Chapter 1281: Gaining Fame

On this day, after finishing a day's work, he strolled home.

Before even entering the gate, standing outside the courtyard, he could already smell the fragrant aroma of meals drifting from the house.

"You're back."

Song Yunping's voice came from the study in the west room; by the time Wang Yan walked into the courtyard, she had also come out to take the bag from his hand and accept the short-sleeved shirt he had taken off: "Hurry up, wash your hands and eat; you're back a bit late today."

"There was an impromptu meeting."

Wang Yan explained the reason, letting Song Yunping feel somewhat involved: "Didn't we just merge with the chemical plant recently? Everyone is dealing with matters over there. Now that the factory has grown so large, there's a huge mess of chaotic issues. Today there were even jealousy disputes leading to fights inside the factory."

"With so many people, it's bound to happen; the factory has about three thousand workers, right?"

"More than three thousand; we're already heading toward four thousand."

Jeans were selling out and commanded high prices, so progress at the rear was rapid. Since assembling a production line ourselves would take too long, we directly purchased equipment from surrounding counties and cities, producing while simultaneously modifying.

The factory buildings weren't large enough, so we directly poured several large concrete pillars, erected steel frames with steel plates on top, added the enclosing walls later, creating a semi-open-air open production setup.

Rural employees had no housing in the county town. On one hand, we asked some older employees with smaller families to demonstrate spirit and make room; on the other, we massively used cement, steel plates, and red bricks to build simple houses. When rural employees arrived, regardless of gender, they all went to work together building houses.

The population in the county town had visibly become denser. Especially during morning and evening commute times, the streets were packed densely with people; this was the true portrayal of labor intensity.

Wang Yan washed his hands and face, then used a towel to wipe his body, while Song Yunping brought the prepared dishes to the table.

After the two married, Song Yunping's life became very stable. In the morning, Wang Yan went jogging while she cooked at home. During the day, Wang Yan went to work while she studied at home. At noon, Wang Yan never returned for lunch, so she made do with a quick meal herself. In the evening, estimating Wang Yan's off-work time, she would prepare the meals in advance.

Routinely, she would handle household cleaning and wash clothes for both of them; beyond that, there was little else to do, making life quite comfortable and relaxed.

There weren't many restrictions on food and drink either; Wang Yan's monthly salary was over one hundred yuan. Considering that at this time, the average income for workers nationwide was only thirty yuan, Wang Yan's one month equaled four months for others, so their living conditions were naturally guaranteed.

Previously, she hesitated to cook overly lavish meals every day, but later she discovered that surrounding employees couldn't smell meat cooking at their house; her second aunt even came to inquire whether something had gone wrong at the factory.

This left her speechless; who could have imagined that the absence of meat aroma in a leader cadre's home would be linked to potential trouble at the factory? After that, she stopped worrying about such things; whatever Wang Yan said, she simply listened...

The two sat at the dining table, poured themselves some wine, and smiled: "An extra dish today; is there good news?"

"Guess?"

"The admission notice has arrived, hasn't it?"

"You guessed it immediately." Song Yunping happily went to the study in the west room, retrieved the envelope, and placed it on the dining table: "Although I knew I had a good chance as soon as I finished the exam, actually receiving the admission notice still feels like a dream. I'm going to university!"

Wang Yan looked at the notice; it stated he had been admitted to the School of Physics, along with the registration and enrollment date.

After reading it once, he put the notice away safely, then took another cup, pouring a small half-cup of white liquor for Song Yunping: "This is good news; you should have a drink too. Let's celebrate and be happy together."

Song Yunping smiled gently: "As you say."

Thus, the couple ate, drank, and chatted, with Song Yunping mainly reflecting on her study life over the past period while looking forward to the university life about to begin.

After finishing dinner and clearing the bowls and chopsticks, in this era with few entertainment options, the two enjoyed themselves intimately. Song Yunping was in high spirits, fully engaged, and felt very content.

It was midsummer; after Song Yunping's exertions, once the battle concluded, her skin was covered in a layer of fine, thin sweat.

Having cleaned up the battlefield, she lay nestled in Wang Yan's firm embrace.

"I somewhat don't want to go to university anymore."

"Can't bear to leave me?" Wang Yan readily assumed the role.

"It's four years at once, Beijing is so far away, and traveling back and forth isn't convenient..."

"You've already been admitted and worked so hard, neglecting sleep and food, for so long; giving up now would be such a pity. Although we are financially secure and don't rely on university to fight for our future, university is still a rare experience in life. So many people want to attend university, yet many cannot go even if they wish.

In our entire county, four hundred and eighty-six people took the exam; twenty-four were admitted to undergraduate programs, and thirty-nine to specialized colleges. For you to be admitted, and to such an excellent school as Peking University, how difficult that is.

I know you're worried about the family; with both you and your younger sibling away at university, you're uneasy. But aren't I here as your son-in-law? Just go study with peace of mind; I can take care of everything.

You've seen the staff housing at the factory; it's being built quite quickly. It will be completed before next spring; once we tidy it up, it will be ready to live in. We can bring your parents over then; the work won't be tiring, so what else do you have to worry about?"

"It's so good to have you." Song Yunping hugged Wang Yan tightly...

Of course, Song Yunping was reluctant to part; she and Wang Yan had been married only a few months, yet they would be separated for four years. Her saying she didn't want to attend university was merely a momentary emotional expression. She also knew that attending university was better and could help Wang Yan.

She indeed had never considered leaving Jin Ling County; after all, her parents were here, Wang Yan was here, and she wanted to acquire knowledge to return and help Wang Yan build Jin Ling County together.

Having spent considerable time with Wang Yan, she knew what he had done for Jin Ling County and what he had brought to it; watching Jin Ling County change with each passing day, she felt quite aspirational herself, wishing to add a few strokes to this unfolding scroll.

This was a noble sentiment.

News of Song Yunping's admission to Peking University spread like wildfire; Wang Yan, as promised, treated County Head Xu and others to a meal as a small celebration. Of course, in reality, they didn't discuss Song Yunping's topic much; the conversation still revolved around various developments in Jin Ling County.

This was unavoidable; when everyone gathered, these were the only things to discuss, talked about daily, yet never exhausted. Because there were too many problems and the situations were too complex...

When it was time to depart, Song Yunping stayed at her home for a few days, after which she and Wang Yan embarked on their journey to Beijing. Their first stop was Anyun, to visit Song Yunhui.

"Sister!"

Song Yunhui greeted cheerfully, then looked at Wang Yan: "Brother-in-law."

Wang Yan nodded with satisfaction: "That's right; correcting mistakes when realized is the greatest virtue."

"You're formidable," Song Yunhui muttered, "Wasn't it my sister who took the exam? Wasn't it my sister who studied well?"

"Alright, we're just passing through here and stopped by to see you. Let's go eat quickly so we don't miss our train," Song Yunping called out, so the three went to a state-run restaurant near the railway station for a meal.

After ordering dishes, Wang Yan asked: "How is the task I assigned you progressing?"

Song Yunhui sighed helplessly: "I have met a few people; there are those in agriculture and forestry, metallurgy, chemistry, and machinery, all studying very well and coming from quite remote families. I just don't know if they'd be willing to go; I haven't dared tell them, as it seems like I'm not genuinely making friends but rather harboring ulterior motives."

"Organize them and figure out the course schedules for each major. After I finish lecturing at Peking University, I'll come back and give a talk at your school."

"You're really going?"

"Afraid of losing face?" Wang Yan glanced at him, shaking his head with amusement: "It's fine; if anyone loses face, it'll be me, not you. You must understand that success rarely comes to those who sit and wait. Consider our Jin Ling County; if we don't take the initiative and wait for government regulation, when would that ever happen? To stand out and to develop, we must strive.

It's the same for you; you must strive for everything. Liang Qichao once said, 'A person in this world is like a boat sailing against the current; if you do not advance, you retreat.' If you don't strive, others will advance; when others advance, you retreat. Is my face important? As long as Jin Ling County can recruit more talent, what does it matter if I lose face? Wait until Jin Ling develops in the future, and then see whether I have face or not.

Investigate thoroughly; this time I'll first get to know everyone, and when your cohort of university students graduates, I'll come again. No matter what, I must coax a few people over."

"You're formidable," Song Yunhui had nothing more to say.

Just thinking about the scene of Wang Yan making bold claims there, coaxing university students to go to Jin Ling County, felt off; he looked exactly like a villainous character. He even feared the school would drive this excellent brother-in-law of his off campus.

Wang Yan said no more, listening as Song Yunping and Song Yunhui chatted about family matters, and also listening as Song Yunhui told Song Yunping about university affairs.

After finishing this meal, Wang Yan took Song Yunping aboard the train once again, continuing onward to Beijing.

After arriving at Peking University, Wang Yan helped Song Yunping settle in and met her roommates. Then, true to his purpose, he began giving lectures at Peking University.

He started his lecture right at the entrance of the Peking University library, with a sensational opening designed to draw a crowd...

"Come, come, come! Don't miss out if you're passing by! Fellow students! Comrades! I am the deputy director of the Jin Ling County Textile Factory. I am here today for two reasons. First, my wife has been admitted to our university, and I have brought her to enroll. Second, I wanted to meet the students of Peking University and have a chat with you.

Last year, a meeting was held that established the goal of developing the economy. So how do we develop it? This question now lies before us. To clarify this issue, I believe we must first understand the current situation of our China today. Next, I will share some of my humble opinions so we can exchange ideas..."

Wang Yan lectured continuously for seven days in front of the Peking University library. From an initial audience of several dozen, the crowd grew to several hundred, then attracted a swarm of reporters from surrounding areas, and even personnel from the provincial office stationed in Beijing all came to listen.

His lectures were highly successful and gained the recognition of Peking University's students. Although no one responded to the invitations he extended, this did not matter; he stated he would return next year for everyone to continue discussing the changes of the new year.

A significant portion of his lecture content was compiled into text by reporters and published in newspapers. The complete content of his lectures from the later days was recorded by someone and delivered to Haizi.

Mainly, his actions were indeed novel, especially given the current circumstances—a factory leader from a county directly coming to the capital to recruit talent? Anyone hearing this would be curious.

Consequently, Jin Ling County, which he mentioned repeatedly, truly began to gain fame.

He stated that the most advanced water-jet looms in China were developed by them. He said the jeans that sold out across the province were manufactured by them. He mentioned their factory had over three thousand employees, that they had already begun constructing apartment buildings for their staff, and he spoke of corporate responsibility, vowing to lead the entire county's population out of poverty and stride boldly into socialism.

He discussed the current social situation, talent and technology, trends in industrial development, international trade, and offered prospects for the future...

In fact, even before this, the Jin Ling Textile Factory was already quite renowned.

On one hand, it had risen abruptly and developed by leaps and bounds, mastering the production and manufacturing of water-jet looms that were considered advanced even on a global scale; it was already noted in Beijing, and Jin Ling County's development was reflected in various work reports at both the provincial and municipal levels.

On the other hand, County Head Xu had originally come from Beijing. If he had achieved nothing, it would have been one thing, but now that he had achieved results, his name was certainly being circulated among certain people.

But that was all; at the highest levels, they had merely heard the name of Jin Ling County and knew it was performing well. However, the specific details remained unknown to the high leadership.

The actual situation was that, excluding those resource-rich counties, no county in the entire nation was stronger than Jin Ling County at present.

So, was Wang Yan really just coming to Peking University to bluff university students? Of course he was!

But as reported by journalists and discussed by many, he had come to Beijing to seek fame. This was also true; in fact, this was his primary objective.

After all, Peking University students were not easy to bluff. Regarding such a major life choice, very few people would rashly make a decision based solely on momentary passion. Moreover, the university students of this era mostly belonged to the "Old Three Classes"; they were generally older and had experienced much, so few would want to go to Jin Ling County. They simply regarded Wang Yan as a monkey entertaining the masses.

But this monkey, Wang Yan, had entertained his way into Haizi. The leaders would inevitably need to understand the specific situation of Jin Ling County. Once the leaders learned of Jin Ling County's development, they would certainly mention it on various occasions and correspondingly provide some policy support.

In this way, Jin Ling County would become a model and enjoy widespread fame across the nation. At that time, things would be different; aside from favorable policies, even relying solely on reputation to bluff people into coming to Jin Ling County would be much easier...

Undoubtedly, Wang Yan was successful. Even County Head Xu in Jin Ling made a phone call, saying that Wang Yan's movements in Beijing were too loud; reporters wanted to interview him, and personnel from various ministries and commissions were planning inspection trips, with itineraries confirmed.

And their benefits would be obtained as a result.

For instance, the asphalt road from the county town to the city, which County Head Xu had tried for a long time to secure but failed, would definitely now receive funding for construction.

It was true that County Head Xu had connections, making many things easy to handle, but matters involving expenditure were not so simple. Even if Jin Ling County was the most outstanding, even if its situation was the best, and even if repairing the road offered the greatest benefit.

Yet, they could still choose not to repair it; after all, the current roads were usable, and there were more difficult areas needing support—this was also a valid argument.

The actual reason, however, was that the city administration did not want to spend the money, preferring Jin Ling County to fund the road construction themselves so they could allocate funds elsewhere; this was their careful calculation.

Therefore, regarding this single road, County Head Xu had already made numerous trips to the city administration...

Song Yunping did not understand so many of these matters; lying on the bed in the guesthouse, nestled in Wang Yan's arms, she listened as he explained the benefits behind his newfound fame.

She sighed and remarked, "You have truly devoted your utmost efforts to Jin Ling."

"The people of Jin Ling have not treated me poorly either. I have the fame, the people trust me, and I have the profits—a monthly salary of over one hundred yuan. Otherwise, it wouldn't be the case that if our family stopped eating meat, people would suspect something was wrong with the factory.

This time I promoted Jin Ling, yet I was the one who gained the reputation. Apart from those in the arts and literature circle, how many people are known by so many others as I am? Let alone being noticed by our upper-level leaders."

Song Yunping laughed softly, saying, "I have benefited from your glory too; everyone knows I am your wife. Yesterday during the class meeting, I was elected class monitor."

"Oh my, that is quite remarkable," Wang Yan smiled. "But don't just focus on your studies; maintain good relationships with your classmates and actively communicate with students from other departments. In short, make as many friends as possible. Then, if we encounter any problems or difficulties in the future, you can simply issue a call to assemble. Oh my, imagine the scene."

"How many people would really be willing to help? Issuing a call to assemble?"

"After four years of living together, there will inevitably be some genuine affection. As long as you do not trouble others excessively, most people will not refuse such a simple act of help. Who knows, ten years from now, some of them might be leaders in various units; a simple lift of their hand could be a huge help to us. This is one of the best universities in our country; the students here will all amount to something in the future."

"I know," Song Yunping nodded with a smile, then sighed again. "Xiao Hui just cannot understand these things; he is too stubborn. Are you really going to their school?"

"Of course I am going. The students at this school have high aspirations and are not easy to bluff. Xiao Hui's school is much better; the hope is much greater. Moreover, by now, their school should have already heard about what happened here, which makes things much more convenient."

"Then won't you give a lecture at your alma mater?"

"I will go to all of them; three days of lecturing at each school will suffice. If I go once a year, I can definitely bluff university students into coming over."

Song Yunping hugged Wang Yan and said nothing.

Wang Yan patted her back to comfort her: "It's only four years, and I will come back in between. When you are busy with your studies, you won't even feel the time passing; it will blink by, and once these four years are over, it will be fine."

"By then, we can have a child. Thinking about it, I feel quite sorry for you."

"What kind of talk is that? The state has begun encouraging late marriage and late childbirth; we are simply supporting the policy."

The two embraced, exchanging many sweet words and sharing visions of building Jin Ling together in the future.

Affection should not be a stumbling block hindering progress; Song Yunping was very grateful for Wang Yan's tolerance, and she watched him leave the campus with eyes full of deep affection.

Comrade Wang Yan, married for less than four months, had once again become a bachelor; boarding a train heading south, he went to build his socialist Jin Ling County...