Chapter One: The Urgent Mission

(1/3)

(1)

“Knock knock knock, knock knock knock knock.” A rapid knocking startled Qin Ke from his sleep. Lying still on the bed with his eyes closed, he called out, “Who is it?”

“Qin Ge, Luo Ge, there’s a call for you,” came the sharp voice of Xiao Mei, the receptionist at the guesthouse.

“Don’t answer! Just tell them we’re still asleep and have them call back in a few hours.”

“That won’t work! I already told him you two are sleeping, but he insists you must answer immediately. Seems urgent.”

“What kind of person loves trouble so much, waking people on a Sunday? Tell him we’ll come down later.”

“Then you two better hurry.”

Listening to Xiao Mei’s clicking high heels fading away, Qin Ke reached over to the bedside table for his quartz watch. It was already 7:30.

“Luo Tong, wake up, your phone’s ringing,” Qin Ke said toward the other bed.

“It’s for you. You answer it,” Luo Tong mumbled, pretending to still be asleep.

“It’s for both of us. This time you answer, next time I will,” Qin Ke replied.

“No way. I’ve answered every time so far. You never keep your word,” Luo Tong said knowingly, seeing through Qin Ke’s usual trick.

Qin Ke was reluctant too and said, “Luo Tong, let’s play rock-paper-scissors; loser goes. Deal?”

Luo Tong readily agreed, “Alright, but no cheating.”

Qin Ke sat up and extended his right hand. Luo Tong, still lying down with eyes closed, stretched out his left.

Best of three — Luo Tong won 2-1.

Luo Tong laughed heartily, “Dear Qin Ge, you better go now.”

Qin Ke said, “This is ridiculous. How can you win without even opening your eyes?”

“I have special powers, no need to see,” Luo Tong joked.

Qin Ke teased back, “Special powers my foot. Your eyes are so small, whether open or closed, it’s the same.”

Luo Tong sat up, quipping, “Qin Ge, my small eyes focus, yours are big but scatter.”

Qin Ke had no choice but to get dressed. As he left, he warned Luo Tong, “Don’t get cocky. If it’s good news, I’ll take it alone; if it’s bad, I’m dragging you in too.”

The phone at the front desk was still ringing. Seeing Qin Ke move slowly downstairs, Xiao Mei approached and whispered, “Qin Ge, it sounds like it’s a call from your company’s boss.”

Qin Ke was indifferent, “It’s Sunday. No one can take away my right to rest.”

Picking up the receiver, feigning ignorance, he said, “Hello? Who’s this?”

“Can’t you recognize my voice?” The urgent voice of his superior, Zhou Pinyi, immediately filled his ear.

“Oh, General Manager Zhou! What’s so urgent that you’re calling us in such a rush?” Qin Ke replied slowly.

“You haven’t answered my calls for half a day — you’ve got some nerve and guts,” Zhou Pinyi’s tone was clearly furious despite the phone line.

“General Manager Zhou, rest is our right. We’ve been on a business trip for a month. The work here is wrapping up, and we’ll be home next week,” Qin Ke answered as if reporting on work, oblivious to Zhou’s impatience.

“Stop right there. I’m not interested in your work report. According to schedule, you should have returned already, but the situation is urgent. You won’t get to rest, nor get back home. Pack up quickly and head straight to Tongyuan. An emergency has arisen that needs your attention,” Zhou Pinyi barked, cutting to the chase.

Qin Ke was currently in Jie’an City in southern Sichuan Province. Tongyuan lay over a thousand kilometers away in the northeast. Upon hearing Zhou’s new orders, he immediately said, “Our company has an office in the provincial capital Xizhou, closer to Tongyuan. They have engineers on duty; why not send them instead?”

“Do you think I’m stupid? I know this is going around the long way. The office engineers are already on site but are helpless. The client is upset, threatening to return the goods and claim compensation for business losses if the problem isn’t resolved within a week.”

Before Qin Ke could respond, Zhou continued, “That’s why I thought of you, Master Qin. If you take charge, you’ll surely fix the problem.”

Qin Ke replied, “General Manager Zhou, no one can claim to be all-powerful and guarantee a solution. You’re flattering me to death.”

Zhou Pinyi encouraged him, “You haven’t even been on site yet, why jump to conclusions? With your technical level, it’s a minor issue. Believe in yourself. Don’t belittle your abilities — it’s not your style. You have the organization’s full backing. Stop wasting my time; it’s decided. Leave immediately.”

Knowing Zhou well, Qin Ke realized he’d never spoken so earnestly to a subordinate before. It seemed even he was out of options, probably pressured by Vice General Manager Gao Yuge in charge of marketing, to call on a Sunday morning.

Zhou Pinyi was the technical manager, Qin Ke and Luo Tong’s direct superior, eight years his senior. True to his name, he was a man of integrity, caring deeply for his team, helping with both work and personal troubles. A professionally trained technician with strong skills, he commanded respect and inspired a sense of camaraderie in Qin Ke.

Qin Ke was bright, cheerful, and technically top-notch. He was Zhou’s trusted aide, highly valued. Not a bookish engineer, he was passionate and sociable, a versatile talent suited for both technology and market. Vice General Manager Gao Yuge coveted his skills for sales, but Zhou refused to release him, no matter the pressure.

Qin Ke disliked marketing, seeing it as empty talk, involving endless drinking and socializing. Confident in his technical skills, he was not worried about making money and ignored Gao’s entreaties.

He and Zhou had a straightforward, brotherly relationship. Qin Ke said, “General Manager Zhou, I’m willing to go to Tongyuan, but…”

Before Qin Ke finished, Zhou interrupted, “I know what you want to say. As long as you solve the problem and save the client relationship, I’ll meet your reasonable requests.”

Qin Ke smiled, “You know me well, General Manager. I only have three demands: first, Luo Tong goes with me — two heads better than one; second, it’s urgent, so I want to fly from Xizhou to Tongyuan; third, some travel expenses — can’t make the horse run without feeding it.”

Zhou laughed, “Three demands are not too much. I’ll add a fourth — three days’ leave after you return. But if you fail, stay in Tongyuan and don’t come back.”

Qin Ke declared loudly, “Wise General Manager Zhou! We’re off immediately. Await the good news of our success.”

(2)

Putting down the phone, Qin Ke’s face was radiant as if bathed in spring sunshine, no longer the sluggish figure from earlier.

Xiao Mei asked, “Qin Ge, what good news makes you so happy?”

Qin Ke smiled, “Xiao Mei, you’re like a lovely magpie. When I’m done, I’ll treat you to a meal.” Singing softly, he headed upstairs, humming his favorite song, “Northern Spring”: “Tall white birches, tranquil blue sky, gentle southern breeze...”

Xiao Mei watched his retreating figure and said, “Qin Ge, you must keep your word.”

Qin Ke returned to his room and pulled open the curtains. Outside, the sun blazed high, instantly banishing the room’s gloom. Early July’s scorching summer waves radiated heat, and the room’s temperature seemed to rise steadily.

He sat quietly on the edge of the bed, watching Luo Tong still lying down, trying to discern if he was truly asleep.

Luo Tong couldn’t stand it and sat up briskly, “Qin Ge, why so quiet? Didn’t that call turn your brain to mush?”

Qin Ke laughed, “I knew you were faking sleep. I just wanted to see how long you could keep it up.”

“What did they say on the phone?” Luo Tong asked.

“Guess whether it’s good news or bad,” Qin Ke teased.

“Probably bad. If it were good, you’d be dancing for joy,” Luo Tong said.

“If you say it’s bad, then it’s bad. You can’t escape anyway,” Qin Ke shrugged.

“Come on, there’s still a 20% chance it’s good. If so, I want my share,” Luo Tong pressed.

“I already said good news is all mine,” Qin Ke replied.

“Alright, alright, but you’ve got to tell me what it is,” Luo Tong urged.

Qin Ke smiled, “We’re heading straight to Xizhou. Someone’s treating.”

Luo Tong looked skeptical, “No way. Traveling hundreds of kilometers just for a meal? You must be hiding something else.”

Qin Ke hesitated playfully, “There’s extra travel funds, a flight ticket, and extra leave.”

Luo Tong jumped up, “With that kind of good news, don’t leave me out. Let’s go together. If we get rich, don’t forget each other.”

Qin Ke laughed and scolded, “You never ask what the bad news is. Always thinking about the good stuff.”

Luo Tong grinned, “If there’s good news, who cares about bad? If the sky falls, you’re the big guy holding it up. I’ll just enjoy the good times.”

Qin Ke couldn’t help but laugh at his unreasonable friend.

Qin Ke was a typical northern man, tall and sturdy. Luo Tong, from the south, was half a head shorter and slimmer. Their appearances and styles contrasted sharply, but it didn’t stop them from being close friends.

Both worked for Company A, a Sino-foreign joint venture producing telephone exchange equipment mainly for telecom operators.

Luo Tong was smart, a year younger, and had joined Company A a year later but was already considered a junior to Qin Ke.

When Luo Tong joined, Qin Ke was about to go on a business trip. Zhou Pinyi appointed Qin Ke as Luo Tong’s mentor on site, marking their first meeting.

Qin Ke scrutinized Luo Tong seriously for a few minutes, making him uneasy, wondering what topic was coming. Suddenly, Qin Ke asked, “Can you drink?”

Starting off not with technical questions but about drinking surprised Luo Tong. He thought, as a technician, drinking ability shouldn’t matter, but answered honestly, “Teacher Qin, I can drink a little.”

Luo Tong expected Qin Ke to ask how much he could drink, but instead he asked, “Can you play cards?”

The unexpected questions made Luo Tong find Qin Ke interesting. He liked cards and thought he was good at “Pig” and “Upgrade,” so confidently answered, “Teacher Qin, I’m good at both.”

Qin Ke didn’t comment but said, “Get ready. You’re coming with me on this trip today.”

Thus, Luo Tong followed Qin Ke on the trip, marking their first collaboration.

During dealings with clients, Luo Tong witnessed Qin Ke’s many strengths. Technically, Qin Ke’s theory, practice, and experience were top-notch. He handled problems methodically, rarely stumped by technical challenges, which earned Luo Tong’s admiration. Although proud and smart, he humbly learned from Qin Ke’s methods, gaining much.

Qin Ke was generous in sharing his technical knowledge, seeing Luo Tong’s enthusiasm and diligence. Influenced by Qin Ke, Luo Tong became more open and confident, becoming his good assistant. Within six months, Luo Tong’s skills improved significantly, becoming a technical backbone capable of independent work.

In drinking, Qin Ke drank well but only showed it when needed. He underestimated Luo Tong’s capacity, who matched him drink for drink. Together they fostered good client relations, earning praise.

In cards, Luo Tong admitted defeat. Qin Ke was skilled at Mahjong, Pig, Upgrade, Fast Run, Tractor, Gaujie, and Baohuang. Under Qin Ke’s guidance, Luo Tong learned more card games and improved greatly.

They bonded deeply, age close, evolving from mentor-student to brothers.

They were dispatched to Jie’an as a market-technology duo.

Company A had just developed a new access network product, its flagship this year. To ensure performance and stability, they piloted it in Jie’an with cooperation from core network manufacturer Company B. Worried about market share loss, Company B was reluctant to develop standard open interfaces. Under client pressure, Company B reluctantly developed them, but the interfaces were immature and problematic.

After a month of testing coordinated by the client, Company A’s product reliability was confirmed, but Company B’s interfaces needed further improvement, requiring ongoing testing with no fixed schedule.

The client was very satisfied with Qin Ke and Luo Tong’s work and requested they continue cooperation in the next phase, hence their plan to return next week, interrupted by Zhou’s Sunday call.

Qin Ke wasn’t fully aware of Tongyuan’s situation, planning to assess onsite and respond accordingly. He told Luo Tong, “Good things always include you. Maybe this bad news is a chance for us to make a name.”

Luo Tong said, “Qin Ge, I don’t care about fame. Following you means no loss. Whatever you say, I’m in. Besides, I can’t bear to leave you alone in a pit.”

Qin Ke laughed, “That’s brotherhood — sharing hardship and fortune. Time is tight; we must leave immediately. Tonight we stay in Xizhou, and fly to Tongyuan early tomorrow.”

They hurried to pack, check out, and pay.

Seeing them check out, Xiao Mei said, “You really have good news? Can you finally go home?”

Having stayed a month, they were friendly with chatty Xiao Mei. Luo Tong joked, “Xiao Mei, you’re so pretty, we’ll miss you and come back.”

Xiao Mei said, “You’re just flattering me. Just bring me some snacks when you return.”

They left the guesthouse and took a taxi to Jie’an long-distance bus station.

(3)

Jie’an, in southern Sichuan, was hilly and mountainous, a relatively poor area, about 200 kilometers from Xizhou, with no train service, only buses.

Sichuan, a less developed western province, had few highways. From Jie’an to the provincial capital, only provincial roads were available, many damaged, making the bus ride bumpy.

It was midsummer; outside, the sun blazed fiercely. The bus had no air conditioning, windows wide open, hot winds blowing in. Two fans on the ceiling oscillated frantically but brought no relief. The crowded bus grew stifling; Qin Ke was drenched in sweat, as was Luo Tong.

“Once in Xizhou, we must make Cheng Ang treat us. Because of him, we’re suffering like this,” Qin Ke said resentfully.

“I totally agree. Bad food won’t do — we have to hit him hard,” Luo Tong said, swinging his arm in a chopping motion.

Soon, neither spoke. The heat sapped their will to talk or admire the scenery. They endured the heat, drowsy, bouncing along in the bus for over five hours.

Meanwhile, at Company A’s Xizhou office, Cheng Ang told Manager Bian Xiaoqi, “Manager Bian, Qin Ke arrives this afternoon. With him here, we won’t worry anymore. We must treat him well tonight.”

Since their engineer Sun Yuqiang was stuck in Tongyuan with unresolved issues, Bian Xiaoqi felt pressure from the client and lacked confidence. She asked, “Cheng, is Qin Ke really that capable? Why didn’t you send him to Tongyuan from the start?”

Cheng Ang said, “I couldn’t get such a top expert. Only with General Manager Gao’s intervention did Zhou Pinyi send him. He’s not only technically excellent but talented and market-savvy — a complete talent who won’t disappoint. We must show sincerity. He likes spicy food; go ahead and book a private room at a local Sichuan restaurant with a few good dishes. I’ll join him shortly.”

Curious about Qin Ke’s skills, Bian Xiaoqi left early to book the restaurant. Cheng waited at the office.

Qin Ke and Luo Tong arrived in Xizhou around 3 p.m.

Xizhou, the provincial capital, had wide streets, shady trees, bustling traffic, and towering buildings. Despite the heat, many pedestrians roamed. Slender young women with long hair wore translucent clothes, inspiring endless imagination. Beneath short shorts or miniskirts, their snowy, slender long legs tempted Qin Ke and Luo Tong’s eyes. Sichuan was famous for its beauties; today, they witnessed the legend firsthand.

Seeing their sweat-stained, dusty appearance, Qin Ke felt like migrant workers entering town, embarrassed, and quickly averted his gaze, heading for Company A’s Xizhou office.

The office was on the fifth floor of a six-story building on Wenhua Road next to Xizhou University, renting three rooms — one office and two dormitories.

When Qin Ke arrived, Cheng Ang was seated in the office, seemingly dozing with the air conditioning on. Seeing Qin Ke and Luo Tong enter, he stood, shook Qin Ke’s hand, and said, “Welcome, brothers, you’ve worked hard. Cool off with the air conditioner. Thirsty? Have some water. There’s cigarettes, help yourselves. Go take a shower to wash off the sweat. Dinner’s on me tonight — whatever you want.”

Before Qin Ke could speak, Cheng offered tea and cigarettes, whispering sweet words, making Qin Ke feel as if Cheng owed him something. The discomfort and bumpy journey’s hardships he wanted to vent vanished.

Qin Ke was familiar with Cheng. They joined Company A’s technical department the same day. Cheng was eloquent and smooth, suited for marketing. Both had been eyed by Vice General Manager Gao for sales, but Qin Ke declined, angering Gao, who frequently teased him, “Tech has limited prospects; sales trains you and pays more. You’re stubborn, maybe even stupid. There’s always a spot for you here. If you change your mind, tell me. I won’t treat you badly.”

Qin Ke always smiled, “Thanks, Gao, but I like tech and know my worth.” Gao showed frustration, regretting not being able to persuade him.

Two years later, Cheng prospered, expanding Company A’s presence across Sichuan, with outlets in almost every city. Business seemed thriving.

Knowing Qin Ke’s skills, Cheng pushed the tech department to send him to Jie’an for the new access network product’s launch, resulting in this trip.

Now Tongyuan’s emergency made Cheng think of Qin Ke again, requesting him through Gao.

Compared to two years ago, Cheng’s appearance changed drastically. Once medium-sized and slim with a big head, now his head was even bigger and his waist thicker, looking well-fed and prosperous from client dealings and indulgences. Despite the heat, he wore a suit, looking every bit a businessman.

Watching Cheng pace and chatter, Qin Ke said bluntly, “Dear Manager Cheng, no good deed goes unpunished. What’s up? You didn’t bring us here just to drink tea and smoke, right?”

Cheng laughed, “Nothing major. Jie’an’s issue is settled. You two worked hard expanding my market for a month. It’s time to rest and I’ll play host.”

“Really? Then we’ll go back tomorrow,” Qin Ke smiled.

“No, there’s a small matter in Tongyuan. I need your help,” Cheng said quickly.

“Stop pretending,” Qin Ke said.

Cheng became more formal, “Brother, you know me well. I’m at your service.”

Polite and smiling, Cheng had become adept at handling matters with ease, impressing Qin Ke, who laughed, “You’ve changed a lot — in looks and manners. No wonder your market work’s so successful. A stranger after three years!”

Cheng humbly replied, “Nonsense. Just trying to earn a living. If you did this job, you’d be better. How about working together?”

Qin laughed, “Stop bringing that up. Seriously, didn’t your engineer Sun Shuqiang already go to Tongyuan?”

“He did, a week ago, but no good. The man’s useless technically and has embarrassed me. I’m too embarrassed to show my face there,” Cheng said angrily.

“The client said if Sun can’t fix it, he can’t leave. I had no choice but to ask General Manager Gao, who probably instructed Zhou to send you. I’ve been waiting for you at the office,” Cheng rambled.

“That’s not right. You’re the troublemaker. You want me here but wash your hands of it,” Qin Ke saw through the ploy.

“Ha, you know me too well. Your skills are renowned, so I thought of you first. With you on it, it’s a sure fix,” Cheng said.

Qin Ke was silent, staring at Cheng, who looked puzzled.

“Enough chatter. I’m filthy and uncomfortable. Let’s shower and eat. We’re starving,” Qin Ke said, standing.

“Any thoughts on the Tongyuan trip?” Cheng asked.

“I’m here. That’s my thought. The rest depends on you,” Qin laughed and walked out.

Luo Tong, unfamiliar with Cheng, said nothing and followed Qin.

An hour later, after showers and changing, the young men looked refreshed and energetic, their earlier exhaustion gone.

Cheng changed into casual clothes, less formal, more approachable.

“I booked a local authentic restaurant nearby for dinner. Just a few minutes’ walk,” Cheng said warmly.

“Manager Cheng, you must treat well. If the food’s bad, we won’t work hard,” Qin joked.

“Right. Bad food and drink, no fun, no good work,” Cheng laughed.

“I second that,” Luo Tong chipped in.

“Xiao Luo, that’s not me, that’s your Qin Ge’s original saying,” Cheng said.

“Ha, you remember well. Makes me recall our times working side by side,” Qin smiled.

(End of 3/3)