The black plastic bag held a staggering sum of one hundred thousand yuan!
A thick wad, too large for a single hand to grasp.
In 1998, while the term "ten-thousand-yuan household" was becoming more common, one hundred thousand yuan was still an unthinkable goal for many. Yet, here it was, appearing before them.
Aside from a select few, most people found their breathing quicken. Some couldn't help but reveal a glint of greed in their eyes.
The saying "money moves the heart" was undeniably true.
In this era, one hundred thousand yuan was enough to buy a life, enough to drive many to take desperate risks.
Fortunately, no one was foolish enough to reach out and snatch it; at most, they grumbled silently to themselves.
"Elder, this is your bonus. Thank you for helping us with the act!"
Qin Chuan, at this moment, casually took a wad of cash from the plastic bag, pulled out a single bill, and handed it to the old man.
This single bill was one hundred yuan, equivalent to ten days' income for many.
For an elder of the old man's age, it was enough for two months of expenses.
"This... this is too much!"
The old man, looking at the large denomination banknote before him, became flustered and overwhelmed, his hands trembling with disbelief.
Qin Chuan was being too generous!
"It's not much, not much at all. Go back and buy some tonics, some meat, eat well and live well!"
Qin Chuan smiled and pressed the hundred yuan bill into the old man's hand.
"Thank you! Thank you, Boss Qin!"
"Boss Qin is a great benefactor!"
The old man, overcome with emotion, was about to kneel to express his gratitude, as such a sum was something even his children had never given him.
Zheng Chengdao and Bai Xiaoguang, standing beside Qin Chuan, quickly stepped forward to steady him.
"Elder, this is what you deserve!"
Qin Chuan comforted him, then loudly announced, "Everyone, line up one by one and come forward to receive your bonus!"
His words, at this moment, were more potent than an ancient imperial decree. The previously chaotic crowd immediately formed orderly lines, behaving with remarkable discipline, their faces revealing unconcealed excitement and emotion.
"One hundred yuan per person, as my thanks for your strong support today!"
Qin Chuan said as he distributed the bonuses. His voice wasn't loud, but in the quiet environment, it was remarkably clear.
"I'm not a particularly good person, nor a great benefactor!"
"To those who are good to me, who have helped me, I will never be stingy. Let's earn money together! Let's eat meat together!"
"But if anyone dares to have ill intentions towards me, betray me, or be fickle, let me be upfront: my retribution is also quite severe."
"I don't wish for such a situation to arise in the future. Do you all understand what I mean?"
The crowd, who had been happy and expectant moments before, grew solemn upon hearing Qin Chuan's final words, their smiles fading.
They suddenly recalled Qin Chuan's identity: a boss worth millions at such a young age.
It was unlikely such a person was a saint; otherwise, he wouldn't have amassed such a fortune so young.
Those few individuals who had harbored greedy thoughts upon seeing Qin Chuan's ten-thousand-yuan fortune now completely abandoned them.
They indeed desired more money, but what good was it if they couldn't live to spend it?
Fortunately, this somber mood didn't last long. As Qin Chuan handed out the one-hundred-yuan bills, the workers who received their share were once again enveloped in the joy of receiving money.
Everyone was happy, praising the boss for his generosity and might, wishing him prosperity and success.
After about ten minutes, all the workers had received their bonuses.
It wasn't a huge amount, one hundred yuan per person. With over forty workers, it totaled just over four thousand yuan, leaving more than half of the ten thousand yuan Qin Chuan had in his hand.
"Alright, everyone has received their money, let's get back to work!"
"Let's strive to complete our six-story building by the end of the month!"
Qin Chuan declared.
"Don't worry, boss, we guarantee to complete the task!"
Fueled by the allure of money, the workers' enthusiasm surged to unprecedented heights, and they quickly returned to their tasks.
Only the security team, along with Qin Yang and Qin Gang, remained.
"Follow me!"
Qin Chuan led the way towards the prefabricated steel building. In the group following him, Ergou, Sanmao, and the others couldn't hide their excitement. They were sure that if Qin Chuan was so generous with the workers, he wouldn't shortchange them.
And indeed, that was the case. As soon as they entered, Qin Chuan addressed the seven security personnel, including Ergou and Sanmao: "Each of you seven will receive a bonus of two hundred yuan!"
"Thank you, boss!!"
"The boss is always the best!!"
"Wishing the boss eternal prosperity and booming business!"
The seven security guards were overjoyed. In reality, they hadn't exerted much effort today; it had been their easiest day, yet they earned almost a month's salary. It was an incredible surprise.
After distributing bonuses to the security guards, Qin Chuan nimbly took out five hundred yuan and handed it to Bai Xiaoguang, who was closest to him: "Brother Paigu, here's your bonus!"
Bai Xiaoguang let out a "Wow!" of exclamation: "Five hundred yuan, boss, I love you to death!"
He then lunged to hug Qin Chuan, who dodged with a look of disdain.
Bai Xiaoguang didn't mind, grinning triumphantly as he held the five hundred yuan in his hand.
"Yao Dong, and Brother Dao, you both get five hundred yuan too!"
Qin Chuan then gave Yao Dong and Zheng Chengdao five hundred yuan each.
"Thank you, boss!"
"Thanks, boss!"
Yao Dong and Zheng Chengdao both expressed their gratitude.
Finally, only Qin Yang and Qin Gang remained. As Qin Chuan's gaze fell upon his two elder brothers' faces, Qin Yang waved his hand first: "Xiao Chuan, we don't need it. We're family..."
"Yes, Xiao Chuan! We don't need this money..."
Qin Gang quickly chimed in.
However, Qin Chuan skillfully took out another thousand yuan and divided it, giving each of his brothers five hundred.
"Since everyone else received something, how could I possibly leave you two out!"
"Besides, you both contributed significantly today. This is well deserved!"
As Qin Yang looked at the money in his hand, about to say something more, Qin Erge subtly tugged at him. Then, Qin Erge, with a playful grin, mimicked the workers: "Thank you, Boss Qin, wishing Boss Qin eternal prosperity!"
Qin Chuan was amused by his second brother's mischievous demeanor and gave him a light kick.
"You're so unserious!"
"This five hundred yuan won't be easy to take!"
"After this incident, we've completely made an enemy of Han Shifei. They certainly won't let this go easily."
Hearing Qin Chuan mention the serious matter, everyone dropped their playful airs and became solemn and focused.
"Boss, don't worry. I'll have my contacts in the underworld keep a close eye on Han Shifei's every move."
Zheng Chengdao said first.
Qin Chuan nodded: "From today onwards, everyone must be on high alert to prevent Han Shifei from playing any dirty tricks!"
"Big brother, you'll have to work harder from now on. In the evenings, have more workers stay behind and live at the construction site with you!"
Qin Yang nodded firmly: "Don't worry, I won't let what happened last time occur at the construction site again."
"Xiao Chuan, speaking of construction site security, I suggest we get a few large wolfdogs. These beasts are often more effective than us humans!"
Qin Erge suddenly suggested.
Qin Chuan's eyes lit up: "Excellent idea! Brother Er, go to the county town later and see where we can find suitable wolfdogs. Buy them directly!"
"Here, I'll give you another five hundred yuan!"
Seeing the additional five hundred yuan Qin Chuan handed him, Qin Erge was delighted and patted his chest in acceptance. This was something he was very good at.
"Xiaoguang!"
At this moment, Qin Chuan turned to Bai Xiaoguang: "Now that Han Shifei has cut off our sand supply, contact the sand quarry in Shaanxi Province. Tell them we'll be sending a convoy to pick up sand soon!"
"I'll call them right away!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaoguang quickly took out his phone and made the call on the spot.
No matter how big the trouble, the construction project could not be delayed.