Chapter 52: Lin Shaowen Achieves Merit, Qin Huairu Receives a Promotion

“This is just my duty.” Lin Shaowen’s tone was calm, tinged with fatigue.

“Director Lin, you should rest first. We’ll handle the work here,” Deputy Factory Director Li said politely.

“Yes, yes, Xiao Lin, you go rest first,” Factory Director Yang urged hurriedly.

Lin Shaowen’s white coat was already stained with blood and pus, and his face bore traces of blood as well—evidence of how perilous the situation had been.

“All right, I’ll go change,” Lin Shaowen nodded and turned to leave.

The other leaders went to the scene to oversee the work, leaving only Li Xinmin and Yang Weiguo standing there.

Li Xinmin pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Yang Weiguo.

Though they often clashed, after such a major incident, they had to unite; otherwise, the entire rolling mill would suffer.

“Should we mention it to Director Lin?” Li Xinmin brought up the topic again.

“No, he’s too young,” Yang Weiguo sighed.

In this era, the lower ranks didn’t embrace the idea of “breaking the mold to recruit talent.” Seniority and rank were the prevailing standards.

Lin Shaowen had graduated only two months ago yet became the head of the medical department—a rather extraordinary leap that stirred much resentment. The rolling mill’s management wasn’t something Yang Weiguo and Li Xinmin could control alone; many in the leadership had their own connections.

“I heard a rumor… Director Lin introduced a woman to the factory recently,” Li Xinmin took a deep drag before adding, “She’s divorced.”

Yang Weiguo was momentarily taken aback but then replied slowly, “Young people sometimes step out of line—that’s understandable.”

Matters of conduct were grave in those days, especially for ordinary people.

But for some, such issues could be either significant or trivial.

For instance, Li Xinmin and Liu Lan—didn’t Yang Weiguo know about them?

He certainly did, but he wouldn’t exploit such matters, because even if he won, he wouldn’t gain anything from it.

Struggles were inevitable, but some unspoken rules had to be respected.

“Should we warn her?” Li Xinmin asked.

“Don’t make it too obvious,” Yang Weiguo whispered.

“Got it.” Li Xinmin nodded before turning and leaving.

In the infirmary, Lin Shaowen paused in surprise upon opening the door.

Lou Xiao’e was sitting in his chair, quietly flipping through a copy of *Notes from the Grass Hut*.

She was dressed simply today—a gray checked shirt paired with black work pants and leather shoes—looking much like a government office employee.

Hearing the door, Lou Xiao’e stood quickly. “You’re back.”

“Mm,” Lin Shaowen nodded, preparing to take off his bloodstained white coat.

A faint fragrance accompanied a pair of delicate hands that reached out to grasp his sleeve, helping him change.

“I’ll fetch you some water,” Lou Xiao’e said after folding the dirty coat and filling a thermos with hot water.

Lin Shaowen watched her quietly for a long moment, then sighed deeply.

She was destined to leave for Hong Kong; if they were to be together, it would only be for a few years.

“The water’s ready,” Lou Xiao’e called.

Lin Shaowen approached, washed his hands with soap, then his face, before letting out a long breath.

Just as he settled into his seat, a cup of steaming tea was placed before him.

“Have some tea,” Lou Xiao’e smiled.

“Thank you,” Lin Shaowen nodded, taking a sip, then looked at her in surprise.

This tea was no ordinary brew.

It began slightly bitter but quickly turned sweet, leaving a fragrant aftertaste.

“What are you looking at me for?” Lou Xiao’e teased.

“What kind of tea is this? Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao?” Lin Shaowen asked.

“How did you know?” Lou Xiao’e was stunned.

“No, really, it’s Da Hong Pao from Wuyi Mountain?” Lin Shaowen was equally surprised.

He wasn’t a tea connoisseur—just a lucky guess.

“Do you like it? If so, I’ll sneak some more next time,” Lou Xiao’e laughed coquettishly.

“No need,” Lin Shaowen waved his hand hastily. “If your father finds out, he’ll skin me alive.”

“Not that bad…” she trailed off.

As they spoke, the loudspeaker suddenly crackled to life.

“Dear leaders and comrades, hello. This is your announcer, Xiao Zhang. I’m about to read two commendation letters from Xiehe Hospital and Red Star Hospital, honoring our rolling mill’s Medical Department Director, Lin Shaowen…”

“Hey, where’s your commendation letter?” Lou Xiao’e was excited, as if the praise were for her.

“Mm,” Lin Shaowen nodded.

“Why aren’t you happy?” Lou Xiao’e frowned.

“To exchange two deaths and over ten serious injuries for a commendation letter—what’s there to be happy about?” Lin Shaowen sighed.

He didn’t consider himself noble, but he truly couldn’t stomach accolades built on others’ suffering.

Lou Xiao’e looked at him quietly for a long time, then softly said, “Lin Shaowen, you are a kind person.”

Lin Shaowen smiled bitterly, shaking his head as he listened intently to the broadcast.

“Therefore, the factory has decided to award Director Lin a bonus of one hundred yuan as encouragement.”

***

Workshop One.

“Why him again?” Jia Dongxu gritted his teeth.

Yi Zhonghai frowned deeply but said nothing.

It was clear he wasn’t pleased either.

***

Canteen.

“Damn it, he’s everywhere,” Fool Zhu grumbled angrily.

“Jealous, aren’t you?” Liu Lan mocked.

“Jealous? What’s he to me?” Fool Zhu spat.

Qin Huairu’s expression remained calm, but inside she was delighted.

Suddenly, Wang Kuirong entered, clapping his hands. “Now, I want to announce a personnel appointment…”

Everyone in the kitchen dropped their work and gathered around.

Wang Kuirong pulled out a piece of paper and read aloud, “Comrade Qin Huairu has been diligent and conscientious since joining the factory. Not only has she perfectly fulfilled her duties, but she has also made outstanding contributions to the Women’s Federation’s development.”

“Now, the factory has decided to increase her responsibilities and promote her to Level 8 Cook. Everyone, please applaud…”

After reading, he led the applause.

The others gradually joined in, their gazes fixed on Qin Huairu.

Qin Huairu’s mind went blank; she was in a daze.

Level 8 Cook, thirty-seven yuan and fifty cents salary? That was the same as Fool Zhu.

“Director Wang, Sister Qin doesn’t even know how to work the cutting board. What exactly will she do as a Level 8 Cook?” Fool Zhu asked, stepping closer.

“Continue as assistant cook,” Wang Kuirong replied indifferently.

“Level 8 Cook but just an assistant?!” Fool Zhu was dumbfounded.

Typically, only the stir-fry chefs in the canteen held Level 8 Cook status.

Though Ma Hua and others helped with cooking, they earned just eighteen yuan as apprentices.

“If you have complaints, take them to the factory. What good does it do to bother me?” Wang Kuirong sneered and turned to leave.

Level 8 Cook wasn’t a title he could bestow as canteen director; even for cook evaluations, he was only one of the judges.

He was puzzled, too, about Qin Huairu’s sudden promotion—and straight to Level 8 without examination.

In the past, if Director Li had acted so recklessly, Director Yang would have intervened immediately.

But this time, Director Yang was unusually quiet, even instructing him to take good care of Qin Huairu.

Could it be... Lin Shaowen’s influence really reached such heights?