In-depth interview

  Lin Zhenhua did not expect an anonymous letter to bring him a Xinhua News Agency reporter, and he naturally would not let go of such a great opportunity to communicate with the top. If it were someone else, involving contract systems and joint operations, they would always try to cover up, fearing that their superiors would find out. But Lin Zhenhua was very familiar with the future policy direction and knew that the more he pushed this matter upwards, the more likely it was to be recognized.

  Even if this matter is ultimately denied by the superior, at least Lin Zhenhua can know the result in advance and make a decision on whether to act or not, so as to avoid being passive when the superior comes down to settle accounts after autumn.

  With this in mind, Lin Zhenhua began to introduce his labor service company's business to Xu Haohao one by one, skillfully using some Spring and Autumn writing techniques to emphasize that his motivation was to solve the employment problem of young people waiting for work. He also stressed that Hanhua Industrial Company always put national interests first in its operations. He cited the example of developing an automatic shooting range system for the Public Security Bureau to illustrate that Hanhua Industrial was completely different from those speculative and profiteering enterprises, and it was a good company that pursued technological innovation, national interest, collective interest, and personal interest in unison.

  To strengthen his positive image, Lin Zhenhua also talked about his participation in the self-defense counterattack war and his heroic deeds in Xiangping Province. Finally, even Song Ying's face, which had been expressionless, began to relax, thinking that this sharp-tongued young man didn't seem like a bad person after all.

  They chatted until Lin Fanghua finished her evening self-study and went home, only then did everyone realize that it was already very late. In an era without online games, high school sophomores should have been the group of people who slept the latest in society.

  Xu Haikuo closed the interview notebook, shook Lin Zhenhua's hand and said: "Comrade Lin, today I really gained a lot and benefited greatly. If it's convenient, tomorrow we'd like to visit your Labor Service Company... no, it should be called Hanhua Industrial Company. If you permit, we also want to find some workers to have an informal chat with them, to understand the specific situation better, what do you think?"

  Lin Zhenhua said: "There is no problem at all, our business is open and aboveboard, and we welcome media supervision at any time."

  In the following days, Xu Haikuo and Song Ying visited the small site of the Labor Service Company and found some young workers to communicate separately through individual interviews and seminars. They also reviewed the contracts signed by the company with the Finance Bureau, Public Security Bureau and other units, inquired about some details, and indicated that after returning to Nandu, they would also conduct return visits to these bureaus for confirmation.

  The arrival of the reporters caused a small stir at the Hanhua factory. Some people said that the reporters were there to publicize and praise Lin Zhenhua, while others said that Lin Zhenhua's actions had already violated national law, and the reporters were there to gather evidence against him. Among the workers who believed that the reporters would be unfavorable to Lin Zhenhua, they could be divided into two factions: those who supported Lin Zhenhua and those who opposed him. The pro-Lin faction believed that Lin Zhenhua was being wronged, while the anti-Lin faction believed that Lin Zhenhua's disguise had already been exposed, and it was only a matter of time before he would be punished.

  Lin Zhenhua, who is in the spotlight of public opinion, is calm and composed about this. He knows that even if it's the worst-case scenario, he will only be removed from his position or even sentenced to prison, just like some reform pioneers in history. But after a year or two, the policy will relax, and the experience of being sentenced will not only not become a stain on him but may even become a glory. He is indifferent to the worst-case scenario, what else can he worry about?

  Xu Haikuo completed his interview task and before saying goodbye to Hanhua Factory, he had a special conversation with Lin Zhenhua, saying:

  "Manager Kobayashi, the information I gathered this time is extremely valuable. After returning, I will sort out these materials as soon as possible and submit an internal reference to the central government. In my personal opinion, your labor service company's experience has great reference value for similar enterprises across the country. However, I must clarify beforehand that national policies are still in the exploratory stage, and your methods may not necessarily gain widespread approval. This article may bring you a lot of trouble, I don't know if you have psychological preparation?"

  Lin Zhenhua replied, "Xu journalist, from the moment I said those words to you, I have already made mental preparations. Since ancient times, there has never been a change of law without bloodshed, and reform and opening up is no exception, let it start with me."

  Xu Haikao burst out laughing: "Haha, it's not that serious, Little Lin, don't worry, before I submit the materials for approval, I'll ask the old comrades in the company to review them first. If they think there's a risk, then I won't submit them."

  "Thanks a lot, Mr. Xu."

  "What I want to say is that what you're doing is very meaningful. If there are some inconvenient policies, I hope you can understand and continue to maintain the current work spirit to find a way out for young people who are waiting for employment." Xu Haikuo finally reminded.

  Lin Zhenhua said: "Xu journalist, don't worry, I am now a probationary party member. I guarantee with my party spirit that I will work hard."

  "Alright then, Little Lin, regardless of the outcome of the internal reference, I am more than happy to be friends with you."

  "I am too," said Lin Zhenhua, turning his head to look at Song Ying standing beside Xu Haikuo and smiling as he said, "If Reporter Song doesn't mind, I'd also like to become friends with Reporter Song."

  Song Ying's attitude towards Lin Zhenhua has changed a lot in the past few days. Moreover, before leaving, Lin Zhenhua gave her and Xu Haikuo each a delicate souvenir, which was a pen holder made of waste screws and gears, with a polished surface that shone brightly, looking very exquisite. This small trinket would only be considered garbage in the factory, but when given to cultured people, it seemed quite precious. Song Ying couldn't put down this gift, and she had some affection for Lin Zhenhua.

  "Lin Zhenhua, I was a bit rude to you in the past, I hope you don't mind." Song Ying said softly.

  After seeing off the reporters, Lin Zhenhua felt physically and mentally exhausted. It was already time to get off work, but he didn't feel like going home for a while, so he wandered aimlessly around the factory area, and before he knew it, he had arrived at Hu Yang's door.

  "Lao Hu, are you home?" Lin Zhenhua shouted from outside the door. He hadn't had a chance to catch up with Hu Yang for several days and didn't know what he'd been busy with lately.

  "Kobayashi is here, come and take a look." Hu Yang smiled mischievously as he poked his head out from the door, Lin Zhenhua saw that there was still a bit of paint on Hu Yang's face, making him look somewhat comical.

  "What is Old Hu busy with?"

  Lin Zhenhua was speaking as he lifted his leg and entered the house. As soon as he stepped inside, Lin Zhenhua let out a startled cry. In the middle of the small room stood a wooden cabinet, still emitting the smell of paint. Judging from its appearance, this was a newly made cabinet, and Hu Yang had clearly been painting it just now.

  "Kobayashi, what do you think of this cabinet?" Hu Yang asked with a smile.

  Lin Zhenhua stepped back, carefully illuminating the cabinet. This was a very popular dish cabinet at that time, with one person's height, and the upper layer of doors had hollowed-out designs, with window screens nailed inside, which was used to store leftover rice and dishes. The lower layer was a solid wooden door, which could be used to store items that did not require ventilation. In the middle, there was a small grid made of two pieces of sliding frosted glass, where tea cups and tea bowls were placed. The entire cabinet's workmanship was extremely fine, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Hanhua Factory's woodworkers.

  "Really beautiful, how is it, Old Hu, making furniture?"

  "This is not mine," said Hu Yang.

  "Who's house is that?" Lin Zhenhua asked in surprise. It was a common thing for other workers in the wood model factory to make furniture at home, and in the past, Hu Yang would occasionally do a few pieces to earn some extra money to supplement his family expenses. Since Lin Zhenhua bought him a batch of original books, Hu Yang had not taken on this kind of work again.

  Hu Yang still smiled and asked back: "Little Lin, you're so clever, guess whose house this is."

  Lin Zhenhua shook his head: "What's so clever about me? How did you guess?"

  Qin Ying also walked over, smiling and saying to Lin Zhenhua: "Little Lin, guess what? Nothing's wrong."

  Lin Zhenhua didn't know what these two were up to, and he couldn't bear to lose face in front of them, so he thought: "This should be something used when someone's marrying off a daughter or son, let me think about it."

  He mentioned several names in a row, but Hu's couple just smiled and shook their heads. In the end, Lin Zhenhua really couldn't guess anymore, so he begged: "Brother and sister, spare me, I haven't been using my brain well these days, and I really can't think of it."

  Hu Yang burst out laughing: "Xiao Lin is really clever for a lifetime, but confused for a moment. You've calculated so many people who want to get married, how could you forget about yourself?"

  "Me?" Lin Zhenhua was taken aback, then suddenly understood: "Old Hu, you're saying that this cabinet was made for me?"

  Hu Yang said, "This was Qin Ying's idea. She said you've just moved into a new house and it's empty, so let me make two pieces of furniture for you. It just so happens that you're engaged to Old Yang's daughter, so consider this our engagement gift to you."

  "This I certainly can't afford, this cabinet is also several dozen yuan." Lin Zhenhua said anxiously.

  Hu Yang said: "Actually, it didn't cost much money. Many of the wooden parts were scraps I picked up from the workshop, and only two pieces of glass cost one or two yuan."

  "Alright, I'll give you the money then." Lin Zhenhua conceded.

  "What are you talking about!" Qin Ying scolded with a smile, "You gave our family's old Hu a computer and so many books, and usually buy clothes and stationery for Qin Bo and Qin Tao siblings. Have we ever asked you for money? If you dare to mention giving money again, I'll kick you out."

  Lin Zhenhua knew that this was a heartfelt intention of Hu Yang and his wife, so he no longer declined. He and Hu Yang were not those wine-and-meat friends, but their feelings were very deep. Lin Zhenhua even felt that in the entire Hanhua factory, only Hu Yang was able to communicate with him on an ideological level, and of course, he was also the same in Hu Yang's mind. After emotional communication reached this level, material mutual gift-giving seemed very casual and natural, and if he pretended to be artificial, it would be inferior.

  "Then I can only be rude." Lin Zhenhua also laughed and said.