Master, That's My Wife and My House! - Chapter 10

However, in this life… Chen Feng felt he should do something. Not for any other reason than that if he could protect Wu Wenhua, it would greatly benefit his future development. At the very least, transferring his work unit affiliation would definitely be no problem.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, let’s go eat first.” Wu Wenhua had arranged things at the canteen and then came to invite him. His whole manner was like a warm breeze. In addition, he had died in his previous life to save workers, so Chen Feng felt that it was worthwhile to do his best for such a person.

In the private room of the canteen at Wanhuai Coal Mine, Chen Feng looked at the food on the table and sighed. It’s true that in the 1970s, even single workers in state-owned factories had plenty of chicken, duck, fish and meat. Where could farmers enjoy such treatment?

In the 1970s, the most prestigious thing was having access to commodity grain. What was commodity grain? It meant having an urban household registration and receiving grain coupons every month.

Farmers in rural areas toil from dawn till dusk, earning work points that aren’t even enough to eat. When they finally get a share of fine grain at the end of the year, their first thought is to exchange it for money.

Chen Feng was able to attend a vocational school and then work at the Wanhuai Machinery Factory by saving every grain of rice his family could afford.

After his rebirth, Chen Feng wanted to go back to his hometown to see his parents, brothers, and sisters. Unfortunately, he still had things to do and could only go back with peace of mind after things were settled here.

“Please have a seat, both of you.” Wu Wenhua invited the two to sit down, with two people from the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department accompanying them.

After a few rounds of drinks and several dishes, everyone started talking.

“Coal miners have it tough! The workload is heavy, the labor intensity is high, and they are prone to all kinds of accidents, any one of which can be fatal,” Wu Wenhua sighed.

“Section Chief Wu cares deeply about the workers; I admire him greatly!”

“I believe that as long as we follow in Section Chief Wu’s footsteps, things will definitely get better and better.” The two people from the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department praised him enthusiastically, not letting their words even finish.

Whether out of habit or indifference, Wu Wenhua continued, “So we need to think of some ways to make the workers’ working conditions as good as possible, so they can earn more money, do less work, and be safer. Wouldn’t that be great?”

Chen Feng couldn’t help but laugh. The vision was good, but it was too idealistic. Even if it could be achieved, the workers wouldn’t be any more comfortable.

Production will increase with technological advancements, and safety will improve with clearer regulations; however, the intensity of labor for workers will only continue to increase.

It has been said that, in essence, the capitalists in our country are still feudal landlords. What they want is not to complete any work, but rather… that the workers cannot be idle.

As long as you can complete the tasks they assign, they will feel that they have been too lenient and that the workload was not sufficient.

Even for leaders of state-owned enterprises, the value created by workers does not determine their direct interests.

“If any of you have any ideas that could improve the working conditions for workers, feel free to talk to me!” Wu Wenhua said, slightly tipsy.

Chen Feng suddenly spoke up, “Section Chief Wu, underground gas is extremely dangerous. Once a gas outburst occurs, the workers will almost certainly die.”

Wu Wenhua nodded repeatedly and sighed, “Yes! That’s why workers suffer. Gas explosions, coal and gas outbursts, roof collapses, water seepage, plus the hidden dangers brought by mechanical and electrical equipment—this isn’t going to work, it’s practically gambling with your life!”

Chen Feng said thoughtfully, “I have an idea that has a certain probability of saving a life in the event of a gas outburst or the presence of toxic or harmful gases.”

Wu Wenhua looked surprised, and the others also looked Chen Feng up and down. This man looked about the same age as Section Chief Wu. He really was a newborn calf who was not afraid of tigers!

Wu Wenhua became interested and immediately said, “Tell me your good ideas!”

Chen Feng laughed and said, “Let’s not talk about it for now. Section Chief Wu, can you give me a few days? I’ll bring over a finished product then, and you can take a look and see if it’s feasible.”

Chen Feng’s words piqued Wu Wenhua’s interest, and he immediately slammed his hand on the table, saying, “Brother, if you can really come up with something useful, I’m telling you… I won’t let you suffer any losses!”

“Okay, then it’s settled.” Chen Feng reached out his hand to Wu Wenhua.

Without hesitation, Wu Wenhua clapped his hands together and said with a slight lisp, “A gentleman’s word is as good as his bond!”

Lin Xiaoyi was both amused and exasperated, thinking to himself that the young man was still too naive and was losing his composure in front of such an important person.

He also admitted that if Chen Feng could really get involved with Wu Wenhua, he would definitely have more opportunities for development in the future.

But young people don’t care about the cost of failure. You’ve made a big fuss and are now boasting, but you can’t produce anything worthwhile. In the future, forget about your future; you might not even be able to stay as a technician at Wanhuai Machinery Factory.

After finishing the meal, Wu Wenhua waved his hand and arranged for someone to pack up the leftovers, which, as usual, were to be taken away by Lin Xiaoyi and Chen Feng.

Of course, while it was said that the two of them could take the food away, Chen Feng, if he had any sense, wouldn’t have actually accepted it. His boss had taken him out to dinner, and he was going to accept it and even take it with him? Would he even want to come back next time?

Six aluminum lunch boxes, filled to the brim, were hung on Lin Xiaoyi’s bicycle handlebars in a mesh bag.

Just as the two were about to leave, Wu Wenhua actually followed them out and said to Lin Xiaoyi, “Section Chief Lin, you go back first! I’ll chat with Xiao Chen for a few more minutes, and then I’ll have someone take him back.”

“Alright, then Xiao Chen, I won’t wait for you. Be careful with your words and actions.” Lin Xiaoyi knew that Chen Feng’s words today had struck a chord with Wu Wenhua.

But he didn’t care. There were plenty of speculators; what difference would one more Chen Feng make?

All I need to do now is leave, neither reject nor get close to anyone, and just be a good technical section chief. What more could I ask for? Oh! I still need a bicycle, otherwise my wife will kill me when I get back.

After Lin Xiaoyi left, Wu Wenhua smiled and said, “Brother, I can tell you’re a capable person. The things I asked you to do today, your section chief didn’t take to heart, but you did.”

Chen Feng glanced at Wu Wenhua in surprise, while Wu Wenhua laughed and said, “Brother, I’m not much older than you. I’m only in this position because of my family’s help.”

“However, I’m the kind of person who either doesn’t do something at all, or if I do it, I do it well. Pay close attention to the things I assign you, and like I said, I won’t let you suffer any losses.”

After saying that, Wu Wenhua waved his hand, and one of the technical staff immediately came over with a net bag. Inside were six aluminum lunch boxes, just like the one Lin Xiaoyi had taken away. The bag was quite heavy.

“Brother, I had someone make another one. I’ve always had one principle when it comes to people: those who work hard get paid, and those who slack off get nothing!” Wu Wenhua shoved the net bag into Chen Feng’s hand and said with a smile, “I’ll be waiting for your good news.”

“A combination of kindness and severity!” Chen Feng thought to himself. It’s a pity this person died so young, otherwise he might have achieved something great in the future.

“Don’t worry, Brother Wu, I definitely won’t let you down.” Chen Feng didn’t refuse. He was confident in his abilities. Besides, his master’s wife would be very happy to see so much delicious food.

Upon hearing this address, Wu Wenhua immediately smiled and then said to the person behind him, “Little Li, take my brother home. Be careful on the way!”