The entire courtyard is full of villains

Upon hearing this, Yang Liming's mind immediately started racing. He had recently run into an old acquaintance at the Ministry of Agriculture during a meeting. The man looked distressed, saying that many parts of the country were suffering from drought this year, and many villages were experiencing poor harvests. If this well-drilling equipment really worked, he could report it and perhaps salvage some of the bad impression he had left on his superiors because of the Yi Zhonghai incident.

Thinking about it this way, the slight aloofness on his face disappeared, and his tone warmed up: "Come, come, Lao Huang, Master Wu, Comrade Xiao Zhang, have some tea first." He then turned to Wu Liqun and asked: "Master Wu, did we really make this equipment ourselves? Can it really pump water?"

"It really worked!" Wu Liqun sat up excitedly. "It's right in the vegetable garden next to the cafeteria. We just succeeded in testing it tonight! Right now it's just mud, but it should be cleared up by the middle of the night. You can see for yourself tomorrow morning!"

Yang Liming was thrilled and immediately stood up: "How about we go to the factory right now?"

"Yes, sir!" Wu Liqun and Section Chief Huang replied in unison.

Yang Liming turned to the inner room and said, "Yujie, I'm going to work overtime at the factory. I might not be back tonight!" After saying that, he grabbed his coat and led the three of them out the door. He was a retired soldier and could drive, so he didn't need a driver and drove the three of them back to the steel rolling mill.

As soon as he arrived at the vegetable garden, Yang Liming quickly walked to the drilling machine. At this time, the mud spraying was not as intense as before, and although the water that flowed out was still a bit yellowish, it was much cleaner, and the water could be clearly seen flowing.

"Good! Good! Good!" He said "good" three times in a row, his voice trembling slightly. "Master Wu, Master Zhang, you've really done a great service to the factory this time!" He then turned around and patted Section Chief Huang on the shoulder: "And you, Lao Huang, the maintenance department's ability to build such good equipment is also thanks to you!"

Chapter 60 Make the Most of It

At the entrance of the courtyard house, Sha Zhu stood with a long face, looking very unhappy.

Last night, the canteen manager sent a message saying that he had been excused from work the other day and that the canteen had been given leave on his behalf; however, the factory was having a lunch party today, and if he didn't come, he wouldn't be able to work in the canteen anymore. Helpless, Sha Zhu could only dawdle as he walked towards the factory.

Just as I stepped out of the courtyard, I heard someone call out crisply from behind: "Zhu Zi! Wait for me!"

Sha Zhu turned around and his heart skipped a beat—it was Qin Huairu running after him, her face flushed and looking especially beautiful in the morning light.

"Sister Qin, are you going to work too?" Sha Zhu's tone softened unconsciously.

"Yes!" Qin Huairu was slightly out of breath, but a smile was on her face—she had already discussed it with her mother-in-law, Jia Zhangshi, and if she couldn't stay in the workshop, she would find a way to transfer to the canteen. Although Sha Zhu had been embarrassed by Zhang Erhe recently, he was still the head chef in the canteen, so it wouldn't hurt to build a good relationship with him in advance.

"Zhu Zi, you... you've recovered?" Qin Huairu spoke first.

Sha Zhu gave a bitter smile, but before he could speak, Qin Huairu interrupted him: "Zhu Zi, don't say anything, I understand. What happened that night, it was Sister Qin who wronged you, causing you to be implicated by Zhang Erhe..."

"Sister Qin, I..." Sha Zhu's eyes reddened, and his voice became a little hoarse.

Before he could finish speaking, Qin Huairu suddenly stepped forward and gently squeezed his hand: "Zhuzi, I know you are a good person. Sister Qin will remember your kindness and will definitely thank you properly in the future."

Sha Zhu felt a surge of warmth in his heart when she touched him, and his hand unconsciously rubbed against hers. Qin Huairu immediately glared at him reproachfully, "Zhu Zi, Sister Qin isn't that kind of person..."

"Sister Qin, I understand, I get it." Sha Zhu quickly let go, but he couldn't hide his excitement on his face—Qin Huairu's comfort had indeed relieved a lot of the pent-up frustration in his heart.

When he arrived at the canteen, several middle-aged women exchanged glances as he entered. Sha Zhu ignored them, poured himself a cup of hot water, and took some loose tea leaves from his bag, sprinkling them in. Just as he was about to stir, a woman's voice came from outside the door: "Oh, who's this? Sha Zhu, you actually know to come to the factory? I thought you were some important guest!"

Sha Zhu looked up and saw Liu Lan. "Sha Lanzi, I've only been gone a few days and you've already become the cafeteria manager?" he sneered. "What, do I have to report to you whether I come or not?"

Liu Lan wasn't angry at being retorted; instead, she giggled, "I heard someone said a few days ago..."

"Smash!" Sha Zhu slammed the teacup down, splashing hot water all over the floor. His eyes turned cold instantly: "Liu Lan, are you looking for trouble?"

Liu Lan shrank back in fright at Sha Zhu's fierce look, covering her mouth and taking a half step back. Her smile froze. "Zhu Zi, what are you doing? I was just joking with you. Why are you so angry?"

"A joke?" Sha Zhu sneered, his eyes fierce. "I think you're just bored and looking for trouble! Liu Lan, if you dare to spout any more nonsense, believe me, I'll tear your mouth apart!" He had been holding back his anger for the past two days—he had been beaten by Zhang Erhe, lost face in front of Qin Huairu, and Liu Lan just had to poke at his sore spots, making him the perfect target.

"What's all the noise about?!"

A shout came from the doorway. The canteen manager came in carrying a bulging bag, his brows furrowed. "Instead of working this early in the morning, you're making a racket here. Don't you want to work?" The two apprentices quickly stepped forward to take the bag, not daring to breathe.

"Director, we weren't arguing!" Liu Lan's expression immediately changed. She waved her hands repeatedly and winked at Sha Zhu. "I was just joking with Zhu, right, Zhu?"

Sha Zhu looked at Liu Lan's fake smile and felt a tightness in his chest, but still replied in a low voice, "I didn't make a sound, Director, I just spoke a little too loudly."

The director glanced at the two of them, but didn't investigate further. He turned to Sha Zhu and said, "There's a lunch party. You'll prepare six hot dishes and two cold dishes. I've already brought back the ingredients." He paused, then emphasized, "I covered for you when you skipped work the other day; if anything goes wrong with today's meal, you'd better think twice."

"Don't worry!" Sha Zhu quickly replied, patting his chest loudly, "I guarantee it will be done perfectly, and if anything goes wrong, you can hold me responsible!"

The director's expression softened a bit, and he turned to leave, but Sha Zhu stopped him again: "Director, who are we entertaining for lunch today?"

"People from the ministry are here," the director replied casually. "Wu Liqun and Zhang Erhe from our maintenance workshop have tinkered with a tool that can drill wells, and the comrades from the ministry are here to inspect it. If it passes inspection, they might even be recognized for their merits."

"Who?"

Sha Zhu didn't hear a word after that; all he could hear was the buzzing sound of "Zhang Erhe." His eyes widened, and his voice changed: "Who did you just say made the equipment?"

"Wu Liqun and Zhang Erhe from the repair shop?" The director was taken aback by his question. "What's wrong?"

"Zhang Erhe?!"

"boom!"

Sha Zhu gritted his teeth and slammed the knife down hard on the cutting board, making the scallions, ginger, and garlic on it jump up. The canteen manager was startled, pulled his hand back, and pointed at Sha Zhu, stammering, "You, you... Sha Zhu, do you have a grudge against Zhang Erhe?"

"Of course—" Sha Zhu stopped abruptly, his heart tightening: If he admitted to having a grudge, the director would definitely dig deep. Could it be that he was beaten up because of Qin Huairu? He couldn't reveal such an embarrassing thing. He quickly changed his tune, his tone stiff: "Of course not! It's just a neighbor in the same courtyard. I was a little surprised to hear his name out of the blue."

The director glanced at him with a hint of skepticism, but didn't press further. Instead, he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Since you're neighbors, you should visit each other more often. Let me tell you, those two, master and apprentice, have really made a name for themselves this time. If the well-drilling equipment passes inspection, they might even get a commendation and an award!"

The director was still rambling on, but Sha Zhu couldn't hear a word he said. His mind was filled with thoughts of "Zhang Erhe needing to make a contribution," and he felt like a heavy stone was lodged in his chest. Before the director could finish speaking, he turned and walked out the door.

"Hey, Sha Zhu! Where are you going?" the director called out to him quickly.

"I'm feeling really stifled, I'm going out for some fresh air!" Sha Zhu said without turning his head, and quickly left the cafeteria, cursing Zhang Erhe to the core in his heart.

On the other side, in the repair workshop, Zhang Erhe and his apprentice Wu Liqun sat facing each other, the room filled with smoke.

Wu Liqun rubbed the cigarette pack in his hand and asked again, "Erhe, are you really going to give me the credit?"

“Master, didn’t we already agree on this?” Zhang Erhe leaned back in his chair, his tone relaxed. “You have made this contribution, which is perfect for you to take another step forward. You need it much more than someone as young as me.”

Wu Liqun didn't say anything more, took two deep drags on his cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray, his knuckles turning white: "Erhe, your master has never wronged anyone in his life, but this time... I really owe you."

Just as Zhang Erhe was about to offer some words of comfort, footsteps sounded at the workshop door—Director Yang's secretary hurried in, smiling, and said, "Master Wu, Master Zhang, the leaders from the department will be here to inspect the equipment in a little while. We would appreciate it if you two could come to the site and explain it to us. After the inspection, Director Yang will be entertaining the representatives in the canteen. We would also appreciate it if you two could join us."

"I won't go." Zhang Erhe waved his hand and nudged Wu Liqun's arm. "Master, this is a rare opportunity, please make the most of it."

Chapter 61 Bitter Bitter Bitter Heaven

Around 10 a.m., the entrance to the steel rolling mill was unusually lively—not only did people from the Ministry of Metallurgy come, but representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture also made a special trip over.

Upon arriving at the well-drilling site in the vegetable field, Zhang Erhe personally took charge of operating the machine. As the machine ran smoothly and clear well water flowed out through the pipes, the Ministry of Agriculture officials immediately exclaimed, "This equipment is incredibly useful! The steel mill must organize production immediately, the more the better! Our farmers desperately need this!"

At noon, Wu Liqun was invited to entertain guests. Before he had even finished his meal, he rushed back to the workshop, his belly full of excitement. He pulled Zhang Erhe into a small room, his voice trembling, "Erhe! Something great has happened! Something incredibly great has happened!"

Zhang Erhe, however, appeared calm and looked up to ask, "What's got you so agitated?"

"The factory is going to set up a separate well-drilling equipment manufacturing workshop!" Wu Liqun slapped his thigh. "Factory Director Yang has approved it, making me the workshop director! And you—" He paused deliberately, his eyes full of laughter, "...are going to be the deputy workshop director!"

"Me, the deputy director?" Zhang Erhe was genuinely taken aback, his brows furrowing slightly. "Shouldn't it be based on seniority?"

“Originally, Director Yang wanted Zhang Dagang to work with me,” Wu Liqun leaned closer and lowered his voice, “but the representative from the Ministry of Metallurgy whispered something to him, and he immediately changed his mind and insisted on having you!”

Zhang Erhe instantly understood—Old Li must have helped him behind the scenes, giving him a "benefit." He smiled helplessly: he originally wanted to "slack off" peacefully in the factory, but unexpectedly he ended up becoming the deputy director.

"What's wrong? Are you unhappy?" Wu Liqun asked, noticing that he wasn't very excited.

"Happy, of course I'm happy." Zhang Erhe shook his head and changed the subject, "Master, are you planning to bring the entire repair team with you?"

Wu Liqun nodded: "I was just about to tell you about this!"

"Why don't you talk to a few of the experienced mechanics first?" Zhang Erhe advised. "Bring those who are willing to go, and don't force those who want to stay in the repair team. Forcing people to join will only damage the relationship."

Wu Liqun was taken aback for a moment, then slapped his forehead: "You've thought this through! I was too hasty just now and didn't consider these things." With that, he hurriedly went to discuss the matter with his old colleague.

While some rejoiced, others grieved. Yi Zhonghai was finally discharged from the hospital that day. Tan Saihua, worried that he would be tired, specially called a cart to take him from the hospital to the gate of the compound. As soon as the couple entered the east wing, Jia Zhangshi from the west wing, as if injected with chicken blood, moved her round body to block the doorway and sat down on the ground with a "thump".

"Heavens above, my life is so miserable!" Jia Zhangshi wailed, slapping her thigh. Her voice was so shrill it could pierce the roof. "Yi Zhonghai, you scourge! Oh, heavens above, I've only been gone a few years, and my buttocks are all white and white. Old Yi is overjoyed to see them—poor me, I've been a widow for so many years, and you've ruined my reputation! Old Jia, come up from the underworld and take your good brother away! He saw my body and ruined my reputation!"

Tan Saihua's face turned red with anger, and she flung open the door: "Jia Zhangshi! What nonsense are you spouting?!"

"I'm talking nonsense?" Madam Jia jumped up, pointing at the door of the east wing, spitting as she spoke. "So many people were there that day! My bare backside, didn't Yi Zhonghai see it? It's only right that I ask him for compensation! What? You think you can just look for free without paying?"

At this moment, Yi Zhonghai walked out of the house with a livid face, his voice deep and heavy: "That day was just a misunderstanding, how was I supposed to know you were..."

"Don't try to pull this on me!" Madam Jia interrupted him, pressing him relentlessly, "Just tell me, did you see it or not?"

Yi Zhonghai was rendered speechless by the question—if he said he hadn't seen it, Jia Zhangshi would definitely throw a tantrum; if he said he had, did he really have to pay her? If he did pay, even if it was baseless, it would be considered fact, like mud falling into his pants—even if it wasn't shit, it would still be shit. He simply stopped arguing, turned around with a livid face and went into the house, slamming the door shut.

Tan Saihua wanted to argue with Jia Zhangshi, but was instead verbally abused and pointed at. The couple had no choice but to close the door tightly, leaving Jia Zhangshi crying and making a scene outside.

When Qin Huairu came home from get off work and entered the courtyard, she saw her mother-in-law standing with her hands on her hips, jumping up and down and cursing at the door of the east wing, while Yi Zhonghai's door was tightly shut. She quickly stepped forward and pulled Jia Zhangshi aside: "Mom! What are you doing? Aren't you ashamed?"

"Shameful? What shameful about me!" Jia Zhangshi shook off her hand, speaking with righteous indignation, "I'm going to ask Yi Zhonghai for 'payment for looking at my buttocks'! He looked at my buttocks, so he has to pay me!"

"Mom! Stop making trouble!" Qin Huairu was both angry and anxious, gritting her teeth inwardly—this old hag always ruined her affairs. She had finally managed to ease the tension with Sha Zhu, and now she was provoking Yi Zhonghai again. She was simply clueless.

Before she could pull Jia Zhangshi away, the door to the east wing was suddenly flung open with a bang, and Yi Zhonghai walked out with a livid face, his eyes fixed on Qin Huairu: "Qin Huairu, Jia Zhangshi, I ask you, how dare that bastard come to my house to steal things when my husband and I were not home a few days ago?"

He paused, his voice growing deeper: "I didn't pursue this matter while I was in the hospital; but now that I'm back, if you don't give me an explanation, I'll report it to the police station! A chicken is worth two yuan, and he not only stole chickens but also wreaked havoc on my house. What are you going to do about it?"

"Master! Please don't be angry!"

"No way," Yi Zhonghai quickly waved his hand, "Qin Huairu, I'm not your master!"

Qin Huairu quickly stepped forward, softening her tone, "You are Dongxu's mentor. Now that I've taken over Dongxu's job at the factory, I still have to call you mentor. Besides, I was able to cover for someone else because my mentor's wife asked the old lady for help."

She quickly tried to smooth things over for Jia Zhangshi: "My mother-in-law is just confused, don't get angry with her. If there's anything, come at me and Dongxu, after all, it's still Dongxu and me who will take care of you in your old age."

These words struck a chord with Yi Zhonghai, and the anger on his face gradually subsided.

Seeing this, Qin Huairu quickly grabbed Jia Zhangshi's arm and warned in a low voice, "Mom! If you keep making a scene, don't forget how we got our jobs! If Yi Zhonghai goes to Old Lady Long and cancels the replacement paperwork, our whole family will starve!"

Madam Jia Zhang wanted to argue, "Huai Ru, it's just that he saw through my innocence..."

"Mom! No one saw you that day!" Qin Huairu interrupted her, her tone urgent. "It was all made up by other people! If you keep making a fuss, people will laugh at Banggeng from now on!"

"No! I don't want to be laughed at for being a good-for-nothing!" Upon hearing this, Madam Jia panicked immediately and hurriedly waved her hand at Yi Zhonghai, "Old Yi, I was wrong that day, I'm sorry!" After saying that, she slipped back to the west wing without looking back.

Yi Zhonghai watched Jia Zhangshi's retreating figure, nodded to Qin Huairu, said nothing more, and turned to go home. The farce was finally temporarily averted.

Chapter 62 Good Days Are Coming

In the east wing, Yi Zhonghai and Tan Saihua sat facing each other, neither of them showing any expression. The house was eerily quiet!

After a long silence, Tan Saihua finally spoke, her voice hesitant: "Zhonghai, are we... really going to let Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu take care of us in our old age?"

Yi Zhonghai sighed heavily, his fingertips tracing the rim of his teacup. "If we don't look for them, who else can we look for? There aren't any suitable young people in the courtyard." He paused, then began to analyze the situation. "Shazhu has a foul mouth and a bad temper. When we get old, we'll probably be scolded by him every day. Besides, He Daqing is still alive. What if he comes back in the future? Will Shazhu still care about us?"

"Xu Damao in the backyard is a bad seed, just like his father. He's been up to no good since he was a child. Liu Guangqi is promising, but he's Old Liu's darling. If I were to lay a finger on him, Old Liu would fight me to the death. Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu don't even like their own fathers. How can we expect them to serve us well?"

"Those three from the Yan family in the front yard are just as cunning as Yan Bugui. If we really let them retire, we'll probably be schemed against even when we go to the doctor. It'll be worse than death."

Yi Zhonghai took a sip of tea, his tone becoming more confident: "After counting them all, only Jia Dongxu is somewhat reliable. Qin Huairu has also agreed to take care of us in our old age; she's a good person to take care of. As long as we hold onto our money when we're old, why worry about them not serving us?"

Tan Saihua nodded, but was still worried: "But Jia Dongxu is in there now, this..."