Siheyuan: I just came across and wanted to chase me away

Qin Huairu knew Gu Nan's temperament; he was as stubborn as a rock, impervious to reason. Continuing to pester him would only be pointless, so she could only turn around and wait where she was, glancing occasionally in the direction of He Yuzhu's house, as if she had placed all her last hope on him.

Not long after, He Yuzhu walked over humming a tune, the recently popular song in the factory, "We Workers Have Strength." He sang it off-key, but with a smug air about him. Qin Huairu's eyes lit up, as if she had grasped a lifeline. She hurriedly went to meet him, her voice trembling slightly: "Zhuzi! I've been waiting for you! I have something I need your help with, it's about the sticks..."

He Yuzhu was startled by her sudden action, took a half step back, and almost dropped the lunchbox in his hand. He patted his chest and said, "Sister Qin, what's wrong with you? Why are you so jumpy! You know I'm timid. I was holding my breath when Gu Nan ignored me, and then you suddenly jumped up and almost scared the soul out of me!"

Qin Huairu quickly forced a smile, her face crinkling into wrinkles, her tone so warm it could burn: "Look how anxious I am, things are really pressing, my heart is burning with worry. Zhuzi, now everyone in the courtyard knows you're close to Deputy Factory Director Li, a real favorite of his? Once Deputy Factory Director Li secures his position as factory director, you'll be the most capable person in our courtyard. At that time, not only will the eldest and second eldest uncles look up to you, but even the factory director himself will have to give you special treatment!"

These words struck a chord with He Yuzhu. He was the kind of person who responded better to gentle persuasion than force. If you spoke to him stubbornly, he could argue with you until dark; but if you went along with him, flattered him a bit, and elevated him to a high position, he would immediately become incredibly arrogant. Sure enough, after hearing Qin Huairu's words, the impatience on his face gradually disappeared, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up, and even the lines at the corners of his eyes were filled with a smile.

“What you say is true.” He Yuzhu raised his chin, deliberately straightened his back, and said with a smug look, “Regarding factory matters, whether it’s the scheduling of the kitchen or the list of welfare housing allocations, Deputy Factory Director Li is indeed willing to discuss things with me. How should I put it, he’s still willing to give me that much face.”

Qin Huairu quickly seized the opportunity, moving closer, her eyes practically overflowing with pleading. Her voice was low and almost imperative: "That's right! Zhuzi, you're the most capable person in our courtyard! That's why we had to ask you for help with this—you know, about that Banggeng thing, could you... could you ask Deputy Factory Director Li for a favor? Even just finding him a temporary job at the factory, so he wouldn't have to suffer in the countryside, would put my mind at ease as his mother..."

He Yuzhu had actually guessed that she was there because of the stick incident. Still basking in his earlier smugness, he stroked his chin, a troubled expression on his face, and deliberately drawled, "Sister Qin, it's not that I don't want to help you. You know, going to the countryside is a national policy, it involves too many issues, and it's not something anyone can change with a single word. Even if it were Deputy Factory Director Li, or even the factory director himself, he'd have to think it over..." Though he said this, a hint of hesitation lingered in his eyes—after all, Qin Huairu had praised him so highly, and if he could really get it done, his prestige in the department would be even greater.

He Yuzhu listened to Qin Huairu's words, feeling as if his ears were stuffed with cotton, soft and yielding. Being flattered like this was indeed comforting, but the aluminum lunchbox in his hand was almost deformed from being squeezed so tightly—how could he possibly interfere with the factory's personnel arrangements? If he made such a boastful statement and then failed to deliver, where would he put his face? He didn't dare show too much pride on his face, only giving a vague "hmm," his fingertips unconsciously tracing the dents on the edge of the lunchbox.

Qin Huairu was adept at reading people's expressions. Seeing his look, she immediately changed the subject, her voice filled with admiration: "Zhuzi, I'm not trying to be mean, but your skills are truly unique in our steel rolling mill! The braised pork knuckle you made for the factory director's family the other day, his daughter still talks about it whenever she sees it, saying it's even better than what you get at a fancy restaurant. With your skills, saying a few words to Deputy Factory Director Li would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it?"

These words were like a warm breeze blowing into He Yuzhu's heart. He couldn't help but straighten his back, and the smile on his lips could no longer be hidden: "Alright, stop saying nice things." Although he said this, he couldn't hide the smugness in his tone. "I will mention this to Deputy Factory Director Li, but I can't guarantee whether it will work out, so don't get your hopes up too high."

Qin Huairu nodded hurriedly, her eagerness almost overflowing. She reached out and gently patted his arm: "Zhuzi, I'm counting on you for this! Also, look at that kid Banggeng. He's a bit mischievous, but he's quick-witted and observant. If he could learn a trade from you, he could have a livelihood in the future, which is better than just drifting around in the countryside. Do you think you could... let him be your apprentice? He'd be perfect at carrying plates and handing out bowls."

He Yuzhu's heart skipped a beat—everyone in the neighborhood knew that Bang Geng was a thief. The other day, he'd sneaked through his window and stolen half a bag of flour. Making him his apprentice? Who knew he'd bring home all the kitchen supplies someday? But Qin Huairu had just showered him with compliments, and he couldn't bring himself to refuse outright. He could only manage a vague smile: "Okay, I'll ask Deputy Factory Director Li later. But you know, I'm just a head chef now; my words don't carry much weight. It depends on what the higher-ups say."

Qin Huairu wanted to say a few more words, but when she looked up, the gate of the steel rolling mill was already in front of her, and Old Zhang from the guardhouse was peeking in this direction, so she had to swallow her words.

He Yuzhu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Sister Qin, I'll go to the kitchen to get busy. We still need to steam buns and cook porridge for breakfast. If I'm late, Deputy Factory Director Li will start nagging me."

Qin Huairu nodded, then took a half step forward, her voice low and carrying a sense of entrusting her life to someone: "Zhuzi, this matter depends entirely on you. Whether Banggeng, his mother, and I can live in peace depends on you."

He Yuzhu mumbled "Okay, okay," then turned and walked towards the kitchen, his steps quicker than usual. Qin Huairu watched his retreating figure, her mind racing—He Yuzhu was the type who responded better to gentle persuasion than force; a few more compliments would surely be beneficial. Just as she was pondering this, she bumped into Yi Zhonghai, who was strolling towards the workshop with his hands behind his back.

"So? Did Zhuzi agree?" Yi Zhonghai leaned closer, his voice barely audible, while his eyes darted around at the workers coming and going.

Qin Huairu sighed, her brows furrowed like a wrung-out rag: "He Yuzhu has agreed to go see Deputy Factory Director Li, but ultimately it still depends on Deputy Factory Director Li's approval. Do you think... Deputy Factory Director Li will give him that kind of face?"