Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

More importantly, he's been working overtime a lot lately, showing off his advanced fitter skills everywhere, which is how he earned six yuan in overtime pay. He's really quite proud of himself.

"Maybe the old lady misheard?" he pondered as he walked. "I've only just had the idea, I haven't done anything yet, what could Sha Zhu possibly know?"

The more I think about it, the more plausible it seems. It's a real shame that I wasted a month investigating the White Widow. But I already found some clues last time, so if I go back in a couple of days, I'm sure I'll uncover something.

"Silly Pillar..."

The moment his name was mentioned, a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

Those two slaps last time knocked out three of his teeth. Eating wasn't affected, but each tooth cost three yuan to replace, so three would be nine yuan—enough to buy half a bag of flour. Yi Zhonghai felt the pinch and kept putting off getting it treated.

Unfortunately, it was his front tooth that fell out, causing him to speak with a lisp, which was somewhat comical.

He remembered this debt to the core.

If I don't get revenge, I've lived fifty years in vain!

His hatred for He Yuzhu grew layer upon layer: first, He Yuzhu disrespected him; then, He Yuzhu ignored his elders' instructions; then, He Yuzhu dared to go to the neighborhood committee and get him stripped of his position; and now, He Yuzhu has assaulted him and disfigured him!

Every single one of these incidents was a humiliation!

As for the deaf old lady's constant refrain that "Shazhu is the one who will take care of you in your old age and see you off in your final days," Yi Zhonghai now treats it as nothing more than a fart.

With Jia Dongxu around, what is there to worry about in his later years?

He clearly understood the mentor-student relationship they had shared for over a decade—that when his legs became weak in the future, it would be Jia Dongxu who would serve him tea, pour water, and fetch water for him to wash his feet.

As for He Yuzhu? He only wants him to pay for his crimes in blood!

After receiving his salary, Yi Zhonghai was in a great mood. That evening, he bought some side dishes, heated up a pot of wine, and invited Jia Dongxu over, intending to have a couple of drinks to relax and also to plan how to continue investigating He Daqing and the White Widow.

At the dinner table, he poured wine while comforting his apprentice: "Before, you were holding back, keeping a low profile. Now... you can make your move."

Upon hearing this, Jia Dongxu's spirits lifted, and he patted his chest, declaring, "If Master speaks, I will not hesitate! I will be there whenever you call!"

Yi Zhonghai was extremely satisfied, frequently serving food and urging others to drink, creating a lively atmosphere. When the meal ended, he even made sure Jia Dongxu took all the remaining braised dishes with him. The bond between master and apprentice grew stronger with each drink.

The next morning, just as He Yuzhu sat down in the steel rolling mill office, Li Huaide's secretary knocked on the door and came in.

After a moment's thought, he had a pretty good idea—it was probably about Yi Zhonghai.

For a routine reception, they would at most send a note. The fact that they've sent someone specifically to invite you indicates that this is no small matter.

Without making a sound, he slung his bag over his shoulder, took out a bottle of medicinal wine from his spatial storage and put it inside, then got up and headed straight for Li Huaide's office.

He knocked on the door and entered, then greeted him with a smile, "You're here, Zhu Zi."

He then waved to his secretary, signaling her to leave.

Li Huaide's secretary nodded slightly, closed the door behind him, turned and walked away, waiting quietly at the end of the corridor.

"Factory manager, I brought you a bottle of medicinal wine. It's good for blood circulation and strengthening muscles, and it's very nourishing."

He Yuzhu grinned, took a bottle of liquor from his bag, and slammed it on Li Huaide's table. Li Huaide's eyes lit up at the sight, and the corners of his mouth immediately curled up.

Before the New Year, his wife had already given one of the two bottles to her father-in-law as a token of respect. Now he only had half a bottle left and was worried that he wouldn't have the face to ask for more—and here comes his timely help!

"Zhu Zi, then I won't stand on ceremony with you." Li Huaide happily accepted the gift, then casually opened a drawer and stuffed it inside. "The matter you mentioned is settled. Sit down and rest for a while, then listen to the radio later."

The words had barely left his mouth when the steel mill's loudspeaker blared with a loud "sizzle," followed by a familiar broadcasting tone:

"Dear colleagues and leaders, this is an announcement of commendation: Upon the proposal of Factory Director Yang, the review of Wang Shushu, and the unanimous approval of all factory leaders, Comrade Yi Zhonghai, a seventh-grade fitter, has been awarded the title of 'Advanced Worker'!"

He Yuzhu glanced sideways at Li Huaide, who picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled without saying a word.

"The veteran comrades volunteered to support the construction of Northwest China. Their awareness should be set an example," Li Huaide said casually, but his tone revealed a hint of pride.

"Of course, he's a seasoned veteran who's really got it all done." He Yuzhu smiled as he refilled his hot water. The two exchanged a knowing smile, their perfect understanding making them look like a pair of cunning old foxes working together to set things up.

Inside the workshop, everyone's ears perked up, and their eyes all turned to Yi Zhonghai. Even the senior workers were stunned, their faces filled with shock.

It's only been a month since work started! To be nominated for the "Advanced Worker" award, you need at least a quarter's worth of achievements, and it's usually only awarded every six months or even a year. Why was Yi Zhonghai promoted so quickly by the entire factory leadership?

absurd!

Yi Zhonghai was also bewildered. Something that hadn't even happened before the Lunar New Year, how did it suddenly become his problem? Could it be... compensation from the factory for signing him up for the construction aid program?

Jia Dongxu instantly erupted in excitement, almost jumping up: "Master! You've become an advanced worker! And it was unanimously recommended by all the factory leaders!"

This is serious! Being an advanced worker is not just an honor, but also a symbol of status. Even the workshop director has to treat them with utmost respect, and if the master craftsman finds an excuse to reprimand someone, the other person can only listen with their head down.

"Congratulations, Master Yi!"

"Master Yi, you've truly earned that title!"

"Master Yi... I admire you so much!"

A group of people surrounded him to offer their congratulations, saying nice things, but their expressions were a mix of emotions, and probably very few of them were truly sincere.

On what grounds?

However, after working overtime for a few extra days, who hasn't made a contribution? Even when Section Chief Zhou of the Technical Department developed a new machine tool, he wasn't promoted this quickly. How did Yi Zhonghai rise to the top in one step?

Even the workshop foreman was puzzled. According to the rules, nominations for outstanding workers should have gone through him, the foreman, before being submitted. But this time, Yi Zhonghai had bypassed him and gone directly to the factory's upper management?

Weird!

The director leaned forward and tentatively asked, "Old Yi, tell me, what exactly happened?"

"Yeah, Master Yi, teach us how we got this title!"

"Tell us about it, so we can learn from it!"

While outwardly showing support, the crowd harbored resentment. They would acknowledge any technological breakthrough or significant contribution if it were truly due to Yi Zhonghai's expertise. However, aside from his seniority and solid skills, they hadn't heard of him accomplishing anything earth-shattering.

Upon hearing this, Jia Dongxu became agitated and immediately stood up to defend his master: "What are you arguing about! This was decided collectively by the factory leaders! The fact that it passed unanimously proves that my master has real skills! How could they possibly make a random decision?"

These words left everyone speechless for a moment. But they still wondered to themselves: "He must have pulled some strings, otherwise how could such a good thing happen?"

Someone wanted to ask further questions, but just then, the broadcast started again:

"Comrade Yi Zhonghai's voluntary participation in the Northwest Aid Project demonstrates his profound patriotism and dedication, which is worthy of emulation by the entire factory. It has been decided that, starting this week, a factory-wide campaign themed 'Learning from Comrade Yi Zhonghai' will be launched..."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.

Everyone was stunned. Even Jia Dongxu turned around and stared at his master as if he were seeing him for the first time.

Long after the broadcast ended, the workshop director slowly shook his head and patted Yi Zhonghai heavily on the shoulder:

"Old Yi, I'm impressed. You truly deserve this title. As for the others? I don't respect a single one of them."

"It was me... I misunderstood Master Yi."

"Master Yi, you're awesome!"

Yi Zhonghai's face darkened. He no longer cared about listening to these people's praises. He threw down the wrench, strode through the crowd, and headed straight for the factory office.

He couldn't even be bothered to write a leave request; he only had one thing on his mind—to get an explanation from Director Yang.

He pounded on the stairs, rushing to the factory director's office door in a few strides. Director Yang's secretary reached out to stop him, but before she could speak, he had already pushed the door open and entered.

"Master Yi? You're here so quickly?"

Factory Director Yang, who had been frowning, immediately suppressed his anger and put on a smiling face when he saw him enter. "The announcement just finished reading out your commendation, how could you..."

As a representative of advanced workers, he has to be given face. As long as he doesn't make a big mistake, even if someone barges into his office, he can only smile and accept it.

"Director Yang, what's the deal with the Northwest aid project?" Yi Zhonghai asked bluntly, his voice low but urgent. "I never signed up! Is there some mistake?"

His eyes narrowed, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. This was no small matter; once he went to the Northwest, he might not be able to return for ten or twenty years. It was so barren there that even a single tree was hard to find, and even with the government pouring money in, who knew when a decent industrial zone would be built? He was over fifty; how many more twenty years did he have left?

"Impossible!" Factory Director Yang was stunned for a moment, then pulled out a folder, grabbed a piece of paper, and threw it at him. "Look at this yourself. This application form is written in black and white, and the signature is 'Yi Zhonghai' in big letters. Who else could it be but you?"

Yi Zhonghai took a look and his head buzzed.

The handwriting—it was so familiar. The horizontal and vertical strokes were straight, with a hook at the end of each stroke; it was his usual style, and every stroke was indistinguishable from his own signature.

But he just couldn't remember when he had picked up a pen.

Cold sweat crept up his back, but he gritted his teeth and said stiffly, "Factory manager, I really didn't sign this."

"Bullshit!" Factory Director Yang slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup jump. "You didn't write it? Did I sign it for you? The list has already been submitted, and the honors have been awarded. Now you're telling me it wasn't you? The die is cast; you can't back out!"

He stared intently at Yi Zhonghai: "I'll ask you one more time—did you write this name?"

Yi Zhonghai's heart skipped a beat, but the thought of settling down in the Northwest and spending the rest of his life buried in the yellow sand made him determined to fight for it, no matter what.

"Director Yang," his voice was hoarse, "this signature looks like mine, but it's definitely not my handwriting. Someone forged my signature and submitted my name."

"Impersonating someone?" Factory Director Yang sneered. "Are you saying our factory forced a level-seven fitter like you to go to the Northwest as a pioneer for the sake of political achievements? If word gets out, how can I remain the factory director?"

He turned and yelled outside, "Xiao Liu! Go to the finance department and get two senior accountants. Bring all of Yi Zhonghai's pay slips for the last six months! Verify them!"