Siheyuan: I will never tolerate gambling and drugs!

Early morning courtyard

Although the basement is maintained by a ventilation system, it is still a closed space with a stuffy atmosphere.

Xu Lin came up the stairs and pushed open the hidden door of the study, which was disguised as a bookshelf. A crisp morning breeze, carrying the fragrance of locust blossoms from the courtyard, rushed in and instantly washed away the decadent scent that clung to him.

The first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the paper windows, casting dappled shadows on the cement floor of the study.

He stretched out a long yawn.

A series of crisp cracking sounds emanated from all the joints of my body, and a powerful and comfortable feeling of strength spread from my spine to my limbs and bones.

Last night, Tan Liya, who had been forced to miss two days of work, felt like a parched land receiving rain. The longing and yearning she had accumulated over three days transformed into an astonishing energy, binding him tightly. The whole night of giving and taking almost broke the springs of the large bed in the basement.

In other words, his physique, enhanced by the system, is incredibly robust. Any ordinary person would be staggering and leaning against a wall today.

As soon as I pushed open the study door, a rich aroma of rice forcefully filled my nostrils.

That's not the taste of ordinary rice porridge, but the rich aroma of millet simmered over a low flame until the rice oil is extracted.

Qin Huairu was busy at the octagonal table in the outer room.

She wore a simple cloth shirt with an apron tied around her waist, which made her waist appear even more slender, creating a striking contrast with her voluptuous figure. She was holding a slightly damp cloth and meticulously wiping the corner of the table, not letting a speck of dust escape her notice.

Hearing the door open, she turned around abruptly, her face instantly lighting up.

"woke up?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, carrying a hint of a newlywed wife's shyness and just the right amount of flattery.

Qin Huairu immediately put down what she was doing and quickly came to greet her, her movements so light and silent.

"The water was just mixed, it's lukewarm, neither too hot nor too cold."

As she spoke, she deftly carried a brand-new enamel basin to the basin stand in the corner of the room.

"I've squeezed the toothpaste out for you."

The water in the basin reflected the sunlight outside the window, crystal clear. The neatly folded towel next to it, and the toothbrush with blue toothpaste squeezed onto it placed on the rim of the cup, all showed care and attention.

Xu Lin walked over, and Qin Huairu naturally stood beside him, becoming a maidservant who attended to him.

He scooped up a handful of water, and the temperature was indeed just the right warmth. He brushed it on his face, instantly dispelling the last trace of sleepiness.

While he was brushing his teeth, Qin Huairu waited quietly, her eyes fixed on his profile, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes filled with undisguised adoration and love.

As soon as he finished rinsing his mouth and straightened up, a soft towel with a faint scent of soap was handed to him.

Xu Lin took the towel and wiped his face, while Qin Huairu took the towel and took the basin away to empty it. The whole process was smooth and seamless.

This is no longer just simple service; it's a kind of obedience and thoughtfulness ingrained in one's very being.

Xu Lin sat down at the table with an air of nonchalance.

Just as he picked up the chopsticks, a perfectly peeled, steaming egg was gently placed in the soy sauce dish in front of him.

"Eat up, I've been cooking porridge all morning."

Qin Huairu sat down opposite him, but in front of her was only half a bowl of congee and a small dish of pickled vegetables. She didn't touch her chopsticks, but just rested her chin on her hands, watching Xu Lin with longing eyes, as if watching him eat was the happiest thing in the world.

Xu Lin scooped up a spoonful of golden, thick millet porridge and put it in his mouth.

The rich aroma of rice oil mingled with the sweetness of the rice grains, instantly exploding on the taste buds. This porridge was cooked to perfection, melting in the mouth and sliding down the throat, a warm current reaching the stomach, soothing the whole body comfortably.

He had just put down his spoon and hadn't even had a chance to raise his hand yet.

Qin Huairu had already stood up and came over, holding a neatly folded, clean handkerchief in her hand, and gently dabbed it on the corner of his mouth.

"There's some on the corner of my mouth."

Her voice was very low, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor, and her warm breath gently brushed against Xu Lin's cheek.

The distance is too close.

Xu Lin could even smell the fresh scent of shampoo emanating from her hair, and see her long, curled eyelashes above her slightly lowered eyelids.

Her cheeks were flushed with a healthy blush, whether from the warmth of the room or from shyness at the intimate gesture, it was hard to tell.

Xu Lin didn't move, calmly enjoying it all.

He liked Qin Huairu's demeanor.

From a naive and innocent village girl to a captivating beauty who embodies charm, gentleness, and allure, every step of her transformation bears the mark of his personal craftsmanship.

The way she looked at him, the way she served him, all silently told one thing—this man was her heaven, her earth, her everything.

This complete sense of conquest and dependence brings a man far more satisfaction than any material enjoyment.

Xu Lin picked up the egg, took a bite, and the dry aroma of the yolk blended perfectly with the salty and savory flavor of the soy sauce.

He looked up at Qin Huairu.

Why aren't you eating?

"I feel full just watching you eat."

Qin Huairu smiled, her eyes crinkling, her heartfelt joy impossible to hide.

Xu Lin had an idea. He picked up the remaining half egg and held it directly to her mouth.

Qin Huairu was stunned.

She instinctively tried to dodge, but seeing Xu Lin's unyielding gaze, her cheeks instantly turned red. In the end, she shyly opened her small mouth and ate the half-egg.

As she chewed, her eyes sparkled, and she seemed almost overflowing with happiness.

This life, nothing can change it, Xu Lin wouldn't trade it, and no one can change it...

After eating and drinking his fill, Xu Lin pushed his bike out the door. Remembering it was early September and the two girls should be starting school soon, he went back to the backyard to ask if they wanted him to take them there by bike.

When Xu Lin arrived, he was told by Madam Tan that the two young girls had left early and there was no need to see him off. Only then did Xu Lin feel relieved and go to the steel rolling mill.

Upon arriving at the steel rolling mill, Xu Lin steadily parked his bicycle in the shed, producing a crisp metallic clanging sound.

Xu Lin walked straight towards the infirmary.

On the way, he deliberately turned into a deserted corner, and with a flick of his wrist, a bulging brown paper bag appeared out of thin air in his hand.

The bag contained candies awarded by the system, their colorful packaging standing out starkly against the drab backdrop of the era.

These are the wedding candies he's going to hand out today.

The infirmary was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant. Ding Qiunan was hunched over the desk, meticulously organizing medical records. She was wearing a faded nurse's uniform, her long hair tied back with a simple hair tie, revealing a section of her fair and graceful neck.

Hearing footsteps at the door, she looked up.

When she saw that the person who came was Xu Lin, a bright light instantly flashed in her clear eyes, and she came to life.

But the light lasted for less than a second before it quickly dimmed, went out, and fell silent.

She simply greeted him casually, her voice devoid of any emotion.

Good morning, Director Xu.

"morning."

Xu Lin responded and strode over to her desk. Without saying a word, he tilted the brown paper bag in his hand.

With a whoosh.

Colorful candies cascaded out like a waterfall, piling up into a small mountain on her desk.

"I'm hosting a banquet in the courtyard this Sunday."

Xu Lin spoke to Ding Qiunan in a calm yet powerful voice, with a smile on his face.

Don't forget to come to our wedding banquet!

Ding Qiunan's gaze was fixed on the pile of candy, as if it were not candy, but a pile of scorching hot irons.

Her fingers curled slightly under the table, her nails digging into her palms.

After several seconds, she slowly reached out, picked up a piece of candy from the pile, and stiffly peeled off the wrapper.

It's just an ordinary fruit candy.

She put the candy in her mouth.

A strong artificial flavor exploded on her tongue, so sweet it was almost cloying, and so sweet it made her throat feel tight.

"Is it sweet?"

Xu Lin's voice came from above, carrying a faint hint of laughter.

"sweet."

Ding Qiunan lowered her head, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible.

"Congratulations, Director Xu."

It tasted sweet in my mouth, but that sweetness turned into a torrent of bitterness, surging up from the deepest part of my heart and rushing straight to my nasal cavity.

She knew her own identity and had long known that Xu Lin had more than one woman by his side.

She thought she was mentally prepared.

But when that day finally arrived, when the candies symbolizing joy were piled up in front of her, her heart was still tightly blocked, and even breathing was a dull ache.

She suddenly raised her head and met Xu Lin's gaze.

Her beautiful almond-shaped eyes were misty with tears, as if they held a thousand unspoken words: grievances, resentment, disappointment, and a hint of melancholy that she herself was unaware of.

In the end, all the emotions dissipated into an almost inaudible sigh, vanishing into the air.

How could Xu Lin not see through this girl's thoughts?

He felt a slight stirring in his heart, but said nothing more.

Some things require the other party to take the initiative. After all, Xu Lin has a passive personality, characterized by not taking the initiative, not refusing, and not letting go...

He simply reached out and gently patted the top of her soft hair, a gesture that carried an undeniable sense of comfort.

Then, he turned around and left the house decisively.

Along the way, Xu Lin was like a generous benefactor, showering everyone with candy and laughter wherever he went.

He went to the personnel department first.

Li Xiaoli was sitting with her legs crossed, chatting and gossiping with a few female cadres, when she saw Xu Lin appear at the door and her eyes lit up.

Before she could even open her mouth to tease him, Xu Lin had already walked up to her, raised his arm, and scattered a handful of wedding candies onto the desk like a shower of flowers.

"Oh, Director Xu, have you set a date?"

Li Xiaoli quickly grabbed one, deftly unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth, laughing so hard her plump body trembled.

"Come on over this Sunday, it'll be lively with lots of people."

Xu Lin responded with a smile, then grabbed a few more handfuls of candy and distributed them to the others, skillfully socializing with them and visiting several departments with which he usually had good relationships.

Finally, he wandered into the cafeteria's kitchen.

The kitchen was steaming and bustling with noise.

Liu Lan was holding a huge iron ladle, standing behind the food serving window, her pretty face long and full of impatience.

"Director Xu is here!"

Someone shouted, and Liu Lan's hand holding the spoon suddenly stopped.

She looked up, her gaze piercing through the swirling steam, and precisely locked onto Xu Lin.

That look was much more direct than Ding Qiunan's; it was like it had a hook, full of undisguised resentment and a sharp, questioning tone.

Xu Lin walked straight to her window. There were workers queuing up for meals all around, and it was a noisy and confusing place.

He reached under the windowsill and, using the obstruction of the countertop, slipped a few White Rabbit milk candies that he had deliberately saved into her hand.

The warm touch made Liu Lan's fingers instinctively recoil.

"This Sunday..."

"knew!"

Liu Lan interrupted him irritably, quickly stuffing the few candies into her apron pocket, leaning forward slightly, lowering her voice, and speaking with a hint of sourness.

"You're getting married, are you going to forget about me, your old flame?"

Xu Lin found it amusing to look at her angry and aggrieved expression.

He didn't make a move, but instead winked meaningfully at her and then silently mouthed a few words.

"After get off work, I'll be waiting for you at the infirmary."

Liu Lan's eyes widened instantly.

She understood.

The gloomy look on her face vanished in an instant, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily turned up, forming a sweet smile.

But she still pretended to be reserved and gave a soft hum, then turned her head away.

"Who cares to go?"

That's what she said, but her movements as she scooped the food became much lighter, the spoon in her hand stopped trembling, and she even looked at Sha Zhu, who was no longer serving food to the workers, with a bit more pleasing eyes.

After going around once, most of the candy in my pocket was gone.

Xu Lin clapped his hands and strolled leisurely toward the factory director's office.

Distributing wedding candy is an art in itself.

Giving two to each of the ordinary employees is a gesture of goodwill and a sign of joy. Giving too many would be seen as showing off and flaunting, which, in this era of widespread poverty, would easily breed resentment.

Giving middle-level cadres like Li Xiaoli a handy job is a matter of personal relationship; it shows you consider her one of your own.

But once someone reaches Yang Anguo's level, it's no longer appropriate to offer him any more sweets.

Giving too little makes you seem stingy and embarrassing to your boss.

Giving too much is even more problematic. These days, resources are scarce, and even sugar is precious. Where did you, a doctor, get so much sugar? Isn't that just blatantly telling others you have a problem and making yourself uncomfortable?

Therefore, Xu Lin knocked on Yang Anguo's office door empty-handed and without hesitation.

"Director Yang, are you busy?"

Yang Anguo was engrossed in a pile of documents, a pair of black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. Hearing Xu Lin's voice, he looked up, took off his glasses and placed them on the table, smiling as he pointed at him.

"You little rascal, I've heard everything. You're throwing wedding candy all over the factory, so why are you cutting off supplies to me?"

"No way."

Xu Lin, with a calm smile on his face, sat down on the sofa where guests were being entertained.

He pulled out half a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes from his pocket, skillfully knocked one out, and stood up to hand it to Yang Anguo.

"Candy is something used to make children and women happy."

"We men need to get this exciting."

As he spoke, he struck a match, leaned forward, and gently cupped the flame in his palm to light Yang Anguo's cigarette.

The entire movement was fluid and graceful, conveying just the right amount of respect without the slightest hint of flattery.

Yang Anguo took a deep breath, the pungent smoke instantly filling his lungs. He squinted his eyes comfortably and then exhaled a thick cloud of white smoke.

He pointed at Xu Lin with the finger holding the cigarette and chuckled and cursed.

"You're such a clever little devil!"

"But this cigarette is good, so you pass."

After the two of them smoked for a while, Yang Anguo's smile gradually faded, and a complex emotion appeared on his usually somewhat rigid square face as he looked up at Xu Lin.

"Xu Lin, you know what happened yesterday afternoon, right?"

Xu Lin paused for a moment while holding the teacup.

What's wrong?

His first thought was whether he and Qin Huairu had been seen in the grove. Impossible! That girl had sworn she was a perfect lookout and told him to do whatever he wanted, it would be fine…

Seeing the fleeting look of surprise and guilt on Xu Lin's face, Yang Anguo chuckled and scolded him in an annoyed tone.

"Keep pretending!"

He flicked the ash from his cigarette between his fingers, and his whole demeanor became more energetic, as if he were showing off his spoils.

"The county leaders from Qinjiacun sent big red banners and letters of thanks to my office! Goodness, the scene was so grand, anyone who didn't know better would think I was holding a hero's commendation ceremony."

Yang Anguo suddenly stood up, walked a few steps to Xu Lin, and slapped his large, fan-like hand heavily on Xu Lin's shoulder, so hard that Xu Lin's body swayed.

"To be honest, I only knew you were a good doctor before, but I never imagined you had such great skills and such high moral character!"

His voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement.

"That's a major epidemic affecting hundreds of people! If it weren't handled properly, it would be a huge problem, tearing countless families apart. You, kid, have really brought a lot of face to our steel mill and to me, Yang Anguo, this time!"

Xu Lin then realized that Yang Anguo was referring to the free clinic.

The weight that had been hanging over him was lifted, his tense nerves relaxed, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

He smiled and said to the excited Yang Anguo, "Factory Director, you flatter me. I'm a doctor, it's my duty to treat and save lives. Besides, I'm also the Qin family's son-in-law, I can't just stand by and watch my fellow villagers suffer."

"What a fine example of being dutiful!"

Yang Anguo nodded vigorously, his eyes practically overflowing with admiration.

"In this day and age, there aren't many people who can keep to their principles. You're a lucky guy! Ever since you came to our factory, good things have been happening one after another."

dong dong dong.

Just then, there was a light knock on the office door.

Yang Anguo's secretary pushed open the door and stepped aside. Behind him stood a slightly overweight middle-aged man wearing a sharp Zhongshan suit.

The moment that person entered, the entire atmosphere of the office changed.

He didn't make any exaggerated movements, but his steady steps and calm yet all-seeing eyes carried an invisible pressure.

"Minister Gao!"

Yang Anguo's smile froze instantly, then transformed into pure respect and a hint of nervousness. He hurriedly stubbed out the cigarette he had just lit and strode forward to meet him.

The visitor was none other than Minister Gao Liang, the head of the Ministry of Industry.

Gao Liang waved to Yang Anguo, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite. His gaze, however, bypassed the factory manager and landed precisely on Xu Lin, who had just gotten up from the sofa.

"Comrade Xu Lin is here too, that's perfect, saves me the trouble of having someone go and call you again."

Xu Lin immediately stood up straight, his voice steady.

"Hello, Minister Gao."

Gao Liang's gaze lingered on Xu Lin for a full few seconds. It was a scrutiny, an assessment, as if he were examining an uncut gem, his admiration almost undisguised.

"Not bad, you're in good spirits."

Gao Liang walked to the main seat on the sofa and sat down with a composed demeanor before gesturing for the two others to sit as well.

"Xu Lin, you've been making quite a splash lately."

His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear, carrying an undeniable power.

"First, they brought back important technical data from the Soviet Union, then they conducted a factory-wide physical examination, uncovering long-standing problems that had been hidden for decades. Before things had even calmed down for a few days, they went to the countryside to provide free medical services and single-handedly contained a potential large-scale epidemic."

At this point, Gao Liang paused, his tone becoming more serious.

"The ministry is very satisfied with your performance, even pleasantly surprised. It's not easy for our entire industrial system to produce someone as talented as you."

Xu Lin lowered his head slightly, adopting a humble posture.

"It's all thanks to the leadership's guidance and support; I just did some small things within my ability."

"This is no small matter."

Gao Liang waved his hand, interrupting his polite conversation.

"By chance, I also read your paper on the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. It was very professional and forward-looking. After reading it, Old Zhao from the Ministry of Health slammed his fist on the table and said that he had given Dean Li of their medical school a firm order to bring you back no matter what."

Upon hearing this, Yang Anguo's buttocks tensed up instantly, as if springs had been inserted into them.

"Minister Gao, this won't do! Xu Lin is our steel rolling mill's prized asset, a pillar of our industrial system. You can't let those people from the Ministry of Health poach him!"

Seeing Yang Anguo's protective and anxious expression, Gao Liang couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright, look how anxious you are. Xu Lin's current position is still with our Ministry of Industry. As long as he doesn't give his consent, no one can take him away."

After laughing, Gao Liang's expression turned serious again. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on Xu Lin, and his voice lowered several decibels, carrying an undeniable weight.

"Comrade Xu Lin, I've come here in person today not only to give you verbal praise, but also to entrust you with an even more important task."

Xu Lin's heart suddenly clenched.

The significance of a task that would require Gao Liang, a ministerial-level official, to personally make a trip to convey is self-evident.

"Please provide instructions, sir."

His voice was calm, but his back had unconsciously straightened.

Gao Liang glanced at Yang Anguo beside him. Yang Anguo, being a sensible man, immediately waved for his secretary to leave. He was about to get up and find an excuse to avoid the situation when he heard Gao Liang speak.

"Old Yang doesn't need to leave."

Gao Liang waved his hand.

"Although this matter needs to be kept confidential, you are the factory manager, so I will need your approval later."

After speaking, he turned back and focused his gaze on Xu Lin's face again. Every word he spoke was clear and heavy, as if it had been carved with a chisel.

"The big boss wants to see you."

The moment those five words were uttered, the office fell into an instant, deathly silence.

The air, which had been noisy just moments before because of the highlighted words, seemed to have been sucked into a vacuum. The factory clamor outside the window and the rising steam from the teacup on the table all seemed to have been paused.

Yang Anguo gasped, the sound particularly jarring in the silence, his eyes widening like copper bells.

He didn't know who Gao Liang meant by "big leader." But even he had to call someone "big leader," yet this person was addressing someone else as "big leader."

That person is definitely not an ordinary person. He is one of the people who truly stands at the top of the power pyramid in this country. He is the kind of person who can make not only Beijing but the entire country tremble when he stomps his foot!

For a moment, Xu Lin's mind went blank.

Although he had a premonition that his actions would eventually attract the attention of his superiors, he never expected that day would come so quickly and so directly.

It's reached the heavens!

These three words exploded in his mind.

This is far more than just a simple meeting. In this special era, being personally received by that high-ranking leader, even if it's just to exchange a single word or shake hands, signifies an unparalleled talisman, a ticket to a higher level.

"Now?"

Xu Lin forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart and forced himself to keep his voice steady.

"Yes, right now."

Gao Liang stood up and meticulously straightened his collar.

"The car is waiting downstairs. The high-ranking leader has reviewed your file and is very interested in your performance in the Soviet Union and your work in this rural medical outreach program."

At this point, Gao Liang gave Xu Lin a deep look, then changed the subject, his tone becoming meaningful.

"Also... I heard that the top leader has been feeling a bit unwell lately. The experts in the health care team have examined him several times, but there hasn't been much improvement. Since you have the reputation of being a 'miracle doctor,' this time when you go, besides reporting on your work, I'm afraid... you'll have to show off your real skills."

Xu Lin instantly understood.

This is both a tremendous opportunity and a test that cannot be missed.

"clear."

He did not hesitate at all; his eyes were clear and firm.

"I will definitely do my best."

"good!"

Gao Liang nodded in satisfaction.

"Then let's not delay any longer, let's go."

Just before leaving, Yang Anguo grabbed Xu Lin's arm, his hands trembling with excitement. He clumsily straightened Xu Lin's perfectly wrinkle-free collar, then patted him heavily on the back. All his unspoken words were condensed into a single, trembling plea.

"Perform well! Don't embarrass our steel rolling mill!"

Xu Lin smiled, said nothing, but nodded heavily.

I got into the black sedan with the special license plate, and the door slammed shut, completely shutting out the noise of the factory.

Xu Lin leaned back in the soft chair, watching the scenery outside the window rush past. An unprecedented sense of tension rose from the bottom of his heart, making him subconsciously want to reach for a cigarette.

He stopped halfway through reaching out his hand. What if the top leader didn't like the smell of smoke?

He withdrew his hand, took out a White Rabbit milk candy left over from handing out wedding candies from another pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth.

The rich aroma of milk instantly filled my mouth.

This candy is much sweeter than the fruit candy we just got from the factory.

Xu Lin chewed slowly, the sweetness suppressing the restlessness in his heart, but his mind became incredibly clear.

The petty scheming and calculations within the courtyard house are like children playing house, fooling fools; the real challenge lies in the situation that is about to unfold.

The black sedan drove out of the steel mill gates and sped off in that imposing direction, unmarked on the map...