Lu Tao, head of the Technical Department, replied, “Mr. Smith, our data comes from a series of rigorous tests conducted under maximum load conditions. To address the leakage issue, we developed a proprietary composite sealing solution that combines the Stirling Seal and the V-type Combination Seal Ring.
This innovative design has undergone over a hundred extreme pressure cycle tests to ensure its reliability and durability, successfully reducing the leakage rate below the threshold of three per thousand.”
Su Wanqing translated immediately, her rendition even more concise and impactful than Lu Tao’s original words. Her use of terms like “proprietary composite sealing solution” and “extreme pressure testing” instantly elevated the entire technical presentation.
After listening, Mr. Smith’s eyes lit up. He exchanged a few low words with the engineer beside him, his face showing an approving expression.
He looked at Su Wanqing again, and this time, there was no trace of disdain in his eyes. Instead, it was replaced with respect for a professional.
“Excellent! Very professional,” he praised sincerely. The engineer beside him then raised another, more complex question.
Su Wanqing translated effortlessly, and Lu Tao provided a detailed answer.
Over the next two hours, the Workshop completely became Su Wanqing’s personal stage.
She was like a precise bridge, perfectly connecting the technical exchanges between both sides. No matter how tricky Mr. Smith’s questions were, no matter how obscure Lu Tao’s answers were, or how intense the back-and-forth over procurement prices became—after her interpretation, everything became clear and understandable.
She could even add a word or two at just the right moment when discussions reached a deadlock, using a more vivid analogy or citing a technical standard familiar to both sides to instantly break the impasse.
Gradually, the atmosphere in the Workshop completely changed.
The anxiety on Director Wang’s face had long vanished, replaced by an irrepressible excitement and pride.
The engineers from the Technical Department looked at Su Wanqing with admiration rather than just amazement.
This was no housewife—this was a hidden gem of a translator!
As for Lu Changfeng, he remained in a daze throughout.
He watched this woman standing in the center, controlling the rhythm of the entire room. Her voice, her choice of words, her focused expression when analyzing problems—all felt utterly unfamiliar to him.
The Su Wanqing in his memory was a woman who would throw tantrums over miscalculating household expenses, a lazy woman who only knew how to ask him for money and indulge in eating and drinking all day.
But who was this person before him? How could someone change so drastically overnight? Yet her appearance, figure, and even her voice remained unchanged.
Lu Changfeng’s usually sharp mind felt like it was overheating. He couldn’t figure it out, truly couldn’t.
When had she learned so many technical terms that even he found challenging? When had she developed such a calm and composed presence?
At the end of the exchange, Mr. Smith, beaming with delight, shook hands with Director Wang once more and delivered a string of English.
Su Wanqing translated simultaneously, “Director Wang, Mr. Smith says he is very, very impressed with your factory’s technical capabilities and the professionalism of your team. He has decided to sign a letter of intent for cooperation with us.”
A resounding cheer erupted!
The entire workshop erupted in excitement!
They had succeeded! This major project they had been anticipating for half a year had actually been secured!
Director Wang, flushed with excitement, tightly grasped Smith’s hand, repeating over and over, “Thank you! Thank you!”
Amid the fervent atmosphere, no one noticed Su Wanqing quietly letting out a sigh of relief as a wave of exhaustion washed over her. The prolonged state of intense concentration had left her feeling somewhat dizzy and lightheaded.
A strong arm steadied her just in time.
She turned her head and met Lu Changfeng’s complex gaze. In his eyes, there was shock, confusion, inquiry, and an admiration he himself hadn’t even realized.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
Su Wanqing shook her head, steadied herself, subtly withdrew her arm from his grasp, and created some distance between them.
Don’t play the intimacy card; I’m not your real wife anyway.
Su Wanqing accompanied Director Wang and the foreign guests to sign the contract. Afterward, she joined Director Wang in seeing the foreign delegation off the factory grounds.
Having bid farewell to the guests, Director Wang wore a broad, approving smile. “Comrade Su, I never imagined your English was this excellent! Today, you are the great hero of our Red Star Factory! You’ve rendered a tremendous service!”
Su Wanqing thought to herself, Verbal thanks are useless; how about something more substantial?
She replied politely, “Director Wang, there’s no need for such formalities. I wonder how you intend to express your gratitude?”
Director Wang thought for a moment and said, “Would you be willing to come work at our factory? As my secretary.”
Su Wanqing glanced at Lu Changfeng beside her and said, “I’d like to work.”
Lu Changfeng expressed his support. “It would be a shame for someone like you to stay home as a housewife.”
Director Wang said with a smile, “Alright then. Report to the factory on Monday.”
Not fully aware of the current market rates, Su Wanqing quickly asked, “And what about my salary and benefits?”
State-owned factory wages followed a standard scale. A factory director’s secretary typically earned between 50 and 70 yuan per month. Director Wang, in a generous tone, stated directly, “You’ll receive the highest tier, 70.”
“Alright! Thank you, Director Wang.” First, secure a foothold; then look for entrepreneurial opportunities later. Su Wanqing agreed immediately.
Director Wang felt he had stumbled upon a treasure. With Su Wanqing’s level of English proficiency, she was more than qualified to be an interpreter.
Grateful for the couple’s assistance that day, Director Wang invited them to a state-run restaurant for lunch.
Su Wanqing searched through the original host’s memories. It seemed Lu Changfeng had never once taken her out to eat since their marriage.
Clearly, the aversion runs deep. But his character is genuinely good, willing to let me go to work.
Upon arriving at the state-run restaurant, Director Wang said magnanimously, “Bring us five of your best dishes.”
Lu Changfeng hurriedly demurred politely, “Director Wang, you really don’t need to go to such trouble. Five dishes are too much; it would be a shame to waste food.”
Director Wang, eyeing Su Wanqing’s sturdy frame and guessing she must have a hearty appetite, waved his hand dismissively. “It’s fine. If you don’t eat them, Comrade Su will.”
Su Wanqing didn’t stand on ceremony either. If they couldn’t finish, she could pack the leftovers to take home for the children.
Seeing she had only eaten one bowl of rice and barely touched the meat and vegetables, Director Wang asked in surprise, “Comrade Su, why aren’t you eating? Does it not suit your taste?”
Su Wanqing replied directly, “I’m on a diet recently and can’t eat that much.”
In these times, there were hardly any overweight people on the streets, and “dieting” was a rare term. Director Wang said, “That’s true, it does look better when female comrades are slimmer.”
After the meal, Su Wanqing unapologetically asked the waiter for a takeout container to pack the leftovers, but unfortunately, state-run restaurants in this era did not offer takeout services.
Lu Changfeng stood up, went to the neighboring store, bought two aluminum lunch boxes, and packed the remaining dishes.
Director Wang also returned to the factory. As soon as Su Wanqing and Lu Changfeng stepped outside, they encountered a delicate-looking woman.
The woman was quite surprised to see Lu Changfeng. “Comrade Lu, I never thought we’d meet here.”
Lu Changfeng was somewhat puzzled. “May I ask who you are?”