Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

Chapter 192: Chapter 191: Being Your Brother is Worthwhile

”Give it to Tian Niu and Xiaozhou, right?” Qin Jian had the right candidates in mind.

”Qin Jian, what I mean is to nominate you, and then have another person elected by vote within the department. After all, your hard work is there for everyone to see. You’ve been through thick and thin over the years, published many papers, and some of your ideas even the seasoned engineers admire,” Jian Ying proposed.

Qin Jian knew that if it came to a department-wide election, it would definitely be him, but over the years he had received various honors every year, and one more or one less no longer mattered much to him.

But it was different for Tian Niu and that Xiaozhou; they both worked very hard. And although Tian Niu might look simple and honest, he was very diligent and down-to-earth at work, with potential for great development if nurtured.

As for Xiaozhou on the team, he was even more willing to take on hard work without complaints, trained diligently, and was always ready to help others. Such a colleague deserved encouragement. Moreover, everyone knew the conditions were tough for this assignment, and Xiaozhou resolutely chose to sign up to follow him, starting from the grassroots to gain a better understanding of the work, which was highly commendable.

”I stand by my opinion,” Qin Jian said, biting into a steamed bun.

”Fine, you make the call,” Jian Ying took a drag from his cigarette, ”I have no objections, being your brother pays off!”

”Okay, then it’s settled, withdraw my name from the vote this year! Let’s free up a spot,” Qin Jian decided.

When it came to his colleagues and subordinates, Qin Jian always cared for them and quietly supported them from behind, which was one of the reasons why he, despite his young age, commanded such respect.

”Alright,” Jian Ying agreed.

”Additionally, you need to go to the provincial city for a meeting tomorrow morning. I’ll keep an eye on things here,” Jian Ying mentioned the second important matter.

”Okay, I’ll pack up after dinner. I’ll plan a bit early tonight and set off early in the morning; you follow them up the mountain.”

”Fine. I won’t disturb you any longer. I’m off,” Jian Ying said and then left.

The next day was sunny and bright.

Qin Jian took a car to the provincial research institute for the meeting, which didn’t finish until around twelve o’clock noon.

When he went to the cafeteria for lunch, Director Zhang joined Qin Jian at his table.

”How’s it going? How did the work guidance go?” Director Zhang asked with a smile.

”In full swing,” Qin Jian, who was always sparing with words, replied succinctly.

”Wow, just four words to send me off? Can’t you elaborate a bit more?”

”How about I take two hours out just to narrate it to you personally?” Qin Jian raised an eyebrow and glanced at Director Zhang.

”Forget about it,” Director Zhang waved his hand, ”I’m never worried about your work, but I am concerned about your personal matters. How is it going? Any significant progress?”

Qin Jian tugged at the corner of his mouth, took a sip of soup to clear the food in his mouth, and then spoke, ”I think you, along with my partner Jian Ying and Tian Niu, could start a side business together.”

”What kind of side business?” Director Zhang looked at him with interest, waiting for the answer.

”A matchmaking agency!”

”You little rascal!” Director Zhang pointed at him, laughing and scolding, ”You’ve learned how to tease people! I care about you as if you were my own son, and that’s why I’m so concerned about you! But look at you, you get annoyed after just a few questions!”

Qin Jian: ”...” You’re barely over forty, where would you find a thirty-year-old son?!

”Oh, drop by home this afternoon; your sister-in-law heard you were coming for a meeting and wanted you to bring something back for An Hao,” Director Zhang said. ”She’s been thinking about An Hao ever since she saw her last time.”

”What am I supposed to bring back?”

Qin Jian asked.

”Your sister-in-law made a couple of skirts out of a few yards of fabric she got. She did it herself and I think the craftsmanship is quite good. One for her, and she kept one for An Hao,” Director Zhang was quite pleased with his wife’s handiwork.

”Okay, then I’ll thank my sister-in-law for her,” Qin Jian said.

”No need to be polite.” Director Zhang stood up, ”You continue eating, I’m going back for a rest.”

”Director, take care!”

That afternoon, on his way to Director Zhang’s house, Qin Jian took a detour and went to the Xinhua Bookstore.