Siheyuan: I just came across and wanted to chase me away

Chapter 916 Xu Damao can go to work

Xu Damao stared at the mottled iron gate of the steel mill, the rust gleaming dimly in the sunlight. His mind raced like an abacus. He pondered: Deputy Director Li had suddenly called him back at this moment for two reasons: one, he was afraid that if he stayed out too long, he'd burst into tears and expose his dirty laundry of embezzlement and bribery, so he wanted to keep him under the factory's radar to prevent any further complications; the other, he hadn't given up on using him as a spy, and wanted him to keep an eye on Gu Nan. After all, since they lived in the same compound, it would be convenient for him to keep an eye on him.

But now, Xu Damao no longer had the energy to dwell on these twists and turns. He sincerely didn't want to offend Gu Nan again. After all, Gu Nan and Deputy Director Li were both deputy directors. In terms of popularity and ability, Gu Nan was much more popular with the workers than Deputy Director Li. Everyone in the factory gave him a thumbs-up when he mentioned him. If he could get Gu Nan's help in the future, maybe he could really get the position of Director of the Propaganda Department. Even if he could just be a deputy director first, it would be better than hiding from his family like a stray dog.

Thinking of this, Xu Damao quickly reached out and tugged at the wrinkled corner of his clothes, then straightened his messy hair in the reflection of the iron gate. He took a deep breath and walked quickly towards the office of Deputy Director Li. His steps were full of excitement, as if he had already seen hope for his own turnaround.

He had already made up his mind: he had previously offended Gu Nan, both openly and covertly, so he could only pretend to be loyal to Deputy Director Li to stabilize his position. Once he had found out Deputy Director Li's background, he would find an opportunity to secretly tell Gu Nan about his shameful deeds.

This way, he wouldn't offend either side. Even if he could help Gu Nan at the last minute and let him overthrow Deputy Director Li, then the rest of the matter would be easy to handle - Gu Nan, considering this favor, would not give him a good job?

But he also had a backup plan: if Deputy Director Li never took action against Gu Nan, then he would just keep holding Deputy Director Li's handle and live peacefully without offending anyone, and he would be able to get by.

Xu Damao knew he had to keep his composure and not speak rashly. After all, he could only use the leverage he had over Deputy Director Li once. If he used it too many times and pushed him too far, there was no telling what the ruthless Deputy Director Li would do. He was afraid he would die without even knowing how he died.

He came to the door of Deputy Director Li's office, straightened his clothes, and made sure he looked respectable. Then he raised his hand and knocked on the door, his tone somewhat flattering: "Deputy Director Li, I'm Xu Damao, are you there?"

Deputy Director Li was reading documents in the room and was stunned when he heard the voice. He hadn't had time to send someone to find Xu Damao, but he didn't expect this guy to come to his door. He raised his eyebrows, a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and nodded: "Okay, come in."

Deputy Director Li knew that Xu Damao and Gu Nan lived in the same courtyard, which was a good opportunity to follow them and use him to find out what Gu Nan was doing.

Xu Damao pushed the door open and came in, a flattering smile on his face. He looked at Deputy Director Li and said, "Deputy Director Li, I know you're thinking about me. Are you planning to ask me to go back to work? Don't worry, I'll work hard when I get back and won't cause you any trouble!"

Deputy Director Li put down the documents in his hand and tapped his fingertips on the table. He looked up at Xu Damao standing across from him, his face deliberately stern, his tone a little distant: "Who told you that I want you to come back to work? I never told you that."

Xu Damao was already prepared and didn't intend to hide it. He looked directly at Deputy Director Li with a smile on his face and said, "Deputy Director Gu told me that you might have some arrangements. I thought this was a rare opportunity, so I hurried over to ask your opinion."

Deputy Director Li knew exactly what was going on—Gu Nan had most likely let on, intentionally or unintentionally, to plant Xu Damao as a thorn in his side. But he didn't show any sign of strangeness. He simply waved his hand calmly, then changed the subject, looking at Xu Damao and saying, "Alright, since you're here, I can't let you come here in vain. For now, you should return to the projection team and continue showing your film. However, I have something else for you to do."

When Xu Damao heard he could go back to work, his eyes lit up instantly, as if he had grabbed a life-saving straw. He quickly leaned forward, bent even lower, and patted his chest with an earnest look on his face: "Deputy Director Li, just give me your orders! No matter what it is, I, Xu Damao, promise to do it perfectly for you, no matter how hard it takes, without any hesitation!"

Deputy Director Li smiled meaningfully, took a sip of tea from his cup, and said slowly, "It's not a difficult task. I just want you to keep a close eye on Gu Nan. What he does in the factory, who he interacts with, what meetings he attends, and even his private actions. As long as there is any sign of trouble, no matter how trivial, you must tell me immediately. Do you understand?"

Xu Damao's heart skipped a beat, then a surge of smug delight washed over him—this was a great opportunity to curry favor with Deputy Director Li, and even trip up Gu Nan. He nodded rapidly, his smile growing ever more insincere. "Understood! Deputy Director Li, rest assured. I'll make sure this is handled flawlessly. Even your sneeze will be caught!"

Deputy Director Li nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand. "Okay, then you can go back and pack up first, and you can come to work tomorrow. I've already informed the projection team."

Xu Damao thanked him profusely and retreated, his steps lightening as he contemplated the days ahead. In the office, Deputy Director Li watched him from behind, his fingers gently stroking the rim of his teacup, a deep, unfathomable light flickering in his eyes.

Xu Damao beamed with joy, thanked him profusely, and hurried off. He was ecstatic—he hadn't expected to be able to return to the steel mill so smoothly. He'd been thinking he'd have to spend some money to bribe them, after all, who knew Deputy Director Li was known for favoring money over relationships? In the past, whenever there was a slight problem at the factory, asking him to do something had to be done with some sincerity. But this time, he'd been able to return to work without spending a penny. What a sudden gift!

At first Xu Damao was a little confused and didn't come to his senses, but not long after he walked out of the office building, he figured it out - this was not just asking him to come back to work, it was clearly asking him to be a spy and keep an eye on Gu Nan!