Chapter 73: Happy New Year!

The next day.

Yang Qing continued to arrive early at the Steel Rolling Mill.

How Yi Zhonghai learned that Yang Qing was moonlighting at the Third Canteen is unknown.

A big boss, seething and wanting to teach Yang Qing a lesson, called in a favor and went to find Team Leader Han.

"Chef Han, I heard a temporary worker showed up at your canteen?"

Chef Han was asked in a rather puzzling way.

"Yes, but I don't know who Master Yi is?"

Yi Zhonghai leaned in and whispered.

"Yang Qing and I have a bit of a grudge."

"Do me a favor."

Chef Han's face showed surprise upon hearing Yi Zhonghai's words.

"That seems excessive, Master Yi. You're such a senior master, making a fuss over a temporary worker?"

He wasn't inclined to help lightly; the back kitchen and the workshop are separate systems, and Yi Zhonghai's influence hadn't reached the level where the whole plant had to give him face.

Most importantly, Yang Qing works efficiently; replacing him might delay things.

Now is the time when wild vegetables are abundant, and also when plant workers improve their meals.

If a problem arises, he will be held accountable.

On what grounds does a single sentence of yours make me bear this responsibility?

Yi Zhonghai also knew that his own face hadn't yet reached the point of commanding a canteen chef.

He pulled ten yuan and a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and slipped them into Chef Han's hand.

"I won't put you in a bind; just say the word and swap a person with the Second Canteen."

Chef Han squinted, as if recalling something.

"He Yuzhu?"

Yi Zhonghai nodded.

Chef Han thought for a moment; this matter wasn't really a big deal.

"If the person we swap in works well, I can do you this favor."

"But if the temporary worker from there causes any trouble, that responsibility will fall on He Yuzhu, right?"

"If that's acceptable, have He Yuzhu come talk to me."

"If you only say it, we'd better pretend nothing happened right now."

"I've been at the Steel Rolling Mill for over a decade; not just anyone can be used by me."

Yi Zhonghai was surprised by Chef Han's caution.

He originally intended to act directly; given the feud between He Yuzhu and Yang Qing, once Yang Qing went over, it would certainly not end peacefully.

He was up to something bad but didn't want to get himself entangled.

But now, Chef Han clearly wouldn't cooperate.

"Alright, I'll have Zhuzi come over in a moment."

Saying that, Yi Zhonghai slipped the money and cigarettes into Chef Han's hand.

Once such items are taken out, they can't be put back; whether the plan succeeds or not, it's a price he must pay.

After parting with Chef Han, Yi Zhonghai made his way to the Second Canteen.

He Yuzhu had strained his arm because of yesterday's incident.

Although Chen Hong helped him get back, the strained muscle and tendon couldn't recover that quickly.

So he is now sitting in the canteen, watching others work.

Yi Zhonghai saw He Yuzhu and called out.

"Zhuzi, come over here for a moment."

Although He Yuzhu had seen Yi Zhonghai's true nature during this time, tearing off his mask was impossible.

He is Yi Zhonghai's patron in the compound; even if his intentions are bad, he can only play along.

Otherwise, fatherless and motherless, they would become Yang Qing, Xu Damao's third.

He Yuzhu crossed his arms and walked out.

Yi Zhonghai looked at his dangling arm and asked concernedly.

"What's wrong, injured?"

He Yuzhu nodded.

"Just a slight strain; a few days of rest will fix it."

"Big boss came over with something?"

"It can't be about bringing meals, can it?"

He Yuzhu frowned.

He truly didn't want to help the ungrateful wolf any longer; his good wife was gone, and the Jia Family had taken great credit.

Seeing He Yuzhu's displeased expression, Yi Zhonghai hurriedly said.

"Zhuzi, let's step outside and talk."

He Yuzhu hesitated briefly, then followed him out.

Yi Zhonghai saw his demeanor and deeply felt that Sha Zhu was drifting farther away from him.

They found an empty spot and stopped.

He Yuzhu said.

"Elder Sir, what exactly is the matter?"

Yi Zhonghai said softly.

"Zhuzi, I know you've been badly bullied by Yang Qing."

"I came just to tell you, Yang Qing is now washing vegetables in the Third Canteen."

He Yuzhu's eyes narrowed upon hearing that, a flash of cold light passed.

"Elder Sir, what do you mean?"

Yi Zhonghai saw the situation and knew there was an opportunity.

"I've told Chef Han, as long as you make a trip, you can swap Yang Qing out."

He Yuzhu's heart was first moved; this anger, he had been holding it in.

Being slapped in the face by the trash he had always stepped on made him feel extremely embarrassed.

But thinking of Yang Qing's ruthlessness, he hesitated again.

"What place is the canteen? It does have knives; if Yang Qing doesn't follow common sense, picks up a knife and chops him, even if Yang Qing's outcome won't be good, but what about him?"

Seeing Sha Zhu's hesitation, Yi Zhonghai fanned the flames from the side.

"You're injured now; the canteen can't keep up, and Yang Qing is the chief culprit—what you're doing is a bit excessive, and no one else will say anything."

"Besides, the canteen is your turf; do you still need to be afraid of him?"

A few words from Yi Zhonghai hit the vital point, and He Yuzhu's heart was moved.

"Alright, I'll go find Head Chef Han in a moment."

He returned to the canteen and briefly told his own people about how he had been schemed against.

For a moment, the Second Canteen was filled with fervent enthusiasm.

Then he briefly explained his plan again.

Everyone agreed to cooperate with him.

Yang Qing, who was washing wild vegetables, was suddenly called over by Head Chef Han.

"You're called Yang Qing, right?"

Yang Qing nodded, bewildered.

"Yes, Chef Han, do you have something?"

Head Chef Han nodded.

"Today the Second Canteen is overwhelmed; we need to swap in a capable worker to help out."

"I recommended you."

"If you perform well, you might get a chance to stay."

He put on an act of doing it for your own good.

And Yang Qing instantly sensed that something was out of the ordinary.

"Chef Han, I was assigned here by Logistics, right?"

Chef Han laughed.

"I've already given Logistics a heads-up."

"Just go over directly."

Yang Qing knew the backlash of drawing his sword was coming.

If he gets through it, others will have to weigh their options later.

If he can't get through it, all his previous efforts will be completely wasted.

Now, being under the eaves, he must go—he has decided to go.

Afterwards, it's just a matter of seeing how to counter the moves.

"Alright, then I'll go over now."

Having said that, Yang Qing took off his apron and sleeve guards, greeted his friends in the Third Canteen, and left.

The people of the Third Canteen still felt it was a pity.

This person is really too proactive; with Yang Qing around, they could save a lot of work.

But they don't have the final say; this canteen is still Chef Han's call.

Yang Qing made his way all the way to the Second Canteen.

At a glance he saw Sha Zhu leisurely sitting and drinking tea.

Yang Qing came over, didn't say much, found an apron and sleeve guards, put them on, and went to wash vegetables.

Seeing Yang Qing so disrespectful, He Yuzhu hated him even more.

"Little brat, see how I Household Chores you."