The only female guests were Hua Fen and Nan Sheng. The women gathered together to sit, letting the rough men drink and make merry. After the meal, they went to sit inside the house.
Zhu Jinghui's wife wore an expression full of reluctance. "Having lived here for so many years, I've long grown accustomed to it. I'm afraid once I go back home, there will be no more chances for us all to meet."
Hua Fen, who had known her for years, also felt a pang of sorrow. She said reproachfully, "Why are you leaving so suddenly? My Old Zhang is also toughing it out. If you wait another two years, there might still be a chance."
Zhu Jinghui's wife sighed and revealed the real reason her husband was leaving.
"My Old Zhu might seem fine on the surface, but his health has been worn down. He can't handle the massive daily training load anymore. What else could he do but leave?"
She glanced at Nan Sheng, her tone carrying a sense of resignation. "Younger sister, don't be upset by what I'm about to say, but I'll be honest. Back when your Regiment Commander Lin was promoted to deputy regiment commander, I felt a bit sore about it. After all, Old Zhu had more seniority. But alas, he just didn't have the luck for it."
Nan Sheng could understand Sister-in-law Zhu's feelings. However, when leadership promotes someone, seniority isn't the only factor. It could be said that luck, capability, and interests all play indispensable roles.
"I understand, sister-in-law. Don't be too sad. The overall situation is getting better and better. Who knows, travel might become much more convenient in the future. Let's plan to meet again in a few years!"
Hua Fen had been feeling quite sentimental, but hearing Nan Sheng's words made her laugh in exasperation, and she couldn't help teasing her.
"It's easy for us to say; we all have plenty of time to meet. Not like you, Director Nan. Ever since you moved to the county town, you've been like a ghost—never seen!"
Sister-in-law Zhu joined in the teasing. "Forget about us, even Regiment Commander Lin has to eagerly go to the county town to fetch you if he wants to see you. For a woman to have it as good as our younger sister-in-law here, it's truly something to be envied."
Initially, Sister-in-law Zhu hadn't thought much of Nan Sheng, being a stepmother and not particularly warm in personality. But after observing for so long, she had to admit the woman lived a truly carefree life.
She had a respectable job, didn't cook, and no one nagged her about it. Even breakfast was bought and brought back by Regiment Commander Lin. Their stove was lit only a handful of days throughout the year.
The shift in topic left Nan Sheng at a loss for how to respond. In her view, her current life would be considered utterly ordinary in the future.
Of course, the position of Discipline Inspection Commission Director was absolutely not ordinary. She never expected she could thrive so well within the government system.
"Sisters-in-law, please spare me. Let's go out and check on them. We all have work tomorrow; we shouldn't let them drink too much."
Zhu Jinghui's departure didn't cause much of a ripple. What surprised Nan Sheng was that not long after, Shen Yu also transferred to civilian work.
His future had once seemed bright, but ever since encountering the Lin family, his path had been steadily downhill. Recognizing clearly that staying in the military district held no future for him, he resolutely decided to return to local civilian development.
"Did you go to see him off too?" Nan Sheng asked.
Lin Han looked up at his wife. "If I had gone, you'd be keeping me company in a hospital bed right now."
Shen Yu had been highly regarded by Division Commander Fan and Brigade Commander Gao. Ever since learning of Shen Yu's decision to transfer, they had spent a long time trying to persuade him with earnest advice. Having failed to keep him, they naturally directed their resentment towards Lin Han and Division Commander Yao.
Fortunately, Division Commander Yao was now held in higher esteem than Division Commander Fan. With him providing cover from above, Lin Han didn't have to fear them.
This time, Lin Han could only stay for one night before leaving. Knowing Nan Sheng was busy with the compound fertilizer project, he couldn't bear to make her travel back and forth, so he ended up making the trip himself.
"Wife, has the compound fertilizer been produced yet?"
Lin Han was also closely following the progress, as it concerned grain yield. If livelihood issues could be solved, why worry about the nation not growing stronger?
"It's been produced. Based on feedback from villages across the county, we've decided to make Qingjiang County the pilot area. Half of the arable land will use the new compound fertilizer. The scale of promotion will be decided based on next year's yield."
According to Nan Sheng's original plan, the compound fertilizer was to undergo trials before being put into use. However, after production, provincial officials came, took samples and detailed documentation, and within two days notified Secretary Cao to designate Qingjiang County as the first pilot site for this fertilizer.
It could only be said the provincial leadership had great confidence in this compound fertilizer!
Not only that, following this incident, the higher-ups' attitude towards those sent down to the countryside also began to change. Particularly for those experts and scholars with genuine skills, some had already been gradually transferred back. This was a very positive signal.
Lin Han mused with feeling, "If only one day, ordinary people could have more rice and fine flour than they could eat."
"Don't worry, that day will come!"
Nan Sheng was already considering finding an opportunity next year to secure an experimental field here and then find a way to locate Old Yuan and invite him over.
Of course, she would gradually bring out those research papers he would publish in the future. She hoped that, with the system's help, the venerable old gentleman could achieve even more glorious accomplishments.
The next day, Lin Han drove off early. With the New Year approaching, his work was no light burden either.
When Nan Sheng came downstairs, Sizhe was eating breakfast. After moving to the county town, they usually ate whenever whoever got up first did, very relaxed, with no rule about having to eat together.
While serving Nan Sheng her breakfast, Sizhe tentatively asked, "Mother, you've been so busy lately. Will we still be able to go back to our hometown for New Year?"
"Don't worry, son. We will definitely go home. Actually, there's nothing crucial for me to do; I'm just going along for the gathering."
Hearing this, Sizhe finally felt at ease. At the same time, however, Secretary Cao was not having it.
"Director Nan, you can't leave! Director Nan, if you leave, what about the fertilizer plant? I have no confidence without you!"
Nan Sheng looked at Cao Guoxiang's miserable, pleading face, utterly speechless. She was just helping out; how had this man become so dependent on her?
"Secretary Cao, Director Jin is just giving me an extra week of holiday out of consideration for me being a military family member. There's no need for you to act as if the sky is falling, alright?"
Secretary Cao thought, what's the difference?
Although he was the county's top leader, the most important matter currently was the fertilizer plant, as it was tied to his political future.
Moreover, the experts and management at the fertilizer plant listened to Nan Sheng and basically treated him as air.
If Director Nan wasn't here, who would control the production schedule?
Who would solve problems if they arose?
He was completely clueless about this field!
"Director Nan, could you possibly return to your hometown next year instead? The fertilizer plant can't do without you. Old Wu and the others need your guidance for their recent improvements to the compound fertilizer."
Secretary Cao had heard that Nan Sheng knew an exceptionally brilliant expert. The compound fertilizer, which even provincial leaders valued, was supposedly from that person's work. Furthermore, he was only willing to communicate with Director Nan. This was the reason Secretary Cao was being so shamelessly persistent about not letting Nan return home.
"No. This matter is not up for discussion!"
Nan Sheng was merciless.
