The group felt that Xia Lan had gotten in through connections, and their words became increasingly harsh.
"They're all talk and no action. Is there no other way to get a factory job except through connections?"
Xia Lan looked at these women with pity.
"What did you say?"
"I think you guys are just stir-frying pickled vegetables with salt—it's too salty."
"They all talk a big game, and the moment their lips touch, they start spreading rumors! Do they have any evidence? Did they see me and him being intimate? There's nothing there, yet they dare to spout nonsense?"
"I think you guys are just bored and have nothing better to do than not do your jobs properly, and you all have the same hobbies."
"Flies seek marriage with dung beetles—birds of a feather flock together."
Xia Lan glanced at them speechlessly.
"How dare you talk to us like that!"
Several people stared at Xia Lan, gritting their teeth as they were about to rush forward and tear her mouth apart.
Factory Director Yang's voice suddenly rang out behind them, and the women froze instantly.
"She was Comrade Xia Lan, one of the first students to be admitted to university in 1978. In your mouths, she's become someone who got in through connections?"
"She came back to our factory based on her own merit! She got into a university in Beijing. It's already remarkable that someone as talented as her would be willing to come back!"
“If you people have nothing better to do, go and sweep the roads in our factory.”
Yang Xiangjie was holding a cup, clearly intending to get some water himself, when he overheard them slandering Xia Lan.
"Director Yang..."
Yang Xiangjie personally clarified things for Xia Lan, which was like a slap in the face to these gossipy women.
Their expressions shifted between anger and shame.
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