Siheyuan: Relieve stress and relieve worries

Chapter 1081 Zhonghai Invites Guests
In a daze, Yan Jiekuang pulled his younger sister home. It wasn't dark yet, and neighbors were coming and going between the two alleys. Yan Jiekuang's mind was full of what Wang Zhan had said. He understood it, but he still didn't get it. He kept thinking about it as he pulled his sister home.

When they reached the gate, Yan Jiekuang suddenly realized what was happening and quickly told his younger sister to keep her mouth shut. He couldn't let it slip when they got home, or he wouldn't take her out for meat next time. Although Yan Jiedi didn't fully understand what her brother was saying, she knew one thing: she couldn't tell anyone. If she did, there would be no more meat to eat. She remembered this very clearly.

Yan Jiekuang didn't see his father at the door and thought he had gone home for dinner. But then he realized that his father was usually waiting at the door at this time. His family always ate very late in order to get some of the things the neighbors had. Yan Jiekuang pulled his sister and walked straight home.

Pushing open the door to the main room, I saw Yang Ruihua having dinner with Yan Jiecheng and Yan Jiefang. When Yang Ruihua saw the two younger ones return, he asked, "What? You know how to come back? I wonder who this 'elder brother' you're talking about is that attracts you so much. Have you eaten?"

Yan Jiedi had already run to her mother's side. Yan Jiekuang said, "I've already eaten, just a quick bite. You guys eat. By the way, where's Dad?"

"An old man invited him to dinner, and he went to the Intermediate People's Court. What, do you need to see your dad?" Yang Ruihua said while drinking corn porridge.

The two Yan brothers looked up at Yan Jiekuang, who said, "Something came up, but it's nothing urgent. Let's wait for my dad to come back." After saying that, Yan Jiekuang went back to his room.

Before going to work today, Yi Zhonghai specifically told an older woman to buy some meat for dinner, and if there was any fish, to buy one as well. After Yi Zhonghai left, the older woman took her shopping basket and went out.

Yi Zhonghai kept thinking about the Jia family. After all, they were master and disciple. Although Jia Dongxu was gone, he couldn't just abandon the Jia family. But it was impossible for him to keep helping them, since he and Li Cuilan didn't have any children. He still had to think more about his own future.

When Yi Zhonghai reached the workshop entrance, he ran into Director Qi, the workshop director of Workshop 3. Yi Zhonghai had a sudden inspiration and decided to ask Director Qi about the possibility of the Jia family taking over. If Jia Zhangshi took over and worked until Qin Huairu finished her postpartum confinement, and then Qin Huairu took over, that would also be a solution.

Yi Zhonghai pulled Director Qi to a corner outside the workshop. Yi Zhonghai took out a cigarette and offered one to Director Qi. After they both lit them, Director Qi asked, "What's up, Lao Yi? Why did you drag me here so early in the morning? Is there something you need?"

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said, "There is something I'd like you to advise me on. After all, you're a leader, so you know what the leaders are thinking better than I do."

Even a small act of flattery pleased Director Qi, who said, "Alright, tell me, I'm listening."

Yi Zhonghai then told Director Qi about the Jia family's situation and his plans. Director Qi was amused and annoyed by Yi Zhonghai's words, saying, "Old Yi, you've been a veteran of the factory for a long time. Don't you know the factory's regulations? You're asking a woman in her fifties to work as a fitter? That's ridiculous! Not to mention the leaders, even I can't agree to it. Besides, job succession isn't something you can just switch positions at will. Were you playing house?"

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai knew that it was similar to his own thinking, and that this was not an option. After hesitating for a moment, Yi Zhonghai asked, "How about I go to the factory manager and ask if there are any other solutions?"

"Stop, Lao Yi, take my advice. Don't even ask. This is a lose-lose situation. Even if you transfer that old lady to another position, what about her salary? I remember when I promised the Jia family that she would take over Jia Dongxu's position as a permanent employee with a permanent salary, you're transferring her to another position with a lower salary. Do you think they'll agree to that?" Director Qi said.

Yi Zhonghai thought about it and realized it was true. If his wages were lowered, Jia Zhangshi would probably turn against him and definitely wouldn't agree. In the end, he would probably have to make up the difference in wages. On the other hand, having the factory hire an old lady would probably also upset the management. He really couldn't ask about this; it was a lose-lose situation. He couldn't do it no matter what. It seemed he could only turn to his neighbors in the courtyard. At noon, Yi Zhonghai went to the forging workshop and found Liu Haizhong. He said that the three of them hadn't drunk together in a long time, and he would treat Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui to drinks that evening. Liu Haizhong agreed without hesitation.

Yi Zhonghai left work a little early. Because of his relationship with Director Qi, Director Qi readily agreed. After leaving the factory, he rushed home. Meanwhile, Li Cuilan was already at home preparing groceries. She had gone to several places that day to buy two jin of pork and a fish at a high price. When Yi Zhonghai returned home, she was busy in the kitchen. Yi Zhonghai looked at the groceries and was very satisfied. He asked Li Cuilan, "Is Zhuzi home?"

"I didn't notice. I haven't gone out since I got back. Why do you want Zhuzi to cook?" Li Cuilan asked.

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said, "Alright, you can leave it there. I'll go check on Zhu Zi's house. If he's there, I'll have him come over for a meal."

Yi Zhonghai left his house and looked towards Sha Zhu's house in the main room. Sure enough, Sha Zhu's door was open. Yi Zhonghai pushed the door open and went in, saying, "Zhu Zi, what are you doing?"

"Uncle, I'm just tidying up my clothes so I can take a shower," Sha Zhu said.

"Don't bother with anything else. Come to my house tonight and I'll cook you a meal. You can eat at my place, and I'll treat my second and third uncles to drinks," Yi Zhonghai said, standing at the door.

"That's great! I was wondering what to eat for dinner. You go back first, I'll pack up and head over," Sha Zhu said.

After leaving Sha Zhu's house, Yi Zhonghai headed towards the front yard. When he returned to the yard earlier, he didn't see his third uncle, Yan Bugui. He had told Yan Bugui to come for dinner without prior notice, but Yan Bugui had already rushed over. As soon as he reached the front yard, he saw Yan Bugui busy at the screen wall. Yi Zhonghai said, "Old Yan, why didn't I see you when I came back earlier?"

"Ah, oh, I guess I was packing up my fishing rods at the time. What brings you here?" Yan Bugui pushed up his glasses and looked at Yi Zhonghai.

"It's been a long time since the three of us brothers got together, so let's have a get-together at my place tonight. My aunt bought some meat and fish, so we'll treat ourselves to something nice. Oh, and by the way, Sha Zhu is in charge of cooking," Yi Zhonghai said.

Yan Bugui immediately burst into laughter, his face crinkling with smiles, and said happily, "That's great, I'll be there in a bit."

Yi Zhonghai smiled and said okay, then turned and went home. He still needed to find wine tickets to buy wine at the supply and marketing cooperative. When Yi Zhonghai returned with the wine, he saw Liu Haizhong and Yan Bugui sitting at his square table drinking tea. There was a plate of scrambled eggs on the table, which looked like Liu Haizhong had brought them.

Yan Bugui had sharp eyes and immediately spotted the two bottles of Lotus White wine that Yi Zhonghai was carrying. He smiled and said, "Old Yi, I also brought a bottle of wine. It seems a bit redundant."

(End of this chapter)