“Old Zheng, that’s not how it should be put! What can one learn from doing odd jobs? At most, it’s just passing things around and copying data. If we really let her handle breeding and experiments, would she be capable? And if the experiment progress gets delayed, who will take responsibility?”
Old Zheng frowned and continued to persuade, “Our experimental station has just been established, and we’re short on staff. Even if she only knows the basics, she can still help with odd jobs and organize data. That’s better than randomly selecting someone. Besides, Battalion Commander Lu did help our experimental station. It would be too heartless to reject her outright.”
These words struck a chord with many.
Everyone remembered how Lu Chengjing had returned the Fengmai 13 grain seeds. Those seeds were crucial to the experimental station, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they owed him a favor.
But letting someone who had engaged in fraud join them—no one was willing to accept that.
The office fell silent again. Some frowned deeply, others looked troubled, and a few still wore expressions of resistance, each lost in their own thoughts.
Station Master Li had remained silent all along, rubbing Lin Shuyao’s documents in his hands, his expression complicated.
He looked at the detailed breeding ideas and soil data in the documents and recalled Professor Chen’s dismissive tone over the phone, feeling a mix of emotions…
Having lived most of his life, what kind of person hadn’t he seen?
Professor Chen’s words clearly carried an intent to belittle, but why would a professor go out of his way to disparage a junior staff member who had worked under him for two years?
Lin Shuyao’s documents were well-prepared and didn’t seem fabricated. Some details couldn’t have been written by someone who only did odd jobs.
After a long while, Station Master Li let out a heavy sigh, raised his hand to gesture for silence, and spoke in a solemn tone, “Alright, enough arguing.”
Everyone turned to Station Master Li, waiting for his decision.
Station Master Li picked up the documents, flipped through them, and spoke slowly, “Her identity has been verified. Lin Shuyao indeed came from Jingdu Nongkeyuan and spent two years under the professor. As for whether she only did odd jobs or actually participated in projects, we haven’t seen it with our own eyes. We can’t dismiss her based solely on Professor Chen’s word.”
“So, what is the station master’s opinion?”
“Investigate further, preferably by sending a letter for verification. Our experimental station is focused on scientific research, relying on real skills, not empty reputations. Since she submitted an application and provided such a detailed plan, we should give her a chance. Arrange an interview and let her explain whether those breeding ideas and soil data are truly her own work.”
As soon as he said this, a few of the more impatient opponents immediately protested, “Station Master! The facts are right in front of us. Someone like this shouldn’t even pass the review! We, as scientific researchers, work for the country and the people. We can’t accept someone who cuts corners and plays tricks!”
“I know you’re dissatisfied,” Station Master Li raised his hand to interrupt them, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We can give her an opportunity, but we can’t assign her a position carelessly. If she truly has the skills and can prove herself, we can adjust her position accordingly. If she really is as Professor Chen described—incompetent and only capable of fraud—we can let her go then. It won’t be too late.”
“Ah…”
Station Master Li set down the documents, his tone turning serious. “Alright then, the interview will be scheduled three days from now. The position will be tentatively assigned as a logistics role in the experimental fields, responsible for organizing test data and tending to the experimental seedlings. This is the lowest position in our experimental station—no official establishment, no extra allowances. Whether she can stay or advance will depend entirely on her own abilities. Let’s not argue about this anymore.”
The logistics role, to put it bluntly, was the most exhausting, miscellaneous, and least technical work. It was usually handled by temporary workers and didn’t even come with an official establishment. It was worlds apart from Lin Shuyao’s profile as a top student.
Some still weren’t convinced. “Station Master Li, how is this any different from approving her? Isn’t this letting her off too easy? What if she’s just here to slack off…”
“Slack off?” Station Master Li sneered. “The logistics role in our experimental fields isn’t something you can just coast through. It’s exposed to wind and sun, dealing with soil every day, and requires meticulous verification of every set of data—not a single mistake is allowed. If she can actually manage to slack off, then she must have some skill! If she can’t, she’ll leave on her own without us having to drive her out. As for the favor from Battalion Commander Lu, this will settle it.”
After hearing this, no one objected further.
This arrangement not only repaid Lu Chengjing’s favor but also gave Lin Shuyao an opportunity while upholding the experimental station’s standards. It was the most balanced solution.
Old Zhou breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded. “Alright, Station Master Li, I’ll go arrange the official letter and the interview.”
Station Master Li gave a slight nod, picked up Lin Shuyao’s documents, and glanced once more at the detailed notes. A flicker of expectation, mixed with a trace of doubt, passed through his eyes. “I hope she has some real ability—not to disappoint us or embarrass Battalion Commander Lu.”
The atmosphere in the experimental station gradually eased, and everyone returned to their work. However, whenever Lin Shuyao was mentioned, their tones still carried a hint of disdain.
No one believed that someone labeled by a professor as a mere errand-runner could have any real talent.
Meanwhile, on the training grounds of the Tezhan Ying, the usually stern and intense atmosphere carried an unusual sense of relaxation today.
Lu Chengjing stood at the center of the training field, his crisp military uniform slightly damp with sweat. His expression remained stern, but the coldness in his eyes had softened noticeably. Even the training requirements had been subtly relaxed.
“Battalion Commander, that last set of low-crawling was two seconds over the limit. According to regulations, that’s an extra five laps!” Communications soldier Xiao Song held the training records, reminding him in a low voice.
In the past, even half a second over the limit would have earned a merciless penalty from Lu Chengjing, with no leniency whatsoever.
But today, Lu Chengjing merely glanced at the training results and waved dismissively. “Pay attention next time. No extra laps.”
Xiao Song stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief, almost thinking he had misheard.
Not just him, the soldiers training nearby also whispered among themselves, their faces filled with astonishment—what was wrong with the Battalion Commander today? Why was he being so lenient?
Some even huddled together, murmuring quietly:
“Did something good happen to the Battalion Commander today? I slowed down earlier, and he didn’t even scold me!”
“Who knows? The Battalion Commander has always been strict and impartial. This is really strange.”
“Don’t you all know? The Battalion Commander’s wife is here. The old iron tree has finally bloomed—he’s just happy!”
Lu Chengjing paid no heed to the discussions among his subordinates, his gaze fixed on the distant courtyard wall as his fingertips lightly brushed against the utility belt at his waist.
He couldn’t quite explain why his mood had inexplicably improved after leaving the testing station.
Perhaps it was the surprise of seeing Lin Shuyao’s data praised by everyone, or perhaps, deep down, he was hoping that this woman who had come from afar would genuinely settle down and build a life here…