Two months have passed quietly.
With the meticulous care of her family and Guan Wenru's own tenacious will, her body is recovering at an astonishing speed.
Her complexion became rosy, and she gained some weight, no longer looking as thin and bony as before. Her movements and demeanor also returned to their former agility and composure.
That day, He Yanzhi once again personally drove her to the General Hospital of the Military Region for a comprehensive re-examination.
Holding the thick medical report, Director Liu beamed with joy. "Congratulations! Director Guan, all your health indicators have completely returned to normal! You're even healthier than many of your peers! This is truly a medical miracle!"
He smiled and said to He Yanzhi, "Commander He, you can rest assured now! There's no need to avoid any foods. Just pay attention to a balanced diet, eat more good food, and make up for what you lost before! Exercise appropriately, keep a cheerful mood, and you'll definitely live to be a hundred!"
He Yanzhi gripped Guan Wenru's hand tightly, his heart finally at ease. He solemnly thanked Director Liu, "Director Liu, thank you so much for these past five years, and thank you to everyone at the hospital!"
Director Liu waved his hand repeatedly, "It's our duty, our duty! We're happier than anyone to see Director Guan recovering so well!"
...
On the way home, the sunlight streamed in through the car window, making it feel warm and cozy.
He Yanzhi drove with a relaxed smile on his lips the whole time.
Guan Wenru looked out the window at the street scene rushing by. The streets of the capital seemed to be more vibrant, and people's clothes were no longer just gray, blue and green. Occasionally, some brighter colors could be seen.
Her heart, like the spring sunshine, gradually began to stir.
When they got home, the triplets were still in school, so Guan Yuanxiu and Qin Yue went to pick them up.
It's very quiet at home.
We're having dinner together tonight to celebrate. Xi Mufan and Bai Yun will be bringing their child later.
So He Yanzhi went to prepare dinner, and Guan Wenru walked to the old-fashioned dial telephone in the living room and took a deep breath.
Five years have passed, and she is finally going to reconnect with those past ties.
She first dialed the phone number of the feed processing plant manager's office.
She still remembers the number very clearly.
After the call was connected, a familiar yet slightly tired male voice came from the other end, "Hello, this is the feed processing plant."
"Director Lei, it's me, Guan Wenru."
"!" A deathly silence fell on the other end of the phone. Several seconds passed before Lei Yongkang's voice, filled with extreme shock and excitement, even cracked:
"Factory... Factory Director?! Is it really you?! You... you're awake?! Good heavens! This... this is such wonderful news! It's great! It's great!"
He seemed so excited that he was somewhat incoherent.
Guan Wenru could even imagine him jumping up on the other end of the phone, and couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, he's awake. We just had a thorough check-up, and he's fine."
"Director Lei, you've worked so hard these past few years, keeping the factory afloat."
After she woke up, He Yanzhi knew she was concerned, so he told her the general situation. In recent years, Lei Yongkang had been the main person in charge of all the affairs of the factory.
"It's not hard work! It's not hard work! It's what I should do!" Lei Yongkang's voice was still excited. "Factory Director, you don't know how well our factory has developed in the past five years! We've expanded by two more workshops, and our products are sold to neighboring provinces! The workers' lives are much better now! This is all thanks to the solid foundation you laid back then!"
He paused, his tone becoming incredibly solemn and sincere, "Factory Director, when...when are you coming back? The commune has been saving this factory director position for you! Everyone knows this factory is your life's work! As long as you come back, the factory director position will always be yours! We're all looking forward to your return to lead us!"
Hearing the familiar voice and sincere words on the other end of the phone, Guan Wenru felt a warm glow in her heart.
That was the place where she poured countless efforts into, and where she had comrades who fought alongside her.
But after a few seconds of silence, she smiled and declined, saying, "Thank you for remembering me, but I won't be going back."
"Factory manager..."
"Let me finish," Guan Wenru interrupted him gently. "You've managed the factory very well, even better than I expected. This shows that you're fully capable of leading everyone forward. I'm at ease entrusting this factory to you."
Thinking that reform and opening up have already begun, she paused and reminded him, "Director Lei, our original intention in setting up the factory was to help everyone solve the problem of food and clothing and gradually live a better life."
It's 1978 now, and I feel that times may be changing, and new opportunities may arise.
You must maintain your pace, focus on production quality, and also try to see what new developments are happening outside and keep up with the times.
Take it one step at a time, steadily and practically, and lead the workers to true prosperity!
Lei Yongkang was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, seemingly processing her words and her decision not to return. Finally, he responded heavily:
"Yes, Factory Director! I've got it! Don't worry! I, Lei Yongkang, will definitely live up to your expectations! I'll lead everyone to a better and better life! You... you must take care of yourself in the capital!"
Guan Wenru smiled with relief, "Okay, take care of yourself too."
Then, she had Lei Yongkang call over Hua Xiaoyu and several other close military family members.
I chatted with them on the phone for quite a while.
Hearing their excited, incoherent greetings and tears, Guan Wenru couldn't help but tear up as well, repeatedly assuring them that she was really better and that they could rest assured.
After hanging up the phone with the factory, Guan Wenru calmed herself down and dialed another number.
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