Lin Yan spoke humbly, but she knew she could fix it, unless a part was damaged and needed replacement.
However, she already knew it was a newly purchased machine, so she was very confident.
As expected, after dismantling it, she found the problem could be solved. She not only identified the issue but also guided the workshop师傅 on how to repair it and how to troubleshoot other problems.
Lin Yan knew that many people now hoard their knowledge, or are afraid that teaching their apprentices would make them jobless.
But Lin Yan had no such worries. After all, her knowledge was far ahead of its time. What she needed to do now was to showcase her talents.
As expected, as soon as the news that the new consultant, Lin Zhiqing, could repair machine tools spread, the factory director came to find Lin Yan again.
"Lin Zhiqing truly hides her abilities!" the factory director exclaimed with surprise. "I never imagined you could repair this behemoth!"
"The factory director flatters me. It's all very simple, really. As long as you understand the principles and troubleshoot the problems. Different problems will manifest differently."
Lin Yan maintained a humble demeanor, seemingly not placing too much importance on her ability to repair machine tools.
"Actually, these experienced old masters can all do it, they just haven't been exposed to it before."
The factory director then felt he had struck gold. Whether it was small agricultural machinery or now repairing machine tools, this Lin Zhiqing was never stingy with her knowledge. As long as you asked, she would explain everything she knew.
He admired this Lin Zhiqing for her disposition alone. He noted that the experts in his factory also enjoyed gathering around her.
Lin Yan now enjoyed the best treatment in the factory. She received a senior worker's subsidy every month, lived and ate at the factory, and was even issued several sets of work clothes.
Especially after the union chairman, who knew she was single, even offered to find her a partner, she politely declined, citing her young age.
Finally, after all the machinery was produced, and Lin Yan had also helped the machinery factory improve several machines, Lin Yan bid farewell to the factory director.
The factory director was reluctant to let her return to the countryside. "Lin Zhiqing, I know that educated youths generally want to return to the city. Why don't I transfer your records to our factory, and you can continue working here?"
"Although this is not your hometown, it is the provincial capital, and the environment is certainly better than the countryside."
"Thank you for the factory director's kindness, but I still want to go back. That is my mother's hometown, and I came to the countryside to help my fellow villagers live better lives."
Lin Yan refused, "Now that we have these machines, the villagers can work more easily. My procurement task is also completed, so I want to go back as soon as possible. My family is waiting for me!"
The factory director knew that Lin Yan's relatives in the Zaolin Brigade treated her very well. During Lin Yan's stay at the factory, she had received many parcels, containing food and clothing. Relatives had even visited the factory to see her.
"Alright then, if Lin Zhiqing wants to go back, I won't stop you. But next time, if Lin Zhiqing wants to make any more machines, you can come to our factory again. I am also very interested in your oil press!" The factory director was happy to forge this connection.
Lin Yan returned to the dormitory to pack her belongings. Since it had been agreed that she would leave in a few days, her cousin Wu Chang and younger cousin Wu Sheng came to pick her up.
Lin Yan hadn't brought much when she came, but she packed a large bag when she left. Lin Yan looked at the money and coupons in her hand, preparing to go to the department store.
Lin Yan had received quite a few coupons during this time. Because she wanted to buy things to take back, she had also exchanged some coupons with others.
Lin Yan, Wu Chang, and Wu Sheng went to the department store. Although everything was in short supply during this era, the goods in a provincial capital were still much more abundant than in a county town.
It was Wu Chang and Wu Sheng's first time at the department store, and the dazzling array of goods made them dizzy. But they also knew they didn't have enough money to buy them.
Lin Yan exchanged all the cloth coupons in her hand for fabric of several different patterns and colors. They were suitable for everyone; how to distribute them would be up to her third great-aunt and the others.
She exchanged her industrial coupons for other necessities, especially the sewing machine coupon she still held. When she prepared to buy it, both Wu Chang and Wu Sheng were astonished.
"Yan Yan, why are you buying this! It's too expensive!" Wu Chang strongly disapproved. "You should save your money."
"Third Brother, this is money I earned. Can't I spend it the way I want?"
"Yes, you can spend your money however you want. But you don't know how to sew, so why buy this! Moreover, this is one of the 'four big items.' Your future husband will definitely buy it for you when you get married!"
Wu Chang still disapproved. He didn't think Lin Yan was buying it for herself.
"I don't want my future husband to buy anything. I can earn what I want! I'm buying this for my own use, of course. By this winter, I want my aunts to make me a few more winter coats. It will be much more convenient with this!"
Wu Chang couldn't argue with her, especially since it was Lin Yan's own money, and he couldn't control it. However, in his heart, he felt they should treat Yan Yan even better!
Wu Sheng saw that his third brother couldn't convince Lin Yan, so he remained silent. Lin Yan had always helped him with his studies, and he actually listened to Lin Yan’s words.
Wu Chang and Wu Sheng carried the items Lin Yan bought to the guesthouse where they were staying. The guesthouse attendant looked at them differently.
The next day, the factory director sent a truck to deliver Lin Yan and the others. Of course, in addition to taking them, it also delivered the machines Lin Yan had ordered.
Lin Yan's batch of machines consisted of two of each type, but these machines did not cost much. After all, Lin Yan had exchanged them for her skills, which made Wu brothers admire their cousin even more.
They also became more committed to their studies. Although they didn't think they could go to university, learning more knowledge would never be detrimental.
Just like Lin Yan, even though she was sent to the countryside, she had improved her surroundings. The phrase "knowledge changes destiny" was most vividly embodied in Lin Yan!
When the truck delivering Lin Yan and the others arrived at the Zaolin Brigade, it caused another sensation. When they saw the items Lin Yan had bought, they were not surprised at all.
After all, nothing surprising happened with this Lin Zhiqing.
They had already heard many stories about Lin Zhiqing from Accountant Zhang. They also knew that these machines had not cost any money, and it was said that Lin Zhiqing had exchanged them for her knowledge.
Their brigade had also become a testing ground for some machinery, and it was rumored that they could use any new machines for free in the future.
It was truly unimaginable! Before Lin Zhiqing arrived, they could never have imagined that life could be lived this way, and that farm work could be done with machines.