Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

He Yuzhu answered decisively: "Scientific research is like planting a tree. It may not bear fruit immediately after planting, but if the roots are deep, it can shelter you from the wind and rain in the future. If we grit our teeth and persevere today, we can make the technology grow wings and reach the kitchens and wheels of ordinary people tomorrow."

Uncle Liu looked at him and suddenly smiled: "After more than a year of work, the results you've delivered are much more substantial than we expected. I wasn't wrong about you—if you have any other ideas, bring them out today, and I'll give them my feedback."

He Yuzhu lowered his eyes for a moment, and when he looked up again, his expression was calm and resolute:

"Uncle, I want to quit my job. I've done everything I could. The path has been paved, and others will go even further. I just want to hug the children more and watch them grow up more."

Uncle Liu: "Think about it again—everyone has seen and remembered your achievements. Once this experience is over, the road ahead will only become wider and brighter."

He Yuzhu: "I've thought this through long ago. I'm so grateful to all the leaders who have helped me get to where I am today. Once the dock is completed, I want to slow down and spend more time with my children and elderly parents."

Uncle Liu: "Everyone has their own ambitions, I won't force you. But right now, you have to keep a close eye on this business until the very last day—postpone everything else for later."

He Yuzhu: "Thank you, Uncle Liu. I'll remember your kindness."

After having lunch at Uncle Liu's house, He Yuzhu carried two boxes of new tea and a basket of freshly picked apples to Qiao Weimin's house. Qiao Weimin was taking a nap when he heard the door open. He slipped on his slippers and went to greet him at the door, pulling him into the study.

Qiao Weimin: "You've done a fantastic job over there, making us old guys very proud! You're here today for the dock business, right?"

He Yuzhu: "I can't hide it from you, sir—that's why I came back."

Qiao Weimin: "Zhang Huaqiang was supposed to call you at noon. The higher-ups just finished reviewing your formal application and are still meeting to discuss it. I didn't expect you to arrive first! Call up a few old buddies tonight and get together. I'll take care of the arrangements."

He Yuzhu: "Thank you so much. There's one more thing... I'd like to submit my resignation once the dock construction is finished."

He owes his success entirely to Qiao Weimin's guidance: joining the Party, attending Party school, assigning him responsibilities, and providing him with opportunities—a bond he dares not take lightly.

Qiao Weimin frowned: "Did something upset you? Tell me, I'll back you up." He subconsciously thought that He Yuzhu had suffered a loss in silence.

He Yuzhu shook his head: "I just want to settle down. The child is growing up so fast, I've missed so many things in the blink of an eye. I don't want to keep running around anymore."

Qiao Weimin breathed a sigh of relief and patted him on the shoulder: "When you come back, I'll arrange for you to work in the logistics department of the government office. It's a relaxed job, close to home, and Xiao'e can be transferred back too. The dock construction will take a long time, so don't rush. Think it over again."

He Yuzhu: "I'll do as you say."

Qiao Weimin: "Just stand your post until the very end. It's only right that you come back and rest for a while."

He genuinely admired He Yuzhu—back when Director Yang's incident happened, others would have run away as fast as they could, but He Yuzhu dared to withstand the pressure, clarify the accounts, and stabilize people's hearts. This composure and clear sense of priorities allowed Qiao Weimin to observe him from the sidelines for ten years before he truly considered him one of his own.

He Yuzhu: "I will never let you down and will stand until the very end."

Qiao Weimin waved his hand with a smile: "Alright, let's drink to our hearts' content tonight! Zhai Junhui was talking about you this morning, saying that if you don't show up soon, he's going to go to Jinshi to wait for you—you should also go and see them while you're at it. It's only proper if you visit each other often."

As soon as he finished speaking, He Yuzhu got up to say goodbye, carrying gifts, and went from house to house to express his greetings.

The thought of resigning had actually taken root in his heart for many years. In his past life, there were no factories in his hometown, his parents worked away from home year-round, and his siblings had no one to take care of them. From the age of six, he became a "key child," clutching a cold, hard brass key, waiting for nightfall in the empty house. In this life, he managed to build a factory, allowing his parents to raise their children themselves, and giving his younger siblings a warm childhood.

His wish had been fulfilled, and the road had reached a turning point. He knew he wasn't cut out for officialdom—too straightforward, not nimble enough; forcing himself on would only hinder things. Getting this done was already a great blessing; handing it over to someone more knowledgeable was the responsible thing to do for everyone. From now on, being a "soft rice" husband supported by his wife was perfectly fine.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile, and his steps became lighter as he headed straight for the Prince's Mansion to prepare for the family reunion dinner that evening.

……

As He Yuzhu stepped into the Prince's Mansion, Lou Xiao'e also pushed open the door and came in, carrying a briefcase.

Lou Xiao'e: "Zhu Zi, have you finished paying your respects? What's Director Qiao's attitude towards your resignation?"

She had known he had this idea for a long time. She also hoped that the four of them could be together, but she was afraid that he would be out there doing nothing – he couldn't wash his clothes, couldn't tell the difference between medicine pills, and when he caught a cold, he only knew to drink hot water. She had to keep an eye on him to feel at ease.

He Yuzhu: "I've met with them all. Director Qiao hasn't given any indication yet, saying he'll arrange for me to come back here to start work, and that the job will be easier."

Lou Xiao'e: "I've found the right machine manufacturers. Peng Mei took me to see three companies, and we've signed contracts. The equipment will be delivered to Dongli County at the beginning of next month."

He Yuzhu: "Have you found out about the ham sausage production line yet?"

Lou Xiao'e: "After making some inquiries, there's no stock available in mainland China right now. I'll call my dad later; he's well-connected in Hong Kong, so it should be easier to find some there."

He Yuzhu: "What a coincidence, I was just looking for him too."

The two walked towards the office, talking as they went. Lou Xiao'e picked up the phone and dialed.

Lou Xiao'e: "Mom, is Dad home? I need to talk to him urgently."

港岛

Less than three minutes later, Lou's father called back.

Lou Xiao'e: "Dad, could you please order a few sets of ham sausage production equipment for us? I'll transfer the payment as soon as the goods arrive. Oh, and Zhu Zi also has something to tell you."

She handed the receiver over casually.

He Yuzhu: "Dad, we urgently need several heavy truck assembly lines—new or old, as long as they work. We'll pay for them; can you help us find them?"

Mr. Lou paused for a moment: "This is a bit tricky... I'll try my best, but if it really doesn't work, I can't force it."

He Yuzhu: "Don't place your order directly from Hong Kong Island. Instead, go through several partner factories in Singapore and quietly ship it to Tianjin New Port, using the customs green channel. That's the safest way."

Lou's father laughed: "That's a clever idea! Several old car factories over there in the US are having a clearance sale. I'll handle the arrangements; leave it to me."

He Yuzhu: "Thank you for your hard work, Dad."

Lou's father: "You just need to keep an eye on the fourth and fifth graders' schooling for me."

He Yuzhu: "The two kids are very self-disciplined, and they study for two hours every day without fail."

Lou's father: "That's good! I'll definitely go back this Spring Festival."

He Yuzhu: "Okay! I'll give the phone to Xiao'e, you two can chat."

Lou's father: "Isn't Xiao Wu with you?"

He Yuzhu: "School hasn't let out yet, the students are still at school."

Lou's father: "Okay, I'll hang up now, to save on phone bills."

With a click, the call ended. He Yuzhu shrugged helplessly at Lou Xiao'e and spread his hands.

Lou Xiao'e: "In my dad's eyes, my daughter is like air; he only waits for his fourth and fifth mistresses to answer the phone."

He Yuzhu silently added in his mind—"Stop being modest, it would be more accurate to remove the word 'seems'."

Lou Xiao'e: "Have you booked a private room for tonight's meal? If not, I'll call Zhou Xue now to reserve a table as soon as possible, otherwise there won't even be a place to stand when it's mealtime."

He Yuzhu: "It hasn't been moved yet."

Lou Xiao'e turned to find Zhou Xue, while He Yuzhu picked up a few things and strolled towards the courtyard—he needed to visit Uncle Yi, Aunt Yi, and Yang Chengyi first, and then arrange a get-together for tomorrow night. If he didn't even show his face when he returned to Beijing, after a while, the old neighbors would inevitably murmur: "This kid has become an official, his ego has gone up, and he doesn't care about the old folks anymore."

As he walked, he picked out a decent gift, his steps neither hurried nor slow, heading towards the familiar old courtyard.

As soon as he stepped into Aunt Yi's courtyard, he knocked for a while, but the house remained quiet and no one answered. Just then, Madam Jia pushed open her own door and came out. When she saw He Yuzhu, her face immediately lit up with a smile—both of her granddaughters worked for him, and now that he had taken a position of real power, how could she dare to put on airs? Her lips curled up high, and even the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes radiated warmth.

Jia Zhangshi: "Oh, Cadre He's here? Aunt Yi and her husband went to set up their stall at the steel mill gate a long time ago. The kids are still in school; they probably won't be back for several hours. Why don't you come over to my house for a cup of tea?"

He Yuzhu smiled and waved his hand: "I'll go see Chengyi first, and then visit another day."

Madam Jia quickly replied, "Chengyi isn't home either! His whole family is busy at their factory, not far ahead. Shall I take you there?"

Ever since Yang Chengyi started his factory, everyone has changed how they address him, calling him "Factory Director Yang." Who would dare to look down on that young man who used to eat cornbread and wear patched pants?

He Yuzhu patted her arm: "Aunt Jia, I know the way well. You rest, I'll come see you again later."

As soon as he finished speaking, he walked towards the back of the Huaqian Garment Factory—Yang Chengyi's factory was hidden behind that red brick wall.

Bypassing the garment factory, a bright and cheerful sight suddenly appeared: a two-story gray and white building was surrounded by people, all talking at once, reporting numbers, bargaining, and trying to build relationships, all there to place orders.

He Yuzhu took a few steps closer, stopped a girl in work clothes, and asked where Yang Chengyi was.

The girl glanced at him, grinned, and said, "I'll take you there! But don't come here to 'cut in line' to order—if that's the case, I'm going to get yelled at again today!"

He Yuzhu laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm not here to steal orders. I have something important to discuss with your factory manager."

Upon hearing this, the young woman immediately led the way through the roaring workshop. The machines were deafening, and the workers were busy working. Yang Chengyi, with his sleeves rolled up, was packing and inspecting goods with his wife, their fingers still covered in scraps of cloth and glue.

Upon looking up and seeing He Yuzhu, he dropped what he was doing and rushed over, his voice booming, "Uncle! When did you arrive? Why didn't you call Yubing and the others to pick you up and take you to the train station?"