Siheyuan: Revenge of the Stupid Pillar

He Yuzhu's eyes widened with anger: "How come it's gone?"

"The instructors have long taught us that working hard will ensure we have enough food and clothing. We have a large vacant lot behind the steel mill. Don't you want to use it to grow some high-yield crops like sweet potatoes and corn?"

When He Yuzhu said this, everyone was stunned at first, and then they all started singing praises.

"Director, your idea is brilliant! Not only can we utilize the open space behind the factory building to improve the environment of our steel mill, but it can also solve our food shortage problem. And the best part is, it doesn't cost much. It's really killing two birds with one stone!"

"The director is the director. He is truly far-sighted and wise. I am far behind."

"Director, your idea is very timely. It's late April now, which is the season for planting corn and sweet potatoes."

"Work hard and live comfortably. Director, you have the demeanor of a teacher back then."

"Director, under your wise leadership, we will definitely be able to overcome all difficulties."

Everyone likes to hear good words. He Yuzhu was very happy, but his face remained calm.

"Alright, you're getting too extreme! If others hear you, they'll laugh their heads off!"

Qian Liexian frowned and asked, "Director, is the factory willing to let us reclaim the wasteland behind?"

He Yuzhu said without hesitation: "Why not? The wasteland is empty anyway, why can't we use it?"

"Besides, the most pressing issue at the factory right now is food. If I tell Director Li, he'll definitely agree."

Qian Liexian said with a hint of embarrassment, "Director, I haven't done farm work in many years. I don't even know how to grow sweet potatoes or corn."

He Yuzhu said dissatisfiedly: "You don't know how to farm, can't you ask others for advice? I'm sure there are many experts in farming in our factory."

"Qian Liexian, I'm warning you. We've figured out a solution for you. If you still can't do it, don't blame me for dismissing you. Meeting adjourned!"

After the meeting, He Yuzhu returned to his office. Before he had time to drink a sip of hot tea, Li Huaide came to him.

He Yuzhu said flatteringly, "Hey, Brother Li, why are you here?"

As He Yuzhu spoke, he picked up the white porcelain cup used for entertaining guests and made tea for Li Huaide.

Li Huaide smiled and said, "Zhu Zi, I heard that you got angry in the conference room."

He Yuzhu smiled bitterly and said, "I don't want to get angry either, but Qian Liexian is too infuriating. Not only does he have no ability, but he also has no sense of responsibility."

"He's just a subordinate, but as a leader, I have to figure out how to solve every problem. What's the point of having a subordinate like him?"

Li Huaide said meaningfully: "Zhu Zi, although Lao Qian's ability is a little lacking, he is very loyal. I will say something good about him. Please bear with me."

"Brother Li, now that you've said that, what else can I say?"

How could He Yuzhu not understand that Qian Liexian is his man and he has to protect him.

Qian Liexian is in charge of such a lucrative position in the purchasing department. There must be a transfer of interests involved. It is impossible for Li Huaide to get rid of Qian Liexian, so he did not embarrass himself.

Upon hearing this, Li Huaide nodded with satisfaction.

"By the way, have you thought of a solution to the food shortage?"

"I got it!"

He Yuzhu then told Li Huaide all the solutions discussed in the meeting.

Li Huaide nodded with satisfaction upon hearing this, and said with a smile:

"These methods are all very practical, especially using the open space behind the factory to grow crops. It's simply a stroke of genius. Who came up with this idea?"

He Yuzhu said with a smug look on his face: "Guess?"

Li Huaide glared at He Yuzhu, then praised:

"I knew you had a good brain and could always come up with some unexpected ideas."

He Yuzhu said modestly: "It's not that I'm particularly clever, I'm just practicing the teacher's philosophy: do it yourself and you'll have enough food and clothing."

Li Huaide's eyes lit up when he heard this. His political sense was extremely sharp, and he immediately realized that this matter deserved to be reported in great detail, preferably to the emperor...

He Yuzhu didn't notice Li Huaide's expression and continued:

"Brother Li, it's a good thing you're here. We need your support for all these methods, especially the vacant land behind the factory..."

Li Huaide couldn't wait to say, "I agree with everything, and I want to personally supervise the planting of crops behind the factory."

"Ah!" He Yuzhu exclaimed in surprise.

Li Huaide raised his eyebrows and said, "What? This requires the participation of multiple departments at the same time. This is a major matter that affects whether the employees in the field can have enough food. I must control it personally to feel at ease."

"Zhu Zi, go call the director of the purchasing department, the head of the publicity department, the head of the security department, and the others. We need to hold a small meeting to discuss how to grow crops well."

He Yuzhu was even more puzzled and asked, "Brother Li, just hand this matter over to Qian Liexian from the purchasing department. There's no need to mobilize so many people, right?"

Li Huaide glanced at He Yuzhu and scolded him lightly:

"What do you know? Just do what I tell you to do. Why are you talking so much nonsense?"

He Yuzhu had no choice but to notify the people Li Huaide had named to attend the meeting.

After the meeting, He Yuzhu finally understood why Li Huaide had made such a fuss.

It turns out that this bastard didn't really care whether the workers had enough to eat, but wanted to use this incident to make a political show.

But He Yuzhu had to admire Li Huaide's political vision and felt that this bastard was born to be in the officialdom.

Soon, the radio announced the planting of crops behind the factory and called on people who knew how to farm to participate.

In less than three days, the wasteland behind the factory was not only reclaimed, but also sown with seeds.

……

After lunch, He Yuzhu took some more food and quietly gave it to Yang Xinmin.

After the things were delivered, He Yuzhu turned around and left, but Yang Xinmin said:

"Zhu Zi, do you have time to chat for a while?"

Yang Xinmin was very puzzled by He Yuzhu's help to him. He always thought that He Yuzhu was Li Huaide's lackey. He didn't expect that when he was in the most difficult and helpless time, He Yuzhu would take a huge risk to help him.

He Yuzhu said in embarrassment: "Director Yang, my secret assistance to you has been reported. It is not convenient for me to chat with you now."

Yang Xinmin whispered, "Zhu Zi, it won't take me long. I know a hidden spot where no one will find it. Come with me!"

He Yuzhu had no choice but to follow Yang Xinmin into a hidden alley.

Yang Xinmin got straight to the point: "He Yuzhu, I'm curious, why are you helping me?"

He Yuzhu said bluntly: "Director Yang, the reason I'm helping you is because I've been entrusted by the senior leader."

"Secondly, I respect you personally. You are truly a good director who is dedicated to the development of the steel mill."

Yang Xinmin said in a stiff tone: "Since you respect me, why do you choose to follow Li Huaide instead of me?"