Chapter 335 Two Worlds
The city lights outside the window gradually came on, clashing with the pale lights in the ward.
This world has advanced medical technology and a safe order, without the smoke of gunpowder or the pursuit of the enemy.
In the days that followed, she actively cooperated with the treatment.
Every day, besides changing dressings and receiving IV drips, she would slowly walk around the ward with Mo Chen's help, enduring the pain to recover.
I tried to forget all the troubles that world brought me.
At night, the pain from the wound and nightmares often intertwine.
She dreamt countless times of red sleeves stained with blood, of Xiao Ran's figure disappearing into the thick fog of the swamp, of Qin Qian turning back to look at her amidst the flashing swords, reaching out to her, only to drift further and further away...
Sometimes I dream of Fang Shijie, that once gentle and refined man who later turned into a calculating man. Besides ambition and ruthlessness, did his eyes ever hold a trace of regret for Hongxiu and the child he never got to meet?
She didn't know.
Two weeks later, Jiang Ling's back wound was healing well, and the doctor finally allowed her to be discharged from the hospital, but instructed her to rest and avoid strenuous exercise.
Mo Chen drove her back to that familiar grocery store.
The shop remained exactly as it was when she left, yet it was filled with a strange sense of alienation.
She walked straight to the wooden door, looked at it, but never opened it.
Mo Chen stood behind her and asked in a low voice, "Are you... still planning to go back?"
Jiang Ling remained silent for a long time before answering, "I've always wanted to help reduce the suffering of the people in that world, but now I realize that the greatest suffering seems to be something I brought about."
Mo Chen sighed softly. Having held a high position for so long, he had long since gained a different understanding of life: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Jiang Ling has been gone for more than two weeks, and half a year has passed over there.
Half a year...
If this battle had been fought quickly, it should already be over.
Master Yan knew the entire process of cement firing and believed that the Great Sheng Dynasty had mastered the formula.
This would create conditions for negotiating with the Daewoo Dynasty.
Although peace will eventually prevail, the casualties caused by this war are still an undeniable fact.
These past few days, Jiang Ling hasn't gone anywhere. She's been resting and recuperating while cleaning the general store and taking stock of the inventory.
I opened my phone and saw a message from Xie Penghui.
The conversation was brief. It inquired about her recent situation and mentioned that everything at the fireworks factory had been stable recently. Several new technicians had been hired, and several environmentally friendly small fireworks had been trial-produced, with positive market feedback.
Jiang Ling almost forgot that she also owned a fireworks factory.
She replied to the email, informing the sender that she had answered and arranged to meet at the factory the next day.
The next day, Jiang Ling changed into a neat casual outfit and took a taxi to the fireworks factory in the suburbs.
From afar, the signboard of "Lingyan Fireworks Co., Ltd." could be seen shining brightly under the autumn sun.
New greenery has been planted outside the factory area, making it look more vibrant.
The security guard had changed; he was a young man I didn't recognize. After verifying his identity, he respectfully let me through.
As you enter the factory area, the hum of machines can be faintly heard, and employees in uniform are busy moving between workshops in an orderly manner.
Compared to before she left, this place is clearly more organized and more vibrant.
She encountered Xie Penghui in front of the main office building, who was discussing blueprints with a man who looked like an engineer.
The senior student had lost some weight, his skin was slightly darker, but his eyes were sharper and more focused.
He looked up and saw Jiang Ling, paused for a moment, and then a surprised smile spread across his face.
"Jiang Ling! You're back!" He quickly went to greet her, gave the engineer a few instructions, and then turned to Jiang Ling.
"When did you arrive? Why didn't you tell me beforehand so I could pick you up?"
Jiang Ling's reason for leaving last time was that she was going to stay at her grandmother's house for a while.
"I just got back yesterday. I saw in your email that you were quite busy at the factory, so I didn't want to bother you." Jiang Ling smiled and looked him up and down. "Senior, it seems you've been working very hard lately. You've become quite capable."
Xie Penghui laughed and led her to his office: "I am worried, but seeing the factory getting back on track every day makes me feel at ease. Come on, let's sit in my office. I'll give you a report on what's happened in the past two months."
The office was spacious and bright, with new safety production standard flowcharts and production schedules hanging on the walls, and many documents and samples piled on the desk.
Xie Penghui personally brewed tea and began to tell his story in detail.
In the past six months, the fireworks factory has been fully operational.
Experienced craftsmen like Liu Ming are highly skilled and ensure production quality and safety. Newly recruited technicians have brought new formulas and process concepts, and based on traditional fireworks, they have developed several environmentally friendly products with more vibrant colors, safer firing, and less residue. These products have gained a good reputation at several industry exhibitions and have secured several stable orders.
“Last month, we passed the city’s Level 3 safety production standardization assessment,” Xie Penghui said with pride. “Although it’s just the beginning, it shows that our management is recognized. In addition, a cultural tourism project under the Mo’s Group contacted us to order a batch of themed fireworks for the New Year’s Eve event. This is a big order and a good opportunity to build our brand.”
Jiang Ling listened attentively, occasionally asking for details.
Upon hearing the name Mo, her heart stirred slightly.
This is Mo Chen helping her in another way.
"However, it wasn't without its problems." Xie Penghui's tone shifted, his brows furrowing slightly.
“Recently, some small fireworks with similar packaging to ours but at ridiculously low prices have appeared on the market, mainly circulating in rural markets. We have investigated and found that the raw materials are of poor quality, the production process is crude, and the safety is extremely poor. Some consumers have had problems after buying inferior products. Although it hasn't caused a big uproar, it is a potential threat to the reputation of legitimate manufacturers like us.”
"A knock-off?" Jiang Ling wasn't surprised.
Driven by self-interest, there will inevitably be those who take risks.
Xie Penghui lowered his voice, "More than that. I suspect it's targeted. Some competitors are privately inquiring about the source of our new formula, especially those environmentally friendly ones. We've applied for patents, but as you know, this kind of process and formula is really hard to imitate."
The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease.
The intrigue and competition in the modern marketplace are no less complex than those in the imperial court of ancient times.
Jiang Ling pondered for a moment: "Safety is the bottom line, and we cannot relax our efforts under any circumstances. As for those counterfeiters, we should collect evidence, report them where necessary, and sue them where appropriate. We cannot be lenient."
Xie Penghui nodded: "That's what I meant too."
The two discussed the specific details for a long time until the sun began to set.
Xie Penghui invited Jiang Ling to have a simple dinner at the factory canteen. During the meal, he also invited Liu Ming and several core members, and they had a lively gathering.
Everyone was delighted to see the boss, who hadn't been seen for a long time, and they chatted excitedly about the changes and interesting things that had happened at the factory.
As we left the fireworks factory, the city lights were just coming on.
Jiang Ling did not return to the grocery store immediately, but instead had the car drive slowly along the riverbank.
The city lights outside the car window flashed in a dazzling display, alternating with the tranquil starry sky of Jishui Village from my memory.
Two worlds, two lives, like two rivers that sometimes converge and sometimes flow parallel, carrying her on her journey.
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