The train driver in the courtyard

The next day, Li Aiguo learned the whole story from Deputy Factory Director Li.

"In this matter, both the deaf old lady and Yi Zhonghai are victims."

The two approached Factory Director Yang, hoping to get a house for Sha Zhu. However, Old Yang was frequently hospitalized and couldn't easily get the real estate department to work, so they enlisted Liu Ming, the errand runner.

Deputy Factory Director Li took a sip of wine, clicked his tongue twice, and continued, "Liu Ming originally planned to use Deputy Director Ma's connections, but Deputy Director Ma refused."

"Liu Ming was reluctant to return the money he had already received, so he forged a property document and gave it to Yi Zhonghai."

He first found a key for Yi Zhonghai, and then continued to pull strings with other leaders, and got the matter done.

As it turns out, you, my nephew, got the house.

That's when the scam was exposed.

Li Aiguo always felt that this temporary worker couldn't possibly be so bold.

It turns out that after all that trouble, it was actually me who ruined this guy's plan.

Let alone a house, a high school student impersonating a university professor or doctoral supervisor went undetected.

Scammers are everywhere!
"What about Yi Zhonghai and the deaf old lady? Can their funds be recovered?" Li Aiguo asked, picking up a piece of tofu.

"Liu Ming is definitely going to be jailed. Yi Zhonghai and the deaf old lady gave him a lecture and planned to release him, but they tried to use connections to break our steel rolling mill's rules and regulations, so this money will definitely be confiscated." Deputy Factory Director Li was also very happy.

After all, Liu Ming was introduced to the two of them by Director Yang. If handled properly, Director Yang's reputation in the steel rolling mill would be greatly diminished.

It's not that the East Wind prevails over the West Wind!
It's like the west wind prevailing over the east wind!
Being merciful to the enemy is being cruel to oneself; Deputy Factory Director Li understood this principle well.

"Come, nephew, I'm sorry you had to go through this. Let me pour you a drink." Deputy Factory Director Li stood up, poured a drink for Li Aiguo, and handed it to him.

Li Aiguo picked up his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.

For some reason, the wine tastes exceptionally good today.

Just as Li Aiguo was drinking with Deputy Factory Director Li, the head of the security department of the steel rolling mill ordered the security officer to open the door to the detention room.

"Yi Zhonghai, He Hushi, you two come out."

Yi Zhonghai was squatting in the corner, sighing.

Upon hearing this, he quickly helped the deaf old lady up and limped to the door.

My legs were numb from squatting for most of the day.

"Boss, are we alright now?" Yi Zhonghai asked excitedly.

"The matter has been investigated and clarified. When you go back, you must learn from this lesson and not be fooled again! Yi Zhonghai, you are a senior worker, how could you be so easily convinced by others?"

The head of the security department gave Yi Zhonghai a good scolding.

If this incident had only been confined to the steel rolling mill, it would have been fine.

Now that the Qianmen Locomotive Depot's workshop has been involved, Deputy Factory Director Li gave their security department and real estate department a severe scolding, and their bonuses for this month have been cancelled.

It would be strange if he were in a good mood this time.

"Yes, yes, leader, I will definitely learn from this lesson and never make the same mistake again." Yi Zhonghai was a little embarrassed, but he didn't dare to argue, so he could only nod repeatedly.

The deaf old woman squinted and said, "Comrade, what about our money? One hundred and fifty yuan. That's my old woman's retirement money."

"The money is confiscated!"

Upon hearing that the money was gone, the deaf old lady felt her head spinning.

She has now had her welfare benefits canceled, and the money she had saved up is dwindling as she spends it. She has already spent a lot of money trying to save Sha Zhu.

If this money is gone, how will we buy a house for Sha Zhu?

“We were also scammed. You need to return the money to me right now, or I’ll go and complain to the boss.”

"Sure, go ahead and report it. Our security department is also investigating your violations of factory regulations!"
"Sha Zhu isn't an employee of the steel rolling mill anymore, is he? You actually want him to get a house under the name of a steel rolling mill employee? Do you know what kind of crime that is?"

The head of the security department was promoted by Deputy Factory Director Li, and he didn't take the deaf old lady seriously at all.

The deaf old lady had never suffered such a loss before. Just as she was about to fly into a rage, Yi Zhonghai grabbed her and held her down.

"Grandma, please don't be impulsive. This isn't a traditional courtyard house." Yi Zhonghai was genuinely frightened.

Ignoring the deaf old lady's objections, Yi Zhonghai forcibly dragged her out of the security office and pulled her outside the factory.

"Yi Zhonghai, it's all your fault, you good-for-nothing! You can't even handle this little thing!" The deaf old lady was still angry and launched into a tirade against Yi Zhonghai.

Yi Zhonghai didn't dare to get angry, and with a quick glance, he said:
"Grandma, the reason this matter failed is ultimately due to Li Aiguo. If he hadn't gotten that house, Liu Ming would definitely have been able to get things done."

"Yeah, that damned Li Aiguo. We should have kicked him out of the courtyard house back then."

"Hey!"

The deaf old lady got angry at the mention of Li Aiguo. Without even looking at the road, she tripped over a brick and fell face-first into the mud.

The deaf old lady had already suffered greatly these past few days, and now she was lying on the ground, unable to even get up.

Having no other choice, Yi Zhonghai could only help the deaf old lady limp back to the courtyard house.

The old man was tending to the flowers and plants in front of the door when he saw the two of them and said in surprise, "What, you let them out?"

"Old Yan, what nonsense are you talking about? We were scammed, we're not criminals."

"Hey, how did I get scammed?"

"I"

At this point, the residents gathered around and asked what had happened.

Yi Zhonghai then found himself in an awkward situation.

If I don't explain myself clearly, I won't be able to clear myself of suspicion as a criminal.

It would be so embarrassing to tell everyone.

Ultimately, faced with being labeled a criminal, Yi Zhonghai chose to lose face.

He recounted in detail how he was deceived.

"So, we are victims too."

The residents began to whisper among themselves.

"What victims? If you weren't after Li Aiguo's house, would you have been fooled?"

"Yes, the steel mill didn't hold them accountable; they've already let them off the hook."

“You know what, it seems like similar incidents have been happening more often lately. I heard Xue Ru mention that there was also a case of someone being scammed because of a house in Zhengyangmen neighborhood.”

Amid the murmurs, Yi Zhonghai felt his face burning. He awkwardly nodded to the residents and helped the deaf old lady home.

Close the door.

The deaf old woman plopped down in a chair, her teeth grinding together: "That damned Li Aiguo, first he sent my precious grandson into the fence."

Now I've been scammed out of over a hundred yuan again. I'll settle this score with him sooner or later.

"Grandma, please don't upset yourself. You still have to wait for Shazhu to come back."

Seeing that the deaf old lady was almost out of breath, Yi Zhonghai quickly went over and patted her on the back to help her catch her breath.

The deaf old woman calmed down and said in a sinister tone, "Old Yi, quickly tell your wife to boil some water with mugwort leaves. This old woman needs to get rid of bad luck."

"Yes"

After Yi Zhonghai's visit and departure.

The deaf old lady sighed softly: "Although we had to spend some money this time, at least there were no lasting consequences, so it can be considered a satisfactory resolution."

*****
Li Aiguo originally thought that the matter of the deaf old lady and Yi Zhonghai being deceived had come to an end.

Unexpectedly, while at work, he suddenly received a call from Director Wang of the Subdistrict Office, asking him to come to the Subdistrict Office after work.

"Aunt Wang, don't worry, I'll definitely be there." Li Aiguo hung up the phone and picked up another file.

This file was obtained by Yu Jin'an through those second-generation rich kids in Moscow, and its contents are related to Oleg Losev.

Oleg Lossev, 51, has never married. He participated in the war in his youth and later studied at Moscow State University. After graduating, he joined the Marconi Laboratory as a first-level researcher.

Because of the ▇▇▇▇ incident, Oleg Lossev's research work was interrupted, and he is currently working in the laboratory's logistics department.

Yu Jin'an is now a qualified meteorologist, and he has also added analysis, identifying Oleg Lossev as a potential candidate.

In a telegram, Yu Jin'an requested permission for them to help bring the person back, but Li Aiguo refused.

This mission is too dangerous; we can't let our own people take such a risk.

Moreover, Li Aiguo had a special way of doing things.

After putting down the file, Li Aiguo picked up the phone and, through the foreign trade department, was transferred to Andrei at the headquarters in Moscow.

"My dear patriotic brother, what brings you to call me today?" After the call connected, music came from the other end. Without asking, Andrei was definitely having fun.

"Is it convenient for us to talk?"

"It's convenient, why isn't it convenient?"

Another voice came through the phone: "Get out, get out now!"

After everyone on the other end quieted down, Andrei picked up the phone and said, "My dear patriotic brother, do you think I'm a playboy? I was forced into it."

You know, watching beautiful women do striptease every day, after a while, is no different from watching sows.

"What? Has the situation on your end become that tense?" Li Aiguo didn't think Andrei was in Versailles...

"You understand me best, brother. You're like a brother to me."

Andrei lowered his voice as he spoke: "Right now, our family is in a standoff with Xiaomei's family. As you know, my uncle and his group plan to launch an attack once the Corn Emperor fails. The Corn Emperor has also noticed this and has increased his surveillance on us."

Luckily, I chose the self-inflicted stain method; otherwise, I'd probably be getting a beating at the Internal Affairs Department by now.

Ha, with a foreign enemy at hand, instead of working together to deal with it, these people are actually hoping for their own people to fail. How interesting!

This is a matter for the Russians; Li Aiguo doesn't want to get involved, nor can he.

Then, Li Aiguo said with a smile, "I plan to set up a laboratory for researching light-emitting semiconductor materials inside the Red Star Computer Research Institute, and now I need one of your people."

"Tell me the name, and I'll arrange it right away." With work at stake, Andrei instantly became serious.

Andrei Trading Company became the largest trading company in Russia, and he was able to control the sales of the Great Wall SUV entirely because of this company.

Li Aiguo gave a detailed account of Oleg Lossev's situation.

Andrei said, "He's just a researcher who made a mistake. Don't worry, I'll send him over as quickly as possible."

"Thank you very much."

Li Aiguo chatted with Andrei for a few more minutes before hanging up the phone.

Before he knew it, it was time to leave work. Li Aiguo went to the supplies department to collect ten kilograms of beef.

The beef was divided into two portions. One portion was intended to be sent back, while the other portion, wrapped in oil paper, was taken to Director Wang's office at the neighborhood office.

"Aiguo is here! Hey, why did you bring something? Take it away right now." Director Wang's face immediately hardened when he saw the large piece of beef.

“Aunt Wang, this isn’t for you, it’s for my Uncle Wang. He just came back from the south, so I’m taking it back to help him recover. This is Victory Meat.”

Upon hearing the name "Victory Meat," Director Wang stopped making excuses. The meat hadn't been transported to the south yet, and Old Wang had wanted to try it several times since returning to Beijing, even if it meant paying for it.

However, each family only gets a small share, so who would be willing to sell it?

"Then Aunt Wang took advantage of you again."

Aunt Wang put away the oil paper package, sat up straight, and looked at Li Aiguo, saying, "Aiguo, recently there have been several cases of fraud in Beijing caused by house sales."

The district has instructed each subdistrict office to remind residents, "You are the head of the street patrol team, so it's also my responsibility to have your patrol team remind residents door-to-door."

"Those guys are just bored lately, it'll be good to give them something to do."

After a moment of contemplation, Li Aiguo continued, "But simply reminding people isn't enough. To get everyone's attention, we need to take drastic measures."

Li Aiguo remembered that in his previous life, telecom fraud propaganda was so extensive that people still fell for it from time to time.

"What suggestions do you have?" Director Wang asked.

Li Aiguo said, "I suggest we hold a publicity conference and let the residents who have been defrauded come on stage to talk about how they were scammed and analyze the root causes of their thinking."

"That's a great idea. I'll report to the district tomorrow, and we can hold this conference together in several subdistricts." Director Wang nodded immediately.

Director Wang still had to report, so Li Aiguo left the subdistrict office as it was getting late.

Back in the courtyard, Li Aiguo and Zhang Gangzhu gathered the street patrol team and asked the members to be extra careful. If they encountered any scammers, they could be taken to the street office immediately.

After receiving Director Wang's report, the district also thought this method was good.

Holding a large meeting could educate the residents, so the street office staff posted notices outside each compound.

Yi Zhonghai has been on leave for the past two days and has been hiding inside his house. When he heard knocking on the door, he was too embarrassed to see anyone and asked an older woman to open it for him.

A muffled voice came from outside: "Uncle, the district is holding a big meeting and we'd like to invite Comrade Yi Zhonghai to speak on the podium."

Yi Zhonghai was lying in bed, listening intently.

Hearing this, he slipped on his shoes and ran out, looking at the street official with excitement: "Officer Zhang, the district invited me to speak at the conference?"

"Yes, I came here to inform you to prepare." Officer Zhang nodded.

Yi Zhonghai was so happy he almost jumped for joy. After all these years, his leadership skills had finally been noticed by the neighborhood committee.

"By the way, may I ask what materials I need to prepare? I'd like to look them up in advance. You know, I love learning and I have quite a few books at home." Yi Zhonghai rubbed his hands together.

"Flip through the book? No need, just tell me how you were scammed."

"Huh?! I'm the negative example!"

Yi Zhonghai finally realized what was happening, and his head was buzzing.

"Comrade Yi Zhonghai, what kind of attitude is this? Do you not want to help the residents of the compound realize the harm of fraud?" Officer Zhang said sternly.

"No, no, I fully support the decision of the subdistrict office."

After Officer Zhang left, Yi Zhonghai's body went limp and he slumped into a chair.

"This is incredibly embarrassing!"

The neighborhood committee had originally planned to invite the deaf elderly woman over as well, but she had fallen and injured herself, so they gave up on that idea.

The next day.

District Stadium.

A grand conference on "Combating Fraud and Building a Harmonious and Stable Society" was held.

In addition to district leaders and leaders from various sub-district offices, even reporters from Beijing newspapers attended the meeting.

Li Aiguo, along with Aunt Liu and He Yushui, sat below to watch the excitement.

Director Wang of the subdistrict office, representing the neighborhood, stepped onto the stage. He first spoke about the dangers of fraud, then straightened his posture and said with a serious expression: "Fraud is a serious problem. We cannot underestimate, ignore, or disregard it just because it hasn't happened yet. We must crack down on fraud crimes and protect people's safety. More importantly, we must prevent fraud and keep it away from the people from the very beginning!"

"Great!" The leader next to him immediately shouted and stood up to applaud enthusiastically.

"That speech was very well-said and showed great vision."

"Yes, Director Wang's skills are getting better and better, and South Tongluo Lane is doing very well. I think it's time to give him a promotion."

Seeing the reactions below, Director Wang's gaze found Li Aiguo in the crowd.
This kid is really a multi-talented individual; he can even write such a good speech.

"Next, the victims of the fraud will come up to speak." After Director Wang sat down, a leader stood up and waved to the side.

Yi Zhonghai, as the first victim to speak, was brought onto the stage.

Li Aiguo recognized Yi Zhonghai's expression; it was the same expression he had when facing the camera—the kind of person who had been used as a typical example of someone who had engaged in illegal activities.

Looking at the throng of people below, Yi Zhonghai almost burst into tears.

He had always dreamed of speaking on the podium, but not in his current capacity.

"Dear neighbors, this is Yi Zhonghai. I have made a serious mistake."

*****
Just as Yi Zhonghai was analyzing the root causes of his mistakes on the podium, a distinguished guest arrived at Marconi's laboratory.

“Our company, Andrei Trading, plans to transfer several staff members from your laboratory. The list is here.” The guest, wearing a wool coat, handed over a list.

These words sounded arrogant and domineering, but when they came from the mouth of Andrei Trading Company, they silenced everyone in the room.

Everyone knows that this company is backed by a powerful figure whom even the Ministry of Internal Affairs has to give some respect to, and he has always acted in such an overbearing manner.

The laboratory director took the list, glanced at it quickly, and dared not say anything more. He then handed it to the special envoy in charge of coordination.

Only this person has the final say.

The special envoy looked at the list and found that most of the people on it were fine, until his gaze fell on a certain name and his brows furrowed slightly.

“Oleg Losev is no longer a researcher, and his ideological awareness is somewhat skewed. If he were to join your company, he might cause you trouble, I think…”

“I think you’re the one causing trouble for Andrei Trading Company right now,” the customer suddenly interrupted him, his eyes icy cold. “Do you think you have the right to tell us what to do?”

"No, I..." The special envoy was unwilling to let a "problem person" go so easily. "I need to ask my superiors for instructions. This is not in accordance with regulations."

"Sure, but you need to think this through. These are the people Mr. Andre specifically requested. If even one is missing, how do you think I'll report it?"

The guest, halfway through his sentence, suddenly laughed and looked at the special envoy: "Why don't you tell me your name and position now, so I can report it as well?"

These words struck the special envoy like a hammer blow. His backside, which had just lifted off the chair, instantly fell back into place, and he forced an awkward smile onto his face.

"I must have misremembered! Comrade Lossev is of sound mind and has no problems. You can take him away now."

The Ministry of Internal Affairs wouldn't care about losing Oleg Losev.

However, the special envoy knew all too well what awaited him if he refused these people.

Andrei Trading Company became the largest trading company in Russia not only because of its excellent products.

Oleg Lossev was working in the logistics department's warehouse when he learned that he was to be sent to Andrei Trading Company, and he was still a little incredulous.

"I'm not finished yet."

"No need to say anything more, you'll be working for Andrei Trading Company from now on, Lossev. I hope you understand that I'm just doing this for work, and I didn't mean to make things difficult for you." The special envoy seemed exceptionally warm.

"understand"

Oleg Lossev looked at the light outside and felt as if he were dreaming.

It wasn't until the transport plane roared down onto the airport runway and Losseff stepped off the gangway, seeing Zhao Xinmin holding a sign in the distance, that she suddenly came to her senses.

"Teacher, you've suffered so much."

"Xinmin, did you orchestrate this?" Oleg Losev hugged Zhao Xinmin tightly.

"It's not that I have such great abilities, it's Comrade Li Aiguo from the Qianmen Locomotive Depot."

Zhao Xinmin let go of him and pulled him toward the large SUV next to him. "Teacher, get in the car first, I'll tell you slowly on the way."

On the speeding off-road vehicle, Zhao Xinmin recounted the whole story.

Oleg Lossev, however, paid no attention to the rescue and instead asked, "You mean, Li Aiguo found the material that can generate red light?"

"That's right, we have conducted preliminary studies and confirmed the feasibility of the material."

"Okay, okay, take me to see it quickly."

Oleg Lossev was eager to see what would happen, ever since he discovered that electric current could excite semiconductors, he felt that this phenomenon must have a significant role to play.

The research has continued over the years, but without results.

Surprisingly, it can actually be used as a light source.

"What a brilliant idea!" he couldn't help but exclaim.

"That's right, Comrade Patriot is a genius."

When Da Yue entered the Red Star Computing Institute, Zhao Xinmin did not take Oleg Lossev directly into the laboratory, but instead knocked on the door of Li Aiguo's office.

"Patriotism, Professor Oleg Lossev has arrived."

Li Aiguo stood up and shook hands with Oleg Lossev.

Faced with Losseff's eagerness to understand the details of the experiment, an agreement was presented.

“Professor, sign him. From now on, you’ll be part of the Red Star Computer Research Institute, just like Professor Gillotti.”

Loseff had been somewhat hesitant, but upon hearing Gilotti's name, he immediately picked up a pen and signed the agreement.

After arriving at the computer institute, Gillotti never returned, but his story had already spread throughout the Russian academic community.

A marginalized computer expert, in just a few years, helped develop the Red Star computer and even got married.

Having sufficient funding for research and a loved one to accompany you is every researcher's dream.

More importantly, Gillotti wrote in a letter to an old friend that he had found true faith here.

Lossev's willingness to go to the battlefield back then already demonstrated his dedication to his ideals. Now that he has encountered such a rare opportunity, he naturally will not miss it.

After the agreement was signed, Li Aiguo extended his hand to Lossev: "Comrade, welcome to our Red Star Computer Institute."

“Comrade!” Lossev grasped his hand firmly.

Outside the window, a bright red flag fluttered in the wind, shining brightly in the sunlight.

(End of this chapter)