Reborn in 1985, starting from a machine factory

"Director Li, you're too kind. How could I possibly sit in Engineer Yang's seat?" Chen Mo said hurriedly.

"Engineer Yang specifically instructed me on this, and this is how he arranged it. Try sitting down."

"Anywhere is fine with me," Chen Mo said, refusing to sit down.

"You mean, Mr. Yang has to come back and apologize to you in person?"

Director Li pulled Chen Mo aside: "Sit down, Engineer Chen!"

"We'll need your support for the equipment in the back workshop! The technology that Engineer Yang and his team are learning isn't directly related to the workshop; it's the latest technology."

"You're too kind, Director Li. Maintaining the equipment is my duty," Chen Mo replied.

"Okay, Mr. Chen, you can familiarize yourself with the process. I won't bother you any longer."

"Director Li, please take care!"

After seeing Director Li off, Chen Mo returned to his seat. This chair seemed a bit too hot for his bottom.

I don't understand what Director Li is up to. I thought he would make things difficult for me, but it seems that's not the case. He even seems to be trying to curry favor with me.

Fake, real or fake!

Everyone knows that the entire production department and the technical department are closely connected.

As someone who has broken free from their control, I am nothing.

Chen Mo unconsciously drew circles on the table. In fact, there were only a few things that were worth Director Li doing this for:

The first issue is Yang's suspension, but there's no point in asking me about it; it's not something I can decide.

The second thing, Chen Mo counted on his fingers, if it was this, then some things would make sense.

The damage to the gantry milling machine has delayed the construction period of the aid project in Africa.

Currently, Engineer Yang is suspended from his duties and without pay, leaving the Technical Office of Production Department Three without a responsible person.

I was inexplicably put in charge by Director Li, which meant I was to take over the office.

Then this big pot, after going around in circles, will eventually end up on your own head.

Unfortunately, Secretary Liu and his colleagues were also pushing for this, hoping to gain control of the office.

What a coincidence!

It's so clever, it's as if it was pre-arranged.

When the time comes, as the person actually in charge of the office, you can't very well say that you've just arrived and don't know anything.

While this is the truth, it is also the truth that it blocks one's own path to advancement.

Chen Mo frowned.

The remaining engineers in the office kept their heads down and busied themselves with their tasks as soon as Chen Mo entered.

It was as if they hadn't heard or seen anything.

These men were loyal to Engineer Yang and always stood by him through thick and thin. If you asked them for information, the news would immediately reach Engineer Yang.

Unless, they realize that the environment is about to change.

In this day and age, no one who graduates from junior college or vocational school is truly stupid; they are simply good at assessing the situation.

Chen Mo rubbed his hands together.

...

"Knock knock knock!"

As soon as I arrived at work in the afternoon, there was a knock on the office door.

Chen Mo subconsciously looked up. Sitting at this workstation, he always felt itchy all over.

He glanced at the remaining people.

Just like when I knocked on the door, these people didn't even look up, as if they hadn't heard me.

Chen Mo said, "Please come in!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the office door opened, and a strange man walked into the office.

He was very thin, and his glasses were thick, but he looked very energetic.

"Who are you looking for?" Chen Mo asked.

"I'm looking for Chen Mo, Engineer Chen!" the man said. "I heard he moved his office here."

"That's me. And who are you?" Chen Mo stood up.

"Hello, Mr. Chen!" The man stepped forward and said, "I'm Sun Dengke from the Publicity Department. I have a letter for you."

Sun Dengke!

Chen Mo's heart stirred slightly. Section Chief Sun of the Propaganda Department was a well-known pen holder in the factory.

He reviewed, edited, and printed all the articles in the factory newspaper.

"Section Chief Sun, what kind of letter could possibly trouble you? I can go get it myself." Chen Mo brought over a chair.

"This letter is different!" Sun Dengke said with a smile, and sat down in the chair.

"I heard you like reading the newspaper. Did you read today's Beiyang Daily?"

"I haven't had time yet, I was delayed today!"

"Here! Take a look!" Sun Dengke handed the newspaper to Chen Mo.

Chen Mo glanced at it, then his gaze settled on the secondary page.

This page usually features major events in Beiyang City, but this time it's different; this time, almost half the page is dedicated to an article.

Two more sketches were added on top of that.

Troubleshooting and Simple Handling of Common Faults in Mechanical Watches (1)

Author: Chen Mo

So fast?

Chen Mo's eyes widened in disbelief; the article, submitted on Monday, was published on Friday.

Such efficiency!

"Mr. Chen, you're amazing. Apart from the front page, this is the best spot on the page."

"You alone take up more than half," Sun Dengke said.

"An editor at the Beiyang Daily and I are old acquaintances. He even called me specifically to say that the editor-in-chief had asked me to insert your article."

"At the same time, I also asked you (2) to urge when you will come out. These kinds of practical household life tips are so rare now."

"As long as you write it this week, it will be published next week, and he will still reserve this space for you."

Chen Mo could hardly hide his smile. Back in school, who hadn't dreamed of their articles being published?

Even now that I actually see it, it still feels unreal.

"Section Chief Sun, I'll write it as soon as possible and get it out this week." After calming down, Chen Mo spoke.

"Take a look at the letter first. It was signed by the mailroom on your behalf," Sun Dengke said, pointing to the envelope.

The kraft paper envelope felt heavy in my hand.

Chen Moli opened the package, and inside was also the Beiyang Daily, but it was different from the one Sun Dengke brought; the ink scent seemed stronger.

Along with the newspaper sample, there was also a green money order.

Chen Mo held his breath for a moment, squinted, and looked at the numbers on the remittance slip.

Twenty dollars!

The number was so striking that Chen Mo's smile overflowed from his eyes.

That's enough for Mom's medicine for a month, or even enough to buy study materials for night school!

"Hey, Engineer Chen, you've got to treat us to a meal at a restaurant. Twenty yuan, that's quite a lot!" Sun Dengke leaned over and said after taking a look.

The commotion made the other engineers in the office look up at Chen Mo.

"No problem, no problem, Section Chief Sun, don't worry, I will definitely write (2) out in the next few days."

"Not this!" Sun Dengke lowered his voice:

"I'd like to say that the workers in the factory also really need this kind of knowledge. Could you perhaps publish it again in the factory newsletter?"

"No problem, Section Chief Sun," Chen Mo replied.

Sun Dengke's voice was even lower: "Also, our publicity department is always short of suitable articles. You have a strong writing style, so you should at least write an article for us as well."

"How about you hand this over to me tomorrow?"

Chen Mo looked directly at Sun Dengke.

Sun Dengke blushed.

Seeing their factory workers excel makes the workers happy, and the leaders are even happier.

When I was happy, I remembered that my own newspaper was also short of suitable articles.

It is indeed asking too much of people to write something in a day and then rush to print it.

But Sun Dengke had no choice.

The minister asked about this matter twice this morning, and the deputy factory director in charge of this area asked about it once.

If this matter isn't settled, he probably won't be able to eat or sleep peacefully for the next few days.

"Section Chief Sun, you flatter me too much. I still have to rush to finish the article for the Beiyang Daily," Chen Mo said after a moment's hesitation.

The factory won't give you a penny, at most a bar of soap.

Beiyang Daily, give me twenty yuan.

Even a fool knows which one to choose!

"It's okay, that editor has been pushing it for you for a week already, write this first!"

"Hmm?" Chen Mo looked up.

Sun Dengke avoided Chen Mo's gaze: "Here, a brand new Hero brand fountain pen. I wouldn't even use it!"

"Get started, Engineer Chen!"

Sun Dengke opened the folder under his arm and placed a brand-new fountain pen and a stack of manuscript paper in front of Chen Mo.