Chapter 51: Kong Shi Arrives at the Group

At this moment, Xiao Shitou stretched out his hand,

Just a few days ago the hand was still very delicate,

Now it has turned dark,

Each finger is still bound with tape,

A clear scratch can be seen on the palm,

It no longer bleeds.

I looked at Xiao Shitou's hand, wondering how Zhou Wei would react if he saw it,

I dared not think about it,

I gently stroked Xiao Shitou's hand with my own,

Then I said, "Xiao Shitou, you're impressive, being able to hold out on the construction site; Dad admires you."

Xiao Shitou smiled,

"Dad, there's nothing to admire. I heard Uncle Shi say you once worked with rebar on a site, back when there were no machines; you had to hammer every piece by hand, it was a real ordeal."

"Dad, actually after I came to the site, I feel I admire you even more."

After hearing Xiao Shitou's words, my heart was greatly relieved.

It seems that a slightly harsher education does benefit the child.

I deliberately said, "Xiao Shitou, you've been working on the site for a few days now; tell Dad what you're thinking. If there's any job you want on the site, just say it straight."

Xiao Shitou replied, "Dad, I've only been here a few days. These days have felt so comfortable, busy every day. I want to keep working with rebar; I haven't mastered the technique yet. Dad, how's Mom?"

Hearing about Zhou Wei's condition,

I was very glad,

"Xiao Shitou, your mother is still in the intensive care unit. Her condition is the same, but she can now see relatives. Whenever you have time, go to the hospital to see your mother and talk with her."

Xiao Shitou nodded happily.

At that moment, other workers waved at Xiao Shitou, urging him to get on the truck and follow.

Xiao Shitou waved his hand at me,

Then he said, "Dad, Uncle Shi, Brother Little Dragon, I'm heading to a new site. I'm leaving now."

After speaking, Xiao Shitou ran onto the truck.

He left together with the workers on the truck.

Shi Jinhe looked at the departing Xiao Shitou and said, "Brother, I thought Xiao Shitou wouldn't last on the site, but I didn't expect he would persist. This kid is capable."

I nodded,

to Shi Jinhe I said, "No one knows Xiao Shitou's background, right?"

"No, Xiao Shitou never reveals his identity to anyone. If an ordinary child did that early, it would be a problem," Shi Jinhe said.

"Alright, nurture him well. Once the rebar work is mostly done, let this kid lead the crew, learn to manage people. Then work with the project manager and technicians, step by step, no rush. Jinhe, we're both nearly fifty; we must think about the future," I said, looking into the distance.

Shi Jinhe laughed, "Brother, you're still young. A man's forty‑one is a bud, fifty just begins to bloom; you're in your prime now."

After hearing Shi Jinhe's words, I felt joyful,

I was blooming like a flower,

Am I a flower? I feel exhausted like a dog.

I had Shi Jinhe push me around Guanghua Garden for a lap,

It's been many years since I last set foot on a construction site,

Since Da Heng Group was founded, I've only been to a site twice: once for a TV station's promotional video,

wearing a hard hat, pretending to direct the big machines on the site,

the other time was accompanying Zhu Sheng for an inspection,

I merely passed through the site in a hurry.

I am far from my own site,

I watched slowly on the site; under the sun, many people were on the scaffolding, dismantling safety nets.

Some carried a large water bottle on their backs, filled with cold water, taking big gulps from the scaffold when thirsty.

When tired, they would stand on the scaffold to rest a moment.

I asked Shi Jinhe, "Why don't those workers wear safety ropes?"

Shi Jinhe replied,

"Removing safety nets is outsourced work; nowadays all site tasks are done via outsourcing. Apart from the foundational engineering, we handle it ourselves.

The rest are handled by dedicated contractors, so they earn more; they charge per square meter for dismantling scaffolds and nets, and labor hours aren't counted here.

Thus it prevents workers from showing up without putting in effort."

"Outsourced crews must also ensure safety; accidents would reflect poorly on our company. The big machines aren't easy; they earn a couple of bucks, but we can't have more dangerous incidents," I said.

"Brother, you're right. I'll find their foreman right now and tell them that anyone on the scaffold must wear a safety rope," Shi Jinhe said.

"Jinhe, we're in extraordinary times. Everywhere requires caution, so your management must be more meticulous. Leave the site matters to me; I'll raise money quickly to buy materials, aiming to let you work at night," I said.

"Great, night work is possible. Our speed can increase by more than double; now workers are willing to work at night because it's cooler. Brother, bring all building materials quickly; I can't wait," Shi Jinhe said happily.

At that moment my phone rang,

Xiao Long hurried over, helped pull out my phone so I could answer; it was Xiao Hua calling,

He told me over the phone that Kong Shi had arrived at the Group Company. I must return immediately.

On the phone I said to Xiao Hua, "Alright, first arrange for Kong Shi to rest in the conference room; I'll be back right away."

After hanging up,

I told Shi Jinhe, "Jinhe, I originally wanted to visit other sites, but the Group has another guest arriving, so I must go back."

Still the same saying: everything on the construction site is up to you; I'll take care of the money and building materials. We must definitely hand over the house by September.

Don't worry, brother. I won't let you worry about the construction site.

I shook hands with Shi Jinhe,

Then I let Xiao Long push me back to the car.

Nurse Lin helped me get into the car,

She first checked my leg,

"Chairman, your leg activity has increased. You need to rest."

I said, "Listen to Nurse Lin; we'll go rest now. Xiao Long, drive fast—Kong Shi is waiting for us. We can't keep the leadership waiting too long."

Xiao Long said, "Okay, grandpa."

Xiao Long started the business car and headed for the Group Company at top speed.

Our group arrived at the Group Company,

I was directly pushed into the small meeting room on the third floor,

Kong Shi and Secretary Li were waiting for me, and seeing me come in,

Kong Shi quickly stepped forward,

"Jianqiang, how did you get discharged? Your leg injury isn't healed yet. I asked Dean Yang at the hospital, and he said you've been discharged for a few days."

I shook hands with Kong Shi,

Then I said, "Kong Shi, sorry to keep you waiting. This leg injury just needs rest; in the hospital I couldn't even sit still."

"The company has so many things to do—ah, Kong Shi, Secretary Li, please have a seat."

Kong Shi and Secretary Li each sat on the sofa,

The Group Company's attendant hurriedly poured tea,

I took out a cigarette,

Kong Shi waved his hand and said, "Jianqiang, I don't smoke anymore, and I advise you not to either. I just issued an order: the whole city must set up smoke-free meeting rooms. From now on, no smoking during meetings."

After hearing Kong Shi finish, I smiled,

"The head of the city tobacco company, Sun Zong, would probably spit blood if he heard your decision."

After I finished speaking, Kong Shi also laughed,

"You, Jianqiang, just talk nonsense. Sun Zong supports the city's decision. It's only the meeting rooms that are smoke‑free; other places aren't. Sun Zong's income won't decrease."

"I'm old friends with Sun Zong, so I'll support him a bit. Today this meeting room is a closed‑door session, and besides, it's not in the city, so I'll have a cigarette." After saying that, I took out a cigarette.

"Don't make a habit of it. Jianqiang, you big smoker, when are you going to quit?" Kong Shi said helplessly.