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

The jeep didn't return to the steel mill dormitory, but drove directly to its home in the military compound.

Li Zhenhua knew that his father, Li Yunlong, and Uncle Kong Jie were still anxiously waiting for news.

Sure enough, as soon as they arrived at the door, they heard Li Yunlong's gruff footsteps and Kong Jie's soft, comforting voice coming from inside.

Li Zhenhua pushed open the door and entered. The two immediately stopped talking, and all four pairs of eyes focused on him, filled with eagerness and anticipation.

"How did it go? Did you see Lin Jingyue? What did he say?"

Li Yunlong rushed forward and grabbed his son's arm with such force that Li Zhenhua frowned slightly.

Although Kong Jie was more composed, he followed up with a question.

"Zhenhua, how's the situation? Have you found out anything about Lao Ding?"

Looking at his father's bloodshot eyes and Kong Jie's furrowed brows, Li Zhenhua sighed inwardly, knowing that the concern these two old comrades had for Ding Wei was heartfelt.

He first patted his father's hand reassuringly, then walked to the table, poured himself a glass of cold water, and drank most of it in one gulp. Only then, under the intense gazes of the two men, did he slowly begin to speak.

"I met him. Uncle Lin... was very polite and even gave me a cigarette."

Li Yunlong and Kong Jie exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes.

Lin Jingyue offering Li Zhenhua a cigarette was significant, indicating that he truly didn't consider Li Zhenhua an outsider.

"Get to the point! How is Old Ding doing?"

Li Yunlong urged impatiently.

Li Zhenhua put down his teacup, his expression turning serious.

"Uncle Ding Wei... is still alive. But his condition is not good."

"It's good that he's alive! It's good that he's alive!"

Li Yunlong first breathed a sigh of relief, then raised the issue again.

"What's wrong? Where is he?"

"Uncle Lin said that Uncle Ding Wei offended people back then because he was stubborn and didn't know how to speak properly on some issues. Now he's been sent down to a farm deep in the Dabie Mountains for training... which is actually farming."

"Dabie Mountains? Farming?"

Li Yunlong's eyes widened instantly, and his voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"Damn it! Old Ding has such a stubborn temper, making him farm? That's practically killing him! The Dabie Mountains are such a poor and harsh place, how did he even survive there?!"

Kong Jie's face also darkened instantly, his fists clenched involuntarily, and his voice was low.

"It really is the worst-case scenario... being sent to a farm... Knowing Lao Ding's personality, this is even worse than solitary confinement! Can his body handle it?"

The atmosphere in the study instantly became incredibly oppressive.

Li Yunlong paced back and forth in the room like a trapped beast, muttering to himself.

"I knew it! I knew this idiot wouldn't get away with this! Farming... he can't even tell the difference between wheat seedlings and chives, what kind of land is he supposed to farm! Isn't this just insulting him!"

Kong Jie was relatively calmer, but his furrowed brows showed that his anxiety was no less than Li Yunlong's.

He looked at Li Zhenhua and pressed for an answer.

"Zhenhua, what else did President Lin say? Is there...is there any possibility...of making things better? Even just sending something in, or giving us a specific address so we can go see him, would be great!"

Seeing the anxious expressions on the two elders' faces, Li Zhenhua knew that the time was right and he couldn't let them wallow in worry and anger any longer.

He cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Dad, Uncle Kong, please don't rush. Uncle Lin hasn't finished speaking yet."

The two immediately fell silent, their gazes refocusing on him as if he were their only hope.

"Uncle Lin said."

Li Zhenhua slowed down his speech to ensure that every word was clear and accurate.

"Uncle Ding Wei's problem is a historical issue, and it's not a minor one. However, considering the deep camaraderie between my father and Uncle Kong, and the fact that I recently... resolved some practical difficulties, he can look into it."

Li Yunlong and Kong Jie held their breath, their eyes fixed on Li Zhenhua.

"Uncle Lin agreed."

Li Zhenhua finally said the most crucial words.

"He will try to arrange for Uncle Dingwei to retire on the grounds of 'health reasons, making it unsuitable for him to continue heavy physical labor.' That way, Uncle Dingwei can leave the farm and return to his hometown or... back to Beijing."

"Recovered from illness? Return to the city?"

Li Yunlong froze, as if he couldn't believe his ears. He rubbed his ears and asked again.

"Zhenhua, what... what did you say? Retirement due to illness? Returning to Beijing?"

Kong Jie also stood up abruptly, his face filled with unbelievable surprise.

"Zhenhua, is this true? Did General Lin really say that?"

"Absolutely true."

Li Zhenhua nodded affirmatively.

"Uncle Lin promised it himself. He said he would arrange for someone to take care of it, but he told us to stay calm, not to make a fuss, and not to contact Uncle Ding Wei on our own, so as not to cause any complications. Once everything is arranged, he will naturally notify Uncle Ding Wei to handle the formalities."

Upon confirming the authenticity of the news, the gloom on Li Yunlong and Kong Jie's faces vanished instantly, replaced by immense joy and relief!

"That's great! That's great!"

Li Yunlong slammed his fist on the table in excitement, making the teacup bounce around. His eyes instantly reddened, and this tough man's voice even choked up a little.

"Old Ding... that stubborn mule, Old Ding, is finally... finally back! He doesn't have to suffer in that remote mountain valley anymore! Lin Jingyue... President Lin is truly a good person! I, Li Yunlong, will remember this favor!"

Kong Jie let out a long sigh of relief, sat heavily back in his chair, wiped his face with his hand, and his eyes glistened with tears.

"It's good that he's back...it's good that he's back! As long as he's back in Beijing, with so many of us old brothers here, we can take care of him and let him live out his old age in peace. Farming...sigh, we've finally made it through the tough times."

The two veteran generals, who had fought for half their lives, were as excited as children at the news that their comrades were about to be rescued.

The study was filled with a touching atmosphere of a tough guy with a tender heart.

After the initial excitement subsided, Li Yunlong suddenly grabbed Li Zhenhua's shoulders and shook him violently.

"Good lad! You've really got it! I knew sending you would be the right decision! You've done a great job! You've done a fantastic thing for me and for your Uncle Kong!"

Kong Jie also said sincerely.

"Zhenhua, we owe you a huge debt this time! If you hadn't stepped in, President Lin probably wouldn't have agreed so easily. Your father, your Uncle Ding Wei, and I will remember this favor!"

Li Zhenhua smiled modestly.

"Dad, Uncle Kong, you're too kind. This is what I should do. Uncle Ding Wei is also my elder, and I feel at ease knowing I can do my part. The most important thing now is to follow Uncle Lin's instructions, wait patiently, and make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Yes, yes, yes! Wait! We'll wait!"

Li Yunlong nodded repeatedly, completely obeying his son's every word.

"I promise I won't ask around or make a fuss! Let Old Lin handle it!"

Kong Jie calmed down and regained his usual composure.

"Zhenhua is right. This concerns Lao Ding's future, so we must be careful. Let's pretend we don't know anything about it and continue as usual. We'll wait for concrete news before making any decisions."

The three of them felt much more relaxed. Li Yunlong even smiled, a rare occurrence for him, and clamored for his wife to cook two dishes so he could have a couple of drinks with Kong Jie and Li Zhenhua to celebrate.

Although Li Zhenhua dissuaded him from leaving because it was too late, his excitement lingered for a long time.

After chatting for a while and recounting in detail the meeting with Lin Jingyue, Kong Jie got up to say goodbye as it was getting late.

Li Yunlong and Li Zhenhua escorted him to the door.

Watching Kong Jie's jeep disappear into the night, Li Yunlong put his arm around his son's shoulder, stood in the yard, gazed at the starry sky, and remained silent for a long time.

The evening breeze brought a touch of coolness, but the hearts of both father and son were burning with passion.

"Dad, Uncle Ding Wei is back. What are your plans?"

Li Zhenhua asked softly.

Li Yunlong remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking.

"Let him rest and recover first. With his stubborn temper, he's been stifled on the farm for so long; he'll definitely have a hard time adjusting back. We need to spend more time with him and try to comfort him. Work isn't urgent; he's retired on medical grounds anyway, as long as he has food to eat, that's enough. I refuse to believe that with me and Kong Erlengzi around, we'll let him suffer any injustice in Beijing!"

His tone was filled with deep affection for his old comrade-in-arms and an undeniable desire to protect him.

Li Zhenhua nodded.

"Yes, just let me know if you need me to do anything then."

Li Yunlong patted his son on the back, his tone filled with emotion and relief.

"Zhenhua, you've grown up, really grown up. You're more capable and resourceful than your old man. You handled Lao Ding's matter beautifully! Dad is so proud of you!"

Hearing his father's heartfelt praise, Li Zhenhua felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

Since his transmigration, he has been meticulous and cunning, often appearing ruthless and cold-blooded. However, deep down, he still cherishes his family ties and the affection he has for his parents.

He felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and peace of mind, as he was able to help his father resolve this biggest worry.

When Li Zhenhua, the deputy director of the steel rolling mill, drove into Nanluoguxiang, the streetlights were already on.

After a busy day, Li Zhenhua leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes to rest, and sorted out the details of his recent work and the wedding he was about to discuss with Lin Taotao.

The car had just stopped in front of No. 95 courtyard when, before the driver could even open the door, a dark figure darted out from the side, exuding anxiety and the smell of alcohol.

"Oh! Director Li!! You're finally back!"

When Li Zhenhua opened his eyes, he saw that it was He Yuzhu, the fool.

Sha Zhu's hair was messy, his eye bags were heavy, his beard was unshaven, and his old work clothes were stained with oil. He slumped his head, looking like a wilted eggplant, completely lacking the carefree spirit he used to have as a cafeteria chef.

"Oh, it's Zhu Zi. What's up? Did you need something?"

Li Zhenhua got out of the car, speaking calmly.

He had mixed feelings about Sha Zhu. He couldn't say he disliked him. Sha Zhu wasn't a bad person, but he was a bit simple-minded and easily manipulated. However, after the incident of Bang Geng stealing soy sauce and the falling out with Yi Zhonghai, Sha Zhu clearly showed him more respect and became much more obedient.

Sha Zhu rubbed his hands together, looking uneasy and shifty, yet with a hint of recklessness in his eyes.

"Director Li, I... I'm really out of ideas. You're the only one in the factory who can help me make a decision."

Li Zhenhua raised an eyebrow slightly, signaling him to continue.

Sha Zhu seemed to have found an outlet and started talking non-stop.

It turned out that his marriage to Zhao Xiaoyun, a textile factory worker, had ultimately fallen through.

After Yi Zhonghai's interference, the two had actually grown closer and were about to get married when the problem arose over the bride price.

Zhao Xiaoyun's family is small; her parents are honest factory workers, but she also has a younger brother who is in middle school.

Zhao's parents demanded that Sha Zhu pay a dowry of 300 yuan, plus a brand-new Forever brand bicycle, and a set of three turns and one sound.

This requirement wasn't particularly outrageous at the time, but it was definitely not low either, especially for Sha Zhu, who had just had his bonus and salary deducted and didn't have much savings; it was an astronomical figure.

Sha Zhu thought that with his skills as a cafeteria chef and his salary, he could scrape together enough money, but the Zhao family was adamant and wouldn't budge an inch. They even implied that Sha Zhu was getting old and that it was a blessing for him to find a young woman like Xiao Yun, so it was only right that he pay more.

Sha Zhu was not good with words and couldn't say anything nice. After several unsuccessful attempts to negotiate, he ended up arguing with Zhao's parents. Zhao Xiaoyun, being soft-hearted, was caught in the middle and had a hard time. In the end, she tearfully proposed breaking up.

Sha Zhu was both angry and regretful. He had been feeling depressed for several days. This afternoon, he drank a few sips of wine in silence, and the more he thought about it, the worse he felt.

"Director Li, what kind of situation is this? I, He Yuzhu, genuinely want to spend my life with her! But isn't this family blatantly selling their daughter? Three hundred yuan! Where am I supposed to steal that from?!"

As Sha Zhu spoke, his eyes reddened, clearly showing that he was genuinely moved.

Li Zhenhua listened quietly, his face expressionless.

He wasn't very interested in these trivial family matters, but as Sha Zhu was a key technical staff member in the canteen, keeping him on the factory's fold would also benefit the factory.

Moreover, after the Yi Zhonghai incident, Sha Zhu had completely sided with him in the hospital, and showing him appropriate favors could further consolidate his influence.

"Zhu Zi, you can't force fate. Since the Zhao family has this attitude, even if it's forced, there will be a lot of trouble later."

Li Zhenhua said something understated, which was a form of comfort.

"I know, Director Li, I understand the道理 (principles/reasoning)! But in my heart... sigh!"

Sha Zhu sighed heavily, then seemed to remember something, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he lowered his voice, speaking mysteriously.

"Director Li, I have something to tell you! Just now, I saw a girl at Old Yan's house! Hey! Her looks and figure are far superior to Zhao Xiaoyun's! I heard she's here for a blind date with Yan Jiecheng!"

Li Zhenhua was even less interested in the gossip about Yan Bugui's family and gave a casual reply.

"Oh? Teacher Yan's family is well-off, and Jie Cheng is alright too, so blind dates are normal for them."

"No! Director Li, please let me finish!"

"Silly Pillar said urgently."

"I was just passing by the front yard when I was fetching water, and I happened to see that girl coming out of the Yan family's house. Yan Jiecheng was seeing her off, and the girl didn't look too good. I guess they didn't reach an agreement! Don't you think this is an opportunity?"

A light rekindled in Sha Zhu's eyes, the kind of light a bachelor sees when he sees hope.

Li Zhenhua found it somewhat amusing to look at Sha Zhu's anxious expression.