Ch. 21A sight to behold on Financial Street
Key plot points and events
- Shen Bing learns that the Golden Dragon District Sanitation Bureau is overseeing a public restroom project on Financial Avenue. He orders Wei Changjia to secure it, even if Phantom Immortal Technology must build it for free.
- Wei quickly wins the project. Shen transfers 500,000 yuan from the company’s reserve, assigns workers from the factory site, and pays 200,000 yuan upfront. Construction proceeds rapidly behind unusually tall fencing to heighten the eventual unveiling.
- Chang Lu, Nancy Group’s suspended procurement manager, meets Young Master Yu. Chang explains that Phantom Immortal Technology’s curtain-wall glass costs only 500 yuan per square meter and shows him a sample.
- Young Master Yu realizes the discovery threatens the glass-wall contract he had promised to Lin Zijian through a shady arrangement. He takes the sample, promises to help Chang regain his position, and visits the hospitalized Lin. They spend hours plotting.
- Three days later, workers and passersby gather around the completed restroom. Wang Siguo sees what looks like a vivid, lifelike garden scene and realizes the building’s façade uses extraordinary glasses-free 3D technology. He doubts it is an ordinary screen and suspects the restroom conceals something remarkable.
Character developments and interactions
- Shen Bing is decisive and willing to spend money strategically, treating the restroom project as a chance to showcase Phantom Immortal Technology.
- Wei Changjia proves efficient, securing the project almost immediately.
- Chang Lu shifts from arrogance to ingratiating dependence after his public dine-and-dash incident leads to suspension. Rather than accept responsibility, he blames Phantom Immortal Technology and tries to enlist Young Master Yu.
- Young Master Yu moves from disbelief to intense interest when he sees the glass sample. His concern is driven by the risk that Lin Zijian might expose their corrupt deal.
- Wang Siguo, an observant bank employee, serves as the public’s first witness to the restroom’s astonishing appearance.
Significant themes
- Technology as spectacle: The restroom is more than infrastructure; its façade demonstrates how advanced materials can transform an ordinary public building.
- Business rivalry and corruption: The low-cost glass threatens a lucrative arrangement, prompting powerful figures to plot against Phantom Immortal Technology.
- Public image and blame: Chang Lu’s scandal damages his career, but he directs his resentment outward instead of taking responsibility.
- Strategic investment: Shen accepts an apparent loss to gain visibility and make a dramatic impression on a busy street.