Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 713 Heartbreak Beneath the Ripples

Workshop 3.

An apprentice suddenly said, "Hey, we have everything the transport team has, and our workshop is no worse than the transport team's!"

"No, I have to go to the transport team and show them what I've got. I'll make them furious."

Immediately, this remark was echoed by many apprentices, who all wanted to see the transport team's faces contorted with rage.

"That's right, count me in!"

"And I!"

"Let's go! Let's go right now!"

Immediately, groups of two or three apprentices eagerly carried brand-new towels, soap, and certificates of merit, and swarmed toward the transport team with their heads held high.

When I arrived at the transport team, all the drivers were there.

An apprentice waved his certificate and shouted, "Old Zhao! Look at this certificate in our workshop! The red stamp is really bright! You can tell it was stamped with force, it's great!"

"That's right, when we give out certificates of merit, we press them down carefully one by one. Who can compare to us!"

"That's right!"

The apprentices, in twos and threes, were shouting loudly, attracting the attention of a group of transport workers.

"Wow, you know what? Not only did they give you certificates, but they also gave you towels and soap. The stuff is pretty good!"

"Yes, it smells so good! I can't bear to use it; I'll have to take it home and treat it like a precious treasure!"

Watching the apprentices in the workshop peddling their wares and praising their own wares, the members of the transport team watched them perform as if they were watching a play.

All their words were wasted; the workshop apprentices didn't see the envious and resentful faces of the transport team they had expected.

Master Zhao chuckled, picked up a towel and shook off the dust: "What? Do you think we're all naive? We ran out of soap this morning, everyone's been using it to wash their hands!"

An apprentice nearby deliberately chimed in loudly, "Exactly! I don't know some people who treat leftovers as delicacies. How pathetic!"

"Isn't this thing meant to be used? What's so special about it that you'd actually want to worship it? That's really strange! What were you thinking?"

"I don't understand either. What's so special about this? It's just a bar of soap."

The transport team's few words of ridicule and mockery immediately turned the workshop apprentices' faces red and swollen.

"Let's go! They think we're putting on a monkey show!"

Immediately, the apprentices scurried out of the transport team, while laughter erupted from behind the door.
"Take care, and don't worry about seeing me off! Remember to let me know next time you come!"

The workshop's "victory parade" became a joke; those who came with high hopes left disappointed.

An apprentice angrily crumpled the certificate into a ball, stuffed it into his pocket, and spat out:

"Those bastards from the transport team, what are they so smug about! When our workshop is evaluated for outstanding workers at the end of the year, let's see if they'll still be laughing then!"

Li Huaide's office.

"Director Yang, Director Yang..." Li Huaide's lips curled into an almost pleased smile.

Hearing that Director Yang had handled the matter entirely according to his methods, and thinking of Director Yang's frustration and resentment, Li Huaide was pleased.

"That's good, that's good." This incident was somewhat of a blow to Director Yang.

Li Huaide stood up contentedly, strolled to the window, and looked at the still brightly lit factory director's office in the distance, silently grinning.

Director Yang under that lamp is probably in a terrible predicament.

Li Huaide felt ten times lighter than the workers who left the factory with generous benefits.

What did Li Huaide mean by doing this? There was no meaning at all, and it was far from what Director Yang thought, that he had any special purpose.

"Li Huaide, this is not over yet!" Factory Director Yang thought Li Huaide was trying to intimidate him.

Just as Director Yang was fuming, his office door was suddenly flung open!

"Director Yang, something terrible has happened!"

Workshop 1.

At that moment, the workers erupted in chaos.

Hearing that the transport team and the third workshop had received commendations, while they had received nothing, they had initially just been watching the show.

Now they've become the clowns.

"No way? The transport team all got their rough drafts, why didn't our workshop get any? Did we contribute little?"

"That's right! Our workshop is the main producer!"

"Look how happy the third workshop is, and those guys in the transport team are even more arrogant. As for us, we didn't get a single thing!"

"The third workshop has already received their supplies? The transport team got theirs too? Why don't we get ours?"

This decision caused a huge uproar, and the entire workshop was immediately dissatisfied with it.

Everyone is going through this together, so why should only the third workshop get it?

"Why should I? Let's reason this out!"

"That's right!"

The group immediately went to Guo Da Piezi to demand justice.

Guo Da Piezi was sitting peacefully in his office when he suddenly heard a commotion outside and immediately ran out.

He kicked over the metal bucket, the loud crash shaking the entire audience.

"Shut up! What's all the noise about! The transport team is carrying urgently needed steelmaking coke! The third workshop also has an emergency reserve of coal."

"What have we done? We don't have any coal, and nobody knows how to drive. We have nothing. How dare we ask for these things?!"

"How dare you ask for it? I didn't even dare to ask Director Yang for it. Aren't you ashamed? Just do your own job!"

Guo Da Piezi's series of rhetorical questions immediately stunned the entire audience.

"You're really capable! Tomorrow! Tighten the screws half a beat faster than everyone else, and reduce the scrap rate to the lowest possible level!"

"If we really get some outstanding work, exceeding targets, or improving efficiency and cost-cutting, then we, the workers in Workshop One, deserve the benefits. I'll risk all my pride and knock on Director Yang's door!"

After finishing his rant, Guo Da Piezi looked around the room, and no one dared to meet his gaze.

“Go back to work. Why bother with things that aren’t your business? Use this time to finish a few more tasks.”

"Don't worry about things that don't concern you!"

Guo Da Piezi immediately walked out of the workshop.

The crowd remained indignant.

"Those big oafs in the transport team all got a share, and the third workshop is showing off like crazy! Why didn't we in the first workshop get anything? We're the backbone of the steel rolling mill!"

"Who says otherwise, Old Li!"

"Look at them, and then look at us. We came up empty-handed and still got a scolding from the director! He said we didn't have any coal reserves and couldn't help. How pathetic is that?"

The group complained in twos and threes.

Qin Huairu didn't feel good about it either.

Putting aside the award certificate, she longed for the towel and soap alone.

With so many people in the family, the soap would be used up in less than half a month. This extra bar could last for half a month for no reason, and it doesn't even require a coupon.

The towels are also very good; she hasn't changed to new towels in a long time.

"Hmph!" Qin Huairu was powerless and could only snort coldly to express her dissatisfaction.

After leaving the workshop, Guo Da Piezi went straight to Director Yang's office.

Since the people below were clamoring for benefits, he naturally took this opportunity to report to Director Yang, hoping that they could secure them.

When he comes back and tells everyone that this was the result of his reasoned argument, the entire workshop will be grateful to him.

If we can't get it, then there's no loss.

Director Yang's office.

"okay!"

Factory Director Yang looked at the four or five directors who came over crying and complaining, all for similar reasons: their subordinates were dissatisfied.

The third workshop has already been given a setback once; it cannot be given a setback this time.

Otherwise, how could he remain the factory director? If his subordinates pressured him, he would have to back down. What authority would he have left?
"I don't care about all that. If there are any problems or difficulties, you guys have to step up and handle them yourselves. If you can't handle them, then you're out of here!"

"With so many people in the workshop, I refuse to believe that no one can solve the problem. Whoever can solve it should be the owner of the workshop!"

Factory Director Yang stood up, staring intently at everyone.

"After you go back, keep a close eye on the workers' movements, especially those who are in charge."

"Anyone who leads a disturbance and disrupts production is damaging the collective honor, and factory rules and regulations will not tolerate such behavior!"

"Anyone who stirs up trouble or tries to create problems will be fired immediately! Do you understand?"

A chill ran from the soles of their feet straight up to their heads.

Factory Director Yang is going to take a hard line against all the workers!

No, not exactly. Director Yang completely shifted the pressure of appeasing and suppressing conflicts at the grassroots level onto the workshop directors.

If this isn't done well, won't they really be packing their bags and leaving?
The men felt like they were on the verge of being roasted alive, but they could only grit their teeth and reply, "Understood! Factory manager, I... I will do my best!"

"It's not just about trying your best, it's a must!" Factory Director Yang emphasized. "You are workshop directors; this is your responsibility!"

"Go back now, immediately, and stop this unhealthy trend right now!"

"Yes!" The men fled in panic, rushing back to the workshop, fearing that the workers would cause trouble and that they would be in real trouble.

If Director Yang betrays them after using them and shifts all the blame onto them, they'll have nowhere to turn for help.

Guo Da Piezi had originally come to complain, but after hearing what Director Yang said, he didn't dare say a word and immediately went back to the workshop.

"Look what you've done! Now look what's happened, even Director Yang knows!"

Guo Da Piezi made a preemptive move as soon as he returned!
With the same firmness and imposing manner as Factory Director Yang, he rebuked, "A few people are just jealous of the Third Workshop. Don't they even know what they're capable of?"

"Director Yang has spoken: anyone who dares to lead another disturbance will be fired! All of them will be fired without exception! You should all think about it carefully!"

"Do you want things, or do you want a job?"

After saying that, Guo Da Piezi went to his office.

The workers in the workshop were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

When Guo Da Piezi arrived, he repeatedly mentioned words like "special circumstances," "factory rules and regulations," and "dismissal," which frightened the workers into a state of unease.

"Maybe we should just forget about it."

"Forget it, it's not worth losing my job over something!"

"Yes, times are tough these days. We're all relying on our jobs to survive. If we lost our jobs, how would our families manage?"

"We certainly didn't do as well as them, and we should work harder."

Immediately, the workers all stopped and fell silent.

This farce finally came to an end.

Guo Da Piezi immediately ran to report the matter to Factory Director Yang.

The same applies to other workshop directors; for the sake of their own positions, they must complete their tasks perfectly no matter what.

get off work.

Everyone goes back to their homes.

The courtyard became lively.

"Oh my god, this is going to kill me!"

Jia Zhangshi sat on a low stool at the door of her house, massaging her aching back.

The non-stop work of pasting matchboxes had left her aching back and legs, blurry vision, and stiff, numb fingers.

"With so few matchboxes, how long will it take to finish pasting them together!" Madam Jia sighed to the heavens.

Several stacks of pasted matchboxes were piled up in front of me, emitting the distinctive smell of paste and wood.

She couldn't remember how many she had made; she only felt that this small matchbox seemed boundless.

"It's only the second day! Who makes their mother-in-law come out to work?!"

"I knew I shouldn't have come out. Why didn't you make me spend a few more days in jail? I'm so old, why am I doing this?"

As Jia Zhangshi was wailing, she suddenly saw Xiao Dang taking care of Kuihua not far away.

"No way! If I have to do it all by myself, how long will it take? I'll be exhausted! This money-losing girl can't be idle at home!"

"I'll take him to work tomorrow! I don't believe it."

With this in mind, Jia Zhangshi made up her mind.

Just as she was bracing her aching back and preparing to stand up and stretch her stiff legs, she heard a continuous series of footsteps.

Qin Huairu returned, her face showing her resentment and exhaustion from get off work.

Seeing her like this, Jia Zhangshi's heart pounded.

"Mom! Is dinner ready?" Qin Huairu asked coldly.

Not yet.

"Not yet?" Qin Huairu snapped, "What time is it? Are you trying to starve me to death? Everyone else has already started cooking, and you're still doing it! What have you been doing all day?!"

"What are you dawdling for! Hurry up and start cooking!"

Qin Huairu's questioning made Jia Zhangshi tremble all over, and she didn't dare to say a word in rebuttal.

"I'll go right away and start cooking immediately."

"What are you standing there for? Go now!" Qin Huairu vented her anger at not receiving the benefits on Jia Zhangshi.

Jia Zhangshi stood up almost reflexively and hurriedly tidied up the tools for pasting boxes scattered around the stool.

"I'll do it now. Ouch!" She groaned as she moved too quickly, her aching back making her cry out.

Without thinking twice, they hastily gathered the items together and stuffed them into a basket in the corner, not even bothering to tidy them up.

Staggering, he rushed to the cold stove and began to light a fire, rinse the rice, and wash the vegetables.

Not long after, the sound of pots and pans clattering came from the kitchen.

"It's so noisy! I can't even cook in peace. I don't know who I'm cooking for!"

Qin Huairu sat down in the main room, listening to the sounds from the kitchen, a look of disdain flashing across her face.

Now that Jia Zhangshi has returned, this is how she should be. We don't keep idle people in the house, and Jia Zhangshi should play her due role.

Cooking, taking care of children, and making matchboxes for money are all things that should be done.

Jia Zhangshi huddled in front of the stove, the firewood crackling inside, the rising smoke choking her and bringing tears to her eyes.

The pain in his lower back felt like countless steel needles pricking him, and his cloudy eyes were filled with resentment and scheming.

They both cursed each other in their hearts without prior arrangement.

"Old thing!"

"Death star!"

"Old man, the food isn't ready yet?! Who are you trying to starve to death by dawdling like this!" Qin Huairu's sharp and piercing rebuke pierced through the smoke once again.

Jia Zhangshi shuddered, almost dropping the spatula, and quickly replied, "Almost done! I'll start cooking right away!"

Her hatred only intensified: "Hmph, she got bullied at the factory, so she comes back and takes it out on me! Just you wait, I'll make sure your own daughter tastes the same way!"

Madam Jia's vicious gaze swept toward Xiao Dang outside the threshold of the main room.

"You'll have to make that money-losing piece of trash for me tomorrow! If I can't handle you, I can handle that money-losing piece of trash! Dare to tell on me, and I'll see what I do to you!"

Madam Jia immediately tried to make amends to Xiao Dang, treating her the way Qin Huairu had treated her.

She didn't believe that Xiao Dang would dare to tell on her.

She started living in this house every day, but Qin Huairu still had to go to work, and she couldn't even tease a little thing.

Not long after, Jia Zhangshi finally finished cooking.

The family sat around the dinner table.

A thin, watery cornmeal porridge, a dish of pickled vegetables, and a few cornbread buns.

Qin Huairu sat in the main seat with a gloomy expression, while Jia Zhangshi stood timidly to the side, not daring to sit properly on her stool.

"What are you standing there for? Do I have to invite you to sit down and eat?"

Jia Zhangshi quickly sat down next to the stool, not daring to say anything, and silently picked up a cornbread and took small bites.

He ate the corn cob with loud slurping.

Qin Huairu absentmindedly stirred the porridge in her bowl. The third workshop and the transport team returned fully loaded, while she returned empty-handed, making her even more unhappy.

"Daughter-in-law," Jia Zhangshi said cautiously, "I've made quite a few matchboxes today, it's just..."

"What is it?" Qin Huairu raised her eyes, her sharp gaze sweeping over them.

"My eyes are really blurry, and my back hurts so much I feel like it's going to break. Can I go tonight?"

"No way!" Qin Huairu interrupted decisively. "You're complaining about just pasting matchboxes? I do heavy work in the workshop every day, and I never complain. What's this work compared to when you were in jail?"

"If you don't want to work here, then I'd better take the kids and leave!"

Qin Huairu's pent-up anger finally found a more suitable outlet.

Madam Jia was so choked up that she couldn't catch her breath, her face turning red, but she didn't dare to utter a single word in rebuttal.

"No, no! I'm sorry, I'll burn it in a second!"

Banggeng looked at Jia Zhangshi and said carelessly, "Grandma, hurry up and finish pasting the meat so we can have money to buy meat!"

At this moment, Jia Zhangshi's heart was shattered.

(End of this chapter)