Liu Haizhong can be observant; noticing Yan Fugui's recent close association with Xu Damao, he realized the Yan family might need his help. If Liu Haizhong had this ability, how much more so would Yi Zhonghai?
“Old Yan, Old Liu, and Xu Damao have become quite successful recently, but shouldn’t they help the poor households in the compound first? That would show that we are a united courtyard,” Yi Zhonghai said.
What defines a poor household? In Yi Zhonghai's area, the Jia family is the first example. While the Jia family has two widows and three children, their situation is certainly difficult, but in terms of poverty, there are many families in the compound poorer than theirs. It's worth noting that the Jia family's savings, including Jia Dongxu's pension and compensation, are not a small sum.
But Yi Zhonghai couldn't think of a way to get Xu Damao to help the Jia family. He worried that if Qin Huairu went to work at the auto repair shop, she'd become unruly over time, and Bang Geng, as a reliable source of support for the elderly, would be out of the question. Or, the simplest solution was to donate money?
Yi Zhonghai had actually thought about it for a long time, otherwise he would have talked to Xu Damao long ago.
"Old Yi, what you're saying isn't quite right. Xu Damao has been doing quite well lately, and he's been incredibly helpful to everyone in our compound. He's always willing to lend a hand whenever we need anything."
"But who to help and who not to help, and how to help them, isn't something we can decide; it depends on their own willingness," Yan Fugui said.
He's been closely following Xu Damao's lead lately, knowing the other man's capabilities are limitless; being a car repair shop manager isn't his limit. Therefore, at this crucial moment, he needs to make his stance clear and not follow Yi Zhonghai's reckless actions.
“Old Yan is right. I watched Da Mao grow up; he’s been smart since he was little. Now that he’s here, we need to maintain a good relationship with him and not let him distance himself from our compound over some minor disagreements.”
Liu Haizhong echoed Yan Fugui. This also reflects a later saying: When you succeed, you are surrounded by good people.
Yi Zhonghai hadn't expected that his casual remark would excite the two so much. He also realized that the compound was not the same as it used to be, and Xu Damao was not the same Xu Damao as before, so he stopped dwelling on the topic.
"Old Liu, you still haven't explained what the point of this dinner is?" Yi Zhonghai asked.
"Hehe, even if you didn't ask, I would have told you. I'm quite skilled in forging and have some leadership abilities, so I heard that Xu Damao's side is in dire need of talent in this area, and I thought I'd go and help him out."
"Well, I'm also a bit undecided about what position I should take, so I called you two here to discuss it. As the saying goes, one person's plan is short-sighted, two people's plans are long-sighted, and three cobblers can offer some advice." Liu Haizhong tugged at Wen.
"What are you talking about? You've got it all connected in just a few words. But hey, does he know you're going to Da Mao's place?" Yan Fugui was too lazy to use such literary terms with these roughnecks in the compound.
"Not yet, I haven't seen him every day. I'll talk to him again when he comes back tonight, and hear your opinions first," Liu Haizhong said truthfully.
Yi Zhonghai and Yan Fugui exchanged a glance, both realizing the absurdity of the situation. Just moments ago, this man had criticized Yi Zhonghai for assigning him poverty alleviation tasks without Xu Damao's consent, yet now he himself was directly threatening to become a leader. Could such a thing even be possible? At that moment, Yi Zhonghai felt he couldn't keep up with the other man's train of thought.
"Then you should talk to Da Mao first before asking for my opinion. This is a matter of mutual consent; you can't force it," Yan Fugui said firmly.
And so the three of them ate and drank while chatting about things at the factory, until they heard the sound of bicycles outside.
"Da Mao is back." "Da Mao is here." "Xu Da Mao is back." Three people, three different tones. Liu Haizhong, who was no longer slightly drunk, immediately got up and rushed to open his front door.
"Da Mao, you're finally back."
The sweetness in Liu Haizhong's words almost made Xu Damao think he was being sent away, and left Wang Minzhi, who was walking to the side, completely bewildered, wondering what was wrong with this second uncle, such a chubby old man, tonight.
"Second Uncle, just say what you want to say, don't look at me like that. Oh, so all three of you are here. It seems there's a big celebration in the courtyard tonight."
While Xu Damao was talking to Liu Haizhong, he noticed Yan Fugui and Yi Zhonghai coming out of Liu Haizhong's house. Seeing that Liu Haizhong seemed to have something to say to him, Xu Damao took the bicycle home first.
"Hey, Second Uncle, why didn't you invite me tonight's good food and wine?" Xu Damao entered Liu Haizhong's house and saw the empty plates on the table, knowing that the meal was decent.
"I searched for you all afternoon at the steel mill but couldn't find you. I waited for you all evening but you didn't come back. I knew you went out with your wife. Come on, Da Mao, let's have a drink."
As Liu Haizhong explained, he found a wine glass and chopsticks to pour wine for Xu Damao.
"Wait a minute, I'll go back and get some food first. I still have some peanuts, I'll be right there."
After Xu Damao finished speaking, he left without waiting for their reply. Lately, he had basically stopped drinking at night for safety reasons while cycling. Back home, he found some peanuts in the cupboard, grabbed a bottle of liquor, and went out again.
"Come on, let's fill them all up. It's my honor to drink with you three gentlemen today." Xu Damao filled all three of their glasses.
After downing a drink, Liu Haizhong, who had been brimming with things to say, suddenly found himself at a loss for words, becoming somewhat hesitant and only managing to look at Yi Zhonghai with a fixed gaze. Yi Zhonghai pretended not to notice; he himself was preoccupied with his own troubles and had no time to pay attention to Liu Haizhong.
Liu Haizhong could only turn to Yan Fugui. Yan Fugui himself didn't want to speak, worried about ruining the honeymoon period between his family and the Xu family. But Xu Damao had brought wine and peanuts, indicating he was in a good mood. Besides, he was indebted to Xu and couldn't refuse Old Liu's request.
"Da Mao, Lao Liu just told us that he wants to use his expertise to see if he can try working for you. You know, Lao Liu is talented and responsible, and he's been highly praised by everyone in the compound over the years. Working for you would definitely be a great help."
Of course, if you don't need anyone on your end, or there aren't any suitable positions for Lao Liu, Lao Liu said it's okay, you can arrange something when the time is right.
Yan Fugui was careful not to offend either side, so he was very careful with his words and didn't dare to mention Liu Haizhong's desire for a position.
When Liu Haizhong heard Yan Fugui speak to him, he was initially very happy. However, Old Yan kept refusing to reveal his desire to be a leader, fearing that Xu Damao would simply assign him to be an ordinary blacksmith. He was so anxious that he scratched his head in frustration.
"Second Uncle, what are you thinking? Are you really going to the auto repair shop?" Xu Damao asked, feeling a little sorry for Liu Haizhong who was sitting there so restlessly.
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