Lin Shu vaguely felt that there was something going on between Second Sister and Jiang Weidong, but she was afraid that Second Sister, due to her divorce and working in the same unit as Jiang Weidong, might have concerns.

She worried about the potential gossip and the impact it could have on their work, so she hesitated to make a move.

Indeed, after hearing Lin Shu’s words, Lin Xia felt much clearer.

One major reason she didn’t want to remarry was her previous divorce, fearing the harm that marriage could bring and feeling that getting to know someone new was too exhausting.

It seemed better not to marry at all.

Yet, deep down, she liked children.

Even if her own child might not be as cute as Panpan or Tiantian, she still wanted a child of her own, someone soft and sweet who would call her “Mom.”

Maybe…

when others introduce potential partners in the future, she shouldn’t refuse so abruptly.

Perhaps she could give it a try?

She might meet someone suitable.

However, it would be best not to look for someone from the same unit to avoid complications.

She was truly frightened by the troubles caused by the Qian family.

As for Jiang Weidong, she wasn’t thinking about him at all right now.

She always thought Jiang Weidong was deeply devoted to his late wife, which was why he hadn’t remarried for over ten years.

Furthermore, Jiang Weidong was a leader.

His concern and kindness towards her were likely due to his role as a leader looking after his subordinates, and possibly also because of the affection he had for her family—Third Brother-in-law, Old Madam Jiang, and Third Sister.

In March’s warm and fragrant evening breeze, the secretary of the steel plant, Secretary Li, was leisurely sipping tea from his large canning jar cup.

With no one to play chess with him, he decided to take a stroll.

Han Yun asked, “Old Li, is there something wrong with the Qian family?”

Secretary Li spat out a bit of tea foam and asked, “What do you mean?”

Han Yun said, “I ran into Qian Mu today. She was mumbling about this and that, seeming to suspect something between Weidong and Lin Xia. She seemed to be deliberately trying to disrupt her son’s marriage.”

Secretary Li replied, “Lin Xia and Qian Lisheng’s divorce is their own business. Even if Lin Xia and Weidong had something going on, it’s none of the Qian family’s business. It’s a separate matter.”

Han Yun smiled, “There’s nothing between Weidong and Lin Xia. In fact, I introduced a potential partner to Weidong today, and Old Lady Jiang is very satisfied. This time, it’s bound to work out.”

Secretary Li, however, wasn’t optimistic. “I don’t think Weidong is interested in looking for someone outside.”

Just then, the factory office director, smoking a cigarette, came over to talk to Secretary Li and signaled him to step outside so they wouldn’t be overheard.

Han Yun asked, “What’s this? Talking about secrets you don’t want me to hear?”

The factory office director smiled and said, “Sister-in-law, it’s about work.”

Outside, the factory office director whispered, “Secretary, do you think there’s something going on between Weidong and Lin Xia?”

Secretary Li asked, “What’s going on?”

The factory office director replied, “Lately, I’ve noticed they’ve been seeing each other quite often.”

Secretary Li asked, “So what? Is it illegal?”

The factory office director chuckled, “Not illegal, but I’m worried about the impact.”

Secretary Li said, “They’re both single. If something does develop, it’s not a big deal. Besides, there’s the relationship with Lin Xia’s sister and brother-in-law.”

He added, “You all are too sensitive. Why focus so much on personal relationships when there’s so much work to do? Even if something does happen, so what? It’s natural for outstanding men and women to get together.”

Just then, Jiang Weidong approached.

Although the streetlights were dim, Jiang Weidong’s tall stature and military bearing made him easily recognizable.

Secretary Li called out, “Weidong, where are you heading?”

Seeing the two chatting, Jiang Weidong smiled and said, “Since you’re discussing work, I won’t interrupt.”

Secretary Li responded, “Are you looking for me? It’s fine.”

Jiang Weidong mentioned that he had something related to his personal thoughts to report to Secretary Li.

The factory office director, thinking it was something important, insisted on staying, “Then I should listen too.”

Jiang Weidong did not refuse.

He cleared his throat and said seriously, “I am formally reporting to the organization that I wish to pursue Comrade Lin Xia.”

“What?” The factory office director was so startled he choked on his cigarette and coughed violently, “When did this happen?”

Secretary Li gave him a sideways glance, “Don’t make such a fuss. It’s not like he’s applying for marriage. Why are you so surprised?”

The factory office director protested, “I just wanted to say…”

Seeing the director’s expression, Jiang Weidong added, “I assure you with my integrity that I have always conducted myself professionally at work. I had no inappropriate thoughts about Comrade Lin Xia before her divorce, nor did I facilitate her divorce.”

Secretary Li nodded, “We understand Weidong’s character.”

The factory office director, however, was wide-eyed with concern, “Director Jiang, have you thought about the potential troubles if you and Lin Xia get together? There could be gossip in the factory.”

Jiang Weidong replied, “That’s why I’m reporting it to the leaders.”

“I’m formally pursuing a relationship. If there are any unfounded rumors, shouldn’t the leaders be responsible for addressing them?”

The factory office director looked up, thinking, “Ah, you’re quite the clever one. You’re using us to handle the gossip while you find your partner.”

“Hmph, since it’s for Lin Shu and Comrade Lin Xia, I’ll help you out.”

Secretary Li nodded.

He had always admired Jiang Weidong’s straightforward and upright character.

In previous instances, such as the selection of the deputy director and clearing Gu Changming’s name, Jiang had never engaged in covert actions but had always been open and honest in the factory committee meetings.

Now, even in pursuing a partner, he was the same.

Secretary Li expressed his support for Jiang Weidong’s pursuit of Lin Xia.

If there were any negative comments, he would address the root of the issue.

The factory office director said, “When you get married, you should thank us properly.”

After Jiang Weidong finished his report and expressed his thanks repeatedly, he took his leave.

Secretary Li took another sip of tea, thinking that he had always considered Jiang Weidong a bit of a stone, but it turned out he had long had his sights set on something.

The factory office director asked, “Secretary, do you think Jiang Weidong has had feelings for Lin Xia for a long time?”

Secretary Li replied, “When you were single, didn’t you have an interest in a few attractive young women?”

The factory office director smiled and didn’t say more.

Men often have moments of attraction towards women they find appealing, but attraction doesn’t always lead to action.

Most of the time, it’s just a fleeting feeling, and it doesn’t mean they will wait around indefinitely without marrying.

However, he believed that Jiang Weidong’s reluctance to remarry over the years indicated he must have had feelings for Lin Xia for a long time and that his interest in her wasn’t sudden.

After a while, they each returned home.

Secretary Li poured the remaining tea leaves onto the roots of the peonies that Han Yun had planted and then went inside the house.

Han Yun was busy preparing fabric, getting ready for Lin Xia’s visit for a matchmaking session and to help her cut fabric for her daughter’s dress.

Secretary Li said, “You don’t need to bother with that.”

Han Yun asked, “What did the factory director say?”

Secretary Li replied, “It’s not what he said, but that Jiang Weidong has his eyes on someone else. He won’t be coming to the matchmaking session you arranged.”

Han Yun was surprised, “When did this happen? I wasn’t aware. Old Lady Jiang had already agreed.”

Secretary Li briefly explained, “It’s a good thing. Since it’s not finalized yet, don’t mention it to avoid making Lin Xia uncomfortable or creating additional obstacles for Weidong.”

Han Yun remarked, “I thought Lin Shu and Old Lady Jiang got along so well. Wasn’t this planned for a long time?”

Secretary Li responded, “Comrade Han Yun, your logic is off. The Lin sisters have been close with Old Lady Jiang first.”

Han Yun pursed her lips, “So, is this a case of feelings developing over time?”

Secretary Li said, “It’s been nearly half a year. Is it not allowed for someone to develop new feelings?”

…

The next morning, Lin Shu got up to cook with Old Madam Jiang.

Old Madam Jiang, being considerate, urged her to sleep a little longer, “I’m an old woman and need less sleep. You young folks should rest more.”

Shu laughed and said, “I can’t sleep early at night now.”

Lin Xia also got up to help, but her cooking skills were average.

Old Lady Jiang and Lin Shu told her to wash up and wait to eat.

At that moment, Jiang Weidong came over with soy milk and fried dough sticks.