Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the massive machine in front of them. Only the two foreigners harbored ill intentions, hoping the machine would not be repaired.
Buzz!
The machine slowly started to rotate, followed by a deep and powerful humming sound.
The machine that had been out of operation for half a year resumed working again.
“It… it’s moving…”
A relieved smile appeared on Wen Xi’s face. “Factory Director Ji, the machine stopped working because a part was misaligned, causing the gears to jam. It just needed to be reset and tightened—there was no need to replace any parts at all.”
The fact that the machine was running again proved that Wen Xi was right—she truly knew how to repair it. At the same time, it exposed the foreigners’ true nature: bullying them for lacking technical knowledge and deliberately trying to cheat them.
If not for Wen Xi, they would have had to pay the foreign manufacturers and technicians a huge sum of money. Thinking of this, Factory Director Ji wanted nothing more than to throw those two foreigners out.
“Factory Director Ji, quickly have someone bring the materials over. We also need to test whether the parts produced by the machine meet the standards.”
“Alright, alright, I’ll arrange for inspection right away.”
Factory Director Ji’s voice trembled with excitement. He was so thrilled that his hands and feet barely obeyed him, his whole body feeling light and buoyant as if he could float up to the sun at any moment.
The two foreigners’ faces turned green and white, still unable to accept that Wen Xi had actually repaired the machine.
“No way. She must have just tampered with it randomly. Even if it’s working now, it might break again any moment.”
“Right, the parts it produces will definitely be defective. In the end, they’ll still need us.”
Jack and John were still clinging to their last shred of hope, unwilling to believe what they were seeing.
Workers brought materials and loaded them into the machine. The first part was produced very quickly.
Factory Director Ji called over the most experienced quality inspector in the factory. After measuring with calipers, there was not a single deviation—the part was perfect, flawless.
“Keep going. Check the other parts as well.”
Two pieces, three pieces, four pieces… every single part met the standard.
“It’s fixed! It’s really fixed! Comrade Wen, you’re incredible!”
Factory Director Ji was happier than when he became a father for the first time. His eyes were filled with admiration for Wen Xi.
“Great! The machine is working again! We’re going to be busy again!”
The workers in the workshop erupted in cheers, as if a blazing flame had reignited the entire space with energy and excitement.
The haze that had hung over everyone’s hearts for more than half a year was finally blown away, leaving their faces filled with uncontrollable joy.
Some were happy, others were miserable.
The two foreigners’ plans had completely fallen apart. Their faces looked as if they had swallowed filth, their once-bright expressions now deeply wounded by the sight of others’ joy.
“What a situation this is. Now that we’ve fixed it ourselves, we no longer need your esteemed services. You’ve traveled all this way for nothing. At noon, let me treat you to a meal at the best state-run restaurant here.”
Factory Director Ji tried to control his expression, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him, curling upward uncontrollably.
“Hmph, no need. The food in your country isn’t tasty at all!”
They had not only failed to earn money but also lost face. Worse still, they would face reprimands and punishment from their superiors when they returned home—possibly even dismissal. Who would still be in the mood to eat?
They deeply regretted making the bet and signing the agreement. Now even backing out was impossible.
“Oh, no need? Then I wish you both a safe journey home.”
Hahaha!
Factory Director Ji was laughing inside so hard he was practically rolling on the floor. Watching the foreigners suffer was incredibly satisfying.
The frustration he had accumulated over the past few days finally found release. He felt so relieved he could almost set off firecrackers.
“Don’t be too happy too soon. One day, you’ll still have to come begging us!”
After saying this, Jack and John stormed off, furious, like two ticking bombs.
The two officials from the commerce bureau hurried after them, not forgetting to say, “Factory Director Ji, Comrade Wen, we’ll handle the rest. We’ll arrange their return as soon as possible.”
“Comrade Wen, you’ve made a great contribution! You saved our factory tens of thousands of dollars. We can’t let you help for nothing. The factory will give you a bonus. Also, may I ask if you currently have a job? I would like to hire you at our machinery factory. We can discuss the benefits.”
It was rare to find someone who could both speak English and repair foreign machinery. Factory Director Ji wanted to keep Wen Xi at the factory.
Although most jobs were already filled, those were ordinary positions. Technical talent was always in shortage, and placing her would not be difficult.
More importantly, if the machine ever broke again in the future, they would not have to beg foreign manufacturers again.
A job?
This was exactly what Wen Xi needed.
She had come from Qinghewan with a transfer letter for accompanying her husband. Once she dealt with that scum, Song Mingyuan, how could she still remain under that arrangement?
When her transfer letter expired and her household registration remained unresolved—plus her parents’ issues—there would only be more trouble.
She had originally planned to find work anyway. Now that Factory Director Ji was offering her an opportunity, it was even better.
However, she still needed to explain her family situation clearly.
“Factory Director Ji, let’s not rush the job. I noticed the Chinese translations on the machine are not accurate—some terms are even wrong. I’ll help you correct them first.”
“Machines can improve efficiency, but improper operation can turn them into dangerous tools. In serious cases, they can cost lives. Production safety is no small matter—it must be rigorous.”
Factory Director Ji nodded repeatedly. “You’re right. Let’s handle that first. At noon, try our cafeteria food. The chef used to work at a state-run restaurant—his cooking is excellent.”
Back when the foreign manufacturers installed the machine, they sent people to teach the workers how to use it. But since they weren’t from the same country, they didn’t teach seriously, just demonstrating twice and leaving it at that.
Even if the workers tried their best to memorize it, they would forget over time. The translations were also limited, and as Wen Xi pointed out, many technical terms were mistranslated.
After the foreigners left, the machine that once ran normally began to develop frequent minor issues.
People only half-understood the instructions and tried to improvise. Later, there were even two accidents involving injuries.
The factory had to compensate the injured workers heavily.
While Wen Xi was working, Factory Director Ji waited beside her.
Seeing her neat and elegant handwriting made him even more satisfied. Anyone who could write so beautifully must be outstanding.
After she finished the translation, he took her to the finance office to collect a 1,500-yuan bonus.
Such a huge sum caused a stir in the finance office.
It was equivalent to two or three years of wages for an ordinary worker. Who wouldn’t be jealous seeing such a thick stack of money?
But jealousy aside, everyone knew she had repaired imported foreign equipment.
No one present had that ability.
Wen Xi accepted the bonus calmly. She deserved it.
In contrast, Factory Director Ji felt slightly embarrassed. Compared to tens of thousands of dollars, 1,500 yuan was insignificant.
In the end, the country was still poor, the factory was poor, and every industry was underfunded.
“Comrade Wen, this 1,500 is the maximum bonus I can approve for you. Please don’t think it’s too little. Let’s go to the cafeteria now and have the chef make you a few special dishes.”
Inside the leadership dining room, Factory Director Ji looked at her expectantly.
“Comrade Wen, have you considered the job offer?”