RBCT Chapter 60: A Book Given Away on a Cold Night Reveals a Secret; All the Calculations Are Exposed
Chapter 60: A Book Given Away on a Cold Night Reveals a Secret; All the Calculations Are Exposed
On a clear morning after the snow, a thin layer of ice covered the blue brick floor of the Hongxing Courtyard, making a crunching sound underfoot. Lin Chen had just finished organizing the lesson plans for the technical training when he heard light footsteps coming from the courtyard gate. Peeking out, he saw Yan Bugui's youngest daughter, Yan Jiedi, carrying a faded cloth schoolbag and walking out of the courtyard with her neck hunched. A few snowflakes were still clinging to the schoolbag.
Yan Jiedi is in fourth grade this year. She's shy and usually keeps her head down when she sees neighbors, too afraid to speak. Lin Chen noticed that she always carefully guards her schoolbag when she walks, as if it contains some precious treasure. Last night, when he went to Liu Haizhong's house, he heard arguing coming from the Yan family home. Yan Bugui's shouting was particularly clear: "What are you doing buying new textbooks! Just look through the old books from last semester, or borrow some from your classmates if you really can't! We don't even have enough food coupons at home, where would we get the spare money to buy you this!"
Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat. He went back into the house and pulled out one of his treasured old textbooks—the one he had brought back from his trip back to the city. Although the cover was a bit worn, the writing inside was clear, and the important points were marked. He took the textbook and chased after Yan Jiedi, stopping her at the courtyard gate: "Jiedi, wait a minute."
Yan Jiedi was startled. She looked up and saw Lin Chen, then quickly lowered her head. "Uncle Lin, is something wrong?" Lin Chen handed her the textbook. "I heard you don't have a new textbook. This is one I used before. You can take it. I've highlighted some important points inside; it will help you with your studies." Yan Jiedi froze, looking at the brand-new textbook, her eyes welling with tears, but she didn't dare reach out to take it. "My dad doesn't let me take things from other people..."
"This isn't something I just asked for; it's a loan to you," Lin Chen said with a smile. "Just return it to me when you've finished studying. By the way, I've also summarized a few simple note-taking methods, such as using different colored chalk to mark the edges of the textbook and making mnemonic devices for key points, which will make it easier to remember." He took out paper and pen and demonstrated it to Yan Jiedi on the spot.
Seeing Lin Chen's serious expression, Yan Jiedi couldn't hold back any longer. She took the textbook and hugged it tightly to her chest, whispering, "Thank you, Uncle Lin. I will take good care of it and return it to you after I finish studying." She hesitated for a moment, looked around, and leaned close to Lin Chen's ear, saying in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Uncle Lin, I have something to tell you, but please don't tell my dad."
"Go ahead and tell me, I won't tell him," Lin Chen nodded. Yan Jiedi lowered her voice: "My dad pickled all the eggs he used to collect from tutoring sessions in a jar, locked it in the cupboard in the west wing, and even bought a new lock. I secretly saw him count them yesterday, and there was a whole jar full!" After saying that, afraid of being discovered by Yan Bugui, she quickly grabbed her schoolbag and ran away, waving back at Lin Chen after a few steps.
Lin Chen stood there stunned, then realized what was going on. Yan Bugui had been suspended from his job and stripped of his "Outstanding Teacher" title and salary by the last time for providing paid tutoring, but his greed hadn't changed. He was probably secretly pickling the eggs he collected, planning to sell them on the black market for a good price once things calmed down. That old rascal really knew how to scheme to the extreme.
Back in the courtyard, Lin Chen had just entered the central courtyard when he saw Yan Bugui squatting at his doorway, smoking, his brows furrowed. Seeing Lin Chen, he quickly stood up, forcing a fake smile: "Good morning, Lin. Going to work?" Lin Chen nodded, deliberately bringing up the topic: "I just ran into Jiedi going to school. That child is so sensible, it's just that she doesn't have a new textbook; it looks so pitiful."
Yan Bugui's face stiffened for a moment, then he sighed, "That's right, the family is struggling financially, so we have to save wherever we can. We'll buy her new ones next month when she gets her salary." Lin Chen smiled, not pointing it out, and turned to walk into the factory. He knew that Yan Bugui definitely wouldn't buy Jie Di new textbooks. If that jar of pickled eggs were sold on the black market, it could at least be exchanged for twenty jin of grain coupons, enough to buy several textbooks, but he would rather save the eggs than spend a single penny on his daughter.
In the workshop that morning, Lin Chen was showing Liu Haizhong the work of sorting waste materials when Director Zhou walked in, holding a document: "Xiao Lin, I have good news for you. The factory has approved your application to lead the research and development of a new forging process, and has even assigned you a research and development team. Master Liu Haizhong has also been transferred here to assist you."
Upon hearing this, Liu Haizhong's hands trembled with excitement: "Really? Director Zhou, I can participate in the research and development too?" Director Zhou nodded: "You're a veteran forger with rich experience. Xiao Lin recommended you, and I believe in your abilities. Do a good job. If the research and development is successful, the factory will reward you handsomely, and maybe even restore your rank." Liu Haizhong quickly thanked him: "Thank you, Director Zhou! Thank you, Xiao Lin! I will definitely do my best and won't hold anyone back!"
Lin Chen took out the research and development plan he had prepared in advance: "Director Zhou, this is the research and development plan I have formulated. We plan to develop a new type of stamping die using high-strength alloy materials, which will increase the service life by three times and the production efficiency by 20%. Master Liu Haizhong is good at traditional forging technology, which can be combined with my new technology."
Director Zhou reviewed the plan and nodded in satisfaction: "This plan is excellent and very feasible. The factory has approved special funds for you. Just let me know what equipment and materials you need." He patted Lin Chen on the shoulder, "Lin, I'm putting all my eggs in one basket. Don't let me down." Lin Chen smiled and said, "Don't worry, Director Zhou, I guarantee I'll complete the task!"
The research and development team quickly got to work. Lin Chen was responsible for designing the mold structure and material ratios, while Liu Haizhong was responsible for optimizing the forging process. Liu Haizhong lived up to expectations, drawing on his years of forging experience to offer several key improvement suggestions, solving the problem of easy cracking during alloy material forging. Lin Chen also generously shared his new technologies with him, and the two worked together seamlessly.
During the lunch break, Sha Zhu came to Lin Chen with a lunchbox: "Director Lin, I heard you're in charge of a new R&D project, that's amazing! This is braised pork I made for you, to help you recover. By the way, I heard Yi Xiaofeng has been loitering around the factory gate lately, and hanging out with some shady characters, you'd better be careful."
Lin Chen took the lunchbox, a warmth spreading through his heart. "Thank you, Master Shazhu. I'll be more careful." Shazhu sighed. "I was foolish before, deceived by Yi Zhonghai and Qin Huairu, always going against you. Now I understand who truly cares for me and who's using me. If you ever need anything, just tell me, I'll help you!"
Lin Chen smiled. "Let's not talk about the past. By the way, how's Qin Huairu doing lately?" Sha Zhu curled his lip. "What else could she be doing? Working as a temporary worker in the logistics workshop, cleaning toilets and taking out the trash every day. All her former glory is gone. She still wants to get back together with me, saying it was all a misunderstanding before, but I'm not falling for her tricks!"
As Lin Chen stepped out of the factory gate after get off work in the afternoon, he was stopped by Yi Xiaofeng. Yi Xiaofeng was accompanied by two strange men, both with menacing expressions. "Lin Chen, let's talk," Yi Xiaofeng said coldly, his eyes filled with malice. Lin Chen remained unmoved: "What's there to talk about? I haven't settled the score with you for falsely accusing me last time."
"Settle accounts?" Yi Xiaofeng scoffed. "My father is suffering in prison, and I got a reprimand from the factory. This is a debt I should be set up with you for!" He waved his hand, and the two men beside him immediately surrounded him. Lin Chen was prepared. He pulled out a simple alarm from his pocket—it was a system-integrated device combining a battery, a bell, and a spring. It could emit a piercing alarm with just one press.
"Trying to make a move?" Lin Chen pressed the alarm, and the piercing sound instantly rang out, attracting the attention of the surrounding workers. "This is the factory gate, and the security room is right next door. If you dare to make a move, I'll call for help right now and sue you for disturbing the peace!" Yi Xiaofeng's expression changed; he hadn't expected Lin Chen to have such a move. The surrounding workers also gathered around, pointing and whispering.
"You just wait!" Yi Xiaofeng glared at Lin Chen fiercely, then slunk away with the two men. Lin Chen put away the alarm, knowing that Yi Xiaofeng would definitely not let this go. He had to find something on Yi Xiaofeng as soon as possible to completely resolve this problem.
Back in the courtyard, Lin Chen had just entered the central courtyard when he saw Yan Bugui talking quietly with a strange man. The man was wearing a black cotton-padded coat and a felt hat, the brim pulled low so his face was obscured. After exchanging a few words, the stranger handed Yan Bugui a cloth bag. Yan Bugui took the bag, looked around warily, and then quickly walked into the west wing.
Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat, and he quietly followed. The door to the west wing was ajar, and Yan Bugui's voice came from inside: "These eggs are all pickled, guaranteed fresh. One pound for two pounds of grain coupons, not a pound less." A strange man's voice rang out: "Teacher Yan, this is the price on the black market now. I'll give you two and a half pounds of grain coupons, how about you give me an extra pound of eggs?"
"No, not a single penny less!" Yan Bugui's voice was firm. "I've been saving these eggs for months. They're top-quality free-range eggs, pickled to perfection. You definitely won't regret buying them." Lin Chen peeked through the crack in the door and saw Yan Bugui open a large jar filled with pickled eggs, a whole jar full. He was handing an egg to the stranger, who took it, smelled it, and nodded in satisfaction.
Lin Chen took out the simple recording device integrated with the system and pressed the record button. He knew that Yan Bugui was selling pickled eggs privately (actually income from paid tutoring), violating school regulations. If the school found out, he would definitely be punished more severely. This was a golden opportunity to bring down Yan Bugui.
Just then, the voice of Officer Li from the neighborhood committee came from the courtyard gate: "Is Yan Bugui home? We received a report that you are privately running paid tutoring and selling pickled eggs. We've come to verify the situation." Both Yan Bugui and the stranger were startled. Yan Bugui quickly put the lid on the jar and tried to hide the cloth bag, but it was too late.
Officer Li, accompanied by two staff members, entered the west wing and immediately spotted the large vat and the eggs in the strange man's hand. "Yan Bugui, what's going on here?" Officer Li's tone was stern. "Weren't you suspended pending investigation? How come you're still running paid tutoring and selling pickled eggs?"
Yan Bugui's face turned pale, and he stammered, "I...I didn't...These eggs were laid by my own chickens, they have nothing to do with that..." Seeing this, the stranger tried to run away, but was stopped by the staff. "Comrade, please come with us to the subdistrict office to cooperate with the investigation."
Lin Chen walked in and took out a recording device: "Officer Li, I have a recording here. It recorded what Teacher Yan and this comrade were talking about. It clearly mentioned that these eggs were saved up for several months, and one pound could be exchanged for two pounds of grain coupons. I also heard that these eggs were collected from his paid tutoring sessions, and they weren't laid by his own chickens."
Yan Bugui suddenly raised his head, glaring fiercely at Lin Chen: "You reported me! Lin Chen, I have no grudge against you, why are you so determined to destroy me!" Lin Chen sneered: "I'm just stating the facts. Your paid tutoring violates professional ethics, and selling pickled eggs violates regulations. You did all of this yourself, so you can't blame anyone else. I reminded you last time to sincerely repent, but you didn't listen at all, and instead, you made things worse."
Seeing that he had been exposed, the stranger quickly confessed, "I'm a black market dealer. I've traded with Teacher Yan several times. Each time, he sells me pickled eggs, saying they're gifts from students' parents. I exchange one pound for two pounds of grain coupons, which I then resell at a higher price on the black market." Officer Li's expression grew even more grave upon hearing this: "Yan Bugui, you've gone too far! Not only do you not reflect on your actions during your suspension, but you're also committing crimes against the grain!"
Yan Bugui slumped to the ground, muttering to himself, "It's over, everything is over..." Officer Li took out handcuffs and said sternly, "Yan Bugui, you are suspected of providing paid tutoring and illegally selling goods. Come with us to the street office for processing!" After saying that, he led Yan Bugui and the strange man away.
The neighbors gathered around, gossiping. "I never imagined Yan Bugui was so greedy! Even after being suspended, he still dared to do these things!" "He used to pretend to be so virtuous, but who knew he was so despicable behind the scenes!" "Xiao Lin did the right thing; this kind of person deserves to be punished!" Yan Bugui's wife sat at the door, wailing, "Why is my life so miserable! My husband's been arrested; how will we survive?"
Lin Chen felt no sympathy for the Yan family's miserable state. Yan Bugui had been a shrewd shrew all his life, valuing money above all else and being extremely stingy with his children. His current predicament was entirely his own fault. He walked to Yan Jiedi's side and comforted her, "Jiedi, don't be afraid. Your father is just undergoing an investigation; he'll be fine. If you ever encounter any difficulties in the future, just tell me."
Clutching the textbooks Lin Chen had given her, Yan Jiedi said with tears in her eyes, "Uncle Lin, thank you. My dad knows he was wrong. He told me yesterday that he'll never do paid tutoring again and will teach me properly." Lin Chen sighed and patted her head, "As long as he truly repents, there will be other opportunities. You must study hard, get into a good university, and make your parents proud."
That evening, Lin Chen returned home and opened the system panel, which displayed: "Side quest completed 'Exposing Yan Bugui's continued paid tutoring and selling pickled eggs during his suspension,' reward 7000 points, current points: 138500 points. New feature unlocked: Market Analysis."
The market analysis function allows Lin Chen to analyze current market demand and price trends, which will be of great help to his future entrepreneurship. Lin Chen nodded in satisfaction. He recalled the letter Zhou Ming had sent and had a clearer plan in mind: first, complete the factory's R&D project and receive bonuses and honors; then, use the market analysis function to understand the market demand in the south, and then go to the south to help debug equipment, accumulating experience and connections for his future entrepreneurship.
Just then, a new main quest popped up on the system panel: "Complete the research and development of a new forging process, gain the factory's approval, and thwart Yi Xiaofeng's retaliation. Reward: 15000 points, unlock the 'Technology Patent' function." Lin Chen's eyes lit up. The Technology Patent function allowed him to apply for patents for the technology he developed, which was crucial for his future development.
He developed a research plan and continued to refine it. To improve the lifespan of the mold, he planned to use a system to integrate "high-strength alloy + ceramic material" to create a new type of composite material. This material is not only highly hard but also resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, which would certainly meet the requirements of the forging process.
The next morning, Lin Chen and his research and development team plunged into their intense work. Liu Haizhong, full of energy, volunteered for the forging task. Following Lin Chen's blueprints, he meticulously forged the mold, handling every detail with utmost care. Lin Chen, on the other hand, was responsible for material fusion and testing, using the system to precisely control the fusion temperature and time to ensure the new material achieved optimal performance.
During the lunch break, Qin Huairu suddenly came to find Lin Chen. She was wearing a faded work uniform, her face haggard, a far cry from her former radiance. "Director Lin, please, help me," Qin Huairu's voice trembled with tears. "Director Wang in the logistics workshop is always making things difficult for me, making me do the dirtiest and hardest work, and even deducting my wages. I know I was wrong before, I shouldn't have gone against you, I shouldn't have morally blackmailed Sha Zhu, please, for the sake of our neighborhood, help me put in a good word with the factory management and transfer me back to the fitter's workshop."
Lin Chen looked at her without any emotion. "Senior Sister Qin, it's not that I don't want to help you, it's that you're not trying hard enough," Lin Chen said seriously. "When you were in the fitter's workshop, you deliberately hid your skills and didn't take the exam, you were lazy and even stole eggs from your master's house. These are all facts. The factory transferred you to the logistics workshop as punishment. If you want to go back to the fitter's workshop, you have to rely on your own efforts to retake the fitter's qualification exam and prove your abilities."
Qin Huairu was stunned, not expecting Lin Chen to say that. She thought Lin Chen would be like Sha Zhu, easily softened by her feigning pitifulness. "I... I wasn't holding back, I really don't know..." She tried to argue, but Lin Chen interrupted her: "You know perfectly well whether you know it or not. In the last skills competition, your drawings were full of flaws, you didn't even know the most basic tolerance requirements. Is that holding back? If you want others to respect you, you have to respect yourself first and let your abilities speak for themselves."
Qin Huairu's face flushed crimson, and she lowered her head in shame. "I understand, Director Lin," she said softly. "I will work hard to get the certificate. Thank you for reminding me." With that, she turned and left. Lin Chen watched her retreating figure and sighed inwardly—if Qin Huairu had understood this sooner, she wouldn't have ended up in this situation.
In the afternoon, the research and development work achieved a major breakthrough. The new mold was successfully forged, and after testing, its service life was more than three times that of the original, and production efficiency increased by 25%, far exceeding expectations. Upon hearing the news, Director Zhou was overjoyed: "Xiao Lin, you're amazing! I'll immediately submit a report to the factory to commend you!"
Just then, the workshop phone rang. Director Zhou answered the phone, his expression suddenly changing: "What? Yi Xiaofeng reported that our R&D team misused workshop materials? Okay, we will cooperate with the investigation." After hanging up, Director Zhou frowned and said, "Xiao Lin, Yi Xiaofeng reported that we misused alloy materials from the workshop. The factory's investigation team will be here immediately."
Lin Chen sneered, having anticipated Yi Xiaofeng's move. "Director Zhou, don't worry." Lin Chen produced all the material requisition forms. "We keep records of all material requisitions; every single one is traceable. Moreover, the new mold we developed is of great significance to the factory's production. Yi Xiaofeng's accusation is completely unfounded."
Sure enough, after the investigation team arrived, they carefully checked the material requisition forms and R&D records, and found that Lin Chen's claims were true. Secretary Zhang, who was in charge, smiled and said, "Xiao Lin, congratulations on your successful R&D! Yi Xiaofeng's report is completely false, and we will deal with him seriously. The factory has decided to award you the title of 'Factory-Level Model Worker' and a bonus of two hundred yuan. The other members of the R&D team will also receive corresponding rewards."
Lin Chen quickly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Secretary Zhang, and thank you for the factory's recognition. This is the result of the joint efforts of all members of the R&D team, especially Master Liu Haizhong, who gave me a lot of help with the forging process." Liu Haizhong was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes. He never expected to receive an award, let alone that Lin Chen would take the initiative to mention his contributions.
Returning to the courtyard house that evening, Lin Chen had just entered when he saw Yi Xiaofeng being taken away by two policemen. It turned out that during their investigation, the factory had discovered that Yi Xiaofeng had not only falsely accused the research and development team but was also suspected of stealing scrap parts from the workshop and selling them on the black market. The evidence was conclusive, and the police arrested him according to the law. The neighbors applauded, saying, "This is truly gratifying! Yi Xiaofeng has finally been punished!"
Lin Chen watched Yi Xiaofeng's retreating figure and breathed a sigh of relief—this troublesome Yi Xiaofeng was finally resolved. He returned home, opened the system panel, which displayed: "Main quest completed 'Complete the research and development of a new forging process, gain factory approval, and thwart Yi Xiaofeng's renewed revenge,' reward 15000 points, current points: 153500 points. New feature unlocked: Technology Patent."
Lin Chen nodded in satisfaction. He took out the letter Zhou Ming had sent and read it again. The letter said that the machinery factory in the south not only needed his help to debug equipment, but also wanted to cooperate with him to develop new products, offering very generous terms. Lin Chen had already made up his mind; after finishing up his business at the factory, he would go to the south to take a look.
Moonlight streamed into the room through the window, illuminating the research and development blueprints on the table. Lin Chen knew this was just a new beginning in his life. Although the elderly couple in the courtyard still included the deaf old lady and Xu Damao, who was about to be released from prison, he already had enough strength to face any challenge. His gaze turned south, where there lay a wider world and a brighter future.