Chapter 59 Give Her a Heads-Up

Chapter 59: Giving Her a Heads-Up

That evening, while Chen Jianghai was still busy in the kitchen, Lin Wanqiu had already returned.

Chen Jianghai poked his head out, slightly surprised. “Oh, Wanqiu, why did you leave work so early today?”

“My supervisor let me off early,” Lin Wanqiu replied.

Chen Jianghai was momentarily stunned and asked with some puzzlement, “Why?”

Lin Wanqiu smiled faintly. “The air conditioner at the supervisor’s home broke down. I heard your skills are good, so she asked me to check if you’re available to help fix it tomorrow.”

“Which supervisor?” Chen Jianghai inquired further.

Lin Wanqiu gestured with her hand. “The head of our workshop, the one you’ve met before.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Jianghai narrowed his eyes, recalling the person. The workshop head was Qi Liang’an, nearing fifty, who had worked at the garment factory for decades. A man of upright character, he was well-regarded and held in high esteem around the factory.

“No problem, I’m free tomorrow,” Chen Jianghai said cheerfully.

Lin Wanqiu blinked. “Jianghai, this won’t interfere with your main work, will it?”

Chen Jianghai immediately responded, “Nothing’s more important than my wife’s matters.”

That was truly how he felt.

Though Chen Jianghai hoped Lin Wanqiu would soon take early retirement and enjoy life at home, it was clearly unrealistic for now.

At least in the short term, Lin Wanqiu could not accept that lifestyle.

So, before then, it was only right to help her leave a good impression with the supervisor so her work would be easier.

Therefore, even if there were other matters tomorrow, Chen Jianghai would prioritize handling this one properly.

Hearing this, Lin Wanqiu’s face flushed.

She had no idea where he learned to be so sweet-talking; his words made her heart flutter.

After dinner, while Chen Jianghai was washing up, he casually took off the pager from his waist.

“Jianghai, is this... a pager?” Lin Wanqiu, who had been watching TV, looked at the small black device on the table uncertainly.

Chen Jianghai nodded. “That’s right, a Motorola pager!”

“Where did you get it?” Lin Wanqiu picked it up and examined it, frowning. “I heard these things aren’t cheap! They cost thousands each!”

If Chen Jianghai bought it, wouldn’t that mean he spent all the money he had earned before?

Seeing Lin Wanqiu’s worried expression, Chen Jianghai quickly explained, “It’s secondhand, and I repaired it myself. It only cost about ten bucks.”

Hearing this, Lin Wanqiu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing her look so relieved, Chen Jianghai couldn’t help but laugh. He put down the towel, wrapped his arm around Lin Wanqiu, and said, “What’s wrong? These days, quite a few people ask me to fix appliances. Can’t I use a pager?”

“No, it’s just that I’m worried you’ll waste money!” Lin Wanqiu replied, a bit embarrassed.

Chen Jianghai held her close and said carefully, “Don’t worry, I won’t touch the money you keep. But I do need money for my business, and I’ll need more and more going forward.”

Seeing Lin Wanqiu’s expression, Chen Jianghai thought it necessary to give her a heads-up.

Lin Wanqiu didn’t quite understand and furrowed her brows. “Besides buying parts and collecting old appliances, where else would you need money?”

“You’ll see soon enough,” Chen Jianghai said, not elaborating further.

Starting a repair business was just Chen Jianghai’s way of saving some initial capital.

He had already invested quite a lot in secondhand appliances.

Of course, with investment came returns, and the returns promised to be substantial.

Watching Chen Jianghai, Lin Wanqiu found herself increasingly unable to figure out this man.

But as long as he was sincere and good to her, that was enough.

After all, the life they were living now was something she never even dared to dream of before.

...

The next morning, after breakfast, Chen Jianghai went out with Lin Wanqiu.

He planned to accompany her to the factory and wait for Supervisor Qi to return home together.

At the factory gate, workers arrived in a steady stream — some on bikes, some on foot.

They came in small groups, chatting and laughing.

The lively scene sharply contrasted with the electrical factory.

But Chen Jianghai knew this prosperity was just an illusion. Amid the economic surge of the 1990s, state-owned enterprises with rigid systems were doomed to be phased out.

These laughing workers would soon face layoffs.

Policy adjustments and reform and opening-up meant the so-called “iron rice bowl” was being mercilessly shattered.

Only a few would be able to calmly treat yesterday’s glory as a memory and start anew.

Thinking of this, Chen Jianghai sighed deeply.

He wondered how many would be eliminated by the times, unable to adapt, swallowed by the relentless current of progress.

“Jianghai, what’s wrong?” Lin Wanqiu asked with concern, noticing his sigh.

Chen Jianghai shook his head. “Nothing. Has Supervisor Qi not come out yet?”

“Almost. He’s just finished the morning meeting and assigned work. He said he’d come over soon,” Lin Wanqiu replied.

Chen Jianghai asked, “Aren’t you going to work? Why haven’t you gone in?”

“I am,” Lin Wanqiu smiled. “Supervisor Qi arranged my tasks already. It’s okay to come a bit late.”

“Good,” Chen Jianghai nodded. Since Supervisor Qi was so considerate, he had to be mindful too.

After about five minutes, a short, somewhat stout middle-aged man walked briskly out of the factory.

His appearance was ordinary, the kind one would lose in a crowd.

Chen Jianghai studied him briefly, only remembering the few stubborn strands of long hair on his head.

“Wanqiu, this must be your husband, right?” Supervisor Qi looked Chen Jianghai over and asked with a smile.

Lin Wanqiu quickly tugged Chen Jianghai’s arm. “Jianghai, this is our Supervisor Qi.”

“Hello, Supervisor Qi. Wanqiu is well taken care of at the factory, thanks to you!” Chen Jianghai extended his hand politely.

“You’re welcome!” Supervisor Qi shook his hand, jokingly saying, “Little Chen, Wanqiu is the one who works the most overtime in our workshop. You, as her husband, should step up a bit!”

Chen Jianghai nodded. “I was young and foolish before, and indeed let Wanqiu suffer. I’m sorry to cause you any trouble, Supervisor Qi.”

Supervisor Qi was momentarily taken aback.

He clearly hadn’t expected Chen Jianghai to accept criticism so candidly.

Lin Wanqiu tugged Chen Jianghai’s sleeve, quickly giving him a warning look to watch his words.

Then she smiled at Supervisor Qi. “Supervisor Qi, I’ll get to work now.”

“Alright, go ahead!” Supervisor Qi waved.

Lin Wanqiu gave Chen Jianghai another look before turning to leave.

(End of chapter)