Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

She knew that from this moment on, her fate was inextricably linked with that of Director Li.

After talking with Liu Lan in the alley, Li Zhenhua did not immediately take any big action.

Like a seasoned hunter, he knew that to deal with a tough nut like Liu Lan's husband, one had to plan carefully before acting, or if one did act, one had to strike decisively and ensure that the man never recovered.

Simple mediation and criticism are like scratching an itch through a boot for someone with such deep-seated problems; they might even alert the snake and lead to more frenzied retaliation against Liu Lan afterward.

He activated his network of relationships.

On the one hand, he used his father Li Yunlong's old connections to "communicate" with the head of the local police station where Liu Lan's family lived.

This communication was not a direct command, but rather a suggestive exchange that emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the jurisdiction and cracking down on bad elements who disrupt socialist family harmony. It also "casually" mentioned that some employees of the steel rolling mill were suffering from such troubles and hoped that the police station could "pay attention" to it.

On the other hand, he instructed the logistics officer in charge of liaising with the street office to formally contact the street office where Liu Lan lived under the pretext of "caring for the family life of employees and promoting the construction of a harmonious community." He informed them of Liu Lan's situation as an "employee family in extreme poverty," and of course, he subtly pointed out that the root cause of her family discord was her husband's bad behavior.

At the same time, Li Zhenhua instructed a trusted officer in the security department to secretly begin collecting evidence of Liu Lan's husband's crimes.

This was not difficult; Liu Lan's husband was a notorious gambler, alcoholic, and wife-beater.

The security officer easily obtained testimonies from the neighbors that he frequently gambled, caused trouble while drunk, and beat and verbally abused his wife and children late at night.

Rumors about his gambling debts at different gambling dens were also deliberately collected.

These materials were compiled into a statement of facts. Although it was not a formal case file, it was enough to outline the image of a bad element who was "lazy, addicted to alcohol and gambling, abused his family, and seriously disrupted social order".

Li Zhenhua carefully reviewed the materials and had already made up his mind.

What he wants is not mediation, but a cleanup.

He wanted to use this opportunity not only to completely exonerate Liu Lan, but also to establish his authority and show potential adversaries inside and outside the factory what would happen to those who opposed or hindered him.

He characterized this action as a righteous act of "protecting the legitimate rights and interests of employees and eliminating the scourge that undermines social stability," thus occupying the moral high ground.

Timing is crucial. He needs a public, well-documented, on-the-spot arrest.

The opportunity soon arrived. A spy planted by the security department near Liu Lan's home reported that Liu Lan's husband was drunk again and seemed to have lost money gambling. He was in a very bad mood and was causing trouble at home, with the neighbors able to hear the sounds of him smashing things.

Upon receiving the report, a cold glint flashed in Li Zhenhua's eyes; he knew the time had come.

He immediately picked up the phone and connected with the local police station and the factory's security department.

"It's time to close the net."

He gave the instructions concisely.

As night falls, the lights are on.

At this moment, a scene resembling hell is unfolding in Liu Lan's home.

The drunken husband, his eyes bloodshot, swore and pushed Liu Lan, who had come forward to advise him to drink less, to the ground.

"You bitch! All my losses are your fault! You jinx!"

As he cursed, he grabbed a feather duster from the table and started lashing it at Liu Lan, who was curled up on the floor.

The child hid behind the door of the inner room, trembling with fear, his cries muffled in his throat.

Just then, with a loud "bang," the already flimsy door was kicked open from the outside!

Five or six beams of powerful flashlight beams instantly shone in, illuminating the room brightly. Police officers from the local police station and security personnel from the steel mill appeared as if by divine intervention, rushing into the room and immediately pinning Liu Lan's husband to the ground before he could even react.

"Don't move! Police!"

"We're from the factory's security department!"

Liu Lan's husband was stunned by this sudden turn of events. He sobered up halfway and struggled in vain, cursing under his breath.

"What are you doing? What right do you have to arrest me? What law did I break by beating my own wife?"

The lead police officer from the local police station snorted coldly and flashed his detention warrant.

"On what grounds? Because you're an alcoholic who causes trouble, has a history of abusing your family, and is suspected of gambling! Take him away!"

The whole process was clean and efficient, without any unnecessary delays.

Liu Lan's husband was dragged off the ground like a dead dog, his arms twisted behind his back. His arrogant demeanor had been replaced by terror, and all that remained of his mouth were meaningless howls.

At that moment, Li Zhenhua slowly appeared at the door.

He didn't go inside. He just stood with his hands behind his back, glanced expressionlessly at the mess inside and the subdued man, and finally his gaze fell on Liu Lan, who had just been helped up by a female officer and was still in shock and trembling all over.

His gaze met Liu Lan's; he said nothing, only nodding slightly.

This glance stirred up a tidal wave in Liu Lan's heart.

She witnessed the entire process, from her husband's madness to the thunderous appearance of the police and security personnel, and finally to Li Zhenhua's calm and composed figure, in complete control.

She saw her husband, who usually acted arrogantly and domineeringly in front of her, become so vulnerable in front of the people brought by Director Li, and was quickly subdued like a clay chicken or a clay dog.

This absolute overwhelming power and the swift and decisive efficiency deeply shocked her.

The subsequent handling, just as Li Zhenhua had anticipated and instructed, was to be "severe and swift."

With witnesses and physical evidence, Liu Lan's husband's heinous act has aroused public outrage.

The local police station and the factory's security department jointly investigated the case and quickly confirmed his illegal activities, including long-term abuse of family members and repeated gambling. In the context of the time, this was escalated to a serious issue of "disrupting social order and affecting socialist construction."

With virtually no resistance, the court quickly delivered its verdict: convicted of both abuse and gambling, he was sentenced to ten years of re-education through labor, to be carried out immediately.

When the news of the verdict reached the canteen under the logistics department of the steel rolling mill, Liu Lan was mechanically washing piles of vegetables by the sink.

When Director Zhao of the cafeteria, with a somewhat complicated expression, called her aside and whispered to her, "That person's sentence is in: ten years. He's been sent to a labor camp. You... can focus on your work from now on," Liu Lan froze on the spot.

The wet vegetables in her hands slipped back into the sink, splashing water that soaked her clothes, but she was completely unaware.

Tears welled up silently, not from sadness, but from a tremendous, almost exhausting sense of relief, and an indescribable sense of uncertainty about the future. The coworkers washing and chopping vegetables around me cast glances of pity, curiosity, or slight aloofness, their whispers rising like gnats.

She knew that from today onwards, she would never be able to shake off the labels of "husband-killer" and "having a convict in her family," but at least the endless beatings and fear were over.

"Liu Lan, Director Li wants you to go to his office."

Director Zhao's voice interrupted her thoughts, his tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of respect.

Nowadays, everyone in the factory knows that Liu Lan's matter was handled personally and efficiently by Deputy Director Li.

Although it was officially said that the organization was showing concern for its employees, there were inevitably some rumors and speculations behind the scenes about why Director Li was so concerned about this ordinary female worker.

Liu Lan's heart skipped a beat.

Director Li!

The man who handed her a rope when she was at her most desperate and pulled her out of the abyss with swift and decisive action.

She quickly wiped her face haphazardly with her sleeve, straightened her wrinkled and stained work clothes, lowered her head, and followed Director Zhao out of the noisy kitchen.

Walking along the tree-lined path in the factory area, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, Liu Lan felt a little unreal.

How long has it been since she looked up at the sky like this, and felt the warmth of the sun?

The past was like an endless nightmare, and now, the dream seems to have ended, but the road ahead is still shrouded in mist.

Upon arriving at the door of the deputy director of the logistics department, Liu Lan took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door.

"Please come in."

Li Zhenhua's calm voice came from inside.

Liu Lan pushed the door open and carefully closed it.

The office was spacious and bright. Li Zhenhua was sitting behind a large desk reviewing documents. Sunlight streamed in from the window behind him, casting a halo around him and making him appear even more distinguished.

"Director Li, you wanted to see me?"

Liu Lan's voice still carried a hint of timidity.

Li Zhenhua put down his pen, raised his head, and calmly looked at her. His gaze wasn't sharp, but it seemed to pierce through her heart, making Liu Lan involuntarily tense up.

"Yes, please sit down."

Li Zhenhua pointed to the chair opposite him.

Liu Lan sat down awkwardly, clutching the hem of her clothes tightly with both hands, not daring to look up and meet his gaze.

"The factory has taken care of everything at your home. What are your plans for the future?"

Li Zhenhua got straight to the point, his tone flat, revealing no emotion.

"I... thank you, Director Li! Thank you, the organization! I... I will definitely work hard to repay your kindness..."

Liu Lan was incoherent, her gratitude overflowing.

Li Zhenhua waved his hand, interrupting her.

"Let's put aside the matter of repaying you for now. Right now, there's a practical problem: you definitely can't live in your old home anymore. There will be plenty of gossip from the neighbors, which won't be good for you and your child. Considering your special circumstances, the factory has decided to provide you with some assistance."

He picked up a document from the table and handed it to Liu Lan.

"Here's the key and check-in paperwork for a vacant temporary dormitory in the factory. It's not big, but it has all the basic living facilities. It's in the family compound behind the factory, so it's relatively quiet. You should hurry up and get your divorce sorted out. The neighborhood committee and the factory's women's federation will assist you with this; they've already spoken to them. Then, take your child and move there. Say goodbye to the past completely."

Liu Lan trembled as she took the thin piece of paper. Looking at the clear handwriting and the key chained together on it, tears blurred her vision again.

dormitory!

A place that belongs entirely to her and her child, a shelter from the wind and rain, a place free from violence and fear!

In her opinion, this was something she never even dared to dream of!

Director Li not only saved her life, but also considered such a comprehensive way out for her!

"Director Li...I...I..."

She choked up, almost kneeling down to kowtow.

"stand up."

Li Zhenhua's voice remained steady, yet carried an undeniable power.

"I'll help you for two reasons. First, I can't stand seeing my factory workers being bullied outside; that's the organization's responsibility. Second..."

He changed the subject, his gaze becoming profound.

"I do need you to do something for me."

Liu Lan suddenly raised her head, her eyes brimming with tears, and met Li Zhenhua's unfathomable gaze.

She was startled, but did not hesitate at all.

In her simple and unassuming mind, Director Li was her savior, a "god" who gave her and her child a new life. She would do anything for him, even at the cost of her life.

"Director Li, please speak! You saved my life. Without you, my child and I would have died long ago... Whatever you ask me to do, I will do! Without hesitation!"

Her tone was unusually firm, a loyalty that had been suppressed for a long time bursting forth, pure and fervent.

Li Zhenhua was very satisfied with her reaction.

What he needs is this absolute control and loyalty.

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, even though there were only the two of them in the office.

"Okay. What I'm asking you to do might involve some risk, but it's also an opportunity for you to break free from the past and truly establish yourself in the factory."

He paused, observing Liu Lan's expression. Seeing that she was listening attentively with trust in her eyes, he continued.

"Have you heard of Li Huaide, the head of our logistics department?"

Liu Lan nodded. She certainly knew Director Li Huaide, the cafeteria's direct supervisor—a leader who always seemed to be smiling, but whose eyes revealed shrewdness.

A cold look appeared on Li Zhenhua's face.

"This person, on the surface, is our leader, but behind the scenes, he is a parasite! He abuses his power, engages in corruption, forms cliques, and ostracizes honest comrades, seriously damaging the factory's interests! Many good systems in the factory cannot be implemented, and many problems arise in the allocation of materials, all because of him! Director Yang and many other leaders have been deceived by him."

He portrayed Li Huaide as an utterly corrupt and heinous criminal, cleverly packaging personal grudges as a righteous act of eliminating harm for the factory.

This aligns with Liu Lan's understanding and imbues the task she is about to undertake with a profound sense of meaning.

"I've been gathering evidence against him, but this guy is cunning and shrewd. Someone needs to get close to him, gain his trust, and find solid evidence of his crimes."

Li Zhenhua's gaze was fixed on Liu Lan.

"And you, Liu Lan, are the best choice."

Liu Lan was stunned.

Getting close to Director Li? Gaining his trust? Finding evidence? This... this was far beyond her imagination.

How could a female worker who washes vegetables in a canteen do all that?

"Director Li, I... I'm tongue-tied and inexperienced, I'm afraid... I'm afraid I'll mess up your important business..."

Liu Lan subconsciously felt fear and inferiority.

"Don't worry."

Li Zhenhua's tone softened, carrying a seductive power.