Fortunately, while Xie Changning was busy, so was everyone else.

Most importantly, everyone had grown accustomed to Xie Changning suddenly producing some vital piece of machinery the factory desperately needed, with no one knowing where it came from.

Perhaps she brought it back from abroad, or perhaps she assembled it herself. In any case, it was beneficial to the country and the factory!

So they didn’t pry!

The production lines were running, the workforce was expanding, and the lab’s new products were in their final stages. At the same time, the list of attendees for the Autumn Trade Fair was released.

The three factories under Xie Changning’s management were, as expected, on the list.

However, this time, the leadership gave Xie Changning a new directive. "For the products you’re bringing this time, each factory needs to present two or more. You can’t just bring one or two items like before!"

Even older products deserved a chance to be sold!

You can’t deny them that opportunity.

Xie Changning knew someone must have contacted the leadership and specifically requested the printers. Otherwise, her superiors wouldn’t have suddenly reached out to her.

Xie Changning didn’t refuse. Bringing a couple more products meant she could make more money!

Once the list was finalized, the factory workers became much more active. They started sprucing themselves up, making sure to walk past Xie Changning multiple times a day.

At first, Xie Changning didn’t notice.

But as the date drew closer, she noticed more and more workers passing by her every day...

"Why are they always walking past me?" Oblivious to the real reason, Xie Changning decided to ask her capable right-hand man, Wang Guofu.

Wang Guofu looked speechlessly at the workers in the distance, who were eagerly trying to get the factory director’s attention. He explained to Xie Changning, "They want to go to Shencheng City with you. They’re afraid of bothering you by signing up directly, so they’ve opted to get on your radar instead. They’re hoping you’ll notice their good appearance and choose them."

It was true. Ever since the list came out, Xie Changning had noticed that the employees at her factories had become more fashion-conscious. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

They had all started to dress up, and their appearances had improved significantly.

She had originally thought they had just come to this conclusion on their own. She never expected this was the reason!

At that moment, Xie Changning was at a loss for words.

"The people going this time definitely can’t be chosen from the laboratory. The other products are still in development, so they can’t be spared. I do intend to choose from the workshop floor, but the people we select must be highly skilled..."

As Xie Changning laid out her requirements to Wang Guofu, he began to take notes.

"Understood. I’ll prepare a list for you based on your requirements, and you can make your selections from it."

"Good."

The same process was also underway at the other two factories.

Because Xie Changning’s sales figures were always among the top, the leadership was especially lenient with her. Her factory’s delegation could be 15 to 20 people.

This was to provide better support for her products.

Compared to the hundreds of millions in revenue she generated, what was the cost of reimbursing room and board for a few dozen extra people?

The products were what mattered most!

The deputy directors began assessing the workers’ grooming, appearance, and other qualities. Of course, this selection process was conducted discreetly, not openly.

Officially, Xie Changning hadn’t even started creating the list.

Everyone thought they still had a chance!

They had no idea that, in reality, the selection process had already quietly begun—

-

While the factories were busy with the selection process, Xie Changning took some time to visit the laboratory that was under construction.

Her teacher hadn’t returned with the team yet, so for now, only the initial group was there.

When they saw Xie Changning arrive, everyone greeted her.

When they first arrived, Teacher Qin had told them that this lab’s main focus would be on cellular phone signals. They were to develop the connection signals for cellular telephones!

If they succeeded, they would achieve the magnificent feat of connecting people across thousands of miles, allowing them to contact their loved ones even without a landline!

At this thought, everyone looked at Xie Changning with immense enthusiasm.

They had never even imagined developing in this direction!

Looking at the nearly completed laboratory, Xie Changning’s face filled with gratification. "You’ve all worked hard recently. With my teacher away, you’ve been the ones setting up the lab. In a couple of days, I’ll give you all a group holiday. Go out and have fun for two days, and I’ll cover the expenses."

Xie Changning’s words left everyone stunned.

’Is this for real?’

"Where would you all like to go? A trip to West Lake, or maybe a visit to a southern city? Write down your suggestions, and I’ll decide the destination based on your votes."

"Wow! Mr. Xie, you’re so generous!"

Everyone was ecstatic.

Back in school, they had spent all their time cooped up in labs. Now, their benefactor was telling them she was giving them a vacation to relax for a couple of days. How could they not be happy!?

They were over the moon!

And the best part? It wouldn’t cost them any of their own money!

The laboratory covered a large area. When Xie Changning applied for the space, she had already factored in her future plans. She hadn’t stated them explicitly, but the leadership had guessed she had subsequent projects that would require such a large site.

They didn’t ask too many questions and simply approved the area she requested.

When everyone first arrived and saw the dilapidated site, they felt their future looked a bit bleak.

But they never expected the Lin Province leadership to be so open-handed, directly approving such a large sum for Xie Changning’s lab and letting her use it for construction.

As for equipment, that was even easier. As long as there was a need, the leadership would continue to approve the funds!

In that moment, they knew they had followed the right person!

Coming to Lin Province was the right choice!

After checking on the progress, Xie Changning treated the lab staff to dinner before they returned to their temporary accommodations.

As she was heading home, she saw Mr. Han waiting for her at the gate from a distance.

"Mr. Han, what are you doing here?" Xie Changning asked as she approached him.

Hearing Xie Changning’s words, Mr. Han paused, then he realized that she was indeed calling him ’Mr. Han’.

He looked at Xie Changning, pleasantly surprised. "You... what did you call me?"

"Yue Yihan told me he was a bit too shy to say it himself, but he has already accepted you in his heart. So he asked me to change how I address you," Xie Changning said to Mr. Han with a smile.

That’s what she said, but in reality, Yue Yihan did whatever she said.

If she addressed them this way, Yue Yihan would follow suit.

As for why Xie Changning made the change, she felt it was right. The elderly couple was working so hard to help her, a clear sign that their affection for their son extended to her.

The least she could offer in return was some emotional comfort.

Of course, she didn’t have much time to provide that, either.

"Good, good, good..."

"What are you doing out here?" Xie Changning asked Mr. Han curiously.

"Yue Yihan called. He said you should be careful lately. I was going to come pick you up, but his mother said I’m getting old, and it would be worse if something happened to me on the way, so I should just wait at home..."

Mr. Han explained why he was waiting at the gate.

For Yue Yihan to suddenly call and tell her to be careful, Xie Changning could only think of one possibility—