Chapter 15: The First Step into an Official Career

"Liu Lan, go and invite Master He over." After the group had finished discussing, the Factory Director called Liu Lan over and instructed her.

"Right away, Leader." Liu Lan agreed with a smile. As she went out, she gave Deputy Director Li a look; Li Huaide hurriedly lowered his head, pretending he hadn't seen it.

Upon receiving the notice, He Yuzhu tidied himself up a bit, took off his somewhat greasy apron, and tossed it to Ma Hua: "Help me wash this."

Then, in high spirits, he arrived at the small private dining room, pushed the door open with a smile, and walked in: "Leader, were you looking for me? Is the food not to your taste, or...?"

Last night's events had further solidified his convictions; he had no intention of making things difficult for others, but he also didn't want to be at anyone's beck and call!

"Hahaha, how could Master He's cooking not be delicious? We were just about to lick the plates clean. Come, sit down, let me introduce you to everyone." The Factory Director enthusiastically pulled He Yuzhu over and introduced him one by one to the people at the table.

"Haha, that's right. If we didn't have guests here, I really would have wanted to lick up the sauce."

"Hehe, you're joking, Leader. It's my fault; next time, I'll make larger portions."

He Yuzhu listened to the Factory Director's introductions while cautiously greeting each person in turn.

To tell the truth, He Yuzhu was truly flattered to be facing such a kind Factory Director; with over ten thousand workers at the Rolling Mill, the current factory leaders were truly leaders.

After the introductions were finished, the Factory Director patted He Yuzhu on the shoulder: "Master He, you're off tomorrow, so how about you come with us to cook a meal for the Big Leader? Is that alright?"

Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu showed a hint of hesitation. It wasn't that he didn't want to go; on the contrary, this was the very opportunity to meet the Big Leader that he had been waiting for.

But he couldn't show it on the surface. For things that are easy to do, one must show a bit of hesitation so that others will better remember the favor.

If you take on everything with ease, it seems simple and effortless.

Who would remember your favor then?

"This..."

"What's wrong, Master He? Are there any difficulties?" The Factory Director was very sharp and saw the trace of hesitation on He Yuzhu's face at a glance.

"Sigh, I won't hide it from you, Leader. Cooking a meal is simple; it's just a matter of you giving the word. But my house was burned down by someone, and now I don't even have a place to stay. I have to hurry and tidy up the place, otherwise, I'll freeze to death sleeping outside tonight." He Yuzhu stood up and bowed with a look of embarrassment.

The Factory Director nodded and put away his smile.

"Oh? Is that so?" One of the slightly older guests slapped the table: "How arrogant! How could someone burn down another person's house!"

"Exactly! Lawless! Such a villain must be dealt with severely!" another guest said, filled with righteous indignation.

He Yuzhu looked at the group with a sheepish smile.

"Hey, I heard it wasn't quite like that. It's said that a child was trying to light a fire for Master He and accidentally started the blaze; it wasn't arson." Li Huaide interjected at the right moment.

He Yuzhu was startled; he raised his head and glanced at Deputy Director Li, a suspicion forming in his heart.

"Oh, that makes more sense."

"Hmm."

"How about this? Isn't there an empty unit in the Staff Building? Your qualifications and conditions are suitable, so we'll allocate one to you. That way you won't have to worry about fixing up your house. How about that?" After a while, the Factory Director suddenly looked up and said something that surprised He Yuzhu.

"Ah? Leader, that wouldn't be appropriate, this, you say, sigh, well, thank you, Leader."

To be honest, this wasn't really what he wanted—the Siheyuan would be worth so much in the future—but since the Factory Director offered it, it would be too disrespectful to refuse.

He Yuzhu chuckled, rubbing his hands continuously, looking like an honest and grateful man.

Leaders, after all, like to see their subordinates act this way.

"Haha, not only that, as long as you can whet the Big Leader's appetite, I'll promote you to Deputy Director of the Small Canteen!" The Factory Director gave He Yuzhu another surprise.

Originally, there were only a few people in the Small Kitchen, and He Yuzhu had always been the one in charge. Whether he was promoted to Deputy Director didn't make much of a difference, but this way, he, He Yuzhu, could finally be considered an official.

He Yuzhu hurriedly bowed deeply, looking extremely moved. His face flushed red, and he wiped his eyes with a sniffle, his voice choked with emotion as he said: "Leader, Factory Director, don't you worry, I will definitely satisfy the Big Leader. You are my provider, you are..."

"Alright, alright, say no more. I know you're grateful. Just cook the food well; if the Big Leader isn't satisfied..." The Factory Director suddenly looked up.

"Understood! I guarantee the Leader will be satisfied!" He Yuzhu stood at attention, making everyone burst into laughter.

"Alright, go on and get back to work. Tomorrow at seven in the morning, I'll have the driver come pick you up." The Factory Director waved his hand with a smile. This He Yuzhu was quite sensible, not as stubborn as the rumors suggested.

Only the smiling Deputy Director Li frowned inwardly. After all, the canteen was under his jurisdiction; now that He Yuzhu had become the Deputy Director of the Small Canteen, what was this? A division of power?

But being a man of deep hidden motives, he didn't show a hint of dissatisfaction on his face and even offered a few flattering words with a smile.

He Yuzhu bowed again and backed out of the room with a smile.

Once out of the small private room, looking at the empty corridor, He Yuzhu dropped his expression and clenched his fists tightly!

He had finally taken the first step!

To use that phrase from Hao Jian, from today on, he, too, could be considered a man in the political arena!

Only then did he leave with a calm expression and return to the Small Kitchen. As for what happened in the private room, no one asked, and naturally, he didn't say.

Having experienced so many things, he was now extremely wary of Xu Damao and the others.

Come to think of it, he should thank Xu Damao for helping him understand the true meaning of the saying, "One must guard against others."

Lighting a cigarette, He Yuzhu thought about Deputy Director Li's excuses for Bang Geng and fell into deep thought. His entire face was hidden in the smoke, with only the tip of the cigarette glowing on and off.

Sure enough, before the shift ended, someone from the Factory Affairs Office arrived, and Yu Haitang announced over the broadcast to the entire factory that because He Yuzhu had performed excellently and had a positive ideological awareness, he was being allocated a 70-square-meter two-bedroom apartment in the staff building!

"Ah?! Congratulations, Master!" Ma Hua was the first to run over, his face full of joy. He Yuzhu could tell that Ma Hua's joy was not mixed with a shred of jealousy, and he nodded with satisfaction.

"Congratulations, Master He."

"Congratulations, congratulations! You have to treat us to a housewarming!"

"Haha, definitely, definitely! Once I'm settled in, everyone come over!" He Yuzhu agreed with a smile.

In the corner, Pangzi smirked and shrank back, offering a couple of quiet congratulations. He Yuzhu didn't pay him any mind, only giving him a flat look.

Pangzi wore a smile, but the scallion he was crushing in his hand betrayed the dissatisfaction in his heart; he secretly glared viciously at Ma Hua behind his back.

He believed that Ma Hua must have spoken ill of him behind his back; otherwise, He Yuzhu couldn't have been so cold to him. Evil thoughts began to stir in his heart!

After work, He Yuzhu packed up his knives and took them home. Ma Hua followed along, helping him move things, and only left the Siheyuan after they had finished eating.

Qin Huairu did not return all night. He Yuzhu sighed and fell into a deep sleep.

"Beep, beep-beep."

Early in the morning, the sound of a car horn rang out outside the door. He Yuzhu, dressed cleanly, simply, and neatly, walked out carrying his knife set.

Glancing at Xu Damao, who was walking out from the Back Yard with dark circles under his eyes and a bruise on the corner of his mouth, He Yuzhu sneered.

"What the hell are you laughing at! You just wait, Shazhu, if I don't fix you, I'm not Xu Damao!" Xu Damao shuddered the moment He Yuzhu stared at him, and the wounds on his body began to ache.

Then Xu Damao spat at He Yuzhu's retreating back, clenching his fists and cursing under his breath.

He Yuzhu naturally paid no mind to this clown and got into the car on his own: "Sorry to trouble you, driver."

"Don't mention it, Master He." The driver turned his head and smiled, replying politely—ahem, because he also had a relative about to get married.

This car is far worse than his Prado, He Yuzhu sighed to himself.

Looking out the window, He Yuzhu shouted loudly in his heart!

The Big Leader? I, He Yuzhu, am coming!