I Returned to the Day He Brought His First Love Home-Chapter 52: Kill the Chicken to Warn the Monkey, She Is That Chicken

"So, what do you suggest? How do you want me to handle this? There are too many people spreading these rumors in the factory. We can’t trace them back to the source, which makes it very difficult to take any action. I know you feel wronged. In light of what’s happened, the factory could issue a public notice to clarify things for you. What do you think...?"

"Director, that’s pointless. Even if the factory issues a notice, people will just say that you and I are having an affair and that you’re protecting me. Someone has to pay the price for this." Grace Winslow flatly rejected Oscar Osborne’s well-intentioned offer.

Oscar Osborne sighed. "Your father asked me to look after you. I really shouldn’t refuse your request, but this matter..."

"I have a way to find the source of the rumors. I just need you, Director, to be willing to step in and make some changes," Grace Winslow cut in, interrupting him.

This took Oscar Osborne by surprise. "You have a way?"

"Director, I’m not just doing this for myself. I’ve been in the workshop for a couple of weeks now, and I’ve heard plenty of gossip."

"I heard about a female comrade who couldn’t bear the humiliation of some malicious rumors. When she went home, her husband’s family interrogated and shamed her. In the end, she threw herself into the river."

"Do you really want to see something like that happen again?"

"Life is already hard enough for women in this world, and on top of that, we have to endure vicious slander."

"Especially such vicious sexual rumors."

"The people who start these rumors just flap their gums, spreading gossip without a care for the consequences."

"But what about the people they’re gossiping about?"

"Their lives are destroyed, their futures ruined. Who speaks up for them?"

"Personally, I don’t care what rumors people spread about me. I have a clear conscience. But just because I don’t care, does that mean we should let them get away with this slander?"

"We have to make an example of someone. And today, that example needs to be made, cleanly and decisively."

Grace Winslow’s words made Oscar Osborne waver.

Grace Winslow had a point.

It was because so many people loved to gossip, making up all sorts of nonsense, that the relationships between men and women in the workshop had become incredibly tense.

Male and female comrades didn’t even dare to speak to each other alone or have any contact, terrified that the slightest interaction would spark a rumor.

He had thought about cracking down on it before, but it was just too difficult.

As the saying goes, you can’t punish the whole crowd. There were too many people spreading gossip; he couldn’t possibly penalize every single one of them.

"I’ll leave this matter to you. You handle it," Oscar Osborne said, giving Grace Winslow a long, deep look.

Grace Winslow thought for a moment before speaking. "Director, I suggest the factory establish a disciplinary committee. It doesn’t need to be large—we can find one or two people of good character to be in charge. Any unhealthy trends in the factory can be handed over to them to manage."

"Only when the factory environment is good and everyone can work without worry will they be more motivated to do their best for the factory and create greater value and profit."

"Alright. It’s all yours," Oscar Osborne agreed with a decisive wave of his hand.

Grace Winslow left in high spirits.

As for who was spreading the rumors behind her back, she didn’t even need to investigate to know it was Auntie Zhao.

Because her matchmaking attempt had failed, the woman had flown into a rage out of humiliation and held a grudge, spreading rumors behind her back to ruin her reputation.

Still, she had to follow procedure.

Grace Winslow sought out two of the older, retired women from the factory. They were known for being righteous and outspoken, the kind of people who couldn’t tolerate the slightest injustice.

After Grace Winslow explained her purpose, the two women agreed on the spot. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

And with that, the disciplinary committee was officially formed.

And the first matter they would investigate was the slander against Grace Winslow herself.