Courtyard Houses: Starting with the principle of hard work paying off

Chapter 182 Fan Jinyou caused trouble, so he was fired!
"Sister Xueru, Hongbing, please don't stoop to Fan Jinyou's level, I..."

As Li Hongbing and Chen Xueru left the tavern, Xu Huizhen followed them out. Before she could finish speaking, Li Hongbing interrupted her, saying, "Huizhen, this has nothing to do with you. What happened just now was between Fan Jinyou and me. I didn't mean to target you or the tavern. Don't take it to heart."

“Of course I know you won’t target me, but I…”

Halfway through her sentence, Xu Huizhen suddenly didn't know what to say next.

I wanted to apologize, but she hadn't done anything wrong.

She has neither the standing nor the need to apologize to Li Hongbing on behalf of Fan Jinyou.

It was only because Li Hongbing and Chen Xueru came to support her that this incident occurred in the tavern, causing a conflict with the tavern's customers, and the fault did not lie with them. This made Xu Huizhen, as the host, feel extremely guilty.

As Xu Huizhen said before, she is a person who likes to be serious and reasonable. If she really wants to apologize, she should let Fan Jinyou do it himself.

Seeing this, Chen Xueru immediately advised, "Huizhen, don't think about this anymore. It's an unrelated person who won't affect us sisters."

to be frank.

Chen Xueru was very angry because of what had just happened, but this had nothing to do with Xu Huizhen. She couldn't possibly take her anger out on her best friend because of an outsider, could she?

"If you trust me, take my advice."

"Although Fan Jinyou is a street office cadre, he is not a good person. You'd better be careful in the future and don't get too close to him."

"Also, you need to pay attention to the matter of public-private partnership. It has to be done sooner or later, so it's better to do it sooner rather than later."

"For specific details, you can look for the newspapers from the past few days to learn more about the relevant policies, or you can talk to Aunt Qian from the neighborhood committee or Director Li from the street office."

"..."

Looking at Xu Huizhen, Li Hongbing gave her some advice, and then left with Chen Xueru.

Like Chen Xueru, Xu Huizhen is a smart person. Li Hongbing doesn't need to say much; just a few hints are enough for her to figure it out on her own.

Most importantly, don't be tricked and harmed by that villain Fan Jinyou like in the original drama.

As for Li Hongbing, he wasn't afraid of him at all.

If Li Hongbing makes a fuss about this incident today, it will be enough to give Fan Jinyou a hard time.

Li Hongbing felt no psychological burden at all when dealing with a villain like Fan Jinyou.

……

the other side.

Xu Huizhen was not in a good mood when she returned to the tavern. Fan Jinyou, who was at a disadvantage in public opinion, took the opportunity to ask when she returned: "Manager Xu, what is going on between Manager Chen and her man?"

Everyone comes to your little tavern to have a few drinks, chat, and relax. Even if my words were a bit inappropriate just now, I apologize. Why is Master Li getting so worked up? He has no tolerance at all…”

Since the people in the tavern weren't on his side, Fan Jinyou had no choice but to place his hopes on Xu Huizhen, hoping she could say a few words on his behalf to ease the atmosphere, make him less embarrassed, and salvage his image.

As a street-level official, he didn't want to give anyone cause for gossip.

As a customer of the tavern and a street office cadre, Fan Jinyou felt that Xu Huizhen would give him some face and not embarrass him, since doing business is all about making money peacefully.

I don't know.

Xu Huizhen is a person who likes to be serious and reasonable. In addition, her relationship with Chen Xueru and Li Hongbing is obviously closer than that of Fan Jinyou. Whether it is emotion or reason, Fan Jinyou has neither.

Li Hongbing definitely made a mountain out of a molehill in what just happened.

However, he directly took the moral high ground, and Li Hongbing was very polite to Fan Jinyou from the beginning, so there was nothing wrong with him.

On the other hand, Fan Jinyou, who suddenly attacked Li Hongbing, has become a target of criticism.

"Officer Fan, why are you turning the tables on me?"

Fan Jinyou's words only angered Xu Huizhen, who immediately retorted, "You're a street office cadre, you understand the policy of public-private partnership, right?"

Li Hongbing asked you about policies in a very polite manner, and there was nothing impolite about it. You didn't want to talk about it, and he didn't force you. But wasn't there something wrong with your attitude?
Later, when they apologized to you, you not only refused to accept it but also hurled insults at them. If it were me, I would be even angrier than them… Officer Fan, you are a street office official; we ordinary folks can't afford to offend you. It's just that our little tavern is too small to accommodate someone as important as you.”

In the end, Xu Huizhen, who was also angry, couldn't help but give Fan Jinyou a piece of her mind and directly asked him to leave.

Xu Huizhen is no coward.

She wouldn't tolerate unreasonable behavior from the neighborhood committee officials.

"Good, good, Xu Huizhen, you're really something. I've figured it out now. You and that guy surnamed Li are working together to mess with me."

Upon discovering that Xu Huizhen was showing him no respect, Fan Jinyou became utterly furious, turned around, and prepared to leave.

He had hoped to save face, but his attempts to explain only made things worse, leaving Fan Jinyou feeling incredibly frustrated and unable to defend himself.

He couldn't stay in that little tavern for another second.

"Cadre Fan, wait a minute."

As Fan Jinyou got up to leave, Xu Huizhen called out to him.

however.

Just as Fan Jinyou stopped in his tracks, thinking that Xu Huizhen was afraid of offending him and was about to back down, he heard Xu Huizhen say, "Cadre Fan, you haven't paid for your drinks yet!"
Although the amount of alcohol is small, this is a small business, so today, as we reopen, I, Xu Huizhen, have made a rule: we do not offer credit. Please settle your bill for the alcohol.

As soon as Xu Huizhen finished speaking, Fan Jinyou's face turned ugly.

"Manager Xu, if you hadn't reminded me, I would have almost forgotten about this. But I didn't mean to withhold payment. Please take the money for the wine. As a cadre in this new era, I'm not eating, drinking, or taking anything for free. Everyone can be my witnesses."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Fan Jinyou left the money for today's drinks on the table.

You absolutely cannot refuse to pay for the drinks. If that gives them leverage, the mistake you made will be even more serious than before.

Xu Huizhen's reminder directly prevented Fan Jinyou from making a mistake, but Fan Jinyou not only showed no gratitude, but instead harbored resentment towards Xu Huizhen.

Because of her actions in demanding payment, she had humiliated him severely in front of everyone.

If someone with ulterior motives uses this to make a fuss, it could also affect his reputation.

The next morning.

Fan Jinyou had just arrived at the subdistrict office and hadn't even had a chance to start working when Director Li called him to the director's office, and he immediately felt uneasy.

At this moment, Fan Jinyou thought that what happened at the tavern last night had reached Director Li and that he would be criticized and punished, so he felt very heavy-hearted.

"You want me to be the general manager? Director Li, have I done something wrong recently? Are you going to transfer me out of the subdistrict office?"

Upon hearing Director Li's explanation of the purpose of his summons, Fan Jinyou's heart sank to the bottom. Although he already had a guess, he still tentatively probed with some unwillingness.

"The current public-private partnership is crucial to the overall situation and must succeed. Sending you to be the public sector manager is not a demotion, but a promotion. You will remain a cadre, and one that the higher-ups are grooming for leadership..."

Seeing Fan Jinyou's expression, it was clear that he had misunderstood. Director Li explained for a couple of minutes, but couldn't help but frown. He said to Fan Jinyou, "What, you don't want to go? If you don't want to, then I'll give this opportunity to someone else."

Director Li was somewhat dissatisfied with Fan Jinyou's performance just now.

Given Fan Jinyou's good character, Director Li immediately thought of him when he saw such a good promotion opportunity, but Fan Jinyou didn't appreciate it at all.

At present, public-private partnerships are the top priority of work in all subdistricts, and the leading groups above are watching closely. Whoever makes outstanding achievements first will reap the benefits.

It was also because Fan Jinyou was usually lively and liked to scheme, and had some ability. He might be quite good at the ways of business. Otherwise, no matter how good he was at flattering, Director Li would not have entrusted such an important task to him.

"Director Li, I apologize. My attitude was a bit inappropriate just now. Don't worry! I will do my best to complete this important task and will definitely not let you down!"

Realizing that this was not a bad thing, but a good thing, Fan Jinyou quickly corrected his attitude and repeatedly expressed his support and tried to win over Fan Jinyou.

"Well!"

Director Li was quite satisfied with Fan Jinyou's attitude of admitting his mistake and correcting it. He immediately said, "Later, a working group will be sent down from above. Aunt Qian from the neighborhood committee and I will go with you to help with the handover of the work."

"Next, all you need to do is manage this silk shop well and prove your abilities. Once the public-private partnership ends, you'll immediately be promoted to a leadership position in a large enterprise. Who knows, you might even become a section chief directly."

Overjoyed by Director Li's promises, Fan Jinyou suddenly realized something was amiss and asked Director Li, "A silk shop? Director Li, which silk shop in our neighborhood?"

"Which other shops are there? Xue Ru Silk Shop, you don't even know that?"

Fan Jinyou's question directly made Director Li express doubts about his work ability.

"Of course I know that. The manager's surname is Chen, and her name is Chen Xueru, right? Her husband is Li Hongbing, a senior cook in the kitchen of Fengzeyuan Restaurant. They just got married on New Year's Day..."

Hearing that Fan Jinyou could even tell Li Hongbing's situation, Director Li assumed that Fan had put in a lot of hard work for the public-private partnership project, and he was immediately satisfied again.

This joint public-private partnership of the silk shop is not only the first of its kind in their neighborhood, but it also involves Gu Jianliang, a member of the city's leading group. Director Li couldn't say too much to Fan Jinyou, but he certainly couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

At the same time, Fan Jinyou was also overjoyed, feeling a sense of triumph.

He still hasn't recovered from what happened last night. He never expected things to take such a turn for the better, and now Chen Xueru and Li Hongbing are in his hands.

Isn't this just walking into the line of fire?

After the public-private partnership, the public manager will have the most power, and then he will be able to do whatever he wants with him.

At this moment.

Fan Jinyou couldn't help but wonder what kind of expressions Chen Xueru and Li Hongbing would have if they knew that he was going to be the official manager of the silk shop.

After waiting for a while, Aunt Qian from the neighborhood committee and the working group from above arrived, and Director Li took Fan Jinyou with him to Chen Xueru's silk shop.

The various working groups dispatched are directly under the leadership of the higher-level leadership group. Their main responsibilities include auditing the cash flow records of joint ventures or shops, calculating fixed assets, and valuing joint ventures and shops.

When they arrived at the silk shop, Chen Xueru and Li Hongbing were both there. It was impossible for Li Hongbing not to be present for such an important event, especially since his vacation wasn't completely over yet.

Seeing Fan Jinyou, who looked smug and self-satisfied, next to Director Li, Li Hongbing frowned.

"Director Li, Aunt Qian."

"Manager Chen, Master Li, these two are auditors sent from above. This is Accountant Yu, and this is Accountant Liu. Today, we will conduct a formal assessment and accounting of your silk shop's assets and accounts. We will study the valuation in detail later."

"Accountant Yu, Accountant Liu, please come in."

"By the way, this is Fan Jinyou from our subdistrict office. I plan to send him to represent our subdistrict as the public manager of the silk shop in this public-private partnership."

"Manager Chen, Master Li, things change, we meet again! It's fate!"

"..."

Seeing Fan Jinyou acting so familiarly with Li Hongbing and Chen Xueru, Director Li was taken aback and subconsciously asked, "Do you know each other?"

"Director Li, may I speak to you in private?"

Li Hongbing ignored Fan Jinyou's outstretched hand and looked directly at Director Li.

Upon seeing Li Hongbing's actions, Fan Jinyou's expression instantly turned ugly.

This is showing absolutely no respect!
Director Li was only somewhat surprised by Li Hongbing's request, but did not refuse it.

Li Hongbing already knew about the relationship between Li Hongbing and Gu Jianliang, the group leader, that night, and it was also Gu Jianliang who instructed him to make the silk shop a joint public-private enterprise.

As soon as the news of the full implementation of the public-private partnership came out, Li Hongbing took the initiative to visit Gu Jianliang with Chen Xueru to "consult" him on some policies and issues related to the public-private partnership. He also expressed on the spot the silk shop's willingness to actively participate in the public-private partnership.

Gu Jianliang was naturally pleased with this situation and was very supportive and encouraging. However, since he was in charge of leadership and overall command and did not participate in the specific work below, he could only delegate the matter of the joint public-private ownership of the silk shop to Director Li.

Although Gu Jianliang only gave a few pointers and didn't give many instructions, Director Li clearly knew what he had to do.

This was clearly enough for Li Hongbing and Chen Xueru.

"Director Li, I apologize in advance. If you want Cadre Fan to serve as the public manager of this joint public-private partnership of the silk shop, then our silk shop will have no choice but to withdraw from this joint public-private partnership."

When the two arrived at the backyard, they heard Li Hongbing say something that left Director Li completely dumbfounded. He asked, utterly bewildered, "Master Li, can you tell me why?"

If it were someone else, who had agreed to participate in the public-private partnership, but then went back on their word after arriving and making many preparations, treating them like fools, Director Li would definitely be angry.

But this man was Li Hongbing, who had Gu Jianliang as his leader, so Director Li dared not take it lightly.

If this matter cannot be resolved today, not only will it affect the progress of their street's task of public-private partnership, but they also won't be able to explain it to Gu Jianliang.

“Director Li, it’s not that I have a problem with you, nor am I a person who breaks his word, and it’s certainly not that I don’t want to support and respond to the national policy of public-private partnership, but rather it’s this cadre Fan…”

Li Hongbing briefly recounted what happened last night, and then continued to Director Li: "I don't think this cadre Fan is suitable to be the general manager of the silk shop. You can replace him with anyone else, but he is the only one who cannot be appointed."

"Is there such a thing?"

It would be impossible for Director Li not to feel any dissatisfaction when Li Hongbing threatened to withdraw from the public-private partnership, but after learning the inside story, he felt embarrassed instead.

If what Li Hongbing said is true, then the candidate I chose for the company manager really isn't good enough.

If this gets back to Gu Jianliang, my image will be damaged as well.

"Director Li, I wouldn't lie about something like this. After all, there were many people at the tavern last night. You just need to have someone inquire to find out the truth."

After explaining for a moment, Li Hongbing continued, "Actually, it's not a big deal. It's just that I personally have some opinions about Cadre Fan. It's my own problem, so please forgive me, Director Li."

"The public-private partnership of the silk shop is inevitable. I hope Mr. Li can continue to support it. I will arrange your request."

Director Li clearly understood Li Hongbing's meaning and immediately expressed his opinion.

Replacing Fan Jinyou is of no use to him; the most important thing right now is the smooth progress of the public-private partnership in the silk shop.

"Thank you for your understanding and forgiveness, Director Li. I was being presumptuous. When you have some free time someday, I will cook a few dishes and ask you to do me the honor of accepting my apologies."

Fan Jinyou, the candidate for the company manager, was chosen by Director Li. Even if Director Li would agree to replace Fan Jinyou for Gu Jianliang's sake, it would inevitably leave a grudge in his heart. Therefore, Li Hongbing took the initiative to be courteous.

“This is inappropriate. As cadres, we cannot accept invitations to meals casually; that would be a violation of discipline. Besides, Mr. Li, you haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s no need to apologize.”

Although Director Li was refusing, he now had a smile on his face and seemed much more agreeable to Li Hongbing.

Even though Director Li was unwilling to offend Li Hongbing because of Gu Jianliang, Li Hongbing's words—demanding that he replace the public manager he had chosen and threatening to withdraw from the public-private partnership—made him feel uncomfortable, even if there was a reason for it.

However, Li Hongbing's subsequent actions made him feel much better.

"How about this, Director Li, you prepare the ingredients, and I'll show you my cooking skills. That won't violate any principles, right?"

It wouldn't be accurate to call it currying favor, but it's still very necessary to maintain a good relationship with Director Li. After all, a local official is more powerful than a distant one, and Chen Xueru's silk shop falls under the jurisdiction of the street office.

"Well... then I'll accept your offer without hesitation and look forward to tasting your cooking, Master Li."

Li Hongbing took the initiative to make overtures, and Director Li naturally wouldn't refuse him, since Li Hongbing now had connections.

Moreover, Li Hongbing himself is no nobody; he has clearly already established himself in the culinary world.

Actually, they are from the same clan.

Five hundred years ago, they might have been one family.

……

"Manager Chen, do you only sell silk in your shop?"

“This is a silk shop. What else can I sell if not silk? I just want to sell ordinary cotton cloth, but now that the state has a unified sales and purchase system, I don’t even have that qualification.”

"This silk is a fine thing! Ordinary people, the working class and peasantry, can't afford it. Who are you going to sell these clothes and fabrics to? Those old-fashioned people and capitalists? Are you just serving the old classes and capitalists?"

"Cadre Fan, what do you mean by this?"

"What do you mean?"

"..."

When Li Hongbing and Director Li returned to the store together, upon hearing Fan Jinyou and Chen Xueru's conversation, Director Li's expression changed drastically. He was so angry that he wanted to curse and immediately shouted at Fan Jinyou, "Fan Jinyou, come out with me."

Even without hearing what Li Hongbing said and not knowing that there had been a disagreement between them, Director Li still felt that Fan Jinyou's remarks were inappropriate.

It's obvious that Fan Jinyou is deliberately making things difficult for him and finding fault.

Capitalists are one thing, after all, although their status is not as high as before and they still have some negative connotations, at least they haven't reached the point of being dishonorable and universally condemned. But the old class is another story.

Why is Fan Jinyou saying all this at this time? What is he trying to do?
Li Hongbing and Chen Xueru were the first in their neighborhood to respond to the call for public-private partnership, and Gu Jianliang, the leader, was also paying attention to them. If Fan Jinyou's words just now reached the other party, how would they face themselves?

Even though he was still here, Fan Jinyou was like this.

If we really keep Fan Jinyou here, and he causes some trouble that angers Li Hongbing or Chen Xueru, and they take it to Gu Jianliang, then he'll be finished.

This Fan Jinyou cannot be allowed to live.

Even if Li Hongbing hadn't mentioned it, he wouldn't have left a potential problem here.

Even if Director Li hadn't witnessed Fan Jinyou's behavior firsthand, he would never have chosen Fan Jinyou as the general manager if he knew what happened last night.

"Director, you..."

Once outside, before Fan Jinyou could even finish his question, Director Li announced with a dark face, "Fan Jinyou, from today onwards, you are no longer the general manager of the silk shop, and you are not to come here again..."

(End of this chapter)