Siheyuan: Sap is the last word

"Uncle Zhonghai, please give me a few more days. I will definitely go to talk to the factory leaders and see if there is any room for maneuver." He Yudong said seriously and made up his mind secretly.

Yi Zhonghai was touched by He Yudong's persistence, but he also knew that the factory's decision was not so easy to change. Besides, he had already planned to retire, and he couldn't delay his old health problems any longer.

"He Yudong, uncle knows you are anxious, but you also have to understand that sometimes we ordinary workers are powerless to do anything about things in the factory." Yi Zhonghai sighed, with a hint of helplessness in his voice.

He Yudong looked at Yi Zhonghai, feeling angry and helpless. He knew that what Yi Zhonghai said made sense, but he was still unwilling to give up any hope.

"Uncle Zhonghai, don't worry, I will do my best." He Yudong said firmly, already having a plan in mind.

Yi Zhonghai nodded and said nothing more. He knew He Yudong was a real man and understood his good intentions, but he was already prepared to back down.

"He Yudong, there are still some things to do at the factory, so I have to go there early. You should also pack up quickly and don't waste time." Yi Zhonghai patted He Yudong on the shoulder, then turned and left.

He Yudong looked at Yi Zhonghai's departing back, and a complex emotion surged in his heart. He knew that Yi Zhonghai was a stubborn person who would not give in easily, but he also understood that the other party had accepted the reality. He Yudong stood in the yard, thinking about what to do next.

Just as He Yudong was about to go to the factory, Yan Bugui from the courtyard suddenly walked out from the alley next to him with a mysterious smile on his face.

"He Yudong, what are you and Yi Zhonghai talking about? You two look so serious." Yan Bugui asked with a smile, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Seeing that it was Yan Bugui, He Yudong did not hide it, "Uncle Yan, the factory needs to streamline the staff, and Uncle Yi Zhonghai may have to retire early."

When Yan Bugui heard this, the smile on his face gradually disappeared and his brows furrowed. "Yi Zhonghai is going to step down? This is a big deal."

He Yudong nodded and said in a low voice, "Yes, Uncle Zhonghai has worked in the factory for so many years, and he was suddenly laid off. No one can accept this."

Yan Bugui stroked his beard, a shrewd look flashing in his eyes, "He Yudong, are you planning to ask the factory leaders for him?"

He Yudong glanced at Yan Bugui and nodded, "Yes, Uncle Yan, I think Uncle Yi Zhonghai should not retire like this. His contribution to the factory is obvious to all."

Yan Bugui smiled slightly, "He Yudong, your idea is good, but you have to think carefully about how much say we workers have in the decisions of the factory?"

He Yudong was silent for a moment. He knew that Yan Bugui was right, but he was still unwilling to give up any hope. "Uncle Yan, I still want to give it a try. Everyone knows how important Uncle Yi Zhonghai is to the factory. As long as we work together, we may still be able to get a chance."

Yan Bugui's eyes flashed with admiration, "You are quite tenacious. But I think things in the factory are very complicated, not as simple as we imagined. If you really want to help Yi Zhonghai, you have to find the right time and the right person."

He Yudong listened to Yan Bugui's words and understood what he meant. Yan Bugui was always a shrewd person in the courtyard, and he saw through many things.

"Uncle Yan, you are an experienced person, please give me some advice. I don't want Uncle Yi Zhonghai to retreat so helplessly." He Yudong said sincerely, his eyes full of expectation.

Yan Bugui smiled and patted He Yudong on the shoulder. "Boy, since you said so, I won't hide it from you. There have been some rumors in the factory recently. I heard that several leaders are concerned about this streamlining. If you can find one of them who can speak with you, there may be a chance for a turnaround."

When He Yudong heard this, he immediately felt hopeful. "Uncle Yan, do you know which leader it is? I can go and give it a try."

Yan Bugui blinked mysteriously and said, "I heard that Director Zhang from the factory has been very concerned about the situation of some old workers recently. You can find a chance to talk to him."

He Yudong nodded and secretly noted the information in his heart, "Thank you, Uncle Yan, I will go to the factory and try my luck."

Yan Bugui waved his hand and said, "Go ahead. Remember, you have to be strategic and don't just rush forward."

He Yudong bowed deeply, then hurried out of the yard, his heart full of worry about Yi Zhonghai and hope for the future.

Many workers had already gathered at the factory gate, waiting to enter the factory while discussing the latest rumors in low voices. He Yudong walked through the crowd and headed straight for the factory office. He had already made up his mind to talk to Director Zhang in person.

Director Zhang is an old leader of the factory. He has a calm personality and has always been respected by the workers. He Yudong walked to the door of Director Zhang's office, feeling a little nervous, but he knew that now was the time for him to calm down.

He Yudong came to the door of Director Zhang's office in the factory, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. Director Zhang's low voice came from inside the door, "Come in."

Pushing the door open, He Yudong saw Director Zhang sitting at his desk, looking at a document with his head buried in it. There were also several thick files on the table. Director Zhang looked a little tired, but he was still looking at the information in his hand seriously.

"Hello, Director Zhang, I am He Yudong." He Yudong stood at the door and said somewhat stiffly.

Director Zhang raised his head, glanced at He Yudong, and nodded slightly, "It's He Yudong, what do you want to talk to me about?"

He Yudong was a little nervous, but he still mustered up the courage to say, "Director Zhang, I'm here to say something on behalf of Master Yi Zhonghai from our workshop."

Director Zhang frowned slightly and put down the document in his hand. "Yi Zhonghai? Are you talking about the old worker?"

"Yes, Director Zhang. Master Yi has worked in our factory for more than 30 years, and he is the one who developed all the technology in the workshop. Although he is old now, he is still in good health. Having him on the streamlined list is not good for the technology inheritance of our factory." He Yudong tried to make his tone sound sincere and firm.

After listening to this, Director Zhang frowned slightly, with a thoughtful look in his eyes. Of course, he knew who Yi Zhonghai was, and he was also aware of the status and influence of this old worker in the factory. But the staff reduction was a decision made by his superiors, and he, as a director, could not easily change it.

"He Yudong, I understand your feelings and I know the contributions Yi Zhonghai has made to the factory. But you also understand that the factory's decision is not something I can influence personally. Streamlining staff is for the long-term development of the factory, and you should be clear about this." Director Zhang's voice was steady, with a hint of helplessness.

He Yudong was anxious. He knew Director Zhang's concerns, but he couldn't just give up. "Director Zhang, I understand the difficulties of the factory, but Master Yi's technology is our factory's most valuable asset. If he retires now, who will take over the factory's new technology? Although young people are motivated, they are not familiar with many process flows. If something goes wrong, the loss will be huge."

Director Zhang was silent for a moment, as if he was weighing something. His eyes became deep, as if he was considering what He Yudong said. Of course, he knew that what He Yudong said made sense, and technology inheritance was indeed a problem, but the pressure in the factory was also very great.

"He Yudong, your worries are not without reason. Yi Zhonghai's technology is indeed very important to the factory, and I don't deny that." Director Zhang finally spoke, with a hint of fatigue in his voice, "But the superiors' request is to streamline, especially for some older workers. I am also in a dilemma."

He Yudong saw Director Zhang's hesitation and knew this might be his only chance. So he continued, "Director Zhang, if Master Yi retires now, young people won't be able to take over his work right away, and the factory might be delayed due to technical problems. Besides, Master Yi is willing to teach young people everything he knows. As long as he is given some time, he will definitely be able to pass on his skills."

Director Zhang sighed, as if he was moved by He Yudong's words. He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the factory outside, pondered for a while, then turned around with a firm look in his eyes.

"He Yudong, what you said makes sense. Let me report the situation to the factory leaders and see if I can buy some time for Yi Zhonghai to pass on the technology. However, this cannot be guaranteed to succeed, so you have to be mentally prepared."

He Yudong was delighted and said quickly, "Thank you, Director Zhang! No matter what the result is, I am very grateful that you are willing to speak for Master Yi."

Director Zhang smiled and nodded. "I am very pleased that the young people in your workshop have such ambition. Well, I will do it as soon as possible. You go back first, and I will inform you when there is news."

He Yudong nodded gratefully and turned to leave the office. He knew that although the problem had not been completely resolved, there was at least a glimmer of hope. Walking on the road to the factory, he felt much more relaxed than when he came.

He Yudong returned to the workshop and saw that the workers were busy. He found an opportunity to quietly tell several colleagues about Director Zhang's attitude. Everyone was happy for Yi Zhonghai. There was a tense atmosphere in the workshop, and everyone was afraid that they would be the next target of layoffs. He Yudong's news undoubtedly gave everyone a shot in the arm.

Just as He Yudong was about to continue working, he saw Yan Bugui coming over. Yan Bugui's expression was a little serious, and it was obvious that he had something to say.

"He Yudong, I just heard that you went to see Director Zhang?" Yan Bugui asked straight to the point, with a hint of tentativeness in his tone.

He Yudong nodded and said without hiding anything, "Yes, Uncle Yan, I just went to see Director Zhang and told him about Uncle Yi Zhonghai."