Chapter 267

Chapter 267 - Give Justice to the Workers!

“If you think the water is fine, then there's no need to worry about it,” Zhang Xiaolong said, having arrived at the factory unnoticed.

“It's really you!” Huang Zhigang exclaimed angrily. “What do you want from me? I run just a small factory, and we've barely started operations. What could you possibly gain from me? Why are you persistently targeting my business?”

“Brother, there's an old saying: blocking someone's livelihood is akin to killing their parents. Why make life difficult for others? We all know making money isn't easy, and besides, it hasn't caused you any harm. Just look the other way,” Mr. Chen chimed in, attempting to mediate.

“I'm well aware that earning money isn't easy for you, but to say you haven't caused harm to others, that's not necessarily true,” Zhang Xiaolong countered, gesturing towards the wastewater on the ground. “This water is laced with toxins. Over time, it could contaminate the groundwater, affecting both people and crops. The damage is incredibly hard to reverse. How can you say that's not harmful?”

“Tsk tsk, young man, aren't you exaggerating a bit? People like Boss Huang are rare these days. Most factories discharge their wastewater directly into bodies of water, and in much larger quantities. It's an unspoken truth we all live with,” Mr. Chen argued. “How about this: Boss Huang gives you a red envelope, you drop the issue, he considers it a cost of avoiding disaster, and you see it as a little bonus. What do you say?”

“Not interested,” Zhang Xiaolong replied firmly. “Do you really think I'm after such a small amount of money?”

“Take the money, and you won't have to drink the water here. That way, it won't affect you,” Mr. Chen suggested with a smile.

Zhang Xiaolong was at a loss for words. “I'm a farmer from this area. This land is the foundation of our livelihood. You've contaminated our water, and it's not something that can be fixed with a bit of cash. Boss Huang, if you're not willing to halt operations and address the wastewater issue, then brace yourself for when this all comes to light. If you don't have the money to treat the wastewater, I'm sure you'll find the funds to cover the fines for its improper disposal!”

As he spoke, he turned to leave, but this time Huang Zhigang's anger flared.

“You strut into my factory and act all high and mighty. You think I'm a pushover? Men, teach him a lesson!” Huang Zhigang gestured for his workers to come forward. Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om

The factory wasn't large, but it had a fair number of workers. Along with the security staff, they grabbed whatever they could and charged at Zhang Xiaolong.

“What's this? When money doesn't solve your problems, you resort to violence?” Zhang Xiaolong scoffed, unfazed by the show of force.

Once a leader emerged, the rest quickly followed suit.

Zhang Xiaolong watched them, his frown deepening. “Polluting the river was wrong, but you're just workers; it's not your responsibility. Do you really want to become someone else's enforcers? If so, you'll be implicated in this too.”

“Beat him up!”

The crowd was done listening to Zhang Xiaolong. They surged forward, fists flying.

But Zhang Xiaolong was not someone who could be easily subdued. The scene descended into chaos, and it was unclear who was hitting whom. By the end, nearly half of the people on the ground were injured by their own colleagues.

“This guy seems to have some clout,” Mr. Chen observed, growing concerned. “He doesn't seem easy to handle. Your men can't even touch him!”

“Being a good fighter is one thing, but he's just a foolhardy guy,” Huang Zhigang sneered. “After injuring so many of our people, does he think he can just walk away? Let him cool his heels in the police station.”

“You've thought this through quite well. You really are a highly intelligent individual,” Mr. Chen complimented.

As Zhang Xiaolong was attempting to break free from the crowd and escape, a gunshot rang out from outside.

“Police! Everyone stop or we will open fire!” a voice commanded from the factory entrance, as officers stormed in.

The crowd at the scene came to an abrupt halt, swiftly tucking away their weapons behind them.

“Officer Chang, this man here has caused a disturbance at our plant and has injured many of our workers. You must get justice for our employees!” Huang Zhigang clearly recognized the lead officer and promptly approached to exchange pleasantries.

“What happened here?” Officer Chang gave a nod and turned his gaze to Zhang Xiaolong. “You've come to one of our county's key supported enterprises to start a brawl and injured numerous people. We're taking you into custody first.”

“You've heard only one sentence from me and already you've judged me guilty. Don't you think it would be appropriate to fully understand the events that transpired before making a decision?” Zhang Xiaolong remained composed as he spoke.