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

Chapter 1018 Gu Nan Knows Everything

Deputy Factory Director Li took the enamel teacup from He Yuzhu. As his fingertips touched the warm cup, a sense of surprise arose in his heart. This Sha Zhu was known in the factory for being straightforward. Although he wasn't reckless, he had never been so attentive and considerate before. The way he served tea and water had a deliberate attempt to please him. Why had he changed his attitude today?

He took a sip of tea, the fragrance of the tea spreading on his tongue. He looked up at He Yuzhu standing opposite him, a playful smile on his face: "Speak, silly Zhu, what brings you to my office? Don't just stand there."

He Yuzhu rubbed his hands together, his smile becoming even more earnest, the fine lines around his eyes deepening: "Deputy Factory Director Li, look at the current situation—Factory Director Yang has run into trouble, and the factory is temporarily leaderless. In my opinion, based on seniority and ability, the position of the next factory director is undoubtedly yours! That's why I came here to congratulate you in advance!"

Upon hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Li's eyes flashed with a fleeting smile. He'd lived most of his life; what kind of polite talk hadn't he heard? Yet He Yuzhu's words struck a chord with him. These past few days, he'd been secretly and openly scheming for the factory director's position, just waiting for the higher-ups to give their approval. He put down his teacup, leaned back in his chair, and adopted a composed demeanor, looking at He Yuzhu and saying, "Silly Zhu, just say what you want to say. Don't beat around the bush. You usually don't even bother to greet me when you see me, but today you're suddenly being so polite; you must want something from me."

Seeing that his tone had softened and there was no sign of impatience, He Yuzhu felt a weight lifted from his shoulders. He took a half step forward and lowered his voice, "Deputy Factory Director Li, you're a wise man! To be honest, I'm still just an apprentice in the canteen. I spend my days around the stove doing odd jobs like chopping vegetables, mincing filling, and tending the fire. Even when I occasionally cook a couple of dishes, it's never my turn to take charge."

He spoke with a hint of urgency, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists: "If you really become the factory manager, could you please help me out, considering I'm usually quite diligent and efficient? Let me take over the head chef position. You know my skills; I've honed them to perfection, all I lack is the title. If I could become the head chef, not only would my salary increase significantly, but my family's life would also be much more comfortable. Jingru is pregnant; I can't let her suffer with me, can I?"

That's true. He's worked his way up in the cafeteria for so many years, from an apprentice to someone who can now work independently. His knife skills and cooking techniques are now superb. In terms of skill, he's no less skilled than today's head chefs. All he lacks is an opportunity.

In the past, He Yuzhu had been eyeing the position of canteen director, or even just deputy director—that would give him some real power, allowing him to manage purchasing and scheduling, and make life more flexible. But after these ups and downs, he'd come to realize that substance trumps prestige. The head chef position, though technical, offered high pay, job security, and the ability to earn a living through skill, without the backstabbing and infighting—it was reassuring. As long as he could become head chef, he wouldn't have to worry about food for his family, which was better than anything else.

He looked at Deputy Factory Director Li, his eyes full of expectation, waiting for the other to relent. The office was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind outside the window making his heartbeat all the more distinct.

Deputy Factory Director Li sat behind his large desk, his fingertips tapping lightly on the surface. He was calculating in his mind—Zhong Yi was promoted by Gu Nan, an open secret in the factory; the kitchen was practically Gu Nan's private domain. Once he became factory director, removing this thorn in his side would be the first thing he'd do. But he hadn't found a suitable replacement for Zhong Yi, and he was worried about it. After all, the kitchen was crucial to the entire factory's food supply, and it wasn't something that could be handled by just anyone.

Unexpectedly, He Yuzhu actually came to him. Deputy Factory Director Li's eyes lit up immediately, and a warm smile spread across his face: "Silly Zhu, why have you been so listless lately? Young people need to have some drive; you can't be without any ideals." He then changed the subject, offering bait, "How about this, these next couple of days you help me prepare a few meals, show me your true skills. If you do a great job, not only will you get the head chef position, but you'll also get the canteen manager position!"

He Yuzhu's eyes widened instantly, as if he couldn't believe his ears. He took two steps forward and asked, "Deputy Factory Director Li, are you serious? You're not joking with me?" He had been stuck in the canteen for so many years and had long wanted to move up, but he had never had the chance. These words really struck a chord with him.

Deputy Factory Director Li patted him on the shoulder, his smile growing even warmer, but his tone carried a deliberate attempt to win him over: "Shazhu, would I lie to you? You know Zhong Yi is Gu Nan's man, not on our side, and unreliable. Only you are someone I can trust, my confidant. Come with me this afternoon to prepare the vegetables; I've arranged the ingredients and the venue, how about it?"

He Yuzhu felt a surge of warmth in his heart, finally understanding—Deputy Factory Director Li simply lacked capable people around him, unlike Gu Nan, who was already surrounded by a group of trusted confidants, leaving no room for outsiders. He quickly patted his chest and assured him, "Deputy Factory Director Li, don't worry, this afternoon I'll definitely use all my best skills, frying, stir-frying, and cooking—everything will be outstanding, guaranteed to make you proud! Shall I go back and get my tools ready?"

Deputy Factory Director Li nodded: "Okay, you go back and prepare first. I'll wait for you at the factory gate at three o'clock this afternoon, and we'll go to the hotel kitchen together."

He Yuzhu responded cheerfully, his steps light as if he were on springs, and he practically hopped out the door.

Deputy Factory Director Li watched his retreating figure disappear through the door, his smile vanishing instantly, his eyes turning cold, carrying a subtle hint of calculation. He turned to look out the window, his gaze landing on Gu Nan's office, and muttered under his breath, "Gu Nan, don't think you're so great just because you control the kitchen. Don't forget, I have connections! Once I become the factory director, let's see how you act then. I'll make sure you know who's in charge here!"

At this moment, Gu Nan had no time to ponder Deputy Factory Director Li's underhanded tactics. He was buried in a thick stack of documents, his brow slightly furrowed—these were all blueprints for parts that needed to be produced soon. Dimensional accuracy, material requirements, production cycles—every single item had to be checked meticulously, leaving no room for carelessness. For him, ensuring smooth production and completing tasks on time was the most important thing; other power struggles were merely fleeting clouds, not worth his attention.

"Knock knock knock—" There was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Come in." Gu Nan didn't even look up, his pencil marking the drawing.