A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1436 Lin Wufeng, the Tool! (Please Subscribe!)

Lin Wufeng was suspended from his job. Although the neighbors didn't say anything to his face, they pointed and gossiped behind his back, saying all sorts of nasty things.

How could Song Ying and Lin Wufeng not know? They were angry, but also worried.

Huang Ling also heard about this and took Zhuang Chaoying next door to comfort her. Just as they were talking, they heard someone at the door ask:

Is Engineer Lin home?

When everyone looked towards the entrance, they recognized him immediately—it was Li Yiming, the 'big boss' who had walked out of the alley.

Lin Wufeng quickly greeted them:
"Yiming, come in and sit down. Weren't you developing your career in Beijing? When did you come back?"

"I just got home today, and Teacher Zhuang and Aunt Huang are here too!"

After Li Yiming came in, he greeted everyone one by one and then sat down on the sofa.

Huang Ling asked curiously, "Yiming, I heard that you were acquired by a big boss in Hong Kong, right?"

Li Yiming responded with a smile: "It's not an acquisition, it's an investment, you could call it a joint venture. It used to be called the Sales Department, now it's called SDX Group!"

Song Ying exclaimed, "A corporation? That's incredible! What do you mean by that 'S' thing?"

Li Yiming laughed and said, "SDX Group, which is transliterated as Sting Group, I don't know what it means, it's a name given by the big boss, maybe it's to sound fancy!"

Hua Shier: Abbreviation, do you even know what an abbreviation is!

After exchanging a few pleasantries with everyone, Li Yiming got straight to the point and explained his purpose:
"I heard that the compressor factory suspended Engineer Lin, so I came here today to invite Engineer Lin to work for our group!"

Everyone was surprised to hear his purpose for coming. Lin Wufeng asked in confusion:
"Yiming, you guys are in product sales, it's not my area of ​​expertise to work for you!"

Li Yiming explained:

"That's right, Mr. Lin. After our group becomes a joint venture, we will produce our own products. We have already communicated with the relevant leaders in charge of investment promotion and bought a large plot of land in the suburbs to build our own home appliance manufacturing plant!"

"The first home appliance we plan to produce will be a refrigerator. I heard you're not happy at the compressor factory. Why don't you come work for us? We definitely won't treat you unfairly!"

Lin Wufeng instinctively wanted to refuse. In this era, state-owned enterprises were the only secure jobs. His case hadn't been fully investigated yet, so there might be room for negotiation.

In his mind, even if he couldn't become the deputy factory director, being a regular engineer would still be better than working in a joint venture with no guarantee of success!

Before Lin Wufeng could even speak, Li Yiming smiled and stated his conditions:
"We want to hire Engineer Lin to be the factory manager of this home appliance manufacturing plant. The monthly salary is set at five hundred yuan, not including bonuses and other benefits!"

The condition shocked everyone, and they couldn't believe it.

Zhuang Chaoying, the head of the teaching department, only earns seventy yuan a month. Song Ying and Huang Ling's salaries are just over forty yuan. Even before Lin Wufeng stopped working, their salaries were only a little over one hundred yuan. Li Yiming's offer of five hundred yuan a month is simply an astronomical sum.

Song Ying quickly said, "Yiming, you can't play tricks on people like that!"

Li Yiming said with a smile:
"Aunt Song, look at what you're saying. How could I dare to mess with Engineer Lin? We're a joint venture, so our wages are already high. Giving the factory manager 500 is just normal pay. Besides, Engineer Lin is a talent. Our boss said that the most valuable thing in the future is talent!"

Lin Wufeng said with a wry smile, "I'm not exactly a talent. I'm fine with researching products, but I have no experience managing a company!"

"Mr. Lin is too modest. The compressor factory is even going to promote you to deputy factory director, which proves that you have the ability. Besides, how can you gain experience as a factory director if you don't try it out? Don't you think so?"

Li Yiming's words amused everyone present, and he continued:
"Mr. Lin, you have the skills and the ability, and you've even represented the compressor factory at the Canton Fair, so you've seen the world. You're exactly the kind of talent we need. What do you think? I've come here with sincerity!"

Lin Wufeng and Song Ying exchanged a glance; both of them were tempted.

Suddenly Lin Wufeng sighed:
“Yiming, I won’t lie to you. You probably know about my situation. I go to a collective enterprise on weekends to provide technical guidance. Now someone is accusing me of economic crimes, and this matter hasn’t been resolved yet. It’s not appropriate for me to go to your place!”

Upon hearing this, Song Ying's eyes dimmed.

Surprisingly, Li Yiming didn't mind at all:

"Hey, I thought it was something serious. Don't worry, I trust your character. There's absolutely no way you would commit economic crimes!"

“Our joint venture has some influence in several departments in the city. I’ll talk to the leaders in the next couple of days and resolve this matter for you, so you can come to our group without any worries. What do you think?”

Before Lin Wufeng could speak, Song Ying became excited:

"Yiming, are you serious? If you can resolve this matter, Aunt Song will make the decision, and my husband Lao Lin will work for you!"

Lin Wufeng glanced at Song Ying and nodded: "Yiming, your aunt's opinion is my opinion!"

Li Yiming stood up with a smile: "Then it's a deal. Engineer Lin, you can start work now!"

After Li Yiming left, Song Ying was so excited that tears almost streamed down her face.
"Thank God, I hope Yiming is telling the truth and that my old Lin can escape this calamity!"

When Hua Shier got home from school, he heard that Li Yiming had come by. He thought to himself, "That kid is really fast. He just called yesterday, and today he came back from Beijing to Suzhou and got things done. What boss wouldn't like a subordinate like that?"

By the way, is it by plane that you're going so fast? How much does the plane ticket cost?
Hua Shier fell into deep thought.
Li Yiming: Boss, can't you be a decent human being?
The following day, Li Yiming, as a representative of the SDX Group, hosted a banquet for several relevant city leaders, mainly to discuss plans for investing in and building factories in the suburbs to boost local employment and the economy.

The atmosphere at the table was harmonious, and he casually brought up the matter of Lin Wufeng.

The words were phrased tactfully, but the meaning was conveyed.

The next day, the city government called the compressor factory directly to inquire about the matter.

In fact, the compressor factory had already investigated and found that Lin Wufeng used his rest time to help the collective enterprise improve its technology. He neither stole the blueprints nor received any improper or exorbitant compensation, so it did not constitute an "economic crime" at all.

The reason why the matter remains unresolved is simply that some leaders in the factory feel that he has "broken the rules," or that competitors are using this as an excuse to exert pressure.

The voice on the phone was very serious:
"Nonsense! Within the scope of policy, it's a good thing for technicians to use their spare time to help township enterprises with technological upgrades. This is to promote technology diffusion and support the development of the collective economy. What's wrong with that?"

"Stop making baseless accusations. Be proactive and pragmatic in your work, and give a formal conclusion as soon as possible. Don't dampen Comrade Lin Wufeng's enthusiasm for work!"

The factory manager, covered in cold sweat, repeatedly agreed, and the factory's efficiency instantly increased.

That afternoon, a notice stamped with a red seal was posted on the bulletin board, officially clarifying the investigation results on Lin Wufeng and stating that his behavior was not improper.

Looking at the notice, Lin Wufeng's eyes reddened. The anxiety, grievances, and resentment of the past few days finally vanished with this thin piece of paper.

At the same time, he was also shocked by Li Yiming's extraordinary abilities. How could he have resolved such a big matter in such a short time?

The factory leaders specifically spoke with Lin Wufeng, their tone much more conciliatory. They not only reiterated the investigation results but also implied that his eligibility for the deputy factory director position remained valid.

After listening, Lin Wufeng simply shook his head politely but firmly:

"Thank you for your concern, but after this experience, I've thought it through and I'm planning to resign and work in a different environment."

His heart had already flown to that new place that promised him a vast world and absolute trust.

As evening approached, Hua Shier, as usual, took Wu Shanshan, Zhuang Xiaoting, and Lin Dongzhe home by bicycle.

As soon as I entered the alley, I saw a thin figure standing helplessly at the door of the Wang family next door. It was Wang Fang's daughter, Zhou Qing. At this moment, she was looking down and her shoulders were trembling.

"Zhou Qing, why aren't you home? What are you doing squatting here?"

After getting out of the car, Lin Dongzhe asked the other person.

Zhou Qing raised her tear-filled face and whispered, "My uncle changed the locks, so I can't get in. He doesn't answer when I knock."

Although the children were in junior high and high school, they knew what was going on. Wang Yong wanted to take advantage of Wang Fang's return to the border region to kick his niece out so he could take over the small house.

This is a bit like having a child without a partner. What if something unexpected happens to your niece after you kick her out of the house?
"I'll call him for you!"

Lin Dongzhe, this kid has a bit of a chivalrous spirit; he likes to meddle in other people's business when he sees injustice, so he immediately stepped forward and banged on the door:
"Uncle Wang! Open the door! Zhou Qing is back!"

Hua Shier laughed and said, "You're not shouting correctly. Look how I shout, and he goes over and knocks on the door too. Uncle Wang, if you're so capable, change the locks. If you're so capable, open the door. I know you're home!"

Then the important lines are repeated three times.

There was no movement from inside the door. The younger children were exasperated, while Wu Shanshan giggled, "Brother Pengfei, you're quite rhythmic with your shouts!"

Lin Dongzhe's reckless spirit kicked in. He looked around, took a few steps back, and with a running start, used the debris piled against the wall to nimbly vault over the low wall of the Wang family's house. He then opened the door from the inside. Only then did a furious Wang Yong rush out of the house.

"Lin Dongzhe! What are you trying to do, climbing over my wall? What business is it of yours to interfere in my family's affairs? Your dad's practically a convict, so mind your own business!"

"What did you say?!"

These words struck a nerve with Lin Dongzhe, triggering his recent sensitive nerves. In a moment of impulsiveness, he rushed forward and started shoving Wang Yong.

Wang Yong, being a grown man, was enraged when he saw that a teenager dared to lay a hand on him. He raised his hand to slap Lin Dongzhe hard across the face.

Just as he was halfway through his swing, a hand reached out from the side and firmly grabbed his wrist. The force was so great that Wang Yong was unable to bring himself to strike.

It was Hua Shier who stopped Wang Yong; being present, he naturally couldn't let Lin Dongzhe suffer a loss.

Hua Shier grabbed Wang Yong's wrist and laughed:

"Uncle Wang, calm down. Dongzhe is still a child. It would be beneath you to lower yourself to his level."

Wang Yong struggled, but failed to break free, which only fueled his anger and embarrassment.
"Xiang Pengfei! This is none of your business! Let go right now! Or I'll beat you up too!"

Hua Shier's smile deepened, but his eyes remained cold.
"Uncle Wang, from what you're saying, you want to consider my opinion?"

He put two fingers of his other hand into his mouth and let out a loud and peculiar whistle.

Immediately afterwards, as if by magic, seven or eight teenagers emerged from their homes in the alley, including Wu Shanshan's younger brother, Wu Jun.

The children instantly blocked the entrance to the Wang family courtyard, their eyes sparkling as they looked at Hua Twelve and shouted in unison, "Brother Pengfei!"

This scene startled Wang Yong.

He knew about Xiang Pengfei's influence among the local children, but seeing him in person still made his heart skip a beat.

Hua Shier released Wang Yong's wrist and leisurely asked the young men at the gate:

"Someone wants to beat up your Pengfei brother, what should we do?"

"Beat him up!" Wu Jun shouted first, his neck stiff, and the other children joined in the commotion. Although they might not actually dare to lay a hand on him, their youthful spirit of shared hatred and indignation was quite strong.

Wang Yong's expression changed repeatedly, and his previous arrogance immediately diminished.

He glanced at Hua Twelve, whose face was calm but whose eyes were piercing, then at the group of teenagers outside the door. His Adam's apple bobbed, and he uttered a sentence, his tone fierce but his words weak:
"Okay, I'll go to the bathroom! I won't argue with a kid!"

After saying that, he actually lowered his head and slipped out the door, a classic example of 'escaping to pee'.

Hua Shier smiled and shook his head, then took out two yuan and handed it to Wu Jun:

"Let's go buy popsicles, one for each of us, so the people on the next street don't think we can't afford them."

"Thank you, Brother Pengfei!" The children cheered and scattered.

Zhou Qing thanked him timidly, but Hua Shier waved her hand, signaling her to go home quickly. The incident subsided in an almost comical way.

That evening, Lin Wufeng returned home and, after hearing about what had happened that afternoon from someone, felt both fear and gratitude.

He made a special trip to the dealer's house to find Hua Twelve and express his sincere gratitude:

"Pengfei, thanks to you today. Dongzhe was impulsive, and if you hadn't stopped him, he would have suffered a loss."

Hua Shier smiled innocently: "Uncle Lin, you're too kind. Dongzhe and I are good friends, it's only right."

He said that, but what he was really thinking was: You're making me work for you, no need to thank me, just help me make more money in the future.

Wang Yong was bragging to someone at the alley entrance when he was saying, "That kid from the Lin family has no manners," when suddenly someone grabbed him by the back of his collar and pulled him off balance.

Looking back, there was Lin Wufeng, his face ashen.

"Wang Yong!" Lin Wufeng suppressed his anger:

"Let me tell you, if you dare lay a finger on my son, I won't let you get away with it! Come at me if you have a problem with me!"

Wang Yong was being squeezed so tightly he could hardly breathe, but he was still stubborn:

"Lin Wufeng, what are you so arrogant about? Have you even resolved your own problems? Be careful, or I'll get you in legal trouble."

Someone watching the commotion immediately chimed in:

"Wang Yong, you're so out of touch! The compressor factory just posted a notice today: Lin's case has been investigated and cleared up. He's innocent!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yong was stunned, his imposing manner vanished, and he quickly put on a fawning smile.

"Oh dear, Engineer Lin, Brother Lin! It's a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding! I was just being cheeky, I was just talking nonsense! Please forgive me."

Lin Wufeng snorted heavily, let go of his hand, and didn't bother to waste any more words with him.

After this incident, Lin Wufeng had no more regrets. He quickly completed the formalities, officially left the compressor factory, and joined the SDX Group, becoming the factory manager of the group's 'Home Appliance Manufacturing Plant', responsible for the preparatory work.

For the next three months, Lin Wufeng spent almost all his time at construction sites in the suburbs.

Factory planning, factory construction, equipment import, and personnel recruitment—he was so busy he barely had time to breathe.

But I felt more relaxed than ever before.

Here, Lin Wufeng sensed that his technical expertise and management skills would be fully trusted and utilized, without any constraints, only goals and drive.

When the factory was taking shape, Li Yiming returned from Beijing and gave him a brand-new refrigerator design blueprint—a frost-free, air-cooled refrigerator.

Lin Wufeng, with a technical background, frowned as soon as he saw the blueprints:
“Yiming, air-cooling technology has been available in China for a long time, but it is expensive and the uniformity of cooling has always been a problem. The market response has not been good. Is it too risky for us to start with this right away?”

Li Yiming was full of confidence:
"Mr. Lin, this design is different. It uses a brand-new approach that we developed in collaboration with the Hong Kong technical team. If we can overcome a few key technical difficulties, the finished product will not only have controllable costs, but its cooling efficiency and uniformity will also far exceed those of existing products."

"These are the very challenges that require your leadership and the technical team to tackle with all their might."

Lin Wufeng took the thick stack of more detailed technical documents and studied them for several days. The deeper he went, the brighter his eyes became.

The ideas in the drawings are indeed ingenious, and many of the designs are unheard of, but they are theoretically entirely feasible.

The challenges are immense, but the allure of success is even greater! Once it's done, it will be a truly market-leading product.

He slammed his hand on the table and said to the equally excited technical staff:
"Let's do it! Starting tomorrow, we'll tackle these problems head-on! I refuse to believe we can't overcome them!"

Just as the Lin family was thriving and Lin Wufeng was leading his team to make waves in the ocean of technology, the shadow of the cotton mill finally loomed over the other side of the alley.

Most of the machines in the factory have stopped, and the vast majority of workers have been told to "go home on holiday and wait for further notice," making it difficult to even guarantee their basic wages.

Wang Yong, Wu Jianguo, and a large group of others suddenly lost their source of income, their future uncertain, and they were constantly frowning. They gathered at the alley entrance to discuss how to find a way out.

It was only then that many people belatedly realized what was happening, and their gazes toward the Lin family were filled with complex envy.

"Have you heard? That guy from the Lin family is now a proper factory manager!"

"That's right, I heard she makes this much a month!" someone said, holding up five fingers and twirling them repeatedly. "Five hundred yuan! That's more than we make in half a year!"

"That's a joint venture, how can you compare them? Sigh, I should have learned some technology back then."

"Engineer Lin has actually turned misfortune into a blessing!"

Amidst the murmurs, Wang Yong looked pale and extremely embarrassed, as if everyone around him was mocking him.

　Thanks to brother 08a for the donation, and thanks to the brothers who voted with monthly tickets and recommendation tickets, thank you very much!

　　(End of this chapter)