Chapter 518: Xu Damao and Shazhu are arguing again!

Xu Damao heard it, the smile on his face faded instantly, he furrowed his brows and asked:

"How strict is it? Isn't there any loophole to exploit? Like the scrap paper and scrap parts those R&D staff throw away?"

"Scrap parts?" Old Zhang snorted, "Their scraps are uniformly recycled, guarded by dedicated staff; they don't let outsiders pick up even a piece of scrap paper. I heard those scrap papers are to be centrally destroyed, for fear of leaking secrets. You, don't think of those crooked ways—be careful not to get burned!"

After saying that, Old Zhang collected the scrap, pushed his cart and left.

Xu Damao spat on the ground, resentful—he kept thinking of finding a chance to get leverage over the Lin family, either to gain some advantage or to embarrass Lin Shengli, but the Lins' defenses were tight; he didn't even have a chance to get close.

At that moment, Shazhu came back carrying a piece of wood, his face full of anger.

Yesterday he argued with a coworker at the steel mill because the coworker praised Lin Shengli's ability; he found it unpleasant, went up to argue, and was caught by the workshop supervisor, who scolded him and docked half a day's wages.

"Xu Damao, what nasty scheme are you hatching squatting here?" Shazhu threw the wood to the ground with a "thud", his tone aggressive.

Xu Damao glanced at him, gloated, and said: "What could I be thinking? Look at your face—you got into another argument, didn't you? Is it because others praised Lin Shengli and you feel uneasy?"

"Shut up!" Shazhu rolled up his sleeves, ready to charge, "My arguing with someone has nothing to do with Lin Shengli! I just can't stand that guy putting on airs!"

"Putting on airs?" Xu Damao stood up, took a step back, "He's a general, a merit in scientific research; what are you? Just a cook at the steel mill—does he need to put on airs in front of you? I think you're just jealous, jealous that he's doing better than you!"

"Jealous of him?" Shazhu's face flushed red, "Why would I be jealous of him? Even if the Lin family is great, they've never given me a penny! I tell you, Xu Damao, don't mention him in front of me, or I'll beat you!"

The two were arguing fiercely when Liu Haizhong walked over.

He wore an old coat, with red bloodshot eyes, obviously he hadn't slept well last night.

His son Liu Guangfu had been idle at home for half a year, sponging off his parents every day; he was so worried his mouth had blisters, and today he wanted to go find Yan Bu Gui to ask if someone could help Liu Guangfu find a job.

"What's the noise for!" Liu Haizhong frowned and scolded, "Early in the morning, can't people have some peace?"

Shazhu glared at him: "Second Elder, this is none of your business, stop meddling!"

Liu Haizhong had no mind to quarrel with Shazhu; he knew he lacked the leverage, and if a fight broke out, he'd be the one to suffer.

He snorted coldly, ignored the two, and headed straight for Yan Bu Gui's home, raising his hand to knock on the door.

The door was opened by San Da Ma; seeing Liu Haizhong, she showed a bit of politeness: "Old Liu, come in and sit."

Yan Bu Gui was chopping firewood in the yard; seeing Liu Haizhong come in, he stopped his work and wiped his sweat:

"Old Liu, why do you have time to come over today?"

Liu Haizhong rubbed his hands, put on a smile, his tone somewhat ingratiating:

"Old Yan, I'm here to ask about something. You see Guangfu has been idle at home for half a year—this isn't a solution. With your wide connections, could you help inquire if there's any temporary work? Even moving bricks or hauling goods would do."

Yan Bu Gui put down the axe, sat on the stone bench, took a sip of tea, and said:

"Old Liu, it's not that I won't help you. Nowadays finding work depends on ability—either you have a skill or you have strength. Guangfu is young, so he has strength, but he's been pampered all his life; can he endure hardship?"

Liu Haizhong sighed: "I know he can't endure hardship, but he can't stay idle at home forever. Old Yan, just ask around—whatever work, let him start; it's better than sponging off his parents."

"I can ask my distant nephew; he's a foreman at the building materials factory, and they're short-staffed." Yan Bu Gui pondered a moment, then said, "But I need to be clear: the work at the building materials factory is tough—moving cement, unloading bricks, you'll be covered in dust all day, and the pay isn't high. If Guangfu can endure hardship, I'll help him connect; if he can't, going there would be pointless."

Upon hearing there was a chance, Liu Haizhong nodded immediately: "He can endure hardship! He can endure hardship! I'll definitely talk to him properly when I get back, get him to work steadily!"

Yan Bu Gui nodded: "Fine, I'll call my nephew tomorrow and let you know if there's any news."

Liu Haizhong left, thanking profusely, finally feeling relieved.

He knew Yan Bu Gui was genuinely helping him, unlike before when he always schemed against him.

He silently swore in his heart that he would never again engage in shady tactics, and would properly let his son work and live a steady life.

At noon, Su Qing carried a lunchbox and slowly walked toward the research base.

The lunchbox contained the braised pork and stir-fried greens she made this morning, plus two white steamed buns, meant as lunch for Lin Zhengpeng.

She knew Lin Zhengpeng had been busy lately, often grabbing meals in the lab, so she wanted to bring him some home-cooked dishes each day to boost his nutrition.

Arriving at the research base gate, the guard saw her and immediately saluted: "Miss Su, you're here."

"Thank you." Su Qing smiled and nodded, following the guard toward the laboratory.

In the laboratory, Lin Zhengpeng was staring at the fire control system parameters on the computer screen, his fingers rapidly tapping the keyboard, his brows slightly furrowed.

Su Qing walked over gently, placed the lunchbox beside his desk, not daring to disturb him.

After a while, Lin Zhengpeng finally stopped his work, turned his head, saw Su Qing, and his fatigue instantly vanished as he smiled: "How come you're here?"

"I brought you lunch." Su Qing opened the lunchbox, laid out the dishes, "I made the braised pork you love—try it while it's hot."