In the courtyard, there was a retired old man named Lin Dakuan, who was Yi Zhonghai's old partner.
He had retired last year. Back then, at the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, he and Yi Zhonghai were very close.
They had indeed worked in the same workshop.
However, this was not something Liu Kai Xuan needed to mention.
If Liu Kai Xuan could think of Lin Dakuan, others could too.
To re-elect the first elder, an all-courtyard meeting needed to be organized, and the new elder selected according to everyone's wishes.
As soon as the meeting began, Wang Dapeng, to showcase his abilities, had already invited Lin Dakuan out.
A large group of people were waiting for the outcome. Lin Dakuan could not remain silent any longer and could only brace himself and step forward to speak.
"Jia Dongxu indeed died in an accident back then, and it had little to do with Old Yi!"
Aunt Pang inquired, "Lin Dakuan, think harder!"
"Were there any unusual circumstances at the time? This is a matter of life and death, and we cannot be careless!"
After racking his brains, Lin Dakuan did recall something.
"That's right, I remember!"
"I recall that on the day of the accident, Yi Zhonghai and Jia Dongxu seemed to have quarreled over something!"
Yi Zhonghai was initially calm, but upon hearing Lin Dakuan's words, his face changed drastically.
"Lin Dakuan, what nonsense are you spouting here?"
"Old Yi and Jia Dongxu always had a harmonious relationship, how could we have quarreled?"
Lin Dakuan continued, "Anyway, I remember that Jia Dongxu had a fight with you before his accident!"
"I don't remember clearly whether it was on the day Jia Dongxu died!"
"But I can be sure that there was a conflict between you!"
"I wasn't the only one who saw this!"
"Liu Haifeng, Huang Dalei, and Wu Guozhong from the workshop were also there!"
"You and Jia Dongxu had a heated argument, and a few of us even helped to break up the fight!"
Wang Jun asked, "Old Lin, think again!"
"What exactly did Yi Zhonghai and Jia Dongxu quarrel about back then?"
"I really can't recall anymore. So many years have passed, how can I remember clearly?"
Aunt Pang stepped forward and said, "Director Wang, this matter has now been confirmed!"
"The reason for the fierce argument between Jia Dongxu and Yi Zhonghai must be Qin Huairu!"
"Yi Zhonghai and Qin Huairu were having an affair, and Jia Dongxu found out!"
"Jia Dongxu went to Yi Zhonghai to hold him accountable, but Yi Zhonghai refused to admit it!"
"After a fierce argument, they parted ways unhappily. Yi Zhonghai, fearing that his crime would be exposed and endanger him!"
"He decided to go all the way and killed Jia Dongxu!"
Yi Zhonghai retorted fiercely, "Chen Ying, what are you spouting nonsense about?"
"Everything you're saying is groundless slander!"
"If you claim I committed murder, present evidence in front of everyone!"
"If you have no evidence, I will report you to the police station!"
Chen Ying, at this moment, was equally unyielding. "This is obvious!"
"As long as we all reason logically, we can deduce it!"
"That's right!"
Li Xinggai also chimed in, "Yi Zhonghai, you should just confess!"
"If you confess voluntarily now, you might still receive leniency!"
At this moment, Yi Zhonghai could clearly sense the dangerous atmosphere.
Li Xinggai and his group were determined to destroy him!
Even if he wore his throat out, no one would believe him.
Yi Zhonghai was an old fox. Although the current situation was tricky, it was not without a way for him to handle it.
Since Li Xinggai and the others had no substantial evidence, Yi Zhonghai simply refused to admit anything!
"Li Xinggai, Chen Ying, listen carefully!"
"Regarding Jia Dongxu's cause of death, the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill has official records!"
"If you have doubts about the cause of death, you can report me to the police station at any time!"
"If you have no evidence, don't come and disgust me!"
"Let's go!" After throwing down a few harsh words, Yi Zhonghai directly supported Qin Huairu and left the scene.
After Yi Zhonghai left the scene with Qin Huairu, the atmosphere immediately became tense.
Wang Jun said to everyone, "Yi Zhonghai's position as the first elder has been revoked!"
"Now, let's elect a new first elder!"
"Comrade Liu Haizhong, please say a few words!"
A while ago, Liu Haizhong was dragged down by his sons Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu, and his hard-earned leadership position was gone.
As a result, Liu Haizhong was in a very poor state.
However, no matter how great the turmoil, it could not change Liu Haizhong's inherent ambition for officialdom.
He had been the perpetual second in command in the courtyard. Finally, today, he saw a glimmer of hope.
The position of the first elder, although lacking in actual power, still held significant influence in the courtyard.
More importantly, having the title of first elder would maximize the void in Liu Haizhong's heart after losing his official post.
Therefore, Liu Haizhong nodded without hesitation.
"Thank you, Director Wang, and everyone, for your trust in me!"
"Please rest assured, after I become the first elder, I will promptly resolve the dispute between Yi Zhonghai and the Jia family!"
"Good!"
Wang Jun announced loudly, "Now, let's vote!"
"Those who agree to Liu Haizhong serving as the first elder, please raise your hands..."
The second elder's wife and Liu Haizhong immediately raised their hands in agreement!
Liu Haizhong thought that many people would support him, but to his surprise, the room fell silent.
Except for Liu Haizhong and his wife, no one else raised their hands in support.
Finally, Wang Jun had no choice but to raise his hand in support.
"Alright, there are now three supporters for Comrade Liu Haizhong to be the first elder!"
"The other comrades will be considered abstentions. Now, I declare..."
"Director Wang, what are you doing? Our family did not abstain!"
Before Wang Jun could finish speaking, Zhao Feiyan interrupted him!
"My husband and I both oppose Liu Haizhong becoming the first elder!"
Liu Haizhong instantly flew into a rage and reprimanded, "Zhao Feiyan, are you deliberately causing trouble?"
"Director Wang has already said that I am the most suitable candidate for the first elder!"
"You, a mere woman, dare to openly question Director Wang's decision. This is utter arrogance!"
Zhao Feiyan retorted, "Isn't the all-courtyard meeting a place for everyone to speak freely?"
"Liu Haizhong, what right do you have to stop me from speaking?"
Wang Jun had intended to take advantage of the situation and let Liu Haizhong become the first elder.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Feiyan stepped forward at a critical moment and voiced her opposition!