Chapter 41 Cooperation and Win-Win
The head of the technical department couldn't resist poaching someone, saying bluntly, "I hate smart people, but I don't hate smart subordinates. Are you interested in working in the technical department? Being a manager is much better than being a worker, and with your abilities, promotion will be a piece of cake."
Lin Yuanshu hesitated for a moment, then politely declined, saying, "These two times I just stumbled upon the perfect opportunity. If you really want me to seriously improve the equipment, then I'll be completely clueless. However, just because I can't do it doesn't mean Comrade Zhao Hong can't. She's very capable, and I can help you find out what she's thinking."
She was telling the truth. She doesn't even understand the data of those devices, so how can she improve them? She can handle minor tasks, but she's completely incapable of leading any substantial improvements; her expertise is completely mismatched.
She had a vague idea about her future career plans, but all of that could only be done after the labor production competition ended; thinking about it now was pointless.
Although the head of the technical department was somewhat disappointed, he knew that such things couldn't be forced. Although Zhao Hong wasn't as smart as Lin Yuanshu, her abilities had been recognized by Lin Yuanshu, so she must be just as capable.
“Okay, the Technology Department welcomes Comrade Zhao Hong. I hope that our cooperation will remain a secret from a third party,” the head of the Technology Department said with a smile.
Lin Yuanshu nodded and agreed without hesitation: "No problem. I'm very tight-lipped, otherwise the technical department would know that I'm developing a simple activated carbon filtration device!"
When she comes up with a better method for producing naphthalene intermediates, she will definitely need the help of the technical department. The maintenance department alone is not enough. No matter what, the technical department is more professional than the maintenance department, so she needs to have her people in the technical department.
Although the technical staff in the technical department wouldn't object to her orders when faced with shared interests, it's always better to comply willingly to avoid a lot of trouble.
So that's why she came to the technical department today—truly to shake hands and make peace. The fact that the head of the technical department agreed to help was unexpected.
Upon hearing this, the head of the technology department felt a lump in his throat. He said expressionlessly, "Then it's a pleasure to cooperate."
Lin Yuanshu stood up from his chair and said softly, "It's been a pleasure working with you. I won't bother you any longer. I'll take my leave now."
“Okay, I’ll see you off. The main point is to show this friendly interaction between us, otherwise no one will believe what you say.” The head of the technology department also stood up.
Lin Yuanshu didn't object. It's just acting, right? Standard procedure!
The two left the office chatting and laughing. The head of the technology department even personally escorted Lin Yuanshu to the entrance of the technology department, and then waved goodbye to Lin Yuanshu with a smile.
This scene shocked the technicians. Although they knew that Lin Yuanshu might improve the minister's mood, they did not expect it to happen so quickly. The minister was furious just a moment ago, but now he was calm and composed, as if he had never lost his temper before.
He turned to the technicians and said, "Although Comrade Lin Yuanshu and I have had some minor disagreements at work, we share the same goal: to make the chemical plant better and better. Next time you meet Comrade Lin Yuanshu, be polite. We should respect capable workers like her..."
Technician: "..."
Could the minister have been bewitched by Lin Yuanshu? How could he say such strange things!
Never mind all that, as long as the minister doesn't lose his temper with them.
"Do you know?" the head of the technology department asked loudly.
The technicians replied in unison, "Understood."
They're not stupid. Lin Yuanshu is the factory director's favorite now. Even if they have a lot of grievances, they don't dare to show them in front of Lin Yuanshu, unless they want to die.
Lin Yuanshu and Zhou Xiangyang walked along the path. Lin Yuanshu said apologetically, "I still have to go to the repair shop now. Thank you for accompanying me."
Zhou Xiangyang shook his head and said earnestly, "It's not hard work, I'm happy to stay with you."
Going home would only result in being scolded by his mother, so he might as well spend time with his wife, which would make him happier.
When Lin Yuanshu arrived at the repair department, the repair staff treated her much better than the technicians, and even poured her a cup of hot water in a paper cup.
Because Lin Yuanshu doesn't drink beverages of unknown origin, Zhou Xiangyang drank this glass of water.
"Excuse me, is Comrade Zhao Hong off work?" Lin Yuanshu asked the woman who was pouring her water very politely.
The woman pointed to the workshop inside and said with a smile, "She's inside, still working overtime."
Lin Yuanshu nodded. "Thank you."
Zhou Xiangyang followed Lin Yuanshu into the repair department's workshop, which was filled with all sorts of equipment. Some of the equipment had already been disassembled, and parts were scattered all over the floor, making it feel like there was nowhere to step.
Zhao Hong was pleasantly surprised to see Lin Yuanshu. Since she installed the simple activated carbon filter, she had returned to the maintenance workshop and had been busy repairing equipment, so she didn't have time to stroll around the fourth workshop.
She didn't ask Lin Yuanshu why he came, but said loudly, "It's a bit noisy here, let's go to the rest room to talk."
Lin Yuanshu nodded, after all, her mind was filled with the clanging and clattering sounds of various tools.
The three of them went into the rest room, closed the door, and instantly felt the whole world become quiet.
Zhao Hong spoke first, "Thanks to you, I'm no longer a nobody in the technical department. The team leader is willing to let me work and believes in my abilities. If it weren't for you, I can't even imagine how miserable I would be now."
Lin Yuanshu shook his head in disapproval, "Gold will always shine. Even without me, as long as you have the opportunity, you can still make a name for yourself."
Zhao Hong retorted in a low voice, "Talented horses are common, but discerning judges of horses are rare."
Lin Yuanshu smiled helplessly. She gave up discussing this matter with Zhao Hong and instead got down to business. "Do you want to work in the technical department? The head of the technical department wants me to be a technician, but I refused. I don't know much about the equipment in the chemical plant, but I recommended you. The head of the technical department agreed, but I still want to ask for your opinion."
She's not the type to do good deeds anonymously; since she's done something good, she should naturally speak out openly and honestly.
Zhao Hong was somewhat tempted, yet also hesitant. "I don't know if I can be a good technician?"
Lin Yuanshu encouraged him, "You can definitely do it. You know all the data about the equipment in the chemical plant. If you can't do it well, no one can. Even if you don't do it well, you can just go back to being a maintenance worker. You won't lose anything. On the contrary, you'll have a new work experience."
Zhao Hong took a deep breath and said with a smile, "You're right. Everyone told me before that women couldn't be maintenance workers, but I still rushed in headfirst. Now I also want to be a female technician and show other women that as long as you want to, there's nothing you can't do. You've already put the opportunity in front of me. If I back down now, I'd be too cowardly. I would despise myself for that."
She was very grateful to Lin Yuanshu for giving her the opportunity and for recommending her to work in the technical department. Without Lin Yuanshu's recommendation, she would definitely not have had this opportunity, and like Grandpa Wei and the others, she would have been a maintenance worker for life.
Lin Yuanshu patted Zhao Hong on the shoulder and said solemnly, "Don't be afraid. If you encounter something you can't handle, come to me. Although I may not be able to solve it for you, it's always better for two people to brainstorm than to fight alone. I will always be your support."
Zhao Hongshuang looked at Lin Yuanshu with teary eyes, deeply moved, and said, "In my heart, you will always be my leader. I will carry out your orders without question."
Lin Yuanshu's lips curled up slightly, a hint of triumph flashing in her eyes. She hugged Zhao Hong and whispered, "You will always be my companion."
The best way to employ people is to win their hearts and minds.
Watching this scene, Zhou Xiangyang felt an indescribable surge of emotion. Their relationship was truly wonderful. He also wanted to be a companion to his wife, but unfortunately, he couldn't do anything except cook.
After finishing their business, Lin Yuanshu went home with Zhou Xiangyang.
Zhou Xiangyang was still holding the paper cup in his hand, intending to take it back to see if he could use it to grow vegetables.
As soon as Lin Yuanshu reached the door, the neighbors in the tenement building greeted her excitedly.
Upon hearing the sound, the others also turned to look at Lin Yuanshu and quickly surrounded her in layers. Even Zhou Xiangyang was pushed out and could not get close to Lin Yuanshu at all.
Seeing this, Zhou Xiangyang could only go back to his room to rest.
An older woman excitedly approached Lin Yuanshu and asked, "Little sister-in-law, does your...what-what-what thing really purifies the air?"
"Of course, Director Qian has already taken it to the research institute for testing. Once it's confirmed to be problem-free, it will be installed at the chemical plant," Lin Yuanshu explained earnestly.
Although she had explained these things several times, she was still happy to explain to these people because she knew they genuinely wanted the simple activated carbon filter to purify the air and protect the health of their loved ones.
"That's wonderful! Little Second's wife, you should have come to Beijing sooner. That way, the chemical plant could have used the filtration system sooner. The smell in the workshop is too pungent. It would be great if it could be improved a little," Aunt Hua exclaimed.
Lin Yuanshu laughed and joked, "Even if it's early, it won't work. I'm not old enough to get married yet!"
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Hearing the neighbors' laughter, Zhou Ma gave them a disdainful look. "What's so great about it? It's just a filtration device! Anyone can do that! All they do is fawn over Lin Yuanshu. They're so shallow. They have no idea what Lin Yuanshu's true colors are—ruthless and vicious."
She chopped the vegetables heavily, deliberately making a loud noise to attract the attention of Lin Yuanshu and the others.
Aunt Hua paused for a moment, then instantly understood what Aunt Zhou meant. She smiled and said, "Old Zhou, I really envy you for having such a good daughter-in-law. If Comrade Lin Yuanshu were my daughter-in-law, I would have no regrets in this life. You are truly blessed."
Aunt Hua's words sounded sarcastic to Aunt Zhou, and she sneered, "I wouldn't want this good fortune even if it were given to me."
She's so unlucky to have such a daughter-in-law.
Lin Yuanshu's eyes showed a hint of disappointment, and tears welled up in the corners of her eyes. She forced a smile and said sadly, "Don't blame Mom. There must be something I did wrong that made Mom dislike me."
Zhou Ma didn't see Lin Yuanshu's expression. Without thinking, she said, "You've done quite a few things wrong, and you don't even know how to correct them. You still want me to like you? You're just daydreaming."
Most daughters-in-law wouldn't dare threaten their mothers-in-law or challenge them. If Lin Yuanshu were more obedient, she could barely accept him as a daughter-in-law, since Lin Yuanshu was capable at work and truly brought her honor.
Upon hearing this, Lin Yuanshu covered his eyes and choked out, "Excuse me, I must excuse myself for a moment."
Seeing this, the others felt embarrassed to continue asking Lin Yuanshu to chat with them, and could only watch helplessly as Lin Yuanshu returned to his room.
One of the older women couldn't help but speak up for Lin Yuanshu, saying, "Old Zhou, you're too harsh on your second daughter-in-law. Such a good daughter-in-law is hard to find even with a lantern, and you don't cherish her at all. You're always saying hurtful things, just like an evil mother-in-law in a drama."
Zhou Ma slammed the cleaver on the cutting board and retorted loudly, "You're talking nonsense! If I were in a play, I'd be a pitiful mother-in-law being bullied by a wicked daughter-in-law. Lin Yuanshu is just saying that in front of you on purpose."
Aunt Hua said sarcastically, "Your mouth is on your own, but no one forced you to say it. It's clearly you who are bad, yet you blame your second daughter-in-law for being unfilial."
Zhou's mother was furious and cursed, "You are all blind and heartless. You have no idea how hard my life is. I do housework at home every day and I don't even get a word of thanks."
Aunt Hua said in a serious tone, "You don't go to work, so isn't it your duty to do housework at home? Your second daughter-in-law has been thanking you for giving her time to read, but I didn't expect you to think this way. She thanked you for nothing."
Zhou Ma: "..."
In her eyes, becoming a mother-in-law meant she could wash her hands of everything, because all the work should be done by her daughter-in-law, just like the neighbor. She believed her thinking was correct, and she wanted to change her daughter-in-law.
At the same time, Zhou Xiangyang looked at Lin Yuanshu with suspicion and asked curiously, "You got rid of them so quickly?"
Lin Yuanshu replied, "Mom helped a little."
Zhou Xiangyang said in surprise, "I didn't expect Mom to be so kind."
Lin Yuanshu gave a slight smile. "Yes, Mom always says what she thinks, she doesn't mince words."
Therefore, one can easily provoke anger in others, while remaining completely bewildered and unaware of why the other person is angry.
At the dinner table, Chow Tai Fook asked about the filtration device, and Lin Yuanshu gave a perfunctory answer.
Zhou Dafu was very happy that his second wife had achieved this, but he was somewhat unhappy that Lao Wei had taken credit for it.
Old Wei is much more famous than him now. After all, he is just one of the group leaders in the maintenance department. There are so many group leaders, and he doesn't attract any attention at all. If it weren't for his relationship with Xiao Er's wife, no one would care.
Old Wei was different. There were only three maintenance personnel involved in manufacturing the filtration equipment, and Old Wei was one of them. His superiors praised Old Wei for his strong work ability, but unfortunately, he did not continue to stay in their workshop.
He couldn't let his second wife kick Old Wei away because of her own selfishness, so he could only feel resentful and angry.
Zhou Dafu was frustrated and angry, while Uncle Wei was frustrated and happy. Although he had become famous, everyone knew that he worked under Comrade Lin Yuanshu. Those who did not know his relationship with Lao Zhou could say nothing except that they envied him.
But those who know his relationship with Lao Zhou look at him with a meaningful gaze and like to tease him, "Lao Wei, I never thought your best path would be Lao Zhou's daughter-in-law! You really have good taste."
He was speechless. Although he comforted himself by thinking that they were just jealous of him, he still felt very bad.
The sun rose as usual the next day.
Lin Yuanshu didn't expect that the interview would come before the teamwork. As expected of the head of the technology department, his execution was strong. She had just discussed publicity with him yesterday, and the publicity department's publicity officer came to interview her at noon today.
She could only take the publicist to the rest room and then give the interview.
The propagandist didn't make things too difficult for Lin Yuanshu, asking only easy-to-answer questions that weren't pointed at all.
As agreed with the head of the technology department, Lin Yuanshu recounted how the head of the technology department had helped her and Comrade Zhao Hong solve many knowledge-related problems.
She casually mentioned the difficulties she and Comrade Zhao Hong faced in improving the reactor stirrer, as well as the amusing story of Comrade Zhao Hong and Grandpa Wei making a simple activated carbon filtration device.
After writing the last word, the PR person frowned and said, "Aren't you going to talk too much about things unrelated to the technology department? Our interview is to praise the technology department."
Lin Yuanshu said confidently, "Not much? How could it be much! A mix of truth and falsehood is what makes people believe it. If an interview is entirely false, everyone can tell it's a lie without anyone saying it. What's the point of writing such an interview? Nobody will believe it. A master is someone who knows how to mix truth and falsehood."
The propagandist nodded thoughtfully. "I understand."
After the interview, the publicity officer would return to the publicity department to write the script. After the script was written, it would be submitted to the head of the technical department for review. Only after confirming that there were no problems could it be given to the broadcaster.
As soon as the promoter left, the veteran employees surrounded Lin Yuanshu, chattering away.
"Comrade Lin Yuanshu, you're amazing! You actually got interviewed by the propaganda officer."
"I really envy you; you're going to be in the factory's newspaper."
"Comrade Lin Yuanshu, did you mention us?"
The team leader walked into the break room and said with a serious face, "Instead of spending time asking questions here, you should hurry up and get to work. Next week is teamwork, so let's work together to build better teamwork."
Upon hearing this, the veteran employees scattered in all directions.
Lin Yuanshu smiled sheepishly, “The publicity officer came to interview me for a special reason. You are clearly the team leader of the fourth workshop, but I’m the one who’s stealing the spotlight. I really don’t know how to face you like this.”
She said this half-jokingly.
The team leader waved his hand dismissively and said with a smile, "I've seen more than you've ever walked a road. I've seen all sorts of big scenes. You don't need to take such a small matter to heart. Although I'm the team leader, my contribution is really not as great as yours. It's all thanks to your technological innovation plan that we've been able to stay far ahead."
The team leader paused for a moment, then continued, "I'd rather be number one than show off. If you really feel embarrassed, I'll have to ask you for advice when we hold another labor production competition in the future."
She had a feeling that Lin Yuanshu wouldn't stay in the fourth workshop for long and would definitely climb faster and higher than her.
"No problem." Lin Yuanshu agreed without hesitation.
Lin Yuanshu had to admit that the head of the technology department had gone to great lengths to protect the department's reputation.
The head of the technical department arranged for the broadcasters to read Lin Yuanshu's interview transcript three times a day—morning, noon, and evening—to ensure that everyone knew that the technical department had not been slacking off in their work.
Upon hearing the broadcast, the head of the maintenance department couldn't help but scoff, "That old Liu is getting worse with age. Now he's resorting to all sorts of deception. It's nothing but self-deception."
These excuses might fool unsuspecting workers, but they won't fool a smart man like him.
During the safety inspection, he had been denying Comrade Lin Yuanshu's achievements, but now it's been changed to him saying that he also contributed to the achievements. He deliberately used questioning to highlight the simple activated carbon filter device, and his opposition was all to help Comrade Lin Yuanshu better introduce the simple activated carbon filter device.
Of course, although he knew the inside story, he wouldn't expose it recklessly. After all, the parties involved had said so, so what use was it for him to have another version of events?
Furthermore, Director Qian turned a blind eye to this matter and chose not to interfere. If Director Qian had opposed the actions of the head of the technical department, this article would never have been read by the broadcaster. On the other hand, Director Qian's approach was normal. It would not do any good to make the workers doubt or distrust the technical department.
If the technology department wants to stand firm, it needs to produce tangible results. Deception can only fool people temporarily, not permanently.
Lin Yuanshu's interview attracted much attention, while Zhao Hong's promotion from maintenance worker to technician received little attention, which also reduced the number of envious glances she received.
Neither Zhou Moli nor Wu Jianhua had any interest in Lin Yuanshu's affairs; they were both trying to gain extra points and catch up with him.
Zhou Moli couldn't help but rage in her office, exclaiming, "Why did Heaven create both Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang?!"
She racked her brains for a long time but couldn't think of a way to get extra points.
Director Tang said with a serious face, "Lin Yuanshu's performance in this labor production competition is too outstanding. I estimate that it will be difficult for us to win first place. There is only one week left. Even if you think of a way to get extra points, it will be too late. I inquired about the fourth workshop. I estimate that they will complete their production task ahead of schedule."
Zhou Moli paused for a moment, then said dejectedly, "I understand."
Director Tang said expressionlessly, "Since first place isn't enough, then you must get second place. You can't work hard for two months only to become someone else's foil. Director Xia already has a brilliant workshop group, and there can't be a second one. While Comrade Wu Jianhua is focused on catching up with the fourth workshop group, we'll widen the gap between us and him, so that he won't have a chance to catch up with us in the last week."
"Okay." Zhou Moli agreed somewhat sadly. It seemed that she was going to lose to Lin Yuanshu in this competition. As expected, Lin Yuanshu was her biggest rival.
The research institute acted faster than they had imagined. Within two days, the experimental results came out, confirming that, as Lin Yuanshu had said, it did indeed have a purifying effect on the air and could absorb some toxic gases.
When Director Qian learned of this news, he was so excited that he couldn't speak. He was happy that the workers would have a better working environment. The factory's mission was important, but the workers' health was equally important.
He immediately convened a meeting, summoning the heads of various departments and workshop directors to announce the good news.
When the head of the technical department heard what Director Qian said, he felt a sense of relief. Fortunately, he had not made the wrong choice to cooperate with Lin Yuanshu instead of confronting him head-on. Otherwise, he would have been ridiculed by everyone and would have been branded with shame.
Director Qian solemnly instructed, "The most urgent task is to install simple activated carbon filtration devices in all chemical plants. Since Comrade Zhao Hong has already gone to the technical department, this matter will be handed over to the technical department. With Comrade Zhao Hong in charge, we should make a batch of simple activated carbon filtration devices as soon as possible. If there is anything you don't understand, go ask Comrade Lin Yuanshu. After all, she was the first person to use activated carbon."
The head of the technology department, barely suppressing his excitement, said, "I guarantee the mission will be completed."
He was once again grateful for his foresight; otherwise, the task would have been the head of the maintenance department. It was just a hair's breadth away. If Lin Yuanshu had come to him even a day later, the task would have been out of his reach.
The happy people weren't just the head of the technical department; the workers were also overjoyed. They were more excited than anyone else to have the filtration system installed in the workshop so they could breathe fresher air. Once again, they thanked Comrade Lin Yuanshu for her contributions; without her, there would be no filtration system.
The head of the technical department is leading Zhao Hong and others to work overtime to install filtration devices at the ventilation openings of the chemical plant, so that the workers can benefit as soon as possible.
The fourth workshop team also faced its final week of assessment, with Director Qian leading the review panel to evaluate the teamwork of the fourth workshop.
The veteran employees performed exceptionally well in teamwork. During the production process, people in each position cooperated closely and communicated information in a timely manner, ensuring a smooth production flow and preventing any disruption to production due to internal conflicts.
They also cooperated with other work groups with ease, without any instances of shirking responsibility or lack of cooperation.
Factory Director Qian nodded in satisfaction, gestured to the recorder to tick the box in the notebook, and then the group left the fourth workshop without hesitation to assess the other workshops.
After Director Qian and the others left, the team leader breathed a sigh of relief and muttered to herself, "It's finally going to be over."
Now all she has to do is wait to complete the production task. She has been on edge for the past two months. The first month she was worried about Lin Yuanshu's technical innovation plan and kept thinking about it.
The following month, they were worried about what problems the veteran employees might cause. It seemed like Factory Manager Qian and his team only conducted assessments a few times, making it seem easy, but in reality, they were looking at the performance of the entire month. If any veteran employee had a quarrel during the production process that month, they would be penalized in today's assessment.
The so-called assessment is just a formality; what matters more is the usual performance.
The team leader smiled and said to everyone, "Let's all work a little harder and finish the production task sooner so we can relax sooner. Then we'll all give you a holiday so you can rest at home."
Everyone unanimously agreed.
Lin Yuanshu also shouted enthusiastically. No one dislikes holidays. What she misses is the legal two-day weekend. Although she didn't have a two-day weekend in her previous life, she could at least think about it. But in this era, even high-ranking leaders only have one day off. She shouldn't even think about it. No way.
Thanks to the efforts of all the workers in the fourth workshop, the workshop completed its production task five days ahead of schedule, becoming the first workshop to achieve its phased goal ahead of schedule, and the product qualification rate exceeded the workshop's standard by 10%.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the fourth workshop will win first place in this labor production competition.
The other groups could only set their sights on second place. If they couldn't get first place, they could only try for second place. It wasn't that they weren't good, but that their opponents were too monstrous.
Before Wu Jianhua could even get angry after learning that Lin Yuanshu's workshop group had finished its production task ahead of schedule, he heard another worker say that Zhou Moli's group had also finished its production task ahead of schedule, only a few hours later than Lin Yuanshu's group.
"Are these two apprentices crazy? They're so fierce!" Wu Jianhua couldn't help but exclaim.
When he was an apprentice, he did exactly what his master said. He had no say in operating the equipment, let alone participating in any labor production competitions.
Unlike today's apprentices, who directly lead their workshop teams to compete with veteran employees, and what's frightening is that they actually win.
One worker couldn't help but say, "They may have no other way out."
Wu Jianhua roared, "Do I need you to make excuses for them?!"
The worker obediently shut his mouth.
When Director Xia learned about Zhou Moli's situation, she came to Wu Jianhua to comfort him, saying, "It's just second place! Let's just let him have it. Anyway, our workshop team has already won first place, so second place isn't that important. Relax and just keep working! This is a good lesson for you, so don't underestimate women."
Wu Jianhua gave a fake smile and said, "Okay, I understand."
While cursing under his breath, Director Xia didn't care. Someone had won first place for him, while he was in a terrible situation, losing to two female apprentices. All those years of hard work had been for nothing, and he was too ashamed to face anyone.
Upon receiving this news, the team leader couldn't help but burst into laughter.
After the meeting organized by Director Xia ended the next day, the team leader went up to Wu Jianhua and said sarcastically, "Comrade Wu, you are really amazing. You said you would get rid of the title of 'perennial second place' and you did it. Now you are no longer the 'perennial second place' but the 'third place'. No one can match your execution ability."
The team leader sighed and asked with concern, "Oh dear, what are you going to do! You've always looked down on women, and now you're being dominated by two women. It must be really tough for you!"
Wu Jianhua sneered, "A petty person who has gained power."
The team leader raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "I'm not afraid of petty people getting ahead, I'm afraid of people who don't even have the chance to get ahead. Of course, I'm not talking about you, after all, you're always number two, oh no, you're number three now."
Wu Jianhua took a deep breath, then turned and left without hesitation. He didn't argue with women, because he wasn't the type to be petty.
Lin Yuanshu and Zhou Moli's actions greatly inspired the other female comrades in the chemical plant, making them realize that women are no less capable than men and giving them the confidence to resist.
Now, if someone says, "Women are just not good enough," they will directly retort: "You are good enough, how come you can't compare to Comrade Lin Yuanshu and Comrade Zhou Moli? They are both women!"
Along the way, different people came to congratulate Lin Yuanshu's workshop group on winning first place, as if the first place was already in Lin Yuanshu's pocket, even though that was indeed the case.
Lin Yuanshu thought that people of this era were actually quite adorably straightforward.
When Lin Yuanshu and Zhou Xiangyang returned home, Zhou Dafu was reading a newspaper on the sofa.
Zhou Xiangyang was surprised to see his father get off work so early, which was a rare sight for him. To be honest, ever since he got married, his father had been working overtime frequently, spending more time at the chemical plant than at home.
Zhou Dafu said with a smile, "Little wife, you're so fast. Our workshop is working as fast as we can, but we still can't catch up with your group. I even have to work overtime, while you leave work at the normal time."
Lin Yuanshu subconsciously said, "What you see is the scene where I'm not working overtime, but you don't see how much sweat I've shed behind the scenes."
After all, it's so hot, it would be strange if you didn't sweat.
Zhou Dafu said in a serious tone, "We all worked hard, but fortunately the result was good. The first and second place winners are both from my family."
He glanced at his incompetent eldest son, eldest daughter-in-law, and youngest son, and sighed, "It's a pity the third-place winner isn't here."
"It's also good that he's not here; it prevents the neighbors from being too envious and coming over to beat him up," Lin Yuanshu joked with a smile.
Aunt Zhou shouted, "With me here, who dares!"
Lin Yuanshu said thoughtfully, "I can't say about other things, but Mom, you're definitely the first person to be put in a sack."
Zhou Ma: "..."
"Since such a joyous occasion has occurred, it would be a shame not to celebrate. How about we go to Bianyifang for roast duck? I've already inquired; a larger roast duck costs 12 yuan, and a smaller one costs 8 yuan, and we don't need a coupon," Lin Yuanshu suggested.
Zhou's mother immediately objected, "Eight yuan! That's enough for you to eat for half a month. You really dare to think you can eat it all in one meal. If you want to go, you go. We're not going."
Lin Yuanshu blinked and focused his gaze on Zhou Dafu. After all, the one who pays is the boss, and since Zhou's mother wasn't contributing any money, what was the point of her objecting?
“Dad, as the saying goes, the scariest thing in the world is that the money is still there, but the person is gone. If we don’t eat our fill before my sister-in-law gets pregnant and has a baby, we won’t have anything to eat when she has seventeen or eighteen babies,” Lin Yuanshu said emphatically.
Although Sister-in-law Xue was very happy that Lin Yuanshu said she was pregnant, she thought the number of babies was too much!
"Am I a sow? Why do I give birth to so many piglets?"
Lin Yuanshu spoke nonsense with a straight face, "Who can say for sure what the future holds! Dad, you're a leader now, you should go see the world and eat some good food, otherwise you won't even be able to join the conversation when the leaders are chatting with you."
Chow Tai Fook was torn, feeling both that the price was too high and that he should eat something better.
Lin Yuanshu continued to bluff, "Dad, money is something you can't take with you when you die. Everyone in our family except Mom is working, so it's okay to splurge a little now and then. This isn't just to celebrate our group getting first and second place, but also to celebrate our family getting bicycle vouchers. We can buy a bicycle next month..."
Zhou Dafu turned his gaze to his elder brother and sister-in-law Xue and asked, "What do you think?"
Just as the eldest brother was about to object to Lin Yuanshu's suggestion, he heard his wife say, "We think the second sister-in-law is right."
He turned to look at his wife in disbelief, but before he could say anything, he heard Zhou Dafu say, "Then let's go eat roast duck tonight."
Lin Yuanshu said excitedly, "Dad is so powerful and majestic."
She can enjoy a lavish meal without having to pay for it; just thinking about it makes her happy.
Zhou's mother couldn't stand it anymore and muttered under her breath, "They haven't handed over a single penny, yet they're eyeing our savings."
Lin Yuanshu said matter-of-factly, "Mom, I just got married! There are so many things I need to buy, and I'm too embarrassed to ask you for money, so I can only buy them with my own salary. Don't worry, I will definitely pay next month."
Next month, I'll keep coming up with excuses to fool people.
With a complicated expression, Zhou Ma said, "I don't believe you'll be willing to hand over the money next month. I'd like to see what other excuses you can come up with."
"Mom, how can you not believe me? There's no trust between us at all! We're practically comrades-in-arms..." Lin Yuanshu rambled on, trying to explain.
The older brother angrily pulled his wife back to their room and demanded, "Are you crazy? Why did you agree to go eat roast duck?"
Without hesitation, Sister-in-law Xue replied, "Because I've never eaten roast duck before!"
The older brother said angrily, "Mom and Dad's money is all meant for us to raise our children. Every penny we spend is a penny less."
Sister-in-law Xue couldn't help but retort, "It's not too late to talk to me about these things after I get pregnant. Besides, you didn't care about these things before, so why are you always trying to go against your second son's wife lately? Do you want to be taught a lesson by her too?"
Just like Lin Yuanshu said, no one can predict the future. If she can't get pregnant, then that money won't be left to her child. It's better to let her enjoy it now.
The older brother sighed and said aggrievedly, "I just can't stand her. She makes me wash the dishes every day. I'm a grown man, and now I've been reduced to washing dishes."
"She didn't just call you that, she called my younger brother that too," Sister-in-law Xue said, puzzled.
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