Chapter 287: Clearing the Misunderstanding

Lu Cheng held a cigarette butt between his fingers, opened his mouth, and suddenly didn't know what to say.

Now Tan Kaiping took the matter of reselling the machines seriously—no, you can't say seriously; you can only say he is willing to take responsibility, even if he didn't do it, he is still willing to admit it.

It was because Lu Cheng introduced him to his family.

Lu Cheng flashed a big white grin and said with a smile, "Tan Zonggong, I made you suffer a grievance just now; I was forced to. As for the accusation of you reselling the machines, let Aunt explain it to you."

Tan Kaiping wore a puzzled expression; he didn't understand why this young Comrade in front of him was being so courteous.

Since being sent down to the Farm, no one had ever respected him like this.

At that moment, Tan Zonggong's wife wiped away her tears and came over, "Old Tan, this Comrade is Lu Cheng; he saved you."

"Saved me?"

Tan Zonggong's wife nodded, "Yes, there are many eyes outside, let's go inside the courtyard to talk."

Under the grape trellis, Tan Zonggong and his wife talked.

Lu Cheng used the procurement station's phone to inform Wu Qiming of the Research Institute, then had the back kitchen prepare a meal, and only after that took a pot of brewed tea and walked toward the grape trellis.

From a distance he saw Tan Kaiping bow his head in silence, presumably already clear on the whole story.

"Tan Zonggong, you're thirsty, right? Have a cup of tea first; the food will be ready soon. I know you couldn't eat well at the Farm, so I prepared a few slices of fatty pork for you…"

Lu Cheng said as he walked to the grape trellis.

He was about to take a cup to pour water when Tan Kaiping suddenly bent both knees, about to kneel; Lu Cheng startled, hurriedly set down the teapot to help him.

"Tan Zonggong, you mustn't, you mustn't! Get up quickly…"

Lu Cheng could not possibly bear such a great honor; regardless of the other's age or past contributions, in his presence Lu Cheng was merely a schoolboy.

"Comrade Xiao Lu, I understand everything now; your actions make me…" Tan Kaiping suddenly choked up.

In fact, everyone agreed on this, only the person concerned was unaware, and we couldn't solicit his opinion.

Lu Cheng could only explain, "I'm sorry, Tan Zonggong, there was no way to discuss this with you in advance. I took the liberty of bringing you back, and just now I made you suffer so many grievances. I tried to stop several times, but feared the Company Commander would become suspicious."

Tan Kaiping nodded, "I know, that's nothing; I've already gotten used to it. I thought I'd die old on the Farm, but you brought me back this way; I really don't know… how to thank you enough."

Tan Kaiping was a bit emotional, his speech halting; Lu Cheng soothed him and then let him sit down.

"Tan Zonggong, just settle here for a few days peacefully; now that you're here, no one will trouble you again."

Tan Kaiping was familiar with this procurement station; when he previously came to the Capital City to procure supplies for the factory, he stayed here.

"Comrade Xiao Lu, you shouldn't have taken such a huge risk for me; if anything went wrong, wouldn't I have implicated you?"

After his wife's explanation, Tan Kaiping finally understood the whole chain of events.

And precisely because he understood, he still felt astonished inside.

Before his historical issue was resolved, being transferred back from the Farm was bold; Lu Cheng's method was indeed daring.

Tan Kaiping didn't mind adding another charge; it was already like this, and it wouldn't be any worse, he just didn't want to involve others further.

Lu Cheng understood his concern and said reassuringly, "Tan Zonggong, you don't need to say that. As I mentioned, this was my own initiative, of course with the leaders' approval; otherwise, no matter how bold I was, I couldn't have brought you back."

Seeing Tan Kaiping still had reservations, Lu Cheng simply added, "Bringing Tan Zonggong back comes with conditions. In exchange, I need you to help us oversee the manufacturing of the snow removal machine, so you needn't feel guilty at all."

Tan Kaiping sighed helplessly, "Comrade Xiao Lu, I know you did this so I wouldn't overthink, but one thing at a time; being able to return to work and contribute to the Factory Area is my duty."

"But you let my family reunite; I am truly grateful."

With sincere words, Lu Cheng nodded lightly, "Alright, Tan Zonggong, the work of manufacturing the snow removal machine is entrusted to you."

With Tan Kaiping as chief engineer, and his rich experience, it's as if the team gained a great general.

Lu Cheng felt even more confident that he could produce the snow removal machine.

Perhaps to thank Lu Cheng for his kindness, Tan Kaiping rose impatiently, "Then I'll rush back to the Factory Area today."

Lu Cheng smiled and stopped him, "Tan Zonggong, don't be hasty; manufacturing the snow removal machine isn't something that can be rushed in a short time. Stay here peacefully for a few days; now that you've finally reunited with your family, spend more time with the children."

When he saw his son Xiaoli beside him, Tan Kaiping's heart was stirred; over the years he had indeed owed his child a lot.

The food wasn't ready yet; the two sat under the grape trellis, discussing detailed issues of the snow removal machine.

Soon after, Wu Qiming arrived.

The two had been old friends; Tan Kaiping instantly recognized Research Institute Director Wu Qiming, but Wu Qiming stared for a while, unable to believe that the person before him was the renowned Tan Zonggong.

"Wu Director, hello," Tan Kaiping extended his hand.

"Tan Zonggong..." Wu Qiming grasped his hand, his other hand pounding heavily, and for a long moment said nothing.

"Tan Zonggong, this time we owe a lot to Group Leader Lu; otherwise, I was worried I might never see you again in this lifetime."

Tan Kaiping nodded, "Yes, just now I said Comrade Xiao Lu's actions were a bit too risky; for a useless person like me, it wasn't worth it."

Wu Qiming laughed, "Tan Zonggong is not a useless person. If you truly want to thank Group Leader Lu, just do a good job on the snow removal machine; otherwise, Group Leader Lu, as deputy chief commander, will be saddened."

"Deputy chief commander?" Tan Kaiping couldn't help but glance at Lu Cheng, surprised that someone so young was already leading projects.

"Yes, this snow removal machine project was organized by Group Leader Lu, and to reach the current stage, Group Leader Lu has made a huge contribution."

Lu Cheng stepped forward, "Wu Director, Tan Zonggong just returned; many things are still unclear. Let's not discuss them outside. The food is ready; let's eat while we chat."

"Right, right, eat while we chat. Tan Zonggong, I'm so glad you could return. Today, no matter what, I'll have a few more drinks with Group Leader Lu."

The three made way to the Backyard room, entered, and then politely yielded the main seat to each other.

Wu Qiming and Tan Kaiping both wanted Lu Cheng to take the main seat.

But regardless of age or rank, Lu Cheng was not suitable for the main seat, so in the end they let Tan Kaiping sit there.

For Tan Kaiping, today was a reunion day; not only did he reunite with his family, but also with old friends, and inevitably had a couple more drinks.

Three days later, Lu Cheng saw Tan Kaiping and his family onto the train.

At the Platform, Tan Kaiping said his farewell, "Comrade Xiao Lu, rest assured; whether for you or for the Factory Area, I will see to it that the snow removal machine work is done well."

Lu Cheng clasped his hand and said, "Tan Zonggong, don't overexert yourself; just do your best. For now, you should first take care of your health."

Tan Kaiping changed into a Zhongshan suit; although his figure was still extremely gaunt, his entire demeanor had completely changed.

Tan Zonggong's wife, standing beside, held Lu Cheng's hand, "Xiao Lu, Aunt thanks you, thanks you. When you get to Shencheng, be sure to contact Aunt; Aunt will make you something tasty."

In these days of material shortage, cooking a delicious meal for someone is the greatest show of sincerity.

"I know, Auntie, the train is about to depart; you all get on quickly."

We escorted Tan Kaiping's family onto the train; as the train slowly pulled out of the Platform, Tan Kaiping's family kept waving out the window.

Everything went smoothly, and Lu Cheng finally breathed a sigh of relief; now he could at least get a good night's sleep.

But that pleasant feeling was soon shattered in the deep night of some day at the end of July.

Suddenly, the Capital City was shaken by a massive tremor…