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

Chapter 1200 Chatting

Upon hearing this, the workers breathed a sigh of relief, their eyes gleaming with renewed hope. They had long harbored deep resentment towards Gu Nan—it was he who, with his iron fist, had uncovered their slacking off and falsifying work hours, not only giving them major demerits but also cutting off their path to promotion and raises. If they could bring Gu Nan down this time, they would not only vent their anger but also gain access to Zhu Tao, a powerful figure, and from then on, wouldn't they be able to do whatever they wanted in the factory?

For a moment, everyone in the room waited for Gu Nan to return, their faces showing varying degrees of smug smiles, their whispers filled with certainty. In their eyes, Gu Nan was merely putting on a desperate struggle; once he couldn't produce any evidence, he would only look more embarrassed. They were certain they had won this meticulously planned charade.

"Master, you're back." Zhong Yi's voice was very low, as if afraid of disturbing something. His eyes quickly scanned the surroundings, glancing over the shadows of the corner and the distant trees, with a hint of barely perceptible vigilance.

Gu Nan nodded, his face expressionless, as if it were just a casual encounter. As they brushed past each other, he quickly whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Go back first. Someone's watching you, don't give anything away." He paused, then added, "Remember what you're about to say, act convincingly, and don't mess things up."

Zhong Yi was about to respond, wanting to tell his master about the dirt he had accumulated on Zhu Tao over the past month—he had meticulously recorded all the accounting loopholes and the times and places of private transactions. But before he could speak, he was interrupted by a sharp look from Gu Nan, the warning in his eyes all too clear.

"Zhong Yi!" Gu Nan suddenly raised his voice, his tone filled with undisguised anger, like a volcano that had been holding back for a long time suddenly erupting. "You're the head of the cafeteria now, and this is how you do your job? The accounts are a complete mess, you're short three pounds of vegetables, and the meat is half-soaked with water! If it weren't for the fact that you're my apprentice, and I'm thinking of that, I would have fired you today and sent you packing your bags and out the door!"

Zhong Yi's heart skipped a beat; he instantly realized his master was putting on an act for others. His peripheral vision darted to the base of the wall not far away, where he saw He Yuzhu crouching low, peeking out from behind a tree, his eagerness impossible to conceal. Zhong Yi immediately cooperated, lowering his head, his shoulders slumping slightly, his voice carrying a perfectly timed sob: "Master, I know I was wrong! I didn't manage the staff well; I was careless! Please give me another chance. I'll definitely change, I promise to manage the canteen perfectly well, and I'll never make this mistake again!"

"If there's a next time, don't say I don't care about our master-disciple relationship!" Gu Nan snorted coldly, his disgust practically overflowing, and turned to leave. The strap of his canvas bag swung cleanly across his arm, his steps quick and heavy, as if he were truly enraged and showing no mercy whatsoever.

Zhong Yi stood there, watching his master's figure disappear around the corner at the alley entrance, before slowly raising his head. His face still held just the right amount of grievance, his eyes were slightly red, and the corners of his mouth were turned up, making him look exactly like someone who had been scolded.

Sure enough, before he could take two steps, He Yuzhu came running over, a smile plastered on his face. He patted his shoulder and said with a gloating tone, "Director Zhong, what did I tell you? This Gu Nan is no good! You're his own apprentice, serving him faithfully for so many years, and he just scolds you like that, without showing any mercy. What a terrible master he is!"

Zhong Yi rubbed his eyes, pretending to wipe away tears, and sighed deeply, his voice filled with disappointment: "Sigh, I really didn't expect this... I've been loyal to him, and I've done my best in everything he asked me to do. But what did he do? Just for this little thing, he gave me a good scolding. It seems I really should go and rely on Director Zhu. At least Director Zhu still has some consideration for me and knows that I've had a hard time."

Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu's eyes lit up, as if he had struck gold. He quickly pressed his advantage: "Zhong Yi, it's good that you've come to your senses! The rift between you and Gu Nan isn't something that can be cleared up in a few words. In my opinion, you need to be on the same side as Director Zhu. Otherwise, even if Director Zhu wants to protect you, Gu Nan will find a chance to deal with you, and you'll be caught in the middle!" He was already calculating in his mind that he would go and inform Zhu Tao later. Zhong Yi, this pawn, was finally completely usable. Gu Nan, let's see how you can act this time!

Zhong Yi nodded forcefully, his fists clenched tightly, his tone resolute: "Zhu Zi, you're right! I can't be stupid anymore. I can't just stand by and watch Gu Nan crush me. From now on, I'm Director Zhu's man. I'll do whatever he tells me to do!"

He Yuzhu smiled with satisfaction, patted his back with considerable force, and said, "That's right! Keep up the good work, and no one can take your position as the canteen director from now on. Director Zhu will definitely not treat you unfairly!" He walked away happily, his steps light and brisk, confident that Gu Nan was now all alone and that dealing with him would be a piece of cake.

Zhong Yi watched He Yuzhu's retreating figure, a barely perceptible chill creeping onto his lips. "A fence-sitter, always switching sides. Once Zhu Tao is dealt with, you'll be next." He turned and went back to the factory area, his steps light as if a thousand-pound weight had been lifted—the first step of the plan had been completed.

Meanwhile, Gu Nan returned to his temporary lodgings, locked the door behind him, and carefully fastened the latch. He pulled a notebook, wrapped in layers of oiled paper, from the bottom of his canvas bag. The paper was rubbed black, indicating it had been hidden for a long time. Opening it, he found it filled with detailed records of Zhu Tao's recent violations: an overstatement of purchase costs by thirty yuan, misappropriation of two hundred yuan from the canteen funds, and even several private transactions with suppliers. Each entry was meticulously documented, accompanied by specific dates, locations, and the names of any potential witnesses—a mountain of irrefutable evidence.

His fingertips traced the paper, his eyes sharp as knives, carrying a cold, resolute glint. "Zhu Tao, you've schemed for so long, laid out such a grand trap; it's time to close the net. Once this evidence is handed over to our superiors, let's see what you can say then, where you can hide." Sunlight streamed through the window, casting bright, warm, and dazzling spots on the paper, much like the approaching clear daylight.

Besides, there's also the evidence of these people's crimes. Did they really think they hadn't left anything behind? Now it's all here. Let's see what they have to say. These people are all causing trouble here. They can't blame me for what happens then.

I thought all of this was over, but I didn't expect them to come after me. Well, they can't blame me for that.