Siheyuan: I just came across and wanted to chase me away

Chapter 1066 A bit interesting

Gu Nan simply smiled, ignoring Liu Haizhong's words, and said calmly, "I also think there's no need to take these things to heart." After saying that, he walked straight towards his own yard, his steps unhurried, leaving Liu Haizhong standing there with that slightly stiff smile.

Watching Gu Nan's figure disappear behind the moon gate, Liu Haizhong immediately tugged at Liu Guangtian's arm, his voice low: "Alright, let's go back too." His mind was racing—those seemingly ordinary conversations had surely been overheard by Grandma Wang strolling nearby and Grandpa Zhang playing chess by the wall. He hadn't openly offended Deputy Factory Director Gu Nan, yet he'd managed to let others see that he was "on good terms with him," and by praising Gu Nan, he'd remind everyone that "Liu Guangtian doesn't have to go to the countryside"—a triple win! The more he thought about it, the more brilliant his move seemed.

As soon as Gu Nan pushed open his courtyard gate, he saw Ran Qiuye standing under the pomegranate tree in the yard, waiting for him. The evening breeze rustled the leaves, and her brows were furrowed, her cheeks slightly puffed out, like an angry little squirrel, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed anger. "Gu Nan, you're finally back!" She rushed up to him, her voice clearly filled with anger, clutching a piece of unfinished knitting yarn in her hand. "I went to the market today and ran into Sister Wang from the next workshop. She secretly told me that many people in the factory are saying that your skills are far from those of a senior engineer, and that you only got the deputy factory director position by sheer luck! What kind of talk is that? I wanted to confront her right then and there. If I hadn't been carrying the leeks and eggs I just bought, I would have gone to talk to those people! I know your abilities perfectly well! I don't believe it at all!"

Gu Nan paused in taking off his coat, turned around, and looked at her huffing expression. He couldn't help but smile and reach out to ruffle her hair, his fingertips touching the stray strands at her temples. He said softly, "What's the big deal? Is it worth getting so angry? When have we ever needed outsiders to prove our skills?" He paused, his tone becoming more composed. "Besides, my title of senior engineer was awarded on the spot by three senior experts on the assessment committee. From the blueprint design to the practical demonstration and the theoretical defense, everything was recorded and clearly stored in my file. It's not something that can be negated by just a few words. If they really want to be serious, they can just look at the file and everything will be clear. There's no need to get angry with them."

Hearing him say that, Ran Qiuye's anger subsided a little, but she still muttered, "But it's so infuriating that they said that... Who could tolerate being slandered for no reason?" She put the yarn on the stone table, her voice still carrying a hint of grievance.

"People can say whatever they want." Gu Nan pulled her into the house, pushed open the kitchen door, and a rich aroma of food immediately wafted out—it was the pork rib soup she had simmered before leaving that morning, now bubbling away. "Come on, let's eat. Once the technical upgrade project yields results and the efficiency of the new equipment increases by 30%, the facts will speak for themselves, more effective than any explanation." He picked up a ladle, ladled a bowl of freshly simmered pork rib soup, and handed it to her. The soup was clear, with a thin layer of oil floating on top. "Here, have some soup to calm your nerves, don't let irrelevant people affect your mood."

Ran Qiuye took the soup bowl, her fingertips touching the warm porcelain, and the awkwardness in her heart dissipated. Looking at Gu Nan's composed demeanor, the anger in her eyes gradually transformed into trust—she knew Gu Nan's abilities best. Even when he was just an apprentice, he would always be studying technical books until midnight; later, he passed the elementary and intermediate exams step by step, each time through hard work and dedication. Those unfounded rumors would eventually dissipate like morning mist meeting the sun.

She took a sip of soup, the warmth flowing down her throat, and smiled at Gu Nan: "That's right, it's not worth getting angry with them." The moonlight shone through the window frame, falling on the two of them, and even the air felt reassuring.

On the other side, He Yuzhu staggered home. As soon as he pushed open the gate, Lu Jia came to greet him. She frowned as she looked at his flushed face and the smell of alcohol on him, her tone filled with concern: "Brother Zhu, why have you been drinking so much these past few days? You reek of alcohol, it's pungent."

He Yuzhu slumped in his chair, waved his hand, and said in a slurred voice, "There's nothing I can do... Deputy Factory Director Li has to entertain guests every day, inviting this person to dinner and that person to drink. As someone who works for him, how can I not go and accompany him? Not going would be disrespectful. I can't be foolish at this critical juncture."

He now had only one thought in his mind: since he had already fallen out with Gu Nan, he absolutely could not afford to offend Deputy Factory Director Li as well. He was forced to choose sides anyway, so he might as well cling to the stronger ally in front of him, otherwise it would be even harder for him to gain a foothold in the factory in the future.

Lu Jia brought over a basin of warm water, wrung out a towel and handed it to him, then asked, "By the way, why are there so many rumors circulating about Gu Nan at the steel mill lately? They say he got promoted to senior engineer through connections. Is that true?"

He Yuzhu took the towel and wiped his face, then scoffed, "Is that even a question? It's definitely Deputy Factory Director Li who's going to deal with Gu Nan. In this situation, all we need to do is cling to Deputy Factory Director Li's coattails. Once he's secured his position as factory director, my position as canteen manager will be secure, and then our lives will be a bit easier."

Looking at his confident expression, Lu Jia hesitated before speaking, "But I always feel that Gu Nan isn't the kind of person who would go astray. He became the deputy factory director at such a young age, and he's technically very skilled. He might not be so easily brought down, right?"

"Him?" He Yuzhu waved his hand dismissively. "How can he compare to Deputy Factory Director Li? Deputy Factory Director Li has been in the factory for so many years, and his connections are incredibly deep. Gu Nan is just a young outsider; he won't last long. We're absolutely right to choose sides now."

Lu Jia gently shook her head: "I don't see it that way. Gu Nan must have come a long way to get to where he is today. At a time like this, we shouldn't make our stance too obvious, lest we regret it later."

Although He Yuzhu didn't understand why Lu Jia always spoke up for Gu Nan, he didn't argue with her and just smiled vaguely: "Okay, I'll think about it some more."

Lu Jia knew he was easily swayed, and a direct confrontation would only make him resentful; it was better to guide him gently. She turned around, poured a glass of warm water, and handed it to him: "You must be thirsty after drinking so much. Drink some water and get some rest."

He Yuzhu was indeed dizzy from drinking. He took the water glass and drank it all in one gulp. Soon after, he slumped on the kang (a heated brick bed) and started snoring.

Meanwhile, the lights were still on in Deputy Factory Director Li's office. He looked sharply at the few trusted men standing in front of him: "It's about time. Our plan should be launched."

Although his subordinates were somewhat puzzled—everyone in the factory was praising Gu Nan's excellent skills, so why was Deputy Factory Director Li so confident?—they dared not ask any further questions and simply replied respectfully, "Please give your orders."