I painted an aircraft carrier on the courtyard house for Dongda University.

As if afraid he hadn't convinced Zhou Weiguo, Yi Zhonghai continued, "Weiguo, think about it carefully. We're all neighbors. If you let Jia Zhangshi go to jail, do you think any neighbors will still be close to your family?"

"You don't want everyone in the hospital to keep their distance from you, do you? Even if you're not afraid, what about Zhuzi and Yushui? You've offended everyone."

"Have you thought about what kind of life Pillar and Rain will lead after you just leave?"

Zhou Weiguo nodded and continued, "Anything else? If so, say it all at once."

Yi Zhonghai really didn't expect Zhou Weiguo to be so easy to talk to today.

Was he frightened by Sha Zhu's incident, or did Zhou Weiguo guess that the old lady was going to punish him and he was scared?

Yes, that must be it, otherwise how could such a troublemaker be made so obedient?

After thinking for a long time, Yi Zhonghai said directly, "Weiguo, you must return the 3000 yuan you took from the old lady as soon as possible. That was all her retirement money."

"You might not understand, but this is pure fraud, and that's illegal! Three thousand yuan—that's enough for at least thirty to fifty years in prison. So you must return the money to the old lady as soon as possible, otherwise you'll definitely go to jail. For the sake of the country, you don't want to end up in jail, do you?"

"Go on, you go on." Zhou Weiguo lit another cigarette.

Yi Zhonghai's Adam's apple bobbed for a long while before he finally stammered, "For the country, Cuilan and I have lived in this house for most of our lives, and these old arms and legs really can't take any more strain..."

Zhou Weiguo waved his hand with a smile, a hint of mockery in his eyes: "Alright, that's more tiring to listen to than a theatrical performance. Are you hoping I'll return your house to its rightful owner, and also give back the deaf old woman's house? And while we're at it, return every penny of the money you gave me? And have Zhu Zi cook all the meals in the backyard, with his lunchboxes exclusively for the Jia family, so that during holidays we can all get together and celebrate the New Year in a lively atmosphere?"

Before he could finish speaking, Yi Zhonghai gripped the hem of his clothes tightly with both hands, his cloudy eyes gleaming with excitement as he stared intently at Zhou Weiguo, his expression clearly saying, "That's exactly what I wanted."

Jia Dongxu, standing to the side, nodded eagerly, his mouth practically watering.

Zhou Weiguo scoffed, "Really? Surely no one actually thinks that? You two keep talking about this same old thing, can't you improve at all? It's exhausting arguing with you. By the way, you two, if you're so capable, keep showing off to me later, I'm waiting!"

After saying that, he turned and walked into the cafeteria.

As soon as Zhou Weiguo stepped into the canteen, he heard Director Wang angrily rebuking Deputy Director Yang: "You, Deputy Director Yang! You, Yang Weimin! What a pair of cousins! Now you think the steel rolling mill is your family's ancestral property?"

Just then, a surprised voice suddenly came from the doorway: "Old leader! What brings you here? Why didn't you give us a heads-up before you came!" Yang Weimin forced a smile and hurriedly went to greet him.

Seeing this, Li Huaide lowered his head, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.

Director Wang was furious when he saw Yang Weimin running towards him, and kicked him.

The kick landed squarely on Yang Weimin's stomach, and the force of the impact sent Yang Weimin sliding two meters backward.

Director Wang himself was forced back several steps due to the reaction force.

"Beautiful!" Zhou Weiguo blurted out subconsciously.

In an instant, the eyes of the Song, Li, and Jiang departments all turned to him.

Zhou Weiguo scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled, "Well, that Factory Director Yang's pose was just too cool. I reckon Director Wang couldn't help but kick him too."

Director Wang stormed up to Yang Weimin, pointed his finger at him, and demanded angrily, "Yang Weimin, I have a few questions for you. If you're a man, you'd better tell me the truth, or don't blame me for killing you!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Weimin trembled, and his mind flashed through all the things he had done, even recalling the time he peeked at the neighbor girl taking a bath when he was a child.

His face was filled with terror, and he quickly said, "Old leader, please calm down, getting angry will harm your health."

"Did you do what happened to He Yuzhu?"

Yang Weimin's face turned deathly pale instantly. After hesitating for a long time, he finally nodded slowly.

"Did you call the police and demand that they release Yi Zhonghai?"

Yang Weimin's face grew even paler, and he nodded in acknowledgment once more.

"Are you holding a grudge against Zhou Weiguo because of Minister Song and your demotion?"

"Old boss, Zhou Weiguo isn't really one of the factory's employees after all..."

"Answer me!" Director Wang roared.

Yang Weimin remained silent for a long time before finally nodding helplessly.

"Alright, alright, you've admitted to all of these things, so you won't deny that you ostracized Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide within the factory, right?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Weimin pursed his lips, lowered his head, and remained silent.

Director Wang shook his head helplessly, a self-deprecating smile playing on his lips. His tone was full of disappointment and sarcasm: "You, Yang Weimin! This steel rolling mill is practically your family's ancestral property, your personal property! I appointed Li Huaide as deputy director, and with a single, casual remark, you made everyone in the factory recognize him only as 'Director Li.' Very well, very well indeed! You truly are my 'good subordinate'!"

Having followed Director Wang through many battles, Yang Weimin knew his temperament all too well.

From these words, he clearly sensed that Director Wang was completely disappointed in him. Was he going to give up on him completely?

Overwhelmed by fear, Yang Weimin forced himself to speak, his voice trembling slightly: "Regimental Commander, I know I was wrong. Please, for the sake of that one shot we fired back then, give me another chance, just this once, let me turn over a new leaf, okay?"

Director Wang paused slightly upon hearing this.

He stared intently at Yang Weimin, remained silent for a long time, and finally, without saying a word, turned and walked out of the cafeteria like a stranger.

Zhou Weiguo watched coldly, clicked his tongue at Yang Weimin, who was slumped on the ground, and shook his head with a sigh.

Turning around, he met Yi Zhonghai's blank face and Jia Dongxu, whose body was trembling slightly.

A knowing smile played on his lips as he stepped forward, his tone slightly mocking: "Yi Zhonghai, Jia Dongxu, you two keep up the act, shall we?"

Just then, the loudspeaker above the cafeteria suddenly started blaring.

Attention all workers! Announcement from Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill:

Following a review and decision by higher authorities, the following adjustments and personnel appointments are being made to relevant personnel at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill:

Song, the former chief engineer of the technical department, was appointed as the deputy director of the steel rolling mill, in charge of all production and technical work.

Li Huaide, the former director of the logistics department, was appointed as the acting deputy director of the steel rolling mill, in charge of logistics management.

He Yuzhu, the former head chef of the canteen, was appointed as the deputy director of the canteen on a work-study basis.

Zhou Weiguo, the former technical consultant of the steel rolling mill, was appointed as the head of the technical department.

In addition, due to serious disciplinary violations, the following actions are hereby taken:

Yang, the former deputy director of the steel rolling mill canteen, was demoted to a cleaner and was responsible for cleaning the factory toilets.

Yang Weimin, the former director of the steel rolling mill, retained his rank but was demoted to head of the cleaning department.

P.S.: Please urge me to update more and give me good reviews. Thank you!