Yi Zhonghai suddenly frowned. "The more I think about what happened that day, the more suspicious it seems... I'm afraid that from beginning to end, it was Hao Jianguo who instigated Jia Zhangshiqian behind the scenes."

Upon hearing this, the deaf old woman trembled violently.

She had no desire to bring up that shameful incident again, but now that the old grievances had been brought up, the shadows of that incident washed over her like a tide.

After Yi Zhonghai's explanation, the deaf old lady immediately frowned.

"What do you mean by that?"

Yi Zhonghai calmly analyzed, "Everyone should remember what Jia Zhangshi said that day, right? She couldn't possibly come up with those words; someone must have been giving her pointers."

Besides, Jia Zhangshi used to be so subservient to the old lady that she didn't even dare to breathe loudly in front of her. How dare she be so presumptuous now?

"I think she's so arrogant because she has someone backing her up."

In this courtyard, who else besides Hao Jianguo could back her up? Only he dared to openly challenge the old lady.

After hearing this analysis, the deaf old lady immediately perked up.

"That's right, thinking about it that way, it's actually quite possible."

"No wonder he didn't say a word when I berated Hao Jianguo the other day; it turns out he'd been secretly plotting something all along."

Sha Zhu can't stand hearing "Hao Jianguo" anymore.

These three words.

"We absolutely have to get an explanation for the old lady! We must find a way to make her admit her mistake, or we'll kick her out of the yard!"

Sha Zhu immediately joined in the shouting.

The thought of Hao Jianguo's composed demeanor made him furious.

Sha Zhu is the type of person who gets angry easily.

No sooner had he finished speaking than he slapped his thigh and jumped up from his chair, ready to rush toward Hao Jianguo.

"Wait! This matter needs further consideration."

But Yi Zhonghai couldn't stop him—Sha Zhu had already shaken off his hand, his recklessness fully unleashed.

He's going to confront Hao Jianguo right now!

Actually, Sha Zhu's haste wasn't entirely to vent his anger on behalf of the deaf old lady; he was more trying to vent his own frustration.

Now that Hao Jianguo's marriage is a done deal, his smug look makes Sha Zhu both envious and resentful, so he takes this opportunity to provoke him.

Moreover, Sha Zhu also firmly believed in Yi Zhonghai's deduction.

Just as Sha Zhu rushed to Hao Jianguo's door, he happened to bump into Hao Jianguo coming out of the house.

Without even thinking, he roared at it:

"You insidious bastard! So it was you who was pulling the strings behind the scenes!"

This shout attracted the attention of everyone busy working in the yard.

Everyone was thinking to themselves: How long has it been since Sha Zhu calmed down? Why is he causing trouble again?

Hao Jianguo was taken aback at first, then frowned:

"What nonsense are you spouting? Move aside, I have things to do."

Sha Zhu, however, blocked the road and refused to let go:

"You know perfectly well! Tell me, did you instigate that scene that Jia Zhangshi made the other day? Let me tell you, you must admit your mistake and kneel down in public to apologize to the old lady!"

Hao Jianguo was so angry he almost laughed:

"Silly Zhu, you get restless if you don't come looking for trouble for a few days, don't you? You say I instructed Jia Zhangshi, where's the evidence? What are you spouting nonsense for if you have no evidence?"

"Trying to extort me? No way! Everyone saw what I did wrong that day. It's that old lady you're talking about who's been making veiled accusations since early this morning."

Out of respect for the elderly and care for the young, I didn't argue with her.

"Now you dare not approach Jia Zhangshi, but instead try to pick on me, the easy target?"

"You're pinning this trumped-up charge on me? You idiots, you really only bully the honest ones!"

Hao Jianguo stared coldly at Sha Zhu.

Want to act tough? Anyone can do that!

"Come on, weren't you clenching your fist and wanting to hit me? Hit me here, I'll dodge and I'll be your grandson."

But I also want to warn you, if that punch lands on me, I'll definitely be knocked to the ground and won't get up. Then you'll be left with nothing – medical bills, emotional distress damages, lost wages…”

"You'd better be prepared to go in there for the third time—this time, you won't get out so easily."

Hao Jianguo spoke each word with icy coldness.

The originally furious Sha Zhu was completely stunned by his words.

He thought he was already quite reckless, but he never expected Hao Jianguo to be even more ruthless than him.

"Alright, you silly Zhu, stop making a scene and go back!"

Yi Zhonghai quickly stepped forward to pull him up.

Yi Zhonghai rushed out from the inner room; he had heard Hao Jianguo's words clearly.

Hao Jianguo always keeps his word, and Yi Zhonghai said he absolutely couldn't let Sha Zhu go to jail again.

"You bastard Hao Jianguo, this isn't over between us!"

Sha Zhu was being dragged outside, but he still refused to back down, cursing and swearing.

Seeing his appearance, Hao Jianguo burst into laughter.

"Okay, silly Zhu, I'm waiting for you."

"If you ever feel like taking action, just give me a call, and I promise I'll cooperate and lie on the ground."

Sha Zhu choked, his face turning red, and he was so angry he almost passed out.

Before we knew it, the Spring Festival was over, and Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill resumed operations. Hao Jianguo and his colleagues returned to their posts.

People are happy when they are happy.

While others still carried a hint of post-holiday lethargy, Hao Jianguo was already full of energy, working quickly and efficiently.

"It's been a while since we've seen each other. Here, have some candy."

Hao Jianguo smiled and pulled handfuls of White Rabbit milk candies from his cloth bag, distributing them to his coworkers in the workshop.

This candy was brought by the frog a few days ago; I've collected dozens of kilograms of it.

"Hey, White Rabbit candies! Jianguo, you're really generous, grabbing a whole bunch of them."

Someone accepted the candy with delight.

I wouldn't normally buy these candies, let alone give them away so generously.

Several coworkers secretly hid the candy in their pockets, intending to take it home to sweeten their children's mouths.

"It smells so good, the milk flavor is rich, and it's so sweet it warms my heart."

"Jianguo, I heard you're getting married soon. Is this some early wedding candy?"

Everyone laughed and joked, and congratulated Hao Jianguo.

Hao Jianguo had a smile on his face the whole time: "This doesn't count as wedding candy. When the wedding day actually comes, I'll definitely give everyone a much more presentable one."

These words drew laughter from the workshop, creating a particularly lively atmosphere.

The workshop director had three or four handfuls of milk candy piled on his desk, and he couldn't stop smiling.

There was also a liquor coupon tucked inside the pile of candy—who in the workshop didn't know that the director loved this? Hao Jianguo's thoughtfulness was appreciated.

"That Hao Jianguo... he's really thoughtful."

"Alas, it's a pity I was a step too late, otherwise I could have arranged a marriage between us."

The workshop director shook his head, still feeling a little regretful that he hadn't managed to get the matchmaker's job done back then.

The entire workshop was energized by this lively atmosphere, and everyone worked with extra enthusiasm, which unknowingly increased their efficiency.

Of course, while some are happy, others are unhappy.

Hao Jianguo didn't just hand out candy to everyone he met—at least Yi Zhonghai and Qin Huairu didn't get a single piece.

The two men's faces alternated between pale and flushed, looking extremely unwell.

"It's just a few candies, what's there to show off?"

Yi Zhonghai muttered under his breath.

With his salary, buying candy was no problem, but a sour feeling kept welling up inside him.

Qin Huairu bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with resentment and regret.

Thinking back on all that had happened these past few days, that initial regret gradually turned into resentment.

Why is Hao Jianguo's life getting better and better, while the Jia family's life is getting worse day by day?

God is so unfair!

Some people are like that; when something goes wrong, they never think about their own actions and always blame others.

Everyone in the workshop saw it all; who didn't understand Hao Jianguo's meaning? Everyone knew about the entanglement between him and those two.

No one said it outright, but secretly everyone was shaking their heads.

Yi Zhonghai brought it on himself, and Qin Huairu brought it on herself—she had a perfectly good marriage right in front of her, but she didn't cherish it, so who can she blame?

Thinking about this, many people secretly felt fortunate.

Fortunately, they didn't neglect Hao Jianguo like the people in the courtyard did, trying to curry favor with Yi Zhonghai.

Otherwise, they probably wouldn't even have a chance to taste this milk candy.

Just then, someone from the factory office rushed to the workshop and went straight to find Hao Jianguo.

"Hao Jianguo, you're in luck. Come with me right now, Deputy Factory Director Liu is looking for you."

There are several deputy factory directors in the factory, and this Deputy Factory Director Liu is in charge of personnel.

As soon as the factory office staff arrived, Hao Jianguo grabbed a handful of candy and stuffed it into their hands. The staff member immediately beamed with joy, and even spoke in a friendly tone, putting his arm around Hao Jianguo's shoulder, making it seem like the two were very familiar with each other.

Upon hearing the news, the workers in the workshop became excited.

"Hey, Jianguo, good news is on its doorstep!"

"Deputy Factory Director Liu is in charge of personnel. The fact that he's contacting you now is a sure sign of a promotion, isn't it?"

"I had vaguely heard about it before the Lunar New Year, but I didn't expect it to be confirmed as soon as construction started. It's really something."

"When you get promoted in the future, don't forget about us old buddies!"

Amidst laughter and congratulations, Hao Jianguo walked out of the workshop.

Qin Huairu bit her lip and looked at his back, filled with resentment, but she knew she was powerless to change anything.

"Why does all the good stuff fall on this kid's head?!"

Yi Zhonghai was indignant.

He had heard before the New Year that Hao Jianguo might be promoted, but he was unwilling to believe it until things were finalized.

Now that he has seen it for himself, jealousy pricks him like a needle.

In his view, he was an eighth-grade fitter, and if the workshop were to promote someone, it should be his turn first.

Who is Hao Jianguo?

Although Hao Jianguo's technical level has improved during this period, there is still a significant gap compared to his level eight fitter.

What gives Hao Jianguo the right to do this?!

Incompetent people can only vent useless anger in their hearts.

Upon arriving at Deputy Factory Director Liu's office, Hao Jianguo was quite "sensible."

They handed over four packets of milk candy and a wine ticket.

The previously serious-looking Deputy Factory Director Liu immediately broke into a smile.

In his eyes, Hao Jianguo was much more sensible than others.

"Come, come, don't stand, Jianguo, sit down."

I called you here today because I have something to tell you.

Deputy Factory Director Liu's tone became exceptionally polite.

Your promotion is basically a done deal.

Given your outstanding performance and conscientious work attitude during this period, the factory has decided to appoint you as the deputy workshop director.

I hope you will continue to work hard and contribute even more to the factory.

"Your previous grade salary, plus the deputy director's benefits, is fifty yuan a month, plus a five-yuan subsidy, which adds up to about sixty yuan."

As he spoke, he patted Hao Jianguo on the shoulder with a smile.

"That's great! To earn such a high salary at such a young age, and with such strong abilities, keep up the good work, you have a bright future ahead!"

While Hao Jianguo was chatting and laughing with Deputy Factory Director Liu in his office, Sha Zhu, on the other side, started to think of some crooked ideas again.

Last time, when he tried to cause trouble for Hao Jianguo, he was shut down by Hao Jianguo's few words, and Sha Zhu has been holding back his anger ever since.

Thinking about how Hao Jianguo had been doing well lately while he himself had been plagued by bad luck since the end of the year, he felt even more resentful.

Jealousy clouded his judgment.

Sha Zhu was determined to get revenge, determined not to let Hao Jianguo live so comfortably.

Yesterday he went out of his way to get a packet of laxatives.

"Hmph, aren't you feeling smug? I'll help you cool off a bit. Today I'll add a 'delicious dish' for you."

Sha Zhu muttered to himself, a hint of malice flashing in his eyes.

He even imagined Hao Jianguo running to the toilet in a sorry state, and the more he thought about it, the more pleased he felt.

So Sha Zhu worked even harder to prepare lunch.

Ma Hua's disciples felt uneasy watching him grit his teeth and grin strangely at times, and couldn't help but wonder: Is this silly Zhu possessed?

Having gone through all that before, MCA and others inevitably harbored resentment and displeasure towards Siu Chu.

But everyone knows that the canteen ultimately can't do without Sha Zhu's cooking skills.

Therefore, no matter how dissatisfied they were, everyone still had to treat him politely and dared not neglect him.

Hao Jianguo and Deputy Factory Director Liu had a very pleasant conversation, which pleased the deputy factory director greatly.

As noon approached, Hao Jianguo spoke up at the opportune moment: "Factory Director, it's been a pleasure talking to you. It's already this late."

"The cafeteria is just opening for lunch, shall we go together?"

He intentionally or unintentionally omitted the word "vice".

word.

The word "factory director" made Deputy Factory Director Liu feel pleased, and his gaze towards Hao Jianguo became even more approving.

Today is the first day of work at the factory, and the meals prepared are exceptionally plentiful.

As soon as you step into the cafeteria, the aroma of food wafts towards you.

The workers, who had been busy all morning, were already starving. The smell of this dish made their stomachs rumble like drums, and they all wished they could have several large bowls of it.

Hao Jianguo moved slowly forward with the line, but when he looked up, he saw that the window where Liu Lan was supposed to get her food had suddenly been replaced by Sha Zhu.

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