Chapter 156 New Year
Upon seeing this, Qu Zhigang's smile instantly froze. Unwilling to admit that he was inferior to Lin Yuanshu, he forced himself to say, "It's not that I don't have any packages, but that I don't like to do things in such a high-profile way. My purpose in coming here is to help patients recover their health, not to enjoy life. So I specifically asked my relatives and friends not to send me any packages. I don't need these external things. As a grown man, I'm not afraid of hardship or fatigue. To be honest, my family's financial situation is much better than Team Leader Lin's. Team Leader Lin's parents-in-law are workers, while my parents are cadres."
Although he embellished the preceding paragraph, he didn't lie about the last sentence: his parents were indeed cadres, and his family's financial situation was indeed better than Lin Yuanshu's.
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances. They felt that Qu Zhigang's excuse was utterly ridiculous. Having known Qu Zhigang for so long, how could they not see whether he could endure hardship or not?
If there's no package, there's no package. They won't say anything, so why lie to them?
Unexpectedly, Qu Zhigang is quite vain; he completely lies through his teeth.
They casually chimed in, "Your awareness is really high. If it were an ordinary person, they wouldn't even think of these things."
"Yeah! This doesn't look like something a normal person would do."
"On the other hand, if my family were as well-off as yours, I would have asked my parents to send me packages long ago. I eat vegetables every day, and now I look pale and sickly."
"Winter will be even harder. At least there are many kinds of vegetables now, but in a while we'll only be able to eat radishes and cabbage."
The conversation drifted further and further off-topic, and no one paid any attention to what Qu Zhigang had just said.
Qu Zhigang stared blankly at the crowd, feeling incredibly aggrieved. These people were saying nice things, but their expressions were full of disbelief.
He said loudly, "I think what you said makes some sense. You can't mistreat your own body. I'll write home right now and ask my parents to send over the things they prepared for me."
He wasn't going to fight for his pride; he wouldn't let them look down on him. He would go back and write a letter. Putting aside everything else, he could at least get his parents to send him a few packages.
Wang Daniu raised an eyebrow and said with a disdainful look, "Comrade Qu Zhigang, don't try to put on a brave face!"
Qu Zhigang sneered and said confidently, "If you don't believe me, you can ask Team Leader Lin. She knows my parents are cadres. I'm not like some people who would do something like putting on a show."
Wang Daniu spoke in a sarcastic tone, mocking, "Then we'll be waiting, waiting for your package to arrive, and then we'll see what goodies your parents have prepared for you!"
He was already troubled by the large expenses of having many children, and Qu Zhigang's boasting to him only made him more worried.
Qu Zhigang's face darkened instantly, and he retorted without hesitation, "I definitely sent a package, but I don't know if you sent one. After all, not everyone is valued by their family. As Comrade Li Xiaoqiang said, it's a blessing if you don't lose money."
Wang Daniu retorted, not to be outdone, "Of course I have a package. Compared to Team Leader Lin, it's a bit difficult, but compared to you, it's no problem."
Others also indicated that they had packages, unwilling to admit that they were not valued by their families or looked down upon by others.
Li Xiaoqiang: "..."
If he had known they would compare themselves to each other, he wouldn't have said those things. He spoke too soon, and in the end, he was the one who lost face the most!
He was the one who said those words first, and he's the one who's going to suffer the consequences.
Qu Zhigang specifically inquired about how many packages Lin Yuanshu had received. He originally planned to have his family send more packages than Lin Yuanshu received, hoping to outdo Lin Yuanshu. However, Lin Yuanshu had simply too many packages, and they kept coming in, so he had no choice but to give up.
He really couldn't understand why Lin Yuanshu was so popular. Not only did her family send her packages, but her friends did too. It would be difficult for him to surpass her.
However, surpassing others is still easy, especially for Wang Daniu.
This competitive spirit quickly swept through the research site. No one wanted to admit that they were inferior to others, so the post office would send out package notification slips every few days.
Lin Yuanshu didn't realize that everyone was comparing themselves to each other. She thought it was a normal time to go to the post office to pick up a package. After all, they were working in such a remote place, and it was normal for their families to send them things.
However, on the other hand, this wasn't entirely without its advantages for Lin Yuanshu. At least when she went to the post office to pick up her packages, she didn't have to worry about not having anyone to accompany her.
Two flowers bloom, each representing a different branch.
Inside the Dongfanghong Research Institute, the assistant rushed into Deputy Director Liu's office, his voice filled with excitement: "I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"
Deputy Director Liu said expressionlessly, "Don't play these games with me, get to the point."
The assistant awkwardly touched his nose; he was just trying to lighten the mood so that Deputy Director Liu wouldn't get angry after hearing the bad news.
He cleared his throat and said in a serious tone, "The good news is that the Minister of Health trusts us and has entrusted that good project to our research institute. The bad news is that he has also appointed another comrade to be in charge of that project."
Deputy Director Liu: "..."
This wasn't good news and bad news; it was bad news and even worse news. There wasn't a single piece of news he wanted to hear.
He couldn't help but sigh, his eyes revealing exhaustion. He rubbed his temples, his brows furrowed, and asked, "The world is truly unpredictable, beyond human control. The Minister of Health has once again designated someone else, just like before. Who did he designate this time? Could it be another one of Director Huang's people? Besides Comrade Lin Yuanshu, who else does the Minister of Health favor at the research institute?"
His backing collapsed, leaving his position precarious. That's why he desperately needs an opportunity to showcase his abilities to avoid being ousted. This project is a perfect opportunity.
However, he didn't expect someone to reap the benefits halfway through. All his hard work and planning ended up benefiting outsiders.
The assistant answered truthfully: "Comrade Wu Qin, who is in charge of this project, was transferred from Yangcheng. She is neither Director Huang's person nor your person. She just arrived at our institute and is probably still discussing this matter in Director Huang's office. After I heard this information from Director Huang's assistant, I came to see you immediately."
Upon hearing this, Deputy Director Liu looked on incredulously and said, "What the hell? One Lin Yuanshu left, and now Wu Qin has come. Our research institute has really become a den of women."
He always felt that he was incompatible with women!
The assistant paused for a moment, then subconsciously replied, "Ever since Comrade Lin Yuanshu became famous, our institute has indeed become quite popular with female colleagues. They all want to work at our institute, since not every institute is as willing to give opportunities to female colleagues as ours."
Deputy Director Liu was not proud of his assistant's words. He sneered and said irritably, "Can't you tell the difference between good and bad advice? Are you proud of being a 'women's den'?"
The assistant quickly covered his mouth and whispered, "Not proud."
Deputy Director Liu took a deep breath to calm himself down. He said expressionlessly, "No, I have to go see Director Huang now. I've worked so hard for so long, I can't let it all come to nothing. If I can't get the meat, I should at least have a sip of soup."
The assistant nodded in deep agreement. He had also contributed a lot and didn't want to waste his efforts.
Not long after, Deputy Director Liu arrived at Director Huang's office and knocked on the door to go inside.
Although Director Huang was somewhat surprised by Deputy Director Liu's sudden visit, he was too embarrassed to contradict him in front of Wu Qin. A heated argument with Deputy Director Liu would only give Wu Qin a bad impression of the Dongfanghong Research Institute.
So he introduced the two of them with a big smile.
Wu Qin said calmly, "Deputy Director Liu, I've long admired your name."
Seeing Wu Qin like this, Deputy Director Liu felt very uncomfortable. Even Lin Yuanshu, who was so capable, always greeted him with a smile and great enthusiasm, unlike Wu Qin, who treated him like he was nothing.
He nodded to Wu Qin, then turned to Director Huang and said seriously, "I've been trying to get involved in that project assigned by the Minister of Health. Team Leader Zhao and others are very familiar with it, so I'm requesting that they be included..."
Director Huang symbolically stroked his chin and said with a smile, "Of course, I have no objection to it."
He thought for a moment, then looked at Wu Qin and asked, "What are your thoughts on this?"
This would be a perfect opportunity for Deputy Director Liu's men to probe Wu Qin's capabilities. He could sit back and watch the show. If Wu Qin was capable, he could help her out; if she wasn't, he could use her to get rid of her. It would be killing two birds with one stone.
Wu Qin resolutely refused, saying, "Everything will be done according to the previous rules. I heard that when Comrade Lin Yuanshu was in charge of improving the penicillin production process, it wasn't you who directly arranged for team members to go there. She could interview the comrades in the research institute, so naturally I can too."
Director Huang looked at Wu Qin with considerable surprise. He hadn't expected Wu Qin to be so daring and bold.
Deputy Director Liu was rejected so bluntly that his face turned very ugly. He retorted without hesitation, "What qualifications do you have to compare yourself to Comrade Lin Yuanshu? We know nothing about your work ability. At least Comrade Lin Yuanshu has some achievements, which is why he can be so willful. What makes you think you can do this?"
He felt that Wu Qin was more detestable than Lin Yuanshu, at least Lin Yuanshu wasn't so arrogant.
Wu Qin smiled slightly and said confidently, "I have been featured in the newspapers a few times and have achieved several research results. If I didn't have some work ability, I wouldn't have the opportunity to meet you today, let alone be qualified to be transferred to Beijing. I hope you can understand one thing: my work ability is no worse than Comrade Lin Yuanshu's."
She didn't think there was anything wrong with her demanding the same treatment as Lin Yuanshu. She didn't come to the Dongfanghong Research Institute to be a puppet; she wanted to surpass Lin Yuanshu and become the deputy director.
Unfortunately, Lin Yuanshu is not at the research institute right now, so she can't compete with him, which is quite a pity.
Hopefully, when Lin Yuanshu returns to the research institute, she won't have taken up the position of deputy director yet, otherwise things won't be so interesting.
Deputy Director Liu stubbornly insisted, "You talk a good game, but you really don't know how to spell the word 'humility'."
Wu Qin retorted without hesitation: "Excessive modesty is a sign of insecurity."
Seeing the increasingly tense atmosphere between the two, Director Huang quickly stepped in to smooth things over, saying loudly, "Alright, you two should say less. Since Comrade Wu Qin doesn't trust the abilities of Team Leader Zhao and the others, then you should do what Comrade Lin Yuanshu did and interview the team members within the institute. This matter will be handled by you and Deputy Director Liu; I won't interfere."
Deputy Director Liu nodded with a smile. Even if Wu Qin wanted an interview, he could find a way to make it happen. This was his home turf. Wu Qin was still too young and didn't know that when you first arrive in a new place, it's best to keep a low profile.
Although Wu Qin was somewhat unwilling, she couldn't argue with Director Huang since he had already said so. She couldn't possibly offend two leaders on her first day at the research institute!
Time slips away quietly amidst the noisy and bustling days.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, Director Cao announced the holiday arrangements. Normally, family visit leave is two to four weeks, but due to their special circumstances, they are not employees who work in other places all the time, and the current tasks are heavy, so they only have one week of family visit leave.
"Team Leader Lin, are you going home?" Li Lin asked while packing her luggage.
Lin Yuanshu replied without hesitation, "No, I'll spend the Spring Festival at the research center."
Li Lin said with a smile, "You don't have children, so you're more at ease. I can't do that. I'm always thinking about my children, and I can't stay at the research center during my holidays."
Lin Yuanshu pursed her lips and gave a helpless smile. It wasn't that she didn't want to go home, but the trip back and forth was too troublesome. During her week-long holiday, if she wanted to go home, she would waste at least a third of her time on the bus. Yueyang was closer to Xiangcheng, and it was much more convenient for Li Lin and the others to go home than for her.
Moreover, she has only been in the epidemic area for less than half a year, so there is no need for her to rush back. Besides, there is nothing at home that she needs to take care of.
Finally, most of the people left the research site, while a small number stayed to celebrate the New Year. Although they did not celebrate at home, they still maintained the proper sense of ritual. They brought out their treasured possessions and cooked a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner together.
After the New Year's Eve dinner, those with talents performed singing and dancing, while those without talents chatted and cheered, creating a lively atmosphere in the cafeteria.
Qu Zhigang looked at Lin Yuanshu's smiling face and asked in confusion, "Why didn't you go home for the New Year?"
Lin Yuanshu was taken aback for a moment, then said irritably, "Whatever your reason for not going home for the New Year, that's the same reason I had."
They all live in Beijing. Besides the long distance, what other reason could there be? Qu Zhigang is just talking nonsense!
Qu Zhigang stroked his chin thoughtfully. It seemed that Lin Yuanshu, like him, had asked his family for too many packages and was afraid of being scolded when he went home, so he chose to stay at the research site for the New Year.
Thinking about all this made him feel a little better, and he even perked up. He forced a smile and said, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu, as someone who's been through this, I have to tell you something: comparison is not a good thing!"
Lin Yuanshu: "..."
Before Lin Yuanshu could figure out what Qu Zhigang meant, Qu Zhigang laughed and left the cafeteria. Lin Yuanshu was too lazy to chase after him and ask, since it wasn't anything important. He just assumed Qu Zhigang had gone crazy!
On the other hand, Zhou Xiangyang spent the Spring Festival at Lin's parents' house. He didn't go home for the holiday, because he didn't want to be scolded during the Spring Festival.
Ever since their last argument, his parents have ignored him. He has a feeling that if he goes home for the Chinese New Year this time, something new will definitely happen.
It would be better to spend the New Year at his mother-in-law's house. It's perfect since his wife isn't going home for the New Year this year, so he can take care of his parents in her place.
Zhou Xiangyang received the highest level of treatment at the Lin family home. He could do whatever he wanted and not do whatever he didn't want, and Lin's parents indulged him.
Their idea was simple: they hoped that Zhou Xiangyang would treat their daughter better, considering how good they had been to him.
Both of them were kind-hearted, so they got along very well.
Meanwhile, Sun Yiyi carried gifts home. In the past two years, with the help of her parents, her relationship with them has improved and they are no longer so confrontational. After all, they are her parents, and she can't just ignore them when they look so pitiful.
Sun's mother glanced behind Sun Yiyi and saw that there was no one there. She hadn't even accepted the gifts, and couldn't help but complain, "Why did you come back alone? Why didn't your son-in-law come back with you? You didn't even bring the child back for us to see..."
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