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

Chapter 1188 Lu Jia Acting

He Yuzhu patted his chest, the alcohol taking effect, and he became even more outspoken: "Second Uncle, is this for real? Now, let alone managing the canteen, nobody listens to him in the workshop either. In my opinion, he might not even be able to stay as deputy factory director in a couple of days. Just wait and see! By then, I'll have much more influence in the factory than he does!"

He spoke with such enthusiasm that spittle flew everywhere, but he didn't notice the glint in Yan Bugui's eyes—this was crucial news! If Gu Nan lost power, he would have to think twice before dealing with the Gu family in the courtyard. Before, he respected Ran Qiuye out of respect for Gu Nan, but from now on… Yan Bugui calculated in his mind, his smile deepening.

Yan Bugui stood under the old pomegranate tree at the courtyard gate, dappled shadows falling on his face, his palm-leaf fan clattering loudly. Seeing He Yuzhu approaching from the alleyway carrying a canvas bag, he quickly stopped fanning himself, his face breaking into a warm smile, the wrinkles around his eyes crinkling into chrysanthemums: "Zhuzi, you're finally back! You're a star here now, a right-hand man to Director Zhu at the factory. Back in the courtyard, everyone looks up to you! You get whatever you want, what a lucky guy!"

Upon hearing this, He Yuzhu unconsciously puffed out his chest, a smile spreading from the corner of his mouth to the corner of his eyes. He patted the net in his hand, inside which two palm-sized crucian carp were jumping around, and a bunch of fresh green vegetables were still glistening with dew. He raised his chin, his tone carrying a hint of boasting: "Second Uncle, you're absolutely right. I'm not bragging, but these days, if I say anything about anything in the factory, no one dares to disregard it—from the canteen's purchasing to the kitchen's scheduling, which one doesn't have my approval?"

He abruptly changed the subject, taking half a step forward and lowering his voice as if discussing a confidential matter: "But speaking of which, you should probably avoid getting too close to Gu Nan in the future. It's uncertain whether he'll be able to return smoothly after being sent away by Director Zhu for training. It's not worth getting involved and affecting your reputation in the institute."

Yan Bugui knew perfectly well that He Yuzhu was giving him a message and showing his confidence—he was treating him as "one of his own." He nodded quickly, twirling his palm-leaf fan in his hand: "Don't worry, Zhuzi, I understand. I know what to do. I'll definitely avoid Deputy Factory Director Gu from now on and won't cause him any trouble."

Little did she know, Lu Jia, standing behind her own doorframe, overheard these whispered words. Leaning against the doorframe, her fingertips digging into the cracks in the wood, she raised an eyebrow and sneered inwardly—this He Yuzhu, he's only gained a little power and he's already got himself into a bad way, really thinking he's someone important.

She deliberately raised her voice, her tone as gentle as water: "Brother Zhu, it's time to go back. I'm a little hungry and would like to drink some of your fish soup."

He Yuzhu was about to boast to Yan Bugui about how "rule of law" he was in the factory, but Lu Jia's call made him swallow his words. Although he felt a little uncomfortable and thought he had lost face in front of his second uncle, he didn't say anything—after all, Lu Jia was pregnant and a meritorious member of the He family, and he couldn't let her go hungry.

"Hey, I'm here!" He Yuzhu responded, then turned to Yan Bugui and waved. "Second Uncle, I'm going back to cook now. We'll talk another day." He waved the net in his hand and emphasized his words, "I got some good stuff from the factory canteen today, freshly caught crucian carp, to help Lu Jia recover."

Just then, the door next door creaked open, and Qin Huairu came out carrying a chipped enamel basin, clearly heading to the tap to get water. She looked up and bumped into He Yuzhu and Lu Jia, her eyes freezing for a moment, almost dropping the basin—she had clearly heard He Yuzhu say he'd "stolen some good stuff," and was just considering whether to go over and ask for some to feed her two hungry children, but she hadn't expected Lu Jia to suddenly appear.

Qin Huairu opened her mouth, about to force a smile and greet him, but He Yuzhu looked over first. His gaze was somewhat complicated, carrying a hint of warning, as if signaling her to be quiet. Though his gaze was indifferent, it conveyed an undeniable authority.

Qin Huairu immediately understood—this was a deliberate wink, meant to prevent Lu Jia from discovering their affair! A surge of anger rose within her, and she spat inwardly: What a spineless bastard! Now that he's the factory director's favorite, he's still so afraid of his wife, not daring to utter a single serious word! All those promises he made to her were utter bullshit!

She didn't reply, carrying the basin angrily towards the tap, her steps heavier than usual, stomping heavily on the bluestone slabs as if venting her frustration. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became: He Yuzhu's spineless behavior was a complete waste of his excellent cooking skills! She'd wait until he needed her help to put in a good word for him, then she'd see how she manipulated him, making him take back all his airs from today!

He Yuzhu was focused on helping Lu Jia home and didn't notice Qin Huairu's expression at all. Lu Jia, however, caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of her eye and saw Qin Huairu's frustrated look. A smug smile appeared on her lips. Although her main target was Gu Nan and she didn't need to get angry with a widow for the time being, she still felt very pleased to see Qin Huairu suffer.

The contest between women can sometimes be that simple. It doesn't necessarily have to be a complete falling out. Whoever can maintain a firm upper hand and leave the other speechless and frustrated is the winner.

Lu Jia suddenly cried out "Ouch!" and leaned closer to He Yuzhu, gently clutching her lower back. "Brother Zhu, I've been standing for too long, and my back hurts terribly. Could you help me back?"

He Yuzhu was taken aback and quickly reached out to support her waist, carefully protecting her as if afraid of touching her stomach: "What happened? Are you tired? Let's go home quickly and lie down for a while." He half-supported and half-carried her, his steps were light, and his eyes were full of tension.

This series of intimate actions was clearly meant for Qin Huairu's benefit. Qin Huairu saw everything clearly from the tap, her face turning pale with anger. She gripped the empty basin in her hand so tightly that it creaked, her knuckles turning white. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she slammed the basin on the ground with a bang, splashing water all over her trouser leg. Without bothering to wipe it off, she turned and rushed into the house, forgetting even to fetch water. The door slammed shut with a bang, making the window frames shake.

He Yuzhu was focused on helping Lu Jia home and didn't notice Qin Huairu's movements at all. Lu Jia, however, caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of her eye, and her smile deepened—it seemed that the act had been quite successful.

She leaned against He Yuzhu, smelling the cooking fumes on him, and felt a wave of nausea, but remembering her plan, she forced herself to suppress it. As long as she could keep He Yuzhu calm and get him to completely sever ties with Qin Huairu, what did this little grievance matter?