Twenty years of cold chain

Chapter 20 Panzhu Night Talk

In the afternoon, Lin Xiang heard that there had been hydrogen sulfide poisoning incidents in some cabins. Fish and shrimp in the cabins that had not been dealt with in time during the typhoon had rotted extensively, and the poisoned people were still unconscious in the hospital.

Lin Xiang was filled with lingering fear, and felt even more guilty thinking about what had happened during the day.

Seeing Hu Shutong's face swollen like a peach and the noodles that had slumped together and were inedible, Lin Xiang felt utterly ashamed. "Brother, Lin Xiang apologizes to you. Tell me how you want to make it up to me, I won't say a word."

Hu Shutong could understand why Lin Xiang resorted to violence; anyone would be anxious about goods worth hundreds of thousands, especially since Lin Xiang had a notoriously bad temper. Besides, Hu Shutong was currently engrossed in Yue Ran's thesis, so he was even less concerned about the matter.

"Boss Lin..."

"Don't call me 'boss,' just call me Lin Xiang. What should I call you, brother?"

"My name is Hu Shutong."

"Brother Hu, I left in a hurry and didn't bring much money with me. Here's three hundred for you. Go to the hospital tomorrow to get some anti-inflammatory medication. I'm really sorry, I was too impulsive."

"I'm fine. I've been busy writing these past few days and haven't had time to go to the hospital." As he spoke, Hu Shutong pushed his hand to stop Lin Xiang from handing over the money.

Lin Xiang had imagined countless scenarios along the way, but he never expected this scene before him. There were no harsh words or complaints, nor did he utter a single sound of pain; he showed no sign of weakness whatsoever. On the contrary, he exuded a spirit that he couldn't describe, radiating an extraordinary aura from within.

He didn't say much, but he was frank and straightforward. Lin Xiang was also a straightforward person. When Hu Shutong refused, he didn't hesitate to put the money back in his wallet.

Lin Xiang showed no sign of leaving. He sat lightly on the edge of the bed, glanced at the desk under the lamp, and immediately had something on his mind. "The other day you mentioned refrigerated trucks on the hill. Could it be related to your major?"

Hu Shutong turned around and sat down. "That's right, I majored in cold chain logistics at Mingda University. If Brother Xiang doesn't mind, could you tell me about it?"

Hu Shutong felt that Lin Xiang's behavior on the slope that day made him realize that Lin Xiang was not kept in the dark, but rather knew him inside and out. Naturally, he would not let such an opportunity pass him by.

"Brother Hu, it's like this. I signed a supply contract with a relatively high-end chain restaurant outside Panzhu City. They have very high requirements for transportation and can only use refrigerated trucks they purchased themselves. The container companies in the city are keeping a close eye on the refrigerated trucks that are fully assembled. You were right at the time. They not only arbitrarily intercepted refrigerated trucks, but also encouraged my other customers to delay picking up their goods, otherwise they would not be able to purchase any more container trucks. In short, they are ganging up on me to force me to comply."

Hu Shutong sighed, "It's such a waste to lose several hundred tons of goods, Brother Xiang. What are you planning to do next?"

"If my fish were alright, that would be one thing, but what do I have to fear in this situation? If I give in to this and please them, I, Lin Xiang, will become a castrated pig, only knowing how to eat in silence. Who will respect me then!"

The example he gave made Hu Shutong think to himself that he was indeed a ruthless person. Lin Xiang's gaze sharpened, and he suddenly became as decisive as he had been on the slope. "If my goods can't be transported in refrigerated trucks, then no one in Panzhu can. But Brother Hu, once we break through, my fish will be more valuable than anyone else's!"

Hu Shutong nodded in agreement with Lin Xiang. Not all fish end up in the seafood wholesale market. In comparison, the profits from supplying dedicated enterprises are significantly higher. Lin Xiang's vision extends further than other transit warehouses, which also means greater risks.

"Brother Xiang, this is both a natural disaster and a man-made one. You've already suffered losses, so why not try to fight for yourself again? Putting aside everything else, at least let those who conspired to cause trouble shut up."

Lin Xiang nodded repeatedly, "You've hit the nail on the head. The goods can't just go to waste. I'll keep making a fuss. In this Shuangliujiao area, if I don't take the goods, everyone's crying for help. They'll take legal action. If we can stand up for ourselves this time, it will give our customers confidence. In short, I'll fight them to the end. One day, my fish will be the most valuable!"

"Brother Hu, ever since I started this transit warehouse, I've never thought of doing what they do. The fish in Panzhu are all high-quality fish, and container trucks can't meet the restaurant's standards. That's the demand. There are more than just a few customers like this. I, Lin Xiang, am the bridge builder. As long as there's demand, this bridge won't collapse."

These words caught Hu Shutong's attention, but the situation prevented him from offering flattering remarks. Considering his past experiences, it only made the difficulties seem even more daunting. However, Lin Xiang's high-spirited demeanor inspired admiration.

"Brother Hu, may I have your contact information?"

Hu Shutong wrote down his dormitory number, and Lin Xiang accepted it. However, he went to the desk lamp, turned his back to Hu Shutong, left his own number, and then placed it on the desk. "Brother Hu, be sure to tell me if you change your number after graduation. With a professional talent like you, I'll have plenty of things to ask you for advice in the future."

"You can ask me anything, and I can look it up for you if I don't know the answer."

"Great!" Lin Xiang laughed heartily, patted Hu Shutong on the shoulder, and then glanced at his face again as he looked away. Lin Xiang let out a heavy breath, then exclaimed, "Brother Hu, no need to see me off. Be sure to let me know in advance when you leave Panzhu, and I'll treat you to a big seafood feast!"

Thanks in advance!

Lin Xiang left in a hurry, and Hu Shutong thought to himself that he was indeed quite decisive. But when he picked up the paper with the phone number written on it, he found something covering it.

At first glance, Hu Shutong was greatly surprised; it was actually Lin Xiang's jade Guanyin. It rested in his palm, warm and smooth. Every piece of jade has a story, and Hu Shutong dared not wear it lightly. It was better to keep it as a keepsake. So he placed the jade Guanyin in a book that Luan Pingxin had sent him.

This trip to Panzhu was worthwhile, not only because I was struck by the vicious competition among my peers, but also because it led to the development of a highly persuasive section on my thesis.

As the night drew to a close and the sea breeze stirred, the sounds of mahjong tiles fell silent, and the tranquility of the night returned.

Looking out the window, a green, snail-like leaf clung to the window frame, initially trembling like a cicada's wing, but soon settling down.

Hu Shutong felt reassured and decided it was time to go back.

……