Courtyard House: I'm surrounded by celestial beauties on either side.

Under the disdainful gazes of the crowd, Ma Hua shrank back and explained, "Master, I really want to help you... How about you find someone to temporarily cover for you? And then you can bring them back once your hand is healed?"

The fat man interjected, "Ma Hua, what are you pretending to be a good guy for? Master's injury won't heal for at least six months! What if someone else takes his position and he can't get it back? Are you going to take responsibility?"

Turning to He Yuzhu ingratiatingly, he said, "Master, why don't we talk to the factory manager? He used to value you the most; maybe he can get Fang Chengxuan removed!"

The fat man secretly regretted his actions: If only he had known this would happen, he shouldn't have rushed to choose sides in the first place.

I'm cleaning toilets every day now, and I'm kicking myself! A wicked glint flashed in my eyes as I stole a glance at the MCA—if we're going to have bad luck, we'll all have bad luck together!

The three returned to He Yuzhu's house. The fat man, while cooking, fanned the flames: "Master, only the factory director can deal with Fang Chengxuan now."

He Yuzhu slammed his hand on the table: "Ma Hua, come with me to find the factory manager!"

After the two left, the fat man sneered at the bowl and chopsticks: "You old glutton! You've learned nothing from a master like you, only gotten yourself into trouble!"

He tucked his stash of food into his pocket, then picked up the rice, noodles, and fruit that MCA had brought him and slipped away to the backyard.

"Manager Fang, I was blind before!"

The fat man bowed and scraped as he put down his things. "From now on, if you tell me to go east, I'll never go west. Even when dealing with Stupid Zhu, I won't hesitate! Please let me go back to the kitchen!"

Fang Chengxuan gave a mocking smile: "Take your things away, there's no place for you in the kitchen."

The fat man was sweating profusely: "I'll give you my entire first month's salary! That ingrate Ma Hua is unreliable, I promise—"

"If you keep nagging, will I let He Yuzhu know you came to see me?"

Fang Chengxuan's words made the fat man tremble with fear.

Suddenly, Yang Yuande stormed in, cursing, and grabbed the fat man by the collar: "You bastard! Trying to disgust my brother again?"

The fat man hurriedly waved his hands: "No, no, I'm here to ask Manager Fang for help. I absolutely wouldn't dare cause any trouble!"

"What are you asking for?"

As he spoke, his gaze swept across the calm-looking Fang Chengxuan, landing on the objects on the table before he withdrew his hand.

"Hey? Isn't this a gift from MCA to Silly Chu?"

Yang Yuande stared at those items; he had personally witnessed Ma Hua carrying them into He Yuzhu's room.

He immediately turned to look at the fat man.

Fang Chengxuan's lips curled into a cold smile: "Fatty, you're quite the clever one."

Using the gifts that MCA gave to Ho Yu-chu to curry favor, whether it works out or not, the fat man won't lose anything. Even if it gets to Ho Yu-chu, he can still say that he's pleading for Ho Yu-chu!

The fat man was caught red-handed and felt uncomfortable facing Fang Chengxuan's bright but mocking eyes.

"Get out of here! Don't try that trick on me again, or you won't be able to stay at the steel mill!"

Fang Chengxuan said coldly.

The fat man stared wide-eyed, wanting to say something but not daring to. Clutching the things he had brought, he turned and left angrily.

He muttered to himself, "That Fang Chengxuan really doesn't give me any face at all."

Yang Yuande seemed to understand something as well, and clicked his tongue, saying, "Brother Fang, do you think Sha Zhu is really stupid?"

"Ma Hua's disciple is so honest and straightforward, yet he's always cursing and swearing, but he treats Fatty, who's all talk and no action, with special regard."

"You didn't see it, but when Fatty went to see Sha Zhu, he came empty-handed. Although he cooked for Sha Zhu, he ate until his belly was round."

MCA members brought gifts to the door, but weren't even offered a bowl of hot soup and were instead scolded.

Yang Yuande shook his head and sighed as he recounted the scene he witnessed at He Yuzhu's doorstep: "Mahua is really unlucky to have such a mentor!"

"Let them do whatever they want, they won't make any waves," Fang Chengxuan said, glancing indifferently at the deaf old lady's house.

Today, when He Yuzhu made a scene in front of her, the deaf old lady didn't even show up. Does she completely ignore He Yuzhu?

Yang Yuande nodded: "Brother Fang, have you set a wedding date? Jingru and I have discussed it, and we're short on money to give you an expensive gift. We're thinking of having a brand new set of red silk bedding made for you. What do you think?"

"It's a small gift but a big sentiment. Your sister-in-law and I won't be picky," Fang Chengxuan said gently.

Yang Yuande thought to himself: Fang Ge had chipped in to buy a bicycle when I got married, so now that Fang Ge is getting married, he has to show his appreciation.

"I need to find a way to earn more money!"

"If it weren't for Brother Fang, I'd still be a street thug!"

Fang Chengxuan was unaware of Yang Yuande's thoughts. Looking at the three watches and one radio displayed in the room, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

I've been in this world for half a year now, and I'm gradually getting used to the pace of life here.

The next morning, as soon as Fang Chengxuan arrived at work, someone came to deliver a message: "Manager Fang, Factory Director Yang requests your presence in his office."

"Okay, I'll go right away."

Arriving at the factory manager's office, Fang Chengxuan knocked and entered: "Factory Manager Yang, you wanted to see me?"

Factory Director Yang put down the documents in his hand: "Sit down."

The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, and the factory is preparing to give employees welfare benefits. In addition to the usual rice, flour, and oil, they want to add some variety to the meals.

Fang Chengxuan thought for a moment and said, "How about adding some mooncakes? I can make them myself, and the cost will be cheaper than buying them from outside."

May I prepare a budget for you to review?

Factory Director Yang immediately made the decision: "That's it!"

Just as he was about to leave, Director Yang suddenly called him back: "By the way, I have approved the job transfer between Ma Hua and He Yuzhu."

He Yuzhu has an injury on his hand; you can handle the arrangements.

Fang Chengxuan nodded calmly: "I'll follow the factory manager's arrangements."

Back in the kitchen, He Yuzhu was sitting casually in the corner, crossing his legs and swinging back and forth.

Liu Lan leaned closer and whispered, "Manager Fang, I heard that Sha Zhu got Ma Hua's position back from Factory Director Yang?"

Fang Chengxuan gave a light reply and instructed, "Notify the kitchen that Liu Yang will be in charge from now on, and everyone else should perform their respective duties."

He Yuzhu smugly provoked, "Fang Chengxuan, weren't you so capable? Now I'm back, aren't I?"

Fang Chengxuan didn't bother with it.

If it weren't for his kind nature, He Yuzhu's hand would have been crippled long ago!

The atmosphere in the kitchen was heavy. Everyone was focused on their work, occasionally stealing a few glances at He Yuzhu.

Liu Lan quietly pulled Fang Chengxuan outside: "Manager Fang, do you know why Factory Director Yang suddenly transferred Sha Zhu back?"

"What did Director Li say to you?" Fang Chengxuan asked in return.

Liu Lan asked in surprise, "How did you know I went to see Old Li?"

Then, lowering his voice, he said, "I heard that He Yuzhu took Ma Hua to see Director Yang yesterday."

Old Li said, "Director Yang probably wants to use this to give you a warning."

Fang Chengxuan's expression remained unchanged: "Anything else?"

"Old Li said this whole thing was probably caused by that younger brother you arranged. Director Yang is probably trying to promote Sha Zhu to deal with you!"

Liu Lan said angrily.

"Director Yang is really heartless. You've been so good to him! He knows you and Sha Zhu don't get along, but he still deliberately put Sha Zhu in his place."

Fang Chengxuan glanced at the indignant Liu Lan and said calmly, "Alright, Sha Zhu is in the kitchen now. You should watch your mouth and not spill everything out. Be careful, the walls may have ears. Go do your work."

Liu Lan nodded, then couldn't help but ask, "So, we're just going to leave Sha Zhu hanging like this? Let him collect his salary without doing any work?"

"It's not your money, why are you worrying about it?"

Fang Chengxuan glanced at her indifferently, then suddenly changed the subject: "Go back tonight and ask your partner if they want to show off in front of the boss, to let someone see them?"

Liu Lan looked bewildered: "Who is 'someone'?"

"Don't ask any questions, just do as I say."

Fang Chengxuan waved his hand, turned and walked towards the kitchen, and instructed He Yuzhu: "He Yuzhu, you have an injury on your hand and can't do heavy work, so help out and clean up."

He Yuzhu ignored him, while Chong Fangchengxuan snorted coldly and turned his head away.

Fang Chengxuan didn't care.

If He Yuzhu refuses to do the work assigned to him, that's his problem!

all day.

He Yuzhu smugly nestled in the corner, legs crossed, left hand on his knee, humming a little tune.

Whenever this happened, Fang Chengxuan would glance at him, his eyes deep, as if he were suppressing his anger.

Seeing this, He Yuzhu became even more smug.

It's time to get off work.

Everyone in the kitchen was working non-stop, except for He Yuzhu, who was sitting idly by. Someone couldn't help but complain, "Manager Fang, He Yuzhu's hand is injured, but he's not paralyzed. Since he's in the kitchen, can't he do some light work?"

"He was personally transferred here by Director Yang. If you have any objections, go talk to Director Yang."

Fang Chengxuan's casual remark left the other party speechless.

He Yuzhu became even more smug, raising his chin and saying, "I was sent here by Factory Director Yang. Does Fang Chengxuan dare to make me do heavy work?"

After saying that, he deliberately bumped into Fang Chengxuan, and seeing him stagger two steps, he laughed loudly and walked away.

Liu Lan and the kitchen staff were furious: "This idiot Zhu wasn't this annoying before, but now he's just getting more and more irritating!"

"Yeah, it's just a hand injury, what's the big deal!"

Everyone echoed this sentiment.

As for what he really thinks, that remains unknown.

Fang Chengxuan patted his shoulder, his expression calm, a faint smile on his lips, and a hidden undercurrent in his eyes.

That night.

Liu Lan found Factory Director Li and relayed Fang Chengxuan's words, asking with a puzzled look, "Old Li, what does Fang Chengxuan mean by that? Who is 'someone' referring to?"

Factory Director Li put his arm around her waist, leaned down and kissed her: "Tell Fang Chengxuan that I understand what he means."

"What does that mean exactly?"

Liu Lan said coquettishly.

Factory Director Li laughed and said, "You don't need to worry about it."

"Speaking of which, this whole thing started because of me. I never expected Old Yang to have this kind of idea, supporting a simpleton like Zhu to go against Fang Chengxuan. He's really something!"

Liu Lan, having been led astray, pressed on, "Why? Manager Fang is really nice to Factory Director Yang; he even gave him some of his homemade sauce."

"Fang Chengxuan had arranged people for me before. Lao Yang didn't think much of it at the time. Later, someone stirred things up, and he offended a lot of people by reorganizing the kitchen. With a little bit of fanning the flames, trouble ensued."

"I heard that the women who were kicked out of the kitchen go to Director Yang's house every day to play mahjong with his wife, chat, and clean."

"Don't underestimate the power of a woman's pillow talk!"

Factory Director Li shook his head, but he had other plans in mind.

Fang Chengxuan is quite capable, but he has no ambition and only wants to live a peaceful life.

Old Yang was determined to make him unhappy.

This person...

A glint of ambition flashed in Director Li's eyes as he thought to himself, "I've been called 'Director Li' for so long, but I'm still just a deputy. Perhaps..."

He put aside his thoughts and said to Liu Lan, "Tell Fang Chengxuan that I want to take things a step further."

"further?"

Liu Lan looked completely bewildered.

Factory Director Li smiled and said, "Tell him exactly what he said, and he'll understand."

Liu Lan nodded: "Okay!"

The next morning.

Liu Lan, filled with questions, stood at the kitchen door and peered out.

As soon as He Yuzhu arrived, he huddled in a corner, bringing his own plate of peanuts, which he leisurely munched on.

"Manager Fang!"

As soon as Liu Lan saw Fang Chengxuan, she quickly called out to him.

Fang Chengxuan asked casually, "Is there something you need?"

Liu Lan looked around and lowered her voice: "I've delivered the message you asked me to pass on. My husband says he wants to take things a step further."

"Manager Fang, what exactly does this mean?"

Liu Lan looked on with curiosity.

Fang Chengxuan glanced at her: "If you don't understand, don't ask. Go do your thing."

Undeterred, Liu Lan pressed on, "Just tell me! And do you want me to pass on a message?"

Fang Chengxuan said calmly, "Tell him that I can't help him go any further."

Director Yang's position was secure, and in the later part of the original drama, when the main characters left the steel rolling mill, they never mentioned the factory again.

However, Director Li was mentioned because of Liu Lan. With his methods, he might actually be able to bring Director Yang down!

Liu Lan was completely confused, so she pouted and reluctantly went to work.

When He Yuzhu saw Fang Chengxuan come in, he raised his neck and defiantly tossed peanuts into his mouth.

One day, two days...

He Yuzhu became increasingly carefree in the kitchen, sitting in a corner every day with his own snacks, only lacking a little wine.

Watching others bustling about, he crossed his legs and hummed a little tune, thoroughly enjoying himself.

As Fang Chengxuan packed his things and was about to leave the office, Liu Lan sneakily approached and whispered, "Manager Fang, my boss asked me to pass on a message to you—tomorrow."

"tomorrow?"

Fang Chengxuan's eyelashes trembled slightly, but he nodded calmly, "Understood."