Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 2937 Those are all my students

Inside the Xie family's house.

Old Master Ye sat quietly to the side, occasionally glancing at the younger generation of the Xie family.

He was about the same age as Xie Jiarong, but he was all alone, while Xie had four generations living under one roof.

Seeing the youngest child leaning against his mother's leg, with tension and fear in his eyes, Old Ye knew that this family was not living a happy life.

Looking at the family's situation, while not exactly destitute, they were certainly struggling financially.

The family members' clothing all exuded a simple and unpretentious style.

Even though he came from a poor family and suffered some unfair treatment, he could still feel a force of perseverance and see that simple and unpretentious upbringing!
Coming to his senses, Old Ye listened to the conversation between Yang Xiaotao and Xie Jiarong.

"Our goal is to transport natural gas from the Northwest to the eastern coastal cities via pipeline."

"Of course, it also needs to be sent to Beijing."

Yang Xiaotao told Xie Jiarong what he wanted to do, and then looked at him and said in a sincere tone.

"However, whether this is just wishful thinking on our part needs to be investigated in practice, and we need professional people to help us make an assessment."

"Old Ye recommended you to us!"

Yang Xiaotao glanced at Teacher Ye, and Xie Jiarong smiled back at him. The two weren't close; if they were, they were just nodding acquaintances from their school days.

Now that the other party has actually helped him out, it would be a lie to say he isn't grateful.

For him personally, this meant that his ambitions could continue.

For their family, it meant changing their current living environment.

This allows my spouse to focus on recovering without worrying about their health.

This allows children to work with peace of mind, without worry or anxiety.

Let children have a wonderful childhood, instead of being left with deep impressions by insults, ridicule, and sarcasm.

He had no intention of refusing, neither from a moral nor a logical standpoint.

Even if his body can't hold up for much longer, he still needs this job.

Thinking this, Xie Jiarong looked at Yang Xiaotao's sincere face and smiled.

"Minister Yang, thank you for coming in person."

"This shows me a great deal of respect! For that, I thank you!"

Old Xie spoke quietly, and everyone around him nodded in agreement.

For someone in Yang Xiaotao's position to come here in person already demonstrates his personal attitude.

Those who are here especially understand how important Yang Xiaotao's arrival and the affirmation of his status are to them.

"As far as my family is concerned..."

Grandpa Xie looked around at his family members, a loving smile spreading across his face. He then said gratefully to Yang Xiaotao, "This is an affirmation, a sign of trust. On behalf of my family, I thank you!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Xie Jiarong's eldest daughter-in-law suddenly leaned on her husband's shoulder and began to sob uncontrollably.

Lou Xiao'e felt the same way as the old woman who was constantly crying in front of her.

There was a time when their family also faced this situation.

At that time...

If it weren't for Yang Xiaotao, she wouldn't know what she could do now, or what her life would be like.

Old Ye took out two candies from his pocket. These were the prizes he gave to the children when he taught in the courtyard. He waved to the little boy next to him. The boy was shy, but his father nudged him, and he timidly walked up to Old Ye.

Grandpa Ye held the child in his arms, then unwrapped a piece of candy and put it in the child's mouth, asking, "Is it sweet?"

"sweet!"

Old Ye laughed, "From now on, there will only be sweetness!"

When the people in the room heard what Old Ye said, smiles appeared on their faces, even though tears were still flowing!

"Mr. Xie, you're exaggerating."

Yang Xiaotao quickly waved his hand and laughed, "I had no choice. I wanted to find someone to help me, but when I looked around, there was no one I could use. Luckily, you're here, otherwise this task would have been really difficult for us."

Xie Jiarong shook his head, "If not me, Xie Jiarong, then there's Wang Jiarong, Li Jiarong..."

"But all we need is you, Comrade Xie Jiarong!"

Yang Xiaotao interrupted Elder Xie and said earnestly and firmly.

Xie Jiarong was taken aback when he heard the word "comrade," and then his eyes reddened.

Yang Xiaotao patted the other person's hand, then stood up and looked at everyone in the room.

In front of the neighborhood director, the police station chief, and everyone in the courtyard, he solemnly said, "We know the efforts and sacrifices Comrade Xie Jiarong made in the construction of the country."

"It is also clear that Comrade Xie Jiarong has a patriotic heart that is dedicated to the country and the rise of the nation."

"In my eyes, Comrade Xie Jiarong is the best practitioner of the revolutionary path."

"We should respect and cherish such comrades, so that they can concentrate more on the revolution and national construction!"

"Director Xu, our Ninth Department will pay attention to this, and we also hope that your subdistrict office will take it to heart and show concern."

Director Xu, who was called out, shuddered and immediately stepped forward excitedly, saying, "Director Yang is right. It was our oversight before. But don't worry, we will definitely take good care of Comrade Xie Jiarong in the future so that he has no worries!"

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then looked at the police station chief standing to the side.

"Comrade Xie Jiarong will be involved in a very important mission. Our Ninth Department's Security Division will pay close attention to it, and we hope you will do a good job in security!"

After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, the director immediately saluted and shouted, "Please rest assured, Director Yang, we guarantee to complete the mission!"

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then turned to look at Elder Xie, "Elder Xie, I came in a hurry today and didn't bring any decent gifts."

"But we're about to eat, and since I'm asking for your help, I'd like to treat you and your family to a meal. Please don't refuse!"

After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Old Ye put the child down, stood up and grabbed Old Xie's hand, "Old Xie, it's been a long time since we sat together. There's no time like the present, let's do it today."

But then she looked at Yang Xiaotao and said, "This meal is on me!"

"Wait until Lao Xie joins the Ninth Division before you invite him!"

Yang Xiaotao nodded repeatedly, "Alright, alright, you're the grandmaster, you're the boss, what you say goes!"

As he spoke, Old Ye laughed, but shook Old Xie's hand vigorously.

"well!"

At this moment, Xie Jiarong could only nod, uttering the most appropriate words from his heart.

When they arrived this time, Yang Xiaotao and Old Ye rode in a jeep, while the security personnel rode in an armored vehicle.

This was also because Yang Xiaotao was afraid that some fools would come forward and cause trouble, but it seems that there are not many fools now.

The group, filling two cars to capacity, then left the alley and headed towards Quanjude.

After the security personnel ran away, the courtyard instantly erupted in noise.

"The Xie family's luck has really turned around this time!"

A long sigh contained deep envy.

"That's right, this is the Ninth Division! Everyone knows that the Ninth Division is the best right now, and the commander himself came. This is more than just an honor!"

The people around them also felt a pang of envy, saying enviously, while silently thinking to themselves, "From now on, the Xie family is different from them!"

"Oh dear, oh dear!"

Suddenly, a woman stomped her foot, her face full of regret.

The people around looked over and immediately smiled.

It turned out that the Xie family wanted to arrange a blind date with this woman's daughter, but not only did they not like her, they were also ridiculed, with people saying that they wouldn't even have a place to sleep after getting married, and what were they thinking?

Nowadays, it's estimated that the Xie family will soon be overwhelmed with matchmakers.

Even if I stay here, I won't be able to stay for long!
Seeing the woman's remorseful expression, everyone smiled. Meanwhile, in the crowd, Qin Huairu watched the Xie family leave, observing Lou Xiao'e's clean, smooth face, her well-dressed appearance, and her composed demeanor…

A pang of sorrow welled up in my heart.

Back in the day, she was the most beautiful flower in the courtyard.

Now, however, they are withered flowers and fallen willows...

When I saw Yang Xiaotao walk out with a dignified bearing, attracting attention with his laughter and conversation, I felt not bitterness, but deep regret.

Even though she had suppressed this regret deep in her heart, even though it was only a tiny bit, like a strand of hair, the moment she saw Yang Xiaotao, that tiny bit was like the thickest ink, spreading and instantly filling her mind.

People in the courtyard gradually went home, and soon only a few remained.

Qin Huairu stood quietly at her own doorway, staring blankly at the gate of the tenement courtyard. She seemed to see a young man carrying fish and meat walk up to her, smiling, and say, "Sister Qin, I bought meat. We're having dumplings tonight..."

"Mom, I'm hungry!"

The sound of locust blossoms came from behind me, instantly bringing me back to reality.

But all I saw was an empty gate!

……

The next morning, Xie Jiarong arrived at the Ninth Research Institute.

Yang Xiaotao, along with Li Hongfeng, Elder Ye, and several others, lined the road to welcome them and introduced them one by one.

He then personally delivered the letter of appointment to Xie Jiarong.

"Thank you, sir. We'll be relying on you from now on!"

Xie Jiarong, dressed in a faded Zhongshan suit, solemnly accepted the letter of appointment and said in a serious tone, "I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

At that moment, enthusiastic applause erupted from the crowd.

Afterwards, everyone went to the Ninth Department's conference room. Yang Xiaotao watched as everyone took their seats and said with a smile, "Today, our Ninth Department welcomes an elder, which also means that we are about to face even greater challenges!"

"However, I believe that with the efforts of our comrades, no challenge can be hidden from us!"

Papapa

After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, Li Hongfeng, on behalf of the Ninth Organization, expressed his concern for Elder Xie and personally arranged a new place to live.

After the welcoming ceremony in the morning, everyone had lunch, and then Yang Xiaotao, Xie Jiarong, Ye Lao, and others entered the conference room to discuss matters related to the West-East Gas Pipeline project.

"Mr. Xie, our Ninth Department is responsible for implementing this West-East Gas Pipeline project."

"I'll be in charge of the project objectives, and I need you as the chief designer for the project team!"

Xie Jiarong nodded happily, without any objection.

Yang Xiaotao was appointed as the project leader not only because of his position, but more importantly, because it would be very difficult to push forward such a large project without someone of considerable influence in charge.

With Yang Xiaotao in charge, things will be much simpler and easier.

"As for who is needed for this project, I can only arrange some college students, high school students, and hardworking people who can do odd jobs."

"As for how to do this, you'll need to come up with a plan!"

Yang Xiaotao was clear about his own strengths and knew that he was an outsider when it came to people's expertise, so he naturally wouldn't interfere too much.

Hearing Yang Xiaotao say this repeatedly gave Xie Jiarong even more confidence.

I couldn't sleep last night, so I kept thinking about the West-to-East Gas Pipeline project.

In my mind, it stretches from the Northwest to Beijing, to Shanghai, to Guangdong.

The entire terrain appeared in my mind: where the terrain needed to be bypassed, where the mountains needed to be excavated, and where bridges needed to be built over the rivers…

They even had some ideas about what methods to use to get through these mountains, and what kind of people to use in which places.

After thinking about it for most of the night, I actually came up with three solutions.

But when I tried to think about it again, I was overcome with drowsiness and fell into a deep sleep.

Now, I understand the situation, what I lack is support.

Now that Yang Xiaotao has expressed his full support, he has gained 80-90% confidence in the West-East Gas Pipeline project.

Thinking of this, Xie Jiarong smiled and said, "I have a few good-for-nothing students. If possible, let them come and do what they can for the revolution."

"Great, absolutely great!"

Yang Xiaotao immediately smiled and then winked at Liu Lixue, who immediately placed the prepared paper and pen in front of Xie Lao.

Mr. Xie picked up his pen and pondered for a moment before writing down the names of people, followed by their workplaces and addresses.

He wrote down about ten names before stopping, then checked them over and handed them to Yang Xiaotao.

“These are all students I’ve taught before. They’ve made some achievements in geology. I think they can help out.”

Xie Jiarong spoke softly, but then frowned, "However, this information is from ten years ago, and I don't even know if some of the workplaces are still there!"

Yang Xiaotao looked at the dozen or so names on the list, none of which were familiar to him, but that was normal.

"Old Chen, I'm leaving this to you. Find the person as soon as possible, and then show our sincerity by bringing him here!"

He then handed the note to Chen Gong, who was standing to the side; he was the most suitable person to handle this kind of thing.

Chen Gong took the list and, without even looking at it, smiled and said, "Don't worry, there's no problem."

"Even if it were the King of Heaven himself, I wouldn't..."

The voice suddenly stopped as they were speaking.

He glanced at the list and the first name seemed familiar.

Not just familiar, but extremely familiar.

Because this person lived in their yard.

The Vice Dean of the School of Geology!

Zhao Dongliang!
Then I looked down and saw another familiar name after seven or eight other names.

Wang Xuyao, Dean of the Geological College of Shanxi Province!

This…

Chen Gong looked at the workplaces behind him again. Although the names didn't match his current workplace, his intuition told him that it was these two people.

Yang Xiaotao and the others had only heard half of what was said when they looked up at Chen Gong, only to see Chen Gong looking up at Elder Xie. "Teacher Xie, is this Zhao Dongliang you're talking about someone with one big eye and one small eye?"

Xie Jiarong immediately nodded, "Yes, Dongliang's left eye is indeed bigger. He was teased by his classmates when he was in school, and it even made it harder for him to find a partner when he grew up!"

Xie Jiarong smiled, but Chen Gong couldn't smile at all. He turned to Yang Xiaotao and said, "This is Zhao Dongliang, from our courtyard."

"The vice dean of the Geological Institute in Beijing!"

"You probably won't be able to find this person again!"

Yang Xiaotao took a deep breath, about to speak, when he heard Chen Gong point to the list and say, "This, this Wang Xuyao, if nothing unexpected happens, should be the dean of the Geological Institute of Jin Province!"

"It's possible, probably, that we won't be able to find it!"

At this moment, Xie Jiarong said with a smile, "Wang Xuyao, this kid often skips classes to study. If he could just focus, he would make even greater progress!"

Yang Xiaotao opened his mouth to speak. "He's already become the dean, isn't that good?"
Go a step further?
Oh my god!

"There are a few other people, and I reckon they're all quite formidable!"

After saying that, Chen Gong swallowed hard. He felt that he was unlikely to be able to complete this task.

"It's alright, these are all my students. Just tell them I asked them to help, and they'll agree!"

At this moment, Xie Jiarong smiled and said that he would not trouble these students if it were anything else.

But now, this is not his personal matter; it is about building the country and making sacrifices for the revolution.

He believed that his students would come to his aid!
Chen Gong looked at Elder Xie, then at Yang Xiaotao, and finally nodded, "I'll go find Zhao Daye right now!"

He even used nicknames while speaking, which made everyone in the room laugh involuntarily.