Chapter 100: He Yuzhu Returns to Sijiu City

Early the next morning, the canteen of the Lou Steel Rolling Mill exploded into chaos.

Several veteran masters gathered in front of the newly posted notice, discussing it in a clamor.

Liu Shifu stood with his hands on his hips, pointing at the notice and cursing: "This He Daqing is just a bootlicker! What kind of rubbish rules are these? Raw and cooked meat have to use different cutting boards? No smoking in the back kitchen? Must wash hands after using the latrine? The countertops have to be scrubbed every day... This work is impossible to do!"

"If you won't do it, leave now; no one is stopping you!" A cold voice came from behind. When Liu Shifu turned his head, he saw that He Daqing had already appeared behind him at some point, arms crossed, his gaze like a blade.

Liu Shifu was instantly incensed: "When I was working here, you were still wearing split-crotch pants! Now you're trying to boss me around?"

"I am the Director of the Canteen, and I am definitely going to manage you." He Daqing said, enunciating every word, "Look clearly: violating the regulations once is a fine of half a Big Ocean, the second time is one, and the third time you get out."

"I'm going to find the Boss to reason this out!" Liu Shifu said.

"I already discussed it with Lou Laoban yesterday, and he fully supports me!" He Daqing's tone was firm.

"If this place won't keep me, there's bound to be a place that will; I'm not doing this anymore!" Liu Shifu roared.

"Xiao Liu, take Liu Shifu to the Accountant's office and settle his wages for this month." He Daqing ordered, leaving no room for doubt.

Xiao Liu hurriedly responded: "Yes, then Liu Shifu, please."

Liu Shifu was suddenly overcome with shame and anger, lunging forward to swing a fist at He Daqing, still cursing as he did so.

"Screw your grandfather, you're actually bullying me now; I'll beat you to death today!"

He Daqing nimbly dodged to the side, and Liu Shifu lunged into empty air; he then raised a leg.

"Bang!"

Liu Shifu was tripped directly and fell to his knees on the ground.

Liu Shifu scrambled up, his eyes red, wanting to grab his usual large iron spatula for stir-frying.

He Daqing had been prepared; he kicked out, landing precisely on the most vulnerable part of Liu Shifu's knee.

"Ow," Liu Shifu shrieked, collapsing onto the floor.

At this moment, the security guards arrived upon hearing the commotion; after clarifying the situation, they hauled Liu Shifu away.

The remaining few who had wanted to cause trouble were all silent as cicadas in winter, obediently getting back to work.

Lao Li leaned over and asked cautiously: "Director He, now that Liu Shifu is gone, who will stir-fry the big-pot meals today?"

"I learned how to do it a long time ago." He Daqing said with calm composure, "If the butcher Zhang leaves, can we not eat pork with hair on it? Xiao Liu, you follow me and learn; once you've learned, you'll take Lao Li's spot and become a master chef."

Xiao Liu was flattered and nodded repeatedly: "Director He, I'll listen to you and definitely learn well!"

After the recent commotion, He Daqing's stance had been established; he had clearly told everyone that if they wanted to play hard with him, he was even harder than them.

Those in the kitchen who wanted to cause trouble all felt that this He Daqing was not to be trifled with. They all went back to their own business.

He Yuzhu got off the train at Qianmen Railway Station; he didn't rush home, but instead settled Wang Jiazhi in a hotel first, then headed straight for Jin Hai's house.

He knew Jin Hai had quite a few properties in his hands and intended to rent a suitable courtyard for Wang Jiazhi.

Upon arriving at Jin Hai's house, Dayingzi greeted him enthusiastically: "I went to your shop twice, and they both said you went to Nanjing; what big business did you go to do?"

"Nothing major, just helping a friend escort some goods; the road wasn't very peaceful, so it took over half a month." He Yuzhu replied with a smile; he then took out the Yunjin brocade and Yuhua Tea he had brought from Nanjing from his backpack, "Sister, these are local specialties I brought for you."

Dayingzi took the gifts and was instantly all smiles: "Little brother, you're good! You still thought of your sister while out and about."

"That's a must! Sister, have you been to Qianmen to listen to storytelling lately?"

Dayingzi shook her head: "I still don't dare to go alone."

"We'll go together another day." He Yuzhu said.

"That would be lovely!" Dayingzi said.

The two chatted happily, their laughter carrying outside the courtyard.

Jin Hai was walking in the alley and felt it was strange; what was up with Dayingzi today?

He saw He Yuzhu and understood, teasing: "In the time you were gone, Dayingzi has mentioned you several times."

"Brother, don't talk nonsense. It's you who wants to find her!"

"Brother Jin Hai, I came over today because I have something to ask of you," He Yuzhu said, getting straight to the point, "I want to ask if you have any houses for rent?"

Jin Hai pondered for a moment: "What a coincidence, a small courtyard just opened up over at Qianmen; the tenant went to Hong Kong."

"That's perfect, I won't even go look at it, I'll just settle it with you. Tell me how to pay."

"Why mention money," Jin Hai waved his hand, "I was actually thinking of partnering with you to open a restaurant. My second brother Tie Lin has been on missions lately and nearly died three times; he wants to ask someone to help him transfer out of his post! The three of us brothers also want to help him find a reason!"

Upon hearing this, Dayingzi glared at Jin Hai. She was not very satisfied with Jin Hai taking such good care of Tie Lin.

"That's easy to handle," He Yuzhu smiled, "You have the storefront, I provide the technique; we split the money and the profits fifty-fifty."

The two talked in detail for a long time and finally finalized the specifics.

Jin Hai handed two keys to He Yuzhu and said: "I'll write down the address for you; you handle the arrangements yourself! Whatever total amount you need, come find me to get it."

Dayingzi muttered: "If you let Tie Lin manage the restaurant, won't his wife Guan Baohui go there every single day? That woman is a lazy glutton."

He Yuzhu smiled and smoothed things over: "Next time we open a branch, I'll definitely invite Sister Dayingzi to be the Manager."

"That's more like it!" Dayingzi laughed happily.

After leaving Jin Hai's house, He Yuzhu went to see Liu Rusi.

When Pingping opened the door, she was indifferent: "The Miss is taking a bath, you just wait." After finishing, she went back to her own business.

He Yuzhu sat on the sofa and took two paintings out of his backpack—actually, he took them from his space. He also took out some Yunjin brocade and Yuhua Tea he had obtained from Yi Xiansheng.

The heating pipes in the room were burning brightly, as if the room and the freezing cold outside were two different worlds.

Hearing that He Yuzhu had arrived, Liu Rusi came downstairs without even drying her hair.

Damp strands of hair were still dripping water, which landed on the collar of her silk robe.

He Yuzhu looked at Liu Rusi, who looked like a lotus rising from the water, and was momentarily dazed.

To tell the truth, compared to Wang Jiazhi's gentleness, he preferred this unique femininity of Liu Rusi.

Liu Rusi sat down beside him, reached out to touch his cheek, and chuckled softly: "You went out for a trip, and your skin has become much rougher."

"Isn't that the truth? The journey was nothing but suffering!"

"You brat, you had merit in this escort mission, but you were disobedient and just disappeared, which is a fault. The two cancel each other out, so I won't reward you."

"Sister, I acquired two ancient paintings for you, but I don't understand these things myself, so I don't know if they are real or fake!" He Yuzhu said hurriedly.

Liu Rusi looked him over with a meaningful expression: "I heard that the home of the great traitor Yi Xiansheng was emptied out; it couldn't have been you, could it?"

He Yuzhu shook his head repeatedly: "How could it be? However, I have also heard about this matter. The news I heard is that this Yi Xiansheng was killed by one of his concubines. It seems he abused her..."

"You really know quite a lot! I heard that Nanjing sent people to hunt down this woman, suffered huge losses, and in the end, didn't catch her..."

"It's chaotic times now, so how could it be that easy to catch someone! By the way, is this Yi Xiansheng from your faction?"

"Zheng De's father-in-law was his direct superior," Liu Rusi said indifferently.

"Then I understand now." He Yuzhu unfolded a painting.

Liu Rusi gasped: "This is an authentic work by Shitao from the early Qing Dynasty! It's worth several courtyard houses! Do you really want to give it to me?"

"Of course, it's to show my respect to you!"

He Yuzhu unfolded another one, and after examining it carefully, Liu Rusi exclaimed: "Tang Bohu's Shinü Tu! You brat, you didn't rob the presidential residence in Nanjing, did you!"

He Yuzhu chuckled: "Sister, don't be happy too soon; what if they are fakes?"

After carefully authenticating them, Liu Rusi shook her head: "Even if they are fakes, they are the work of a master who can pass the fake off as genuine. You have a heart this time."

"Always sucking up!" Pingping mocked from the side.

"Pingping, stop standing there like a telephone pole and go bring those forty Big Yellow Fish from upstairs!"

Pingping hurriedly went upstairs and carried down a wooden box.

"This is your share from the sale of the property! Keep it safe."

He Yuzhu beamed with joy: "Thank you, Sister!"

Liu Rusi suddenly said seriously: "There is something I must ask of you. Liu Xiaohua is not dead and has even orchestrated several bombing cases. Can you find him?"

He Yuzhu frowned and said: "I will try, but I can't guarantee anything. Liu Xiaohua has a high IQ, is elusive, and doesn't play by the rules. Although I have good skills, I might not necessarily be able to catch him!"

Liu Rusi sighed softly: "You must take this matter to heart. Right now, the entire upper echelon of Beiping cannot sleep soundly, fearing that they might be blown to the sky any day."