Jiang Wanqing chose a reliable person to temporarily replace Molly's position. This person was named Duan Xiaowan. Her family had been workers for generations. She had a college diploma and was efficient. She had only been managing the production line for a few days, but everyone was already convinced of her abilities.
Of course, when two different people have held the same position, it's inevitable that people will gossip about it behind their backs.
Sure enough, during a break from eating, several female workers sat on the steps with their aluminum lunchboxes in their hands, whispering among themselves.
"Hey, what do you guys think of Comrade Duan?"
"She's great, a nice person, and approachable. I wish she could continue managing us."
"But Comrade Molly will definitely come back after giving birth. She is Director Jiang's best friend."
“They are all from Huada University. Although they never said it, I just felt that they looked down on people like us who are uneducated. I always felt inferior when I was with these kinds of people. I was not as easy to talk to as Comrade Duan.”
...
What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener. A female worker with two braids secretly slipped out from behind.
Outside the small door at the back, a figure was waiting. The female worker walked over, imitated a few bird calls, and then saw Qin Meng walk out from the shadows.
"Comrade Qin, when did you arrive? We didn't have to wait too long, did we?"
"No, here, take this." Qin Meng took out a bag of dried fruit and biscuits from her bosom and stuffed it into the female worker's arms. "Has anything happened at the factory recently? I need to know everything, big or small."
According to Guihua, knowing yourself and your enemy will lead to victory in every battle. Although this method is a bit despicable, Qin Meng can accept it as long as it doesn't harm anyone. That's why she found an informant to gather information for her.
The female worker carefully tucked the small package into her bosom and smiled contentedly.
"Comrade Qin, you're really something. As the saying goes, 'He who takes a man's money is bound to be obliging.' Let me tell you, something really did happen. Comrade Molly is on maternity leave, right? Comrade Jiang found Duan Xiaowan to temporarily replace her. Everyone has a very good opinion of Comrade Duan, and they even said that it would be great if it were always like this. As for the rest... Oh, right, Comrade Jiang is going to inspect various branch factories in a few days, so he may be away from the factory or even the Beijing area for a while. That's all."
The information wasn't much, but it was enough. With Jiang Wanqing gone, Qin Meng had plenty of time to do things.
She bit her lip, an idea forming in her mind. Her eyes flickered, and she looked up at the female worker.
"I understand, thank you. Remember to let me know if you need anything in the future, and the reward will only increase."
"Okay!"
She could get something for saying just a few words, and maybe even make money. Who wouldn't be a fool to do such an easy job? Besides, she wasn't harming anyone, the female worker thought.
After leaving the factory area, Qin Meng wandered the streets for a while before finally hailing a rickshaw to go to Molly's house.
Molly didn't tell her parents about the near falling out between the girls. Since Qin Meng had already visited, Molly's mother didn't stop her when she saw her and instead brought her home.
“Auntie, I’ve come to see Molly,” Qin Meng said.
"Good boy, you're here again. I hope it won't interfere with your work. Molly is so lucky to have a friend like you."
"Good fortune, huh..." Qin Meng lowered her head somewhat guiltily and forced a smile.
"It's what I should do. I'll go see her."
"Okay, go ahead, she's inside. I'll cook for you. Don't rush off, stay and eat."
"Thank you, Auntie. We'll see."
Qin Meng did not immediately agree, because she was worried that if Hong Xing suddenly returned, he would become suspicious. Molly was still considering their friendship, but Hong Xing would not; he was single-mindedly on the side of Jiang Wanqing and her husband.
She went inside and found Qin Meng listening to the radio and eating fruit in the room, looking quite content.
So this is what it feels like to have family who love you and support you? Qin Meng thought to herself, if it were her, she definitely wouldn't be able to be so calm and at ease.
"Knock knock knock..."
She knocked symbolically on the wooden door. Molly heard the sound, turned her head, saw Qin Meng, and waved.
"You've arrived. Come in and sit down."
Qin Meng put down the gifts she brought, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then glanced at Qin Meng's stomach.
"You're still in the early stages of pregnancy, and you're already living a life where everything is done for you. If you wait until you're further along, you won't even need to get out of bed. You'll be so lucky."
"Hahaha... What kind of talk is that? When I'm a little further along in my pregnancy, I'll definitely have to get out of bed. The doctor said that will make the delivery easier." Molly handed Qin Meng a peach. "Here, have some."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome. You always bring me so many gifts every time you come. I should be thanking you."
After Molly finished speaking, she went to pour water for Qin Meng. These days felt like a return to a time before anything happened, when they were still a group of friends...
"Have a glass of water."
"Okay." Qin Meng pursed her lips. "Have you not gone back to the factory since you started your break?"
"Yeah, what's wrong? Is there something you need my help with?"
Molly's eyes flickered. It's no wonder she thought that way; she had recently heard that Qin Meng's factory was not doing well, with money flowing out like water and no income coming in. That's why she assumed Qin Meng had come to ask for help.
If she really asked for help, Molly felt she couldn't just ignore her, even if it meant offering some financial support, it would be a token of her goodwill.
However……
Qin Meng held the cup in both hands, raised her eyelids to look at Molly, and looked as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Um... I didn't come here to ask for your help. I just came to talk to you. I'm free anyway, and I thought I'd tell you some news."
"Oh? What news?"
Molly hadn't figured out Qin Meng's intentions yet; she just looked at her with some confusion.
"So... Jiang Wanqing found someone to replace you in your position, did you know that?"
“I know, she told me, it’s Duan Xiaowan.”
"You only know this, but you don't know..."
Qin Meng deliberately left things unsaid, which quickly piqued Molly's interest. Molly involuntarily sat up straight and frowned.
"What do I not know?"
"Forget it, I'm afraid if I say it, it might be seen as sowing discord, so I'd better not say it."
"No, just tell me the truth. I'll judge for myself what's true. Just tell me."
Molly waved her hand, indicating that she had an exceptionally high capacity for acceptance and that there was nothing in the factory that she couldn't handle.
"Well... that's right. I heard from a female worker who used to be in contact with me that Duan Xiaowan might not be just a short-term replacement for you. The workers are very protective of her now and follow her every word. Some people say they hope you never go back and that it's enough that she's here. Jiang Wanqing hasn't been able to control these rumors. She's just afraid that when you go back after giving birth, there won't be a place for you in the factory anymore."
Upon hearing this, Molly's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and waved her hand.
"No, Wanqing wouldn't do that."
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