radiothebook Chapter 189 Business Partners & Minimalist Wedding
Chapter 189 Business Partners & Minimalist Wedding
In the late autumn of 1988, a special festive atmosphere filled the factory area of Zhangcheng Chenqing Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The new factory area, which had just completed its restructuring less than a month prior, was spontaneously decorated by the employees with a joyous ambiance—red lanterns hung on the sycamore trees in front of the office building, the bulletin board at the workshop entrance was covered with old photos from the past ten years, and the canteen's exterior wall was painted with the words "Ten Years of Chenqing, Together We Go" in large red paint. Today was both the tenth anniversary celebration of Chenqing's production and the wedding day of Lin Chen and Su Qing.
At six in the morning, the canteen kitchen was already bustling with activity. Old Wang, the head chef, was an old colleague of Lin Chen's from the farm implement factory. Wearing a brand-new white apron, he directed his apprentices as they processed the freshly purchased ingredients. "General Manager Lin instructed that the dishes should be affordable and plentiful, all hometown flavors that the long-time employees love." He tossed the wok in his hands, the braised pork sizzling inside, its aroma wafting through the window onto the main road of the factory area. "General Manager Su specifically instructed that we prepare several kinds of noodles for the guests from the north; the Liu brothers even came all the way from Beijing."
In the lounge on the second floor of the office building, Su Qing was fixing her clothes in front of the mirror. She wasn't wearing a trendy wedding dress, but a navy blue double-breasted suit skirt, with a small pearl brooch pinned to her collar—a brooch Lin Chen had bought with his first foreign trade order bonus during a business trip to Shanghai last year. Her hair and makeup were being done by Qin Huairu's daughter, Jia Dang, now the technical director of a textile factory in Beijing, who had specially brought a cross-stitch embroidery her mother had made. "Sister Su, you look good in anything," Jia Dang said, carefully combing her hair. "My mother said this brooch suits you perfectly, both elegant and understated, just like your and President Lin's style of doing things."
Looking at herself in the mirror, Su Qing couldn't help but smile. Ten years ago today, she was a sent-down youth doing odd jobs in a farm tool factory, wearing patched work clothes, holding an account book, and meeting Lin Chen for the first time by the scrap heap; ten years later, she was the general manager of a precision manufacturing company, with not only business partners but also the lover she would spend her life with standing beside her. "Who could have imagined back then that we could turn a small hardware factory into what it is today?" She picked up a framed photo on the table, which contained a group photo taken in 1978 when the factory was first established. A dozen young people were crowded in front of the dilapidated factory building, but their smiles were brighter than the sunshine.
A car horn sounded downstairs. Jia Dang ran to the window and looked out, smiling as he said, "President Lin has gone to pick up the old neighbors! Brother Liu Guangtian and Brother Guangfu are here, along with my mom. They're unloading things from the car." Su Qing quickly grabbed her coat and went downstairs. As soon as she reached the door, she saw Lin Chen helping Qin Huairu carry a large wooden box, while the Liu brothers carried a roll of red silk. Behind them were more than a dozen familiar faces—technical backbones from the Wuxi branch, sales managers from the Dongguan branch, and old neighbors from the Hongxing Courtyard.
"Congratulations, Su Meizi!" Qin Huairu greeted Su Qing with a heartfelt smile as she quickly stepped forward to grasp her hand. Ten years had passed; Qin Huairu's eyes now held a few fine lines, but she looked radiant. The navy blue cheongsam she wore was made from the same fabric Su Qing had chosen for her years ago. She opened a wooden box, revealing a beautifully framed cross-stitch piece. "I spent over three months embroidering these four characters, 'Family Harmony and Business Prosperity.' The stitches might not be as fine as a young person's, but they come from my heart. If it weren't for you and Lin Chen reminding me back then, I don't know where I'd be playing the victim now."
Looking at the neat handwriting on the embroidery, Su Qing's fingertips traced the fine stitches, and a warmth filled her heart. She still remembered the first time she went to the courtyard house to find Lin Chen in 1978. Qin Huairu was squatting by the pond, acting out a "virtuous wife" role, her hands red with cold but deliberately not wearing gloves. Now, Qin Huairu owned three tailor shops with her sewing skills, becoming a well-known craftswoman in Beijing, exuding a down-to-earth and confident aura. "Sister Qin, this is the most precious gift I've ever received." Su Qing took her arm. "Come in and sit down, Old Wang made your favorite braised pork."
Lin Chen was chatting with the Liu brothers, Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangtian. Liu Guangtian, now the deputy technical director of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, dressed in a crisp Zhongshan suit, was much more composed than the boy who used to follow Lin Chen around learning forging. He handed Lin Chen a cloth bag containing a set of wrenches he had forged himself, the handles engraved with the words "Chen Qing Ten Years." "Brother Lin," Liu Guangtian said proudly, "I made these using a new alloy material developed by our factory. They're even harder than the imported ones. If it weren't for that forging manual you wrote back then, I don't know which workshop I'd be working in carrying iron blocks now."
Liu Guangfu chimed in, "Brother Lin, my hardware store is doing really well these days. Lots of customers are coming specifically for 'Chen Qing's style.' I brought some samples with me this time, and I'd like to talk to you about becoming an agent." Lin Chen patted him on the shoulder and laughed, "Great! We're brothers, so there's no problem with cooperation. Let's discuss the details after the celebration." Looking at the two brothers' spirited demeanor, Lin Chen couldn't help but recall the days in the courtyard house—Liu Haizhong forcing him to give him a "master's gift" with the account book, Liu Guangtian being beaten and scolded by his father for spilling his rice bowl. Now, those chaotic past events had become precious memories.
At 10:00 AM, the celebration and wedding officially began. There was no professional emcee; the host was Uncle Zhang, the company's veteran accountant, who had worked with Lin Chen and Su Qing for eight years, witnessing every milestone of the company's transformation from loss to profit. "Ten years ago today, Chenqing Hardware Factory started production in a dilapidated factory building, with its first order worth only 500 yuan; ten years later, Chenqing Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'s annual sales have exceeded ten million yuan, and its products are sold in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and even abroad." Uncle Zhang, holding the microphone, choked up slightly. "Behind all of this is the hard work of General Manager Lin and General Manager Su, and the dedication of everyone present. Today, we not only celebrate Chenqing's ten years, but also witness General Manager Lin and General Manager Su's happy moment!"
Amid applause, Lin Chen and Su Qing walked side by side onto the makeshift stage. Lin Chen wore a dark gray suit, specially tailored for him by Su Qing, with a pearl lapel pin matching hers. He took the microphone, his gaze sweeping over the crowd—among them were gray-haired senior technical consultants, recent college graduates, old neighbors who had traveled from afar, and business partners who had worked alongside him. "Ten years ago, I came to Zhangcheng with a homemade wrench, with only one thought in my mind: to survive through my skills." Lin Chen's voice was steady and powerful. "It was Su Qing's trust that gave me the courage to start a business; it is everyone's support that has enabled Chenqing to achieve what it has today. Technology is the foundation of Chenqing, while trust and cooperation are the basis of our success."
He turned to look at Su Qing beside him, his eyes filled with tenderness: "Su Qing, ten years ago, by the scrap heap at the farm tool factory, you secretly helped me get a chance to meet the factory manager; three years ago, when the cash flow dried up, you took your own silver jewelry to the pawnshop to exchange for money to pay wages; last month, during the restructuring, you stayed up for seven nights straight to work on the equity plan. Everyone says we are the best entrepreneurial partners, but I want to tell you even more that you are the most precious gift in my life. For the rest of my life, you will not only be my business partner, but also my life partner."
Su Qing's eyes welled up with tears. She took the microphone, her voice slightly choked but incredibly firm: "When I first met Lin Chen, he was just a clueless newbie who only knew how to bury himself in technology, even blushing when negotiating with clients. But I knew he had a tenacious spirit, a reverence for technology, and a sense of responsibility towards his employees. Over the past ten years, we've shared the hardships of scraping together instant noodles for our wages, the joy of securing our first foreign trade order, and the difficulties of being sabotaged by competitors. Chenqing doesn't just belong to the two of us; it belongs to everyone here. And Lin Chen is the family I'm willing to spend my life with."
Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Old Master Wang was so moved he wiped away tears, the Liu brothers clapped vigorously, and Qin Huairu's eyes reddened. Uncle Zhang then handed over two red thermos cups, imprinted with the words "Chenqing Fine Craftsmanship" and "Family Harmony and Prosperity"—special gifts ordered by Su Qing, one for each guest. "Please, President Lin and President Su, exchange tokens!" Uncle Zhang called out loudly.
Lin Chen opened the thermos; inside wasn't a diamond ring, but a ring made of alloy material, with the words "Ten Years of Togetherness, Chen and Qing" engraved on the inside. He had personally made it using his company's newly developed precision forging technology, going through seventy-two processes, making it more meaningful than any diamond ring. Su Qing also took out a matching ring from the thermos and placed it on Lin Chen's finger. Sunlight streamed through the confetti above the stage, illuminating their clasped hands, and the rings reflected a dazzling light.
After the ceremony, everyone crowded around the two and led them to the cafeteria. Twenty tables were laden with dishes, each with special meaning: braised pork was the first meat dish everyone pooled their money to buy in the early days of the business; steamed fish symbolized "abundance year after year"; chive pancakes were a late-night snack Su Qing used to make for employees working overtime; and dumplings were specially made by their old neighbors from the north. Lin Chen and Su Qing went from table to table toasting, and at each table, they heard a memorable story.
"General Manager Lin, General Manager Su, do you still remember that snowy night in 1980?" Manager Li from the Wuxi branch raised his glass. "Our equipment broke down, and our orders were about to be overdue. General Manager Lin led us in working in the workshop for three days and three nights straight, while General Manager Su was there making ginger soup for us, his hands swollen from the cold." Manager Wang from the Dongguan branch added, "Last time counterfeit products flooded the market, it was General Manager Su who led us to visit all the surrounding customers, using test reports to prove our quality one by one. General Manager Lin worked through the night to improve the process. That's when I knew that working with you guys would be the right choice!"
The atmosphere became even more lively when they reached the table with their old neighbors. Qin Huairu placed a piece of braised pork on Su Qing's plate: "Sister Su, when I first started my sewing stall, you and your colleagues came to support my business. I've always remembered that kindness. Now that my tailor shop has opened a branch, I'll make all your company uniforms for you!" Liu Guangtian raised his glass: "Brother Lin, Sister Su, my son Jianjun will be taking the college entrance exam next year. He says he wants to study mechanical engineering and learn the trade from you." Lin Chen smiled and said, "Great! If he gets in, Chenqing's door will always be open for him."
After a few rounds of drinks, Chef Wang walked onto the stage with a guitar, which he had specially learned from his son. "I'll sing 'The Story of Time' for everyone, as a tribute to General Manager Lin and General Manager Su, and also to our Chenqing's ten years." The guitar music began, and Chef Wang's slightly hoarse voice echoed in the cafeteria: "The flowing water carries away the story of time, changing us, in that sentimental and first-time-remembered youth..." The employees below the stage sang along, some took out their phones to take pictures, some secretly wiped away tears, and memories flooded their hearts like a tide.
Lin Chen and Su Qing sat at a table in the corner, watching the lively scene before them, their hearts filled with emotion. Su Qing leaned on Lin Chen's shoulder and whispered, "Back when we were at the farm tool factory, who could have imagined things would turn out like this?" Lin Chen took her hand and pointed to the photos on the wall: "Back then, I only dared to dream of ensuring that the brothers who followed me could have enough to eat, and that you would no longer suffer the injustices caused by your class background. Now it seems we've done it, and done it even better."
At this moment, Manager Wang from Guangzhou Automobile Group walked over, holding a contract. "President Lin, President Su, congratulations on your marriage!" He placed the contract on the table. "This is the bearing supply contract for our new model, worth 500 million yuan, for a period of three years. I was worried that your production capacity wouldn't be able to keep up, but seeing your team today, I'm completely relieved." Lin Chen took the contract, which stated "Exclusive Supplier." He and Su Qing exchanged a smile, both seeing tacit understanding and determination in each other's eyes.
At 3 PM, the celebration was drawing to a close. The employees spontaneously organized a tug-of-war, and Lin Chen and Su Qing joined in, chanting and pulling with everyone. Sunlight shone on everyone's faces, and sweat soaked their clothes, but it couldn't hide the smiles on their faces. After the competition, everyone sat around on the factory lawn, sharing cake and chatting about their future plans.
Liu Guangtian leaned closer to Lin Chen and whispered, "Brother Lin, I have something else I'd like to discuss with you. Our steel rolling mill is currently undergoing restructuring and we'd like to introduce precision manufacturing technology. Could we collaborate on research and development?" Lin Chen's eyes lit up: "Of course! We can establish a joint R&D center. You provide the facilities and funding, and we'll provide the technology and talent. It's a win-win situation!" The two chatted more and more congenially, discussing everything from technology development to talent cultivation, and before they knew it, an hour had passed.
Su Qing chatted casually with Qin Huairu and Jia Dang. Jia Dang excitedly said, "Sister Su, my new cheongsam design will be launched next month. I'll send you a few samples then." Qin Huairu also said, "When you have time to go back to Beijing, you must come to my tailor shop. I'll make a few custom-made outfits for you." Su Qing smiled and agreed, "Okay, once the company's R&D center is completed next year, we'll definitely go back for a visit and have a good get-together."
As evening fell, the old neighbors gradually said their goodbyes. Lin Chen and Su Qing saw them off at the factory gate. Qin Huairu handed Lin Chen the cross-stitch embroidery that read "Harmony in the Family and Prosperity in the Business," saying, "It'll make you feel at ease hanging in your office." The Liu brothers also said, "Brother Lin, Sister Su, call us anytime if you need anything. See you in Beijing!" Watching the car drive away, Su Qing took Lin Chen's arm and whispered, "It's wonderful that your career is thriving and your family is all around you."
As the sun set, the factory gradually quieted down. Lin Chen and Su Qing walked side by side down the workshop corridor, looking at the newly installed precision equipment, the ISO9001 certification certificate hanging on the wall, and the slogan written by the employees: "Strive for ten years, create new glories." Lin Chen suddenly stopped and took a small box out of his pocket: "There's still a gift for you." Su Qing opened it and saw a small badge inside, engraved with the words "Founder of Chenqing."
"This is a medal for you," Lin Chen said earnestly. "Ten years ago, you were my first supporter on my entrepreneurial journey; ten years later, you are my most trusted business partner and life companion. Every achievement Chenqing has made is thanks in part to you." Su Qing's eyes welled up with tears, and she tiptoed to kiss him on the cheek: "It's also thanks to you, my President Lin. For the rest of our lives, let's work together to make Chenqing even better and make our lives even sweeter."
They smiled at each other, the setting sun casting long shadows through the workshop windows. In the distance, the whistle of a train echoed from the freight station—a freight train bound for Guangzhou, carrying Chen Qing's precision bearings, and also their dreams and hopes. Lin Chen knew that this minimalist wedding, without a lavish banquet or expensive jewelry, held the most precious affection and the most steadfast promises. And all of this was just the beginning of Chen Qing's new journey, a new starting point for their happy life together.