shops and stalls owned by the museum. The ability to operate here relied almost entirely on the administration's approval.

Even with years of contracts signed, the administration could reclaim any stall under the pretext of public use, without owing a single penny in compensation. There had been instances where vendors lost their stalls under the previous director, and despite their protests and lawsuits, they could not secure even a square meter of space in the market after two years of legal battles.

Despite the grueling conditions of setting up stalls in the sweltering sun, vendors would often complain about the administration while enjoying drinks. Yet, if asked to leave, none would agree, for the reason was simple: this place was lucrative.

As a national-level tourist attraction, the Jinling Museum significantly ensured foot traffic for the antique market. As the saying goes, where there are people, there is business. With a bit of cleverness and persuasive skills, vendors could earn three to five thousand yuan a month, a substantial sum compared to the average wage of just over a thousand yuan in Jinling.

For a family of three or four, such an income would afford a comfortable life. Who would dare jeopardize their livelihood?

However, the vendors who had just caused trouble for Fang Yi were dismayed to find that Deputy Director Zhao was indeed approaching him. Upon reaching Fang Yi's stall, his first words were, "Fang Yi, are you preparing to close up?"

"Yes, I was just about to pack up. Deputy… Director Zhao, are you here to inspect the work?" Fang Yi stammered momentarily, quickly correcting himself from addressing Zhao as "Brother Zhao" to "Director Zhao."

"Fatty, what's going on?" Fang Yi turned to look at the portly man, realizing that he was avoiding eye contact. It dawned on him that the portly man had likely been upset earlier and had secretly called Zhao Hongtao.

"Xiao Fang, did you write this calligraphy?" Zhao Hongtao maintained a demeanor that was neither overly familiar nor distant, resembling someone casually chatting with vendors during an inspection.

Those witnessing this scene could hardly be misled; in a market filled with hundreds of stalls, why would Director Zhao choose to speak with Fang Yi? If there were no connection between them, even a three-year-old would find it hard to believe.

"Damn it, if I had known about this connection earlier, it wouldn't have been such a hassle…"

Those who had just warned Fang Yi felt a wave of despair wash over them. Had they known about Fang Yi's relationship with Director Zhao, they wouldn't have dared to utter a word against him.

"Yes, Director Zhao, I wrote it. Since the stall just opened, I made a small advertisement…" Fang Yi smiled, realizing that Zhao was subtly offering him support, a gesture he felt he must acknowledge.

"Hmm? Director Zhou, I see that Xiao Fang conducts business quite adeptly…"

Director Zhao glanced at Director Zhou and remarked, "Competition fosters vitality, and vitality enhances the market. For merchants like Xiao Fang, the administration should provide ample support…"

At Director Zhao's level, he could effortlessly deliver such formal rhetoric. While his words subtly admonished certain individuals, no one could find fault with them; it was only natural for a leader to provide guidance during an inspection.

"Indeed, Director Zhao is correct. Recently, Xiao Fang and his associates displayed commendable bravery, and we were considering reducing their stall fees…" As soon as Director Zhao finished speaking, Director Zhou chimed in, fully aware of the implications behind his superior's visit.

Director Zhou was originally part of Director Zhao's faction, but previously, the market administration had been dominated by the former Director Gu. Although Director Zhou held a higher rank than Gu Guo Guang, he had been unable to make any significant changes within the administration.

With Gu Guo Guang's downfall, the former deputy director had also faced repercussions. While he was not arrested, the position of museum director was now out of reach for him.

Furthermore, there were rumors that the former deputy director would soon be reassigned to another unit, a move widely recognized as a demotion. If nothing unexpected occurred, he would likely spend the rest of his days in retirement, reading newspapers and sipping tea.

Director Zhou was acutely aware of the internal struggles within the museum, and he had learned from Director Zhao that Fang Yi was a disciple of Old Sun. Thus, he dared not act arrogantly in Fang Yi's presence.

"Acts of bravery should be the duty of every individual; this is also a teaching and expectation from Director Zhou, which we have always kept in mind…" With leadership offering support, Fang Yi was quick to show his appreciation, lowering his stance and praising Director Zhou.

However, to those around them, Fang Yi's words sounded like blatant flattery. Previously, when Gu Guo Guang had tightly controlled the administration, Director Zhou's words held little weight in the antique market. Moreover, given that Fang Yi and his associates had only recently arrived, they likely didn't even know which way Gu Guo Guang's house faced.

"Alright then, I won't delay your packing any further. Director Zhou, let's be on our way…"

Director Zhao had a keen sense of timing; having conveyed his intentions, he recognized that prolonging the conversation would be excessive. After whispering something to Fang Yi, the group made their way out of the market.