Li Chuchu shifted the topic.
"This gap is due to historical reasons. As you may know, we went through a long period of war before we could gain the right to peaceful construction. We built a complete industrial system mainly through self - reliance on the basis of extreme poverty. However, we are proud of what we've achieved."
These words were spoken with great force and vigor, catching the foreign journalist off - guard.
Factory Director Chen, sitting on the leadership platform, relaxed his brows and showed a pleased expression. Li Chuchu's approach was excellent. She was neither overbearing nor humble. No matter how well she performed, at least she wouldn't leave any room for criticism.
The foreign journalist was about to say something, but Li Chuchu didn't give him a chance. She continued, "It is precisely because we've seen this gap that we've strengthened our determination for reform and opening - up! Improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and introducing advanced technology and management experience are the key points of our current work. We welcome exchanges and cooperation with all countries, including yours. I believe that in the near future, this gap will continue to narrow."
This speech was impassioned. It frankly admitted the gap while showing firmness and confidence. Her words stirred up a wave among the audience. Li Chuchu's positive attitude instantly infected them.
The audience present were deeply excited. Their sense of national identity and pride were immediately aroused.
Everyone glared angrily at the foreign journalist.
Right!
They had built everything from scratch. All that their country had achieved was created step by step by the proletariat!
Why did these foreigners look down on them from a superior position?
They were poor, but they were proud!
Moreover, in ten or twenty years, it was still uncertain who would be more powerful and advanced!
Hearing Li Chuchu's answer, the foreign journalist was slightly stunned. He never imagined that her words would stir up the emotions of the audience. He was quite surprised because such a situation would hardly occur in his own country.
This was their in - born national pride!
This was exactly what he was looking for in this interview!
Finally, he smiled and said, "The host really has unique insights on this issue. Your answer is truly a pleasant surprise!"
Li Chuchu smiled back at him. "Thank you for coming all the way. I hope we can learn from each other and make progress together during this period."
The sharp question from the foreign journalist was skillfully defused by Li Chuchu, becoming the highlight of this Mid - Autumn Festival party. As the host of the party, Li Chuchu was no longer just known for her beauty but for her abilities.
When the party was about to end, it was the step that everyone liked - distributing Mid - Autumn Festival benefits. Most of the leaders had already left.
After Li Chuchu stepped off the stage, she happened to meet Su Wan at the stairway. She chatted with him for a while. "I didn't expect to meet you again. Your English is so excellent. But... it's actually quite normal. You're indeed smarter and more capable than ordinary people."
If Li Chuchu didn't know Su Wan's identity, she might have thought he was just flattering her. Li Chuchu laughed. "Secretary Su is really good at complimenting people. I'm starting to feel embarrassed. I didn't expect you to still remember me. How is Yu Mei's health recently? Has she recovered?"
Su Wan gave a soft laugh. "She's recovering well. She often talks about you recently. I'm looking for an English teacher for her. I wonder if you're interested. You just need to come three or four times a week. As for the payment, we can pay you three times the market price, about ten yuan per class."
Li Chuchu was almost immediately tempted.
It wasn't just about the ten yuan.
Who was Su Wan?
He was the secretary of the municipal Party committee!
The circle he was in was beyond comparison with that of ordinary people.
It was just like Station Master Wen at the Chuncheng Railway Station. Having this kind of connection would make everything easier in the future.
However, even though her mind was in a whirl, Li Chuchu remained calm on the surface. "Thank you, Secretary Su, for your kindness. Please allow me to think about it. I need to check my schedule recently."
Su Wan nodded with a smile. "Okay, I remember you have my phone number. I'll wait for your call."
What attracted him wasn't just Li Chuchu's fluent English. Although her English was really good, far better than most people, as the secretary of the municipal Party committee, he could easily find all kinds of people around him.
What really attracted him was Li Chuchu's quick - witted reaction, forward - looking vision, and potential value.
Such all - around talents were rare.
So whether it was for his daughter's education or out of appreciation for talent, Su Wan was willing to offer an olive branch to Li Chuchu.
Factory Director Chen, who was about to come and congratulate Li Chuchu, heard all this...
Hey, this guy was poaching talents while watching the show!
In terms of relationship, he definitely had a closer relationship with Li Chuchu. He was an old friend of Li Chuchu's mother, and it was he who helped her get into the factory. Su Wan's attempt at poaching was really unskillful.
Factory Director Chen was extremely angry. He walked over with a fake smile. "Secretary Su, there are so many people in the factory today. Please forgive us if there are any shortcomings in our hospitality. It's almost dark. Let me drive you back."
Su Wan could hear the dissatisfaction in his tone.
Indeed, with the production and export volume of Lotus Factory this year, Factory Director Chen could speak with confidence.
His tone was gentle and emotionless. "Don't worry, Factory Director Chen. The show today was wonderful. Your Lotus Steel Factory is really full of talented people. I'll report the situation of your Mid - Autumn Festival party truthfully to the higher - level authorities."
Sure enough, as an official, he could turn hostility into friendship with just a few words.
After Factory Director Chen and Su Wan exchanged a few pleasantries,
Li Chuchu found an excuse and left first. As soon as she walked out of the main entrance of the audience hall, she saw Shen Yanshan leaning against the wall, waiting quietly.
Her face lit up, and she quickly ran over. "Why are you here?"
Shen Yanshan slightly raised his eyebrows and gently stroked her head.
"I told the guard and then came in."
Li Chuchu was surprised.
"Didn't he stop you?"
"He did," Shen Yanshan said calmly. "But I told him that my wife was hosting the Mid - Autumn Festival party in the steel factory hall and didn't have time to come out to pick me up. I would show her to him when we left."
Li Chuchu couldn't help laughing.
This sounded like something Shen Yanshan would say.
When they walked out of the gate,
Shen Yanshan greeted the guard. The guard looked up and saw Li Chuchu. His face broke into a big smile, and even his usually serious face became amiable. "This is really your wife? You're a lucky guy! You've married the most beautiful girl in our factory."
Since he stayed there every day, seeing people coming and going and hearing the voice on the radio, he naturally recognized Li Chuchu.
Shen Yanshan casually handed him a cigarette. "Yes, I'm really lucky to marry her."
The guard sniffed the cigarette under his nose.
Well, it was a good cigarette!
He was reluctant to smoke it and put it behind his ear. Then he waved at Shen Yanshan with a smile.
Shen Yanshan and Li Chuchu walked out of the gate of the steel factory and got on the bike to go home.
The autumn wind was refreshing, bringing a coolness all over their bodies.
...