Courtyard House: From Deputy Division Commander to Civilian, Progressing All the Way

"You're back? How was your first day at work?" Tian Yu asked with a smile as she poured him a cup of hot water.

Lin Yang sat at the table, took a sip of hot water, and let out a long, comfortable sigh.

"It's alright. The situation in the factory is more complicated than I imagined, with many factions and chronic problems. However, they're all just clowns who can't cause any real trouble."

Lin Yang recounted in detail to Tian Yu what had happened that day at the factory: the meeting, how he had won over Zhou Zhenhua, and how he had promoted his elder brother.

After listening, a hint of admiration flashed in Tian Yu's eyes.

"Yangzi, your tactic of 'striking the mountain to scare the tiger' was brilliant. Since that Li Huaide is dishonest, you've got him covered up, so he'll have no choice but to cower. As for sending Big Brother to the warehouse as a quality inspector, that's a perfect arrangement. Big Brother is meticulous; he definitely won't make any mistakes."

Tian Yu sat down next to Lin Yang, took his hand, and said softly, "However, you also need to be wary of Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong. These petty people might not dare to fight you openly, but who knows what kind of bad intentions they might have behind your back."

Lin Yang sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes: "Them? Just two senior technicians, thinking they're something special. Before absolute power, any schemes and tricks are nothing but paper tigers. I'm keeping them around because the factory really needs senior technicians to train apprentices. Once I bring over the new Soviet equipment and technology, and train a group of young technical backbones, these old fogies can just get lost!"

The couple were talking.

Suddenly, a steady and powerful knocking sound came from outside the door.

"Knock, knock, knock."

The pace was neither too fast nor too slow, clearly unlike the impetuous neighbors in the courtyard.

"Who is it?" Tian Yu stood up and walked to the door to ask.

"Excuse me, is Secretary Lin Yang at home? My name is Lou Zhenhua, and I have come to pay a visit." A slightly weathered but gentle voice came from outside the door.

Lin Yang raised an eyebrow slightly.

Lou Zhenhua?

Lou Bancheng!

Lou Zhenhua was once the biggest private boss of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, a well-known capitalist in Beijing! Although the mill is now a joint state-private enterprise and has been nationalized, Lou Zhenhua still holds the title of director and receives a generous fixed interest every year.

What is he doing here at this time?

Lin Yang stood up, straightened his clothes, and nodded to Tian Yu.

The door was pulled open.

Standing outside the door was a middle-aged man in his fifties, dressed in an elegant long gown and wearing gold-rimmed glasses. He carried two unremarkable paper packages in his hands, exuding a refined air, but his eyes revealed the shrewdness and experience of a businessman.

"Director Lou, what a rare guest. Please come in." Lin Yang smiled politely and gestured for him to enter.

Lou Zhenhua bowed slightly and walked in.

When he saw Lin Yang's unusually young face, although he was mentally prepared, a hint of surprise still flashed in his eyes.

Too young!

But this nineteen-year-old possessed a composure and steadfastness that surpassed that of any high-ranking official he had ever met.

"Secretary Lin, I apologize for the intrusion and for disturbing your rest." Lou Zhenhua placed the paper package on the table. "It's a little bit of pre-Qingming Longjing tea, nothing much, please have a taste, Secretary Lin."

Lin Yang didn't refuse and gestured for Tian Yu to accept it. He knew that the more polite you were to this kind of big capitalist, the more uneasy he would feel.

"Director Lou, you're too kind. Please have a seat. Tian Yu, bring some tea."

The two sat down at the octagonal table.

Tian Yu served two cups of hot tea and then tactfully retreated to the inner room.

Lin Yang picked up his teacup, gently blew on the tea leaves, but didn't drink it. Instead, he went straight to the point.

"Director Lou, you wouldn't come here without a reason. What brings you here today?"

Lou Zhenhua gave a wry smile. He was a smart man and knew that beating around the bush would only backfire in front of this young secretary who held real power and had a strong military background.

"Secretary Lin is a straightforward person, so I'll speak frankly too."

Lou Zhenhua's smile faded, and his expression became serious.

"Secretary Lin, I, Lou, used to run the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, which can be considered as making a small contribution to the country's industry. Now that the People's Republic of China has been founded, I firmly support the leadership of the Party and actively cooperate with the joint public-private ownership."

Lou Zhenhua paused, his gaze fixed on Lin Yang.

"But I heard that Secretary Lin flew into a rage at the meeting as soon as he took office today. The factory is in a state of panic, and everyone is saying that Secretary Lin is ruthless. I came here today to ask Secretary Lin for a word."

"Secretary Lin, what exactly is your attitude towards us former national capitalists? Can we really put our minds at ease?"

Lou Zhenhua's question was very direct, and even carried a hint of probing.

He was there to test the waters for the capitalists in Beijing who were still observing the situation. If Lin Yang was going to carry out a major purge, then they would have to make plans early.

Lin Yang put down his teacup, making a crisp clinking sound.

He looked at Lou Zhenhua with eyes as deep as the sea, making it impossible to see what he was thinking.

silence.

A suffocating silence.

Lou Zhenhua felt his palms starting to sweat.

After a long while, Lin Yang suddenly smiled.

"Director Lou, you're a smart man. A smart man wouldn't ask such a foolish question."

Lin Yang leaned forward slightly and said, word by word.

"The country is now in dire need of rebuilding. It needs steel, it needs machinery, it needs everything that can make this country strong."

"I, Lin Yang, don't care if you were a capitalist or a big boss in the past. I only care about the present and the future."

"As long as you, Lou Zhenhua, and those behind you sincerely follow the Party and invest your funds, technology, and management experience into the country's construction without reservation."

"Then you are friends of the country, and friends of me, Lin Yang!"

"Friend, we have meat to eat and wine to drink."

Lin Yang's tone suddenly changed, and his eyes became as sharp as a knife.

"But! What if someone harbors malicious intentions, wants to cause sabotage, transfer assets, or even obstruct production!"

Lin Yang slammed his hand on the table.

"Bang!"

"Then he is an enemy of the people! When dealing with enemies on the battlefield, I, Lin Yang, never leave them alive!"

Every word was as firm as iron, and as resounding as a thunderclap!

Lou Zhenhua was so shocked by the powerful aura emanating from Lin Yang that his mind trembled violently.

He took a deep breath, stood up, and solemnly bowed deeply to Lin Yang.

"Secretary Lin, with your words, I, Lou, and my business colleagues in Beijing can finally put our minds at ease."

Lou Zhenhua raised his head, his eyes filled with awe and determination.

"Don't worry. Tomorrow, I will submit a detailed equipment upgrade plan to the factory's Party Committee."

Furthermore, I am personally willing to contribute additional funds.

"Donate it to the factory free of charge to purchase advanced Soviet technology!"

Lin Yang nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and extended his hand to Lou Zhenhua.

"Director Lou, the future of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill requires our joint efforts. It's a pleasure to cooperate with you."