Chapter 142: Causing Trouble at the Door

"A flying start?" Zhang Wei stepped out of the office with a grim expression upon hearing Wang Zhen’s words. "If you call this a flying start, would you like me to return the favor for your store?"

In fact, ever since Zhang Wei learned about the incident, he had suspected Wang Zhen. He had even considered going to their office to confront him, but he hadn’t expected Wang Zhen to come over and gloat before he could even make a move.

"Our store is already doing a booming business; there's no need for you to go to such unnecessary trouble," Wang Zhen sneered.

"Wang Zhen, does our store being trashed have anything to do with you?" A cold glint flashed in Zhang Wei’s eyes as he stepped up to Wang Zhen and demanded an answer.

"If there were a fee for watching the show, then it would have something to do with me. If it’s free, then it doesn't," Wang Zhen said, shaking his head and shrugging with a smirk.

Upon hearing this, the group of people behind Wang Zhen erupted into laughter, all of them looking brazen and arrogant, as if they had already decided Zhang Wei’s fate.

As Wang Zhen spoke, Zhang Wei used his mind-reading ability to peer into his thoughts. He saw Wang Zhen thinking, *I’m the one who had people trash your store, so what are you going to do about it? Dare to steal my clients? I’ll play you into the ground!*

Ever since he found out that Li Yun had signed with another agency, Wang Zhen had been digging to find out which one. He hadn’t expected to actually find out that it was Zhang Wei, an agent from Zhongtong Realty.

When he heard the news, Wang Zhen was incensed. He immediately wanted to have someone beat Zhang Wei up and had his staff track Zhang Wei’s whereabouts. To his fury, he learned that Zhang Wei had actually been promoted to manager of the Yayuan branch.

This news made Wang Zhen even angrier. He had lost the commission and lost face, while Zhang Wei had closed the deal and earned a promotion. The stark contrast fueled his rage, and that very night, he hired people to smash up the Zhongtong branch.

After learning that Zhang Wei had returned, he had come over to stir up trouble and humiliate him, counting it as settling the score for the stolen deal. To prevent Zhang Wei from acting out of desperation, he had even brought his own staff along as backup.

After seeing Wang Zhen’s thoughts, Zhang Wei was consumed with fury. If he hadn't maintained a shred of rationality, he would have beaten the man senseless right there. In Zhang Wei’s eyes, this guy was nothing but a scoundrel.

"I see that’s all the talent you have—only daring to commit destruction when there’s no one around at night. To put it bluntly, you’re just a coward," Zhang Wei sneered.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about. I slept very well last night," Wang Zhen said, making a mocking face.

"A spineless wretch who doesn't dare to own up to his actions. That’s all you’re worth," Zhang Wei retorted.

"Oh, you’ve got guts, haven't you? So what can you do about it? Don’t go looking for someone to vent on just because you can’t find who trashed your place! I, Wang Zhen, am not someone you can just slander," Wang Zhen shouted. "Right, boys?"

"Exactly! What right do you have to say this has anything to do with our boss Wang? We’re just here to watch the show."

"Maybe you got drunk last night and trashed your own store, and now you’re here trying to frame us!"

The staff at Tiantian Realty were all trained by Wang Zhen and were close to him, so they responded to his call immediately. This was exactly why Zhang Wei wanted to cultivate his own team.

Although the agents in Zhang Wei’s store stepped forward, it wasn't certain how many would actually throw a punch in a real fight. Wang Jian, while close to Zhang Wei, was as thin as a bamboo pole and cowardly; even if he joined in, he’d only end up getting beaten.

Guo Bin, another of Zhang Wei’s employees, was a total opportunist. He was good at flattery, but in a real crisis, he’d likely just try to break up the fight rather than help Zhang Wei.

As for Liu Cheng, the runner-up in the military district’s combat competition, although Zhang Wei intended for him to be a bodyguard, it was only his first day on the job. There was no established trust, and Zhang Wei wasn't sure if he would step in.

As for the two assistants in Su Ning’s group, they were too new, and Zhang Wei didn't know them well enough to know if they would help. Consequently, Zhang Wei’s side clearly lacked the momentum of the Tiantian Realty group.

Zhang Wei hadn't even factored in Li Lin, Su Ning, and the other female staff. It wasn't that women couldn't fight well, but unless they had professional training or were naturally fierce, he didn't hold much hope for them in a brawl.

"Young men, don't be so hot-headed. We’re all in the same business; a little mutual concession goes a long way. No need to let outsiders laugh at us," a man’s voice called out from the crowd as the tension mounted.

Everyone turned to see a man in his thirties approaching. He was tall, slightly plump, with a standard buzz cut and a wide, grinning mouth.

Zhang Wei recognized him—Zhao Yu, the regional manager of Lianjia Realty. He had worked in this residential area for years and was a prominent figure in the local real estate industry.

"Manager Zhao, please excuse the scene," Zhang Wei said, suppressing his anger and turning to face him.

Zhang Wei didn't want to clash with Wang Zhen right now. First, his side was weaker and would only end up getting beaten. Second, Zhongtong had strict disciplinary rules regarding fighting. If he were to lead a brawl less than a week after becoming a manager, he would likely be fired the next day.

"It’s fine. I was just like you when I was younger, but looking back, it wasn't worth it. We’re all here to make money, not to hold grudges. It’s not worth the trouble!" Zhao Yu advised.

"Fine, for Manager Zhao’s sake, I won't hold it against you this time. But you’d better watch yourself from now on!" Wang Zhen walked up to Zhang Wei, poked him in the chest, and threatened, "If you dare to steal my clients again, I’ll finish you!"

Wang Zhen was actually somewhat wary of Zhao Yu. In the past, when he had tried to disrupt Lianjia Realty while fighting over clients, a brawl had broken out, and he had used his uncle’s connections to have the Lianjia employees locked up. However, Zhao Yu had stepped in to mediate, and by that afternoon, the Lianjia employees were released—by an official higher-ranking than his own uncle. Wang Zhen had been reprimanded by his uncle afterward, and since then, he rarely clashed with Lianjia staff.

"The feeling is mutual. You should be careful, too," Zhang Wei said, swatting Wang Zhen’s hand away.

"Pfft, you’re nothing. Even if you were given the guts, you wouldn't dare do anything to me," Wang Zhen said dismissively.

"Manager Zhao, our shop has things to attend to, so we’ll be off. We’ll get together another time," Wang Zhen said, nodding to Zhao Yu before leading his men away.

"Manager Zhao, thank you for stepping in," Zhang Wei said.

"Don't mention it. I’ve known your Manager Xu for a long time, so it’s only right to help. Besides, I couldn't stand that kid’s arrogance," Zhao Yu laughed.

"Let’s have a drink another day. I’d love to ask for your advice on management," Zhang Wei offered politely.

"Drinks are no problem; I’m fond of that myself. We’ll invite old Xu and sit down for a good chat," Zhao Yu said, clearly interested.

"It’s a deal. I’ll make sure there’s plenty of good liquor," Zhang Wei promised.

"Your store has just had an incident, and you’ve got work to do. I won't keep you any longer. Let’s talk another time." Zhao Yu glanced at the mess in the Zhongtong shop and took his leave.

"Alright, take care," Zhang Wei said with a smile. He would have liked to invite him in, but the place was such a disaster that he couldn't entertain guests.

After sending Zhao Yu off, Zhang Wei’s face turned dark. Not acting immediately didn't mean he was going to swallow this insult. He needed to plot carefully to teach Wang Zhen a lesson he would remember for the rest of his life.

*Wang Zhen, you bastard. You knocked me out last time, and now that I’ve just become a manager, you trash my store. If I don't get revenge for this, I’ll take your last name!* Zhang Wei muttered to himself.

The onlookers outside the store, seeing the show was over, dispersed. However, the gossip didn't stop there. Other agencies were watching the situation unfold with a sense of morbid curiosity. Some even secretly blamed Zhao Yu for interfering; otherwise, a fight between two managers would have been quite the spectacle.

Back inside, Zhang Wei comforted his staff and worked with them to clear the mess. By six in the evening, the store was back in order, and the glass door had been replaced. From the outside, there was barely a trace of the vandalism.

After Xu Ming gave his statement at the police station, he went to the Beijing branch to report the incident. Since the police had no leads, it was treated as a random act of violence, and the company approved funds for the repairs.

It was after seven when Xu Ming returned to the store. He was immediately surrounded by his staff, who were anxious for news. Although many knew about the rivalry between Zhang Wei and Wang Zhen, without proof from the police, it was all just speculation, and Wang Zhen couldn't be held accountable.

"Brother Xu, were there any leads on the vandalism?" Zhang Wei asked with concern. It would be best if the police could prove it was Wang Zhen.

"No. The people who trashed the place were wearing hats, and the residential area’s security footage is too blurry to identify anyone," Xu Ming sighed.

Zhang Wei was slightly disappointed, but it was expected. Since the perpetrators had chosen to strike at night and were well-prepared, they wouldn't easily reveal their identities.

"Brother Xu, do you think they’ll come back to trash the store again tonight?" Su Ning asked, her brow furrowed with worry—a question everyone else was thinking.

"Don't worry, everyone. Just focus on your work. I’ll handle everything else," Xu Ming said, pressing his hands down to calm them. He began a long-winded pep talk, detailing the measures the police were taking, which slowly helped settle their nerves.