Chapter 121: Factory Renovation Plan

Seeing Liu Yueru still looking a bit nervous, Shen Guodong shook his head and said, "It's alright, it's alright."

"I just happened to finish talking about some business with Guodong, and since it was already time to clock out, I thought I'd come over and sponge a meal off you."

As soon as these words were out, Shen Guodong immediately said with a touch of anxiety, "Oh, nonsense, it's perfectly fine! After all, you were Guodong's superior, right? Coming over for a meal to keep in touch is only right."

One had to admit, Liu Yueru’s emotional intelligence was very high; she played the part of the supportive wife to perfection.

Seeing Liu Yueru frantically trying to make things comfortable, Shen Guodong added, "Alright, alright, I’ll keep Director Xu company. You go ahead and get the ingredients ready, and in a bit, I’ll show off my skills and let the Director have a taste of my cooking."

Hearing this, Liu Yueru immediately remarked, "We’ve been married this long and I’ve barely seen you cook a meal, so why are you suddenly showing off just because Director Xu is here?"

Xu Haishan burst into laughter at the side, "Oh, Yueru, don't say that! I'm not that important, am I?"

Although Xu Haishan said this with a laugh, he clearly couldn't hide his delight. After all, as a leader, he still valued face quite a bit.

With these few remarks, the atmosphere in the room livened up, and the initial tension dissipated.

Shen Guodong’s home was stocked with groceries that Liu Yueru had bought over the past couple of days; fortunately, there was even a bit of meat left.

Looking at the ingredients, Shen Guodong said, "Since we're in a bit of a rush, let’s just whip up a couple of simple dishes."

Xu Haishan nodded, "Yes, yes, just a casual meal, right? Otherwise, the old woman at home might have already cooked a portion for me, and I’d end up having to eat twice."

Shen Guodong asked curiously, "That shouldn't be the case, should it? Director Xu, you’re the Director of the Construction Bureau now; surely installing a telephone at home shouldn't be a problem?"

Xu Haishan shook his head. "Oh, it’s too expensive. The budget from above has been tight lately, so we save where we can."

Shen Guodong shook his head in return. "Director, you can't look at it that way. A telephone is so much more convenient; it's not like the old days of sending telegrams. You just pick it up and you're connected."

Xu Haishan demurred, "Maybe in a couple of years. The Construction Bureau has been quite quiet lately, and there’s no real reason to install one."

Shen Guodong just mentioned it in passing and didn't dwell on it. "Alright, you sit here for a while. I'll have Yueru go out and get some wine, and I’ll whip up a little soup, and then we can have a few drinks."

Xu Haishan laughed, "No need, I’ll go help you in the kitchen. Let me show off my skills too—let's see whose cooking is better."

Seeing the two men competing to show off their culinary skills, Liu Yueru shook her head and said, "You two be careful, I’m off to get the wine."

An hour later, the two men had successfully put together a meal of three dishes and a soup.

It had to be said, Director Xu was an honest man, and he didn't cut corners when it came to cooking. Shen Guodong, having lived alone in his past life, was quite adept at basic home cooking, though he lacked the variety of seasonings available today.

Still, classic dishes like scrambled eggs with chives, stir-fried tomatoes with eggs, and braised pork belly all turned out quite well. Xu Haishan, meanwhile, had prepared a pot of bone broth.

When Liu Yueru returned, she sat on the sofa for a rare moment of leisure, watching the two men busy in the kitchen. Seeing this, she smiled genuinely.

After the meal, the three of them sat together. Xu Haishan nodded and said, "I’m impressed, Guodong. It seems your culinary skills have improved. Did you just learn this recently?"

Since Xu Haishan had watched Shen Guodong grow up, he remembered his past reputation quite clearly.

Shen Guodong nodded. "Yes, I asked a few people for advice in private and decided to try my hand at it today. I didn't expect the results to be this good."

"Not bad at all. When you have time, you should let my wife come over and learn a thing or two; this food is truly delicious."

Seeing that it was getting late, Xu Haishan stood up. "I should be heading back. As for the funding and the Construction Bureau issues you mentioned, I’ll review the documents tomorrow. If everything looks good, I’ll sign them, and you can arrange for the crew to start work."

"Understood, Director. We’re waiting on your word."

"Also, since we’re talking about telephones, I’m planning to have one installed at my place. If you need one, I can have them install one for you at the same time."

Xu Haishan’s eyes widened. "What? Installing a phone for us? Phones aren't cheap these days. Are you sure?"

"Of course, Director. You took such good care of me back at the First Factory. Installing a phone to show my appreciation is the least I can do."

Xu Haishan didn't hesitate. "Alright, if you think it’s convenient, that would be fine. Don't go to too much trouble."

This was effectively a green light for Shen Guodong to handle the arrangements. Shen Guodong nodded, "Let me walk you out, Director."

The two men walked out of the room with their arms around each other's shoulders.

A while later, when Liu Yueru returned and saw Shen Guodong back, she asked, "Why the sudden decision to install a telephone?"

"It’s necessary. Without a phone, it’s just not convenient. In the future, if you need anything, you can call my office—there’s a phone there."

"But they say installing a phone is very expensive. I heard it can cost three or four hundred yuan for the line."

"It doesn't matter. Didn't the factory funding just come through? It’s only normal to have a phone for better communication."

Liu Yueru shook her head. "I don't think that's right. That’s public money meant for the factory."

"You don't understand. As the person in charge of the construction phase, it’s reasonable for me to have a phone so I can be reached easily if something comes up at home."

Liu Yueru nodded. "Alright then, install it when you have time. My office doesn't have one yet, but I heard we might be getting one soon."

The next morning, Shen Guodong woke up early. Perhaps due to the recent influx of tasks, his sleep quality had dipped slightly.