In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 163, Section 162: A Wild Idea. Two Substitute Positions. Meeting with Tang Jianhong.

Yang Guangming looked at the three women in front of him who were almost in despair, then glanced at Master Wang, who was slumped on the ground, unable to extricate himself from his pain, and his father, Yang Yongkang, who was standing against the wall, seemingly out of his body.

This cannot go on.

He took a deep breath, and the cool sensation that penetrated his lungs cleared his confused mind somewhat.

He walked to his father, Yang Yongkang, and said in a low voice, "Dad, I'll leave things at home to you and my eldest brother for now. I have some important business to attend to, and I can't delay."

Yang Yongkang moved his eyes very slowly, his gaze still empty, as if covered by a thick layer of dust. After several seconds, his eyes finally landed on his youngest son's face.

He seemed to struggle to understand the meaning of the sentence, nodding extremely slightly, so slightly as to be almost invisible, and squeezing out a muffled syllable: "Mmm." as a form of acknowledgment.

Yang Guangming then turned to his older brother, Yang Guanghui, and patted his still trembling shoulder: "Brother, cheer up. Dad, Mom, Sister, Aunt Wang, and Master Wang all need someone to support them. Help Dad and take good care of them."

Yang Guanghui suddenly raised his head, his face a mess of tears and snot, his eyes filled with immense grief, as well as bewilderment and a hint of dependence stirred by his brother's sudden calmness.

He wiped his face haphazardly with his sleeve, nodded vigorously, and said in a hoarse voice, "I...I know. Mingming, you go and do your thing. Dad and I are here at home."

Yang Guangming nodded, his gaze sweeping over his grieving family before finally settling on his father's face. His voice remained low and steady: "I know Tang Jianhong, the head of the personnel department at Dongfang Factory. Our relationship... is alright."

"Tang Jianhong?"

A faint ripple seemed to appear in Yang Yongkang's empty eyes.

This name carries significant weight in the ears of the Dongfang Machinery Factory, especially among ordinary workers.

Yang Guanghui, who had been immersed in grief, suddenly raised his head, his red and swollen eyes revealing clear surprise.

Both father and son worked at the Dongfang Machinery Factory. Tang Jianhong was the head of the personnel department, a truly powerful figure whom ordinary workers like them could never reach.

They never expected that Yang Guangming would get involved with someone like that.

"Ah."

Yang Guangming did not explain the specific origin of this relationship, but continued speaking slowly and clearly, "As for Director Ma, he personally promised that it would be classified as 'sacrificed in the line of duty'."

This is the foundation. With this in place, subsequent benefits such as survivor's pensions and funeral expenses will be handled according to policy, making it difficult for the factory to deduct from these amounts; there's not much flexibility.

As Yang Yongkang listened, the emptiness in his eyes seemed to lessen slightly, and he became more focused. Yang Guanghui also held his breath.

"The key issue is the number of places available for substitution."

Yang Guangming's voice deepened, "The factory will definitely give us a spot, that's a sure thing. It's only right that my older sister takes over the shift."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over his father and elder brother. "But Dad and my elder brother both know the conditions in each workshop of the machine factory and how heavy the work is. My elder sister just finished her postpartum period and is still recovering. Her baby is so small. I'm afraid she won't be able to handle it if she's assigned to a heavy physical workshop."

Yang Yongkang's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, clearly thinking of the hardships endured in those workshops. Yang Guanghui also nodded subconsciously, a look of worry on his face.

“So,” Yang Guangming continued, “we can’t just be satisfied with having this substitute position. We have to try to get the factory to give Sister a relatively easy job. For example, warehouse management, logistics, or the technical data room. It’s difficult, but we must try.”

Yang Yongkang remained silent, his eyes revealing a solemn expression.

Yang Guanghui couldn't help but ask, "This... can the factory offer that? People are fighting tooth and nail for easy jobs, how could we possibly get one?"

“It’s difficult, but not impossible.” Yang Guangming said confidently. “It’s all about human effort. Tang Jianhong is in the personnel department, and he has a lot of influence. If he’s willing to speak on our behalf, the chances will be much better.”

He looked at his father and elder brother, "I plan to invite him to dinner to sound him out and ask him to mediate between us."

A glimmer of hope appeared on Yang Guanghui's face, but Yang Yongkang remained silent, only the lines on his rigid face seemed even more taut.

"And one more," Yang Guangming's voice lowered, carrying a sense of determination, "besides this guaranteed spot, I'd like to fight for another one."

"what?"

Yang Guanghui cried out, almost thinking he had misheard, and several of his coworkers next to him also turned to look.

He quickly lowered his voice, his face full of disbelief, "Little brother, you...you're not confused, are you? How could the factory possibly give out two substitute shifts? That's simply impossible! Don't even think about it! You're just daydreaming!"

Yang Yongkang also suddenly raised his head, his cloudy eyes staring intently at his youngest son with a stern scrutiny and a hint of disapproval.

Yang Guangming met his father's and elder brother's gazes, his eyes calm and unwavering: "Of course, the factory won't offer two positions voluntarily. But Li Erzhu, who caused the trouble, should give up his permanent employee position!"

"Li Erzhu?" Yang Guanghui was taken aback.

"Correct."

Yang Guangming spoke faster and more logically, "He is directly responsible for the accident. He is an apprentice, but he is also a full-time employee. With such a serious incident and people dying, he cannot escape responsibility."

The final outcome will simply be dismissal, plus a token amount of compensation. He'll definitely lose his job. It's inevitable that the position will be taken back by the factory.

As Yang Guangming watched the light gradually brighten in his father's and elder brother's eyes, he continued his analysis:

"Since Li Erzhu is certain to lose his job, rather than being fired directly by the factory and losing everything, he might as well take the initiative to give up this spot as compensation and transfer it to his elder sister's family."

In this way, he can appear to be sincerely remorseful and genuinely seeking the family's forgiveness, while also minimizing his own disciplinary pressure—the factory will likely take this "active compensation" aspect into consideration when handling the case.

He himself suffered no additional loss.

He's going to lose that spot anyway, so why not use it to do someone a favor?

He paused, then emphasized, "The key is for someone to enlighten him so that he will bring it up willingly on his own."

Furthermore, there needs to be someone influential enough to mediate between both sides to facilitate this matter, to communicate with Director Ma and ensure that the factory doesn't obstruct the process and readily accepts this 'compensation transfer.'

Yang Guangming's gaze fell on his father's face. "Dad, tell me, do you think what I said makes sense?"

Yang Yongkang's tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and the thick layer of gray in his eyes seemed to be lifted, revealing the shrewdness beneath.

He remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering his son's words, and finally nodded slowly, his voice low and hoarse:

"Hmm...that makes sense. But there's a trick to it."

For the first time, his gaze towards Yang Guangming carried a completely new, weighty assessment and recognition.

Yang Guanghui finally understood. The shock and doubt on his face were replaced by an excited sense of sudden enlightenment. He slapped his thigh, his voice trembling with excitement:

"That's right! Little brother! You're right! That kid Li Erzhu's spot is gone anyway! If he offers to compensate, it'll benefit him! The factory has no reason to stop him! This... this can really work out?"

His eyes were full of admiration as he looked at his younger brother.

"As long as Li Erzhu cooperates, the middleman is effective, and the factory doesn't deliberately make things difficult, there shouldn't be any major problems."

Yang Guangming gave a positive assessment: "Tang Jianhong is the most suitable middleman. He has the status, he is in charge of personnel, and he can definitely talk to Director Ma. It is the most logical thing for him to talk to Li Erzhu and communicate with Director Ma."

Yang Yongkang nodded again, this time with a much firmer expression: "That's the way."

He looked at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with complex emotions—grief, heaviness, and a hint of entrusting a heavy responsibility. "Back home, your brother and I are here. Go and take care of things. Hurry up!"

"Yes, Mingming, go quickly! You don't need to worry about things at home!" Yang Guanghui urged hurriedly, his face a mixture of grief and trust in his younger brother.

Seeing his father and older brother's reactions, Yang Guangming knew that they understood and supported his plan.

Given the heavy atmosphere of grief here, he couldn't really do much to help, and staying would only add to the oppression. Leaving would actually allow him to better fight for a future for this broken family.

He said no more, but nodded vigorously, turned around, and strode away from the corridor shrouded in death and grief.

His heavy footsteps echoed clearly on the cold cement floor, and his figure quickly disappeared into the shadows around the corner of the corridor.

Stepping out of the hospital, the evening air carried a slight chill, which somewhat diluted the suffocating smell of disinfectant in my nostrils.

Yang Guangming walked to his brand-new "Forever" brand bicycle and unlocked the heavy ring lock.

He didn't get on the car immediately, but looked around.

People came and went at the hospital entrance, their expressions hurried, and no one paid him any special attention. He turned to the side, his back to the road, his left hand on the handlebars, his right hand seemingly casually reaching into the worn military green canvas bag he carried with him.

His consciousness sank into a dimension that only he could perceive—the space of his personal refrigerator.

He quickly and precisely "took out" several items and transferred them directly into his satchel:
Several large pieces of imported chocolate, wrapped tightly in thick oil paper, were quite heavy, weighing at least a pound.

Two large bags of White Rabbit milk candy with simple red and blue patterns printed on them;
Two heavy, tightly sealed glass jars, filled with thick, golden honey;

Finally, there were two boxes of "Mingqian Longjing" tea in bamboo tubes, completely hand-carved without any fancy decorations.

The contents instantly filled the inner lining of the handbag, making it weigh heavily on my side.

He zipped up his bag expressionlessly, his movements natural and fluid, as if he were simply organizing the items inside.

With a long stride, he sat on the seat, pushed off with his right foot, and the wheels spun, speeding towards the direction of the Dongfang Machinery Factory's staff quarters.

As dusk deepened, the dense branches and leaves of the plane trees lining both sides of the road swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting swaying shadows.

Sunlight streamed down his face as he hunched over, leaning forward, the chain creaking and groaning under his feet. The wind brushed past his ears, ruffling his slightly damp hair, but it couldn't dispel the heavy weight weighing on his heart.

The images flashed by: my brother-in-law's honest and simple smile, my older sister's tired yet content expression as she held her baby, and my little nephew who was just a month old and could only announce his existence with loud cries.

He shook his head violently, forcibly suppressing these images. Now was not the time to wallow in grief; he had to remain absolutely clear-headed and calm.

The outline of the cadre building of Dongfang Machinery Factory appeared in the twilight, its neat red brick walls appearing more orderly and imposing than the workers' new village next door.

Yang Guangming stopped his car in front of the familiar cast-iron gate and locked it. The gatekeeper seemed to recognize him and let him in without asking any questions.

He found Tang Jianhong's apartment building with practiced ease and climbed the dusty cement stairs. The stairwell was filled with the mixed smells of dinners from various households. He stopped in front of the military green painted door on the second floor and knocked.

The door opened quickly.

Tang Jianhong's wife, Zhai Cuilan, stood at the door wearing an apron. When she saw Yang Guangming, her face showed obvious surprise: "Comrade Guangming? Why are you... here at this time? Please come in!" She quickly stepped aside.

Inside the house, the aroma of the food was even stronger.

A bowl and chopsticks, a plate of green vegetables, a bowl of soup, and a small dish of pickled vegetables were already set on the square table against the wall.

Tang Jianhong was sitting at the table, holding chopsticks, clearly just about to start eating.

Two little girls with pigtails sat next to him, their eyes wide with curiosity as they stared at the uninvited guest at the door.

On a small stool next to them sat their youngest son, who was staring longingly at the dishes on the table.

"Guangming?" Tang Jianhong put down his chopsticks and stood up, his face showing undisguised surprise. "Come in and sit down! Haven't eaten yet? Perfect timing, let's eat together, it's just a matter of getting an extra pair of chopsticks!" he greeted warmly.

"Section Chief Tang, Auntie, I'm sorry to disturb your meal."

Yang Guangming walked into the room, his tone apologetic, but his expression was unusually solemn, without the slightest intention of polite greetings.

He looked directly at Tang Jianhong and said, "Something urgent has happened at home, and I need to talk to you about it right away. It's about the accident that happened in your factory's third workshop this afternoon."

Tang Jianhong's smile froze instantly, and his eyes suddenly turned serious: "An accident? You mean... Wang Jianjun?" He obviously already knew about this, but he didn't expect it to be related to Yang Guangming.

“He’s my brother-in-law.” Yang Guangming’s voice was deep and clear.

Tang Jianhong gasped, his expression instantly shifting to shock and deep sympathy: "Oh dear! This... how could this be... Guangming, please accept my condolences! Please accept my condolences!"

He quickly walked around the table and patted Yang Guangming's arm hard, his tone full of sincere regret, "I know Comrade Wang Jianjun, he was an honest and hardworking good worker! What a pity! It was so sudden!"

Zhai Cuilan covered her mouth as well, her eyes filled with astonishment and pity.

"Thank you, Section Chief Tang."

Yang Guangming thanked him in a low voice, then changed the subject without any hesitation, "Section Chief Tang, things are a mess back home, everyone's still at the hospital. I came here because there's something really urgent I need your help with."

"It's not convenient to talk at home, could you... perhaps move over somewhere so we can eat and talk? It's urgent and can't be delayed."

Looking into Yang Guangming's unfathomable eyes, which revealed both calmness and urgency, and then glancing at the simple dinner on the table and the child staring at him expectantly, Tang Jianhong immediately understood the priorities of the matter.

Without the slightest hesitation, he nodded decisively: "Okay! Wait for me a moment!"

He turned and strode into the inner room, soon emerging in a nearly new navy blue polyester Zhongshan suit jacket, carrying a bottle of baijiu with the "Xifeng" trademark on it.

He told his wife, "Cuilan, you two eat first, don't wait for me. I'm going out with Guangming to talk about something."

"Okay, you guys..." Zhai Cuilan hadn't finished speaking when she saw Yang Guangming take off his military green satchel.

Without any formalities, Yang Guangming unzipped his jacket and began taking things out one by one, his movements swift and steady, placing them in an empty corner of the square table.

The huge block of chocolate, wrapped in thick oil paper and emitting a faint cocoa aroma, was an extremely rare imported chocolate!
Two large, bulging bags of White Rabbit milk candy printed with the familiar red, blue, and white rabbit pattern.

Two heavy glass jars, gleaming with an enticing golden luster—filled with thick honey.

Two boxes of "pre-Qingming Longjing" tea, packaged in bamboo tubes and exuding a delicate tea aroma.

In this era of scarcity, each of these items was considered a luxury, especially the large imported chocolate and the top-grade pre-Qingming Longjing tea, which were rare items that were hard to buy even if you had the money.

They appeared so abruptly on the Tang family's simple, even somewhat shabby, dining table, forming a stark contrast with the plate of green vegetables and pickled vegetables.

The two little girls' eyes widened instantly, their mouths slightly open, staring intently at the bag of White Rabbit milk candy and the "black brick" that emitted a strange fragrance.

Even Tang's youngest son forgot about the food on the table and craned his neck to look curiously.

"Comrade Guangming! What are you doing! You can't do this! Take it back immediately!" Zhai Cuilan was the first to react, waving her hands repeatedly, her face showing genuine panic and unease. These things were too valuable; they were too hot to handle.

Tang Jianhong was also taken aback by this sudden "moment of inspiration," his gaze sweeping over the objects and Yang Guangming's calm yet resolute face with a complex expression.

He certainly understood the weight of these things, and he understood even more what it meant for Yang Guangming to take them out at this moment—what he sought was by no means simple.

"Auntie, this is a small token of my appreciation. It's to sweeten the children's mouths and to make Uncle Tang a cup of tea to refresh him."

Yang Guangming's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable force. He pressed down on Zhai Cuilan's hand, which was trying to push him away. "My family just went through a lot of trouble. This little bit of stuff is nothing. If you don't accept it, you're treating me like an outsider. Uncle Tang and I have some important things to discuss, so I'll be leaving now."

He gestured to Tang Jianhong, then turned and walked out, giving the other party no chance to refuse.

Tang Jianhong looked at the glaring pile of "gifts" on the table, then at his wife's anxious and helpless eyes, and finally his gaze fell on Yang Guangming's back as he walked to the door.

His eyes flickered a few times, but in the end he just whispered to his wife, "Let's... put it away for now."

After saying that, he didn't linger. He picked up the bottle of Xifeng liquor, quickly followed her out, and closed the door behind him.

Not far across from the family compound, there is a state-run restaurant with a white sign with red lettering that reads "Workers' Restaurant".

It was lunchtime, and the lobby was bustling with activity. The clinking of glasses and plates, the urging of toasts, and laughter blended together, creating a vibrant, everyday atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the deathly silence and grief of the hospital. Tang Jianhong was clearly a regular customer. He greeted the waiter in a white apron at the entrance, then, without lingering in the lobby, led Yang Guangming straight through the noisy dining area to a quieter corridor at the back.

He pushed open the door to a small cubicle with a half-drawn blue curtain hanging above it: "It's quieter here, and it's easier to talk."

The small cubicle was tiny, barely big enough for a square table and a few benches. The walls were half-painted green, and a dusty incandescent bulb hung from the ceiling, casting a dim, yellowish light. But its advantage was its quietness; closing the curtain shut out most of the outside noise.

The two had just sat down when a middle-aged waitress in a white apron followed them in with a menu stained with oil, a professional smile on her face: "Section Chief Tang is here? The usual three dishes?"

"It's my treat today, so let's have some hearty dishes!"

Yang Guangming quickly glanced at the menu and eagerly said, "Braised lion's head meatballs, steamed sea bass, and a poached chicken, along with shiitake mushrooms and bok choy! Hurry up!" He pointed to the bottle of Xifeng liquor he had brought, "And two more cups."

"Okay! Coming right away!" The waiter quickly noted it down and turned to leave.

Tang Jianhong unscrewed the cap of the Xifeng liquor bottle, and the rich aroma immediately filled the small cubicle. He filled both glasses, and the clear liquor swayed gently under the dim light.

He didn't raise his glass, but just looked at Yang Guangming sitting opposite him.

The young man's face was still pale, with faint shadows under his eyes, but his eyes were unusually clear and sharp, like steel that had been tempered. There was little sorrow in them, only a cold focus and calmness.

This composure beyond his years secretly surprised Tang Jianhong and made him even more serious.

"Guangming." Tang Jianhong pushed a glass of wine in front of Yang Guangming, picked up a glass himself, and said in a low voice, "The family matter... alas, it's such a sudden disaster! Comrade Wang Jianjun was a good worker, what a pity! Don't be too... alas, please accept my condolences."

He tilted his head back and took a big gulp of the fiery liquor down his throat, as if it could dispel some of the gloom in his heart.

Yang Guangming didn't touch his wine glass, but looked at Tang Jianhong and said directly and calmly:

"Section Chief Tang, thank you for coming out. You probably already know the gist of what happened."

Let me briefly reiterate: Around 4 PM this afternoon, Li Erzhu, an apprentice in Workshop 3, made a serious operational error. A loosely secured cast iron blank flew off and struck my brother-in-law, Wang Jianjun, directly in the back of the head while he was talking normally with the quality inspector nearby. He died instantly…

His voice was flat, as if he were stating a fact that had nothing to do with him, but every word struck Tang Jianhong’s heart clearly.

“The responsibility for the accident is very clear: Li Erzhu is fully responsible. My brother-in-law was completely innocent.” Yang Guangming continued, “Deputy Factory Director Ma Xiangwen rushed to the hospital immediately, represented the factory, admitted that the responsibility for the accident lay with the factory’s negligence in safety management, and personally promised me that the nature of Comrade Wang Jianjun’s death would ultimately be clearly determined as ‘death in the line of duty’.”

Tang Jianhong paused slightly in the hand holding the wine glass, his eyes flickering.

The designation of "death in the line of duty" means that the factory will not be able to offer any discounts on the compensation standards.

Ma Xiangwen's ability to make this promise on the spot indicates that the factory has no objection to the determination of responsibility for the accident, and also indirectly confirms that what Yang Guangming said was true, as well as his considerable personal ability.

Tang Jianhong knew Ma Xiangwen's personality well. He would never easily define it as "sacrifice in the line of duty." It must have been that Yang Guangming put enough pressure on him to force him to compromise.

“With this assessment as a foundation,” Yang Guangming said, observing Tang Jianhong’s reaction. “The subsequent compensation and funeral expenses will be handled according to national policies and factory regulations. We, the family, will not have too many objections. The factory should arrange a memorial service as soon as possible so that the deceased can be laid to rest. We understand and will cooperate.”

Tang Jianhong nodded. These were all expected answers, nothing more to say. He knew the important part was yet to come.

“Now, the family has two specific demands.” Yang Guangming’s voice deepened, his gaze fixed on Tang Jianhong. “First, regarding the arrangement of the replacement quota. My eldest sister, Yang Xianglan, is Wang Jianjun’s wife, so it is only natural for her to take over the factory job.”

"Of course, the factory will definitely make arrangements," Tang Jianhong replied.

"but."

Yang Guangming changed the subject, "Section Chief Tang, you're an expert in personnel matters, you know better than I do. A substitute worker's position in the factory makes a huge difference."

My older sister just gave birth a little over a month ago and is still recovering. She has a newborn baby and a three-year-old daughter to take care of.

If she were assigned to a physically demanding workshop, working three shifts, the physical exertion would be immense, and the noise and dust pollution would be severe… she simply couldn't handle it, and the family would completely collapse.

Tang Jianhong listened in silence, his fingers unconsciously stroking the rough rim of the wine glass.

"Therefore, our family's demands are..."

Yang Guangming spoke clearly and deliberately, “When the factory was arranging my older sister’s job, they hoped to give her some consideration and assign her to a relatively easy, stable position with a better environment.”

For example, warehouse keeper, logistics and general affairs department, technical data room in the factory, or certain clerical positions in the labor union.

This requires the Labor and Wages Department, and especially Section Chief Tang, to put in extra effort during the job allocation process and help us secure a position.

His gaze held a plea, but deeper within it lay an unwavering conviction.

Tang Jianhong picked up his wine glass, took another sip, and did not immediately express his opinion.

There are far more applicants than available positions, and every one of them is being eyed by influential people. If you were to put a female worker who had just lost her husband in a replacement position, the resistance would be considerable.

He pondered for a moment: "This... is indeed difficult. However, Comrade Wang Jianjun did 'die in the line of duty,' and his family's difficult situation is a fact. It is reasonable for the factory to provide appropriate care."

I will try my best to push for this in the allocation plan. But I can't guarantee to what extent it will be possible right now.

He spoke cautiously, leaving room for maneuver.

"We are very grateful for Section Chief Tang's words." Yang Guangming nodded slightly, indicating that he understood the other party's difficulties.

But he didn't stop, and immediately threw out his second, even more important demand.

"Secondly," Yang Guangming's voice was even lower, his body leaning slightly forward, his eyes piercing, "we hope that the factory can provide two replacement positions."

"two?"

Tang Jianhong's hand holding the wine glass suddenly trembled, and a few drops of wine spilled out and splashed onto the table.

He looked at Yang Guangming in disbelief, almost thinking he had misheard. "Guangming, you're not kidding, are you? You know the factory's rules. Even at the highest standard, there's only one replacement for someone who dies on duty! How is this possible..."

"Of course the factory won't offer a second spot voluntarily," Yang Guangming interrupted him, his tone resolute. "This second spot isn't something the factory has to give us; it's something Li Erzhu has to pay for!"

"Li Erzhu?" Tang Jianhong frowned deeply.

"Yes! That's him!" Yang Guangming's eyes were sharp. "He's directly responsible for the accident! An apprentice worker made a serious operational error, resulting in the death of his coworker! How does the factory plan to handle his responsibility? Dismissal is the bare minimum, isn't it?"

Tang Jianhong paused for a moment, then nodded: "Someone died, so dismissal... is a given. The factory rules and regulations are there for all to see."

“Good!” Yang Guangming stared intently at Tang Jianhong. “Since he’s definitely going to be fired, the permanent employee position he’s occupied will naturally be vacated and taken over by the factory. Right?”

Tang Jianhong nodded again; this was the procedure.

"So."

Yang Guangming leaned forward, lowered his voice, and said with a very convincing logic, "For Li Erzhu, this spot is going to be lost no matter what."

Rather than being fired directly by the factory, receiving a disciplinary action, and slinking away with nothing and a bad reputation, it would be better to let him take the initiative and offer the position himself!
As compensation to the Wang family, and as a token of his sincere remorse and desire for the family's forgiveness!

Tang Jianhong's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he were deep in thought.

Yang Guangming continued his analysis: "He offered to 'compensate' the Wang family for the job. What loss would this cause Li Erzhu?"

No!

He didn't have that spot to begin with!

But doing so makes him appear to have a very good attitude toward admitting his guilt and to have a repentant heart!

When dealing with him, will the factory consider giving him a lighter sentence because of this?

For example, disciplinary actions that would normally be recorded in the personnel file are not recorded there.

Both of them were dismissed, but whether or not there was a disciplinary record in their personnel file would have a huge impact on their future job search!

Could even symbolic financial compensation alleviate his burden?
After all, his biggest 'asset'—that job opportunity—had already been given away as compensation!

He paused, looking at the glint in Tang Jianhong's eyes, and then threw out the key question:

"For the factory, the fact that someone proactively proposed using job quotas as a compensation plan for a major accident is itself a 'highlight' of actively resolving conflicts and properly handling the aftermath!"
The factory leaders were happy to see this happen and readily agreed, which not only comforted the grieving family members but also demonstrated the "education and rehabilitation" of those responsible and avoided the risk of continued protests from the family members due to insufficient compensation!

Get it in one fell swoop!
"As long as someone points out the stakes involved, what reason would Director Ma have to object? He would only support him!"

Tang Jianhong fell completely silent.

He held his wine glass, motionless for a long time, his eyes darting rapidly in the dim light, clearly weighing the pros and cons quickly.

Yang Guangming's analysis was clear, logical, and meticulous, taking the perspectives of the factory, the responsible party, and the victim's family, and finding a seemingly unbelievable but actually highly workable balance!
This young man... his meticulousness and sharp insight far exceeded his expectations!
For a moment, only the faint noise from outside and the soft hum of the tungsten filament in the light bulb could be heard in the cubicle.

At this moment, the blue curtain of the private room was lifted, and the waiter came in with a tray: "Braised lion's head meatballs, poached chicken, please enjoy!" The steaming hot and fragrant dishes were placed on the table.

The waiter placed the dishes down and left. The enticing aroma of the food wafted through the air, but it did nothing to dispel the somber atmosphere in the private room.

Yang Guangming picked up his chopsticks but didn't eat anything, simply waiting quietly for Tang Jianhong's decision.

He needed this person, needed his status and influence as the head of the personnel department, to enlighten Li Erzhu, to persuade Ma Xiangwen, and to smooth things over.

Tang Jianhong finally made a move.

He slowly put down the wine glass he had been holding, and unconsciously tapped his knuckles lightly on the table a few times, making a dull "tap, tap" sound.

His gaze refocused on Yang Guangming's face, his eyes no longer showing the initial shock and embarrassment, but instead a cautious assessment and a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

“Guangming,” Tang Jianhong began slowly, his voice low but carrying a businesslike composure, “your two requests… especially the second one, are very bold ideas, but…”

He abruptly changed the subject, a subtle, seasoned smile playing on his lips. "I must say, your analysis is spot on! The approach... that's exactly the approach!"

He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of tender, boiled chicken thigh meat, but didn't eat it immediately, seemingly organizing his thoughts:

"I've noted down the matter of the easy job."

When the factory holds a meeting to handle the accident, I will bring up the special difficulties faced by Wang Jianjun's family during the discussion of job assignments and emphasize them.

It is reasonable for the families of those who "died in the line of duty" to request appropriate care.

I will try my best. There will definitely be obstacles, but the chances are not small.

Yang Guangming felt a little more at ease and nodded: "Thank you, Section Chief Tang."

"As for Li Erzhu's spot..." Tang Jianhong's eyes deepened, revealing a seasoned experience. "The key to this matter, as you said, lies in whether Li Erzhu himself is willing to 'voluntarily' offer it, and also in whether the factory is willing to 'go with the flow' and acknowledge it."

He put down his chopsticks, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice, "That kid Li Erzhu must be scared out of his wits right now, locked up in the security department writing a self-criticism. His family is probably in complete chaos, terrified, afraid that his son will be sued, afraid that he'll lose everything."

Tang Jianhong's face revealed a confident air of control: "At this moment, if someone were to 'give him a nudge,' tell him about this method of 'redeeming himself,' point him in the right direction, and let him see a glimmer of hope for a reduced punishment..."

Do you think he and his family might be grasping at this straw like it's their only hope?

Yang Guangming didn't speak, but just looked at him quietly, his eyes filled with silent affirmation.

Tang Jianhong picked up his wine glass, this time raising it towards the bright sunlight, the subtle smile on his face becoming even more pronounced:

“I’ll handle this. Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally go to the security department to ‘find out the situation,’ and while I’m at it, I’ll ‘have a chat’ with Li Erzhu and the people in charge in his family.”

I'll report back to Director Ma after I've made some progress with Li Erzhu.

As long as Li Erzhu insists that his compensation was 'voluntary and he sincerely repented,' the factory... shouldn't have much of a problem.

He specifically emphasized the words "voluntary" and "communication".

Yang Guangming watched as Tang Jianhong raised his glass, the clear liquid shimmering slightly under the light.

He didn't immediately touch his own cup, but looked into Tang Jianhong's eyes, his voice steady:
“Section Chief Tang, I will remember your kindness. My family has just suffered a great disaster, and there are so many things to worry about. My sister and the children’s future depends on these two spots. I will definitely repay you handsomely once it is done.”

He didn't mention rhinoceros horn or bezoar, but the words "a generous reward will be given" carried extra weight at this moment, given the "gifts" already sent to the Tang family.

Tang Jianhong's smile became more genuine; he was already quite satisfied with Yang Guangming's attitude.

Yang Guangming's meteoric rise in the Red Star Factory and his access to rare medicinal herbs all foreshadowed the young man's future potential and value.

For Tang Jianhong, forging this good relationship today is definitely a worthwhile investment.

"Oh, don't be so formal!" Tang Jianhong waved his hand, his tone very hearty. "Comrade Wang Jianjun is also a worker in our factory. It's only right that the factory and his colleagues care for and help him after he suffered such misfortune! You're also working hard for your family, I understand your feelings!"

He pushed his glass forward again. "Come on, Guangming, we need to get things done, but we also need to eat. Take a sip to calm your nerves! Leave this to me! I'll do my best!"

Looking into Tang Jianhong's eyes, one could see the shrewdness of a bureaucrat, a promise made after weighing the pros and cons, and knew that this was the best outcome they could achieve at the moment.

He picked up the untouched glass of Xifeng liquor in front of him.

The two wine glasses touched lightly in mid-air, producing a crisp "ding" sound.

The liquor sloshed in the glass, reflecting the dim light and two faces with different thoughts.

Yang Guangming tilted his head back and downed the spicy liquid in his glass in one gulp. The burning sensation traveled from his throat to his stomach, bringing a slight sting and briefly dispelling the bone-chilling cold in his heart.

He didn't touch his chopsticks again and had no appetite at all.

"Section Chief Tang, please take your time eating. I really need someone to take care of things back home. My older sister is emotionally unstable, and my mother is terrified. I have to go back and look after her as soon as possible."

He put down his empty glass, stood up, and said urgently, "Today's meal was really rushed. I'll thank you properly another day. Please take care of things!"

Tang Jianhong immediately put down his wine glass and stood up: "I understand! Things are important at home! You should go back quickly! I'll take care of things here, don't worry!" He patted Yang Guangming on the shoulder, his tone resolute.

Yang Guangming said no more, but nodded vigorously to Tang Jianhong, his eyes filled with silent entrustment and trust.

He flung open the blue curtain of the cubicle, strode out, paid the bill, and quickly disappeared into the bustling light and shadow of the main lobby.

Tang Jianhong stood at the door of the cubicle, watching the tall but burdened figure disappear into the crowd, and the smile on his face slowly faded.

He turned around and looked at the plentiful dishes on the table that had hardly been touched, and then he remembered the conspicuous pile of "gifts" on the table at home. His eyes became complicated and deep.

He slowly sat back down on the stool, picked up the wine bottle, poured himself another glass, and sipped it alone, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table. He was clearly thinking repeatedly about how to "wake up" Li Erzhu and how to "communicate" with Ma Xiangwen the next day.

The streetlights outside the restaurant were just coming on.

The sounds of bicycle bells and pedestrians mingled together. Yang Guangming rushed to his "Forever" bicycle, quickly unlocked it, and with a long stride, the bike shot off like an arrow.

A gentle evening breeze brushed against my face, carrying the slight chill of a May night.

He hunched over, putting all his strength into the pedals. The chain creaked rapidly as the wheels rolled across the road, speeding toward the hospital.

(End of this chapter)