TL: Etude
That evening, as Chen Jianghai was bustling around in the kitchen, Lin Wanqiu had already come home.
Chen Jianghai poked his head out, slightly surprised, and said, "Eh, Wanqiu, how come you got off work so early today?"
"The boss let me off early." Lin Wanqiu said.
Chen Jianghai paused for a moment, looking puzzled as he asked, "Why?"
Lin Wanqiu smiled faintly and said, "The boss's air conditioner broke down, and I heard you're skilled with such repairs, so he let me come back and ask you, do you have time to help fix it tomorrow?"
"Which boss?" Chen Jianghai followed up.
Lin Wanqiu gestured with her hand, "The workshop director, the one you've met before."
Hearing Lin Wanqiu say this, Chen Jianghai narrowed his eyes, recalling the man in question.
This workshop director, Qi Liang'an, must be nearing fifty, having worked in the garment factory where Lin Wanqiu was employed for decades. He was known for his integrity, and he had a good reputation and high esteem in the factory.
"Sure, no problem, I'm free tomorrow," Chen Jianghai readily responded.
Lin Wanqiu blinked, "Jianghai, it won't interfere with your regular work, will it?"
Chen Jianghai immediately replied, "Nothing is more important than my wife's requests."
He spoke from the heart.
Although Chen Jianghai hoped Lin Wanqiu could take early retirement and come home to enjoy a peaceful life, it was clearly not practical at the moment.
At least for the short term, it was certain that Lin Wanqiu was not ready to accept such a lifestyle.
Therefore, leaving a good impression on her superior, to make her work life easier, was the right thing to do.
So, it didn't matter if he had nothing else on— even if he did, Chen Jianghai would prioritize this task and handle it flawlessly.
Seeing Chen Jianghai's response, Lin Wanqiu's cheeks flushed red.
She didn't know where he had learned to be so charmingly articulate, saying things that tickled her heart.
After dinner, while Chen Jianghai was brushing his teeth, he took off his pager.
"Jianghai, is that... a pager?"
Lin Wanqiu, who was watching TV, looked uncertainly at the dark object on the table and asked.
Chen Jianghai nodded, "That's right, a Motorola pager!"
"Where did you get it?"
Lin Wanqiu picked it up and examined it closely, her brow furrowed, "I heard these things aren't cheap! They cost several thousand each!"
If Chen Jianghai had purchased it, then he would have spent all the money he had made.
Seeing Lin Wanqiu's somewhat worried look, Chen Jianghai knew what she was thinking and quickly explained, "This is a second-hand one. I fixed it myself, and so only spent about ten or so yuan."
Relieved by his words, Lin Wanqiu exhaled.
Watching her relieved expression, Chen Jianghai couldn't help but laugh, put down the towel, and wrapped his arms around Lin Wanqiu, "Why, is it not okay for me to use a pager when there are so many people asking me to repair their electronics?"
"It's not that, I just don't want you to spend money carelessly!" Lin Wanqiu said somewhat sheepishly.
Chen Jianghai, holding Lin Wanqiu, said deliberately, "Rest assured, I won't touch the money I've stored with you. But I will need money to do business, and there will be more places to use it in the future."
Seeing Lin Wanqiu like this, Chen Jianghai felt it was necessary to give her a heads up.
Lin Wanqiu didn't quite understand his words and frowned slightly, "Besides buying parts and collecting old appliances, where else would you need to spend money on this repair business?"
"You'll know in time," Chen Jianghai didn't elaborate further, merely giving a provisional answer.
Doing repair work was just a way for Chen Jianghai to accumulate some startup capital.
He had already invested quite a bit in the second-hand electronics business.
Of course, with investment comes returns, which would be very substantial.
Lin Wanqiu looked at Chen Jianghai, feeling increasingly unable to comprehend this man.
But as long as his intentions towards her were genuine, that was all that mattered!
After all, the life they were living now was something she had never even dared to dream of before!
...
The following day, after breakfast, Chen Jianghai left the house with Lin Wanqiu.
He planned to accompany Lin Wanqiu to the factory first, waiting to go back home with Director Qi.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the factory, there was a continuous stream of workers coming to work, some cycling, some walking.
In groups of twos and threes, there was laughter and chatter.
This scene starkly contrasted with the atmosphere around the electrical plant.
However, Chen Jianghai knew that this apparent prosperity was deceptive. In the economic tide of the 1990s, the inflexible state-owned enterprises were destined to be weeded out.
The workers who were laughing and talking now would soon face the crisis of being laid off.
With policy adjustments and the reform and opening-up policy lightening the load, the concept of the "iron rice bowl" was also starting to be ruthlessly shattered during this period.
There certainly weren't many who could calmly take yesterday's honors as memories and start anew.
Thinking of this, Chen Jianghai couldn't help but sigh.
He wondered how many people would be washed away by the tide of the era, unable to adapt to this reform.
"Jianghai, what's wrong?" Hearing Chen Jianghai's sigh, Lin Wanqiu asked with concern.
Chen Jianghai shook his head, "It's nothing! Has Director Qi not come out yet?"
"He will be out soon, after the morning meeting and once he's arranged the work. He said so yesterday," Lin Wanqiu said.
Chen Jianghai then asked, "Don't you have to work today? Why haven't you gone in?"
"Of course, I do."
Lin Wanqiu smiled and said, "Director Qi has already arranged my work for me; it's fine to go later."
"Alright then," Chen Jianghai nodded in agreement.
Considering how accommodating this Director Qi seemed to be, he knew he would have to be clear-headed in dealing with him later.
After waiting for about five minutes, a not-so-tall, slightly plump middle-aged man briskly walked over from inside the factory.
He had a very ordinary appearance, the kind that would become instantly unfindable in a crowd.
Chen Jianghai observed him for a moment, only remembering Director Qi's few stubbornly long hairs on his head.
"Wanqiu, this must be your husband?" Director Qi also scrutinized Chen Jianghai and asked cheerfully.
Lin Wanqiu quickly tugged at Chen Jianghai beside her, "Jianghai, this is our Director Qi."
"Director Qi, hello. Thank you for taking care of Wanqiu at the factory!"
Chen Jianghai extended his hand politely.
"You're too kind!"
Director Qi shook his hand and joked, "Young Chen, Wanqiu is the one who works overtime the most in our workshop. As her husband, you're not quite up to the mark, eh?"
Chen Jianghai nodded and replied, "I was young and didn't understand much before; indeed, I let Wanqiu suffer. It's somewhat embarrassing in front of Director Qi."
Director Qi was taken aback.
He clearly hadn't expected Chen Jianghai to accept the criticism so openly.
Lin Wanqiu then pulled at Chen Jianghai, quickly signaling with her eyes, indicating for him to not speak carelessly.
Then, she looked towards Director Qi with a smile, "Director Qi, I'll go to work first."
"Alright, off you go!" Director Qi waved his hand.
Lin Wanqiu gave Chen Jianghai another look, then turned and left.