I feel right at home in the world of the courtyard house.

Li Jing'an watched her stand up and said, "Go to the outer room and wash your face clean before you leave. Don't let anyone see you leaving me crying; it won't be good for my reputation."

"You don't need to be so sad. I know that you must find it hard to forget a man as outstanding as me. How about this, if you miss me in the future, you can come and spar with me," Li Jing'an said to Bai Ting with a playful look in his eyes.

Bai Ting lowered her head, choking back tears, and pushed open the door to go to the outer room. After a while, footsteps echoed in the courtyard, gradually fading into the distance.

Li Jing'an lit another cigarette, gazed at the bright sun outside the window, and slowly exhaled a puff of smoke. After a while, he stubbed out the cigarette, got up, put on his clothes, and went to Liu Haizhong's house.

As soon as Li Jing'an pushed open the small door leading to the courtyard, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure squatting by the water trough at the entrance.

Qin Huairu was washing vegetables with her sleeves rolled up. The icy water made her fingers turn red. When she saw him come in, she quickly straightened up, forced a smile that was both ingratiating and aggrieved, and softly called out, "Brother Jing'an."

Li Jing'an paused, then slowly walked over, his gaze falling on her slightly haggard face. He spoke in a flat tone, "I told you to go and plead with Xie Hui in the front yard. Did you go?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Huairu's eyes, which had just been raised, instantly dimmed, and the vegetables in her hand sank into the water. She gave a soft "hmm," her voice so low it was almost inaudible.

"You went? And what was the result?" Li Jing'an raised an eyebrow and asked.

Qin Huairu bit her lower lip, her eyes slightly reddening, and shook her head helplessly: "It's no use... Inspector Xie is stubborn and insists on handling matters strictly by law. The inspection report was already sent to the factory this morning."

Li Jing'an frowned slightly: "Didn't you talk to him properly? Didn't you mention your family situation? Three children are waiting to be fed, and your mother-in-law isn't in good health. You were just confused for a moment; it wasn't intentional."

"I already told you, I've asked for everything I could." Qin Huairu sighed, her voice filled with uncontrollable grievance. "He did say that if my family was really in trouble, he could give me some food, but when it comes to work matters, he'll handle things the way they should, without showing any leniency."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing'an thought to himself: Xie Hui is really stubborn. Young people who have just entered society are full of principles and are the most difficult to deal with.

However, he didn't take it too seriously. In the end, it was Qin Huairu who violated the rules by raising prices. At most, he would be charged with negligence in management. What could the factory really do to him? It wasn't worth going head-to-head with an inspector who was determined to make a name for himself over Qin Huairu.

After all, the inspection office is a special case in the factory; it's a department directly under the factory's Party committee, and most of the people in it are demobilized political cadres. It's not easy to manage.

He pondered for a moment, then casually suggested a solution: "If all else fails, try to find Uncle Yi Zhonghai. He's a senior figure in the factory, well-connected, and a respected elder in the compound. His words carry some weight. If he puts in a good word for you, there might still be room for negotiation."

After saying that, Li Jing'an didn't linger any longer. He waved his hand and walked straight towards the backyard.

Qin Huairu watched his departing figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions, but she could only silently lower her head and continue washing the vegetables in her hands, her heart filled with a restless anxiety.

In Liu Haizhong's backyard, upon hearing the knock on the door, Liu Haizhong opened it and saw Li Jing'an. His eyes lit up instantly, and his face immediately broke into a fawning smile. He hurriedly ushered him inside, saying, "Oh, Director Li! What brings you here? Please come in, please come in!"

He led Li Jing'an to sit down in the armchair, then turned around and handed him a cigarette. He then hurriedly picked up the thermos and poured water, his movements were incredibly swift and his attitude extremely respectful.

Li Jing'an raised his hand and waved it gently, interrupting his busy work, and said directly, "Don't bother, I came here today because I need to ask you for a favor."

Liu Haizhong immediately stood up straight, bowing slightly, his face full of obsequiousness: "Director Li, you're too kind! Just let me know what you need; I, Liu Haizhong, will go through fire and water for you!"

"It's not that serious," Li Jing'an said calmly. "It's not about asking you to do it, it's about borrowing your two sons for a few days."

"Borrow my son?" Liu Haizhong was taken aback for a moment, then realized what he meant and hurriedly called into the inner room, "Second son! Third son! Come out quickly!"

Two boys, barely out of school, rushed out in a panic. They were clearly well-behaved under Liu Haizhong's thumbs and stood there with their heads down, not daring to breathe.

Li Jing'an took a small photo out of his pocket and handed it to the two of them. The photo showed Bai Ting, who had a pure and innocent look in it. He raised his chin and ordered in an unquestionable tone, "This girl is called Bai Ting. Starting tomorrow, you two go to the gate of her factory and wait for her to come out after get off work. Follow her."

He emphasized, "Don't get too close, but make sure she can clearly see that you're following her. As soon as she notices you, come back immediately, that's all."

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Three days will be enough."

As he spoke, Li Jing'an also told the two of them the factory's detailed address.

Liu Haizhong, who had been listening intently, immediately glared at his two sons and sternly instructed them, "Did you hear me! Do as Director Li says, and be quick-witted! If you mess this up, see how I deal with you when we get back!"

The two boys trembled with fear, nodding repeatedly and saying, "We'll remember, we'll remember! We'll definitely do it well!"

Watching this scene, Li Jing'an's lips curled into a faint, cold smile. He silently thought to himself: "Bai Ting, I hope you know what's good for you and stay out of trouble."

Having finished explaining the matter, Li Jing'an didn't linger. He stood up, nodded to Liu Haizhong, and then turned and left the backyard.