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

Moreover, she knows more of Li Zhenhua's secrets that are unknown to others. These secrets could be a talisman, or they could become a death warrant.

"We must seize the opportunity before Director Li leaves to secure a more stable position for ourselves."

Qin Huairu made up her mind.

Among ordinary workers, the discussions were mostly filled with envy and sighs.

"Have you heard? Deputy Factory Director Li is getting promoted! He's going to Ansteel as factory director! A full-fledged department-level position!"

"My God! How old is he? Twenty-one, right? That's such a fast promotion!"

"He's really capable! You saw how our factory was almost starving before, but after Deputy Director Li came, we had food, supplies, and production went up. That's what you call skill!"

"He's capable, but can he succeed without connections? His father-in-law is General Lin Jingyue!"

"That's because they're capable enough to be chosen! If you were given the job of factory manager, could you handle it?"

"That's true... But once he leaves, won't our factory's logistics fall into chaos again? We don't want to go back to those days of being stingy and lacking everything."

Li Zhenhua had naturally heard about all the discussions. He didn't rush to express his opinion, but instead continued working as usual while carefully observing the reactions from all sides of the factory.

Three days later, he took the initiative to find Director Yang.

"Factory Manager, I'd like to share my thoughts on the rumors circulating outside," Li Zhenhua said, getting straight to the point.

Factory Director Yang gestured for him to sit down, his expression serious: "Zhenhua, to be honest, when I heard the news that you were leaving, I was both happy and worried. I was happy that you would have a bigger stage, but I was worried about the factory and the pressure of going to Ansteel."

"Thank you for your concern, Director," Li Zhenhua said sincerely. "The transfer order hasn't been issued yet, and everything is still uncertain. But no matter the outcome, as long as I'm at the steel rolling mill, I will fulfill my responsibilities. If there is indeed a transfer, I will fully cooperate, ensure a smooth handover, and guarantee a stable transition for the logistics system. My departure will not affect the normal operation of the factory. This is my responsibility as a Party member and as a member of the steel rolling mill."

These words reassured Director Yang considerably. He nodded: "I'm relieved to see your attitude. You truly spearheaded the logistics department, and you promoted Liu Lan and Qin Huairu. You know best how to handle the handover. My advice is that, regardless of who takes over your position, the existing team and operational mechanisms in the logistics department, as long as they prove effective, should be kept stable as much as possible, and no major changes should be made lightly."

"I completely agree," Li Zhenhua said. "Comrade Liu Lan manages the canteen effectively, keeps clear accounts, and ensures consistent food quality, earning the trust of the workers; Comrade Qin Huairu is in charge of the guesthouse and has considerable experience in reception and information gathering. They are both proven cadres. I suggest that if I really have to be transferred, Comrade Liu Lan could temporarily take charge of the daily work of the logistics department. She is familiar with the overall situation and is stable and reliable. Of course, the specific personnel arrangements will be decided by the factory's Party Committee."

Instead of directly requesting Liu Lan's promotion, he offered a prudent suggestion that demonstrated his consideration for his trusted confidant while fully respecting the authority of Director Yang and the Party Committee.

Factory Director Yang pondered for a moment: "Liu Lan... has the ability, but her experience is indeed a bit lacking. However, in this special period, temporarily taking charge of the work is a solution. We'll discuss the specifics after the official transfer order comes through. As for you, prepare yourself mentally, sort out the work that needs to be organized, and clearly explain the matters that need to be handed over."

"clear."

After leaving Director Yang's office, Li Zhenhua spoke separately with Liu Lan and Qin Huairu.

He spoke frankly to Liu Lan: "Sister Lan, you've probably heard the rumors circulating outside. I might be transferred. Whether I leave or not, we can't lose our position in the steel mill's logistics. As the canteen director, you're most familiar with the entire plant's logistics operations. I recommended you to Director Yang to temporarily oversee the logistics department. You need to be mentally prepared and have the responsibility. Managing the canteen well, keeping the accounts clear, and ensuring the workers eat well—that's your greatest achievement. Don't overthink or ask too many questions about other things. Just work steadily and surely; no one can touch you."

Liu Lan's eyes reddened, and she nodded emphatically, "Director Li, don't worry! I will definitely do my job well and never let you down! Wherever you go, you will always be my leader and my benefactor!"

Li Zhenhua's words to Qin Huairu were even more meaningful: "Huairu, the guesthouse is a special place, and you've done a great job. If I'm transferred, your position will be very important and sensitive. Remember, observe more, listen more, and speak less. Your duty is to manage the guesthouse well and serve the leaders and clients well. Forget about other things. As long as you do your job properly, no one will make things difficult for you. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can directly contact Director Yang, or... if there is a particularly urgent situation, you know how to contact me."

Qin Huairu was a smart woman and immediately understood Li Zhenhua's underlying meaning—he wanted her to remain silent and keep to her place, while implying that he would maintain a highly secretive channel of communication. She nodded gratefully, "Director Li, I understand. I will definitely manage the guesthouse well and keep my mouth shut. I wish you…a bright future."

After reassuring his two most trusted confidants, Li Zhenhua made a special trip to the canteen kitchen.

Sha Zhu was tossing the wok, flames rising and the aroma of food filling the air. Seeing Li Zhenhua enter, he quickly turned off the heat, wiped his hands, and greeted him with a sheepish grin: "Director Li! What brings you here? It's not lunchtime yet."

"Just came to see you." Li Zhenhua smiled. "Zhu Zi, how's things going with Comrade Yu Li lately?"

Mentioning Yu Li, a blush appeared on Sha Zhu's dark face. He scratched his head and chuckled foolishly, "She's...not bad. She's not as cold to me lately. She even accepted the sesame seed cakes and tea eggs I brought her. It's just...she still won't talk to me much, let alone agree to date me."

"The fact that she's willing to accept your things is progress." Li Zhenhua patted him on the shoulder. "Relationships can't be rushed; they need to develop slowly and steadily. If you're genuinely good to her, she'll eventually feel it. But Zhuzi, I might be transferred."

"Transferred?" Sha Zhu was stunned, his smile freezing on his face. "Where are you being transferred to? Will you be coming back?"

"I might go to the Northeast, to Anshan. I won't have many chances to come back after that." Li Zhenhua looked at the honest but loyal cook. "Before I leave, I want to help you out. I have an idea for you regarding Yu Li. You can cook, right? Find an opportunity to invite her to your home, or find a quiet place, and cook her a decent meal yourself. Don't do anything fancy, just make your best home-style dishes, sincerely invite her to taste your cooking, and have a good talk with her about your feelings. Whether it works or not depends on this. If you need any ingredients or need to ask for leave, just go to Liu Lan and tell her I agree."

Sha Zhu was so moved he didn't know what to say, his eyes reddening: "Director Li...you...you've been so good to me! I...I'm tongue-tied, I don't know how to thank you! Don't worry, I'll definitely work hard and not let you down! Please take care of yourself when you go to the Northeast!"

"Work hard and make sure the food in the canteen is good. That's the biggest contribution you can make to the factory and the best reward for me," Li Zhenhua said, turning and leaving the canteen.

He knew that with someone like Sha Zhu, there was no need for empty words; genuine help and trust were the best way to win him over. This move not only helped Sha Zhu but also further solidified Liu Lan's authority in the canteen—who would dare to easily touch someone whom even Factory Director Li had specifically instructed before leaving?

The news that Li Zhenhua was about to be promoted to director of Anshan Iron and Steel Plant caused a sensation in No. 95 Nanluoguxiang, even more so than at the steel rolling mill.

Li Yunlong was naturally the first to receive the definite news. Lin Jingyue personally called him to inform him of the situation and arrangements. After hanging up, Li Yunlong stood stunned in the living room for a while, then suddenly slapped his thigh and laughed loudly: "Good lad! You've really made me proud! The director of Anshan Iron and Steel Plant! Hahaha! My son is going to be the director of Anshan Iron and Steel Plant!"

Xiuqin came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands, both surprised and delighted: "Really? Zhenhua is going to Ansteel? To be the factory manager? And... what about Taotao? Is she going with him too?"

"Of course! Husband and wife are one family. Wherever Zhenhua goes, Taotao has to go too!" Li Yunlong said confidently. "Don't worry, the Lin family has definitely made all the arrangements. Ansteel will also arrange accommodation. It's just... a bit far from Beijing, so it won't be as convenient to see each other in the future."

Despite saying that, Li Yunlong couldn't hide the pride and joy on his face. He was even happier that his son had succeeded than that he himself had been promoted.

The news quickly spread from the Li family.

Yan Bugui was the second person in the compound to hear the news. As a primary school teacher, his access to information was limited, but a relative of his worked in a unit under the Ministry of Industry and, having overheard some rumors, rushed over to tell him. Upon hearing this, Yan Bugui's eyes lit up, and his mind raced with calculations.

Li Zhenhua is going to be the director of Anshan Iron and Steel Plant! A department-level cadre! This is several levels higher than being the deputy director of the steel rolling mill! Although he's going to the far northeast, that's in charge of a major industrial city! The power and resources are incomparable!

Although he had done Li Zhenhua a small favor by introducing Sha Zhu to Yu Li, it wasn't enough! He had to further deepen their relationship while Li Zhenhua was still around! Ansteel must need manpower, right? Could Jie Cheng... Even if not, having this connection would be a huge benefit in the future if he needed any help!

Yan Bugui acted immediately. After dinner, he specially brought a packet of fine tea that he usually couldn't bear to drink and went to the Li family's door.

"Director Li! Is Director Li home?" Yan Bugui's voice was much more enthusiastic than usual.

Li Yunlong opened the door and, seeing it was Yan Bugui, raised an eyebrow: "Old Yan, what's up?"

"It's nothing, nothing at all. I just heard that Zhenhua... oh no, Director Li is about to be promoted, so I came to offer my congratulations!" Yan Bugui said with a beaming smile, handing over the tea. "It's just a small token of my appreciation!"

Li Yunlong didn't particularly like Yan Bugui's calculating nature, but he didn't want to offend someone who was smiling, so he let him into the house.

Li Zhenhua was also at home, talking with his mother, Xiuqin. Upon seeing Yan Bugui, he stood up and politely greeted him, "Teacher Yan, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

"Director Li, congratulations!" Yan Bugui sat down, showering him with compliments. "I knew you were destined for greatness! You were already doing exceptionally well at the steel rolling mill, and now you're about to take charge at Anshan Iron and Steel—your future is truly bright! It's an honor for our entire institute to have someone like you!"

Li Zhenhua smiled noncommittally: "The transfer order hasn't been issued yet; it's all just rumors. Professor Yan came today not just to offer congratulations, right?"

Yan Bugui rubbed his hands together, smiling somewhat sheepishly, "I can't hide it from Director Li. It's like this... I heard that Ansteel is a large enterprise, and they need talent in all aspects. My son, Jie Cheng, as you know, is just a temporary worker at the printing factory, with no future prospects. He's a high school graduate, after all, and he's a hardworking and reliable person... I wonder if Ansteel has any suitable positions for him? Even a basic worker position would be fine! As long as he can have a formal job and settle down, our whole family will be extremely grateful!"

Li Zhenhua understood. Yan Bugui had indeed come to find a way out for his son. He hesitated for a moment, neither agreeing nor refusing immediately: "Teacher Yan, I haven't been to Anshan Iron and Steel yet, so I don't know the specifics. Besides, personnel arrangements are major matters, with strict systems and procedures. How about this, if I really go to Anshan Iron and Steel, after I've established myself and understood the situation, I'll see if there are any suitable opportunities for Comrade Xie Cheng. But for now, I suggest that Comrade Xie Cheng work hard at the printing factory and strive for a permanent position. Gold shines wherever it is."

These words were perfectly worded, giving Yan Bugui a glimmer of hope without making any promises, and emphasizing that everything must be done according to the rules.

Although Yan Bugui was somewhat disappointed, he knew that these things couldn't be rushed, and receiving such a comment was already a pleasant surprise. He quickly nodded, "Yes, yes, Director Li is right! Everything will be done according to the rules! Jie Cheng will definitely perform well and live up to your expectations!"

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Yan Bugui tactfully took his leave.

Not long after Yan Bugui left, Sha Zhu came running excitedly, carrying a net bag with several lunch boxes inside.

"Director Li! Director Li!" Sha Zhu's voice was loud enough to be heard throughout the entire backyard. "I did as you said, and invited Yu Li to my place for dinner today! I made four dishes and a soup, and she... she ate it! She even praised my cooking!"

Sha Zhu was so excited that his face turned red and he could barely speak.

Li Zhenhua smiled and asked him to sit down: "Tell me slowly, what exactly happened?"

It turned out that Sha Zhu had taken half a day off today, bought the best ingredients, and carefully prepared a meal—braised carp, Kung Pao chicken, garlic spinach, Mapo tofu, and a tomato and egg soup. Then, he "bumped into" Yu Li on her way home from get off work, mustered up his courage, and stammered, invited her to his home to try his cooking, saying it was to thank her for the food he had given her before.

Yu Li initially refused, but she couldn't resist Sha Zhu's honest and sincere nature, and she also remembered his delicious overtime meals and his quiet care for her. After much hesitation, she finally agreed.

In Sha Zhu's small, simple but clean house, Yu Li ate the most delicious home-cooked meal of her life. Sha Zhu was so nervous that he didn't know what to do with his hands and feet, and kept urging her to eat more, but he hardly touched his own chopsticks.