Xu Damao walked over to Lu Xiangyang and quietly told him about the bicycle. Xu Damao wasn't sure how to handle the situation; confiscating it wasn't out of the question. So, to avoid embarrassment, he spoke softly.

"No problem. Since we've already released him, we don't care about his bicycle, and we don't need it. Here's what we'll do: I'll talk to them and have someone from your compound go to the bike shed outside to pick it up." Lu Xiangyang gave a direct affirmative answer, and then instructed a colleague to go outside to handle the formalities.

When Xu Damao told Yan Fugui what had happened, the latter was so happy he almost jumped for joy—it was like getting something he had lost back! Actually, if he had to choose between the bicycle and being detained, Yan Fugui would rather be detained.

After finishing this task, Xu Damao was about to leave when Yan Fugui grabbed him again.

"Uncle, is there anything else? If you don't leave soon, they'll insist you stay for dinner."

Xu Damao said through gritted teeth. This guy really doesn't learn his lesson. The pathetic state he was in the cell just now is completely gone, all that's left is the cunning of a petty bourgeois.

"Da Mao, there's just one thing, could you ask them for me at the same time? It's just that, last night I bought three bags of grain, and they confiscated them all. Do you think you can talk to them and ask them to return my three bags of grain?"

Yan Fugui knew this request was somewhat unreasonable, so he spoke slowly. But seeing that Xu Damao seemed quite familiar with the other party, getting his bicycle back with just a few words, he was unwilling to give up, so he said it again.

Xu Damao almost laughed out of anger at this guy. This guy's skin was definitely thicker than his own. He was born in the wrong era and chose the wrong career. If he had been born 50 years later, he could definitely have made it in the entertainment industry.

I was initially thinking of refusing outright, but then I decided to walk over there anyway.

Upon arriving, Xu Damao didn't mention the food at all, but instead discussed transportation with them. Xu Damao needed to go back to get meat and wine, so he would head back first. The action team had a vehicle that could take Tong Shuai along. In this era, overloading and drunk driving weren't issues; as long as the vehicle could run, it was fine, especially since they were Gong'an's own people.

After settling things over here, Xu Damao went to Yan Fugui's side.

"Uncle, they have severely criticized you, saying that your attitude of recognizing your mistakes is not good enough, and they want to lock you up for a few more days to teach you a lesson."

As Xu Damao spoke, Yan Fugui's face visibly darkened, and his body trembled slightly, as if he were recalling the questioning he had received that morning.

"But I convinced them. I told them that our third uncle was an educated man, and that he had just made a mistake. I told them that after you go home, you must study the policies carefully and never make the same mistake again. I made all these promises to you before they agreed to let you go back."

"Hurry up and go to the bike shed by the gate to pick up your bicycle and ride it home. If you wait any longer, the policy might change, or they might change their minds," Xu Damao said.

Yan Fugui thought about his experience of being treated like a criminal that morning, about his current freedom, and about the bicycle he had already received. He shook his head, as if trying to shake off unrealistic thoughts.

"Da Mao, I'll head back now. Thank you for today, but never mind, we'll talk later." Yan Fugui seemed to have more to say, but after thinking it over, he decided to leave this troublesome place first.

After Yan Fugui left, the people who went out for dinner also left work together. The action team drove two cars, with a total of eight people including Tong Shuai, and left in a grand procession.

Xu Damao wandered around outside for a while, then took out a pound of fatty meat, a pheasant, a fish, some dried goods and vegetables from his spatial storage, and five bottles of baijiu (Chinese liquor). Thinking about it, he realized that everyone who came today was a former soldier and a heavy drinker, so he took three more bottles, making a total of eight.

Upon arriving at the steel rolling mill, following the instructions of the gatekeeper, they drove directly to the No. 2 canteen. At the entrance to the kitchen, Tong Shuai and his group were chatting, seemingly waiting for Xu Damao.

"Brother Tong, come help me move the wine." Xu Damao didn't stand on ceremony and directly asked Tong Shuai to move the wine.

"Wow, Da Mao, you've got some good stuff! My mouth is watering. And so much wine, don't you want to go home tonight?" Tong Shuai, who had come over, was a little surprised to see so much meat and vegetables.

Two years ago, Tong Shuai could easily produce this much food; if necessary, he could simply buy it from someone else. But now, where could they find meat and vegetables? There wasn't even enough grain to eat. Any small amount of meat and vegetables available were snapped up immediately. Xu Damao's ability to produce so much in such a short time demonstrated his extensive network of connections. At this moment, Tong Shuai gained a new understanding of Xu Damao's capabilities.

Those who came from the other side, seeing how much meat and vegetables Xu Damao had brought, couldn't help but sigh that they could have a good meal tonight. Even Lu Xiangyang, who came from a well-off family and had special provisions, couldn't help but salivate at this moment.

There's no way around it; even special supplies aren't available every day. Eating it once a month is considered good. Sometimes, the old man talks about revolutionary dedication, and then he doesn't get any. Besides, today there's fish and meat, a balanced meal, so it's definitely a feast.

Today's cook at the second canteen was Wang Youcai. His cooking skills might not be as good as Sha Zhu's, but he's a veteran chef and definitely not bad. The key is that he's tight-lipped, unlike Sha Zhu who seems to have a grudge against everyone.

Seeing so many delicious dishes today, he felt both happy and frustrated. He was happy because, as a head chef, good ingredients were essential to showcasing his culinary skills; but he was frustrated because the cafeteria sometimes cooked special meals for him, and no matter which department or leader asked him to cook, he would always take some home with him.

In this regard, he shared the same thought as Sha Zhu: "If the cook doesn't steal, the harvest won't be good." But today, the person requesting the cooking was from the security department, and the people eating with him were from the public security comrades—both forces specifically tasked with cracking down on such activities. Besides, he still had to pass through the security department's gate to leave. Sigh, Wang Youcai was incredibly conflicted.

"Master Wang, after you finish cooking, take some home to try. I've already spoken to the gatekeeper." Perhaps sensing Wang Youcai's thoughts, Tong Shuai spoke his mind directly.

"I'm so sorry." Wang Youcai said he was sorry, but his hands moved much faster. It seems that inner joy can enhance one's enthusiasm for work.

Wang Youcai worked quickly and efficiently, preparing several dishes in no time, and dinner officially began. Amidst the clinking of glasses, the food on the table dwindled rapidly. As the alcohol dissipated, the initially somewhat unfamiliar atmosphere transformed into a lively one.

The man on the other side had served in the military, while Xu Damao on this side was adept at managing the atmosphere at drinking parties. Coupled with his high alcohol tolerance, they soon became sworn brothers.

After a satisfying meal, the team drove away. As they left, Lu Xiangyang patted Xu Damao on the shoulder.

"Da Mao, I've accepted you as my brother. If you ever need anything, just come to me. I can't speak for the other brothers, but when it comes to our side, I still have some face."