MTLNOVEL Chapter 30: An Unexpected Opportunity
Chapter 30: An Unexpected Opportunity
Certificate in hand, Lu Yuan accepted the confused applause of his workshop colleagues. Director Liu concluded with a few perfunctory remarks before heading toward the exit. Lu Yuan followed him outside.
Once beyond earshot of the others, Director Liu turned to him. “Having second thoughts about your position? Afraid your workshop director might retaliate? Don’t worry—if he causes trouble, come to my office. I could even transfer you to another workshop.”
Lu Yuan’s expression grew serious as he shook his head. “It’s not about that. For years, I’ve been exhausting myself—working all day, studying late into the night. My health has suffered. The workshop demands too much physically.”
He paused, choosing his words carefully. “I’ve always dreamed of taking the civil service examination. I’d like to use this opportunity to rest and focus on my studies. Which is why… I was hoping my wife could take over my position.”
Director Liu blinked in surprise. He’d heard Lu Yuan speak flawless foreign phrases earlier—clearly the young man possessed uncommon knowledge. The civil service examination would be a natural aspiration for someone of his abilities, and Director Liu couldn’t deny the logic. Still, losing such talent was regrettable, though perhaps inevitable. A craftsman’s workshop was hardly the proper venue for Lu Yuan’s intellectual gifts.
“But why come to me with this?” Director Liu wondered. “Such transfers typically require only standard paperwork through the factory office.”
Lu Yuan adopted a hesitant, almost vulnerable demeanor. “Director, my wife is from the countryside and has… a delicate situation. I worry she might face harassment in my workshop. Could she be placed somewhere with more women?”
Lu Yuan’s implication was clear without being explicit. Positions with higher female representation were generally less physically demanding. Among these, the sampling inspection team was known to be the most comfortable assignment in Innovation Factory.
“A ‘delicate situation’?” Director Liu’s brow furrowed. “What exactly do you mean?”
Lu Yuan leaned closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. “My wife’s father was executed during the Three Kings Rebellion. I was hoping she might join the sampling inspection team. Sister Ma there—didn’t she experience similar circumstances? Under her protection, my wife would be safer.”
This Sister Ma was renowned throughout the factory. Her husband had also been executed during the Rebellion, but her family’s position and connections had shielded her from further persecution. Three years ago, after the political tides turned, she had secured a position as the sampling inspection team leader. Her influence was such that even the factory director treated her with careful respect. Though no one knew the full extent of her background, her protection would ensure Lu Yuan’s wife faced no discrimination.
The unspoken benefit, of course, was that the sampling inspection team had the lightest workload in the factory. They mainly sat in comfortable offices, drinking tea and chatting, only rousing themselves when a workshop completed a shipment that required inspection.
Director Liu considered Lu Yuan’s request. Normally, he wouldn’t involve himself in such personnel matters. But Lu Yuan represented unusual potential—a young man who had taught himself a foreign language and showed ambition for government service. Supporting him now might yield dividends later.
“This would typically be impossible,” Director Liu said at length, “but exceptional circumstances merit exceptional responses. I’ll speak with the necessary people. When the time comes, have your wife come directly to process the paperwork.”
Lu Yuan didn’t show surprise—he’d been confident in the outcome. In any world, ability commanded respect, and for someone of Director Liu’s position, this favor required minimal effort with potential future rewards.
“Thank you, Director Liu,” Lu Yuan said warmly. “Though I may step back from daily work, I remain part of Innovation Factory. Should you need language assistance in the future, just send word through my wife, and I’ll come immediately.”
Given the factory’s international dealings, his offer represented genuine value. Director Liu smiled, patting Lu Yuan’s shoulder. “Study hard, young man. At only nineteen, your future holds great promise.”
…
Lu Yuan returned to the workshop with a spring in his step. Why go back with barely an hour left in the workday? Simple—he’d collect a full day’s wages for minimal effort. Of course he would return.
His colleagues immediately surrounded him, curious about his conversation with Director Liu, but Lu Yuan deflected their questions. Meanwhile, the workshop director watched him with undisguised hostility. His expression clearly conveyed a threat: _Go ahead, hide behind Director Liu now. When his attention shifts elsewhere, I’ll show you how I deal with troublemakers. When examination time comes, I’ll make sure you’re not registered as a second-level worker, and we’ll see how you advance then!_
Lu Yuan merely smiled at the unspoken threat. The poor man had no idea Lu Yuan wouldn’t be returning tomorrow.
When the end-of-day bell rang, Lu Yuan was first to the locker room. He quickly stuffed his protective sleeves, work shoes, and other personal items into a bag. Not because these things held value—they didn’t—but because leaving them behind meant someone else would claim them. Lu Yuan, always shrewd about advantages, wasn’t about to let others benefit from his abandonment.
Wang Xiaofei, changing nearby, watched with a curled lip. He assumed Lu Yuan was bringing home dirty laundry for Su Liyan to wash, and the thought filled him with jealousy. Those delicate hands should have been caring for him. That Saturday, he had witnessed Su Liyan’s industriousness, her attentiveness. It should have been his life, his home.
The thought kept Wang Xiaofei awake at night, burning with resentment. But what could he do? His own boasting before securing his prize had cost him dearly. Perhaps, he thought, he should ask his mother to arrange a marriage for him too. Why should Lu Yuan be the only one with a wife at home? He deserved someone to serve him as well!
Oblivious to Wang Xiaofei’s thoughts, Lu Yuan departed with his belongings. Just as he passed through the factory gates, a voice called out:
“Brother Lu! Brother Lu!”
Lu Yuan turned to see the young translator from earlier jogging toward him, briefcase in hand.
What is he doing here again? Lu Yuan wondered with genuine surprise.