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

If Hao Jianguo is dragged here by Yi Zhonghai and others, all their previous hard work will be in vain.

Having offended Yi Zhonghai, given his vengeful nature, he will certainly not let them off the hook in the future.

The incident caused quite a stir and eventually alarmed the factory's top management.

Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, and Hao Jianguo were summoned to the conference room for an emergency meeting specifically to discuss Hao Jianguo's appointment.

Seeing the leaders taking this matter so seriously, Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong were secretly delighted—since they hadn't rejected their proposal on the spot, it meant that removing Hao Jianguo from his position as workshop director wasn't entirely impossible, and there was even a good chance of success.

Yi Zhonghai was full of confidence, feeling that he was almost certain to become the workshop director, as long as things went smoothly this time.

"Hao Jianguo, don't blame me."

In order for me to become the deputy director, I have no choice but to ask you to make this sacrifice.

You're still young; you'll have plenty of opportunities ahead of you.

Liu Haizhong lowered his eyes and silently recited a sentence in his heart.

Hao Jianguo looked intently at Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong.

He had long anticipated that his promotion to workshop director would not be so smooth, and that Yi Zhonghai would definitely sabotage him—this man always judged others with a petty mind and was always suspicious that he would retaliate against him.

But what about Liu Haizhong? There's no grudge between them, so why is he going to follow Yi Zhonghai's nonsense?

Upon further reflection on Liu Haizhong's usual behavior, Hao Jianguo immediately understood: it must be because Yi Zhonghai promised him the position of deputy director that this official had become so blinded by greed, waving flags and shouting slogans so enthusiastically.

However, even with the two of them working together, Hao Jianguo was not worried.

He knows his own worth best.

These clowns will regret it sooner or later.

When Hao Jianguo's calm yet sharp gaze swept over him, Liu Haizhong felt a sudden pang of panic for no reason. He didn't even have the courage to meet Hao Jianguo's eyes. He felt his cheeks burning and his heart pounding with guilt.

Strangely enough, he already felt that targeting Hao Jianguo in this way was somewhat inappropriate, and now, under that gaze, he vaguely felt that he might have taken the wrong path.

But things had already come to this point, and he was already in the same boat as Yi Zhonghai. Even if he knew it was wrong, he could only grit his teeth and go all the way—the fate of traitors is often more tragic.

Unlike the unease in Liu Hai's eyes, Yi Zhonghai appeared exceptionally excited.

He jumped around, spitting as he spoke, relentlessly accusing Hao Jianguo of "lacking technical skills."

This point has been repeatedly attacked.

Yi Zhonghai has been in the factory for a long time and has a wide network of connections. Even though he has made several mistakes recently, many people still believe that although his work style has flaws, his skills are genuine.

Hao Jianguo is still young, and his sudden rise to prominence raises doubts among many about whether his skills are as solid as rumored.

Yi Zhonghai's actions subtly shifted the tide of the game.

Deputy Factory Director Liu frowned and looked at Hao Jianguo—this was someone he had personally promoted, and now that he was being publicly challenged, he was naturally unhappy.

But he was also aware of the skill levels of both Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong.

If Hao Jianguo truly had no flaws, even if they disliked him, they wouldn't have jumped out to criticize him at this critical juncture.

Moreover, Deputy Factory Director Liu was not entirely ignorant of the interpersonal relationships in the workshop: Yi Zhonghai and Hao Jianguo had a long-standing grudge, but there had never been any obvious conflict between Liu Haizhong and Hao Jianguo.

The current situation forced him to consider things carefully.

Things have developed to this point, and we must indeed take this seriously.

Deputy Factory Director Liu looked at Hao Jianguo, who calmly looked back at him at that moment.

The moment their eyes met, the lingering doubts in Deputy Factory Director Liu's mind vanished without a trace.

—If he didn't have real skills, how could Hao Jianguo be so calm at this moment?

Having served in management positions for many years, he has a good eye for people.

The young man's calm expression perfectly demonstrated his confidence.

"Since some comrades have raised objections to the appointment of the workshop director, the factory naturally needs to investigate the matter thoroughly."

Deputy Factory Director Liu said, "Even if it is a misunderstanding, we cannot let Comrade Hao Jianguo suffer injustice."

Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong exchanged a glance, both seeing the joy on each other's faces.

Things proceeded as they had anticipated.

"Since Master Yi and the others are questioning Hao Jianguo's skill level, the solution is simple."

Deputy Factory Director Liu continued, "One on-site assessment will suffice."

Yi Zhonghai immediately chimed in, "Director Liu is right! As long as he passes the assessment, we'll be completely convinced and apologize on the spot!"

His tone was resolute, but deep down he didn't believe Hao Jianguo had any real talent or ability.

Deputy Factory Director Liu turned to Hao Jianguo, his tone shifting to one of inquiry: "Comrade Hao Jianguo, what's your opinion?"

Hao Jianguo simply shrugged.

"Can."

People quickly gathered in the workshop.

Hearing that Hao Jianguo would be assessed, many workers who knew him secretly felt uneasy.

They believed in Hao Jianguo's abilities, but feared that someone might sabotage him behind the scenes.

"Jianguo, you're definitely technically skilled, but you can't be too careful."

Several older workers huddled closer and whispered a reminder.

Hao Jianguo smiled at them, his expression remaining calm.

Don't worry.

His gaze swept over Yi Zhonghai not far away, and a chill ran through his heart.

No matter how advanced one's skills are, if one's moral character is flawed, one is nothing but a piece of waste.

"Let them take the test however they want."

Hao Jianguo's voice was not loud, but it carried clearly: "If I stand straight, my shadow will naturally not be crooked."

These words instantly transformed the worries of the surrounding workers into anticipation.

Many people are already waiting to see how those troublemakers will get out of this mess.

"I believe Hao Jianguo!"

Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted, "Someone without real skill couldn't be this steady!"

This remark was met with widespread agreement.

"I would have panicked by now, but look at him, he didn't even flinch!"

"Hao Jianguo, we support you! Let those who look down on us see what they've got to do!"

As the cheers grew louder, many eyes focused on Hao Jianguo, their gazes filled with unwavering certainty, not doubt.

They believe that someone who can be so composed must have solid confidence.

On the way to the workshop, Deputy Factory Director Liu was still worried, fearing that Hao Jianguo, young and impetuous, would try to put on a show.

Seeing the trust in the workers' eyes as they looked at Hao Jianguo, his worries vanished completely, like morning mist meeting the sunlight.

Where people's hearts are drawn, there often lies the truest judgment—since everyone so firmly believes in Hao Jianguo, he must have extraordinary abilities.

Yi Zhonghai sneered inwardly, finding these people blind and ridiculous for having such naive expectations of a junior.

Once the facts are laid bare, let's see how they try to defend themselves.

Although he was full of disdain, he couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness as he watched the crowd surrounding Hao Jianguo—that respect should have belonged to Yi Zhonghai.

Now he himself has become the one being pointed at and laughed at, while Hao Jianguo stands in the spotlight.

This stark contrast felt like a thorn in his heart, adding a touch of gloom to his gaze when he looked at Hao Jianguo.

Deputy Factory Director Liu looked around at everyone and finally nodded: "In that case, the assessment shall begin now."

"As long as the technical skills meet the requirements, Hao Jianguo will take over as workshop director, and you two must apologize to him in public."

Yi Zhonghai and Liu Haizhong nodded dismissively, with Yi Zhonghai even sporting a confident smile – he absolutely did not believe that Hao Jianguo could surpass him in the field of technology.

He might not be as good as others, but when it comes to his skills, he believes no one in the workshop can match him.

"However, Deputy Factory Director Liu,"

Yi Zhonghai suddenly spoke up, "What if he's less skilled?"

This question surprised Deputy Factory Director Liu slightly, but judging from his expression, he knew Yi Zhonghai had ulterior motives: "What is your proposal?"

Yi Zhonghai was waiting for this sentence: "If he is not competent, I hope the deputy factory director will seriously consider that I will take over the position of director."

The intention couldn't be clearer.

Deputy Factory Director Liu understood perfectly—this unwillingness and the struggle had finally come to the forefront.

To be fair, if Hao Jianguo were not available, Yi Zhonghai, with his qualifications as an eighth-grade fitter, would indeed be a reasonable choice.

"Can."

Deputy Factory Director Liu finally agreed.

As soon as he finished speaking, the surroundings fell silent.

Although many people despised Yi Zhonghai's actions, they dared not say anything at this moment—if he really became the director, anyone who spoke up today might be targeted by him in the future.

"Since this is a technical assessment, to ensure fairness, I should be the one to set the questions."

Yi Zhonghai pressed his advantage, his gaze sweeping over Deputy Factory Director Liu.

He worried that the other party might lower their standards for Hao Jianguo because of their personal relationship.

Deputy Factory Director Liu frowned slightly. Although the words were blunt, they were reasonable and difficult to refute for the time being.

"Master Yi is right!"

"Professional matters should be left to professionals."

"I wouldn't accept any questions set by anyone other than Master Yi."

Several experienced workers echoed in agreement, their voices standing out clearly in the quiet workshop.

Those who usually had a good relationship with Yi Zhonghai stood silently at the edge of the crowd.

If it weren't for Hao Jianguo's recent surge in popularity, they wouldn't have deliberately distanced themselves from Yi Zhonghai.

Yi Zhonghai has seized the opportunity to turn his fortunes around. The group exchanged glances, all knowing that it was time to place their bets.

This is a game where the stakes are each person's future in the workshop.

If they lose, Hao Jianguo will probably hold a grudge; but if they win, they'll have more confidence when they speak in the workshop.

Deputy Factory Director Liu's brows furrowed deeply.

The current situation is clearly forcing him to make a statement.

These days, skilled workers are highly valued. Even he, as the deputy factory director, has to show deference to these veteran workers.

"Master Yi and Deputy Director Hao don't get along to begin with. What if he deliberately picks a tricky assessment item and tries to make things difficult for him? What will happen then?"

"That's right! Ultimately, it's up to Master Yi to decide what's going on here."

"This arrangement is unreasonable, we disagree!"

Those on Hao Jianguo's side started shouting.

They knew perfectly well that if Yi Zhonghai really took the position of director, given his vindictive nature, none of those who had been close to Hao Jianguo in the past would escape punishment.

Thinking of this, the men looked at Yi Zhonghai with even more resentment—this old guy, his methods are really underhanded.

As Yi Zhonghai listened to the discussions, a cold smile appeared on his lips.

These reactions were exactly what he expected, and he didn't take them to heart at all.

"What, scared?"

He slowly glanced around before finally fixing his gaze on Hao Jianguo's face, his words laced with obvious mockery, "If you really don't have the guts to accept it, you can simply refuse."

However, I'm afraid you won't be able to hold onto this workshop foreman position for long.

"Being promoted to director at such a young age, how many people are watching? If the evaluation is not strict, there will only be more gossip in the future."

He paused, deliberately raising his voice, clearly addressing Deputy Factory Director Liu: "Who knows, some people might be gossiping behind my back, saying that Deputy Director Hao got his position through some underhanded means!"

Upon hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Liu's eyes twitched slightly.

He became increasingly dissatisfied with Yi Zhonghai's aggressive manner, but the other party was, after all, one of the few level-eight fitters in the factory, and he couldn't touch him.

Having said all that, it would be unfair of him to show obvious favoritism towards Hao Jianguo.

He couldn't help but look at Hao Jianguo, his eyes filled with inquiry.

Hao Jianguo didn't want to put the deputy factory director in a difficult position, and besides, he had complete confidence in his skills.

He smiled reassuringly at Deputy Factory Director Liu and nodded in response, "Director Liu, it's alright, I accept."

He then turned to Yi Zhonghai, his tone calm but his words clear: "Uncle Yi, if you want to play, I'll play along to the end."

Seeing Hao Jianguo so composed, Deputy Factory Director Liu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Go, Deputy Director Hao!"

Several workers who were on good terms with Hao Jianguo couldn't help but shout it out.

Yi Zhonghai paid no attention to the encouraging voices and went straight to the material rack, raising his hand to designate a set of parts.

"In two hours, using these seven blanks, we will create a 'rotational assembly'."

He spoke of it casually, as if he were recounting a trivial matter.

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire workshop fell silent, followed by a collective gasp of suppressed breaths.

This "rotating assembly"

The structure is complex, consisting of a base plate, upright plate, support plate, double support blocks, top plate, two rotating shafts, and two rotating blocks, with as many as sixty-four mating surfaces.

Even if Yi Zhonghai did it himself, it would take him well over two hours. As for the other workers, they would probably have difficulty even completing it.