In March 1977, Wang Gang returned to Sijiucheng and first went to the factory to report the delivery of the car.
The truck from the steel rolling mill was already weather-beaten and was close to being scrapped, but no one in the factory felt sorry for it.
On the day Wang Gang drove the car back to the factory, he received a warm welcome. Factory Director Yang led all the factory workers to welcome him and even held up a banner.
Welcome home.
When Wang Gang got out of the car feeling dizzy, he was already surrounded by a group of people.
"Comrade Wang Gang, welcome home." Director Yang said while holding Wang Gang's hand.
"There are a total of twenty-three people supporting the disaster area this time. You persisted until the end and were the last to come back."
"Director Yang, have you been reinstated?"
Wang Gang discovered that he had not returned to the factory for half a year, and something seemed to have changed in the factory.
Director Li, who used to dominate the world with one hand, now seems to be a head shorter behind Director Yang.
"Yes, I have been reinstated. After investigation, the organization redressed my grievances and allowed me to return to my original job."
As Director Yang spoke, he glanced at Li Baonian behind him.
"Comrade Wang Gang, the factory held a welcome party to welcome you." Li Baonian nodded and said, "Director Yang was extremely happy when he heard that you were back."
Director Yang said with a smile: "Three days ago, the superiors talked to me, but they publicly praised you and judged you as outstanding and advanced. The specific commendation meeting will be held later."
Wang Gang was surrounded by everyone, and Director Yang was always by his side.
"I heard that you saved many people on the front line?"
"This is what I should do."
"I heard that you joined the frontline search and rescue team, assisted the rescue force, and encountered aftershocks."
"Fortunately, it was just an ordinary aftershock, not serious."
"I heard that the situation in the disaster area is very tragic."
"Now that the rescue mission has been basically completed, the next step is to rebuild the city."
Wang Gang and Factory Director Yang came to the factory director's office, which was originally Li Baonian's office, after asking and answering questions.
Factory Director Yang personally poured a cup of tea for Wang Gang, and then said to Li Baonian: "Deputy Factory Director Li, I'm fine now, you can go about your business!"
When Li Baonian heard this, his expression became a little unnatural.
"Okay, director, if you have any instructions, just call me and I'll leave first."
Li Baonian smiled as he exited the office and closed the door.
Factory Director Yang sat next to Wang Gang and said enthusiastically: "You performed very well in the disaster area and brought glory to our steel rolling mill. The factory has studied and decided to repay you your salary in full during this period and give you another 50 yuan as a reward."
"
Wang Gang shook his head and said: "Forget the reward, I would also like to congratulate the factory director on his reinstatement."
Factory Director Yang said happily: "We are all delighted, the factory has decided to promote you to the position of monitor of the driver class."
Wang Gang said in surprise: "Where is my master?"
Factory Director Yang said: "Your master Liu Xianxian retired this year. He recommended you to me. The factory meeting has approved it. From next month, you will be the driver class monitor."
Wang Gang suddenly realized, no wonder he didn't see Liu Xianxian just now. He calculated the time and he had indeed reached the retirement age. It was just strange that he didn't say he didn't want to retire so early and also submitted an application for delayed retirement to the factory?
Director Yang noticed Wang Gang's doubts and said, "Your master has already gone through the retirement procedures. You can ask him about the details when you see him."
Wang Gang nodded and expressed his understanding. He would definitely go to Liu Xian's house to have a look.
"Director Yang, since you have been reinstated, why is Li Baonian still in the factory?" Wang Gang asked.
"I just returned to work, and I don't know much about the situation in the factory. Li Baonian has caused great harm to the factory in the past ten years. I'm going to collect the materials and expose him in one fell swoop." Director Yang's smile gradually faded and he said fiercely:
"After I took over the financial department of the factory, I found out after checking the accounts that Li Baonian had enriched his own pockets in the past ten years. It is simply shocking. What you know is just the tip of the iceberg."
Wang Gang said: "Li Baonian's father-in-law is a big boss, so you have to be careful."
"Hmph!" Director Yang said, "His father-in-law has a dirty ass. Don't worry, I have collected some materials. When the time comes, I will arrest them together."
Wang Gang saw hatred in Director Yang's eyes. Li Baonian had tormented him a lot in the past ten years, and he remembered this incident in his heart.
Factory Director Yang said some words of encouragement to Wang Gang, and then took him to the welcome party held in the factory.
After all the trouble, Wang Gang didn't get home until 8 o'clock in the evening.
As soon as Wang opened the door to his house, a bunch of people ran out of the house.
He Yuzhu and his wife, their daughter He Sisi, their son He Tian, and their godmother Li Shufen.
The most important thing is the person Wang Gang cares about the most.
"Yu Yu, Qiqi." Wang Gang dropped his bag, ran into the yard with a big stride, and hugged his wife and child tightly.
He Yuyu had already burst into tears, burying his head in Wang Gang's arms and sobbing. Wang Yan, who was almost three years old, looked curiously at the person holding him, as if he didn't recognize him.
The family of three hugged each other for a long time, but He Yuzhu and the others didn't bother them.
"Oh~, why did you come back? Do you know how hard it was for us two to wait? Everyone else has come back, why didn't you come back?" He Yu couldn't speak clearly because he was crying.
"I'm sorry for making you worry." Wang Gang hugged his wife and said ashamedly.
In fact, he was able to return three months ago, but at that time there was another serious aftershock in the disaster area. Although there were no serious casualties, all the simple rescue facilities originally built were destroyed.
Wang Gang had to stay and help, and the delay lasted for three months. During the New Year, he only sent a letter to his family.
"Okay, okay, isn't my brother-in-law back? Just stop crying." He Yuzhu comforted his sister.
"Yes! Gangzi came back so late, he hasn't had dinner yet!" Ran Qiuye also interrupted: "Let's go in and have dinner!"
He Yuyu raised his head, touched Wang Gang's face and said, "You have lost a lot of weight. Don't you have enough to eat over there?"
"I'm not losing weight, I'm getting stronger. Look at my muscles."
Wang Gang raised his arms and directly lifted his son Wang Yan up high with one hand.
"Hahaha!" Wang Yan laughed happily, a little less familiar with Wang Gang.
"Lift it high, I will lift it high again." Wang Yan laughed happily.
"You two, stop making trouble and go inside to eat!" He Yuyu took his son and gave Wang Gang a blank look.
Wang Gang laughed loudly, put his arm around his wife's waist and walked towards the back room.
After entering the house, Wang Gang smelled the aroma of food.
"Braised pork belly, twice-cooked pork, Mapo tofu, Kung Pao chicken." Wang Gang smiled and turned to He Yuzhu and said:
"These are my uncle's specialties!"
He Yuzhu said with a smile: "In order to catch the wind for you this time, I ran away early in the afternoon and worked hard for a long time. You have to take out Maotai later."
Ran Qiuye coughed and said, "Drink less. You will have to take the child home later."
He Yuzhu smiled and said: "I know, I know."
"It's okay. If you drink too much, you may end up staying here today." Wang Gang also became interested. He had been too depressed for the past six months and wanted to get drunk.
