Chapter 78

After seeing off the Great Leader, Lin Shengli and Yang Changzhang were on their way to the workshop when they encountered Factory Director Liu.

Worker Lin, I've been looking for you for half a day, finally found you.

Seeing Lin Shengli, Factory Director Liu stepped forward with a beaming smile, firmly gripping Lin Shengli's hand as if worried he might run away.

"Factory Director Liu, sorry, I was just busy."

Lin Shengli said, pointing at Yang Changzhang with his palm, and introduced:

"Factory Director Liu, this is Yang Changzhang of our Hongxing Rolling Steel Factory."

Then he also introduced Factory Director Liu to Yang Changzhang.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yang Changzhang asked:

"Factory Director Liu, your factory is a key factory; this Step Bottom Furnace should be usable, right?"

Factory Director Liu nodded and said, "Well, that's why I came to find Worker Lin, hoping he could give me a backdoor, haha."

Lin Shengli laughed heartily and said, "Factory Director Liu, no problem, we're old acquaintances."

"However, this is new equipment; it needs two days to put into operation."

"Then we also need to wait for the relevant manufacturers to produce the parts before we can continue assembly."

"Also, we need leadership arrangements."

"Of course, you're a key factory; leadership will definitely prioritize you."

Factory Director Liu: "Then I'll thank Worker Lin first."

"By the way, last time I was in a hurry and didn't prepare any gift."

"This time, I was entrusted by Factory Director Li to specially bring you wild ginseng from Long White Mountain as thanks for your previous help repairing our machinery."

As his words fell, a young man beside him hurriedly stepped forward, presenting the two handbags he was holding with both hands to Lin Shengli.

"Thank you, Factory Director Li! Thank you, Factory Director Liu!"

Lin Shengli said, waving his hand, then continued:

"However, this gift is too precious."

"I cannot accept it."

"The Great Leader was just here."

"If he knew I accepted gifts, he'd surely criticize me."

Factory Director Liu laughed and said, "Worker Lin, rest assured."

"I've already told the Great Leader."

"I originally wanted to give the Great Leader a share as well."

"But he said his share should go to you."

"Actually, this is what you deserve."

"You've really helped us out a lot."

"Without you, our machine would already be scrap."

"This is also Factory Director Li's personal instruction; you must accept it, otherwise I won't be able to report back."

Saying that, he took the handbags from the young man's hands and shoved them into Lin Shengli's hands.

Yang Changzhang: "Worker Lin, please accept it; this is also the heartfelt intention of Factory Director Liu and Factory Director Li."

Lin Shengli: "Then I'll obey respectfully."

"However, let's split it, one share each for me and Yang Changzhang."

Yang Changzhang quickly waved his hand and said:

"That's not possible, that's not possible."

"The Great Leader has already spoken."

"If I took it, I'd surely get scolded."

Lin Shengli smiled and no longer insisted.

Yang Changzhang: "If Factory Director Liu has no other arrangements, shall we have a simple meal together at noon?"

Factory Director Liu: "Sure, sure, thank you Yang Changzhang, thank you Worker Lin."

Siheyuan

Qin Huairu stood at the gate, watching the children playing to one side, looking worried.

She was waiting for Shazhu to bring back the leftovers.

Shazhu had told her that there would be a reception at the factory today.

She worried that Shazhu wouldn't give her all the leftovers, and also worried that the leftovers he brought back might be snatched away.

Recently, their household has not been doing well.

If it weren't for the fact that Bang Geng recently stole half a sack of barley noodles from Shazhu's home, she wouldn't know how to have gotten through these days.

Although Jia Zhangshi hasn't been released yet, there's one less person to eat.

But without the assistance of Yi Zhonghai and Shazhu.

Yi Zhonghai has learned his lesson, severed ties with Jia Dongxu as master and apprentice, will no longer think of relying on Jia Dongxu for support in his old age, naturally will no longer indulge him, and will no longer assist his family.

Shazhu, on the other hand, is in debt, willing but unable.

Qin Huairu, however, had once considered having Shazhu borrow money to help her.

But Shazhu said he couldn't borrow any.

Indeed, he couldn't.

Because everyone Shazhu could borrow from had already been lent to; some were too embarrassed to ask again, others dared not.

For example, the Deaf Old Lady and Yi Zhonghai.

Some then refused him.

For example, comrades from the Ya gang chang canteen.

Seeing Qin Huairu anxious and upset, he also felt anxious and upset.

But, unable to borrow money, he could do nothing.

He can't possibly go steal or rob, can he?

He could only occasionally bring back some leftovers, handing them all over to Qin Huairu.

As for this, Qin Huairu was still dissatisfied.

Always blaming Shazhu for not helping when someone is in danger.

Back then, Shazhu and her family hadn't owed money, had no debts, and moreover Yi Zhonghai and Shazhu often helped out.

So, Qin Huairu would usually keep a bit of the leftovers Shazhu brought back for him.

During this period, she simply took all of it, leaving nothing for Shazhu.

Moreover, she never asked whether Shazhu had eaten.

As for this, Shazhu, upon recalling, still felt a bit sad.

How could Qin Huairu not care about him at all?

But who made him like Qin Huairu so much and like Bang Geng so much?

"This Shazhu, why hasn't he come back yet?"

"I don't know if Bang Geng is hungry yet?"

"We've been waiting half a day, really."

It was past mealtime, still no sign of Shazhu returning, and Qin Huairu inwardly muttered impatiently.

Just then, He Yushui walked out from the courtyard.

"Qin Jie, what are you doing?"

Although He Yushui doesn't like Qin Huairu, upon meeting she still should proactively greet.

She is still not an adult, still unable to support herself, and still needs Shazhu to help pay her tuition.

And Shazhu likes Qin Huairu so much; if he offends Qin Huairu, Shazhu might take his anger out on her.

Qin Huairu forced out a faint smile and said:

"It's fine, I'm bored at home, came out for a walk."

"What are you going to do?"

He Yushui doesn't like Qin Huairu; likewise, Qin Huairu doesn't like He Yushui.

Because she always thinks that if there were no He Yushui, then He Yuzhu could help her more.

Even though Shazhu said so, He Yushui rarely gets to eat the leftovers he brings back.

But doesn't paying tuition cost money? Don't food and necessities cost money?

If there were no He Yushui, Shazhu wouldn't be completely without savings and still in debt.

Of course, as a qualified white lotus flower, she never shows her dislike for He Yushui in front of him.

On the contrary, she will sometimes show concern for He Yushui at appropriate times.

So, to outsiders, their relationship seems very good.

He Yushui: "My older brother hasn't come back yet, there's no food at home, I want to go out to buy something to eat."

Upon hearing this, Qin Huairu couldn't help but frown.

Does He Yushui still have money to buy food?

Didn't Shazhu say he had no money at all?

Could it be that he's deceiving her?

Hmph, this Shazhu is really hateful!

She strained to put on a very sorrowful expression, let out a long sigh, and said:

"Ah, Yushui, you really have it rough."

"After coming back from school, there's still no food to eat."

"You're already in your second year of high school; how can you have the mind to study?"

"Qin Jie really feels sorry for you!"