After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

The next morning, as Gong Yuelong was rinsing his face under the tap in the courtyard, a faint blue glow appeared before his eyes as expected.

[Step 2 progress update: Conditions are initially met; it is recommended to contact Engineer Zhao today.]

[Key point: Obtain positive feedback. This feedback will serve as the core evidence for the next phase of precisely expanding labor opportunities.]

[Risk Assessment: The conversation should be naturally guided to specific work examples to stimulate their professional expression as a technical lead. Avoid directly asking for money to prevent leaving a utilitarian impression.]

The cold water flowed down his cheeks and into his collar, clearing his mind.

The system remains the same, providing clear directions and outlining the pros and cons.

He straightened up and wiped his face with an old towel.

It's time to go and see Engineer Zhao.

It's not just about getting the payment slip signed, but about guiding the conversation so that Mr. Zhao can say:

"Your team is really good. If I ever need any extra work or if any of my friends complain about the subcontracting team, I'll definitely recommend you."

Thinking of this, the low voice of Lao Niu on the phone yesterday flashed through my mind again—Zhao Siyan, Liu Heita.

The two hyenas that had come running after smelling the fishy odor.

If I get involved with them, even just sitting down to discuss things, my newly established reputation will likely be tarnished.

Their approach is to snatch food from others' bowls, while their second step is to establish their own brand. The methods are fundamentally different.

"Want to draw a line in my book? You'll have to ask first if I even recognize your rules."

He had a clear understanding: the most important thing now was to make the foundation of the sports center, which he had built brick by brick, even more solid.

……

Stand on the edge of the pit and look down.

Five thousand cubic meters of concrete have solidified into a gray plain, with a thin film on it undulating slightly in the wind, like a tranquil lake.

Gong Yuelong looked extremely happy and relaxed!

Zhao Gong stood with his hands behind his back next to Gong Yuelong, watching silently for a long while.

Construction worker Xiao Liu stood on the other side, holding a notebook in his hand, his gaze also fixed on the flat base.

"The quality inspection station staff came to check this morning."

Suddenly, Engineer Zhao spoke up, "I tested more than a dozen points, and the flatness of all of them is up to standard. There is not a single cold seam."

Their team leader, Engineer Wang, was notoriously picky. Before leaving, he patted me on the shoulder and said, "Old Zhao, this foundation is meticulously laid."

He paused, turned to look at Gong Yuelong, and said, "When we hired you, there were objections in the project team. They said you were burdened with a mountain of debt, and that you were prone to making mistakes due to the chaos and pressure. They also said... that you were using people from the Nanshan Gang, and that the team would be difficult to manage."

A breeze swept across the pit; the wind wasn't hot today, it was quite refreshing.

"I insisted on using you for two reasons. First, the first time I saw you, I felt there was a certain spirit in your eyes. Second,..."

A helpless smile appeared on Zhao's lips.

"Too many people are eyeing the sports center. Zhao Siyan has been involved, and Liu Heita has also asked someone to pass on a message. There are also various other connections. Using any of them will inevitably be seen as favoritism."

Using you, a complete newcomer with no connections, actually silences a lot of people. It's... a kind of balance, I guess.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Liu took a soft breath, and his gaze towards Gong Yuelong held a newfound understanding and admiration.

She continued, "Manager Zhao, balance is one aspect. But if it weren't for Master Gong's meticulousness in discovering the potential problem with the pump truck's outriggers in advance..."

"And coordinating under the scorching heat, pouring the last batch of concrete so perfectly—this balance we're trying to maintain might turn into an accident. If something goes wrong, even the best balance will be useless."

She turned to Gong Yuelong, smiled—a particularly beautiful smile—and said sincerely, "Master Gong, thank you so much. Not only did you prevent an accident, but the quality of this foundation... is even better than I expected. I feel completely at ease about the foundation."

Gong Yuelong listened without any smugness on his face, and simply nodded slightly.

Zhao Gong's words confirmed his previous guesses and also pointed out the undercurrents of forces behind the scenes.

Xiao Liu's gratitude is a direct recognition of his abilities.

But something else was churning in his mind.

It became.

It's not just that the work was done, it's that the first step on this path was firmly established.

Zhao's words and Xiao Liu's attitude carry more weight than any written proof.

But what's even more real is—

The folded bill was in his pocket.

Forty thousand yuan.

For someone burdened with over four million in debt, it's still a drop in the bucket.

But the meaning is completely different.

This is not a loan to pay off another's debts, not a windfall from gambling, and certainly not charity begged for.

This is the hard-earned money that Gong Yuelong and his brothers made, truckload after truckload of concrete, square meter by square meter.

It's profit that's cleanly pocketed.

With this money, I can buy my daughter a fun toy, so she won't have to face my ex-wife's awkward gaze anymore.

There's still some money left over as start-up capital for knocking on doors—treat key people to a meal, offer them a couple of packs of good cigarettes, and you won't be strapped for cash anymore.

Going from negative to zero is a struggle for survival.

Going from zero to a positive number, even if it's just a small positive number, is an upgrade.

Looking at the foundation he had poured himself, he felt a surge of pride; it had been so long since he had been here.

This 40,000 yuan, along with the recognition from Engineer Zhao and Xiao Liu, are stepping stones for him to move forward.

"Manager Zhao, Engineer Liu, you flatter me."

Gong Yuelong finally spoke, "We all did the work together, and we all maintained the quality together. In the future... if you need my help, Gong Yuelong, or any of us brothers, please just let me know."

He didn't say "please take care of me," but rather "feel free to ask."

His demeanor remained humble, but his inner self had changed.

Engineer Zhao gave him a deep look, nodded, and without saying anything more, turned and walked towards the prefabricated house.

Xiao Liu smiled at Gong Yuelong and followed him.

Gong Yuelong stood alone by the pit for a while longer.

A breeze blew by, and the plastic film made a soft rustling sound.

He took out a cigarette, lit it, took a deep drag, and then slowly exhaled.

The next step is to go to the finance department and turn the 40,000 yuan into a real stepping stone in my pocket.

……

After emerging from the always half-closed iron door of the finance office, Gong Yuelong did not leave immediately.

He found a shady spot and took out his phone.

He opened the bank's app, which required a fingerprint. He pressed his thumb on it and paused for a second.

The interface redirects.

[Income: 43,800.76]

The number is small, even somewhat meager.

But Gong Yuelong stared at the string of numbers and read it aloud softly:

Forty-three thousand eight hundred and seventy-six dollars.

Forty-three thousand eight hundred and seventy-six dollars.

Forty-three thousand eight hundred and seventy-six dollars.

It's not that terrifying number in the debt column that always has a minus sign followed by a string of zeros, nor is it the minimum payment on a credit card bill that you can never pay off.

It's a positive number, and it's a plus sign.