aircannonsinc Chapter 1132 It seems I'll have to go to the countryside.
Chapter 1132 It seems I'll have to go to the countryside.
How could Liu Haizhong give up so easily? In this courtyard, no one could compare to Gu Nan in terms of ability or influence. Besides asking him, there was no one else who could handle this. He quickly forced a smile, lowering his posture even further, almost bending at a ninety-degree angle: "Deputy Factory Director Gu, you're too modest! Who in our courtyard doesn't know how capable you are? Last time, those difficult orders from the factory, so many people were worried sick, but you solved them with just a word! As for Guangtian's matter… just consider it a favor, since we live in the same courtyard, and lend a hand? Once this is settled, I'll have Guangtian kowtow to you!"
As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Gu Nan, the expectation in his eyes almost overflowing, like a drowning person grabbing the last piece of driftwood, even his breathing was a little trembling.
Gu Nan leaned against the doorframe, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the mottled wood grain, looking at Liu Haizhong, who had a frantic expression on his face. Fine beads of sweat glistened on the other man's forehead; he had clearly run all the way here, muttering repeatedly, "Factory Director Gu," "Please." Gu Nan's tone was as calm as a deep pool, yet carried an unyielding resolve: "Uncle Liu, I really can't do this. The factory's rules and regulations are posted on the bulletin board; no one can set a precedent. If you ask me, you should teach Guangtian some skills to survive as soon as possible. Whether he goes to the countryside or stays in the city, having a skill will always allow him to make a living; it's better than relying on others."
Liu Haizhong wanted to say something more, so he rubbed his calloused hands together and reached out to grab Gu Nan's arm, as if he were about to kneel down and beg for mercy. But Gu Nan slightly turned aside, deftly dodging him, and went into the house. He closed the door gently with a "bang," a movement that, though light, acted like an invisible wall, blocking all of Liu Haizhong's words from entering.
Liu Haizhong froze on the spot, his outstretched hand hanging in mid-air. He opened his mouth, but ultimately could only shut it up in frustration. What else could he say? Was he really going to argue with Gu Nan? He knew perfectly well that Gu Nan was no longer the young worker who buried himself in his work in the workshop and could chat freely. Although he was the deputy factory director, Li Jianjun had just been dismissed recently, leaving the director's position vacant. Everyone in the factory knew that Gu Nan was the only candidate for the next director. At this critical juncture, who would be foolish enough to offend him? Liu Haizhong sighed heavily, his head drooping like a defeated rooster, and slunk home, his back hunched, exuding an indescribable sense of frustration.
Gu Nan returned to the house and had just taken off his coat, which still smelled slightly of engine oil, when Ran Qiuye came to greet him. She was still clutching a damp rag in her hand, and her apron was covered in flour, clearly indicating that she had just finished working in the kitchen. Her eyes were filled with concern: "What's wrong? I heard some voices at the door just now. Was it Grandpa Liu looking for you?"
Gu Nan smiled, sat down at the table, picked up an apple and took a big bite. The crisp aroma of the apple filled the room. "What else could it be? It's nothing more than the matter of bringing glory to Guangtianxia Township. These people in the courtyard have nothing better to do than come to me with such trivial matters. Do they really think I'm omnipotent? Forget it, let's not talk about this, it'll ruin our appetite. Let's eat."
Ran Qiuye nodded, placed the last plate of bright green stir-fried vegetables on the table, took off her apron, folded it neatly, and put it on the back of the chair: "That's right, everyone has their own difficulties, how can we possibly help everyone? Just live your own life well, it's no use worrying about other people's affairs. Eat it while it's hot, I specially saved some braised pork for you, stewed until it's very tender, I'm sure you'll love it."
Gu Nan didn't mention anything more about what happened outside. The family sat around the table, the dim light shining on the food, making the braised pork glisten with oil. Gu Nan was indeed hungry. He had been busy all day at the steel mill, from morning meetings to afternoons, dealing with a mountain of documents, and dealing with all sorts of people trying to pull strings and ask for favors. He was exhausted. He shoveled mouthfuls of rice into his mouth; the rich aroma of the braised pork mixed with the soft, sticky rice soothed his empty stomach, and even the restlessness in his heart lessened a bit.
Knowing he was working hard, Ran Qiuye put on an apron and busied herself in the kitchen early in the morning. She prepared stewed pork ribs that were tender and falling off the bone, stir-fried vegetables that were light and refreshing, and even scrambled eggs with tomatoes, Ding Jianguo's favorite dish. The red and yellow colors looked appetizing, and she was looking forward to him coming home so he could have a hot and comforting meal.
Meanwhile, Liu Haizhong returned home looking dejected. He slammed down heavily into the armchair against the wall as soon as he entered, the chair creaking in protest. He was breathing heavily with anger, his chest heaving like a bellows. He never expected Gu Nan to be so blunt, showing no mercy whatsoever. Back when he was still a team leader in the factory, Gu Nan would still address him as "Team Leader Liu." Now, things had truly changed drastically.
"Dad, how did it go?" Liu Guangtian rushed out of the inner room like a whirlwind, a glimmer of hope still lingering in his eyes. He rubbed his hands together nervously and asked, "Gu Nan... did Gu Nan agree to help? Does he have a way to get me to stay?"
Liu Haizhong glanced at his son, the disappointment in his eyes like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing Liu Guangtian's expectations. He recounted everything that had happened at Gu Nan's doorstep, and finally sighed heavily: "Alas, it's difficult. Gu Nan's words were so firm, leaving no room for negotiation."
Upon hearing this, Liu Guangtian's face turned deathly pale, all color draining from his eyes. He slumped onto the edge of the kang (heated brick bed), hugging his knees, his voice trembling with tears: "Dad, what am I going to do? I just got out of the detention center, and I finally got a few days at home. I haven't even had a few days of peace, and now I'm being sent to the countryside? I heard it's tough and exhausting there, working in the fields every day, and in winter they can't even afford coal. Maybe...maybe they won't even get a decent meal..."
Seeing his son's dejected state, Liu Haizhong felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if being pricked by needles. But what could he do? He could only harden his heart, put on a stern face, and say, "I can't help it either. This is the policy from above, and no one can change it. When you get there, you must work hard, talk less and do more, get along well with the villagers, and don't cause any more trouble, understand? Hang in there for a few years, and maybe you'll have a chance to come back."
Liu Guangtian didn't speak, only kept his head down, tears falling like broken beads onto his dark blue trousers, leaving a small, dark stain. The atmosphere in the room suddenly became heavy, so stifling that it was hard to breathe. Only the wall clock ticked away clearly, its sound like a silent urging—urging on this inevitable separation, urging on the difficult days this family would have to face.