Chapter 72: Interview

“Auntie has already made a name for us. Do we have confidence in this promotion?” Ji Ze stood in front of the crowded old factory gate and asked loudly.

In front of him, a dozen tricycles modified from carts were lined up, and the salespeople, all in new uniforms, responded in unison, “Yes!”

After shouting, an old employee who had been with Ji Ze since the beginning couldn’t help but laugh and asked, “When will you let us meet this elder? We’re all curious.”

This person had been with Ji Ze since the days of carrying a shoulder pole to sell goods. He was in his thirties but called Lin Qiao an elder…

Chen Zhaonan, who recently learned that Ji Ze and Lin Qiao were relatives, couldn’t help but glance over but said nothing.

Ji Ze was also a bit speechless, “When the new factory is built, I’ll invite Auntie to come and take a look.”

With a wave of his hand, he said, “Set off! I’ll be here waiting for your good news!”

“Alright!” Everyone responded in unison and set off on their tricycles. Among them was the petite Chen Zhaonan, who rode just as fast as anyone else. She was hardworking and quick-witted. When the security guard came to chase people away that day, she mentioned that the dyeing factory needed detergents.

Ji Ze couldn’t leave at the time, but after learning about the situation, he immediately promoted her to the sales department, making her one of the few female salespeople. Although she still had an accent, her courage had been honed, and she had a tenacity that steadily increased her sales.

This time, she was going to the same dyeing factory. Seeing the familiar tricycles and red vests from afar, the security guard poked his head out of the guardhouse, “Why are you here again?”

“I’m here during working hours this time, not blocking your gate.” Having endured all kinds of scorn and beatings at her in-laws’ house, the past six months in Yandu had been the most respected period of Chen Zhaonan’s life. She smiled, stopped her tricycle, and handed two boxes of cigarettes through the window, “Thank you for your previous reminder.”

The security guard had long forgotten the previous incident and was surprised to see the cigarettes, trying to push them back.

Chen Zhaonan had already left the window and patted the goods on her tricycle, “This is our factory’s new degreaser, which just won a gold award at the Invention and Creation Exhibition.”

The security guard didn’t understand the exhibition but knew about degreasers, “You really went back to research detergents?”

Chen Zhaonan nodded, “Please help inform the factory.”

Someone coming to promote new detergents had to inform the factory anyway, and since she was considerate and brought him cigarettes, he made a call inside. Soon, someone from the supply department came out and took Chen Zhaonan and her tricycle into the factory.

The gold award from the Invention and Creation Exhibition was a great selling point. Chen Zhaonan also brought a small bag for them to try, “Our boss said if it doesn’t work well, he’ll compensate you for your losses.”

This promise was bold. The factory had just dyed a batch of fabric that needed cleaning, so the supply department sent the product over.

That day, Chen Zhaonan returned with an empty tricycle, having delivered the degreaser and secured a long-term supply order from the dyeing factory.

Other salespeople also had their successes. Even if they didn’t deliver the products, the samples were kept, and they took the factory’s contact information.

Within a few days, the factory received several more orders, capturing one-third of the dyeing factories in Yandu.

The remaining ones either had existing agreements with suppliers or demanded excessive kickbacks, which they didn’t agree to. Being a new factory with limited production capacity, even this one-third was enough for them, with profits even greater than liquid soap.

Several senior sales department members came to deliver the payment and couldn’t help but say, “These two formulas are really profitable. The boss’s uncle married well.”

The boss’s uncle married well? Chen Zhaonan thought of the tall, stern young officer and said nothing.

Hearing this, Ji Ze was momentarily lost in thought but soon recovered and smiled, “If you dare say that in front of my uncle, I’ll respect you as a real man.”

After signing the contract with Ji Ze, Lin Qiao turned down any further inquiries about the degreaser. She chose Ji Ze because he offered a high share, had clean accounts, and had already established the factory.

Unexpectedly, the state-owned factory she had previously met with called again, asking about her decision. It was clear they were more anxious and eager to buy the formula from her, yet they still couldn’t lower their stance and offered such a low share.

Lin Qiao smiled and repeated what she had told others, “Sorry, the formula has already been sold. If there’s an opportunity, we can cooperate next time.”

“Already sold?” The other party was visibly stunned.

Before he could say more, someone from the factory came to find him, “Has the formula been sold?”

The factory knew so quickly, giving him a bad feeling.

Sure enough, the factory leader who came to find him said, “The third and ninth dyeing factories in Yandu have stopped ordering from us. The seventh dyeing factory is willing to continue, but they want us to increase their kickback by another 10%.”

“The kickback we’re giving them is already high enough, and they want more?” He couldn’t help but frown.

“So, what did you discuss? The new degreaser uses less, saves time, and costs about the same. Who wouldn’t want to buy it?”

Once Muzi Chemical Plant’s degreaser was fully sold in Yandu, people gradually stopped approaching Lin Qiao. As promised, Lin Qiao bought a lot of stuff to treat her office colleagues.

It was indeed a large amount, including various pastries from Daoxiangchun, as well as roasted seeds, peanuts, walnuts, and other snacks. All were packed in paper bags and placed in a large cardboard box over half a meter long. When taking it down from the car, Lin Qiao wanted to carry it herself, but Ji Duo didn’t let her, “It’s heavy, I’ll help you carry it in.”

Since the day they returned from the hospital, their relationship seemed to have eased a bit, yet it also seemed unchanged.

Lin Qiao hadn’t mentioned divorce again, nor did she deliberately avoid communication with him, but compared to before the incident was exposed, something was missing.

Ji Duo hadn’t said anything like that again, either. He was never very talkative, and that night at the hospital, he had almost used up his words for three days.

That night, Lin Qiao woke up to find him leaning on the railing outside, smoking one cigarette after another, his figure rarely showing a hint of desolation. She quietly watched for a while, unable to sleep, but didn’t make a sound. When he finished and was about to return, she closed her eyes and pretended she had never woken up.

He still stood by the bed for a while, even quietly pouring a cup of hot water, and only when he was warm did he lift the quilt and get into bed.

Lin Qiao felt someone lift her from her single quilt and wrap her in the large double quilt, bringing her to his warm chest. Someone patted her head and even kissed her hair.

In the morning, the bed beside her was empty, the double quilt folded neatly at the bedside, and she was back in her single quilt.

At that moment, seeing him wanting to help her carry the stuff, she said nothing. She walked to the gate and took a few packages to the security office.

The security guard didn’t expect her to bring him something. She just smiled, “I’ve had a lot of phone calls these days, and you’ve been calling me over. These are for you to snack on when you’re free.”

“This is nothing. You don’t have to be so polite,” the security guard said, but his face honestly showed a smile.

When they reached the office, her colleagues gathered around to pick their treats, “Our big spender has sold the formula?”

Some took pastries, others took snacks, and even Teacher Bi from the neighboring office came over to grab a package, showing his familiarity with Lin Qiao.

Lin Qiao always seemed like this. No matter where she went or the initial impression others had of her, she could get along well with everyone except for a few individuals over time.

Ji Duo dutifully carried the stuff in, and when he saw someone looking for something they couldn’t find, he handed it over. The person was flattered, seeing his rank and serious demeanor, thinking he would be difficult to get along with.

Someone nudged Lin Qiao with their elbow and whispered, “Is that your husband?”

Lin Qiao nodded, “Yes.”

“You’re lucky,” the person winked at her.

Many female colleagues were at the school, but none of their husbands had ever helped them carry things, especially those soldiers. And Xiao Lin’s husband was a regiment commander.

Indeed, matters between a couple are just a spectacle for outsiders. Lin Qiao smiled, took out a few packages from the box, and said, “I’ll take some to Principal Zeng and Vice Principal Qi.”

“Go ahead,” Group Leader Gao said, already munching on a pack of walnuts and saving a few packs for colleagues who hadn’t arrived yet.

Just as Ji Duo was about to leave, they both stepped out and ran into Vice Principal Qi, who said, “I was just about to find you. Xiao Lin, your recommendation results are out.”

Ji Duo paused, and Lin Qiao looked expectant, “How did it go?”

“The recommendation was approved,” Vice Principal Qi smiled. “Prepare yourself. You’ll be taking the exam there next Wednesday.”

Being allowed to take the exam meant that as long as she didn’t perform too poorly, there shouldn’t be any problems.

Lin Qiao also smiled, her eyes bright, “I’ll prepare well.” She quickly handed over the items in her hands, “Today, I’m treating everyone.”

It was a genuine smile, without a trace of gloom, full of hope and anticipation for the future. Like a bird with fully grown wings, finally ready to soar into its own sky.

For a moment, Ji Duo felt she was moving further away from him, but she also became even more dazzling.

The following Wednesday, Lin Qiao arranged for someone to cover her classes and took the bus to Qing University early in the morning.

This old school hadn’t yet reached its centennial, but time had left countless marks. Compared to the new schools with towering buildings in Lin Qiao’s previous life, it had a unique charm.

Lin Qiao walked along the ginkgo trees by the roadside, found the address given by the school, and knocked on the door. After verifying her identity, she was led to another office not far away.

It didn’t look like a written exam. Indeed, she was asked to wait in a chair in the middle of the room, and soon someone went out to call others.

Before long, several examiners arrived, all aged between forty and fifty. The last one to enter was Professor Yan Maoshan, whom Lin Qiao had met at the exhibition.

It wasn’t hard to guess the identities of the others. This might not be an entrance exam but a selection by mentors.

Lin Qiao quickly guessed this but remained calm and composed and greeted them gracefully, giving a brief self-introduction. This made Yan Maoshan take another look at her. He didn’t believe that the smiling eyes of this young girl hadn’t recognized him. Recognizing him and guessing the identities of the examiners, yet still so composed, her mindset was truly impressive.

When both sides sat down and the interview began, it became clear that Lin Qiao’s strengths exceeded her mindset. Knowing she was a high school chemistry teacher, they didn’t start with anything too profound. After a few questions, they found her responses fluent and slightly touched on university-level knowledge.

Unexpectedly, she could accurately answer even the second question and didn’t seem to struggle with it. This was quite surprising, considering she was only nineteen years old this year. Most people her age were just starting university.

She hadn’t worked at the school for less than a year, so she shouldn’t have been exposed to university-level knowledge. If it weren’t for the fact that they were short of people and her two awards were impressive, they wouldn’t have decided to see her. They were even prepared for her to need foundational courses in her first year of graduate school.

The youngest examiner asked Lin Qiao, “Have you specifically studied university courses?”

“I looked at some after hearing that the school wanted to recommend me directly for graduate studies.” Lin Qiao couldn’t exactly say she had already learned all this, could she?

The examiner said nothing further and let another person ask other questions.

Lin Qiao’s answers were not fast, but they were concise and always hit the key points, showing that every word was well thought out.

Someone flipped through her information and asked about her suggestions. She didn’t show any pride, “They all stem from my own work, just some ideas.”

She had a solid foundation, ability, and a rare calm demeanor, making her a promising candidate for research.

Two of the three examiners showed satisfied expressions, and one asked her, “Have you thought about which direction you want to pursue in graduate school?”

Lin Qiao had already thought about this, “I want to study materials science.”

In her previous life, she studied materials. Making soap and degreasers was purely out of personal interest, using her spare time to adjust her mood. Every time she was driven crazy by the stagnant progress in the lab or scolded by her mentor, making these practical things helped her rediscover her passion and the meaning of studying chemistry.

Unexpectedly, the examiners all fell silent after hearing this.

Finally, Yan Maoshan smiled and asked, “Have you considered other fields? The professors in materials science are quite busy this year and don’t have time to take on students.”

After resuming the college entrance examination, the first batch of university students wouldn’t graduate until early 1982. Lin Qiao’s admission was ahead of schedule, and some professors weren’t prepared to take on students yet.

Without any pretense, Yan Maoshan recommended himself to Lin Qiao, “I think working on fertilizers is good. It’s a major task to solve the food problem for the entire country.”

He then pointed to another examiner, “Petrochemical engineering is also good. Our country has abundant oil reserves but lacks technology in this area.”

It was well-intentioned, but Lin Qiao remained silent for a moment before looking directly at them, “If possible, I still want to study materials science.”

Traveling forty years into the future was her advantage. Studying what she had learned and excelled at, she could find ways to bring the technology from forty years later.

Giving up on studying materials science would mean giving up this advantage. What she had learned in her previous life would be completely useless. She wanted those technical problems to be solved earlier rather than struggling through generations of exploration.

At this point, the atmosphere in the office became tense for the first time.

After a while, the examiner who spoke the least checked his watch, “That’s all for today.” He was the first to get up and leave.

The youngest examiner also stood up immediately, telling Lin Qiao to wait for the notification.

Only Yan Maoshan stayed behind, having met Lin Qiao before, and spoke a few more words with her, “Are you really only planning to study materials science?”

Lin Qiao was no longer short of money. Choosing to continue her studies was not entirely for herself.

Her gaze was firm, “Professor Yan, if the school doesn’t recruit this year, will it recruit next year? I believe doing what you love can bring out the greatest initiative.”

She had a stubborn streak, and those who persistently pursued research despite repeated failures often had a bit of stubbornness.

Yan Maoshan pondered for a while, “I’ll ask around for you.”

Lin Qiao was a bit surprised.

“I’ll see if anyone in the department is willing to take you, but I can’t guarantee it.”

“Thank you very much.” Lin Qiao smiled and even gave him a sincere bow.

After seeing off the old professor, Lin Qiao didn’t leave immediately. Instead, she walked along the corridor of the Chemistry Department, looking at the department’s introduction.

Firstly, she wasn’t in a hurry, and secondly, she wanted to adjust her mood a bit. Before she finished, someone called out to her from a distance, “Hey, student, come over and help me with something.”

Lin Qiao looked over and saw a man in a white lab coat. He was of medium height, in his forties or fifties, but not very tidy, especially his beard, which looked like it hadn’t been shaved properly for days, sticking out messily around his lips.

However, his lab coat was quite clean, and wearing a lab coat in the Chemistry Department clearly indicated he was conducting chemical experiments, probably a teacher in the department.

It was class time, and there was no one else in the corridor except Lin Qiao, so she walked over, “What do you need me to do?”

“Help me clean up,” he pointed to the lab floor, then hesitated, “Do you know how to clean?”

“Yes.”

In her previous life, she spent a lot of time in the lab, so she quickly cleaned up the mess on the floor.

The man in the lab coat watched and even showed a relieved expression.

This teacher clearly wasn’t very skilled in daily life. The items on the lab bench were neat, but the rest of the place was a mess, with even the lunch boxes left uncleaned.

After cleaning the floor, Lin Qiao prepared to take out the trash, “You don’t need these, right?”

“No,” he nodded, then looked around to see if there was anything else to throw away.

Not paying attention, he bumped into the lab bench, and a reagent bottle on the table’s edge slid off.

Lin Qiao, being close, immediately stepped forward.

He shouted, “Don’t move, that’s…”

Before he finished, Lin Qiao had already grabbed a pair of gloves and accurately caught the reagent bottle through the gloves, placing it back on the lab bench. Her actions were smooth and cautious, showing she was quite experienced in this area.

The man relaxed and looked at Lin Qiao again, “Which department are you from? Why haven’t I seen you before?”

A student with such extensive lab experience should be at least a junior. He had taught juniors before and should have some impression.

“I’m not a student here.” Lin Qiao put the gloves back on the table, “I’m a high school chemistry teacher, here to take the graduate entrance exam.”

Graduate entrance exam?

The man thought for a moment and understood, “Special exam?”

“Yes, I won an award, and the school recommended me.”

Lin Qiao didn’t say much more. She helped him dispose of the trash, returned the bucket, and then took her leave. After a one- to two-hour bus ride, she returned to the military base around noon.

Lin Qiao went straight home and happened to see Ji Duo getting out of the car at the gate. Seeing her, he first scanned her face.

“Sister-in-law,” Xiao Fang greeted her from the car.

Lin Qiao responded, grabbed two oranges she had bought and handed them to him, “Not sure if they’re sweet.” She then turned and entered the courtyard amid his embarrassed thanks.

Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered the living room, she heard the man behind her ask, “Not very smooth?”

His eyes were getting sharper. Lin Qiao thought she was good at keeping her composure and hiding her feelings. Even when she met other teachers while buying fruit, they couldn’t tell anything from her face.

She didn’t deliberately hide it, “The graduate advisors willing to take me aren’t in the field I want to study.”

“No worries. If it doesn’t work out, apply to other schools or try again next year.” Ji Duo hung up his military hat, not intending to make her consider changing her major.

In some ways, he was indeed a bit patriarchal, but when it came to Lin Qiao’s own matters, he seemed to respect her choices.

For example, Lin Qiao wants to be a teacher, apply to university, and choose her major.

Sometimes Lin Qiao couldn’t help but wonder, if he were like other men of this era, thinking that since she was married, she didn’t need to go to university, just have a job, and he earned enough to support the family, urging her to have a child quickly. Would she still want to stay with him? Would she still be so angry when the truth came out?

Perhaps because he was different from other men of this era in many ways, she had higher expectations of him. When those expectations weren’t met, it felt like a sudden, chilling wake-up call.

She didn’t let herself dwell on it. “It’s not entirely hopeless. Do you remember Professor Yan from the exhibition? He said he would ask around to see if anyone in that field would be willing to take me.”

Ji Duo responded with a simple “Hmm” and didn’t say more. That evening, he came back carrying a net bag of prawns.

Why did he buy raw prawns?

Lin Qiao looked again to make sure she wasn’t mistaken and couldn’t help but ask, “Do you know how to cook them or do I?”

“Didn’t you say the canteen’s food wasn’t good enough?” Ji Duo took the prawns into the kitchen.

It seemed that going from frugality to luxury was easy, but going back was hard. When Lin Qiao first came to the base, she thought the canteen’s food was delicious, especially the prawns. But after eating there every day for a year and having tasted the food at the Gu family and Yuebin Restaurant, she started to find the canteen’s food lacking.

She had never mentioned it, nor did she think she showed it. How did he notice? And was he planning to cook for her?

That might be worse than the canteen. She had never seen him handle a kitchen knife…

Lin Qiao watched as he seriously rolled up his sleeves and tied on an apron. She was just wondering if she should remind him to devein the prawns when Ji Ze arrived.

Since accidentally letting something slip last time, this was her nephew’s first visit, and he didn’t look quite right.

He didn’t even take a good look around before following the sound to the kitchen, “Uncle, there’s a problem with the production line Chen Weiguo bought.”