Siheyuan: Sap is the last word

He Yudong's heart sank after hearing this. He knew that Liu Guangtian's family had a heavy burden, especially his parents were old and had to support two children in school, so the pressure of life was not small.

"Brother Guangtian, things in the factory have been worrying lately, but I don't think you need to worry too much. You have worked in the factory for so many years, and your leaders know that you are capable. Besides, they are also aware of your family situation. If they really want to downsize, they will probably take these into consideration." He Yudong comforted, trying to make his tone sound more relaxed.

Liu Guangtian forced a smile and shook his head. "Brother He Yudong, stop comforting me. I know what's going on. The factory is serious this time, and no one can be sure. Although my work in the factory is okay, many young people have joined the factory in recent years, and we old workers are not so popular anymore."

He Yudong looked at Liu Guangtian's worried expression, and his heart was also in turmoil. He understood Liu Guangtian's worries. After all, in this era, losing a job means that the whole family's life will be in trouble. He Yudong thought about it and decided to comfort him from a different angle.

"Brother Guangtian, how about this, we don't just focus on the factory. Recently I heard that there are some odd jobs outside, although not much, but if you have time, we can try to take some work together, which can at least supplement the family income." He Yudong suggested, thinking that he knew a few foremen outside who might be able to help.

After hearing this, Liu Guangtian's eyes flashed with hope, but then he frowned again, "Brother He Yudong, this is a solution. But we have a lot of work to do in the factory. If the leaders knew that we were doing odd jobs outside, I'm afraid it would be difficult to explain, right?"

He Yudong nodded, knowing Liu Guangtian's concerns. "Brother Guangtian, I know you're worried. But we can come secretly and do it at a suitable time so as not to delay the factory's work. Besides, this is also to earn more money for the family, so the leaders shouldn't make it too difficult for us."

Liu Guangtian felt more at ease after listening to He Yudong's advice and nodded, "Brother He Yudong, you are right. Life is getting tighter day by day now, so I'll try to earn as much as I can. I'll also ask my friends outside to see if there is any work I can take on."

He Yudong was relieved to see Liu Guangtian agreed. He knew that although these jobs were hard, they could relieve some of the pressure. "Brother Guangtian, don't worry. If you need any help, just come to me. We are neighbors, and we should support each other."

Liu Guangtian nodded gratefully and said with a smile: "Brother He Yudong, you are such a kind-hearted person. I feel more at ease having a brother like you. Let's do as you say and get through the days at home first."

He Yudong patted Liu Guangtian on the shoulder and said with a smile: "That's settled, let's work hard together and live a good life."

As they were talking, Yan Jiecheng passed by, holding an old lantern in his hand, and seemed to be going to beat the night watch. Seeing He Yudong and Liu Guangtian talking, he smiled and came over.

"Hey, what are you two talking about? Judging from your expressions, it seems like you are discussing something important." Yan Jiecheng said as he put the lantern on the ground and brushed off the dust on his body.

He Yudong smiled and asked him to come over and sit down. "Uncle Jie Cheng, you just finished playing a shift? You must be tired. Come and rest for a while. We are discussing how to make more money."

After Yan Jiecheng sat down, he sighed, "Well, it's good for you young people to have ideas, but don't overwork yourself. Life is hard, but some things have to be taken easy."

Liu Guangtian nodded and took over the conversation, "Uncle Jie Cheng, you are right. But we have elderly parents and young children at home, so we have to find a way to make more money. Brother He Yudong just suggested that I do some odd jobs outside. Although it is hard work, it can help to supplement the family income."

Yan Jiecheng frowned after hearing this and said, "There is a lot of work outside, but you have to be careful and don't let the factory leaders know. The situation in the factory is tense right now, and the leaders won't be polite."

He Yudong saw that what Yan Jiecheng said made sense, so he nodded and said, "Uncle Jiecheng, don't worry, we will definitely be careful. In the current situation, we all have to be flexible in order to live a good life."

Yan Jiecheng nodded, then whispered, "You are right, but there is one more thing you need to pay attention to. A few days ago, I heard that someone in our yard was planning to report to the higher-ups that some people were working privately without reporting it. You have to be careful about this."

When Liu Guangtian heard this, his face suddenly became serious. "Uncle Xie Cheng, this is not a joke. If I get reported, not only will I lose my job, but my family will also suffer."

He Yudong's heart tightened, knowing that this matter could not be taken lightly, and he quickly asked: "Uncle Jie Cheng, do you know who is going to report it? We have to deal with it carefully."

Yan Jiecheng sighed and shook his head. "I don't know who it is exactly, I just heard some rumors. If you want to take work outside, it's best not to make it public and keep a low profile."

He Yudong nodded, secretly alert in his heart, "Uncle Jie Cheng, don't worry, we will definitely be careful. We have to discuss this matter together, and we can't let anyone catch us."

Liu Guangtian also pondered for a moment, then said: "Brother He Yudong, you are right. We must keep a low profile and do this quietly. We must not let the factory know. Otherwise, the consequences will be disastrous."

He Yudong looked at Liu Guangtian and Yan Jiecheng, and felt a sense of pressure in his heart. These days, every step in life is full of challenges, and one can get into trouble if one is not careful. He secretly made up his mind to act carefully and never let his family and friends be implicated by his decision.

At this time, the deaf old lady at the other end of the yard came out of the house and slowly walked towards the few people with a cane. Although she was old, her eyes were still bright and she was obviously interested in the conversation just now.

"What are you young people whispering about here?" Although the deaf old lady's voice was not loud, it carried a kind of majesty that came from having experienced many vicissitudes of life.

He Yudong quickly stood up and walked over to help the deaf old lady. "Grandma, why did you come out? It's windy tonight, you have to take care of yourself."

The deaf old lady waved her hands and said with a smile: "It's okay, grandma is still in good health. You guys chat about your things, I just came out to get some fresh air."

He Yudong helped the deaf old lady sit down on the stone bench, then said with a smile: "Grandma, let's just talk about how to make more money and make everyone's life better."

The deaf old lady nodded with a little approval in her eyes, "

As night fell, the lights in the courtyard gradually dimmed. He Yudong leaned against the wooden pillar at the gate, lighting a cheap cigarette, and the smoke lingered in the air. He was in a heavy mood, and the conversation with Liu Guangtian and Yan Jiecheng during the day kept echoing in his mind. This invisible pressure made it difficult for him to relax. Seeing that the lives of the neighbors around him were becoming more and more tense, he had a sense of responsibility in his heart and wanted to do something for everyone, but at the same time he was afraid that it would implicate his family and friends.

Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a soft knock on the door. He Yudong's heart tightened, and he quickly put out the cigarette in his hand and turned to open the door.

"He Yudong, it's me." A familiar voice came from outside the door. It turned out to be Qin Huairu, who was holding a package in her hand and looked a little anxious.

"Sister Huairu, it's so late, why haven't you rested yet?" He Yudong asked in surprise.

Qin Huairu walked into the yard, closed the door gently, and whispered: "He Yudong, I have something to discuss with you, I don't know if I should trouble you."

He Yudong noticed that she looked strange, and quickly asked her to sit down, "Sister Huairu, we have been neighbors for so many years, if you have anything to say, just tell me, don't be polite with me."

After Qin Huairu sat down, she was silent for a moment, as if she was thinking about how to start. Finally, she sighed and said, "He Yudong, I know you are usually busy, but this time I really can't help it. Something happened at home, and I don't know what to do."

He Yudong felt nervous when he heard her speak so seriously, and asked quickly, "Sister Huairu, what happened? Tell me quickly."

Qin Huairu raised her head, a hint of helplessness flashed in her eyes, "It's Dongxu. He's been having trouble at work recently and is in a bad mood. He even had a fight with someone this afternoon. The factory is investigating this matter now, and I'm worried that he will be punished or even fired."

He Yudong frowned. Jia Dongxu had always performed well in the factory. How could something like this happen suddenly? He knew that if this matter was not handled properly, it might affect Jia Dongxu's future and even the entire family.

"Sister Huairu, this matter is indeed troublesome, but we have to deal with it calmly. Why did Dongxu fight with others? Is there any misunderstanding?" He Yudong asked calmly, hoping to find a breakthrough to solve the problem.

Qin Huairu shook her head and said with a wry smile: "I asked him, but he didn't want to say. I guess it might be a conflict at work. Dongxu has been under a lot of pressure at the factory recently, and he is always unhappy when he goes home. I'm afraid that if he continues like this, something bigger will happen."

After hearing this, He Yudong sighed inwardly. This kind of thing is indeed difficult to handle in the current environment. But he quickly adjusted his mindset and decided to start with the most basic things.

"Sister Huairu, don't worry. I will go to the factory early tomorrow morning to inquire about the situation and see if I can get some details from the leader. Let's figure things out first, and then find a solution. Don't worry, I'm here, and we will definitely find a solution." He Yudong comforted, trying to reassure Qin Huairu.

Qin Huairu looked at He Yudong gratefully and nodded, "He Yudong, thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I really don't know what to do."