He Daqing is now over 60 years old.

It's almost time to retire.

Li Jiandong is the only person in the yard who can be asked to help with cooking.

Yan Bugui doesn't have such a great reputation yet.

Even though his son is now the director of a steel factory, he still has to rely on He Daqing's craftsmanship.

In other words, not only did He Daqing not have to curry favor with him, but Yan Jiecheng had to rely on He Daqing.
As for Shazhu, there is no need to mention him.

He is the street director.

Sha Zhu doesn’t really like cooking, he’s just better at it than others. Usually, Sha Zhu only cooks for his wife, children, and Li Jiandong.

It is not easy for others to eat the meal he cooks.

They only rely on Li Jiandong to gain favor during festivals. Do they really think anyone can invite them back to cook?
The third aunt was also confused for a moment, thinking that it would be great if her son became the factory director.

Whether it's He Daqing or Sha Zhu, asking them to help cook a meal is giving them face.

After being scolded by Yan Bugui, he was still a little unconvinced.

He walked out with the money in his hand, muttering to himself.

"We don't have to eat today. Why don't we buy the food today and treat everyone together on the weekend?"

Yan Bugui scolded from the side.

"What are you mumbling about? I don't have the final say in this family, do I? Go buy some groceries."

Yan Bugui was so disappointed in his heart that he thought to himself, "Are you still thinking of waiting until the weekend?"

We are having a dinner party today, and there are so many people in the hospital. If we wait until the weekend, when some people have a holiday and some have a rest, all the more than 150 people in the hospital will come back. How much money will it cost to treat the dinner party then?

Today, since it's a weekday, we can just treat these old guys.

There are at most 20 to 30 people, and it won’t cost much to set up four or five tables.

I really thought that Yan Bugui was so generous.

It must be said that Yan Bugui's stinginess is deeply ingrained, and sometimes he is calculating subconsciously.
Compared to him, the three aunts are still much younger.

Let the three aunts go buy groceries.

Yan Bugui was not idle either.

He rode his bicycle to find Li Jiandong in person.

Such a big happy event cannot be without this protagonist. Although Yan Bugui is stingy, he still has a conscience. He knows very well that without Li Jiandong, his eldest son would not be where he is today.

However, his eldest son has now become the director of the steel mill.

But don’t forget the well digger.

The respect that Li Jiandong deserves should continue to be given to him.

This is also the main reason why Li Jiandong is still willing to help Yan Bugui even though he is so stingy, as long as they are not ungrateful. Even if they just remember his kindness and can't help him in any way, Li Jiandong is willing to help them.

Li Jiandong had lunch at the steel factory.

The team members welcomed the new factory director and also bid farewell to the old one.

Having been operating in the steel mill for so many years.

Not only Li Jiandong felt sad about leaving suddenly today, but all the team members felt the same way.

After all, working with Li Jiandong is easy and motivating.

There has been no criticism over the years.

There are also more rewards during festivals.

Even cadres who left the steel rolling mill were sought after by other places.

For many young cadres who want to gild their resumes, their first choice is to work in a steel mill.

After working here for a few years, I was promoted directly to other places after leaving. It was all because of Li Jiandong's leadership that the steel rolling mill became so popular.

Now Li Jiandong is about to step down and be replaced by his apprentice Yan Jiecheng.

It is hard to say whether this kind of treatment will still be available in steel mills in the future.

Especially some younger members of the team, they originally wanted to use the steel plant as a springboard to develop in other places.

If the gold content of steel mills decreases, they will be the ones who suffer the most.

But things have come to this point, and it is not something they can change.

But at Li Jiandong's farewell party, they drank one glass after another, feeling indescribably depressed.

What is even more sad is the workers in the steel mill.

All steel mill workers who are a little older know how comfortable it is to work in this factory. Although it is still hard work, compared with other similar factories, the work of workers in the steel mill is not only simpler.

There are also many more benefits during festivals and holidays.

Especially for CNC workers, their job is extremely easy.

This is all because of the research and development that Li Jiandong led when he was there.

It can be imagined that if Li Jiandong continues to stay in the steel factory, his future days will definitely get better and better.

It’s a pity that Li Jiandong is leaving now.

I chose to retire at a young age.

While the workers were reluctant to let him go, they also wished him a few days of peace and quiet after returning home. After all, Li Jiandong had been working diligently to find a job at the steel mill over the years, and even the workers had noticed it.

This is also one of the reasons why they all believe in Li Jiandong.

After eating and drinking, Li Jiandong was about to leave.

As a high-ranking cadre, Li Jiandong still enjoys many benefits even after retirement.

For example, his assigned car will still belong to him for use.

In those days, there was no such thing as a wine rack. After coming out of the guesthouse, a group of people surrounded Li Jiandong and prepared to send him to the car.

However, as soon as I walked out of the door of the guesthouse, I saw a large group of people gathered at the door.

There were hundreds and thousands of them in a black mass.

They were all workers from the steel rolling mill, and they came spontaneously to see Li Jiandong off.

"Thank you for your hard work, Director Li."

"I wish you a happy life and good health in the future."

"You must come back to see us more often in the future."

The workers all came to see Li Jiandong off.

Everyone's eyes were red and their noses were sore.

Many female workers were secretly wiping away tears.

It is rare to find a factory manager as good as Li Jiandong.

They really don't want him to retire.

However, no one is so selfish. Li Jiandong has already paid a lot to find a steel mill. He has been helping the steel rolling mill to develop for decades. He is 57 years old this year. Although he still looks young, his real age is there.

At this age, I want to retire and enjoy my life.

It's also understandable.

Li Jiandong was also very moved this time.

Even if he didn't care about fame, it would be impossible for him to remain calm when seeing so many workers coming to see him off.

Put your hands together and bend down slightly:
"Thank you, everyone. Thank you for your support over the years. I will come back often in the future. I hope that everyone and the steel mill will get better and better. Goodbye, brothers and sisters."

Li Jiandong bowed to the workers.

Now more workers shed tears.

They watched Li Jiandong get into the car, and then spontaneously dispersed to both sides, making a passage for Li Jiandong's car.

Li Jiandong watched him drive away.

After returning home.

Li Jiandong calmed down, stopped the car and was about to go in when he saw Yan Bugui riding a bicycle towards him. He shouted to him from a distance. "Old Li, wait a minute."

Yan Bugui shouted and waved to Li Jiandong.

Li Jiandong stopped pushing the door and stood at the gate of the yard, waiting for Yan Bugui to ride his bike to him before he asked with a smile.

"Old Yan, your Xie Cheng is now the director of the steel mill. Why are you coming to my place instead of staying at home and waiting for others to come visit you?"

Li Jiandong just likes to tease Yan Bugui.

Anyway, Yan Bugui is thick-skinned and not afraid of jokes.

Moreover, Yan Jiecheng is now the new factory director, which is also a great happy event.

It is even less likely that Yan Bugui would be angry about this kind of thing.

As expected, after hearing Li Jiandong's words, Yan Bugui immediately said with a grin.

"Lao Li, we are old friends, I won't say anything empty. Jie Cheng is where he is today thanks to your support, and you gave our Jie Cheng such a big gift before you retired. Of course I have to come and thank you."

When Li Jiandong heard this, he couldn't help but laugh.

"What do you mean by your Jie Cheng? He's my apprentice, and I'm half his father."

Yan Bugui laughed.

"Yes, yes, you are also half his father. Old Li, I won't say much to you. I will set up a few tables in the yard tonight, and you must come to show your support when the time comes."

Li Jiandong's eyes lit up and he said, "Sure, Old Yan, we have known each other for so many years. This is the first time you have invited me to dinner. I didn't expect to see a stingy person plucking people's feathers in my lifetime. I must go to this dinner."

Yan Bugui said with a smile.

"Today is such a big happy event, so we have to treat everyone. I have to find a cook now, so I won't stay here for long. See you in the evening."
"See you tonight."

Li Jiandong waved his hand.

Watched Yan Bugui leave.

Then he opened the door and returned to his home, where Qin Huairu and Ding Qiunan were washing dishes together.

Although, Qin Huairu and the children are back.

But Ding Qiunan didn't leave either.

As her child grew up, Qin Huairu understood some things even if she didn't say them. So, after Qin Huairu came back this time, she took the initiative to ask Ding Qiunan to stay as well.

He also asked Li Jiandong to recognize Ding Niandong as his godson.

This touched Li Jiandong deeply, and Ding Qiunan knelt down to Qin Huairu on the spot and treated him like her own sister from then on.

Now the family is very harmonious, and Li Jiandong is in a good mood every time he returns home.

Today he finally officially resigned from the steel factory. The burden on him was suddenly much lighter, and he felt much better.

He quietly walked in from the kitchen door and took both women into his arms. This was something he had never dared to do before. Although Qin Huairu had already acquiesced, Li Jiandong still had to give her some face.

The reason I feel like this today is because I am too excited. After all, life after retirement is really free of worries.

However, such easy days will not last long.

Because Li Jiandong also knew why he wanted to step down.

He still has a lot of things to do, but before doing these things, it would be okay for him to spend a few days happily with his family members around him.

"What's wrong? What are you so happy about?"

Qin Huairu asked with a smile, not caring at all that Li Jiandong's other arm was around Ding Qiunan's waist. Instead, Ding Qiunan twisted her waist shyly, trying to twist Li Jiandong's hand away from her waist.

But her movements were slight and had no effect.

Instead, Li Jiandong felt that she was acting coquettishly.

Li Jiandong said with a smile.

"From today on, I am a free man. How can I not be happy?"

Qin Huairu's eyes suddenly lit up.

"You're backing off?"

Ding Qiunan was also a little excited when he heard this, and stared at Li Jiandong with his eyes wide open. Although Li Jiandong had retired from the position of director of the steel rolling mill and was no longer a leader, he was just an ordinary person.

But for her and Qin Huairu, they would rather Li Jiandong could relax a little than have him toil day and night in the steel mill.

After all, they are all older now, and Li Jiandong is no longer that young.

The time we have to spend together is getting less and less. We can't devote our entire lives to the steel mill, right?

Li Jiandong nodded and said, "Yes, I have retired. I asked Jie Cheng to take my place in the meeting this morning. Now I have time to spend more time with you. How about the children?"

Qin Huairu and Ding Qiunan were both very excited when they heard the honest answer.

Li Jiandong has always been very attentive to the steel rolling mill.

I work diligently and working overtime is the norm.

To the extent that they feel that family only comes second to Li Jiandong.

The work at the steel mill was his first priority.

Now that the first place is finally going to be taken down, how can they not be excited?

"The eldest son went out for a walk with his wife, and the second and third sons went somewhere to play. Do you have anything to arrange with them?"

Qin Huairu put her arms around Li Jiandong's waist and said, her eyes full of joy.

Li Jiandong originally planned to tell his sons about his next plan. After all, if he wanted to do business, he couldn't do it alone.

No matter how capable a person is, it is impossible for him to do everything well.

Moreover, Li Jiandong didn't want his sons to do nothing all day long, so he asked them to follow him and let them become independent as soon as possible.

This will give him peace of mind.

But think about it now that I have just retired.

These days I should mainly spend time with my wife and children.

Go out and have fun more. Once you have rested enough, you will have time to think about serious matters.

After all, there aren’t that many places to play in the North City right now. If you have 10 days or half a month to play all the fun places, there won’t be anything left to play.

So he thought about it and said to Qin Huairu.

"It's nothing. They're playing outside, so we can play at home too."

Qin Huairu pushed him.

Jiao said angrily.

"Damn it, it's still broad daylight."

Ding Qiunan was stunned for a moment, then her face turned red.

Is it really okay to say such things in front of her and Qin Huairu?
Little did he know that Li Jiandong was not just talking today but taking practical action. He walked out of the kitchen and locked the gate, and then it was time for entertainment.

Until the evening.

Li Jiandong then reopened the gate.

After a while, all the children came back.

Li Jiandong asked Ding Qiunan to stay at home to take care of the children, while he drove and brought Qin Huairu to Yard 40.

Yan Bugui has already prepared the dinner.

Seeing that Li Jiandong only brought Qin Huairu back, Yan Bugui stepped forward and said hypocritically.

"Old Li, why are there only two of you here? Where are the children?"

Li Jiandong smiled and said, "The kids are out playing and haven't come home yet. It's enough for the two of us to come over, and it can also help you save some money on food."

In fact, Yan Bugui had not originally planned to invite all the children from different families to come.

However, if Li Jiandong brought the child, he would still be willing to entertain him.

After all, Li Jiandong is different from others. This person can be said to be the benefactor and nobleman of his family.

However, the fact that Li Jiandong and Qin Huairu came without their children was certainly a good thing for Yan Bugui.

Just like Li Jiandong said, it can indeed save him money

So when Yan Bugui heard this, he chuckled and said something against his will.

"Look how anxious you two are. It's still early. It would be great if you could wait for the kids to come back and come together. It would be more lively with more people."

Everyone walked into the yard together.

Then he sat down at Yan Bugui's house.

The third aunt was also at home. Yan Jiecheng was talking to He Daqing and others. Yan Bugui called out as soon as he entered the room.

"Jie Cheng, look who's here?"

Yan Jiecheng looked towards the door and saw Qin Huairu and Li Jiandong walking in.

He quickly stepped forward and said, "Master, you are here, come in and sit down."

Li Jiandong looked around the house. The two small rooms were already packed with people. The third aunt brought two stools over and gave one to him and one to Qin Huairu.

The two sat down and chatted for a while in the room. Seeing that it was getting dark, Yan Bugui invited everyone to go to the tavern in the dormitory building to eat.
The reason why I have to run so far.

The main reason is that the yard is too small now. After the last earthquake, every household has expanded their yard.

There was no more room for the banquet. Although Yan Bugui only planned to invite four or five tables this time, there was no room for even four or five tables in the yard.

When we arrived at the tavern, there were quite a few people waiting at the dormitory building.

Everyone greeted Li Jiandong enthusiastically when they saw him.

Although Yan Jiecheng is now the highest-ranking official in the courtyard.

But everyone still only recognizes Li Jiandong as the old man.

Jia Dongxu, Sha Zhu, Xu Damao, Liu Guangqi and other fellow brothers also came to celebrate for Yan Jiecheng.

The dinner was very harmonious.

From today onwards.

Li Jiandong officially withdrew from the steel mill.

For the next half month, he had nothing to do and strolled around the North City with Qin Huairu and Ding Qiunan every day.

I visited all the tourist attractions, went shopping in various shopping malls, and ate delicious food in various restaurants.

In just half a month, Li Jiandong gained five or six kilograms.

There is more flesh on the face.

There was no change in Qin Huairu and Ding Qiunan's figures, but their complexions were more rosy than before, and their faces were filled with happy smiles all day long, making them look several years younger.

Especially Qin Huairu.

I am already in my 40s this year.

But because she has a good attitude, it's good to maintain it.

She looks like a woman in her 30s.

Even the figure and skin are better maintained.

After playing like this for half a month, he had visited all the places in North City that could be visited. Only then did Li Jiandong remember that he still had to do his work.

He called his eldest son and second son over.

Then he said to them.

"Xunfu, Xunxing. What are your plans for the future?"

The eldest son Li Xunfu said, "Dad, I want to do some business. During this period, my second brother and I have also visited many places in North City and found that our place is too backward and there is nothing we need. So I discussed with my second brother and planned to bring some things from Xiangjiang to the city. While we make money, we can also improve the living conditions of our brothers and sisters in North City."

The second son Li Xunxing also said this.

"Dad, what my elder brother meant is what I meant. Our place is too backward. I have lived in Hong Kong for so many years, and it is a little hard for me to get used to it after returning.

During this period, my brother and I have been wanting to tell you that you have been busy with the steel mill. Now that you have finally retired, we want you to take a few days off. Since you asked today, I wonder if you are willing to support us?"

Li Jiandong nodded.

What his two sons thought was exactly what he thought.

Now it has begun to change.

But it’s still in the early stages.

Ordinary people still cannot participate in some large-scale things and heavy industrial things.

Even making bicycles is not allowed, and of course private sales are not allowed. (End of this chapter)