Chapter 39 Moral Blackmail
Fang Dashu wanted to tell the truth, but then he remembered Lin Yuanshu's previous instructions that they should not reveal any information about improving the reactor agitator before the technical innovation report was submitted.
He could only utter harsh words: "You can laugh now! You'll regret not joining the team implementing the technological innovation plan in Workshop 4 sooner or later."
One of the technicians said with a smirk, "Don't even mention sooner or later, I'm already regretting it now. After all, who wouldn't like a job that can be done in ten days or so!"
Fang Dashu took a deep breath, turned around and left.
No one took Fang Dashu's words to heart. The reputation of being last in the fourth workshop group was just too well-known. It was one thing to do it once or twice, but to do it several times in a row made it hard for them to believe that the fourth workshop group could turn the tide.
Two days later, Lin Yuanshu was the first to submit his technological innovation report.
Director Xia looked at the technological innovation report with great excitement. He said confidently, "It's time for the tiger to show its claws, otherwise people will think you're a weak and powerless kitten."
Lin Yuanshu smiled politely, then earnestly instructed, "Regarding my plan to install a simple activated carbon filter in the workshop, I hope you won't tell anyone, including the leaders. I want to give Director Qian a big surprise when he leads the review team to the workshop."
Director Xia looked at him with admiration and said, "Okay, I agree. You're so young and yet you're so composed, so of course I have no problem with that either."
Lin Yuanshu left Director Xia's office only after hearing this.
She had thought her technological innovation plan would be impressive, but Zhou Moli and Wu Jianhua's plans were equally surprising and almost on par with hers. With so many excellent technological innovation plans, hers seemed less outstanding.
Fortunately, she has a secret weapon: installing a simple activated carbon filtration device in the workshop, which will definitely earn her extra points for safe production.
Sure enough, people in this era aren't stupid. Every era has its share of outstanding individuals. She still has to keep working hard!
Director Xia submitted Lin Yuanshu's technological innovation report to the review panel, which caused a sensation among the panel. This was the first time in all the years of labor production competitions that someone had implemented a technological innovation plan and submitted a report so quickly.
Because under normal circumstances, reports are only submitted after the labor production competition has begun.
The Minister of Security said in disbelief, "Your people really implemented the technological innovation plan? You're not kidding, are you? I remember her technological innovation plan wasn't just a simple improvement of work processes, but a real improvement of equipment."
Director Xia explained in a serious tone, "How could I dare to joke about the labor production competition? If you don't believe me, you can go to the fourth workshop and see for yourself. The improved inclined blade reactor agitator developed by the fourth workshop team has been running in the reactor in the fourth workshop for several days without any problems."
The deputy factory director said thoughtfully, "I seem to vaguely remember the name Comrade Lin Yuanshu."
Director Xia shamelessly explained, "She is the one who was not selected because she was a 'half-household' but was selected by you the second time. If it weren't for you, the chemical plant would have missed out on such a talented person."
The deputy factory director suddenly realized, "Oh, it's her! She came in first in the interview and written test. I didn't expect that she could achieve such great results after only a few months at the chemical plant. Indeed, chemical plants need fresh blood. Young people are the hope of the country. The stronger their abilities, the happier I am."
The deputy factory director was very pleased that he had recruited such a talented person for the chemical plant.
Director Xia flattered without hesitation, "You're right. Under your leadership, the chemical plant will definitely get better and better."
The deputy factory director stroked his chin and said to the head of the safety department with a serious expression, "I'd appreciate it if you could go to the fourth workshop and check if the inclined blade reactor agitator is really as practical as the report says. If there are no problems, I will submit this report to the factory director. After this labor production competition ends, all the workshops in the chemical plant can use the inclined blade reactor agitator. You must take this seriously and not just go through the motions."
“Okay,” the Minister of Security replied without hesitation.
After thinking for a moment, Director Xia followed the Minister of Safety to the fourth workshop. When he saw Lin Yuanshu talking confidently in front of the Minister of Safety, he knew that the matter was settled.
If all workshops use inclined blade reactor agitators in the future, thus smoothly improving production efficiency, he, as the leader, actively helped Lin Yuanshu implement the technological innovation plan and also gained a good reputation.
Lin Yuanshu had to admit that the Minister of Security had some rather tricky questions. Fortunately, she was very familiar with the experimental process of the inclined blade reactor stirrer, which allowed her to answer the Minister of Security's questions without hesitation.
After the Minister of Safety left the fourth workshop with a big smile, Lin Yuanshu relaxed. He hadn't expected that a simple labor production competition would require overcoming so many obstacles.
If Director Xia knew Lin Yuanshu's thoughts, he would definitely say that the factory doesn't really value ordinary technological innovation plans that much, mainly because Lin Yuanshu's abilities are too outstanding, and he can implement them in every workshop.
The head of the safety department immediately contacted the deputy factory director and reported on the operation of the agitator in the inclined blade reactor. After confirming that there was no problem with the agitator, the deputy factory director went to the factory director's office and reported the situation to the factory director.
The factory director and the deputy factory director had similar ideas. They both wanted to run the inclined blade reactor agitator for a period of time. After the labor production competition ended, if the inclined blade reactor agitator had no problems, it could be used on all the reactors in the factory.
The factory manager was deeply impressed by the name Lin Yuanshu. Although he was not a member of the technical department, he was able to come up with the idea of an inclined blade reactor agitator and draw up the design drawings. He was an outstanding talent and deserved to be cultivated.
Since the review panel had no intention of keeping Lin Yuanshu's submission of the technological innovation report a secret, Director Zhou and Director Tang quickly learned of it.
Director Tang felt deeply regretful. She felt that Lin Yuanshu was being too modest about his abilities. If she had known that Lin Yuanshu was so capable, she would have tried to transfer Lin Yuanshu to the benzene intermediate production workshop, even if it meant offending Director Xia.
She doesn't even have the confidence to say that first place will definitely belong to her workshop. Lin Yuanshu revealed his "trump card" as soon as he appeared. How is she supposed to deal with this!
The only thing Director Tang can do now is to talk to Zhou Moli about this and urge her to speed up her progress. Only Zhou Moli's technical innovation plan can compare with Lin Yuanshu's technical innovation plan. Her other workshop groups are no match for her and are directly defeated.
Upon hearing this news, Zhou Moli said in disbelief, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu acted so quickly. I didn't see her working overtime, and she even had time to go back to her parents' home again and again during her holidays. How could she act so swiftly?"
She was different from the others. While the others didn't take Lin Yuanshu seriously, she always considered him a formidable rival. So she kept observing Lin Yuanshu's work situation and felt that he was quite leisurely every day. He would leave work on time and even had the mood to go back to his parents' home on holidays. He didn't seem to be in a hurry to complete the technical innovation plan at all.
Director Tang sighed and said helplessly, "We didn't expect her to act so quickly. Since we can't be the first group to submit the technological innovation report, let's try to be the second. We can't let Comrade Wu Jianhua beat us to it and let Director Xia continue to steal the spotlight."
“Okay,” Zhou Moli readily agreed.
It seems she needs to speed things up and doesn't need to worry about leaving get off work on time or taking holidays anymore.
Director Zhou didn't have any particular thoughts on this. After all, none of his subordinates had come up with any excellent technological innovation solutions. He was just hoping that Zhou Moli would win first place, or that the workshop group participating in the competition would encounter a major problem that would prevent them from completing their production tasks, and that he would win first place by luck.
Wu Jianhua was also somewhat surprised. He didn't expect Lin Yuanshu to act so quickly, and the proposed technological innovation was also excellent. No wonder Director Xia told him to pay attention to Lin Yuanshu; he was indeed a formidable opponent.
Unfortunately, Lin Yuanshu had already submitted the technological innovation report, so even if he wanted to do something underhanded, it was too late. He could only speed up his own process and submit the technological innovation report before everyone else.
Because of Lin Yuanshu's actions, the entire chemical plant became busy. The propaganda minister didn't even need to promote the labor production competition; the workers spontaneously became tense.
Even though the labor production competition hasn't even started yet, there's a feeling that it's about to end.
The news had not yet spread, so Lin Yuanshu was not bothered by curious people asking him all sorts of questions.
Lin Yuanshu went home with Zhou Xiangyang. In a good mood, she talked to Zhou Xiangyang about work. Zhou Xiangyang also gave her plenty of emotional support, praising Lin Yuanshu for her abilities.
The two returned home chatting and laughing, where they were greeted by Zhou's mother's smiling face.
Zhou's mother said gently, "I've already prepared the food and it's keeping warm in the pot. We can eat as soon as everyone is here. Oh, by the way, your father sent word back that he has to work overtime tonight and won't be eating with us."
Looking at Zhou Ma's smile, Lin Yuanshu unconsciously frowned. She said thoughtfully, "Mom, why are you so happy? You didn't spit in the food, did you?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Ma retorted loudly, "How could I possibly do something so immoral!"
Lin Yuanshu said truthfully, "You even spat into the dishwashing tub next door before."
Zhou Ma couldn't help but roll her eyes and explained, "That was an accident. Grandma Xiangyang is going back to the production team tomorrow, so I specially cooked a good meal to treat her. She's leaving tomorrow, and I don't know when she'll be able to come back again."
"That depends on how Mom behaves," Lin Yuanshu reminded her with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Ma's smile vanished instantly. She turned and left expressionlessly. If it weren't for the fact that everyone ate together at home, she would have really wanted to spit in the food and make Lin Yuanshu eat it.
After putting down his bag, Lin Yuanshu followed Zhou Xiangyang to water the scallions.
After the neighbors learned that Zhou Xiangyang was growing vegetables, they all followed suit, bringing their own broken flowerpots to grow vegetables, turning the once quiet corner into a lively place.
After Zhou Xiangyang finished watering the plants, he mustered up his courage and asked, "Shall we go see a movie?"
Lin Yuanshu agreed without hesitation: "Sure! Let's invite Grandma along, she's never been to the movies before!"
Although Zhou Xiangyang had originally planned to go to the movies with Lin Yuanshu, he was willing to accept it if Lin Yuanshu suggested that they invite his grandmother as well.
"good."
After Sister-in-law Xue and her elder brother returned, Lin Yuanshu told them that he wanted to take his grandmother to the cinema.
Grandma Zhou said happily, "Watching movies is great! I've never seen a movie in the city before."
Zhou Ma couldn't help but say sarcastically, "I've never seen a movie in the city either, why didn't anyone take me?"
Lin Yuanshu chuckled and teased, "It's probably because all our money is in Mom's hands. You're the one who takes us to the movies, but we don't get to spend any money."
“I don’t care, I want to go to the movies with you,” Zhou Ma said firmly.
"Let me make this clear from the start: I won't pay for your ticket; I'll only pay for Grandma's ticket," Lin Yuanshu said firmly, suspecting that her mother-in-law was trying to take advantage of her.
In the end, everyone except Zhou's mother decided to go to the movies together; it would be more fun with more people.
Zhou's mother really couldn't bear to pay for the movie ticket herself. One cent was so expensive; it could buy two pounds of cabbage, enough for the whole family to eat for several meals.
After dinner, Zhou's mother went back to her room to rest. Xue's sister-in-law and Lin Yuanshu cleaned up the table. Xue's sister-in-law was about to wash the dishes when Lin Yuanshu stopped her and called her older brother and Zhou Xiangyang to wash the dishes.
Zhou Xiangyang had no other thoughts; he did whatever Lin Yuanshu asked him to do.
The eldest brother reluctantly followed Zhou Xiangyang to wash the dishes.
The elder brother said very seriously, "Younger brother, shouldn't you keep an eye on your wife? As her sister-in-law, she can't order her older brother around like that."
Zhou Xiangyang asked curiously, "Why didn't you say these things to my wife? She's a very reasonable person. If you talk to her nicely, she'll listen."
The eldest brother said with great dissatisfaction, "I can't argue with her. How can I talk to her? Now the whole family doesn't dare to contradict her. How can I dare to provoke her?"
Zhou Xiangyang said thoughtfully, "Well, I can't control that."
He didn't understand why everyone wanted him to keep an eye on Lin Yuanshu. Lin Yuanshu was clearly better at handling people than him, so shouldn't it be Lin Yuanshu keeping an eye on him?
The older brother said with exasperation, "Can't you be a little more manly?"
Zhou Xiangyang retorted loudly, "I do! My wife says I'm a very responsible man, better than other people's wives, and better than my older brother!"
Big Brother: "..."
He couldn't be bothered with this fool anymore. It was obvious that Zhou Xiangyang was the one most fooled by Lin Yuanshu, followed by his lover. What a misfortune for the family!
In a group of women washing dishes, the two of them stood out conspicuously. The older women whispered among themselves as they watched them. Although the man didn't know what the women were saying, he was certain that they were mocking them.
When Aunt Wen arrived at the toilet tap with her dishwashing bucket, she saw Zhou Xiangyang and his older brother washing dishes. She smiled and asked, "Why are you washing dishes? Where are your spouses?"
Zhou Xiangyang replied seriously, "My wife is very tired from work and needs to rest, so it's only right that I wash the dishes."
The elder brother was naturally unwilling to admit that he was following Lin Yuanshu's orders. He stiffly tugged at the corners of his mouth, forcing a smile, and said insincerely, "You're right, little brother. As men, we should take on more responsibility."
Aunt Wen said with great envy, "Xiangyang's wife is so lucky."
Aunt Wen has seen more of life than her brother has, so she can naturally see through his hypocrisy. His wife has worked so hard for so many years without him ever lifting a finger, yet now he's spouting high-sounding platitudes.
The older brother felt uncomfortable all over. He didn't want to chat with Aunt Wen at all; he just wanted to finish washing the dishes quickly and leave this place.
At the same time, Sister-in-law Xue looked at Lin Yuanshu with admiration, "You actually asked them to wash the dishes, that's impressive! Aren't you afraid Mom will be angry with you?"
Lin Yuanshu said nonchalantly, "Mom has always disliked me. She gets angry no matter what I do. So why should I live so cautiously?"
Sister-in-law Xue couldn't help but sigh, "I didn't expect Xiang Jun to listen to you. I thought he only listened to Mom."
Lin Yuanshu smiled and took his grandmother's arm, saying earnestly, "My brother isn't doing this because he's listening to me, but because of Grandma."
Grandma Zhou patted Lin Yuanshu's shoulder with a kind expression. After spending time together, she had come to understand Lin Yuanshu's character. He was truly capable, truly willing to take a loss, and truly filial.
Her son chose to turn a blind eye, so why should she go after Lin Yuanshu? As long as Lin Yuanshu was willing to be filial to her, she was happy to be a kind grandmother.
"Then I must have quite a lot of influence, it would take a basin to carry me away," Grandma Zhou laughed heartily.
While the three were chatting and laughing, the eldest brother and Zhou Xiangyang returned to the living room ahead of time to wash the dishes.
Zhou Xiangyang very conscientiously put the bowls and chopsticks into the cupboard.
The older brother mustered his courage and tried to reason with Lin Yuanshu. He couldn't keep doing housework at Lin Yuanshu's behest forever!
He had been getting along well with Lin Yuanshu before, but now Lin Yuanshu had touched a nerve with him.
"Little sister-in-law, no matter what, I am Xiangyang's older brother, your elder brother. Can you treat me a little better?"
Lin Yuanshu was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Are you trying to use your status as the eldest brother to pressure me? The last person to do that was our mother."
Upon hearing this, the eldest brother's arrogant demeanor diminished considerably. He explained in a low voice, "I just hope you can treat me a little better."
Lin Yuanshu agreed without hesitation: "I understand. Next time I ask you to do something, I will definitely say 'please'. Do you have any other questions?"
The eldest brother gritted his teeth and said, "There's no problem."
Lin Yuanshu nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself that he was indeed a polite and well-mannered child.
After the matter was resolved, the five of them left home and went to the movie theater. By this time, the eldest brother was no longer in the mood to watch the movie. He just felt very sad. If he had known that Xiangyang's wife would be like this, he would have preferred to let Xiangyang stay single for life! At worst, he, as the older brother, would take care of Xiangyang in his old age.
Thinking about his mother's life now, he can already foresee his own miserable future. He's already doing the dishes, so the next step will be washing clothes, and the next step after that, cooking will be his job...
Lin Yuanshu and the others were completely oblivious to their elder brother's unusual behavior; their entire focus was on the movie.
This was Lin Yuanshu's first time watching a model opera film. If it were in her previous life, she definitely wouldn't have been interested. Perhaps there were too few entertainment options in this era, but she was watching it with great interest.
It would be even better if there were sunflower seeds and cola.
Grandma Zhou watched very attentively, and she was going to go back to the production team to tell her friends about the movie plot! It was a rare and extraordinary experience for her.
The older brother became even more upset when he realized that no one had noticed his unusual behavior.
On the other side, Zhou Dafu dragged his tired body home. Seeing this, Zhou's mother quickly poured him some brown sugar water.
When Zhou Dafu passed by his eldest son's room, he noticed that the light was off. He asked, "Are they going to bed so early today? I remember that my second son's wife would never go to sleep before 10 o'clock. The electricity bill was much higher last month."
Zhou Ma said with some resentment, "Our mother is going back to the production team tomorrow. Xiao Er's wife and the others took her to the movie theater."
"Why aren't you going?" Zhou Dafu asked.
Aunt Zhou sneered, "Doesn't watching a movie cost money?"
Zhou Dafu felt that there were no major expenses at home, since both of his sons were already married, and there was no need to be so frugal. He kindly advised, "Go if you want, don't worry about the money. By the way, I might have to work overtime for the next two weeks and eat in the cafeteria, so you don't have to wait for me to eat."
Zhou's mother automatically ignored Zhou Dafu's nonsense about not needing to worry about money. She panicked because she had no money on her hands. "Why are you working overtime again? Haven't you already become a team leader?"
Zhou Dafu sighed when he thought that the culprit was watching a movie. He explained with a serious expression, "I don't know how to tell you. You just need to know that Xiao Er's wife did something really amazing at the factory. This will make us work overtime."
Zhou Ma couldn't help but ask, "Did the second daughter-in-law hit the leader?"
Zhou Dafu was speechless and said, "How could that be? To avoid you making wild guesses, I'll just tell you straight! Xiao Er's wife and the maintenance staff improved the reactor agitator. A group of non-professionals did something that professionals couldn't do. The real show will start tomorrow."
Zhou's mother asked cautiously, "Is it amazing that you improved the agitator in the reactor?"
Zhou Dafu tried to explain to his mother in his own words, "Just think of it as the second daughter-in-law feeling that the pots at home were not good enough, so she used her own abilities to make a more amazing pot, a pot that others have been researching for several years."
Zhou Ma gasped, incredulously asking, "Is the second daughter-in-law this amazing?"
“I told you long ago, she’s very capable at work!” Zhou Dafu replied.
Zhou Ma muttered under her breath, "Although you keep saying that my second daughter-in-law is very capable at work, I haven't seen her get promoted!"
Chow Tai Fook: "..."
The second son's wife could easily get promoted. The reason she didn't get promoted was entirely because she was accumulating seniority, not because she lacked work ability. What she lacked was simply working hours.
The next day, Lin Yuanshu and Zhou Xiangyang got up early to take their grandmother to the station. Zhou Xiangyang took out a net bag that he had prepared in advance, which contained a bottle of malted milk powder, two packets of pastries, and a packet of candy.
Zhou Xiangyang said earnestly, "Grandma, this is a gift from my wife and me to show our respect for you. Don't be stingy with it, take good care of yourself, and you'll have many more days of happiness to enjoy in the future."
Lin Yuanshu was stunned for a moment. She hadn't expected Zhou Xiangyang to say that, since she hadn't contributed a single penny. Although Zhou Xiangyang was usually quiet, he was quite reliable.
Grandma Zhou took the net bag and said happily, "I never thought I would enjoy the blessings of my grandson and granddaughter-in-law instead of my son. If your mother bullies you in the future, just ask someone to send me a message and I will come to the city to stand up for you."
“Okay, I certainly won’t be polite,” Lin Yuanshu replied without hesitation.
Who knows when my mother-in-law will cause trouble! Only my grandmother can keep my mother-in-law in check in every way.
Zhou Xiangyang watched with red eyes as Grandma Zhou got into the car.
Lin Yuanshu comforted her softly, "After the 'double harvest' is over, we can invite Grandma to come to the city to play, and we can also see Grandma during the Spring Festival."
Zhou Xiangyang nodded, unable to resist revealing his true feelings, "Grandma is the best relative to me. She never scolds me. My happiest days used to be when Grandma came to my house, and my mom wouldn't yell at me during those days..."
Lin Yuanshu patted Zhou Xiangyang's head to comfort him. It turned out that Zhou Xiangyang was also someone who lacked love! He was easily willing to give everything for a little kindness from others. Fortunately, Zhou Xiangyang was socially awkward, otherwise he would definitely have been deceived and lost everything.
In the chemical plant's conference room, Director Qian praised Director Xia's workshop group for their active participation in the labor production competition, saying that Director Xia had led the group well.
He also praised the head of the maintenance department, saying that he had never forgotten to have the maintenance staff learn, which is why the maintenance staff were able to perform so well in this technical innovation project.
Director Xia and the head of the maintenance department both left the meeting room with smiles on their faces.
Director Zhou, Director Tang, and the head of the technical department left the meeting room with very unpleasant expressions.
They never expected that Director Xia would gain prestige in front of the factory because of Lin Yuanshu, but Lin Yuanshu was one of their people! It was as if Director Xia had taken advantage of their resources, which made them feel extremely aggrieved.
After returning to his office, the head of the technical department flew into a rage. He called his subordinates into his office and questioned them, "Why weren't any technicians assigned to the fourth workshop team? Are our technicians so busy that they can't even spare a single person?"
One of the subordinates said tremblingly, "Minister, we didn't think this through. The main problem is that the fourth workshop group has always been last, and we haven't paid much attention to them. Who knew they would be so amazing this year, improving the reactor agitator all by themselves? The contrast is just too great."
The head of the technical department took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He couldn't help but complain, "Now look what's happened. Our technical department is going to become a laughing stock. We keep talking about improving the equipment, but we haven't seen any significant results. On the contrary, the maintenance department has made achievements. We've always looked down on the maintenance department, and now it's the maintenance department's turn to look down on us."
There wasn't a smile on the faces of the subordinates. They were also filled with regret. They shouldn't have been so arbitrary. Even if the fourth workshop wasn't suitable, they should have at least sent someone in.
One of the subordinates said, forcing a smile, "We are working with Comrade Zhou Moli to develop a throttling device. It's almost finished. If it works on the pipeline, Zhou Moli's workshop team can submit a technical innovation report, which should be able to salvage the situation a little."
Upon hearing this, the head of the technical department slowly regained his composure and said in a serious tone, "Then you should do your best to produce results as soon as possible. And from now on, if there are similar situations in the future, you cannot refuse the help of the workers. We are a team, how can we refuse to help them just because they are the last ones? We are technicians, and our duty is to provide technical support to the workers."
The subordinates said in unison, "We understand, and we will never do it again."
This incident taught them a lesson, showing them that appearances can be deceiving and one cannot judge a book by its cover.
Human joys and sorrows are not shared.
The head of the maintenance department returned to the maintenance workshop and praised the maintenance personnel in the group that participated in the fourth workshop. He said excitedly, "You guys are famous now. Even Director Qian remembers you and praised you for not forgetting to learn and improve. You've made me very proud. Didn't you see the face of the head of the technical department? It's almost distorted."
Fang Dashu and the others straightened their chests and said righteously, "This is what we should do, to strive for a better tomorrow for the factory."
The head of the maintenance department patted Fang Dashu on the shoulder and said with satisfaction, "Well said. You are indeed my most admired subordinate. You have a clear understanding."
Fang Dashu and the others gave each other a bright smile.
At this moment, the head of the maintenance department suddenly noticed the blind spot and asked, "Why are you the only ones here? Where are the others?"
Fang Dashu explained, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu stayed behind to help them."
The head of the maintenance department said thoughtfully, "It's good that they're helping, but I'm afraid they won't. You can have them stay in the fourth workshop to help out for now, and come back after the labor production competition. Our maintenance department is managing to handle things right now."
"Okay," Fang Dashu said loudly.
Before leaving, the head of the maintenance department smiled and said to the head of the maintenance team in the naphthalene intermediate workshop, "Do a good job, I have high hopes for your performance."
The team leader said excitedly, "Thank you for your trust, Minister. I will work hard."
He was secretly relieved that he hadn't looked down on Comrade Lin Yuanshu. He had tried his best to meet all of Comrade Lin Yuanshu's requests; otherwise, he would have been met with criticism instead of praise today.
After the head of the maintenance department was completely out of sight, the team leader smiled and praised Fang Dashu and the others before leaving the maintenance workshop. He was going to show off to the other team leaders.
The other maintenance workers looked at Fang Dashu and the others with envy. They never expected that they would get such a big credit by sheer luck. The key is that they don't have to worry about the technicians from the technical department stealing the credit from them.
Fang Dashu walked up to the maintenance worker who had mocked him earlier with a smug look on his face and said sarcastically, "Oh dear, look at the situation now, the fourth workshop group won't get last place. I wonder who will be in last place. I feel like I didn't do anything. How did I complete the technical innovation report so easily? Work is like playing, not tiring at all."
The repairman's face turned pale and then red. He wanted to say something, but he didn't dare to offend Fang Dashu at this moment. After all, if any conflict really occurred, the team leader would only protect Fang Dashu, who had won the credit.
"Why aren't you saying anything? Weren't you so arrogant before, looking down on me?" Fang Dashu pressed aggressively.
The repairman apologized through gritted teeth, "I'm sorry, I had a foul mouth before and said some very unpleasant things. I was short-sighted. I hope you can be magnanimous and not hold it against me."
Fang Dashu sneered and waved his hand, "You can leave now."
Seeing Fang Dashu's state, some of the repairmen didn't dare to say anything to him, fearing that he would hold a grudge and retaliate.
The other group of maintenance personnel walked up to Fang Dashu and the others and congratulated them on their work.
Lin Yuanshu also enjoyed the treatment of a celebrity. Everyone greeted her with a smile and talked about admiring her work ability. As someone who needed to build a grassroots foundation, Lin Yuanshu naturally spoke softly to everyone.
Then they went into the office and worked with Zhao Hong and others on a simple activated carbon filter. They had already carbonized the wood, fruit shells, etc., and now all they needed to do was find a suitable filter and container.
The activated carbon simple filter device sounds very high-tech, but it's actually not difficult to make. Lin Yuanshu thinks it's good that it's easy to use, because that means it can be spread and all workshops in the chemical plant can be equipped with the activated carbon simple filter device, which is also good for the workers' health.
Zhao Hong smiled and comforted her, "It'll be fine once this gust of wind passes."
Lin Yuanshu smiled helplessly, "I hope so."
The fame of Lin Yuanshu and others also inspired the veteran employees of the fourth workshop. They did not need the encouragement of Qian Xiang and others, and spontaneously began to prepare for the labor production competition next month.
The chemical plant's publicity department also began to promote the achievements of Lin Yuanshu and others as a warm-up for the labor production competition. For a time, Lin Yuanshu and others were the most popular people in the chemical plant.
If technicians had improved the reactor agitator, it wouldn't have caused such a sensation, because the workers believed they were technicians, highly skilled, and that such achievements were to be expected.
But Lin Yuanshu and the maintenance workers were a group of self-taught individuals, and their achievement was unbelievable. It was as if if they could do it, everyone could. Lin Yuanshu had now become a representative of the workers.
Lin Yuanshu's commute to work was like a game of hide-and-seek. She dodged the curious workers and smoothly entered the workshop. Fortunately, the senior employees didn't bother her with questions or try to curry favor with her, otherwise she would have had nowhere to hide.
Ling Ke also deeply regretted her previous actions. Not only did she fail to get rid of Lin Yuanshu, but she herself was the one who got rid of him. She was doing a job that made her dizzy every day and had no mind to think about other issues. She did not enter the chemical plant to be a porter.
She had been considering whether to ask Lin Yuanshu for forgiveness, but now she didn't need to think about it anymore, because Lin Yuanshu was now elusive and she couldn't see him at all.
When Wang Gang heard the news, he was stunned for a moment, then gave a bitter smile. No wonder Director Xia gave up on him for Lin Yuanshu and advised him not to participate in the labor production competition. There was really no comparison. Lin Yuanshu was far superior to him.
It was at this moment that he finally found peace.
Although Lin Yuanshu could avoid the chemical plant workers, he couldn't avoid his neighbors in the tenement building.
As she passed the big tree downstairs on her way home from get off work, Aunt Wen called out to her, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu, come over and have a chat, we were just talking about you."
Zhou Xiangyang glanced at Aunt Wen, then at Lin Yuanshu, and decided to bite the bullet and go over to chat with Lin Yuanshu.
Lin Yuanshu lowered his voice without hesitation and said, "You go home and rest first. Don't wait for me. I'll chat with them for a bit before going home."
“Okay,” Zhou Xiangyang readily agreed.
He looked at his wife with immense admiration. Not only was she capable at work and had a pleasant voice, but she was also willing to chat with the neighbors. She had no flaws whatsoever.
Lin Yuanshu walked over with a smile on her face and was quite surprised to find Zhou Ma among them. She had thought Zhou Ma was cooking at home!
Seeing Lin Yuanshu's expression, and knowing that he wasn't saying anything, Zhou Ma said irritably, "Your sister-in-law isn't working today, so it's her turn to cook."
Lin Yuanshu pursed his lips and said casually, "I didn't ask you that question."
Zhou Ma: "..."
How come a perfectly normal person has a mouth?
Aunt Wen asked with great interest, "Comrade Lin Yuanshu, you've really made us women proud this time. Let's see who dares to say that women are inferior to men now. You've surpassed most of the men in the technical department. They can't even improve the reactor stirrer! How did you do it?"
Lin Yuanshu thought for a moment and said solemnly, "In my work, I am naturally grateful to my leaders and colleagues who support me and work hard with me. In my life, I am grateful to my wife, my mother and sister-in-law. If it weren't for my mother and sister-in-law doing housework so that I would have time to read and study, my time would be wasted on such trivial matters, and I would definitely not have the energy to focus on my work."
Zhou Ma was stunned for a moment. She didn't expect Lin Yuanshu to thank her. She was usually shameless, but she felt a little embarrassed. It wasn't that she didn't want Lin Yuanshu to do housework, but that she wanted to, but hadn't been able to.
Aunt Hua exclaimed in shock, "I never expected Old Zhou to have such a broad vision."
Lin Yuanshu nodded in agreement, saying, "My mother has always been this kind of person."
Others also began to praise Zhou Ma for being capable and farsighted, saying things like Lin Yuanshu's success was partly due to her, and that without her there would be no Lin Yuanshu.
This was the first time Zhou Ma had ever received such comprehensive praise. She smiled and said, "I'm not as amazing as you all say. I'm just being empathetic."
Lin Yuanshu smiled as she watched Zhou Ma being fawned over. This was a sophisticated form of moral blackmail. If Zhou Ma ever asked her to do housework again, she would have something to say.
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