Chapter 40: Handshake and Peace
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the Wei family was terrible.
Aunt Wei kept nagging, "I never imagined you were working for the neighbor's daughter-in-law. I'm so ashamed I can't even show my face in public. Why did you keep such a big thing from me? Now look what's happened, I'm completely inferior to the neighbor. No, you can't work for the neighbor's daughter-in-law anymore, get out of here..."
After thinking for a moment, Grandpa Wei refused without hesitation: "No, my daughter-in-law's group next door is very likely to win first place in the labor production competition. I can't choose to withdraw at this time."
Aunt Wei, utterly bewildered, exclaimed, "Are you crazy? Doesn't your pride matter?"
Grandpa Wei said irritably, "Of course it's important, but work is important too. You don't understand anything about work, so just shut up!"
Wei Yong nodded in agreement, saying, "Mom, Dad is right. He'll lose out if he quits now. He's already lost face anyway, so he might as well go all out and focus on getting the benefits he needs."
His group had no chance of winning first place, so he was quite happy that his dad had this opportunity. If it were him, he would be happy to work under Comrade Lin Yuanshu. A real man knows when to stand firm and when to back down; what's shameful about that!
Aunt Wei said angrily, "I don't want to see that smug face next door."
Wei Yong kindly suggested, "Then you can stay home and not see it."
Sun Yiyi took a deep breath and asked Uncle Wei curiously, "What is Comrade Lin Yuanshu like at work?"
Grandpa Wei thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "She's very capable, doesn't like anyone contradicting her, and can arrange work very clearly. All you have to do is follow her instructions. If she weren't younger than me and had less work experience, I would really like to work under her."
Sun Yiyi nodded thoughtfully, then said seriously, "Dad, I also want to go out to work. Although I can't become someone like Comrade Lin Yuanshu, at least I can earn some money for the family and broaden my horizons. After I get pregnant, the expenses will increase, and there will be more and more children. At that time, the two of you won't be able to support us with just your salaries."
She recently returned to her parents' home and took some money to appease them. To keep them from bothering her, she has to give them money every month. Therefore, she urgently needs a job to earn money and can't keep relying on the pocket money Wei Yong gives her.
Her mother and Wei Yong definitely didn't want her to go out to work; her only hope lay with her father.
After thinking for a moment, Grandpa Wei said bluntly, "I can let you go out to work, but you have to find a job through your own efforts, just like Comrade Lin Yuanshu. Yongzi and I will not provide any help, nor will we give you money to buy a job. If you can find a job and prove that you have the ability to work, we will not object."
Sun Yiyi agreed without hesitation, "No problem."
Although Aunt Wei and Wei Yong disagreed somewhat, they did not stand up to refute Uncle Wei's words.
Despite her best efforts to avoid Zhou Ma, Aunt Wei still unfortunately ran into her in the restroom.
Aunt Zhou said sarcastically, "Who is this! Isn't this Old Wei's wife who benefits from my daughter-in-law? I really didn't expect that the good way out you mentioned is to have Old Wei work under my daughter-in-law. You really think highly of my daughter-in-law. I never thought she was that capable."
Aunt Wei said with a forced smile, "My husband didn't take advantage of anyone; he earned his position through his own abilities. Instead of focusing on my husband, you should urge your husband to achieve results quickly. As a team leader, you can't stay in a position for long without tangible achievements."
"You...you're just jealous that my husband Zhou is the team leader, while your husband Wei is nothing," Zhou's mother said smugly.
Aunt Wei sneered, "The future is long, and who knows if your husband Zhou will stay the team leader forever? What do I have to be jealous of?"
Zhou Ma didn't say anything to Wei Dama. She went back to her room in a huff and said to Zhou Dafu, "Why don't you go work in Xiao Er's wife's group? You'll have achieved something then."
Zhou Dafu said speechlessly, "We're not from the same workshop, how can we go? Don't mess with the neighbors. Old Wei has finally caught the eye of the maintenance department head. All I want now is for Comrade Zhou Moli to submit the technical innovation report as soon as possible, so I can benefit from it too."
Aunt Zhou muttered under her breath, "What a great opportunity! How did Old Wei get it? And the second daughter-in-law, she knows perfectly well that the neighbors don't get along with us, yet she still insists on giving Old Wei this chance. She acts like she's not at a disadvantage in front of me, but once she's out there, she's at a disadvantage everywhere."
Zhou Dafu couldn't help but retort, "Xiao Er's wife is right to do it this way. Work is not something to be taken lightly, and it cannot be treated casually because of personal preferences."
Zhou's mother couldn't be bothered with Zhou Dafu. She was clearly standing up for Zhou Dafu, but Zhou Dafu turned around and criticized her.
Inside Sister-in-law Xue's room, she lay on the bed, reciting Lin Yuanshu's powerful words.
The eldest brother said irritably, "All you do is talk about is Lin Yuanshu. It's so annoying. Don't mention Lin Yuanshu in front of me anymore."
Sister-in-law Xue paused for a moment, then decisively changed the subject, saying, "Today is the day we carry on the family line."
The older brother said speechlessly, "I'm not in the mood."
Sister-in-law Xue's tone was somewhat forceful, "I have to do it even if I'm not in the mood. I don't want Mom to keep calling me a hen that can't lay eggs, unless you agree to let me tell Mom that you can't."
Big Brother: "..."
He knew that it wasn't good for his wife to spend too much time with Lin Yuanshu. Now her behavior was becoming more and more like Lin Yuanshu's. Before, she was so obedient and didn't dare to contradict him at all, but now it's different. She gets angry at the slightest disagreement.
Before they knew it, the day of the mobilization meeting arrived. The second group to submit a technical innovation report was Wu Jianhua's group, and the third group to submit a report was Zhou Moli's group. This was because the technicians in her group wanted to make the throttling device as perfect as possible, and they made changes again and again, which slowed down the process.
Zhou Moli also expressed her dissatisfaction, but unfortunately she couldn't control these technicians and could only let them make changes.
During this period, other people also submitted technological innovation proposals. They spent a lot of time even thinking of a technological innovation proposal, and it was hard to say whether it could be implemented, because it was obviously unreliable. They could only be given a minimum score and were not approved.
The mobilization meeting was held in the open-air square in the morning, a bit far from the workshop. The reason for choosing the morning was that it was too hot at noon, production would be busy in the afternoon, and it was too dark at night.
Lin Yuanshu took a small stool and sat down in the fourth workshop, fanning herself with a palm leaf fan. She just hoped that the mobilization meeting would end soon.
At 8 o'clock, the mobilization meeting officially began. First, the factory director spoke, emphasizing the significance of the labor production competition and hoping that everyone could unite as one. Then it was the turn of each workshop director to speak. All the leaders that the workers could name went up and took a turn.
Lin Yuanshu was dozing off below when the applause beside her startled her awake. She quickly opened her eyes, clapped enthusiastically, and then asked the person next to her, "Is the mobilization meeting over?"
Ling Ke's friend replied with a smile, "It's over."
As soon as Lin Yuanshu heard the words "It's over," he was instantly wide awake and felt full of energy.
Ling Ke's friend said with envy, "You're really amazing, even the factory manager praised you."
Lin Yuanshu smiled and encouraged him, "As long as you work hard, you will also be praised."
Ling Ke's friend replied, "Yes, I will."
After the mobilization meeting, the veteran employees congratulated Lin Yuanshu on being praised. After all, it was the first time in the chemical plant that an apprentice had been publicly praised at a mobilization meeting. Now Lin Yuanshu was famous, and the whole factory knew his name.
Lin Yuanshu smiled sheepishly. She really didn't like being in the limelight and having her every move watched, but there was nothing she could do. She was the most suitable candidate to represent the workers and could best motivate them to be positive and helpful for the leaders to create a harmonious atmosphere within the factory.
After the labor production competition began, it was the team leaders' turn to step up their efforts. The first thing they did upon receiving production tasks was to hold a team meeting and try their best to motivate the veteran employees. They stayed in the workshop all day long and rarely returned to the office to avoid being caught off guard in case of an emergency in the workshop.
Meanwhile, Lin Yuanshu and others began installing simple activated carbon filtration devices into the workshop's ventilation openings, completing the setup of their secret weapon.
In the first week of the labor production competition, the group led by Lin Yuanshu and Zhou Moli produced the most output, followed closely by the group led by Wu Jianhua.
Anyone with eyes can see that the first place is definitely among these three. The others are working hard to be number one, while they are working hard to avoid being last, because this year's last place is not reserved by anyone, and anything is possible.
In the third week of the labor production competition, Director Qian and the review team began to conduct unscheduled safety system inspections. When it was the director's and the review team's turn to inspect the fourth workshop, Lin Yuanshu was both nervous and excited.
She took a deep breath, walked up to Director Qian and the review team, and said sincerely, "Hello, leaders. I am Lin Yuanshu. Today, I will lead you to inspect the safety of the fourth workshop. The workshop has always strictly implemented the safety system and ensured that all safety measures are in place."
Before Director Qian could speak, the head of the technical department said with great dissatisfaction, "We've conducted safety inspections of the workshop before, and we don't need anyone to guide us. Your presence will only get in our way. You'd be better off going back to your post and doing your job properly; that's your duty."
Lin Yuanshu did not feel embarrassed, but calmly said, "The fourth workshop is different from the other workshops. We have made some minor changes in terms of safety, hoping to bring a different experience to the leaders."
"What changes?" The head of the technical department's voice became agitated. He wasn't excited, but rather frantic. Lin Yuanshu's last improvement to the reactor agitator had made him lose face in front of all the workers in the chemical plant. This change gave him an ominous feeling.
Lin Yuanshu smiled broadly and said, "This is the significance of my standing here."
The head of the technology department, his face dark and his expression complex, said, "You really are cunning."
The head of the maintenance department thought for a moment and then spoke up, "This isn't cunning, but rather quick thinking. You have to admit, young people are just more agile and much better than our generation. The more young people like this, the better, so that the country can become stronger and stronger."
The head of the technology department disliked Lin Yuanshu, and he had his own reasons for it, so he was happy to stand up and speak up for Lin Yuanshu.
Factory Director Qian looked at Lin Yuanshu with admiration. When the head of the technical department made things difficult for Lin Yuanshu, he didn't say anything, just to see how Lin Yuanshu would deal with it. No matter how strong a person's ability is, without a relatively strong heart, they are easily broken.
"Looks like we're going to get to enjoy VIP treatment for once," Director Qian joked with a smile.
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately stopped debating whether or not to let Lin Yuanshu come along, because Factory Director Qian had already made his decision. There was no point in them arguing any further, and they couldn't tell Factory Director Qian that it was no use.
The head of the technical department nervously inspected the equipment in the workshop, and upon finding that nothing had been changed, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
The head of the safety department checks whether workers strictly adhere to safe operating procedures, whether personal protective equipment is worn correctly, whether daily workshop safety inspections are conducted, whether workers are trained on safety knowledge, and whether training records are maintained, etc.
Other leaders were observing whether the workers were operating in violation of regulations.
Although the veteran employees were very nervous, they still performed their movements steadily. After working for so many years, their bodies had long developed muscle memory.
The team leader was also a little nervous. Although their output was not far ahead, it had surpassed most workshop teams. If they wanted to get first place, they couldn't lose their base points.
Lin Yuanshu could only stand and watch, after all, she couldn't disturb the leaders' work, this wasn't a good time for her to start introducing herself.
After the Minister of Safety confirmed that everything was correct, he nodded to everyone, and the person in charge of recording the data quickly checked the safety production page in the record book.
"The security system inspection is almost over, why haven't your changes appeared yet?" the head of the technology department said sarcastically.
Lin Yuanshu took a deep breath, thanking the head of the technology department for giving her the opportunity. She smiled slightly and said seriously, "Actually, everyone has been experiencing this small change all along, you just haven't noticed it."
"How is that possible?" The Minister of Technology was not convinced and raised questions.
Other leaders were also discussing it, all wondering what Lin Yuanshu was keeping secret.
Lin Yuanshu said confidently, "Come with me."
The leaders, unaware of the reason, followed suit.
Lin Yuanshu led the leaders to the ventilation opening. Pointing to the simple activated carbon filter, she began to explain: "After my observation, I found that the air circulation in the workshop was very poor. So I privately read a lot of books and learned that activated carbon is carbonized from wood and fruit shells. It has a certain adsorption effect on dust and odors in the air."
She paused, glanced at everyone's expressions, and said slowly, "Zhao Hong and I from the maintenance department have developed a simple activated carbon filter. It can achieve basic purification and has a certain protective effect. It can reduce the inhalation of harmful gases by workers, improve the air quality in the workshop, and prevent workers from feeling uncomfortable due to the smell. This is also a way to improve work efficiency."
As soon as Lin Yuanshu finished speaking, it sparked a heated discussion among the leaders. This filtration device was not only beneficial to the workers, but also to them! They also installed this filtration device in their offices, feeling that without it, they would be living in harmful gases.
The Minister of Security, however, fell into deep thought; he seemed to have heard the word "activated carbon" somewhere before.
A flicker of excitement crossed Director Qian's eyes as he solemnly inquired, "Is this simple activated carbon filter expensive?"
Lin Yuanshu shook his head and answered truthfully, "The cost is very low, and the materials are all simple and readily available. The only drawback is that the activated carbon needs to be replaced once a week."
Factory Director Qian waved his hand dismissively, "As long as the workers' health is guaranteed, changing the clothes once a week is not a big problem, I can even accept changing them once a day."
"That's right, this filtration device is really good. I've had enough of the odor. No wonder I felt so comfortable after entering the fourth workshop. It turns out the smell in the fourth workshop isn't as strong as in the other workshops!" the deputy factory director said with a smile.
A leader took off his mask, smelled the air, and agreed: "Indeed, the odor is not that strong. In order to allow the workers to work in a comfortable workshop, I suggest that all the ventilation openings in the chemical plant be equipped with simple activated carbon filters."
The other leaders nodded in agreement.
The head of the technology department frowned and said, "I've never heard of activated carbon before. Could this be something you made up?"
The leader who had smelled the odor earlier stepped forward and retorted, "I could smell the difference; how could it be made up?"
The head of the technical department said with a serious expression, "That could also be due to your psychological state. Before Comrade Lin Yuanshu mentioned activated carbon, you didn't feel anything. After she mentioned it, you felt that the odor in the air had lessened and was different from before."
The leader fell silent, because the minister of the technology department's words were not without merit.
Lin Yuanshu explained with a smile, "I don't have the guts to make things up and treat all the leaders here like fools. I would understand if other leaders raised questions, but you are the head of the technical department. How can you not even know about activated carbon? Hasn't the technical department been trying to find ways to improve the air quality in the chemical plant? Do you know about the Type 65 gas mask? Activated carbon is used in its filtration system."
The Minister of Security suddenly realized and said, "I've always felt that the name activated carbon sounds familiar. Now that you mention it, I remember that the filter of the Type 65 gas mask does use activated carbon."
The other leaders nodded thoughtfully.
The head of the technical department felt embarrassed, but he tried to save face by saying, "I don't mean to make things difficult for you. It's just that your filtration equipment will be used in a chemical plant, so it's better to be cautious. This is for your own good and for everyone's good."
Lin Yuanshu nodded, agreeing, "The minister is right. It is because of your caution that the technology department has achieved so many results, leaving us far behind."
Upon hearing this, the head of the maintenance department burst into laughter, unable to stop. The head of the technical department was the kind of person who talked a lot but accomplished little. He would say he wanted to improve the workshop equipment, but after a long time of improvement, he ended up with nothing to show for it and it would have been better not to improve it at all.
"Indeed, it's beyond our reach; who dares to compare?" the head of the maintenance department said sarcastically.
The other leaders were also forcibly suppressing their laughter, only the head of the technical department's face turned pale and then red. Looking at Lin Yuanshu's blank expression, he didn't want to blame him too much, as saying too much would make him seem petty, arguing with an apprentice who knew nothing.
If Lin Yuanshu were in the technical department, he could make her suffer. But she was just a worker who spent most of her time in the workshop. If it weren't for this labor production competition, they wouldn't even have had a chance to meet.
His reach isn't long enough to allow him to do whatever he wants in the workshop.
Seeing this farce, Director Qian said, "Alright, stop making a fuss. I will send the simple activated carbon filter to the research institute for testing. If it is really as Comrade Lin Yuanshu said, then I will have all the ventilation openings in the workshops installed with this filter as soon as possible. Even if the results are not yet available, Comrade Lin Yuanshu's courage and action deserve praise and can earn him extra points in this labor competition."
Upon hearing this, the head of the technical department knew there was no way to salvage the situation. He could only silently hope that the simple activated carbon filtration device would be successfully tested in the research institute and that he would not become a laughing stock again.
He suffered the greatest losses in this labor production competition.
Compared to the sadness of the head of the technical department, all the workers in the fourth workshop were beaming with joy. Now they would definitely not be last no matter what. They were very grateful to Comrade Lin Yuanshu. Otherwise, if the leaders were still here, they would all want to pull Comrade Lin Yuanshu to dance.
Lin Yuanshu took out a spare activated carbon simple filter device and handed it to Factory Director Qian. Together with the team leader, he saw the leaders off at the workshop gate until they were out of sight before returning to the workshop.
After finishing this task, Lin Yuanshu felt completely relieved. She no longer needed to worry about the labor production competition. All her tasks had been completed, and she had done everything she could. Now she just needed to wait for the final result.
The pressure won't disappear, it will only shift. Although the team leader felt a lot of pressure, he still tried his best to soothe the workers' emotions, fearing that the workers would have problems due to excessive pressure.
"Comrade Lin Yuanshu has set a good example for us. Next week's teamwork will depend on our performance. There's no need to be nervous. Even if we don't perform well, we won't be last, and we won't be ridiculed by other workers like we were in previous years. Let's do our best in the final step, do our best, and leave the rest to fate."
The veteran employees waved their arms and answered in unison, "Okay."
Because teamwork requires tacit cooperation, Lin Yuanshu and others had nothing to do.
The news that Workshop 4 had received extra points spread like wildfire throughout the entire chemical plant. The workshop directors were focused on the extra points, while the workers were focused on how the filtration system could purify the air.
In Director Tang's office, Zhou Moli couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu is so cunning! I didn't expect her to have a backup plan. I always thought she kept the maintenance staff in the repair department as a precaution, in case the equipment malfunctioned during the competition. I never imagined she was developing a simple activated carbon filtration device. Her behavior doesn't seem like that of a high school student. I would believe she was a college student..."
"Damn it, Comrade Lin Yuanshu was originally one of my men, and Director Xia took advantage of him for nothing." Director Tang was so angry that he had a heart attack.
She was wrong from the very beginning. She should have argued her case when Director Xia said Lin Yuanshu was a "half-household" and gotten him hired. She shouldn't have rejected Zhou Moli out of spite. That way, the deputy factory director wouldn't have interfered. She regrets it now.
In Director Zhou's office, he was in a good mood, humming a song as he flipped through documents. In any case, his workshop group wouldn't win first place in the competition anyway, so it didn't matter to him who won.
When he learned that his niece's group had submitted the third technological innovation report, he knew that his niece had lost. After the labor production competition ended, he transferred Lin Yuanshu to his workshop, believing that such an outstanding talent was his.
Temporary success is not true success; true success is continuing to smile.
Of course, he never considered Lin Yuanshu's thoughts. In his eyes, Lin Yuanshu admired him so much that he would definitely be willing to come to his side and help him devise strategies. What he lacked was a smart person like Wu Jianhua by his side.
Upon hearing the news, Wu Jianhua's face gradually contorted, and anyone could tell he was in a bad mood.
The workers around him quickly comforted him, saying, "You won't know the outcome until the very last moment. It's just extra points! It's nothing special. We still have a chance."
Wu Jianhua sighed. His focus was not on Lin Yuanshu receiving extra points because of the activated carbon simple filter device, but on the fact that Director Xia knew about it but kept it from him, which meant that he was treated as an outsider.
Previously, he was willing to remind him that Lin Yuanshu's technological innovation plan was very impressive, but now, even though he knows that Lin Yuanshu has a backup plan, he refuses to reveal a single word, clearly showing that he is biased towards Lin Yuanshu's side.
He had to admit that Lin Yuanshu was quite remarkable, not only in his work ability but also in his skill in winning people over. His long-standing friendship with Director Xia couldn't compare to the time Lin Yuanshu and Director Xia had spent together.
If Director Xia knew what Wu Jianhua was thinking, he would definitely cry foul, saying that he hadn't thought that much about it at all. Lin Yuanshu told him not to tell anyone, so he didn't. After all, Lin Yuanshu and Wu Jianhua were competitors, and both were his prized possessions. He felt it was better for him to stay out of it.
When the worker saw the team leader looking like this, he didn't know what to say. He rarely saw the team leader in such a predicament.
Wu Jianhua made up his mind and said, "We can't let Lin Yuanshu stay by Director Xia's side anymore, but we can't let her go to Director Tang's side either. After all, there's a suspicion that Lin Yuanshu and Director Tang have some lingering ties. It would be better for her to go to Director Zhou's side. Wang Gang wanted to deal with Lin Yuanshu before, which must have been Director Zhou's idea. Otherwise, why would Wang Gang want to deal with Lin Yuanshu for no reason? After she goes to Director Zhou's side, she will not only not be valued, but she will also be attacked. It's a win-win situation."
The worker couldn't help but retort, "Director Xia definitely won't want Lin Yuanshu to leave."
Wu Jianhua said meaningfully, "Then let him have to give it up, whether he's reluctant or not."
After the get off work bell rang, Lin Yuanshu immediately packed his things and left work.
She had just left the workshop when she saw a large group of workers gathered at the entrance.
The workers asked enthusiastically, "Comrade Lin, can that filter device that you and the maintenance department developed really purify the air?"
Lin Yuanshu said decisively, "Of course, the filter used in the Type 65 gas mask is also activated carbon. It can even protect against poison. Purifying the air is just one of its insignificant functions."
The workers laughed and said, "Now that you say that, we're relieved. We're just waiting for the leaders to install this filter device in the ventilation ducts."
Lin Yuanshu shouted loudly, "Workers, don't worry, there won't be any problems with the filtration system. Because I also work in the workshop, I breathe the same air as you, so I want us to have a good working environment more than anyone else."
The workers all said in unison, "Thank you."
Lin Yuanshu said with a smile, "The factory is our second home, and you are my half-brothers and sisters. There's no need to be so polite. This is what I should do."
Upon hearing this, the workers couldn't help but laugh, and the scene was harmonious.
After leaving the workers, Lin Yuanshu went to the door to meet Zhou Xiangyang.
Lin Yuanshu asked breathlessly, "Have we been waiting long?"
Zhou Xiangyang shook his head and whispered, "I heard about what you did in the cafeteria. You're amazing. Everyone is very happy. Chef Deng even hopes that the cafeteria can install filtration devices as soon as possible."
Lin Yuanshu touched his nose sheepishly, "At first, I just hoped that the air in the workshop where I work would be a little better."
Zhou Xiangyang said with a serious expression, "Judging by actions, not intentions, no one is perfect when it comes to intentions."
Lin Yuanshu paused for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. By the way, I need to go to the technical department later. Are you planning to come with me? Or do you want to go home first?"
Zhou Xiangyang thought for a moment and asked, "Would it be inconvenient for you to do your job if I came with you?"
Lin Yuanshu replied without hesitation, "Of course not."
Zhou Xiangyang gave a bright smile, "Then I'll go with you."
Lin Yuanshu looked relieved and said happily, "To be honest, I was really a little scared to go to the technical department alone. It's so great that you're willing to come with me. With you here, I feel much more at ease."
Puppies need to be coaxed.
Upon hearing Lin Yuanshu's words, Zhou Xiangyang couldn't help but smile, his eyes sparkling as he enthusiastically said, "Let's set off now. I'll protect you from outside. If you call out, I'll rush in to protect you."
Lin Yuanshu replied with a smile, "Okay, what would I do without you!"
"I will always be by your side," Zhou Xiangyang promised without hesitation.
Ten minutes later, the two arrived at the technical department. The technicians subconsciously looked at Lin Yuanshu. Nowadays, there was no technician in the technical department who didn't know Lin Yuanshu. After all, not everyone could slap the faces of all the technicians and make them a laughing stock in the chemical plant because of their professional issues.
"What brings you here?" the technician asked with a smile.
Although they wanted to ignore Lin Yuanshu, they were afraid that their neglect would lead to a repeat of the previous incident, so they had no choice but to bite the bullet and entertain him.
"Is your minister in his office? I have something I'd like to discuss with him," Lin Yuanshu said earnestly.
The technician paused for a moment, then said warmly, "This way, please."
As the saying goes, the one who tied the knot must untie it. The minister's bad mood is because of Comrade Lin Yuanshu. Perhaps Comrade Lin Yuanshu can also cheer the minister up.
When the minister is happy, they are happy too, and they will no longer work cautiously or be forced to write plans to improve the equipment.
Lin Yuanshu and Zhou Xiangyang walked together toward the minister's office. When they arrived at the office door, Zhou Xiangyang said, "You go in! I'll stay here and watch over you."
"Okay, I'll finish this quickly," Lin Yuanshu said in a low voice.
Zhou Xiangyang blinked and said seriously, "It's okay, I can read here, I won't be bored."
He's now starting to follow his wife's example, putting a book in his bag every day so he can read it when he's bored.
"Okay," Lin Yuanshu said softly.
When the head of the technology department heard the knock on the door, he looked up and saw a technician leading Lin Yuanshu into the office.
The head of the technology department looked rather grim. He asked with a stern face, "What are you doing here?"
Lin Yuanshu sat down in the chair with a smile, then waved his hand, signaling the technician who had led the way to leave.
After the technician left the office in a daze, he realized that he should have listened to the minister, not Lin Yuanshu. Perhaps Lin Yuanshu's imposing manner had made him forget whose orders he should obey.
His gaze fell on Zhou Xiangyang, and he walked over with a smile, starting to ask Zhou Xiangyang about Lin Yuanshu.
Unfortunately, no matter what he asked, Zhou Xiangyang just kept reading his book.
He suddenly realized, "So he's deaf."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiangyang was torn between explaining himself and others. If he didn't explain, he would be treated like he was deaf; if he did explain, the person would definitely continue to chat with him. He didn't want to talk about Lin Yuanshu with others; he always felt that these people had ill intentions.
Unfortunately, before he could come to a conclusion, the technicians left, and he couldn't find anyone to explain.
Inside the office, the head of the technology department was also shocked by Lin Yuanshu's unexpected move.
After the irrelevant personnel left the office, Lin Yuanshu got down to business. "Minister, I have always believed in treating others with kindness. Although we had a little conflict today, I still want to resolve it. I hope we can shake hands and make peace and work together to make the chemical plant better and better."
The head of the technology department refused without hesitation, saying, "I have nothing to say to you."
He's already lost face in front of the workers, so what's the point of shaking hands and making peace now? It won't do him any good except make him have another heart attack.
Lin Yuanshu raised an eyebrow and said softly, "Aren't you angry because the technical department has a bad reputation? This matter is easy to resolve."
"How do you solve this?" the head of the technical department asked without hesitation, looking at Lin Yuanshu expectantly. If Lin Yuanshu could really solve this problem, he would consider shaking hands with Lin Yuanshu and making peace.
Lin Yuanshu smiled slightly and said in a serious tone: "Only I can explain that although the Technical Department did not participate in the technical innovation plan of the Fourth Workshop, it provided a lot of technical assistance behind the scenes, such as providing laboratories, relevant books, and answering relevant questions for Comrade Zhao Hong and me. The simple activated carbon filter device is even easier to explain. Just say that although the Technical Department did not participate in the manufacturing, it participated in the early design. Although there were no technical personnel involved, the presence of the Technical Department can be seen everywhere."
The head of the technical department felt his heart racing. He frowned and said, "You're just opening your mouth; even if you explain, not many workers will hear you."
Lin Yuanshu remained calm and said unhurriedly, "This problem is easy to solve. You can ask the publicity department to write an interview with me and have the announcer read it out at noon. That way, the workers will know the truth, and I can also thank the technical department for their help at the commendation meeting, which will clear the technical department of their grievances."
Seeing the incredibly excited expression on the head of the technical department, Lin Yuanshu continued, "Maybe this will give the workers a better impression of the technical department. They work silently and selflessly, and even when they are wronged, they swallow their pride and bear it. What admirable qualities! Head, to be honest, I really admire your abilities. Otherwise, I would have gone to the maintenance department instead of the technical department today."
The head of the technical department lightly tapped the table, his emotions a jumble of thoughts, and said, "Tell me! What do you want? I'll try my best to make it happen for you."
He really wanted to refuse, but he simply couldn't. The scene Lin Yuanshu described was just too wonderful, and he couldn't let the maintenance department take all the credit.
His own defeat was certainly painful, but the enemy's success was even more unacceptable to him.
Lin Yuanshu said sincerely, "Minister, you're being too polite. I genuinely want to mend our old relationship and make peace with you."
The head of the technical department said with a solemn expression, "I'm not stupid, and you shouldn't treat me like one. State your requirements, and we'll both feel at ease."
Lin Yuanshu sighed and said helplessly, "I've already said I have no other requests. Since you don't believe me, I can only make a small request. I want you to speak well of me to the leaders. I'll decide the specific timing. How about that? Isn't that a good deal?"
The head of the technology department looked hesitant, mainly because he couldn't grasp the specific time and was worried that things would get out of control; there were too many uncontrollable factors.
Lin Yuanshu patiently persuaded him, "Minister, think about how many good words I would have to say for you to change the workers' opinion of you. You only need to say a good word for me in front of the leaders once. I'm not asking you to do anything else. Besides, it's just speaking well of others. Even if something goes wrong, it won't be your problem. It's safe and easy."
The head of the technology department took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, agreeing, "I can speak well of you as you ask, but in return, you must do as you said before, be interviewed by the publicity department, and thank the technology department at the commendation ceremony."
Lin Yuanshu gave a sweet smile, "No problem."
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