Chapter 55: Resentment from Xu Damao

Small Kitchen.

"I offered to set you up with someone, but you refused. Turns out you already had someone in mind," Lin Xinmin said, giving Lin Shaowen a playful punch.

"Indeed. I thought you would drag your feet for a few more years," Director Yang teased as well.

"Director, you're the one who brought her here. Don't tell me you didn't know about this?" Lin Shaowen raised an eyebrow.

Swish!

All eyes immediately turned toward Yang Weiguo.

"Ahem, ahem. Entrusted by others, I was simply entrusted by others," Director Yang said awkwardly, waving his hand.

The Rolling Mill operated under a joint state-private ownership model, with Lou Ban-cheng personally holding half of the shares. Consequently, Yang Weiguo maintained a very close personal friendship with Lou Ban-cheng.

"Alright, let's eat."

After gesturing for everyone to take their seats, Li Xinmin opened two bottles of Moutai. Just as he was about to fill Lin Shaowen's glass, Lin Shaowen stopped him with his hand.

"Leaders, I'm different from you all. In my profession, reporting to work under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden."

"Oh."

Everyone was momentarily stunned before realization dawned on them.

If a doctor reported to duty drunk, it could truly lead to a disaster.

"We'll drink together next time then," Li Xinmin said with a smile.

"Next time, I'll treat you all," Lin Shaowen replied, smiling as well.

"To wedding wine?" Director Yang asked out of curiosity.

Lou Xiaoe, who had remained silent the entire time, felt her heart flutter anxiously upon hearing the words "wedding wine."

"Even if you aren't invited to the wedding wine, I'll still have to invite you," Lin Shaowen said, standing up. "Leaders, duty calls. I'll substitute tea for wine and toast you all."

"Good!"

Everyone praised him loudly.

It was no wonder that someone as young as Lin Shaowen had earned the appreciation of both the primary and deputy factory directors. He knew how to handle affairs, how to conduct himself socially, and possessed his own steadfast principles. For a person like this not to succeed would be impossible.

First Canteen.

"Hey, Director Lin's partner is quite pretty."

"You can say that again. Her looks are simply stunning."

"Looks like she comes from a rather prominent background too. I heard her family even owns a car."

...

The workers discussed Lin Shaowen and Lou Xiaoe's affairs loudly, causing Xu Damao to grit his teeth in frustration.

So, Lou Xiaoe, you good-for-nothing, you actually had your eyes on Lin Shaowen.

And that bastard Lin Shaowen wasn't any better. Usually, they acted like sworn brothers, but when it came to stealing someone else's thunder, he didn't hold back at all.

Xu Damao rolled his eyes, and an idea instantly formed in his mind. He turned to the colleague beside him and whispered, "Don't let her looks fool you. Her family background is terrible..."

"Oh? What do you mean?" Several people gathered around.

"Her family are major capitalists. If Director Lin stays with her, he's bound to be implicated in the future," Xu Damao said quietly.

"Hiss, really?"

Many of them furrowed their brows.

Background was of utmost importance nowadays, encapsulated by the phrase: "Three generations of poor peasants, with roots as red as can be."

Because of problematic class backgrounds, plenty of people had lost their official positions or been forced into divorce. Not everyone had the courage to marry a capitalist's daughter.

Before long, the rumor that Lin Shaowen was marrying a "capitalist's daughter" spread throughout the entire Rolling Mill.

Medical Room.

"You should head back," Lin Shaowen said to Lou Xiaoe.

"Why?" Lou Xiaoe pouted and asked.

"This is a workplace. Office romance is frowned upon." After hesitating for a moment, Lin Shaowen finally reached out and pinched her cheek. "Go on back. Come find me at my place when you have time."

"Really?"

Lou Xiaoe instantly brightened up.

"Really."

Lin Shaowen nodded.

"So, am I your partner now?" Lou Xiaoe asked, still feeling slightly insecure.

"Yes, you're my partner," Lin Shaowen smiled.

"Then I'm leaving."

As Lou Xiaoe reached the door, she suddenly turned around, ran back on tiptoe, planted a kiss on Lin Shaowen's cheek, and then fled the scene in a flash.

"Ah."

Covering his cheek, Lin Shaowen chuckled softly.

It was indeed time to settle down and start a family.

The Island.

After plucking a bottle of cola, Lin Shaowen commenced his grand fishing enterprise.

"First cast."

"Acquired the formula for 'Musk Heart-Protecting Pills'."

"Oh."

Lin Shaowen was momentarily stunned.

Having absorbed the medical knowledge of *The Book of the Blue Pouch* and *Yama's Thirteen Needles*, he could now be considered a skilled physician. He could easily analyze pharmacological formulas. According to its ingredients, the Musk Heart-Protecting Pill was an exceptional remedy for myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease.

The greatest aspect of this medicine was its remarkable efficacy combined with low production costs.

"Second cast."

"Acquired a full set of modern household appliances."

Lin Shaowen was left speechless.

If he had known earlier, he wouldn't have bothered spending so much effort trying to build his own furniture two months ago.

With this single cast, he had essentially fished out an entire house.

Ranging from large items like beds and wardrobes down to small items like tables, chairs, and stools—even more absurdly, it included lighting and bathroom fixtures.

"Third cast."

"Acquired *Tianhui Medical Bamboo Slips*. Do you wish to study them?"

"Study."

Lin Shaowen's spirits surged.

The *Tianhui Medical Bamboo Slips* went by another name: *Bian Que's Medical Classic*.

The closer one got to modern times, the more advanced medical technology became. Conversely, the further back one traveled into antiquity, the more miraculous medical techniques seemed, particularly those practiced by physicians during the Warring States period, which could only be described as god-tier.

If *The Book of the Blue Pouch* represented skill, then the *Tianhui Medical Bamboo Slips* had already reached the realm of profound art. Even after studying them thoroughly through the system, Lin Shaowen still felt he hadn't fully grasped them, as many of the techniques and methods completely contradicted those in *The Book of the Blue Pouch*.

Medical Room.

Lin Shaowen lay slumped over his desk, his gaze vacant.

His mind was racing as he continuously pondered the contents of the *Tianhui Medical Bamboo Slips*, when suddenly a wave of fragrance drifted over.

He was all too familiar with this scent.

"Shaowen," Qin Huairu called out softly, a look of worry clouding her pretty face.

"What's wrong? Unhappy to hear that I'm seeing someone?" Lin Shaowen smiled.

"Not at all."

Qin Huairu reached out and swatted him playfully before saying, "Everyone is saying Lou Xiaoe is a capitalist's daughter. Being with her will ruin your future."

She had mentally prepared herself for the fact that Lin Shaowen would eventually marry, but she couldn't bear the thought of it ruining his future.

"I know who her father is," Lin Shaowen smiled. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Then... if she moves in, what's going to happen to us?" Qin Huairu asked, her face flushing red.

"You come over to my place," Lin Shaowen chuckled.

"My place?" Qin Huairu shook her head. "My place isn't safe. It would be terrible if someone found out."

"No, your place is very safe. I'll take you somewhere after work."

Remembering the rewards from his earlier draws, Lin Shaowen instantly hatched a plan.

"Mn. But you should still think it through carefully. If it doesn't work out, we can always find someone else," Qin Huairu whispered.

"Understood, Mrs. Lin," Lin Shaowen teased.

"Go on, who's your wife?"

Qin Huairu bit her lip, glanced outside to make sure no one was looking, gave Lin Shaowen a fierce kiss, and turned on her heel to leave.

She didn't dare linger; if anyone misunderstood the situation, it would spell trouble.

Lin Shaowen smiled, rested his head back on the desk, and resumed his contemplation.

Before long, however, two unexpected visitors arrived.

"Teacher, Director Zhang, what brings you here?" Lin Shaowen asked in surprise.

"What? Can't we come check on you?" Qin Zhong said with a straight face.

"Xiao Lin, you did a great job last time," Zhang Yuyang praised.

"You came just in time. I was just pondering a medical prescription, you can help me vet it..." Lin Shaowen poured them each a cup of water.

"A prescription?"

Qin Zhong and Zhang Yuyang exchanged glances, both visibly shocked.

Just how old was Lin Shaowen? And he already dared to formulate his own prescriptions?

Then again, this kid truly possessed a bit of talent.

That massage technique and those silver needles alone were already extraordinary.