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

"Then...then how about we go find the new Factory Director Zhu?" Qin Huairu's eyes lit up like a drowning person grasping at a last straw. She grabbed Yi Zhonghai's arm and wouldn't let go. "I heard from people in the compound that he's the new factory director of the steel rolling mill, and he's more senior than Gu Nanguan! Maybe he can put in a good word and help Bang Geng get his name removed from the list..."

Yi Zhonghai looked at her, remained silent for a moment, his brows furrowing even more, and then shook his head: "We don't know him at all, we've never even met him. What are we going to say to him? We can't just ask him for a favor for no reason, can we? Why should he meddle in our institute's affairs?"

"But you used to be an eighth-grade fitter!" Qin Huairu persisted, raising her voice slightly. "Many veteran workers in the factory respected you. If you went to talk to him about your old friendship, why couldn't you get a word in edgewise?"

Yi Zhonghai wanted to say something more, but a glance out of the corner of his eye revealed He Yuzhu walking out from behind the screen wall. He immediately stopped talking and his expression changed. Qin Huairu followed his gaze and saw He Yuzhu walking straight towards them with an ambiguous look on his face. He didn't even look at her. She swallowed back the words she was about to say and muttered to herself: This silly Zhu is getting more and more unruly.

He Yuzhu really had no time to pay attention to Qin Huairu; his mind was filled with Director Zhu's instructions. He walked straight up to Yi Zhonghai, his tone deliberately solemn and low: "Uncle Yi, I have something to discuss with you privately."

Yi Zhonghai was taken aback—this kid had been avoiding him like the plague lately, so why was he suddenly showing up? He was puzzled, but remained outwardly calm, placing the empty bowl he was holding on the stone table under the eaves: "Zhuzi, what's the matter? Do we have to talk about it separately?"

"Let's talk in private." He Yuzhu gestured with his chin toward the corner beside him, indicating with his eyes that he should avoid Qin Huairu.

Yi Zhonghai nodded and waved vaguely at Qin Huairu. Qin Huairu pursed her lips, said nothing, and turned to stomp back into her house. She was a little annoyed: He Yuzhu was getting more and more oblivious. She was in a real bind, and he didn't even bother to greet her, only caring about this so-called "master" Yi Zhonghai. What a snob!

The two walked to the old locust tree in the corner of the courtyard, where the shade cast long shadows. Yi Zhonghai then spoke, his tone wary: "Speak, what do you want with me? Don't beat around the bush."

He Yuzhu looked around to make sure no one was watching before lowering his voice and recounting in detail how Director Zhu had questioned him at the factory and then asked him to invite Yi Zhonghai. He added excitedly at the end, "Uncle Yi, this is a golden opportunity! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Director Zhu came to us to inquire about the situation as soon as he took office, clearly wanting to know about the factory, especially that kid Gu Nan's background! If we properly explain Gu Nan's 'glorious deeds'—like abusing his power to suppress older workers, like using any means to climb the ranks—to the director, wouldn't he help us? Then, not only will the issue of sending grain to the countryside be resolved, but it's not impossible to make Gu Nan suffer and even get rid of his deputy director position!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see Gu Nan being dismissed in disgrace. His face crinkled with laughter, and his eyes gleamed with a determined light.

Yi Zhonghai looked at He Yuzhu, his brows furrowed slightly, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the bowl of his pipe. This kid was always impulsive, speaking without thinking, a mix of truth and falsehood, making it hard to believe him completely. But He Yuzhu took two steps forward, lowering his voice, but his tone was urgent, with a hint of encouragement in his eyes: "Uncle Yi, this is a real opportunity! Think about it, what's Gu Nan's attitude towards the people in our yard now? Lukewarm at best. Last time I wanted to ask him to find an apprenticeship for Banggeng, he turned it down under the pretext of 'following the rules.' Getting him to do anything is harder than climbing to heaven. Now the new Factory Director Zhu has just taken office, completely clueless, and needs someone to lend a hand and pass on information. If we take the initiative to help him sort things out in the factory, won't we have someone to look after him in the future? Your retirement benefits might even get a raise!"

Yi Zhonghai remained silent for a moment, twirling his pipe in his hand. He knew that He Yuzhu's words, though rough, were not without merit. He had worked at the steel rolling mill his entire life, and was nearing retirement age. If he could make a good impression on the new factory director, his future would indeed be easier. He nodded, straightened the wrinkles in his clothes, and tied his crooked tie: "Alright, I'll go see this Director Zhu. It's also a good opportunity to report to the new leader and fulfill the duties of an old worker."

Seeing this, He Yuzhu immediately put on a smile and didn't say anything more—he'd already given all the necessary hints, and Uncle Yi was a shrewd man who naturally knew how to handle things. He turned and walked briskly towards the canteen, already pondering: what delicious dish should he prepare for the factory director at noon? Braised pork knuckle was too greasy, and steamed fish seemed too bland; how about some braised pork intestines? That flavor was guaranteed to whet anyone's appetite!

As Yi Zhonghai reached the corner of the office building, he bumped into Qin Huairu, who was rushing over. She was holding a scrapped part in her hand. Upon seeing Yi Zhonghai, she immediately stopped and put on a familiar smile: "Uncle Yi, where are you going? I just saw Shazhu pass by you. What did he want to see you about? Is there any new development at the factory?"

Yi Zhonghai didn't hide anything, since the news would spread sooner or later. He said calmly, "The new factory director, Zhu Tao, has taken office and asked me to come to his office for a chat to learn about the factory's situation."

"Oh my, that's wonderful news!" Qin Huairu's eyes lit up and she quickly said, "Then Uncle Yi, you should go quickly, don't keep the factory manager waiting."

As Yi Zhonghai was about to walk forward, Qin Huairu stepped forward, her face showing a hint of pleading, and her voice softening: "Uncle Yi, could you... perhaps you could mention it to the new factory manager? Regarding Bang Geng... could you please ask the factory manager to be lenient and give him a lighter job, like watching a warehouse or something? Don't worry, I'll have Bang Geng send you a bottle of good wine later!"

Yi Zhonghai glanced at her, his mind clear. Qin Huairu was trying to use him to gain advantages for her man. He sighed and mumbled, "I understand, I'll remember it. We'll see how things go; I'll mention it if I can."

Qin Huairu quickly thanked him, her face beaming with joy: "Thank you so much, Uncle Yi, you're such a kind person!" She watched him enter the office building before turning to go home, secretly praying that Uncle Yi could help her—if the man could find an easier job, life at home would be a little easier.