The news of the new product's successful launch was like the strongest spring breeze, dispelling the last gloom hanging over the Hongxing Factory. As sales revenue gradually arrived, the finance department's abacus jingled with joy once more—after paying for raw materials, labor, and other costs, the books showed a long-awaited, real profit!

The news caused a stir throughout the factory. But what people were even more eagerly anticipating than the profits themselves was the solemn promise the factory management had made at the very beginning of the fundraising—that once profits were made, the raised funds would be repaid first, and profits would be distributed!

The day finally arrived. The factory's bulletin board was more crowded than ever before. A notice in red paper with black lettering, titled "Announcement Regarding the First Profit Distribution and Return of Funds Raised for New Products," detailed the amount to be returned for each fund raised, as well as the dividends calculated based on the amount raised and product profits.

The list was long, densely filled with names and corresponding amounts. People eagerly searched for their names, and once they found one, they stared intently at the numbers following it, their faces beaming with unbelievable elation.

"Wang Jianguo: Returned 380.75 yuan of the raised funds and received a dividend of 28.56 yuan!"

"Zhang Shulan: Returned 85.00 yuan of the raised funds, and received a dividend of 6.38 yuan!"

"Chen Dayong (Foreman of Lathe Operator Group 2): Returned 200.00 yuan of the raised funds, and received a dividend of 15.00 yuan!"

...

"We really got our bonuses! We really got them!" A young worker looked at the bonus amount next to his name, which was equivalent to more than half a month's salary, and his voice trembled with excitement.

"My goodness, this is much more profitable than putting money in the bank!" An old man grinned from ear to ear as he held the total amount he had just calculated in his mind.

"Thank goodness I listened to Master Wang! That was the right move!" Zhang Degui, the old fitter who had hesitated for a long time but finally invested money, looked at his not-so-large but real dividends, and the last bit of resentment in his heart disappeared, leaving only gratitude.

A long queue formed outside the finance department, the atmosphere as lively as Chinese New Year. The workers clutched the vouchers they had received during the fundraising, their faces beaming with genuine smiles. When their names were called and they stepped forward to receive the thicker stack of cash from the accountant, the sense of security and accomplishment they felt was a hundred times stronger than simply receiving their wages.

This isn't just a spoonful shared from the "iron rice bowl," but a reward for having the foresight to recognize talent and the courage to take a gamble! It's the reassurance of having trust fulfilled, and the joy of sharing the fruits of value creation!

Master Wang Jianguo also arrived. He remained taciturn, but when he received his principal and a not-so-small share of the profits, his rough fingers gently rubbed the banknotes, and he nodded slightly to Liu Li, who was in charge of distributing them, his eyes showing unspoken affirmation.

Zhang Shulan excitedly ran to Liu Li's side with the money in her hand: "Lili! Look! We really got our share of the profits! When I first invested the money, I was a little apprehensive, but now... now I feel it was worth it! It was totally worth it!"

Looking at the bustling scene before her, and the long-lost, genuinely bright smiles on her fellow workers' faces, Liu Li was filled with emotion. This was not merely an economic reward, but also a spiritual uplift, a victory for the system. It proved to all the factory workers in the most direct way that breaking the "iron rice bowl" system and implementing distribution according to work and salary (although this term was still very sensitive at the time) could indeed create miracles and ensure that everyone's efforts received their due reward!

The first profit distribution, like a resounding clarion call, greatly enhanced the company's cohesion and employees' sense of ownership. Those who were previously skeptical of the reforms completely changed their minds, while those who had been observing regretted not participating sooner. A sense of "the factory's prosperity is my glory, the factory's decline is my shame" and "the more you invest, the more you benefit" began to take root in people's hearts.

More importantly, this tangible profit and dividend generated by the new product provided Liu Li with the most powerful persuasive weapon and a solid foundation of popular support for her subsequent implementation of management reforms on a broader scale and at a deeper level. The Hongxing Factory, having just navigated the treacherous waters, became even more united and full of confidence and motivation to sail towards a wider horizon thanks to this successful profit-sharing.