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

And soon, that opportunity came.

The factory is hosting a crucial banquet for the director of the meat processing plant.

He decided to get things done right after the banquet.

He could almost see the young widow, who stirred his desire, writhing and yielding beneath him.

The banquet hall of the steel rolling mill's small canteen is brightly lit tonight.

The meat processing plant spared no expense in entertaining Director Wang.

Despite the famine and the extremely tight supply of planned materials, Director Yang personally approved the use of the factory's limited "special reserves." In addition, Li Huaide from the Logistics Department managed to procure some scarce goods, and they finally managed to put together a feast that could be considered luxurious in those days.

Four cold dishes: fried peanuts, cucumber salad with minced garlic, tomatoes with sugar, and a plate of rare preserved eggs.

The eight hot dishes were: braised pork belly, sweet and sour carp, chicken stew with mushrooms, twice-cooked pork, Mapo tofu, braised eggplant, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, and finally a large pot of chicken soup with oil floating on top.

The staple foods are white flour steamed buns and rice, which are plentiful.

The drinks were even more impressive, including local Erguotou and two bottles of precious Moutai.

The importance of this banquet is self-evident.

The steel rolling mill employs tens of thousands of workers who engage in high-intensity physical labor every day. Without adequate nutrition, they simply cannot sustain it.

With tight production targets and the requirement that output only increase, there is not enough supply of meat, eggs, and other non-staple foods. As a result, workers' physical strength declines, and safety accidents and production efficiency will both suffer major problems.

The meat processing plant has the power to allocate pork outside of the planned quota, and the attitude of Director Wang directly affects the jobs of the steel rolling mill workers and the overall production situation of the plant in the second half of the year.

Therefore, not only did Li Huaide, who was in charge of logistics, accompany them, but even Factory Director Yang personally attended to show his importance.

As the deputy director of logistics, Li Zhenhua was naturally among those present.

He was wearing a dark Zhongshan suit today, which made him look calm and capable.

After the banquet began, he behaved appropriately, offering toasts when it was appropriate and speaking when it was time to speak, neither being impolite nor trying to steal the spotlight. Most of the time, he simply listened quietly to the conversation between Director Yang, Li Huaide, and Director Wang, occasionally interjecting with a few words, which were always to the point, demonstrating his familiarity with and competence in the business.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

After a few cups of Moutai, Director Wang of the meat processing plant had an oily sheen on his chubby face and started talking more.

Factory Director Yang and Li Huaide took turns toasting each other while pouring out their grievances, describing the current material difficulties faced by the steel rolling mill, especially the severe impact of meat shortages on workers' physical strength and production enthusiasm.

Director Wang, speaking in an official tone, first complained about his own difficulties, such as the tight supply of live pigs and the heavy tasks assigned by his superiors. However, under the persistent "persuasion" of Director Yang and Li Huaide, his attitude finally softened. He hinted that if the steel mill could provide "support" in certain aspects, he would "try his best to find a way" to allocate more pork quotas to the steel mill outside of the plan.

This is exactly the result that Director Yang and Li Huaide wanted.

Both sides understood each other implicitly, and the toasts became even more frequent afterward.

Li Huaide was particularly diligent, knowing that if this negotiation succeeded, it would be a major achievement for him, allowing him to stand taller in front of Director Yang and surpass Li Zhenhua.

He frequently raised his glass, showering Director Wang with flattery as if it were free, making Director Wang beam with joy.

Li Zhenhua watched coldly, a sneer in his heart. He saw through Li Huaide's scheme perfectly clearly.

He also toasted Director Wang at an appropriate time, expressing his sincere concern for the workers' meals, demonstrating his duty as a deputy without being overly ostentatious.

He noticed that while Li Huaide was drinking, his eyes kept glancing at the female canteen workers who were responsible for serving food, especially Liu Lan, whose gaze lingered on him for a particularly long time.

As for Liu Lan, according to the prior arrangement, she was also assigned to work in the small canteen tonight.

She was dressed in a clean white work uniform, head down, carefully serving dishes and pouring wine. Her movements were slightly awkward, but it was precisely this timid demeanor that made her stand out in this lively and clinking of glasses.

Li Zhenhua knew that the main event was about to begin.

He estimated the time and felt it was about right, so he pretended to be drunk, holding his forehead with his hand and his face flushed.

After another round of toasts, he stood up and said apologetically to Director Yang and Director Wang.

"Factory Manager, Factory Manager Wang, I'm so sorry, I can't hold my liquor well and I'm a little dizzy. I have to excuse myself for a moment and go out for some fresh air so I don't embarrass myself later."

Factory Director Yang was discussing a crucial point with Factory Director Wang when he waved his hand.

"Go ahead, Zhenhua, just do what you can."

Li Huaide was even more eager for this potential "competitor" to disappear as soon as possible, and feigned concern.

"Is Comrade Zhenhua alright? Should we get someone to help you back to rest?"

Li Zhenhua waved his hand.

"No need, Director Li, I'm just going out for some fresh air. You all continue, and make sure you keep Director Wang company."

After saying that, he walked out of the banquet hall with slightly unsteady steps.

As soon as he was out of everyone's sight, the drunkenness on Li Zhenhua's face vanished instantly, and his eyes became clear and sharp.

He didn't go far, but under the cover of night, he quietly circled around to a window on the side of the banquet hall in the small canteen.

The window was covered by thick curtains, but there was a barely noticeable gap near the corner. This was a spot Li Zhenhua had carefully observed beforehand, a place where he could faintly hear what was happening inside without being easily discovered.

He remained hidden in the darkness like a statue, patiently waiting.

The banquet lasted for nearly an hour.

Finally, the banquet came to an end after Director Wang was completely drunk and could not even speak coherently, and Director Yang also looked tired.

Director Yang personally helped Director Wang, and the driver took them to the guesthouse to rest.

Other middle-level managers who were accompanying the group also took their leave one after another.

The lively banquet hall suddenly became quiet, leaving only a mess of cups and plates and the lingering smell of alcohol.

Although Li Huaide had also drunk quite a bit, he was clearly still sober, and he directed several canteen staff members to clean up the mess.

"You've all worked hard, go back and get some rest. Just leave someone here to tidy things up a bit."

Li Huaide spoke loudly, but his gaze fell intentionally or unintentionally on Liu Lan, who was wiping the table with her head down.

The other female workers, feeling as if they had been granted a pardon, put down their work, exchanged glances, and quickly left.

They had already noticed the signs, and none of them wanted to stay here and get in the way.

Finally, in the huge banquet hall, only Li Huaide and Liu Lan, whose movements had obviously slowed down, remained.

Outside the window, a cold smile curled at the corner of Li Zhenhua's lips.

The fish has taken the bait.

Li Huaide strolled over to Liu Lan's side, and a strong smell of alcohol wafted over him.

He looked at Liu Lan's slightly flushed cheeks from being busy, which appeared even more delicate and charming under the light, especially her demure and submissive demeanor, which stirred his heart.

"Xiao Liu, you've had a hard day."

Li Huaide's voice was hoarse from drinking and carried a deliberate gentleness.

Liu Lan froze, stopped what she was doing, and whispered.

"It's no trouble at all, Director Li. It's what I should do."

"What do you mean by 'should' or 'shouldn't'?"

Li Huaide waved his hand, pointing to the many leftover dishes on the table.

"It's a shame to throw these vegetables away. Your child is growing, so pack them up and take them home for your child to eat."

Looking at the glistening meat and vegetables, Liu Lan swallowed hard; for her family, this was undoubtedly a delicacy.

Her face showed a struggle, a mixture of longing and fear.

"This...this isn't right, Director Li, this belongs to the government..."

"Hey, what do you mean by 'public' or 'private'? I'm the one who calls the shots!"

Li Huaide waved his hand generously, displaying extreme generosity.

"Waste is the biggest crime! You wait, I'll find you a lunchbox."

As he spoke, he actually went to the kitchen and found two aluminum lunch boxes. He carefully scooped the good dishes into the lunch boxes, especially the braised pork, which he scooped out almost half of.

Liu Lan stood to the side, at a loss, feeling both nervous and with mixed emotions.

These dishes are enough to keep the kids entertained for several meals...

Li Huaide shoved the full lunchbox into Liu Lan's hand, his fingers "accidentally" touching the back of Liu Lan's hand.

Liu Lan recoiled as if she'd been electrocuted, nearly dropping the lunchbox.

Li Huaide seized the opportunity to grab her wrist, moving closer to her, his breath reeking of alcohol, almost hitting Liu Lan's face, and his voice becoming even more suggestive.

"Little Liu, look how good I am to you! Follow me, and you'll live a life of luxury every day, never having to suffer again..."

Liu Lan trembled with fear and tried to break free, but Li Huaide held her even tighter.

"Director Li, please don't do this... Please, let me go..."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she pleaded.

"What are you afraid of?"

Seeing her terrified expression, Li Huaide felt his desire to conquer her greatly satisfied.

"There's no one else here. I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, as long as you come with me, I guarantee I'll give you a permanent position, a good job, and even get your child into the best class at the factory's affiliated school..."

As he spoke, he reached out with his other hand to put his arm around Liu Lan's waist.

Liu Lan began to resist fiercely, but she could not escape Li Huaide's clutches at all.

Their clothes were roughly ripped off.

Just as Li Huaide pinned Liu Lan down.

At the critical moment.

With a creak, the slightly ajar door of the small canteen was suddenly pushed open!

Qin Huairu, who had been waiting outside the door as planned, rushed in, pretending to be concerned.

"Liu Lan, how's it going? Let me help you... Ah!!!"

Her voice suddenly turned into a piercing scream that could shatter the night sky when she saw the situation inside the room!

"This is indecent assault!!! Director Li! What are you doing?! Let Liu Lan go!"

Qin Huairu covered her mouth with one hand and pointed at Li Huaide, who was pressing down on Liu Lan in an ambiguous position, with her face full of shock.

That shout was like pouring a ladle of cold water into boiling oil; the effect was immediate.

The previously quiet office building seemed to come alive instantly. Several nearby offices immediately erupted in a commotion of desks and chairs being moved and doors being opened to look out. Footsteps approached from afar, clearly drawn by the earth-shattering shouts.

Li Huaide was startled by the sudden change and the scream, and most of his lewd thoughts vanished instantly, and he sobered up considerably!

He released his grip on Liu Lan as if electrocuted, turned his head in a panic to look at Qin Huairu, who stood at the door with an "righteous" expression, and then looked at the blurry figure outside who had come at the sound. His face turned deathly pale in an instant.

"Qin...Qin Huairu! What nonsense are you spouting! Shut up!"

Li Huaide was both shocked and furious. He lowered his voice and scolded her sternly, while instinctively reaching out to cover Qin Huairu's mouth to stop her from shouting any further.

If this charge of indecent assault is proven true, his future will be completely ruined!

"What are you doing! Director Li, are you trying to silence someone by assaulting them?"

Qin Huairu nimbly stepped back, making her voice even louder, fully demonstrating her on-the-spot performance as a key executor of the plan.

"Everyone, come quick! Director Li is bullying Liu Lan! I caught him, and he even tried to hit her!"

Just as Li Huaide was enraged and about to pounce on Qin Huairu,

"stop!"

A cold, authoritative shout, like a thunderclap, boomed at the doorway!

Li Zhenhua appeared at the door.

He was clearly "drawn" back by the commotion here, and he timed it perfectly.

Li Huaide froze, turned around in astonishment, and met Li Zhenhua's icy gaze. His heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself.

"broken!"

However, before he could come up with an excuse, Li Zhenhua had already taken a step forward and, under everyone's astonished gaze, kicked Li Huaide squarely in the stomach!

"Bang!"

Caught off guard, Li Huaide felt a tremendous force come over him, dislocating his internal organs. He cried out in pain, and his obese body staggered backward like a tattered sack before crashing heavily to the ground with a thud, knocking over a chair. Leftover food from the table splattered all over him, leaving him looking utterly disheveled.

"Ouch!"

Li Huaide curled up on the ground, clutching his stomach, wincing in pain. He was completely sober, and all that remained was boundless fear and anger.

At this moment, several factory office staff on duty and security personnel, attracted by Qin Huairu's shouts and commotion, rushed to the entrance of the small canteen and witnessed the entire process: Li Zhenhua's thunderous attack, Li Huaide falling to the ground groaning, Liu Lan trembling, and Qin Huairu "still in shock".

Everyone was stunned by what they saw. For a moment, the small canteen was completely silent, except for Li Huaide's painful groans and heavy breathing.

After kicking Li Huaide to the ground, Li Zhenhua did not look at him again. Instead, he quickly turned around, took off his Zhongshan suit jacket, and walked briskly to Liu Lan, who was still trembling slightly and pale-faced. He gently but firmly draped the jacket over her shoulders, completely in a posture of protecting the victim.

"Comrade Liu Lan, it's alright, don't be afraid."

His voice was deep, carrying a reassuring strength.

Then, he raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the stunned crowd at the door, finally landing on the face of the factory security chief, who had rushed over upon hearing the news and whose face was ashen. He spoke in a somber yet righteous tone, his voice clearly echoing throughout the entire space.

"Section Chief Wang, you've come at the perfect time! And please, everyone, bear witness! Li Huaide, as the head of the logistics department and a factory-level leader, dared to act so recklessly in this important factory area, after drinking, attempting to take advantage of female employee Liu Lan! Fortunately, Comrade Qin Huairu discovered and stopped him in time! The nature of this act is extremely egregious, and the impact is extremely negative! This is a serious violation of discipline and law, and it must be dealt with severely!"