Chapter 12: Reborn 1987 Chapter 12: Big Brother Helps You Vent

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Protagonist:

Jiang Wenyu

The man's name was Wu Guoli, the owner of the Food Factory. He was upright in character, and kind-hearted in the way we commonly call a "nice guy," but his personality wasn't that strong — he was the type who had the heart but lacked the strength.

But in the factory he treated the workers exceptionally well, especially Chen Lan, the youngest worker, whom he looked after with particular care. He also knew his own son Wu Chang often bullied Chen Lan, and for that he frequently scolded him. While he was present at the factory he would protect Chen Lan's safety, but a person can't always be there, and bad people always find chances to exploit gaps.

Take today for instance: when Wu Guoli heard about today's matter he naturally flew into a rage, gave Wu Chang a thorough scolding, and then, taking advantage of the heavy rain not having stopped, hurriedly ran over to Chen Lan's home.

This was also his first time meeting Jiang Wenyu; in his memory, Wu Guoli had never come to his house before.

"You are... Mr. Jiang, right?" Wu Guoli looked at Jiang Wenyu and said.

The latter also hurriedly nodded and said, "Yes, Mr. Wu, hello. Thank you for looking after Xiao Lan at the factory."

"Sigh!" Wu Guoli shook his head and said, "No need to say anything. This is all my fault. I spoiled that brat rotten, and that's why this whole mess blew up. And that kid even presumptuously fired Chen Lan on his own authority. I... I regret ever having given birth to him!"

Chen Lan was already sitting beside Jiang Wenyu, her complexion not too good either, but she still comforted him: "Mr. Wu, don't blame yourself. This matter has nothing to do with you."

"Of course it's related!" Wu Guoli's eye sockets were red with anger, and he said resentfully: "Back then, seeing the factory developing well, I gave him the successor's status early on and let him hold some shares in the factory. But the result? This kid actually spends money by the handful! Not to mention he constantly does stupid things even a dog wouldn't do!"

The more he spoke the angrier he got. Chen Lan and Jiang Wenyu didn't know what to say. Wu Guoli sighed again, and finally looked at Chen Lan and said: "Chen Lan, this is all my fault. But I feel... this also counts as an opportunity."

Chen Lan asked in puzzlement: "What opportunity?"

Wu Guoli hurriedly said: "Staying on at the factory isn't good for you either. I'll say something unpleasant: my health isn't good anymore either. Once I... when that time comes, won't this factory be thrown into chaos? That kid even presumptuously fired you today, so I feel this is also an opportunity!"

After speaking, under the bewildered gazes of Jiang Wenyu and Chen Lan, Wu Guoli fished out a crumpled, wrinkled piece of paper from his bosom. Neat characters were written on it, but because it had been soaked by rainwater it had become somewhat blurry, though still barely legible.

"An old classmate of mine took money and started a Clothing Factory on the south side of Chema City. He returned from abroad, more knowledgeable than me! He even studied something... clothing design, and opened a Kindergarten next to the factory. The scale is about the same as mine, but the benefits are quite a bit better. Written on this is their address. You go the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll go over ahead of time and say hello to him, and that'll be enough!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Lan was naturally overjoyed inside, yet she hesitated somewhat and said: "But... I've never done clothing-related work before."

"No problem!" Wu Guoli said: "Their place just opened not long ago, so originally there weren't many who knew how. That's why for the past month they've only been running training classes. Work starts after training ends. If you do well, income definitely won't be low. Most importantly, there won't be as many troubles as at my factory. Staying there is guaranteed to be fine!"

Wu Guoli spoke with some excitement. Jiang Wenyu listened silently at the side and couldn't help feeling a bit grateful toward him. People of this era were just that simple and honest; only a rare few truly harbored ill intentions, like that Wu Chang, like that Li Zhao.

But actually Jiang Wenyu still wanted Chen Lan to stay at home. Yet she clearly didn't want to do that. This career woman — given the slightest chance she would definitely seize it. The old her was exactly like this.

Chen Lan was naturally happy and said gratefully: "Mr. Wu... thank you so much!"

Wu Guoli waved his hands repeatedly: "Don't thank me. The more you thank me, the worse I feel inside. From the day you came to the factory, that kid hasn't been peaceful for a moment. With you gone, my heart can also be at ease a lot more."

The words sounded a bit harsh, but they were genuinely spoken for Chen Lan's sake. Even Jiang Wenyu couldn't help being somewhat moved.

"Alright, I won't disturb your rest any further. Mr. Jiang, I apologize once more for today's matter."

Jiang Wenyu hurriedly stood up and said: "Mr. Wu, don't say that. You've already helped us a great deal."

Wu Guoli nodded, his expression somewhat complex. Finally he sighed and walked out.

"Alright, no need to see me off. I'm leaving!"

The middle-aged man put on his raincoat hood and left in quick strides. He soon disappeared into the night.

Jiang Wenyu and Chen Lan watched until the other party had completely left before closing the door. Seeing Chen Lan staring at that note so earnestly, Jiang Wenyu couldn't bring himself to persuade her further. He said: "Since you've decided to go there, I won't say more. But if you encounter anything, you must tell me."

Chen Lan glanced at him. Some inexplicable emotion seemed to have added itself in her eyes. Finally she nodded.

A night without words, only the heavy rain pattering down. Occasional thunderclaps would always startle the sleeping child awake. Chen Lan and Jiang Wenyu would take turns coaxing her back to sleep on days like these.