Chapter 106 (The Hundred and Sixth Chapter)
Two days later, Hong Shuang'er ran excitedly from outside the laboratory. She came up to Lin Yuanshu and said excitedly, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu, I heard from others that there is a notice about Feng Aiguo posted on the bulletin board. Do you want to come with me to take a look?"
Lin Yuanshu immediately stood up and said, "Of course I want it! How could I miss such a gratifying event!"
The two told Team Leader Zhuang and then ran to the bulletin board near the First Laboratory. By then, the bulletin board was already crowded with employees who had come to watch the excitement.
The staff in other laboratories might not know much about this matter, but they were different. Although they couldn't say they knew the ins and outs of Comrade Feng Aiguo's data tampering, they had at least heard some rumors and knew that such a thing had happened.
Lin Yuanshu stood on tiptoe and saw the notice posted on the bulletin board. Feng Aiguo's fate was even worse than she had imagined. Not only did he lose his job at the research institute, but he was also assigned to a quarry for "re-education."
Feng Aiguo ended up in this predicament not because he tampered with her experimental data, but because he deliberately fabricated facts, slandered and reported that female colleague, causing her to be forced to leave the research institute.
He also took over the female colleague's plan and optimized the iron powder. It was originally her idea, but they were experimenting with another plan at the time, so she didn't tell anyone about her idea. Instead, she wrote it down in her notebook.
Unexpectedly, Feng Aiguo found her notes. Feng Aiguo was already unhappy that the female colleague was more capable than him, and he was also jealous that the female colleague could come up with such a good plan, so he did the thing of slandering the female colleague.
Lin Yuanshu couldn't help but sigh, "It's true what they say, 'Pulling out a radish brings out the mud.' Comrade Feng Aiguo is just hiding his true abilities! It's a good thing your work ability isn't as strong as Comrade Feng Aiguo's, otherwise you would definitely be the next victim, and Feng Aiguo could be said to have gotten what he deserved."
Hong Shuang'er patted her chest in fear and said angrily, "Feng Aiguo is disgusting. He actually used such despicable means to deal with a female comrade. He ruined her reputation. Fortunately, she was strong-willed and did not commit suicide. Otherwise, even if Feng Aiguo were torn apart by five horses, it would not be enough to atone for his crime."
Lin Yuanshu whispered to comfort her, "Don't be angry, or you'll hurt yourself. Now that the truth is out, that woman can return to the research institute. Things haven't gotten to the point of no return yet."
Hong Shuang'er nodded, relieved, "It's great that Feng Aiguo didn't use such methods against you. Otherwise, even if you could prove your innocence, you would still be tainted."
Lin Yuanshu pursed her lips, thinking that Feng Aiguo did not use such methods to deal with her not because he did not want to, but because he had not found an opportunity to smear her.
Because she didn't get close to any male colleagues, even when discussing work, it was always in public, and she wouldn't spend a long time alone with a male colleague.
However, on the other hand, if Feng Aiguo were to use such methods against her, she wouldn't mind letting him experience the bitterness of being slandered.
As the two were talking, intern Li suddenly leaned over and said mysteriously, "I heard that when the head of the security department was interrogating Feng Aiguo, Feng Aiguo revealed Comrade Ma Si's name, saying that he was instructed by Comrade Ma Si to tamper with the experimental data. Subsequent investigations proved Comrade Ma Si's innocence. However, Comrade Ma Si also revealed a lot about Feng Aiguo, including this woman. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to convict Feng Aiguo."
Lin Yuanshu raised an eyebrow. Although she had heard of Mas's name several times, she had never actually met Mas in person.
Sometimes people's malice comes out of nowhere. She had never met Mas, and Mas didn't know her, but that didn't stop Mas from disliking her.
Of course, she doesn't like Mas either. As I said before, as long as Mas doesn't provoke her, she's willing to maintain a superficially friendly relationship with him. But if Mas wants to deal with her, she won't hesitate to retaliate.
"They really are a den of snakes and rats. I wonder if this is a case of dogs fighting each other?" Lin Yuanshu joked with a smile.
Hong Shuang'er looked at Lin Yuanshu with a worried expression and said earnestly, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu, you must be careful in your actions. Don't forget to be wary of Comrade Mas. I guessed that Feng Aiguo would target you, but I didn't expect him to be so ruthless as to tamper with our experimental data."
The moment she learned that the experimental data had been tampered with, she suspected that Feng Aiguo was behind it. After all, she couldn't think of any other suspicious members besides him. That's why she kept a close eye on Feng Aiguo to prevent him from making any more moves.
Lin Yuanshu knew that Hong Shuang'er meant well and was thinking of her, so she smiled and agreed. She never underestimated the evil in human nature.
Just then, a man in a Zhongshan suit stood in front of Lin Yuanshu and asked uncertainly, "Are you Comrade Lin Yuanshu?"
Lin Yuanshu nodded, not understanding what was going on.
The man smiled and introduced himself: "I am the assistant to Deputy Director Liu of the research institute. Deputy Director Liu would like to ask you some questions about Comrade Feng Aiguo. Do you have time now? Could you come with me to Deputy Director Liu's office?"
Lin Yuanshu thought for a moment and agreed, "I'm free now."
Could it be that the younger brother was beaten up and now the older one is being targeted? She hadn't heard anything about Feng Aiguo having any connection with Deputy Director Liu!
Upon hearing this, the man gave a bright smile and said softly, "That's good."
I completed my task with ease.
Lin Yuanshu turned to Hong Shuang'er and instructed, "The next group experiment is in your hands. Just do it according to my instructions from yesterday, and there won't be any problems. If Group Leader Zhuang asks where I went, just tell the truth."
“Okay,” Hong Shuang’er said without hesitation.
As the two walked away, intern Li muttered to himself, "They're up to no good!"
Meanwhile, in Deputy Director Liu's office, he was calmly making tea. He glanced at Ma Si, who was standing anxiously in front of his desk, and said softly, "I heard that you have something to do with Feng Aiguo. You'd better sever ties with bad elements like him as soon as possible, or he will implicate you. You suffered because of that woman before. Haven't you learned your lesson yet?"
Mas smiled awkwardly and said confidently, "Deputy Director Liu, I'm only thinking of our best interests. I have a feeling that Lin Yuanshu will definitely become a major threat to us. She is Director Huang's lackey and someone he entrusted with important responsibilities. If we don't suppress her now, wouldn't Director Huang gain another powerful general, and your chances of getting promoted would be reduced even further?"
Deputy Director Liu took a sip of hot tea and said with a disdainful look, "She's just a woman, how capable can she be!"
Mas took a deep breath and recounted everything about Lin Yuanshu winning first place in the labor competition and improving the sulfadiazine production process.
Deputy Director Liu stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "According to you, this woman is quite lucky."
Mas noticed that Deputy Director Liu was interested in Lin Yuanshu and didn't hesitate to belittle her, saying, "Don't think that just because she's capable, you're tempted to have her do things for you. She's actually an arrogant, rude, treacherous, opportunistic, and vindictive person. She's also particularly good at stabbing her superiors in the back."
Deputy Director Liu smiled nonchalantly and said softly, "Oh? I've heard that her former boss is doing quite well now. After all, she has achieved results, so her boss naturally benefits as well. As the saying goes, seeing is believing. Rather than listening to what others say about Lin Yuanshu, I'd rather meet her in person. That's why I already had my assistant invite her over."
Ma Si was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect that Deputy Director Liu had heard about Lin Yuanshu. Wasn't Deputy Director Liu's words just now a test for him? Although he was a little flustered, he still stubbornly said, "Deputy Director Liu, if you insist on doing this, you will definitely regret it."
Deputy Director Liu toyed with the teacup in his hand and said with a smile, "I don't need you to teach me how to do things."
Mas sensed Deputy Director Liu's dissatisfaction and immediately shut his mouth, not daring to continue arguing. Instead, he went along with what Deputy Director Liu said.
Lin Yuanshu arrived at the door of Deputy Director Liu's office and happened to see a man with small eyes coming out of it.
Mas said with a grim expression, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu, I've truly heard so much about you!"
Lin Yuanshu was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and asked, "May I ask who you are?"
The fake smile on Mas's face froze instantly. Suppressing his anger, he introduced himself, "My name is Mas. I thought you would know something about me, but I didn't expect you to be so arrogant!"
Lin Yuanshu looked as if he had just realized something, and said softly, "You really know how to joke. How could I not know you at all! I know you are Comrade Feng Aiguo's friend. As for Comrade Feng Aiguo's situation, please accept my condolences. However, you shouldn't be too sad, after all, Comrade Feng Aiguo's current predicament is all thanks to you."
Mas's face immediately turned ugly, and he said coldly, "You really are sharp-tongued."
Lin Yuanshu's personality was more difficult to deal with than he had imagined. She was not like a comrade at all, but rather like a scoundrel who would do anything to climb the social ladder. However, if Lin Yuanshu were easy to deal with, Feng Aiguo would not have failed.
Lin Yuanshu raised an eyebrow, not continuing the conversation with Mas, but said softly, "Please forgive me for not being able to continue this conversation with you. After all, Deputy Director Liu is waiting to meet me! Goodbye."
Although it's unknown whether Feng Aiguo has any connection with Deputy Director Liu, Ma Si definitely does. It's truly uncertain whether Deputy Director Liu will have any good or bad luck when he meets her this time!
As soon as Lin Yuanshu entered the office, he saw a man with half-gray hair and a kind face, wearing a blue Zhongshan suit, sitting on the sofa, making tea with practiced ease.
He looked up at Lin Yuanshu and was surprised to find that he was so young. He greeted him warmly, "Don't be shy, come and sit down. I didn't come to you for anything important, I just wanted to chat. I've heard so much about you, your improved sulfadiazine production process has saved many lives."
Lin Yuanshu walked over confidently and sat down in front of Deputy Director Liu, saying modestly, "You flatter me. I alone could not have saved anyone's life. It was thanks to the workers, doctors, nurses, and others that we were able to achieve such a good result."
Deputy Director Liu poured Lin Yuanshu a cup of tea, then asked, "How are you feeling working at the research institute? Are you settling in well? Have you been bullied by anyone?"
Lin Yuanshu answered flawlessly, "I'm just a brick in the organization. I'll go wherever I'm needed. No matter what position I'm in, it's all work. So for me, there's no question of whether I'm used to it or not. As for whether I've been bullied, that's nonsense. There might be some minor frictions with my colleagues, but that's normal."
Deputy Director Liu nodded thoughtfully and gave a slight smile. "I heard your project is almost finished. What are your plans for the future? Would you like to participate in the institute's research projects? If so, I can arrange it for you. I can't bear to let a capable comrade like you go to waste."
Lin Yuanshu politely declined, saying, "With my current abilities, it's a bit of a stretch for me to participate in the research institute's projects. I still need to learn more."
If she gets involved in the institute's research project through Deputy Director Liu's connections, it means she will be labeled as Deputy Director Liu. She would be crazy to make such a choice. Why not choose Director Huang instead of Deputy Director Liu?
Deputy Director Liu raised an eyebrow, slowly took a sip of tea, and calmly asked, "What is your opinion of Director Huang?"
Lin Yuanshu took a deep breath and praised, "Director Huang is very capable and has a keen eye for talent. If it weren't for Director Huang, I would still be working at Hongguang Pharmaceutical Factory! I am very grateful to Director Huang for transferring me to the research institute."
Deputy Director Liu said with a hint of seduction, "Have you ever heard the saying, 'People strive to climb higher, water flows downhill'? If you want to gain a foothold in the research institute, work ability alone is not enough."
Lin Yuanshu sat up straight and said with a smile, "I've heard of that, but I've also heard other sayings, such as 'a drop of water in need should be repaid with a spring of water.'"
Deputy Director Liu's smile gradually faded, and his eyes sharpened as he said, "Are you refusing a polite toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit?"
Lin Yuanshu shook his head and said calmly, "I am very grateful to Deputy Director Liu for valuing me. I just want to work hard in the research institute and do not want to get involved in these things."
“There are some things that you can’t simply choose not to participate in.” Deputy Director Liu strongly disagreed with Lin Yuanshu’s words.
Lin Yuanshu looked directly at Deputy Director Liu and said earnestly, "Deputy Director Liu, I understand what you mean, but my personality is really not suited to getting involved in these things. I can't think straight. I just want to quietly complete the tasks assigned by the organization in the research institute. If I get involved in these things, I won't be able to concentrate on the experiments. I'm afraid I won't be able to do well on either side and will instead let you and the organization down."
Deputy Director Liu's face was full of admiration for Lin Yuanshu. He laughed heartily and said, "You're quick-witted to say something like that. Since you're unwilling, I won't force you. Don't forget what you said about not getting involved in these matters. If you do, don't blame me for being heartless."
This person is eloquent and capable at work. It's a pity that he wasn't the one who transferred Lin Yuanshu to the research institute; otherwise, he would have had a capable lieutenant by his side.
Lin Yuanshu smiled and replied dismissively, "I won't forget."
Not long after, Lin Yuanshu left Deputy Director Liu's office.
Mas did not return to the laboratory. After seeing Lin Yuanshu walk away, he hurriedly went into Deputy Director Liu's office.
Deputy Director Liu initially thought it was Lin Yuanshu returning and regretting his decision, but when he looked up and saw that it was Ma Si, the smile on his face vanished instantly, and he questioned, "Why are you back again?"
Mas smiled awkwardly, "I'd like to ask how your conversation with Comrade Lin Yuanshu went? It concerns my future attitude towards her."
A hint of regret flashed in Deputy Director Liu's eyes, but he said with certainty, "Although she is unwilling to work under me, I will not allow you to deal with Comrade Lin Yuanshu. Sooner or later, she will become one of us."
Mas gritted his teeth and said, "I know how to treat her now, and I will absolutely not ruin your plans."
Although he said this aloud, he secretly vowed to thwart Deputy Director Liu's plan to win over Lin Yuanshu.
He had gone to great lengths to get on Deputy Director Liu's side, while Lin Yuanshu had done nothing and yet easily gained Deputy Director Liu's approval. He couldn't accept that.
Most importantly, he already had little say in front of Deputy Director Liu. If Lin Yuanshu joins in later, he might not only lose his voice but also be kicked out of the circle.
Deputy Director Liu waved dismissively, signaling Mas to leave his office.
Mas left reluctantly.
After Mas left, the assistant approached Deputy Director Liu and asked in a serious tone, "How should we win over Comrade Lin Yuanshu now?"
Deputy Director Liu stroked his chin and said, "She's not someone who's easy to win over. She even gave up the opportunity to get a research project at the institute. Director Huang is so busy, he probably won't pay attention to a mere assistant researcher. As long as we suppress her, she'll learn the lesson of 'a wise man submits to circumstances.'"
The assistant nodded seriously. "I understand."
He didn't dare ask what to do if Director Huang took notice of Lin Yuanshu, because Deputy Director Liu didn't like anyone disobeying him.
At the same time, Lin Yuanshu left Deputy Director Liu's office. Instead of returning to the laboratory, she went to Director Huang's office.
She recounted her conversation with Deputy Director Liu to Director Huang, since Deputy Director Liu wanted to win her over so he could take Director Huang's position.
This matter arose because of Director Huang. Since she couldn't deal with Deputy Director Liu, she naturally had to find someone who could.
Director Huang frowned and said, "It's good that you told me about this. Deputy Director Liu always likes to destroy things if he can't do them. He won't let it go like this. But you don't need to worry. Since you were transferred to the research institute by me, I will definitely protect you. You just need to focus on the experiment. I'll take care of everything else."
Lin Yuanshu smiled and nodded. That was exactly why she came to see Director Huang.
Seeing that Lin Yuanshu seemed to be accepting the situation well, Director Huang chuckled and teased, "Why don't you ask me why I didn't remove Deputy Director Liu?"
Lin Yuanshu paused for a moment, then casually replied, "The higher-ups probably wouldn't want to see the Dongfanghong Research Institute become your personal fiefdom. Besides, Deputy Director Liu is no ordinary person; one person's influence can affect the whole situation!"
Director Huang did not deny it, saying, "When it comes to doing things, I still prefer to take it slow and steady."
"If you boil a frog in lukewarm water, the frog won't run away," Lin Yuanshu said with a smile.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye. Lin Yuanshu led his team through many experiments and finally replaced acetic anhydride with glacial acetic acid and sulfuric acid.
Glacial acetic acid and sulfuric acid are not only in ample supply but also very inexpensive. Their only drawback is that they slow down the reaction rate.
This is probably what they mean by "you have to give up something to gain something."
Ultimately, no one from Feng Aiguo's group was able to join her group's plan because Group Leader Zhuang was worried about the emergence of a second Feng Aiguo, especially those comrades who had a good relationship with Feng Aiguo, who were given special attention.
As for the female comrade who had previously helped Feng Aiguo urge her to enter the office, she was not only criticized in a notice, but also kicked out of the research group by Team Leader Zhuang and transferred to the logistics department.
If you perform well, you might have a chance to return to the lab; if you don't perform well, you might be stuck in the logistics department for the rest of your life.
Looking at the acetaminophen that had been produced, Lin Yuanshu couldn't hide her joy. She excitedly said, "I'll tell Team Leader Zhuang the good news right now. You guys tidy up the lab."
Hong Shuang'er and the others were beaming with joy. They were still a little dazed, not expecting that they could complete the task so quickly and actually produce acetaminophen using the sodium phenolate mixing method. Moreover, this method was many times better than the iron powder reduction method.
They still find it hard to believe that they were able to change the acetaminophen production process.
Intern Li couldn't help but exclaim, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu's innovative ability is truly remarkable. I'm really curious about how she thinks. Without her plan, we wouldn't have made such smooth progress. We've been researching for so long without coming up with anything, but it was Comrade Lin Yuanshu who shone so brightly later."
Everyone agreed and were eagerly anticipating collaborating with Lin Yuanshu on the next project. Working with Lin Yuanshu was incredibly efficient, saving them from many detours and ensuring excellent results.
Team Leader Zhuang was also extremely excited after hearing the good news. However, she was cautious by nature and solemnly said to Lin Yuanshu, "You can now write the experimental report on the production of acetaminophen using the sodium phenolate mixing method. I will check the experimental steps again with Hong Shuang'er and others to make sure that there are no problems with the results before submitting your experimental report."
Lin Yuanshu had no objection to this. True gold fears no fire, and she had not falsified any data, so she was not afraid of Team Leader Zhuang's verification.
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