Courtyard House: The Chef's Intelligence System

Xu Damao took Lou Xiao'e to the publicity department's office and introduced her to his colleagues.

Everyone who works in the publicity department is a shrewd person; 99% of them got in through connections.

Therefore, they will only think that another person with connections has come.

Xu Damao was very direct, smiling as he introduced her to everyone: "This is my cousin, Lou Xiao'e. She'll be a broadcaster in the publicity department from now on. Don't bully her!"

"Don't worry, Section Chief, we'll definitely take good care of my cousin," her colleagues chimed in with smiles.

Xu Damao's directness made his colleagues in the publicity department feel quite comfortable; he didn't hide anything.

Moreover, he was just a broadcaster, without any official position, and therefore not competitive with those who were on the payroll.

Then naturally, I'd be happy to support Xu Damao.

Moreover, my cousin looks quite fair-skinned and delicate, which aroused the ulterior motives of many men.

After the introduction, someone naturally took Lou Xiao'e to familiarize herself with the job of an announcer.

Lou Xiao'e had some high school education, so becoming a broadcaster was no challenge for her at all.

The speed and tone of his reading were both very standard.

Xu Damao was relieved to see that Lou Xiao'e was gradually becoming familiar with her work.

The senior leaders of the steel rolling mill also knew about this, though not many people knew.

Only four people knew: Secretary Nie, Yang Ligong, Li Huaide, and Li Jiuzhou.

Xu Damao is not included.

It's perfectly normal for Lou Bancheng to arrange for his daughter to work in a factory.

These capitalists are almost out of touch with society; if they don't reintegrate into the community, they're really doomed.

Secretary Nie strongly approved of Lou Bancheng's approach, and the two of them had discussed it that day.

There's nothing we can't talk about. If Lou Bancheng hadn't generously donated all his assets, he would still be a part of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill's revenue.

He should at least be given the title of honorary director.

Lou Bancheng didn't want anything; he donated it all, wanting only to be an ordinary citizen.

This is great and very patriotic!

Therefore, the senior management of the steel rolling mill, and even the senior management of the Ministry of Metallurgy, would not deliberately make things difficult for Lou Bancheng.

He would even help him if he encountered any trouble.

The situation isn't that bad now. Although capitalists are unpopular, they can still be tolerated unless they do something that will anger both heaven and man.

At least we can tolerate it now. But during special periods, it's fine. By then, Lou Bancheng will be nothing.

Even important figures have to live in cowsheds; it all depends on luck.

Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill owes its current success to Lou Bancheng.

Moreover, he quietly took care of his daughter when she became a factory worker.

Of course, it's best not to reveal one's identity, but it's not necessarily a bad thing if it is, there will always be sarcastic people who will bring it up.

So it's better to avoid trouble and let Lou Xiao'e work like an ordinary worker.

This was Lou Bancheng's truest thought, and the factory leaders would likely grant his request; it was a trivial matter.

Even the Ministry of Metallurgy found out about this.

Just kidding, Lou Bancheng was being secretly observed by the Ministry of Metallurgy, and they were quite pleased to see that he could send his daughter to work in the factory.

Since Lou Bancheng intended to conceal it, the Ministry of Metallurgy was happy to lend a hand, after all, they had taken too much from him back then.

You could say they took both food and money.

To put it bluntly, we ate their food and drank their drinks, and then left them at home to live out their old age.

Although he did it voluntarily, well, there are too many aspects involved here, so it's best not to explain.

Lou Bancheng and other "red" businessmen made contributions during the revolutionary and anti-Japanese war periods.

So even though the current situation is not good for capitalists, no measures have been taken against them.

Illegal merchants who exploit ordinary people for years should have been executed long ago.

People like Lou Bancheng, who donate all their assets, will not be treated harshly by the government.

Because the public-private partnership is now reaching its peak, those who violated regulations and laws have been purged, and those who remain are basically law-abiding businesses.

Lou Bancheng's thought was, "I'm already so single, at least I can live a peaceful life from now on, right?"

Li Jiuzhou would only tell him that he was overthinking things, and that regardless of whether he was law-abiding or not, his whole family would be dragged out and indiscriminately criticized.

This is why Li Jiuzhou advised Lou Bancheng to leave quickly.

After all, there's been such a long-standing relationship between them. If he really doesn't want to leave, then there's nothing Li Jiuzhou can do. In that case, your whole family will be the ones who suffer.

Of course, those who are lucky enough to survive ten years may have a chance to get things back on track, but even if they do survive, they won't have many good days left.

My body couldn't take it anymore.

Being subjected to three public criticism sessions a day, and occasionally being beaten, is a double torment of mind and body that most people cannot withstand.

Lou Bancheng had been absent-minded for several days after talking with Li Jiuzhou.

Every day, he would walk around his villa and then go out for a stroll to observe the lives of ordinary people.

Sometimes he would dress simply and walk through the streets and alleys, then grab someone and ask them their opinion on capitalists.

Some people were furious with capitalists, while others were more conventional, but most were still dissatisfied.

Lou Bancheng also visited their residence, and he could only say that it was a complicated situation.

Compared to their own mansions, theirs is nothing.

Lou Bancheng thought about it for a long time and finally decided to talk to the top leader.

Let's not talk about anything else, let's just talk about how to integrate into the group.

He has no choice but to integrate; he has no friends left, and his fellow capitalists dare not even get together for a meal and drinks.

The Lou family was essentially trapped in a building; they couldn't leave, nor could they stay. They simply couldn't live like that.

Lou Bancheng took the initiative to contact Mr. Li, and all his donations of property were coordinated with Mr. Li.

Old Li was surprised that Lou Bancheng would ask him out. He would never meet with Lou Bancheng in private, so he sent him directly to the Ministry of Metallurgy.

Minister Wang was also present, as requested by Elder Li, who wanted to hear what Lou Bancheng had to say.

Upon seeing that it was two leaders in person, Lou Bancheng adopted a very humble attitude:

"Both leaders are very busy, I apologize for disturbing you."

Old Li smiled.

Minister Wang then offered cigarettes to the two men and began to speak:

"Xiao Lou, if you have any needs this time, as long as it's permissible in principle, we can consider them as appropriate."

Lou Bancheng shook his head and smiled:

"Sir, I don't have any special needs. I've come here to ask you two for clarification."

Mr. Li and Minister Wang exchanged a glance, both seeing the doubt in each other's eyes.

It was Elder Li who spoke first:

"Haha, Xiao Lou, feel free to ask any questions you have. We two old men will answer them to the best of our ability."

Lou Bancheng nodded:

"To be honest, my daughter recently became a broadcaster at the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, and I am very happy to see her cheerful and happy mood every day."

"Finally, I'm not a caged bird trapped at home anymore."

"Recently, on a whim, I shed my identity and stepped into the lives of ordinary people, where I saw many people and things."

"It's true that ordinary people at the bottom of society have a very hard life, and I don't want to live in the past; I want to integrate into their lives."

"My question is also here: how can I integrate myself into this group?"

"I don't want to be a patriotic businessman; my family just wants to be ordinary people, truly ordinary people!"

Upon hearing this, Elder Li and Minister Wang stopped smoking and carefully examined Lou Bancheng, seemingly trying to discern the truth in his words.

Lou Bancheng showed no fear, because what he said was true and completely honest.

Minister Wang took a deep breath and slowly said:

"Xiao Lou, your idea is excellent. Integrating into the group is the true meaning of life."

"I'm glad you have this idea, but there will probably be many obstacles to putting it into practice."

"We can't offer advice because it's not very good... Figure out why yourself."

Minister Wang is certainly entitled to make suggestions, but it would be far too demanding and shouldn't be done that way.

Old Li understood this as well, so he nodded silently from the side.

Lou Bancheng naturally noticed the attitudes of the two leaders.

He also knew very well that if the Lou family wanted to integrate into the group, they would probably be stripped of everything.

Leaders shouldn't talk about these things; it would be too hurtful and disheartening.

But Lou Bancheng was determined to get a solution from his superiors today, so he pleaded:

"Please, leaders, show me the way forward. I'm really at my wit's end."

Seeing Lou Bancheng's stubbornness, Old Li and Minister Wang were also very troubled.

Suddenly, Old Li thought of something and said:

"Go find that kid Li Jiuzhou, he'll show you the way."

"Come over then."

"Well... alright then." Since the leader had put it that way, Lou Bancheng had no choice but to agree.

After Lou Bancheng left the office, Minister Wang asked:

"Old Li, what do you mean?"

Upon hearing this, Old Li smiled:

"What else can I say? Let that kid Jiuzhou be the bad guy. They're very close. I'll give him a call and give him a little hint. He'll understand what I mean."

Minister Wang revealed a cunning smile upon hearing this:

"Old Li, it has to be you again! You even screw over the younger generation, damn it..."

Upon hearing this, Old Li said unhappily:

"What do you mean by 'scam'? There are benefits too, you don't know anything..."

Minister Wang feigned anger:

"How dare you speak to me like that! You've gone too far! I'm your superior!"

Old Li smiled dismissively:

"Tch, I'm in the same grade as you, who are you trying to scare? Come out and fight me one-on-one!"

The two old men bickered for a while and then stopped. After that, Old Li picked up the phone on the table and made a call.

"Connect me to the office of the logistics manager at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill!"

Li Jiuzhou was reviewing documents when the phone rang, and he answered it casually:

"Hello, this is Li Jiuzhou!"

"Kid, it's me!" Old Li's voice rang out on the phone.

Li Jiuzhou didn't recognize who it was and was a little annoyed. "Damn it, I'm the deputy secretary of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill. Who do you think you are?"

"Who are you? Who are you calling 'kid'? You've got the wrong number, haven't you?"

Minister Wang wore a strange smile next to Old Li, having heard Li Jiuzhou's words clearly.

Old Li was speechless.

"It's me, Li Zhengdao!"

"Li Zhengdao?" Li Jiuzhou racked his brains, but he couldn't figure out who Li Zhengdao was. He didn't know this person at all.

Seeing that Li Jiuzhou did not reply for a long time, Li Laoqiang suppressed his anger:

"Li Huaide is my son-in-law, and you dare call Li Zhengdao who he is?! You son of a bitch!!!"

Li Jiuzhou suddenly realized what was going on and slapped his forehead:

"Oh, it's you, sir! Oh dear, the voice on the phone was a bit muffled, I didn't recognize you. And I haven't answered your call before, I'm so sorry, sir, please don't be offended!"

"Just tell me what you need, I'm listening."

Old Li didn't hold these matters against Li Jiuzhou:

"Listen, Lou Bancheng just came out of my office. He came here wanting to integrate into the group and asked us for advice."

"We certainly have suggestions, but neither the minister nor I feel comfortable bringing them up..."

"So that's how you found me?" Li Jiuzhou blurted out.

Old Li smiled:

"Hehehe, the capable should do more work, and this is a good thing. If you do it well, you'll get credit."

"The primary condition for integrating into the community is that Lou Bancheng must be a genuine ordinary citizen!"

"Otherwise, it will be very difficult..."

Li Jiuzhou understood; it was simply a matter of paying what was due. So he asked:

"Do you know how much money he has? How much did he pay, or did he pay it all?"

Li Laodao:

"Money is not important, and we don't care how much money he has. If he's willing to pay, then he can pay. What we want is his attitude."

"Those who want to integrate into the collective villas can no longer live there. This is not just a slogan; it must be truly implemented."

"Assigning this task to you is also a sign of the organization's trust in you and a test of your abilities."

After hearing this, Li Jiuzhou's mind raced, and in an instant, he had an idea:

"Okay, since the organization trusts me, I will do my best to fulfill my duty."

Both Mr. Li and Minister Wang nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this.

"Alright, that's all for now. I'll wait for your good news." With that, Old Li hung up the phone.

Li Jiuzhou was smoking and thinking in his office.

Is Lou Bancheng really going all out?

However, I still need to have a detailed talk with him.

If Li Jiuzhou is allowed to handle this matter, it means that the future of Lou Bancheng's family is in his control.

This is difficult; even Li Jiuzhou himself couldn't be sure if he could save him.

Lou Bancheng didn't linger and went straight to Li Jiuzhou's office.

The two sat facing each other, smoking, without saying a word.

Li Jiuzhou broke the silence:

"Uncle Lou, are you really sure?"

"Since I'm here, I'm prepared. Kyushu, just tell me what you can do."

"I'll go crazy if this continues. I'm stuck at home every day, and I have to hide when I go out. I want to live an upright life, and I also want to be a good mother to my children."

Li Jiuzhou tapped his fingers on the table, organizing his thoughts, before he spoke:

"In that case, it's quite simple: move out of the villa, integrate into the community, and live with the ordinary residents."

"Donate all the real estate. As for the money... it's best to take some out as well, just keep some as a last resort for future generations."

"The condition is that your children can get a job at Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill and become normal workers."

Lou Bancheng had already guessed it; let him donate the property if he wanted it, it wouldn't be of any use to him anyway.

But where to stay was a problem, when suddenly Lou Bancheng's eyes lit up:

"Jiuzhou, let me stay at your place. I know a lot of people there."

Li Jiuzhou was stunned for a moment, thinking that this wasn't entirely unacceptable:

"It's possible, but the problem is there's nowhere for you to stay. All the rooms are full, and there are thirteen of you in your family."

Lou Bancheng thought about it and agreed, but then he suddenly looked at Li Jiuzhou with a grin:

"You have a piece of land, right? I'll take it. I'll build the house. Once it's built, it'll be big enough for my family to live in."

"I don't care, living in the same hospital as you is the safest thing to do, you won't just watch me suffer."

Li Jiuzhou wanted to laugh when he heard this. What do you mean that our hospital is the safest?

Damn it, our compound is a den of wolves, okay? You, a capitalist, think you can have a good time living there?

Besides, I'm moving to the dorms this year, who the hell is going to play house with you?

However, since Lou Bancheng has made this request, Li Jiuzhou still needs to consider it carefully.

This wasn't a decision he could make alone, so he suggested:

"In that case, Uncle Lou, write a letter expressing your most sincere thoughts."

"This letter will probably be sent to the highest level once it's written, so you need to handle it with care."

After listening, Lou Bancheng nodded solemnly:

"Don't worry, Jiuzhou, I know what to do. My family's money may be a lot for ordinary people, but it's just a big ant in the face of the country."

He then winked at Li Jiuzhou:

"Just name your price when the time comes... consider it Uncle Lou's payment to you."

"Don't worry, we can donate any money openly in our household, but as for the money we donate secretly... hehe..."

Li Jiuzhou shook his head with amusement after hearing this. He knew that someone like Lou Bancheng would definitely have a backup plan.

But it's nothing, just hiding some money, it's understandable.

With the accumulation of wealth over several generations, how could the Lou family not have a backup plan? It's just that we don't know how many.

Li Jiuzhou wouldn't even think about his money; he wasn't stupid enough to just reach out directly.