Chapter 315

The lingering meat fragrance filling the courtyard and the silent regret of the Yan Bu Gui family, as a new day arrived, gradually were replaced by daily trivialities and busyness.

Li Ping'an did not indulge in the relaxation after completing the task; the next morning he appeared in the office of the Security Department Director of the Steel Rolling Mill, his demeanor as steady and efficient as usual.

He first called in Section Chief Wang Dahu and Deputy Section Chief Chen Jianghe. The office door was gently shut, shutting out the outside clamor.

"Dahu, Jianghe, thank you for your hard work during my absence." Li Ping'an gestured for them to sit, then picked up the teacup on the table, blew away the foam, his tone calm but his eyes scrutinizing: "In the factory…… is everything still stable? Has anything special happened?"

His question seemed casual, but Wang Dahu and Chen Jianghe both knew that the word "special" carried deep meaning.

Wang Dahu is a blunt man; hearing this, he immediately straightened his back and reported in a gruff voice: "Director, rest assured! Factory area security is completely normal; following your deployment, we have increased patrols in key areas, with no omissions! …" He paused, a hint of disdain on his face, "It's just that the people from Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide's side have been moving around the factory more frequently lately, especially holding 'talks' with several production workshops and the technical section. Factory Director Yang Changzhang's side, however, has been quiet, carrying on production as usual."

Chen Jianghe is more meticulous; he picked up the thread and added: "Director, Dahu is right. Overall it's still stable, but secretly…… I feel Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide's side has been active. In the Logistics Department, after Qin Huairu was transferred there, I heard Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide has visited several times, all under the pretext of inspecting work. Moreover, rumors from the Factory Office say Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide is brewing some 'thought reform' group; the specifics are unclear, but I suspect…… it bodes ill."

Li Ping'an listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the tabletop. Wang Dahu's report covered the "form," while Chen Jianghe pointed out the "essence." Li Huaide indeed was not idle; taking advantage of Factory Director Yang Changzhang's focus on production and his own absence, he stepped up his arrangements, placed personnel, and even began moves in the "ideological" realm. This is indeed Li Huaide's usual tactic: preemptively shaping public opinion to seize the moral high ground.

"Hmm, I understand." Li Ping'an nodded, his face giving nothing away, "You've done well. Factory stability comes first; the rest, we'll wait and see. Dahu, factory area security must not relax, especially now. Jianghe, you're thoughtful; keep an eye on all developments, report any abnormalities to me at any time."

He made no evaluation of Li Huaide's actions, nor issued any specific orders. Maintaining the independence and objectivity of the Security Section is his consistent principle. But in his heart he had already raised the alert level again. The wind fills the tower before the mountain rain; Li Huaide's moves are omens of the approaching storm.

After arranging the work, Li Ping'an's expression softened, his gaze falling on Chen Jianghe with a hint of familial warmth: "Jianghe, this Sunday, bring Ping Le and the two little ones over for a meal. I brought back some red dates and honey melons from the northwest for the kids to try. Your sister-in-law has also been missing Ping Le and the children."

Chen Jianghe's face lit up with a smile upon hearing this: "All right, Brother! Ping Le has been missing you these past few days, saying she wants to see her sister-in-law and Xiao Nuanqing! On Sunday we'll definitely come over early."

After settling public and private affairs, Li Ping'an dove into his daily work—reviewing documents, listening to reports—as if yesterday's glory and hardship were already past. Only he himself knew that the string in his heart had never slackened.

Sunday, the sun shone brightly, a rare fine winter day. In the Xi Kua Yuan courtyard, bustle began early in the morning.

Lin Xueqing swept the rooms and prepared the ingredients. Little Li Yaozong needed no adult urging; he earnestly completed his daily exercises in the courtyard—horse stance, practicing forms, his little face solemn, meticulous. Xiao Nuanqing sat in a bamboo cart padded with thick cotton, watching her brother go through his 'humm-hah-hey' movements, delighted enough to wave her arms and kick her legs.

As noon approached, Chen Jianghe and Ping Le arrived with their pair of dragon-and-phoenix twins. Chen Jianghe carried two bottles of fruit preserves in his hand; Ping Le held their daughter, while Chen Jianghe cradled their son in his arms. The two little ones had just turned one not long ago, delicate as carved jade, exactly at the age of utmost cuteness.

"Sister-in-law!" Ping Le called out with a smile as soon as she stepped inside, her voice clear and crisp, just like her Suzhou embroidery, full of nimble skill.

"Ping Le's here! Come in quickly, it's cold outside!" Lin Xueqing hurried forward, took the child from her hands, and greeted Chen Jianghe: "Jianghe, have a seat, your brother is brewing tea inside."

The two sisters-in-law gathered, and immediately had endless things to talk about. Lin Xueqing asked solicitously whether Ping Le was tired from bringing the kids and how her recovery was going; Ping Le, meanwhile, curiously inquired about her brother's experiences on his business trip, and also praised Xiao Nuanqing for growing ever more lovely and spirited.

Li Ping'an watched his sister's family enjoying their harmonious bliss, a genuine smile spreading across his face. He took out the honey melon he had brought from the inner room, sliced it open—golden flesh exuding a tempting sweet fragrance—and grabbed a big handful of bright red dates.

"Come, try some—these are from the northwest, and they're very sweet." He called out.

The adults ate melon and chatted about family matters. The two kids had no resistance to the sweet honeydew, their faces smeared with juice. Little Li Yaozong assumed the air of a little master, handing over his favorite wooden handgun for his two young cousins to play with; although they didn't yet understand, he earnestly explained it to them.

Chen Jianghe and Li Ping'an sat aside drinking tea. Chen Jianghe briefly described the factory's situation over the past two days—nothing major, yet undercurrents still stirred. Li Ping'an listened, occasionally nodding, saying little.

At the table, the atmosphere grew even more lively. Lin Xueqing prepared several of her signature dishes, and used the mutton Li Ping'an had brought to stew a pot of delicious soup. The kids ate heartily, and the adults' appetites were wide open.

"Brother, you've really earned great merit for the Steel Rolling Mill this time!" Ping Le picked up a chopstick of mutton, sighed contentedly, "Our Textile Factory side has heard all about it—everyone's envious!"

Chen Jianghe also chimed in: "Yeah, Brother. Morale in the factory is high this time."

Li Ping'an smiled, gave his sister a piece of meat: "It's just part of the job. You all eat more, Ping Le, you bring two children, work hard, nourish more."

He looked at the family gathered around the table—gentle and virtuous wife, sensible and clever son, lively and lovable daughter, cheerful and capable sister, down-to-earth reliable brother-in-law, and two toddlers just learning to speak. This warmth and completeness were the entirety of his struggle and protection.

At this moment, in this small world of Xi Kua Yuan, there was only deep familial affection and contented smiles. This ordinary yet precious family meal washed away the dust and fatigue of his journey, and also strengthened his inner conviction—no matter how the outside world changes, he will spare no effort to protect this warmth and genuine happiness that belongs to him.

He knew such tranquil moments were precious beyond measure. Enjoying the present, he also stored up more strength for the unknown future. The laughter and chatter at the dinner table were like the warm sun of winter, illuminating Xi Kua Yuan and warming Li Ping'an's heart, which had never relaxed.