Chapter 73 : First courtesy, then force

After the two entered the machinery factory, Han Zhenyu asked Li Shaohua to head back.  

He first went to Li Chong’s office. “Director, thank you for asking Shaohua to inform me. Whether I can stay or not this time, I will always remember your help.”  

Li Chong smiled and waved it off. “Zhenyu, it’s not that serious. Someone from the Political Science Department came this morning, and I explained that you were recruited based on your skills. I also spoke with Deputy Director Bai during lunch and mentioned the situation. He said he would handle it. The Political Department will talk to you this afternoon. Just state that you were recruited according to the formal procedures.”  

Deputy Director Bai, a retired soldier, is in charge of transportation and logistics at the factory. He was the one who recruited Han Zhenyu through proper channels.  

“Thank you, Director,” Han Zhenyu said thoughtfully. “But I can’t keep troubling you and Deputy Director Bai. This issue has already affected my work and life. I think it’s better to address it directly. I plan to talk with Chen Dongsheng’s brother-in-law to resolve this thoroughly.”  

Chen Dongsheng’s brother-in-law was Deputy Director Yun, responsible for production at the factory.  

Li Chong hadn’t expected the Chen family to be so malicious. Resorting to damaging someone’s career just because they didn’t get along was despicable. He was relieved that Han Zhenyu was already married. Otherwise, marrying into a family like that would have caused endless trouble.  

He remarked, “I’ve dealt with Director Yun a few times. He seems smart, but I don’t know him well. If you approach him, be cautious with your words. Don’t give him any leverage.”  

Li Chong trusted Han Zhenyu’s judgment. Despite being young and only a year into the factory, he was measured and steady in his demeanor.  

“I understand, Director Li,” Han Zhenyu replied with a smile.  

Li Chong glanced at the clock. “The Political Science Department scheduled you at 2:30. Head over and explain yourself now.”  

“Okay, I’ll go.”  

When Han Zhenyu arrived at the Political Science Department, some people were sipping tea and reading newspapers, while others were bent over writing at their desks.  

Standing at the door, he called out loudly, “Hello, leaders. I’m Han Zhenyu from the transportation team, here to report on my work.”  

The people inside looked up.  

A man in his mid-thirties scrutinized him for a moment before pulling a file from his drawer.  

“Han Zhenyu,” he began, “we’ve received reports that you joined the transportation team through improper connections. Is that true?”  

Before Han Zhenyu could reply, the man sternly added, “If you come clean, the factory might be lenient. But if you refuse to cooperate, you’ll face termination.”  

Han Zhenyu thought, ‘This man is truly a political officer, what a power move.’  

Anyone with weak nerves might crack under such pressure, even if they were innocent.  

“Leader,” Han Zhenyu replied, visibly indignant but composed. “I don’t know who’s spreading these baseless rumors, but I was recruited fairly.”  

He continued with righteous conviction, “Last year, the factory was hiring drivers. I applied, thinking as a rural person with no connections, I’d have no chance. But to my surprise, the factory leaders were impartial and fair. They didn’t dismiss me because I was from the countryside. Instead, they recognized my skills. After thorough examinations and confirmations, the transport team leader decided to keep me. I was deeply grateful for this, and since joining the factory, I’ve worked diligently.”  

“I don’t know what the intentions are of those who reported me,” Han Zhenyu said firmly. “I just hope the leadership can investigate thoroughly and clear my name.”

Hearing his righteous defense, several people in the room looked at him in surprise.  

‘This guy is better at political work than we are,’ some thought, impressed despite themselves. If they hadn’t known how factory recruitment worked, they might have believed his words.  

But the man questioning Han Zhenyu wasn’t deterred. However, since Han Zhenyu didn’t admit to using connections, there wasn’t much he could do.  

It wasn’t like they could openly ask, ‘How could you have gotten into the machinery factory without pulling strings?’  

Moreover, the transport team was notoriously difficult to join. Saying something like that would only embarrass themselves.  

The man questioning Han Zhenyu felt stuck. Everyone knew the factory’s recruitment process, if someone managed to get in, there was likely a connection involved. However, prying too much could offend the wrong people and lead to trouble.  

Still, he had to follow through on the assignment from his section chief. Putting on a stern face, he pressed further.  

“You claim the transport team leader saw your skills,” he said skeptically. “How can a country boy like you even drive?”  

Han Zhenyu had anticipated this question and was ready.  

Feigning pride, he replied, “Leader, two years ago, I drove a tractor for my team in the countryside and even learned to repair it. When the factory was recruiting drivers, I decided to apply. To my surprise, the dozens of other applicants had fewer skills than I did some had never even touched a vehicle. That’s why the transport team leader chose me.”  

Hearing this, the man realized he couldn’t push further.  

Han Zhenyu had cleverly tied his recruitment to the integrity of the transport team’s leader. Continuing to question him would risk offending the entire department.  

Reluctantly, the man said, “Go back and think carefully. Is there anything you’ve forgotten to tell us?”  

Then, to cover his bases, he added, “Since the Political Science Department received a report, we have to investigate thoroughly. It’s our responsibility to address the concerns of the masses.”  

Han Zhenyu nodded earnestly. “As a member of the machinery factory, I will fully cooperate with the leadership’s work.”  

The man waved him off. “Alright, you can go.”  

—

After leaving the Political Department’s office, Han Zhenyu smirked and headed straight to Deputy Director Yun’s office.  

Yun Pingbo had just returned and was settling into his chair when he heard a knock. Opening the door, he saw a tall, composed young man standing there.  

“Who are you?” Yun asked, eyeing him.  

Han Zhenyu nodded politely. “Hello, Director Yun. My name is Han Zhenyu, from the factory’s transport team. I’d like to speak with you briefly if you’re available.”  

Hearing the introduction, Yun Pingbo’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and he replied with a smile “Han Zhenyu from the transport team? I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m in charge of production, not the transport team. What could we possibly need to discuss?”  

Noting Yun’s formal tone, Han Zhenyu decided to skip the pleasantries.  

“Director Yun,” he began directly, “you’re right. By that logic, there’s no need for us to interact. However, didn’t you recently initiate an investigation into how I joined the factory? Rather than waste factory resources going in circles, why not ask me directly? I’m happy to answer your questions.”  

Yun Pingbo took a slow sip of water before raising an eyebrow. “Young man, let me offer you some advice. Jobs in this factory are hard to come by. Keep your head down, focus on your work, and don’t aim for things beyond your reach. Otherwise…”  

“Otherwise, you’ll have me kicked out of the factory?” Han Zhenyu interrupted with a contemptuous smile.  

“If I’m not mistaken, the machinery factory is state-owned. Since when did it become the private playground of the Yun and Chen families?”  

Han Zhenyu’s eyes gleamed with defiance. “Director Yun, why don’t we test it out? Let’s see if a ‘country boy’ like me is afraid of so-called powerful leaders like you.”