Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

He Yuzhu: "Understood, I'll get started on the arrangements right away."

Qiao Weimin: "In addition, regarding the heavy truck assembly plant project you mentioned, the higher-ups have decided: the main plant will be located in Kyoto, and only two core component plants will be set up in Dongli. Don't feel pressured—it's not that they don't trust you, it's just that our current industrial base really can't keep up."

He Yuzhu: "It's extremely rare for a parts factory to take on this responsibility. Dongli has already taken a big step forward."

Qiao Weimin: "Okay, as long as you know what I mean. It's getting late, I'll head back now." With that, he got up and walked out, and He Yuzhu saw him all the way to the front door.

Qiao Weimin stopped and patted him on the shoulder: "Everyone has seen what you've done. Think about resigning again."

He Yuzhu: "I've thought this over and over again. Thank you for your guidance and support, former leader."

Qiao Weimin: "Okay, I've got it. I'll make the arrangements."

After saying that, his heart tightened, and he lingered on He Yuzhu's face for a couple more seconds before turning around and getting into the car.

Mr. and Mrs. Zhang Huaqiang accompanied Lou Xiao'e all the way to the hospital gate.

He Yuzhu called out, "Sister, brother-in-law, be careful on the road!"

Zhang Huaqiang laughed and waved his hand: "The driver should hold the steering wheel; I wouldn't dare touch it—that thing is hotter than a wok!"

Peng Mei smiled and casually closed the car door for him. The two of them got into the car with smiles on their faces, and the car slowly drove away.

He Yuzhu and Lou Xiao'e walked back to the lounge side by side, their steps lighter.

As Lou Xiao'e walked, she said, "Zhu Zi, your brother-in-law just told me the inside story—the deal with Yu Shui and the others at the mall is finalized. I'll call her later and tell her not to cook tonight, but to come over for dinner and have a lively get-together."

He Yuzhu nodded: "Okay, it would be good if you could say hello."

Lou Xiao'e glanced at him sideways: "Why are your brows furrowed again? You seem to be preoccupied?"

He Yuzhu sighed: "I'm thinking about the restaurant. Xiao Si can't handle the kitchen alone. I trust Lao San to manage the operations, but we can't do without someone to cover for him at the stove—Grandpa is getting old, and Ma Hua is tied up with a new project. If we build it up but don't do it well, we'll have wasted all of Grandma's hard work."

Lou Xiao'e's eyes lit up: "Have you considered Liu Songgui and his brother? They regretted not coming to the restaurant earlier, and they came to me today specifically to ask about it. They want to work for you. I told them to wait for you to come back and make a decision."

He Yuzhu's eyes lit up: "I trust these two. They have a solid foundation in craftsmanship, but their control of the heat and the recipe are still a bit lacking. Let them lend a hand at Xiao Si's place first, and by the time the new shop is completed, they'll have mastered the skills."

Back when they first opened the restaurant, He Yuzhu had invited them to join him, but they had secure jobs at the factory and were worried about the restaurant's stability. Later, when Xiao Si was hiring, they hesitated again, fearing the situation might be unfavorable. Now, they're taking the initiative to visit him, hoping for a real future—it's only human nature.

Just like now, anyone who dares to throw money into a trending sector is truly foolish; those who understand the trend and are willing to work diligently are the ones who are truly clear-headed. Lou Xiao'e also said that the wages they want are fair and reasonable, but they prefer to work for acquaintances first—after all, they've seen each other for over a decade, how can they be more reliable than strangers?

During holidays and festivals, the Liu brothers never forgot to send a gift; they remembered that job offer from over a decade ago. How could people who cherish old friendships and keep to their duties be of poor character?

Lou Xiao'e then said, "Tomorrow you should make the trip yourself. Don't rush to send them to Xiao Si's place—first come here to learn the skills from Ma Hua. The old man can also give them some pointers. Then take some time to learn some tricks from Liu Lan and figure out the management system."

He Yuzhu readily agreed: "Okay, you arrange it. I'll pick them up tomorrow, and the existing staff here should also get a round of training as soon as possible. When the branch opens, select a few top performers to be team leaders; after all, they have experience and can keep things under control."

Lou Xiao'e nodded with a smile: "This is a sure thing. It's still a long way from opening, so we can take our time to look around and carefully select what to bring—bring up what needs to be brought up, and give people something to look forward to."

When people have something to look forward to, they won't feel listless while working. Right now, everyone is doing their best, but if they keep going in the same place, even the most diligent people will easily lose their drive.

Lou Xiao'e took He Yuzhu's arm and walked home. This area had always been managed by Zhou Xue, with clean and efficient accounts; while He Yubing held the finances in his hands, leaving no room for error.

The two walked slowly along the quiet night road under the dim light of the streetlights, just like when they first met. Neither of them was in a hurry to speak, but they quietly enjoyed this moment of warm tranquility.

The next morning, He Yuzhu carried the gift box he had bought at the department store and went straight to Liu Songgui's house. When he pushed open the door, the two brothers had just washed their faces and were putting on aprons, preparing to go to the steel mill.

Liu Songgui was taken aback for a moment, then grinned, "Oh! Director He, your esteemed presence is an honor! Please come in, please come in!"

He Yuzhu placed the gift on the table and said with a smile, "After hearing what Xiao'e meant, I immediately came to invite them over."

Liu Songgui rubbed his hands, a little embarrassed: "I've been looking forward to it! My family wouldn't let me quit my job at the factory, saying that 'having a stable job is the right thing to do.' But seeing my old colleagues getting more and more successful, my wife couldn't sit still anymore and kept urging me to go to them."

He Yuzhu patted him on the shoulder: "It's fate that you came. We've worked together for over ten years, and after this period of separation, I've really missed you guys."

Hearing the commotion, Liu's mother shuffled in quickly in her cloth shoes. When she saw it was He Yuzhu, she immediately turned around, boiled water, cracked eggs, heated the pot, and deftly started cooking sweet wine eggs.

Liu Songmin also came into the house upon hearing the noise and stood at the door listening attentively.

He Yuzhu casually asked, "I heard the child is still unsettled? Why don't you try your luck in Yushui?"

Liu Songgui's ears burned, and he said awkwardly, "I declined your kindness the first two times, how could I possibly ask for work again this time..."

In their eyes, a job is a blessing; even sweeping the streets is considered a great favor if someone is willing to pay you.

He Yuzhu said sincerely, "Here's what we'll do: go to the factory today to complete the formalities and give the position to your child who wants to work there; you two come to me tomorrow to report for duty. If your child wants to go to Yushui, I'll arrange it immediately—as long as they're willing to work hard and follow the rules, they can establish themselves anywhere."

Liu's mother brought in two steaming bowls of sweet rice wine with eggs, smiling as she said, "Director He, please have something to eat first, we can chat while we eat!"

He Yuzhu didn't refuse. He took the bowl and drank a sip, then handed the other bowl to Liu Songmin—not eating would make them seem distant.

He smiled and said to Liu's mother, "Auntie, don't bother. Songgui and I get along like brothers. Coming here is like coming home. Please rest!" As he spoke, he reached out and supported her arm.

Liu Songmin readily agreed: "Sure! I'll give my position to my wife today, and I'll report to the Prince's Mansion first thing tomorrow morning!"

He Yuzhu shook his head: "No rush. Tomorrow I'll take the kids to Yushui to start their jobs, and come back after they're settled—I'll feel at ease once I have a secure job."

The family sat around a small square table, listening to He Yuzhu help them sort things out one by one, their faces full of undisguised warmth and gratitude.

……

After sitting at the Liu family's house for a while, He Yuzhu got up to say goodbye.

He smiled and said to Liu's mother, "Auntie, please come to the shop with Songgui and his brother the day after tomorrow. They're at work, and I'm also busy with my own things, so we'll stop here for today. I'll come to see you again another day when I have time."

The whole family saw him off, their faces beaming with joy. The Liu family knew perfectly well that their old partner, who had worked alongside He Yuzhu for so long, had seen his life completely change in just over a year. Now, he was personally visiting and making arrangements – such respect was something few could afford.

After seeing the guests off, Liu's mother turned back into the house and slammed her hand on the table, initiating a family meeting. Old Liu had been sitting obediently in the corner, waiting silently for his wife to speak. Everyone in the house, young and old, sat upright and neatly in line.

Liu's mother said, "Director He's willingness to personally visit our home and run around for us is truly touching. We can't let him down. No matter what work he assigns, we must do it honestly and with a clear conscience! You're all in your early thirties, you're capable and know what's going on—these jobs are so valuable these days! It's hard to even get a spot! The Liu family will remember this kindness forever."

Everyone responded in unison, "We understand, Grandma!"

Seeing that everyone had taken her words to heart, a warm feeling appeared on Liu's mother's face. She decisively instructed: "Eat breakfast first; the eldest and second sons should quickly take their wives back to the factory and free up their positions; in the afternoon, the whole family should bring gift boxes to express their gratitude, being polite and respectful, so that no one will say that our Liu family is short-sighted and doesn't know the rules."

He Yuzhu took a bus to the Prince's Mansion and saw Lou Xiao'e standing in the courtyard giving instructions from afar. The workers stood as straight as pines and cypresses, their work clothes neatly pressed, their expressions focused, even their breathing was steady, all looking up at her.

Lou Xiao'e's voice was clear and bright: "Everyone here, even the shortest-term employee has been here for at least six months. Each team leader remembers how you work and what you're thinking! I have the utmost respect for working alongside such a group of reliable people. But what I'm about to say concerns your future for the next few years—you must excel in your work, and you can't neglect your cultural studies! Those who perform exceptionally well, are quick-witted, and are literate and good at accounting will have plenty of opportunities for promotion! We're opening a branch soon, and the store manager and deputy will all be chosen from among you! When you become a leader, your payslip won't look like it does now."

Zhou Xue took over the conversation at the opportune moment, her tone firm:

"The branch's renovation is nearing completion. Xu Huaihua, a diligent and quick-witted waitress, has been promoted directly to branch supervisor; Liu Hong, a shrewd cook, has been appointed head chef; and Liu Yu has taken on the role of reception manager—all familiar faces we work with every day. Why them? Not because of connections, but because of their hard work! Anyone can have a chance if they're willing to work hard. Remember, there's more than one branch!"

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from below, loud and rapid, like spring thunder rolling across a wheat field. He used to fear having no way out, but now, watching those around him, without any backing or connections, leap to new heights simply through their quick wit and clear minds—the fire in his heart was instantly ignited.