Chapter Twenty-One: Moving Moments Last Only an Instant

Hearing these words, Shen Guodong felt a slight embarrassment as well.

Indeed, it was not surprising for Liu Yueyu to react this way. In the past, Shen Guodong was only concerned with money; when there was none, he would often scold or even beat Liu Yueyu, and besides that, nothing good ever happened.

This dramatic change naturally stirred Liu Yueyu deeply.

This was what she had always hoped to see.

Shen Guodong smiled, gently stroking her hair. He said nothing more, for some things did not need to be spelled out; time and actions would prove everything.

He was determined to give this woman the best life possible.

Ahem.

The old factory director cleared his throat.

“The purpose of our gathering here today is actually quite simple: I want everyone to witness our factory’s outstanding employee, Shen Guodong. I believe you have all heard his story!

Comrade Shen Guodong discovered a problem with the machine in time and repaired it single-handedly, saving the factory from tremendous loss. We hope all employees will learn from Comrade Shen Guodong!”

The old director spoke loudly.

The sound of the loudspeaker echoed throughout the hall.

Thunderous applause followed, and all eyes turned to Shen Guodong.

Vice Director Xu Shihui and Wang Chenliang also gave speeches.

Their words were flawless, but Shen Guodong understood Wang Chenliang’s true feelings. Originally, after the old director stepped down, Wang was the most likely candidate to become the factory director. Now, however, Xu Shihui had overtaken him, and Wang could not possibly be satisfied.

Naturally, he resented Shen Guodong deeply.

“Now, let us invite Comrade Shen Guodong onto the stage,” Xu Shihui declared, leading the applause. Amid the thunderous clapping, Shen Guodong took Liu Yueyu’s hand and walked onto the stage, drawing everyone’s attention.

Liu Yueyu, though shy, was mostly happy. Previously, she had thought Shen Guodong was deceiving her, as had happened before.

But now she saw he had truly changed, and felt nothing but joy.

The two appeared on stage.

Shen Guodong wore a large red flower fashioned from red cloth, his face beaming with a smile.

“Comrade Shen Guodong, today’s commendation ceremony is to honor your contributions to the factory. Please give a speech!” The old director handed him the loudspeaker with genuine delight.

“Thank you, Director.”

Shen Guodong bowed slightly.

Such a speech required neither a script nor preparation; he could improvise with ease.

It was merely a matter of polite words.

What mattered most was the reward from the factory. If they could grant it directly, Shen Guodong would not mind skipping the ceremony altogether.

He did not need fame—only money.

Smiling, Shen Guodong said, “This issue with the production line was not solely my accomplishment. First, credit must go to Director Xu for introducing a high-quality production line. My repairs were simple, and the problem was quickly resolved. Second, my mentor, Director Jiang, has patiently guided me for years, enabling me to develop my skills and accurately identify the issue.

The greatest credit belongs to them; I merely added a finishing touch. In truth, had I not been here, I believe another comrade would have discovered and solved the problem.”

When it came to the art of speaking, Shen Guodong was second to none.

Even Ma Huayun, a future internet tycoon, had praised him several times in public.

Such is the advantage of high emotional intelligence.

With these words, he thanked everyone who deserved it, earning unanimous approval from the leaders.

They nodded quietly.

Working with smart people was always a pleasure.

In that moment, they all said, “Comrade Shen, you are truly modest. The production line had issues for over a month, costing the factory tens of thousands. Without you, this expensive line would have been abandoned! Can you deny the significance of your contribution?”

“Comrade Shen Guodong is neither arrogant nor impatient. He is the role model we all should follow.”

“Comrade Shen’s humility is exemplary. Let us all give him a round of applause!”

Each leader spoke highly of Shen Guodong, though most of it was formal praise; they were all seasoned veterans, and their words left no room for criticism.

Shen Guodong smiled, saying nothing more.

“In addition, I must thank my wife. During my years of downfall, she remained by my side, endlessly tolerant of my behavior. Many urged her to leave me, but she never considered it.

Today’s achievement is not just mine, but largely hers. Without her, I may never have awakened or saved the factory from such loss.”

Shen Guodong continued.

Standing beside him, Liu Yueyu’s eyes gradually filled with tears.

Even a few simple words could make the world seem beautiful, as if the clouds above her head had suddenly cleared.

Were it not for the public setting, Liu Yueyu might have burst into tears; as it was, she stood with tearful eyes, unable to speak.

Shen Guodong gently embraced her.

Everything was beyond doubt.

“It’s all right now. Those days are behind us, and will never be part of our lives again,” Shen Guodong comforted her softly.

Liu Yueyu nodded, wiping her tears.

Through her actions, she truly embodied the love of this era.

For Shen Guodong’s children, such devotion was almost unimaginable.

After the ceremony concluded, Liu Yueyu choked up as she spoke a few words, and the commendation event came to an end. Next came the reward everyone eagerly awaited.

Clearly, for most, it was just an occasion to join in the excitement.

They were very curious to see what reward the factory would give Shen Guodong.

After all, the production line had cost hundreds of thousands to import; each failed batch on the lathe wasted materials worth over ten thousand, and in recent days losses had amounted to tens of thousands.