Chapter 69 Three Updates in One

As soon as Captain Wang of the construction team finished speaking, two female officials from the 119 Second Factory appeared in front of him - Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen.

He didn't think highly of these two young female comrades, and he even looked down on Factory 2. Everyone knew that Factory 2 was incompetent and just sucked blood from Factory 1 all day long.

Even though the coconut juice business has inexplicably become so popular that they have to expand the factory, Captain Wang still looks down on it.

He stiffened his neck, his narrow eyes filled with impatience, not wanting to see these two people coming towards him again.

Apart from giving them money, I just hope they don't come.

"Captain Wang." Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen walked forward on the gravel, looking at the workers of the construction team with a smile on their faces, with two lists of construction materials in their hands fluttering in the wind. "We are taking a break. We just have some questions to ask you."

Captain Wang curled his lips and took a last puff of Daqianmen. As the smoke swirled, the cigarette butt fell into the gravel and disappeared in an instant.

"What's up?" Captain Wang stood up and dusted himself off, looking like he was about to get busy. "We're very busy here, so we don't have much time to spare."

"It won't be delayed for long." Lin Xiang handed over two lists of construction materials, pointed to a few places that had been outlined in red pen, and said, "Take a look at these places to see if the materials have been reported repeatedly?"

Captain Wang's eyes glazed over, and his dark pupils darted a few times, quickly glancing at the list of materials and Lin Xiang's face: "No, what do you mean? Do you look down on us and want to put the blame on us? I'm uneducated and can't understand these things."

Lin Xiang almost laughed out of anger. This construction team leader was really rude and unreasonable.

Kong Zhenzhen was almost deceived when she handled this matter. She immediately said angrily, "Captain Wang, what are we blaming you for? It's obvious that you have overspent many times. I recorded every bill. Now we found that there are duplicate reports. If it doesn't work, let's go to the city to find the place where you bought the lime and check it out."

"You——!" Captain Wang was immediately furious when he saw the two women, one of them was being entangled and the other was being aggressive.

Lin Xiang smiled again, pulling the corners of her mouth and said slowly: "Captain Wang, we have now checked and found that there are three overspending items that are reported repeatedly, namely the river sand and cement on the 16th of last month, the steel on the 28th, the doors and windows on the 9th of this month, and the number of bricks and tiles on the 18th of last month and the 7th of this month are also repeated. What do you think is going on? Now that we have checked it clearly, everyone can rest assured."

As Lin Xiang spoke, Kong Zhenzhen pointed out the items on the list one by one: "Here, these are them. I remember them correctly."

Captain Wang's face froze. After hearing the date and materials Lin Xiang reported, he knew that these two people were concerned about it, and it was also his fault for being careless.

In the past, we had to spend some effort to make some profit from the construction, but this time we really looked down on the garbage from Factory 2. Even if we were to cook the books, we would just make up stories, and we were sure that they wouldn't be able to find out.

Now look what happened.

He sneered nonchalantly: "It's just that I said it wrong, it's not a big deal, you can just change it."

Lin Xiang did not pursue the issue any further and immediately agreed: "Okay, then we will check with Engineer Chen again, and the overpaid material purchase fee will be deducted from the next declaration amount."

The two men rechecked the material list and left, and found a total difference of more than 40 yuan. You know, this is equivalent to two months' salary for an ordinary worker.

In addition, Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen did not know the purchase price of the materials and the actual discount price, so there might be even more money involved.

Back in the office, Kong Zhenzhen took a big gulp of water with righteous indignation: "This guy is really, relying on the fact that he often repairs buildings and builds houses for our factory, he is still showing off. If it weren't for his relatives, he might not even get his turn."

Lin Xiang advised Kong Zhenzhen and then asked curiously, "Who is Captain Wang's relative?"

"Secretary Tang from Factory 1." Kong Zhenzhen herself regretted it. She was so busy with her child's illness that she didn't notice anything wrong. "It's my fault too. I thought about how many times that construction team had done this to our factory, and he was a relative of Secretary Tang. I was careless and almost let him take advantage of it. Fortunately, you found out. I don't know how much more he has done behind our backs!"

Lin Xiang had decorated a house before, so she knew that the homeowner would keep an eye on the decoration company to select and purchase materials. There were many tricks involved, and the discount price could be concealed, but this kind of money was unavoidable.

Even though he had received salary and benefits, he still resorted to trickery to report materials repeatedly and get more money for them. He is truly greedy.

When Director Zhao came back, the two reported the matter to him.

Zhao Jianjun was more aware of the twists and turns inside, so he cursed at the bastard with a threatening face and told the two to ignore it for the time being. He then checked the data normally and went to find Captain Wang to smoke a cigarette, and started talking while puffing smoke.

"Captain Wang, our Second Factory has finally expanded its plant after so many years. You have to pay more attention to us."

Captain Wang glanced at the Hongmei cigarettes Zhao Jianjun brought with a little disdain. The goods were sold at 6 cents a bag from the supply and marketing cooperative. He said, "Director Zhao, look at what you said. Our construction team is the most conscientious in our work. It's just that some female comrades in your factory are a little too serious. They chased us and made trouble when we made a few mistakes in the materials, as if they were greedy for our money."

"There's nothing wrong with being more loving." Director Zhao patted Captain Wang on the shoulder. The veteran's hand was quite strong, and Captain Wang's shoulder felt heavy. "Our comrades in the factory are all wholeheartedly considering the factory. People outside can't compare to them."

Captain Wang wanted to say a few more insults, but he felt the strength of Director Zhao's hand and shut up.

Lin Xiang had seen people who took advantage of their relationship with leaders to bully others and even took bribes, but everything had to be done in moderation.

When she got home, she couldn't wait to tell the man about it.

At the dinner table, He Hongyuan saw his wife chattering and hurriedly picked up some food for her: "That guy is quite arrogant?"

Lin Xiang took a bite of the lettuce and replied crisply: "No, they are just pretending to be wrong, because they think we can't do anything to them."

Well, they are relatives of Secretary Tang, and the construction is now more than halfway done, so they are so confident.

"Why do we have to get used to them? Just apply for a replacement. There must be enough people who can repair the house." He Hongyuan used a spoon to add seafood soup to the two people's bowls. The clam meat floated on the soup, tender, white, soft and sweet. "People like this will get more and more demanding the more they get used to it."

Lin Xiang glanced at the man and said, "You are amazing. Let's wait and see. If they just give up, then it's better to have less trouble than more."

Mainly because of Secretary Tang's face, the factory that provided the funds may not agree to change people.

After dinner, He Hongyuan was washing dishes in the kitchen. Lin Xiang recalled the news she had heard from Aunt Feng this morning: "Let's go to the hospital. I heard that Comrade Shen Jianming's parents have arrived, and Brigade Commander Zhou..."

"Okay, let's go and take a look." He Hongyuan put the dishes in the cupboard, shook off the water stains on his hands, and the couple set off.

Walking outside the military hospital ward, Lin Xiang was still a little worried. He didn't know what it would be like to meet this old comrade who he hadn't seen for many years and didn't get along with in this way.

Standing outside the door and taking a look inside, Lin Xiang pulled He Hongyuan's sleeve, motioning him to look inside.

In front of Shen Jianming's bed, Zhou Yuezhu was talking to a strange middle-aged couple, who seemed to be Shen Jianming's parents, Shen Liqun and Yuan Yanqiu.

On the side, Zhou Shenghuai and Feng Li were also there. Feng Li exchanged a few words with Mr. and Mrs. Shen, but Zhou Shenghuai did not say a word.

"Yuezhu, you have worked hard these days." Yuan Yanqiu and her husband hurried over and saw that their little son was still unconscious and almost fainted. After staying in the ward for a day and asking the doctor about the situation in detail, they finally calmed down a little.

The younger son's girlfriend Zhou Yuezhu was also there. She was the beloved object that Jianming had mentioned in the letter. Even when Jianming was injured, she still stayed by his side. How could this not be touching?

Zhou Yuezhu called out "Aunt Yuan" and helped the person sit down.

Shen Liqun never thought that his son would get together with the daughter of an old comrade-in-arms with whom he had never been on good terms, and that they would encounter such a life-and-death moment.

As a soldier, he knew very well that such a crisis could happen at any time. Looking at his son lying quietly on the hospital bed, Shen Liqun was silent.

"If I had known earlier, I should not have let my son join the army." Yuan Yanqiu burst into tears, regretting why she had agreed to her son's suggestion to join the army. If he had not joined the army, he would not be in this situation now. His life or death is unknown, and no one knows when he will wake up.

Shen Liqun scolded in a low voice: "How can there be any regret? My son was injured while performing his mission with honor, and he will not regret it."

Yuan Yanqiu was heartbroken, Shen Liqun sighed, and their eyes met with Zhou Shenghuai, his comrade-in-arms for more than ten years. Then they turned their faces away and ignored each other.

"Yuezhu, Xiao Shen's parents are here, let them reminisce about the past." Zhou Shenghuai called his daughter and his wife and prepared to leave. "Comrade Qin, you should also take care of yourselves. Xiao Shen's condition is not too dangerous, and he will definitely wake up."

Yuan Yanqiu was also familiar with Zhou Shenghuai and Feng Li, so she naturally agreed to send them off: "We'll trouble your family for the time being. When Jianming wakes up, we will definitely visit him."

This time Zhou Yuezhu didn't insist. She got up and left with her parents. She saw her cousin and his wife at the door of the ward.

"Uncle Zhou, Aunt Feng, Yuezhu." Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan chose the right time to come in to visit, greeted Shen's father and mother, and then prepared to leave together.

After everyone left, only the Shen family of three were left in the ward.

Yuan Yanqiu was heartbroken watching her son, still afraid that he would never wake up again. Shen Liqun gently stroked his wife's shoulder and sat down, comforting her: "He will definitely wake up. The bullet has been taken out, and the doctor said his vital signs are normal. He may wake up one day."

"Which day? Can you tell me which day?" Yuan Yanqiu felt upset.

"Maybe this is retribution for me..." Shen Liqun recalled that when his old leader got into trouble, he did not stand up bravely and ran for help. He chose to protect himself and remained silent. At that time, he was worried that something would happen to him and his family. "But why didn't retribution come to me? My son is innocent."

After hearing this, Yuan Yanqiu grabbed her husband's hand and said excitedly, "It was too dangerous at that time. My parents and I pulled the children in the house to kneel and beg you not to wade into the muddy water. There were too many people implicated outside, and we were all scared. So many people would be accused of something wrong for no reason, paraded through the streets, and locked up. If anything happened to you, our family would be broken up. We are still guilty of what happened to Commander Ding. You have helped him a lot over the years. A while ago, I wrote to him about Jianming and the daughter of Brigade Commander Zhou, and he was very happy. He even said he would persuade Brigade Commander Zhou."

Shen Liqun sighed, turned to look at his son on the hospital bed, feeling sad.

After the Zhou family of three and Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan walked out of the military hospital, Feng Li scolded her husband: "Shen Liqun, your son is like this now, you should not quarrel with others."

Zhou Shenghuai said in a threatening tone: "I don't have the time to argue with him."

Lin Xiang hugged Yuezhu and saw that her mood was getting better. She asked with relief, "How have you been sleeping recently?"

Zhou Yuezhu, who had slowly regained her spirits, smiled faintly: "Much better, cousin, don't worry."

The two followed the family of three back to the Zhou family's small building. Feng Li went to the kitchen to cook some noodles and said, "Hongyuan, Xiangxiang, you two should eat at home too."

"Aunt Feng, we've already eaten, don't worry about us." He Hongyuan replied towards the kitchen, then turned around and saw his third uncle coming out of the study with an envelope in his hand.

He Hongyuan took out a pack of Formosa cigarettes from his trouser pocket and handed them over. The two of them stood in the yard blowing smoke rings. Under the smoke, Zhou Shenghuai flicked the envelope in his hand and said, "The letter arrived this morning. It was written by my former leader."

The old leader, who had been demoted for nearly five years, is now undergoing reform on a farm in the countryside. In these years, he has never taken the initiative to contact his former relatives and friends for fear of affecting others.

This time he wrote a letter and sent it.

Zhou Shenghuai took a deep breath of smoke, and past scenes seemed to emerge in his sad eyes: "Commander Ding is very good to his subordinates. He treats every new recruit as his own son, bringing them up with one hand and promoting them with the other. Most of the salary and allowances are used to subsidize poor boys. He said that no matter who is hungry, we soldiers should not be hungry. I and Shen Liqun have been soldiers under him for more than ten years. He brought us up hand in hand. We are really like his biological father and son. In just such a short period of time, five years ago, Commander Ding was suddenly investigated. It was said that there was something wrong with his ideological path..."

At this point, Zhou Shenghuai took another deep puff of cigarette, and exhaled the smoke after a long time. The past also dissipated like a passing cloud. "First, he was suspended for investigation, and then his personal freedom was restricted. Each detention lasted for half a year. It was really difficult... The situation was too tense at that time. We tried to find out secretly, but we couldn't get any information. When we asked the comrades of the investigation team to pass on a message, they refused. They just said that Master Ding had sent us a message, asking us to make a decision as needed and not to run around for him. What do you think, is it possible?"

He Hongyuan naturally knew how terrifying and dangerous those years were. If he was not careful, his life might be overturned.

Although he had not had much contact with Commander Ding, He Hongyuan had heard about the deeds of this most friendly brigade commander in the army.

"I'm not willing to give up either."

Zhou Shenghuai looked at his nephew and nodded approvingly: "We are indeed a family. I was unwilling to accept this, so I tried to report the situation to my superiors. If my superiors couldn't do it, I would go to the chief. Commander Ding is such a good man, how could he make any ideological mistakes? But Shen Liqun didn't say anything. I have been resentful of this for all these years. I don't even mention the holidays when I was in the army, and I'm too lazy to say anything to him about this. But today, Commander Ding wrote me a letter saying that he is living a good life now, feeding pigs and cows on a farm in the country, working every day and studying quotations every day, and he sleeps better than before."

Zhou Shenghuai paused and choked up, "When he was young, Master Ding was a sharpshooter in the army. He fought in many battlefields and could kill enemies with one shot. Now he has to feed pigs and cows and cut grass for pigs every day... and he is criticized and despised by others. How can he live like this? Hey, he told me not to worry about him anymore, which means he didn't need to send him supplies anymore, especially not to send him any more. At that time, many couples, fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, brothers and sisters might have severed their blood ties in order to protect themselves. He never blamed anyone, for fear of implicating others. He also mentioned that Shen Liqun had secretly sent him supplies in the past few years. This person is not as heartless as I thought. But tell me, did Shen Liqun ask Master Ding to be a lobbyist? "

He Hongyuan watched the cigarette butt in his uncle's hand accumulate into ash. He held it between his fingers and it swayed in the wind, and the ash fell into the dust and disappeared. "Uncle, Commander Ding is open-minded. After all, the father is the father and the son is the son. Comrade Shen Jianming is an excellent soldier. As for the others, you can be unhappy if you want to. No one can stop you."

Zhou Shenghuai smiled, patted his nephew on the shoulder, and put the remaining cigarette into his mouth: "My son is better than me."

+++++

As soon as the end of April passed, May Day, the Labor Day, came soon.

Comrade Shen Jianming was in a coma for nearly half a month. Shen's father and mother came to take care of him. Zhou Yuezhu went back to work after everyone's persuasion, but she also rushed to the hospital to accompany him at noon and after get off work in the afternoon.

At the May 1st Labor Day Commendation Ceremony of the 119 Food Factory, Lin Xiang recalled what Yue Zhu said yesterday. When she held Shen Jianming's hand, she could occasionally feel a little movement and felt that he would wake up soon.

Lin Xiang was also happy for her, at least it was a positive sign. She firmly believed that Comrade Shen Jianming would be able to get rid of the tragic fate described in the book and usher in a new life.

Thunderous applause broke out in the front stage. Huang, the factory director of 119 Food Factory, came on stage to give a speech, praising the hard work of all the employees in the factory over the past year. The voice in the microphone roared along with the sound system. Lin Xiang was waiting in the backstage, curiously looking outside through the red curtain.

There were thousands of people sitting in the auditorium. Every employee stared at the stage with a smile on their face and clapped loudly.

Last year's advanced individual selection was fierce, with a total of ten places, each of which was precious. As the first award presented at this May 1st commendation ceremony, the winners were waiting backstage.

Lin Xiang from Factory 2 didn't fit in. Nine people from the same factory staying together attracted a lot of curious looks.

Most of the workers who can be selected as advanced individuals have long experience. Those who have not worked for five or six years basically have no chance to get a number. Among them, there are quite a few who have made significant contributions. Lin Xiang, who is only 20 years old, has a young face that stands out even more.

"Comrade Lin Xiang from Factory 2." Sister Chen, the fourth-level worker in the shrimp sauce workshop and the most experienced worker in Factory 1, stepped forward and said, "You are very young, but you have caught up with us old-timers."

If they could win this award at the age of 20, they would never dare to think about it.

Once the topic was brought up, the other award-winning workers also teased Lin Xiang: "Young people are really energetic. I heard that you were the one who took the lead in developing the coconut juice at the second factory?"

"How did you come up with the idea of ​​coconut juice?"

"Why keep the second factory? Come to the first factory. There are more opportunities and development in the first factory!"

Some of them were trying to poach Lin Xiang and persuade her to return to the factory.

Lin Xiang couldn't help laughing, her eyebrows and eyes curved into crescents: "I have a good time in Factory 2. This time, all the workers in Factory 2 carried me to receive the award."

On the stage, the host’s voice came from the loudspeaker: “Now we will commend the advanced individuals from the 119 food factory. Applause!”

Ten award-winning employees came up on stage one by one and lined up in a straight line. Factory Director Huang put a big red ribbon on each worker and placed it across their body. He also presented each worker with a certificate and a bonus of ten yuan.

It was the first time in Lin Xiang's two lives that she wore a sash. A huge plastic red flower on her chest almost covered most of her body. In the past, she might have thought it was strange and unfashionable to imagine herself looking like this. But now, listening to the thunderous applause, especially seeing the workers from Factory 2 waving their hands in the corner of the auditorium, shouting and cheering, Lin Xiang felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She was actually very excited.

The vigor and energy of the 1970s seemed to be contagious, making one's blood boil and blood surge.

After the commendation ceremony, Lin Xiang went down the stage and went straight to the area where the workers from Factory 2 were, and everyone spontaneously saved a seat for her.

As soon as I sat down, the chattering sound started.

"Hey hey hey, someone from our second factory has finally been recognized!"

"I will wake up laughing in my dreams tonight!"

"In the past, we were just spectators and could only applaud every year. This year, Xiaolin really made us proud!"

Lin Xiang took off the ribbon, and the big red flower became a hot commodity in the eyes of the workers in Factory 2. They passed it around for everyone to touch and share in the good fortune.

Looking around, she saw excited faces with all sorts of facial features flying around. They were so happy that they couldn't close their mouths when they touched the ribbons. Lin Xiang raised the corners of her mouth and said, "Our workers in Factory 2 are so adorable!"

In a country that is groping its way forward with difficulty and on a tortuous path, it is precisely because of this group of hard-working workers that we are heading towards a better tomorrow.

We workers are so lovable, we workers are powerful!

The May 1st commendation meeting successively commended ten advanced individuals, one advanced group - the shrimp sauce workshop, and three factory model workers.

At the last moment, under the introduction of the host, the lead singer of the choir of Factory 1, Sister Yan, a third-level worker in the fish canning workshop, came on stage to sing "We Workers Have Power".

We workers have power

Hey, we workers have power

Busy work every day

Hey, I'm busy at work every day

Build a high-rise building

Railways and coal mines were built

The world has changed due to the transformation.

Started the machine

Boom

Raised the hammer

Jingle Bells

Caused a plow

Good production

Caused by gunfire

Send it to the front①(The lyrics won’t cost you extra)

Lin Xiang sang along with the chorus of thousands of people in the auditorium. Even some workers who were still at their posts outside the auditorium joined in the singing. The singing was so loud that it echoed throughout the entire 119 Food Factory.

Sister Qiu Hongxia of Guazi had tears in her eyes. The workers from the shrimp sauce workshop of the same factory waved their hands together. As they waved, they held hands and sang loudly together. Even Zhao Jianjun stood in the aisle and sang loudly. When he sang emotionally, he couldn't help but feel emotional. He put his arm around the shoulders of Director Qin of the shrimp sauce workshop in front of him and was filled with emotion.

After the song ended, Director Qin looked at the emotional Zhao Jianjun with a stern face.

"Lao Qin, today is Labor Day, don't be stingy! I don't argue with you even if you have opinions about us in the past. Today we are all one family!" Zhao Jianjun educated the leader of the advanced collective.

Director Qin said speechlessly with a dark face: "Where are you putting your hands?"

Zhao Jianjun looked down and exclaimed!

I was singing so excitedly that I didn't notice that my hands grabbed someone's butt!

You can’t even touch the tiger’s butt!

Zhao Jianjun took two steps back, touched his shiny forehead, and chuckled: "Hehe, the commendation is over, let's go, let's go back to our homes!"

Having said that, he ran away in a flash.

Lin Xiang's big red flower was hung on the wall of the factory. The bright red plastic flower was set off by the mottled white wall, making it dazzling and eye-catching.

After returning home, Lin Xiang proudly handed her award certificate to He Hongyuan: "Dangdangdang~ Look, what is this!"

He Hongyuan lowered his eyebrows and stared at the certificate. He saw written in black brush on it: "Congratulations to Comrade Lin Xiang for winning the title of Advanced Individual of 119 Food Factory".

"You are really amazing, Comrade Lin Xiang." He Hongyuan pinched his wife's cheeks that were puffed up with pride. "Stick it to the wall. I saw the awards that Yang Lu's sons and daughters won when they were young pasted on the wall in his house."

Lin Xiang sneered at him: "I am not a primary school student! Why do I need a certificate~"

Five minutes later, Lin Xiang watched He Hongyuan stretch out his hand to choose the location to stick the certificate, and kept remotely controlling the man: "A little to the left, yes, yes, yes, oh no, too far, come back a little, okay, here it is!"

A golden award certificate was posted in their bedroom, sparkling.

Lin Xiang kept all the ten-dollar bonus and used it all to buy candies for the workers, which moved them to tears.

But Zhao Jianjun was worried while eating the candy. Xiao Lin had learned bad things. She paid for it, but the factory had to reimburse her for the sugar coupons needed to buy the candy.

Young people, why don’t you know how to study well!

Just three days after the May Day commendation ceremony, Lin Xiang, who was leaving work in the evening, met He Hongyuan at the gate of the second factory. The man brought good news in a concise manner: "Shen Jianming has woken up."

Lin Xiang was surprised and delighted: "Really? Quick, go to the hospital!"

Shen Jianming was in a coma for half a month, his vital signs were normal, and he finally woke up in early May.

At that time, Zhou Yuezhu went to the hospital to take care of him after get off work. She was wiping his face and hands with a wet towel. Just as she was holding his right hand to wipe it, Shen Jianming's fingers suddenly moved.

These days, Zhou Yuezhu could occasionally feel his fingers moving slightly, and her hope grew stronger and stronger. At this moment, she still calmly stroked his fingers, wiping them carefully one by one.

A few seconds later, Zhou Yuezhu seemed to realize that someone was staring at her. Her heart moved and she slowly raised her head, just in time to meet Shen Jianming's eyes.

When Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan rushed to the hospital, Shen Jianming's ward was very lively.

His family, friends, and comrades filled the room. His wounds still needed to heal, and it was a little difficult for him to speak, but he finally woke up. The regiment commander expressed his condolences to him and his family, and said with deep emotion: "Comrade Shen Jianming, you must take good care of your injuries. Don't worry about the troops. If you have any questions, just ask."

The first words Shen Jianming said after waking up from a coma for many days were, "Is Researcher Yang okay?"

What he is always thinking about is the task on his shoulders, and he is worried that something might happen to the talents who are useful to the country.

When he saw his parents and his partner again, the eyes of this 22-year-old brave soldier also became red, and Shen's mother also burst into tears. Zhou Yuezhu was also very excited.

Lin Xiang's eyes couldn't help but turn red as she watched this scene. She hid behind He Hongyuan with tears streaming down her face.

"Why are you crying too?" He Hongyuan raised his hand and wiped the corners of his wife's eyes.

"I didn't cry." Lin Xiang sniffed, her eyes reddening, "I just felt it was not easy, and it was quite touching to watch."

He Hongyuan seemed to have thought of something and promised, "I will be careful and not let you cry."

Lin Xiang nodded: "If you dare to get hurt, I will cry every day until the sea outside is filled with my tears."

He Hongyuan chuckled: "You really are made of water, right?"

In the ward, Shen Jianming held the hand of his target Zhou Yuezhu and spoke with great effort: "Uncle Zhou, Aunt Feng, this is how our first official meeting turned out. I... ahem, I'm also quite embarrassed that I caused you and Yuezhu to work so hard for me."

Shen Liqun looked at his son's elbow and was angry at him for not fighting back: "You think about your future father-in-law and mother-in-law as soon as you wake up, right? I, your biological father, have to step back a little."

Yuan Yanqiu glared at her husband: "You're the only one who talks too much."

Zhou Shenghuai looked at the young soldier with admiration in his eyes: "Comrade Shen Jianming, you performed well this time, but for the sake of your health, you must take good care of your injuries. When you are well, come home for a meal."

When Shen Jianming heard this, his pale face seemed to turn a little redder, and he got so excited that he pulled the wound, and everyone in the ward was so scared that they rushed forward to comfort him.

The young soldier smiled a pale smile, which was hilarious: "Okay, Uncle Zhou, Aunt Feng, I will definitely prepare well for a visit."

Zhou Shenghuai turned around and saw Shen Liqun looking at him happily, and immediately said with a stern face: "My son is much better than me."

Shen Liqun: ???

"Hey, Zhou Shenghuai, who are you talking about? When you were young, you were not as good as me in cross-country running."

Zhou Shenghuai was speechless: "How much worse is your shooting than mine? Have you forgotten?"

......

Lin Xiang couldn't help laughing as she listened to the two old comrades who were at odds with each other, even talking about trivial matters. She looked at He Hongyuan and whispered, "How childish."

He Hongyuan raised his hand and scratched his daughter-in-law's nose: "Be careful not to be heard by these two petty people."

Lin Xiangxing's eyes widened: "You are so audacious to say that~ Let's go quickly, it will be bad if we accidentally enter the battlefield."

When the young couple came out of the military hospital, they looked up and saw the clear blue sky of May, with the scorching sun hanging high in the sky, bright and dazzling.

After waking up, Shen Jianming actively nursed his injuries and slowly recovered under the care of his parents, his partner and his comrades.

Seeing Yuezhu in a good mood, Lin Xiang also became happy. However, when she went to the new factory area of ​​the second factory to check the construction situation, her brows became more and more furrowed.

After the last round of warnings, Captain Wang did not lie about the purchase of materials again, but something strange happened again.

The construction team's progress suddenly began to slow down, the workers were lazy and disorganized, the construction period was changed again and again, and the factory building that was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of May was never topped off.

Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen went to urge them two or three times, but Captain Wang mocked them impatiently: "Do you know how to repair a house, or do I? Otherwise, you guys should do it."

It looks like he's getting ready to act tough.

Kong Zhenzhen was indignant: "This group of people did it on purpose. They started to delay the construction period because they were dissatisfied. They earn more money for every day of delay. It's so shameless."

Lin Xiang didn't expect that Captain Wang was so shameless that he could come up with such a method.

Even when Zhao Jianjun went to see Captain Wang, he was sent back. They gave all kinds of excuses, all of which were about professional construction issues. To put it simply, you laymen should not guide experts.

"He just relies on his relationship with Secretary Tang and knows we can't do anything to him!" Zhao Jianjun was furious at this man's flattery and bullying. "No, I have to go to the factory and talk to him."

The result is predictable. Zhao Jianjun's response was refuted by the factory office.

After all, when Captain Wang was called to the factory office, he still insisted that he was doing it for the sake of factory quality and safety, which made the laymen in the factory office look at each other in bewilderment.

Besides, considering the huge threat of Secretary Tang, who would dare to fire the construction team easily?

It’s so frustrating. It’s really frustrating!

Zhao Jianjun scratched his head and thought of a solution. He was hesitant about whether to fight with Captain Wang or to treat him to a good meal to appease him.

"Director, the construction team has bullied us and has no regard for our dignity. We can't tolerate it anymore." Lin Xiang had never seen such a shameless person.

Ma Defa saw what Lin Xiang meant: "Do you want to change the construction team?"

"How can we change it? Secretary Tang is standing there." Kong Zhenzhen spoke from a realistic perspective, "Who in the factory office dares to change it? Changing the construction team would offend Secretary Tang."

Lin Xiang smiled and said, "Since you are worried that whoever changes the construction team will offend Secretary Tang, why not just let Secretary Tang change it himself!"

Everyone:?

At the beginning of June, after taking into account the construction team's delayed construction period and cost overruns for the past month, Lin Xiang followed Director Zhao to Secretary Tang's office.

As soon as he opened his mouth, Secretary Tang got angry.

"Do you want to increase the appropriation?" Secretary Tang was very sensitive about the funds in the factory. Part of the profit funds were supposed to be fed back to the troops and support the food of the soldiers. How could the workers just spend it at will? "What are you building in your factory? Are you building a factory area or a large auditorium?"

Zhao Jianjun was embarrassed: "Secretary Tang, there is really no other way. We don't want to cause trouble to the factory. The money is really not enough. We must transfer more."

Lin Xiang replied at the right time: "Secretary Tang, if no funds are allocated, the house will remain there and cannot be repaired."

"Where did you spend your money?" Secretary Tang angrily slammed the desk!

Lin Xiang presented the cost list of the factory building construction in the past few months, and emphasized the situation on the last page: "Actually, it should have been basically repaired this month, but..."

Secretary Tang looked through the list and asked in confusion, "But what?"

"But the construction team has been dragging their feet. They worked very fast in the beginning, but have been working very slowly in the past month. When we asked them about it, they said they would work slowly and carefully. They kept dragging their feet, causing us to overspend and we had to apply for another grant."

"What kind of construction is this? If you don't want to do it, just get rid of them. How can it take so long to repair a factory?" Secretary Tang heard this and checked the construction records of the last month. He did find the problem and immediately made a decision, "Let the factory office replace them. They are really used to it!"

Lin Xiang and Zhao Jianjun looked at each other and smiled happily: "Okay, Secretary Tang, change it immediately!"

Construction site of the new plant area of ​​Plant 2.

When Captain Wang heard Director Tian from the factory office come to inform them that they would not be responsible for the rest after the wages were paid, he was dumbfounded and immediately said angrily: "Director Tian, ​​how can you replace me? I am a relative of Secretary Tang."

When Tian Guiju heard that this person was deliberately delaying the progress of the second factory's construction, she didn't think much of him: "So what if he's a relative of Secretary Tang? You don't have to worry about the construction here. We will find another construction team. Oh, by the way, we will also find other people to build a factory in the future, so you don't have to worry about it."

Captain Wang was furious and wanted to rush to Factory 1 to ask for help: "Okay, Factory 2 is looking for you as a backer, right? I'm going to find Secretary Tang to judge the matter now. I don't believe that my cousin is helping you! If he knew that you treated his relatives like this, he might have some opinions."

"Go ahead." Director Tian said calmly, "It was Secretary Tang who said personally that the construction team should get out. Go ahead and ask them."

Captain Wang was panicked when he heard this: "What? My cousin told me to get out? I don't believe it!"

Captain Wang rushed to Factory 1 and found Secretary Tang who was about to convene a leadership meeting. He said anxiously, "Uncle, the office of Factory 2 and Factory 1 have teamed up to bully me. You have to help me!"

Secretary Tang was busy in a meeting. When he saw this person, he couldn't remember who he was for a moment, but he felt that he looked familiar: "Who are you?"

"Me! Wang Qifa! Uncle, you can't forget me. My grandfather worked with you in the past..." Captain Wang was so upset that he wanted to vomit it out on the spot.

Secretary Tang then remembered that a distant relative had approached him several years ago to seek marriage. He had seen this person's cleverness and introduced him to a job with a renovation team in the city. He also gave them the construction of a dormitory building in the factory. But then, he had almost forgotten about this person over the years.

"You've been deliberately delaying the construction progress these days? Do you want to embezzle the factory's money?" Secretary Tang said angrily, "You keep on failing to learn your lesson! We won't need your construction team in the future!"

Having said that, he turned around and went into the office for a meeting.

Wang Qifa was stunned to see his uncle scold him and then leave. He was immediately shocked. He relied on this relationship to become the leader of the construction team. What should he do now?

Lin Xiang, Kong Zhenzhen and Director Tian settled the final wages for the construction team. They listened to Wang Qifa admitting his mistakes and speaking good words, but remained indifferent.

"We will definitely work hard, so don't change people."

"It was all a misunderstanding. We will definitely start working right away without wasting a day, no, not even an hour or a minute."

Kong Zhenzhen glared at him and said, "It's too late. Goodbye, the new construction team is coming soon. Don't get in their way."

The new construction team was also from the city. Zhao Jianjun asked around and selected the people to replace the old construction team. They were very hardworking and conscientious. They reported even the smallest materials clearly and explained every penny. When asked, they said, "We work for a military factory. We cannot charge a penny more. Otherwise, we will be unfair to the soldiers and will be criticized if anyone tells others about it."

Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen watched the new construction team finish the work quickly and conscientiously as the new factory area gradually took shape. They would occasionally give the workers some of the "defective" fruit juice produced in the factory to help them cool down in the scorching early summer sun.

In June, the new plant area of ​​​​the second factory was officially completed.

The four imposing workshops stand tall, grand and spacious, like a majestic and upright mountain. The two-story red brick building next to it is neat and beautiful. There is no longer the mottled walls of the old factory. The red bricks are set against the snow-white walls, making it look like the most beautiful office building in the world.

There is also a staff canteen bungalow that stands out on the left side of the factory. Although it has not been put into use yet, you can smell the fragrance of food at a glance. On the right side is a staff dormitory building, which is much smaller than the four dormitory buildings in a factory, but it is better than nothing.

Lin Xiang watched the tall building rising from the ground. She never would have thought a year ago that the second factory would be transformed to this extent.

When I turned around again, I saw Director Zhao staring at the new factory area. Finally, he turned his face away and wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

"Director, are you crying?" Ma Defa's cold voice rang out, making Director Zhao jump to his feet.

"Who's crying? As a man, how could I cry?" Zhao Jianjun looked at Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen with slightly red eyes, "Xiao Lin, Xiao Kong, look, where am I crying?"

Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen looked at each other and smiled: "I didn't cry, but the tears flowed into my heart."

The four of them stood in front of the new factory for a long time. The sun set overhead and slanted down to the horizon, dyeing the sky red like ink and stretching the four people's shadows out.

When they returned to the old factory, the four of them walked on the road paved with the orange-red sunset and talked about their future arrangements.

Zhao Jianjun's voice rang out: "We will be hiring soon. Xiaolin and Xiaokong should work with the first factory to implement the recruitment quantity and requirements. The new factory area will be moved in immediately and all the workers will be in place. We must do a good job!"

"good!"