"Researcher Qin, this looks similar to a movie, yet it's different. How did you achieve it?"
Colleagues who had time to spare today were amazed.
"During my studies abroad, I came across something similar, so I tried creating a program to organize and process collected data. I didn’t expect the results to be this impressive," Qin Nian explained with a smile. She hadn’t anticipated such a great outcome either, but now that it was done, she realized its potential for widespread application across multiple fields.
"That’s incredible! Could I consult you about it later?"
Qin Nian nodded. Even Dean Hu took time to come and take a look—and was stunned.
After the slideshow, the children were led on a tour. Though the view through the glass was somewhat blurry, it couldn’t dampen their curiosity. A whole new world was unfolding before them.
The reality of work wasn’t as glamorous as the children had imagined. Even at mealtime, while the adults hurried about, busy with their tasks, every one of them still spared the kids a warm, affectionate smile.
"After lunch, you’ll be taken back to the residential area. Today’s experience ends here. Eat up—the cafeteria specially added extra dishes for you today!"
Meanwhile, Qin Nian was called over by Dean Hu.
"Nian Nian, what’s the name of the program you used in today’s presentation?"
"It’s called a slideshow."
"I think this tool would be perfect for lectures and presentations. When dealing with large amounts of reference material, paper is too limited—details can only be conveyed through stacks of diagrams. Printing copies for everyone is not only troublesome, but not everyone can grasp the content easily."
"I had the same thought, Dean. Once I refine it further, I believe this program won’t just be useful for us."
"Excellent."
Dean Hu nodded in satisfaction.
In just two years, Nian Nian’s learning ability had proven remarkable. Given more time, she’d undoubtedly achieve even more—but that also made her a bigger target.
Too many times, those who couldn’t possess something chose to destroy it instead.
With the washing machine issue resolved, Fan Juan immediately arranged for sales. Wages were rising fast these days, and with more disposable income, demand for big-ticket wedding items was growing.
"Boss, I’ve got a proposal!"
Fan Juan pushed open her superior’s door, clutching her carefully drafted report.
"You’d better not be here to fleece me again!"
Her boss had a love-hate relationship with Fan Juan, his star performer.
"Boss, how could you think that? This time, I’m here to deliver benefits! And when have I ever failed to complete the tasks you assigned?"
Fan Juan took a seat on the chair across from him.
"You’d better be telling the truth. You always drag me into your schemes with your roundabout ways."
The boss took the report and opened it.
"A mixer event? No holiday in sight—are you looking for a partner yourself?"
"Not necessarily, but our department does have plenty of unmarried young folks. Festive seasons are too hectic, so why not take advantage of the current lull? Think about it—we can collaborate with other departments. Keep the benefits in-house, and it’ll grease the wheels for future cooperation too."
Fan Juan smiled brightly.
"I still think you’re hiding something up your sleeve."
The boss continued reading.
"Giving away washing machines? Are you insane? Where would we get the funds for that? A single washing machine costs a fortune! Hell, just for that, I’d be tempted to get married again myself!"
His eyes nearly popped out when he saw that couples successfully matched at the event would receive a washing machine.
"Boss, this is a partnership. Look closely—we’re not footing the bill."
Fan Juan quickly pointed to the relevant section. The boss kept reading but didn’t hold back his skepticism.
"Since when does free lunch fall from the sky?"
He read further.
"Why do we need to invite reporters? This is just using our platform to advertise these washing machines. Do you have some connection to the manufacturer?"
The boss set down the report and fixed Fan Juan with a stare.
"Boss, just tell me—won’t this encourage our outstanding comrades to form revolutionary partnerships? These washing machines are real, tangible incentives. Limited to five units initially, with discounts for later purchases. Isn’t that a benefit?"
Fan Juan deftly sidestepped the question.
"Besides, aren’t we supposed to support the rise of domestic enterprises? This is a homegrown product with guaranteed quality. More sales mean more tax revenue, and the people get access to good products, right?"
The boss listened as she continued.
"See, factories need workers. Thriving businesses create more jobs, and higher wages mean more purchasing power. It’s a virtuous cycle."
"Five units are too few. Make it ten. We have so many departments—we can’t play favorites. What would people say?"
The boss looked at her expectantly.
"You’re ruthless! Five is already generous! With us leading the charge, just having the washing machines on display will make a huge impression."
Fan Juan winced at the thought.
"Big crowd," the boss said slowly.
"Eight," Fan Juan countered through gritted teeth, adding three more.
"Ten. Ten for this round, and another ten for a year-end event. Fan Juan, I trust you’ll handle it. It’s settled."
The boss picked up his pen.
"Fine. You accuse me of fleecing you, but when it comes to securing benefits, you’re just as relentless."
Fan Juan agreed, consoling herself with the thought of another advertising opportunity at year-end.
“Get more of those discount vouchers ready too. We’ll distribute them as year-end benefits. Nothing excessive—how about fifty?”
"Why not ask for two hundred while you’re at it? For networking with other units? I’m already bleeding money for this first batch!"
Fan Juan’s promotional campaign for the initial stock included not only the ten washing machines at half-price for newlyweds but also fifty-yuan discount vouchers—no small sum!
A washing machine priced at 388 yuan would cost newlyweds only 194 yuan upon presenting their marriage certificate—a highly respectable big-ticket item at nearly cost price.
The additional fifty-yuan vouchers would be given to each participating man and woman. If they later matched with someone else, they’d get another hundred-yuan discount. Even individual purchases would enjoy a fifty-yuan reduction.
"Because if I said two hundred, you’d definitely refuse," the boss said as he signed off.
"I’ll throw in ten more—sixty total. Just make sure you rally enough outstanding candidates. The event needs to be grand!"
"Alright, alright. I’ll notify all departments. You’re cutting it awfully close—National Day is just around the corner."
"Time is tight, and the mission is critical. Every second counts."
Fan Juan left in high spirits. She still had to find Qin Nian—of course she wouldn’t forget her invaluable partner when there were benefits to share!
Finding male participants for the mixer would be easy, but more effort was needed for the female side. Which workplace had the most women? Hospitals, without a doubt. And Qin Nian’s sister-in-law worked at a military hospital—perfect!
