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

At the dinner table, Sha Zhu, after holding back for a long time, finally poured out his heart: "Comrade Yu Li, I...I know I'm not good enough for you. I'm uneducated, just a cook, and I'm getting old. But...but I'm sincere towards you! I just want to be good to you, to make sure you eat well, dress well, and don't suffer. Although I don't earn much, I'm strong and skilled. I promise, if you're with me, I'll never let you go hungry! I...I'm also learning, and I'm sure I'll improve in the future! Can...can you give me a chance?"

There were no flowery words, only the most sincere promises. Looking at the man in front of her, who was sweating profusely with nervousness but whose eyes were incredibly sincere, Yu Li recalled the other blind dates she had had, some of which were calculating and some were perfunctory, and a soft spot in her heart was touched.

She didn't agree immediately, but as she was leaving, she whispered, "Comrade He Yuzhu, you...you let me think about it some more."

This is already a huge step forward for Sha Zhu!

"Director Li! It's all thanks to your idea!" Sha Zhu was moved to tears. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do! You're my great benefactor!"

Li Zhenhua smiled and said, "You moved them with your sincerity. Work hard, treat them well, and when you get married, live a good life together."

"Definitely, definitely!" Sha Zhu nodded repeatedly, then remembered something, "By the way, I heard you're getting a promotion? Going to the Northeast? Then... then will I still be able to see you?"

"We'll meet again someday," Li Zhenhua patted him on the shoulder. "Work hard in the canteen and cook good food; that's the biggest contribution you can make to the factory. I'll also tell Director Liu Lan to take good care of you."

Sha Zhu left, thanking him profusely.

In stark contrast to Yan Bugui's scheming and Sha Zhu's joy was Yi Zhonghai's silence.

Yi Zhonghai also heard the news that Li Zhenhua was going to be transferred. He sat alone in his dimly lit room, his face so gloomy it looked like it was about to drip water.

Li Zhenhua is leaving? To become the director of Ansteel Plant? A meteoric rise?

Why should I?!

This young man, how long has he been in the institute? He's already destroyed all the prestige he's built up over the years! He's made himself the laughingstock of the entire institute! And now he's aiming to soar to the top and take charge of such an important company!

Yi Zhonghai was filled with resentment, jealousy, and bitterness. But he also knew that in his current situation, he was powerless to fight against Li Zhenhua, let alone with a behemoth like Lin Jingyue behind him.

But... are we just going to watch him leave in such a blaze of glory?

A dark glint flashed in Yi Zhonghai's cloudy eyes. He recalled some things he had vaguely sensed before—Li Zhenhua sometimes came home very late, carrying a peculiar smell that didn't belong to the factory or the compound; Lou Bancheng, the former capitalist, seemed to be very close to Li Zhenhua; and Li Zhenhua's seemingly inexhaustible source of resources…

He hadn't dared to delve into these questions before, nor was he capable of doing so. But now, Li Zhenhua was leaving, and to such an important position at that. What if... what if there really was something shady going on behind these questions?

Yi Zhonghai's heart pounded. He certainly wouldn't dare report it himself; that would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. But what if these rumors could somehow reach the ears of those who needed to hear them?

He recalled that a few days ago, when Director Wang from the neighborhood office came to inspect the sanitation of the compound, he seemed to have casually mentioned that recently there had been directives from higher authorities to strengthen supervision of cadres, especially young cadres, regarding their economic discipline and lifestyle...

Yi Zhonghai's withered fingers tapped unconsciously on the table. A vague plan slowly took shape in his mind. He didn't need to show his face; he only needed to subtly convey some "doubts" he had "heard" about to the right person at the right time...

Of course, this was extremely risky. If Li Zhenhua or the Lin family found out, he would be doomed.

Yi Zhonghai was caught in a prolonged struggle and scheming. Hatred and resentment ultimately overwhelmed his fear.

"If you won't let me have an easy time, I won't let you have it too easy either..." He stared out the window in the direction of the Li family's house, muttering to himself in a voice only he could hear.

Just as the various factions in the courtyard were wavering due to Li Zhenhua's transfer, Ding Wei was staring blankly out the window in the east wing of the backyard.

He had also heard the news that Li Zhenhua might be transferred to Ansteel. It was Li Yunlong who told him this excitedly.

"Old Ding! Zhenhua's going to be the factory director at Ansteel! Hahaha! The proudest thing in my life is having such a son!"

Ding Wei managed a weak smile and said "Congratulations," but his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

Li Zhenhua rose higher and higher, faster and faster. And what about himself? A down-on-his-luck old man who returned from the farm, whose historical issues were not yet fully resolved, living off the shelter of his old comrades, completely out of step with this rapidly changing era.

The sense of loss of being abandoned by the times, the doubt about his own value, and the complex and unspeakable emotions he felt towards Li Zhenhua deep in his heart—gratitude, estrangement, vague jealousy, and the pressure and secrets he endured from his teachers—all intertwined, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

He remembered their appointment at 3 PM tomorrow. The teacher had requested another meeting. What would they ask this time? And what should he say?

Ding Wei closed his eyes in anguish. He knew he was standing at a dangerous crossroads. On one side lay gratitude and morality, on the other discipline, vigilance against the "problem," and a yearning for his own innocence. Whichever side he chose, it seemed he would face inner turmoil and torment.

Li Zhenhua's impending departure seems to make this choice even more urgent and difficult.

The night of Beijing enveloped this ancient courtyard house, along with the different thoughts and calculations of everyone within. Li Zhenhua's transfer was like a sudden gust of wind, ruffling the already turbulent surface of the courtyard. And the real waves, perhaps, were only just beginning.

While Bai Manli was racking her brains about how to adjust her strategy, and while the steel mill and the courtyard were experiencing undercurrents due to Li Zhenhua's transfer, Li Zhenhua's most pressing task was to deal with the hidden relationships concealed behind the scenes.

No. 7, Jia, Lingjing Hutong, this quiet courtyard that held too many of his hidden desires and absolute sense of control, has now reached the point where a final resolution must be made.

Taking up a post at Ansteel meant he would be far from Beijing for an extended period. This compound, and the people within it, could no longer continue as they were. The risks were too great; exposure would not only ruin his political career but also implicate the Lin family, potentially triggering unforeseen consequences.

On a moonless night, Li Zhenhua drove alone, as usual, taking several secluded side streets. After confirming that no one was following him, he quietly drove into Lingjing Hutong.

Pushing open that familiar, weathered vermilion door, the hinges creaked softly, the sound particularly clear in the quiet night.

Inside the courtyard, the main house was still lit. Hearing the noise, Lou Xiao'e, wearing a plain silk nightgown, led Xiao Ju and Xiao Mei to the screen wall.

"Master," Lou Xiao'e called softly, as meek as ever, but Li Zhenhua keenly sensed a hint of unease hidden deep in her eyes. Perhaps she had also heard the rumors and knew that some things might be about to change.

Xiaoju and Xiaomei remained respectful and admiring, bowing with their heads bowed.

"Come inside, everyone," Li Zhenhua said calmly, heading straight for the main room.

The interior furnishings remained elegant, with rosewood furniture, porcelain on display shelves, and calligraphy and paintings on the walls, all exuding the refined taste of a once-noble family. A faint scent of sandalwood and the distinctive fragrance of Lou Xiao'e's perfume filled the air.

Li Zhenhua sat down in the main seat, and Lou Xiao'e personally served him hot tea, then stood to the side with her hands at her sides. Xiao Ju and Xiao Mei stood behind her.

Li Zhenhua didn't accept the tea, his gaze sweeping over the three women before him. Lou Xiao'e, the former capitalist's daughter, was now his mistress; her arrogance had long since faded, leaving only submissiveness and a touch of melancholic charm. Xiao Ju, composed and capable, kept the courtyard impeccably organized. Xiao Mei, clever and considerate, served him with meticulous care.

For over a year, this was his haven of complete relaxation, a place where he could indulge in absolute authority and secret pleasures. But all of that had to end.

"Sit down," Li Zhenhua finally said to Lou Xiao'e.

Lou Xiao'e sat down as instructed, placing her hands on her knees with her fingertips slightly curled.

"You may have heard some rumors as well." Li Zhenhua got straight to the point, his voice not loud, but with an undeniable determination, "I will soon be transferred from Beijing to work in the Northeast, and I won't be back anytime soon."

As soon as she finished speaking, the air in the room seemed to freeze. Lou Xiao'e's face turned pale, and Xiao Ju and Xiao Mei also looked up, their eyes filled with panic.

"This courtyard can no longer be kept," Li Zhenhua continued, his tone completely flat. "The three of you also need to be properly arranged."

Lou Xiao'e's lips moved, as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately no sound came out. She knew she had no right to question or plead. From the moment her father sent her here, her fate had been no longer in her own hands.

"Xiao'e," Li Zhenhua looked at her, his gaze deep, "you've been quite well-behaved during the time you've been with me. Your father has also taken care of some things for me. I won't treat you unfairly."

He paused, then took out a thick kraft paper envelope that he had prepared beforehand and pushed it onto the table in front of Lou Xiao'e.

"Inside here are two small yellow croakers, five thousand yuan in cash, a train ticket to Guangzhou for tomorrow noon, and a ferry ticket voucher from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. The name is an alias, but the voucher is genuine. Lou Bancheng will meet you there."

Lou Xiao'e abruptly raised her head, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief. Go to Hong Kong? What... what does this mean?

"Go to Hong Kong and find your father. This money is enough for you to settle down there and live a peaceful life. After that, whether you get married or start a small business is up to you." Li Zhenhua's voice remained calm, yet carried a sense of finality. "From now on, you have nothing to do with Beijing, or with me. You've never seen me last night, and I've never known you. Understand?"

Lou Xiao'e trembled all over. She looked at the envelope, then at Li Zhenhua's expressionless face. In an instant, a complex mix of feelings from the past year—humiliation, numbness, and occasional ripples—surged into her heart. Ultimately, it all dissolved into a sense of relief, emptiness, and bewilderment.

Going to Hong Kong, leaving this place of right and wrong that oppressed and frightened her, and starting over... perhaps this is the best ending.

Her hands trembled as she picked up the heavy envelope, lowered her head, and whispered, "I...I understand. Thank you...sir, for your kindness."

"A reliable person will pick you up early tomorrow morning and take you to the train station. Only bring your personal belongings and essential clothing. Do not take anything else, including all the items in this house. I will handle it." Li Zhenhua gave extremely detailed instructions, leaving no room for error.

"Yes," Lou Xiao'e replied softly.

After arranging things for Lou Xiao'e, Li Zhenhua turned his attention to Xiao Ju and Xiao Mei.

The two maids were already pale with fright and at a loss for what to do.

"Xiaoju, Xiaomei," Li Zhenhua's tone softened slightly, "you've been with me for a while now, and you've done your jobs quite well."

He took out two other, thinner envelopes and handed them to them respectively.

"In each envelope, there is five hundred yuan, and a formal document from the neighborhood committee certifying that you were working as domestic helpers in my home and are now being dismissed due to my job transfer. With this document and this money, you can go back to your hometown or find another decent job in Beijing without any problem. Remember, after you leave here, you are not allowed to mention a single word about this courtyard, about me, or about Miss Lou to any outsiders. If I hear any rumors that shouldn't be heard..."

Li Zhenhua didn't finish his sentence, but the coldness in his eyes sent shivers down the spines of the two girls. They immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Rest assured, sir! We will keep our mouths shut! We will never dare to utter a single word!"

"Get up." Li Zhenhua waved his hand. "Leave with Miss Lou first thing tomorrow morning. After that, go your separate ways and take care of yourselves."

After dealing with the three women, Li Zhenhua did not linger in the courtyard. He stood up, took one last look around this familiar, hidden space that was about to disappear completely from his life, and then pushed open the door and left without looking back.

A night breeze swept by, bringing the chill of late autumn. The vermilion gate closed gently behind them, sealing a twisted and secret relationship deep within the dust of the past.

Instead of going straight home, Li Zhenhua took a detour to an inconspicuous teahouse in the east of the city. There, a middle-aged man wearing a hat and an ordinary cotton overcoat was already waiting in a quiet private room.

It was Lou Bancheng.

Compared to a year ago, Lou Bancheng looked much older and more haggard, but the shrewdness of a businessman and the caution honed by experience in his eyes remained undiminished. Upon seeing Li Zhenhua enter, he immediately stood up, his posture humble.

"Director Li," he greeted in a low voice.

"Sit down." Li Zhenhua sat down opposite him, skipping pleasantries and getting straight to the point, "Xiao'e's train is tomorrow at noon, she'll arrive in Guangzhou the day after tomorrow, and the ship to Hong Kong is the afternoon after that. Have you arranged for someone to meet her?"