Rebirth in 1960, My Industrial Age

Chapter 436 Let's call each other comrades after the New Year
"It's the Lunar New Year, what's the point of coming to my house?"

Zhou Fengnian complained as he hurried through his washing up, and only came to the front yard after he had washed his face and changed his clothes.

The front yard was where guests were received in the east wing. After Zhou Fengnian entered the room, he saw Director Cai from the Science and Technology Mission Bureau.

Upon seeing Zhou Fengnian enter, Director Cai quickly stood up and said, "Vice President Zhou, I'm so sorry to disturb your rest."

Knowing you enjoy tea, I brought some fine tea and would like to learn from you how to appreciate it.

“Comrade Hongqiao, you’re wrong. I know what you’re thinking, but didn’t I say we can’t do these things?”

Zhou Fengnian pointed to the gift box containing the tea and said, "If that's the case, I'll consider removing your name. I was quite optimistic about you."

Upon hearing this, Cai Hongqiao's heart skipped a beat; he felt as if he had made a mistake in his panic.

I originally wanted to increase my favorability, but I ended up hurting the horse's hooves instead.

However, Cai Hongqiao quickly said, "Boss, this tea isn't worth much, I'll take it with me later. But I came here today to report to you on next year's plans."

I also have some insights and reflections on our technological development, but you, my leader, usually don't have the time or many opportunities to report them."

Cai Hongqiao realized that Zhou Fengnian valued competence, and his approach was like taking a crooked path, which naturally displeased the leader. He shouldn't have listened to that woman; she almost ruined his opportunity.

"Oh? What are your thoughts? Tell me."

As Zhou Fengnian spoke, he poured himself a cup of hot tea, then picked up the teacup and continued, "Stop with the formalities. You didn't come here to do your homework beforehand, did you?"

"No, absolutely not."

Cai Hongqiao held up three fingers, then reported to Zhou Fengnian: "Leader, since the slogan 'Science and technology are productive forces' was put forward three years ago, our path of scientific and technological development has gradually shifted to focusing on independent research and development while partially relying on imports to catch up."

At first, what Cai Hongqiao said was nothing new; anyone who had worked at the Chinese Academy of Sciences for a few years would know what the path had been like in the past.

However, the further he went on, the more insightful Cai Hongqiao became, managing to articulate several key areas for future technological dominance, which showed he had some understanding of the subject.

At least he wasn't wrong, and it's clear that Tsai Hung-chiao did a good job at the Science and Technology Mission Directorate.

After Cai Hongqiao finished speaking as if he were giving a work report, Zhou Fengnian asked a few more questions, demonstrating a good understanding of the integration of technological development and the economy.

Furthermore, Zhou Fengnian recalled that Cai Hongqiao was also very capable. To be honest, among the three candidates, he valued Cai Hongqiao the most.

It would have been even better if we had talked in the office instead of at home today.

Zhou Fengnian and Cai Hongqiao chatted for quite a while, and the teapot was refilled twice. Zhou's father and Zhou Xianyang's group also arrived, and they were somewhat surprised to see Zhou Fengnian entertaining the guests.

It's quite rare to have guests visiting on New Year's Eve, but at least no one bothers Zhou Fengnian.

Around noon, Zhou Fengnian checked the time and realized it was about time. Although they could continue chatting, there was no need to, as he was already aware of Cai Hongqiao's capabilities.

He was the right age, the right ability, and he was from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, so his resume was also suitable. Zhou Fengnian and Dean Wu originally wanted to promote him from their own unit.

Those transferred from outside will need some time to get used to each other.

"Comrade Hongqiao, it's about time, let's call it a day; I'm sure your family is making preparations, so enjoy the New Year."

After catching his breath, Zhou Fengnian said with a smile, "Isn't this a good thing? Take the tea back and don't do this again."

"Okay, then I'll listen to you, boss."

Upon hearing that he could go home and have a good New Year, Cai Hongqiao felt his worries vanish instantly. He felt that this suggestion would truly allow him to have a peaceful New Year. He had just finished reciting all the knowledge he had ever learned, and his brain was almost completely drained. Zhou Fengnian said, "Don't call me 'leader' after the New Year. We're about the same age. Just call me 'comrade'."

"Well, you can't judge by age. If you're okay with it, then I'll wait until after the New Year."

Cai Hongqiao was so happy that he wanted to call him "leader" again, but when he saw Zhou Fengnian wave his hand, he swallowed his words.

However, he didn't dare to be presumptuous and directly call him "Comrade Fengnian." He hadn't been promoted yet, and calling him that directly might lead to tragedy.

Moreover, even if he were promoted to vice dean, Cai Hongqiao knew that he was still one level below Zhou Fengnian, and that even if he worked for another ten years, he might not be able to reach Zhou Fengnian's position.

Aside from being the vice president of the Academy of Sciences, Zhou Fengnian's other positions are all significant enough to warrant a separate discussion. Otherwise, President Wu wouldn't have been so accommodating, and even if he disagreed with something, he wouldn't have turned against it; at most, he would have simply hidden away and pretended to be deaf and dumb.

In comparison, Cai Hongqiao is far inferior.

"Sir, what about this tea?"

Zhou Fengnian waved his hand and said, "No, you take it back. I have plenty of tea here. My son is very filial and it's enough for me to drink for decades."

"I'm really sorry, boss, I'll take it back with me today."

Cai Hongqiao said apologetically, and then, seeing that more and more people were coming to Zhou Fengnian's house, he decided not to disturb them any longer and quickly left.

Today was indeed not a good time to visit, but Cai Hongqiao was so anxious that he couldn't eat, so at his wife's urging, he impulsively came to Zhou Fengnian's house to report on his work.

After Zhou Fengnian saw the people off, he went to the main house in the middle courtyard, sat on the sofa, and joined them in eating sunflower seeds and watching TV.

Quite a few people have arrived now, including Zhou Weitian, Zhou Jia'an, and his two younger sisters and their families.

This was the liveliest time at Zhou Fengnian's house. The children were playing and making a ruckus in the front and middle yards, while the women of the house helped set up the dining table. Zhou Fengnian and his family were resting and chatting in the main house.

There was no need to prepare dinner; my elder brother Zhou Weitian had already arranged it, and the Imperial Kitchen would deliver four tables of food and drink shortly.

Zhou Xianyang, holding a handful of sunflower seeds, leaned closer and asked, "Dad, did someone else come to report to you today? Who was that person just now?"

"It's from my workplace, the position must be very attractive, that's why they came to see me at this time, they probably didn't sleep well last night."

After Zhou Fengnian finished speaking, he watched TV for a while and then quickly asked, "Is this the TV series starring Qing'an? I think I saw her just now."

"Yes, it's her."

Zhou Xianyang said with a smile, "Qing'an is quite a well-known actress now. A few days ago, when I took her out, she even stopped people to say hello."

"As long as it's a decent film, that's fine."

After Zhou Fengnian finished speaking, he turned to his father and asked, "Dad, are you planning to move to Hongjia Village after the New Year?"

Zhou Fugui said, "Well, it's more convenient over there. Now, besides bringing me food, your mother chats with old acquaintances in the village. She's so carefree. If you let her take the child back, she'll be so happy she won't know where she is."

“It’s okay occasionally, but not for a long time. I even have Zeqian by my side teaching him to recognize characters and learn to read.”

Zhou Fengnian refused without hesitation: "If you miss the child, come to the city to see him. If you take him back, don't even think about it."

"Hey, you're so busy you're never home, how dare you say that?"

(End of this chapter)