Spring River Waters Warm, the Duck Knows First

Early morning, 7:55.

Li Ye drove into the work unit. He had just arrived beneath the Supply Department building when he saw Xiao Zhu waiting on the steps, clutching several fried dough sticks.

Seeing Li Ye's car approach, Xiao Zhu hurried over. "Brother, have you eaten? I bought some fried dough sticks. Let's eat together! They're still hot!"

Li Ye locked the car door and said with a smile, "I always eat with my wife, so I won't keep you company."

"Mmph, mmph. Your devotion to your wife is practically famous. Wait, I need to tell you something."

Xiao Zhu quickly stuffed half a fried dough stick into his mouth, then lowered his voice and said to Li Ye, "Someone badmouthed the two of us yesterday. We can't loaf around the factory today—we need to go out and take a stroll."

"Badmouthed us?"

Li Ye asked curiously, "What did they accuse us of? Who complained?"

"Hmph, who else could it be? Those people, of course. Once they've accepted someone's gifts, they have to speak for them! Every one of them can wag their tongue better than the next, but ask them to do something practical and they immediately shit themselves."

Xiao Zhu gave a soft snort, his face full of disdain.

Li Ye understood as well. Their inventory of the scrap goods over the past few days had already produced results, only those results had not landed on him directly. Factory Director Liang was still employing a "flanking maneuver," using relationships he had cultivated over the years to pressure Li Ye.

You were clearly seeking marriage, yet you insisted on worshipping the Dragon King. What an idiot.

As Li Ye walked toward the Supply Department, he said, "I'll check in at the department first, then we'll go out for a