Chapter 13: Future Plans
Lin, a retired senior military figure, had traversed mountains and ventured into rural areas during his service. He once participated in the counterattack against Vietnam. Later, he transitioned from being a regiment-level cadre to a local role, serving as the Deputy Director of the Red Flag Gear Factory in Chuhai City. His boldness and competence led to his appointment as the factory's Director.
During his tenure as Director, coinciding with the early stages of the reform and opening-up policy, Lin, alongside the factory staff, faced challenges with courage. He charted new paths, initiated bold reforms by implementing appointment systems, and offered high salaries to recruit specialized technical personnel. This led to the prosperous growth of the gear factory, which gained nationwide recognition for its transmissions and precision-forged bearings. Lin became a model worker at the provincial and national levels, receiving awards at the Great Hall of the People from national leaders. He even proudly became a delegate to the Party Congress, enjoying unparalleled prestige.
However, shortly after his retirement, the state-owned enterprise reforms resulted in the gear factory facing difficulties, leading to massive layoffs. Though Lin felt no responsibility for this downturn, whenever he thought of it, deep sorrow overwhelmed him. He often stood silently on the balcony, gazing at the once-thriving factory, lost in contemplation.
Despite the adversities, Lin always maintained a dignified demeanor, upholding traditional values in speech and action. Having led a lifetime as a leader, particularly coming from a military background and having experienced such a glorious history, his unchanging temperament seemed deeply ingrained.
"My future plans? Hmm, I haven't given it much thought," Lin chuckled, speaking somewhat vaguely.
Speaking the truth, after these many years, having just emerged from past painful experiences and returning home, he hadn't dwelled much on what his future path might be. However, one thing was certain: as long as his family was healthy and happy, he would be content. Everything else seemed inconsequential.
With a naturally detached disposition from a young age and having practiced the grand universal method, he believed in the doctrine that all things come naturally. There was no need to insist forcefully on anything. Opportunities arrived, and one should follow one's heart.
Hence, his desires for what ordinary people deemed as house, money, or car were not particularly strong, perhaps even non-existent. After all, the more desires one had, the more expectations they carried. If these expectations remained unfulfilled, disappointment followed, creating psychological imbalances, contradicting the essence of his practiced philosophy.
Therefore, having returned, he was at peace with everything, having a clear mind. His current attitude towards life was to go with the flow, accepting things as they came.
"During your childhood, you squandered all your parents' money. I don't blame you for that, and neither will I or your grandmother bring it up again. What I want to say is now that you've come back and you're old enough, settle down here. What's most important for you now is to find a job and have a stable income. Then, we still have some savings here, and we can help with a down payment for a house. After that..." Lin stopped when Lin's grandmother poked her head out of the kitchen, smiling, "And after that, get yourself a wife, have chubby grandchildren. While we can still move around, let us take care of the children for a few years."
"You, old lady, have sharp ears," Lin laughed heartily, although his wife's words hit home.
"Come on, isn't it a bit too early? I'm only twenty-four," Lin shrugged.
"It's not too early. Look at Yanni; she's already twenty-one, an appropriate marriageable age. If you don't make a move soon, if she marries someone else, you'll regret it. I think Yanni is an excellent choice. She's a university graduate and studying medicine, interning at the regional hospital. Once she gets her doctor's license, she'll have no problem finding work. Doctors make good money these days. Our little Yu is still not up to her standards. Even if she agrees, I won't," Lin's grandmother said assertively while cooking.
"Alright, let's leave that matter aside for now. Finding a wife is a future matter. Yanni is indeed outstanding, but I don't feel that way towards her yet. She's beautiful and has a good personality, but I still see her more as a sister. This thing... using an old saying, it's 'too familiar to make a move,'" Lin explained.
"That's settled then. Finding a job is your priority now. If you don't act soon, the prospective wife might fly away, and then you'll regret it," Lin's grandmother, annoyed, continued clanking the ladle against the pot.
"That's enough," Lin's grandfather chuckled, ending the discussion that had given Lin a headache.
"Okay, Grandpa. After dinner, I'll go out and find a job. Don't worry; I'll find a good one and support you both. Then, I'll find a nice wife for you to enjoy your happy retirement years," Lin yielded helplessly, feeling pressured.
"You're a good lad. Remember, hard work can overcome anything. Even if you don't have a degree, you're naturally intelligent; you're destined for success," Lin's grandfather encouraged, always valuing practicality.
"Of course, I have confidence in myself. Just look at whose grandson I am! I'm the grandson of the famous Lin, the Director of the Gear Factory in Chuhai City. I'll surely succeed," Lin stood up, full of confidence and pride, massaging his grandfather's shoulders.
"You talk too much," Lin's grandfather laughed, closing his eyes and enjoying Lin's massage.
"Where did you learn this technique? It's great. Even better than the doctors in hospitals," Lin's grandfather praised, feeling relaxed.
"I learned a few moves from a barefoot doctor during my travels," Lin responded vaguely while continuing to channel his energy to assess his grandfather's physical condition.