Courtyard House: The Frog Boy Brings Back a Genetic Potion at the Start

Seeing his expression, Liu Haizhong was speechless. "What about the time Hao Jianguo fixed the machine?"

He simply recounted what happened that day.

Without a second thought, Yi Zhonghai blurted out, "Didn't I just say it was a coincidence, luck! He only managed to fix that one machine. If he's so capable, why don't he try fixing another one? Besides, you know that steel rolling skills rely entirely on years of experience."

At his age—"

He drawled out his words, shook his head, and cast a meaningful glance at Liu Haizhong.

"Old Liu, think about it. We've toiled in the factory for so many years, and now some young upstart is riding on our heads and behaving like a bully. Are you really happy about that? I know I'm feeling really suffocated and resentful!"

In a blatant change of tone, Yi Zhonghai began to sow discord.

These words really hit a nerve with Liu Haizhong.

His face visibly darkened.

How could he possibly be happy about this? Liu Haizhong has always been arrogant and always dreamed of getting a position. Now, however, he is being overshadowed by Hao Jianguo in every aspect of the factory and the institute, which is like a thorn in his side.

Especially now, with himself being called "Uncle Er".

We actually have to flatter that kid—this never happened before.

His face turned pale. Although he knew Yi Zhonghai was stirring things up, there was one thing the other party was right about: technology does indeed require years of refinement.

How could Liu Haizhong possibly accept that Hao Jianguo became the workshop director at such a young age? He would probably have to keep Hao Jianguo in check from now on.

At such a young age, he is already highly regarded by the factory; his future prospects are predictable, and he will likely rise through the ranks.

Looking at myself, I've been working hard in the factory for so many years, but I haven't even become a small manager. The more I think about it, the more frustrated and annoyed I feel.

"Sigh... but they're just lucky, what can you do?"

Finally, Liu Haizhong gritted his teeth and let out a long sigh.

It must be said that Yi Zhonghai's words really resonated with people; his ability to muddy the waters and take sides is truly first-rate.

In just a short while, Second Master's thoughts had already turned towards him.

Seeing Liu Haizhong's wavering expression, Yi Zhonghai, though showing no sign on his face, was secretly overjoyed.

It was far too easy for him to manipulate this person.

To be honest,

Yi Zhonghai seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, saying, "If we're really talking about skills in this workshop, who else could it be besides you and me?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he didn't forget to pat himself on the back.

"Whether it's experience or talent, Hao Jianguo is indeed still lacking."

Liu Haizhong shook his head, his tone thoughtful.

This is exactly what Yi Zhonghai was waiting for.

"Old Liu, I won't lie to you, I want to compete for the position of workshop director."

But this matter requires your support—as long as you're on my side, once I actually get that position, the deputy director's chair, I'll definitely save it for you.

Yi Zhonghai leaned forward, his words laced with a blatant promise.

Yi Zhonghai knew Liu Haizhong's personality all too well: this man dreamed of becoming an official all his life, regardless of the size of the position.

That's why he threw out this irresistible bait in his bangs.

"Really? Can you keep that promise?"

His voice trembled slightly, and a light shone in his eyes.

If he could really get the position of deputy director, his lifelong dream would finally come true.

Of course, Uncle Er wasn't entirely unaware of what kind of person Yi Zhonghai really was.

This person has always been at odds with Hao Jianguo, and his current attempt to win him over is simply to gain more support.

Liu Haizhong is highly experienced and technically skilled in the workshop. With his help, Yi Zhonghai's chances of winning would increase significantly.

Liu Haizhong secretly began to plot.

How far Hao Jianguo can go in the future largely depends on whether he can successfully take office this time.

If Yi Zhonghai really takes the position of workshop director, he will be the one to call the shots in the workshop, and Hao Jianguo will inevitably be suppressed and have no chance to rise.

On the other hand, even if Hao Jianguo becomes the director, he might not get the deputy director position; Yi Zhonghai, however, made a direct promise.

In Liu Haizhong's view, since a choice has to be made, one should naturally gravitate towards whoever offers the most tangible benefits.

"But you also know... Hao Jianguo is no pushover, and he's ruthless."

"This time, it's obvious the higher-ups value him again. Do you really think you can bring him down and take the director's position?"

Liu Haizhong still looked hesitant as he looked at Yi Zhonghai.

He knew that once he explicitly supported Yi Zhonghai, it would be tantamount to taking sides and opposing Hao Jianguo—and the risks involved were considerable.

In the past, his attitude was ambiguous, and he would sometimes flatter Hao Jianguo. Naturally, Hao Jianguo would not affect him when dealing with Yi Zhonghai.

But if he switches sides in the future and faces retaliation, will he be able to withstand it?

If Yi Zhonghai fails to secure the position and Hao Jianguo takes over, my days in the workshop will likely be difficult.

But on the other hand, since Yi Zhonghai has come to me today, if I refuse or even turn around and support Hao Jianguo, what if Yi Zhonghai succeeds in the future? Would he let me off the hook?

The two had known each other for decades. Liu Haizhong knew all too well how vengeful and calculating Yi Zhonghai was beneath his seemingly kind and smiling exterior.

Thinking of this, he felt caught in a dilemma, and even a trace of regret rose in his heart: if he had known this would happen, he shouldn't have responded when he heard Yi Zhonghai whisper.

By remaining neutral, I can at least ensure my own safety, no matter which of the two of them goes to power.

But the deputy director's was too big, like a hook, making his heart burn with desire, and he could hardly restrain himself.

Seeing Liu Haizhong's expression, Yi Zhonghai understood perfectly what he was thinking, so he simply nodded.

"Of course."

"Don't you know my abilities, Lao Liu?"

As Yi Zhonghai spoke, he cast a meaningful glance at Liu Haizhong.

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Liu Haizhong's face.

The two had been vying for power in the compound for many years, and Liu Haizhong had put in a lot of effort, but in the end, he was still firmly suppressed by Yi Zhonghai.

Although he often cursed Yi Zhonghai behind his back, Liu Haizhong had to admit that the man was indeed quite cunning.

But that was all in the past—back then Hao Jianguo wasn't as successful as he is now.

Now the tide has turned, and Hao Jianguo is riding high. Yi Zhonghai has almost always been outmaneuvered by him. In every encounter, Yi Zhonghai has never gained the upper hand. Not only has he failed to win, but he has also ended up looking humiliated.

Liu Haizhong naturally couldn't say these things to his face.

But seeing Yi Zhonghai's confident demeanor, he actually believed him to some extent.

Seeing that Liu Haizhong was still hesitant, Yi Zhonghai smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "Old Liu, there's a saying you need to understand—wealth and honor are always sought in danger."

Liu Haizhong was taken aback, then gritted his teeth and said, "Fine... I'll do it with you!"

Yi Zhonghai burst into laughter and patted him heavily on the shoulder: "That's right! Don't worry, I'd never cheat you, we've known each other for so many years."

Liu Haizhong forced a smile, but inwardly he was thinking:

Friendship? There's hardly any friendship between them.

"So what do you plan to do?"

Having already chosen a side, Liu Haizhong no longer hesitated, "Now we're all in the same boat."

"Simple."

Yi Zhonghai said firmly, "If we don't want Hao Jianguo to become the workshop director, we have to throw dirty water on him from a technical standpoint."

Regardless of whether he has real skills or not, let's stir things up first.

"I don't believe he's that capable at all."

On the last day of the public announcement period, we'll take action and publicly question his skills—saying that his last machine repair was pure luck and he's completely unqualified to be the director.

"The factory will definitely send someone to investigate."

"I'm an eighth-grade fitter, and you're a seventh. It'd be a piece of cake for me to tamper with the investigation and make things difficult for him."

Liu Haizhong's eyes lit up, and he suddenly realized.

Indeed, given their qualifications, they are very likely to be appointed to participate in the investigation.

When the time comes, two highly skilled technicians working together to deal with an ordinary worker, wouldn't they be able to do whatever they want with him?

He finally understood where Yi Zhonghai's confidence came from.

The two hit it off immediately and were just waiting for the public announcement period to begin.

Three days later, the day that Liu Haizhong and Yi Zhonghai had been waiting for finally arrived.

They went directly to their superiors to report the situation and, in front of everyone, openly questioned Hao Jianguo's abilities.

"Having worked as a fitter for so many years, I see some things more clearly than others."

Yi Zhonghai was the first to attack, speaking without any reservations: "Besides fixing that machine, has Hao Jianguo ever done any decent technical work? No, right? So in my opinion, he was just lucky last time."

"If he's really capable, I'd have no objection to him becoming the director; I'd even wholeheartedly support it."

But if it's just based on luck—”

Yi Zhonghai paused, then raised his voice, "Then I, Yi Zhonghai, will be the first to object!"

"This workshop is a key department for tackling technical challenges, and the leader must be an experienced veteran, or at the very least a senior master craftsman."

"Letting someone so young take charge, even if you say he's a top-notch technician, I find it hard to believe."

Just then, Liu Haizhong, who was standing to the side, slowly walked forward.

The two men's back-and-forth questioning caused a stir among the onlookers.

No one expected that Hao Jianguo's promotion to leadership was almost a done deal, yet these two would choose this occasion to launch an attack.

Don't they consider the consequences? If Hao Jianguo really secures his position, how can they get along in the workshop after this blatant sabotage?

"Don't give me that! What luck or anything? Everyone was there when we were fixing the malfunction that day."

Master Yi, didn't you always say you had plenty of experience as an eighth-grade fitter? Did you solve the problem back then?

Someone retorted without hesitation.

For these discerning individuals, now is the perfect time to curry favor with Hao Jianguo.

"If you say others rely on luck, then if you can't solve it yourself, should you also blame it on bad luck? According to this logic, we should stop studying technology and just burn incense and pray to Buddha every day. Anyway, when luck comes, any problem will be solved automatically."

Is it really that hard to admit you're not as skilled as others and to face the fact that they are better than you?

"If you ask me, some people are just jealous that Hao Jianguo was able to rise so high at such a young age. They think about themselves, and what have they accomplished in their lives?"

A chorus of undisguised sneers and mockery erupted from all around.

Although Liu Haizhong and Yi Zhonghai had somewhat anticipated some controversy before launching their attack, their faces still darkened instantly when they were actually being mocked and ridiculed by the crowd.

Especially Liu Haizhong, who had never been so publicly ridiculed before, was so angry that he couldn't even speak coherently.

"You guys...you're absolutely ridiculous!"

"Master Yi, what did you say wrong just now? Think about it carefully. Apart from that time, has Hao Jianguo ever demonstrated any real skills? Are we, a level seven and an level eight fitter, really less perceptive than you?"

Liu Haizhong couldn't hold back in the end.

He originally planned to have Yi Zhonghai take the lead while he observed from the sidelines, so that even if the situation was unfavorable, there would still be room for maneuver.

But he was born unable to stand being ridiculed in public.

Yi Zhonghai gave Liu Haizhong a deep look, then took a step forward and said, "Envious of Hao Jianguo? Many of the old buddies in the workshop know me and understand my character."

When have I, Yi Zhonghai, ever been jealous of someone with real talent?

"I'd be happy if someone had excellent skills and could contribute to the factory; why would I be jealous?"

"What our factory needs are real skills, not those who are all talk and no action and just try to get by."

It must be said that Yi Zhonghai is indeed much more experienced in handling affairs than Liu Haizhong.

After being provoked, Liu Haizhong only focused on arguing, while Yi Zhonghai immediately seized the moral high ground, appearing neither humble nor arrogant, and his arguments were well-founded.

Upon hearing his words, the surrounding noise gradually subsided, and many people's expressions turned serious.

Regardless, these two men were long regarded as technical benchmarks in the workshop.

Now that they are all questioning Hao Jianguo, even if it is truly out of jealousy, it is hard not to feel uneasy—if they didn't have some evidence, they probably wouldn't dare to openly contradict him like this.

For a moment, when many eyes turned to Hao Jianguo again, they were filled with some hesitation.

Some people couldn't help but wonder: Was Hao Jianguo's performance that time really just a lucky coincidence?

They knew that if Yi Zhonghai and his group's suspicions were confirmed, Hao Jianguo would not only be unable to get promoted to workshop director, but he might not even be able to keep his current position.

Those who had been scrambling to praise Hao Jianguo and help criticize Yi Zhonghai were now feeling uneasy and a chill ran down their spines.