A Divine Farmer

Chapter 266 - Who Did This?

“If this wastewater isn't properly managed, the factory should cease operations,” Zhang Xiaolong stated earnestly, without accusation. “Factory Director Huang is undoubtedly intelligent and doesn't need me to stress the significance of this issue. However, it appears that your factory is currently compromising it all.”

Huang Zhigang's expression turned grim. “Who exactly are you?”

“I'm merely a villager living near the river,” Zhang Xiaolong replied with composure. “But I'm aware that if this continues, the river will be polluted within a month. The crops along its banks will suffer, and even the groundwater in Qingyuan County could be devastated. No rational person would permit such a catastrophe.”

“I'm sorry, but since you're not a client of All Completion, your presence here isn't welcome. Please leave,” Huang Zhigang commanded, effectively showing Zhang Xiaolong the door.

Zhang Xiaolong shook his head. “Don't you realize the enormity of the situation? Once the river is polluted, the cost of restoration will be astronomical. And before it can be restored, imagine the harm to the residents along its banks. You're chasing profit, but we're fighting for our very survival. If you drain the pond to catch fish, what happens when there are no fish left?”

“You don't need to preach to me,” Huang Zhigang dismissed, clearly uninterested. “Security, remove this man. Who let him in? In the future, make sure you vet visitors properly, or you can find employment elsewhere.”

The security guard felt aggrieved but knew better than to argue with his boss. Reluctantly, he attempted to escort Zhang Xiaolong out.

Yet, Zhang Xiaolong stood firm, unmovable as if rooted to the spot.

Realizing the futility of the situation, the guard looked helplessly back at his boss.

“Useless,” Huang Zhigang spat out in anger, then added icily, “What are you trying to achieve? Do you want me to call the police?”

“I'm simply making it clear that your factory's days are numbered if it continues like this. We villagers won't stand for it,” Zhang Xiaolong countered with equal resolve. “Shut it down now, or at least address the wastewater treatment before resuming operations. Otherwise, if you insist on proceeding as is, it's not going to happen. And if you'd rather not be exposed and face hefty fines, you'd be wise to heed my warning.”

“Hmm,” laughed Factory Director Huang with a smirk, “It seems you're not just any ordinary farmer. Well, let me tell you, I opened this factory because I'm not scared of anyone blowing the whistle on me. And as for the river water, it's perfectly fine. Even if you bring journalists here, they won't find a thing. Save yourself the effort; nobody's going to make a trip out here for such a trivial issue.”

“You know as well as I do that there's a problem with the river water. What you call ‘no problem' is simply not visible to the naked eye. But take a sample of that water for testing, and the issues will be immediately apparent,” retorted Zhang Xiaolong as he turned to leave. “If you won't shut it down voluntarily, then I'll have to take matters into my own hands. Don't think you can get away with anything just because you have connections.”

Watching Xiaolong walk away, Huang Zhigang could only sneer. He thought Xiaolong was all talk and no action. As for the water quality, he wasn't concerned. He had been cautious from the start, and as long as production levels stayed the same, there shouldn't be any significant problems. He was puzzled about how Xiaolong had noticed an issue with the water, which should have been undetectable.

Regardless, Zhigang was well-connected; it wouldn't be easy for anyone to touch him.

As Xiaolong stepped outside, he noticed someone being ushered into the factory—apparently the client he had initially arranged to meet. With a nonchalant smile, he realized that since the other party refused to compromise and insisted on polluting the river, it was up to him to intervene.

He made his way to an inconspicuous spot, extended his hand to the ground, and unleashed his divine power. The earth split open, revealing the pipes discharging wastewater.

“If you won't shut it down, then I'll do it for you,” Xiaolong said, smiling.

After feeling around for a moment, he stood up and headed back towards the All Completion Standard Component Factory.

Meanwhile, inside All Completion's meeting room, Huang Zhigang was deep in conversation with the very customer Xiaolong had seen earlier.

“Well, Mr. Chen, the volume of goods I have may not be large, but the quality is absolutely top-notch. Moreover, you won't find prices like these back home,” Huang Zhigang told the client.

“The price isn't really the issue. The problem is that your output is too small; it falls far short of our needs. If you could ramp up production, we could collaborate more closely. We might even be willing to pay a higher price,” Mr. Chen replied.

Huang Zhigang felt a bit troubled. “Increasing production significantly in the short term isn't feasible, but I'm confident we'll manage it eventually. Mr. Chen, if you could just be patient for a little while longer.”

“What are you worried about, Boss Huang? You're well-connected locally. Be bold and boost your production; how else do you expect to make big money?” Mr. Chen encouraged.

“You don't understand. Even now, we're facing troublemakers. If we stir up more commotion, the river's condition might become apparent, attracting journalists. That would really complicate matters,” Huang Zhigang sighed, shaking his head.

“People are giving you trouble? They should mind their own business. Since you have connections, Boss Huang, why not have someone take care of it?” Mr. Chen advised. “People who cause problems are usually just after money. Sweeten the deal for them, and they'll back off. If they still don't comply, then you may need to get tough. No one will know it was you. In business, you need to be ready to use any tactic necessary. Otherwise, even someone with your technical expertise will struggle to get by.”

“You've given me a lot to think about,” Huang Zhigang acknowledged with genuine appreciation. “I thought my technical skills would allow me to thrive, but I didn't anticipate all these restrictions. If only we didn't have to deal with wastewater treatment—it's such a headache…”

“These things aren't as serious as they seem. Producing quality goods can lead to greater profits. Those poor people don't understand; they just cause a fuss for no reason,” Mr. Chen said dismissively.

“This isn't good…”

As they were conversing, someone burst into the conference room in a panic. “Boss Huang, we've got a serious problem. For some reason, we can't discharge the wastewater. It's all backing up, and the factory is on the verge of being inundated with it.”

“What's the situation?” Huang Zhigang sprang to his feet and dashed outside.

The machinery in the factory had come to a halt, yet the wastewater continued to spill out, soaking the factory floor and releasing foul odors.

“Who's responsible for this?” Huang Zhigang realized that this must be someone's doing.