At this moment, Attorney Wang stepped forward and said, "Hello everyone, I am Ms. Hu's lawyer. My surname is Wang, and I will explain the specific compensation amount to you in detail."

Immediately, someone shouted, "Lawyer? Why would we hire a lawyer? Are you trying to withhold our compensation?"

"Yes, how can ordinary people like us possibly win an argument with a lawyer!"

"After hearing what she said just now, I thought she really wanted to compensate us! Ugh, ugh, ugh!"

Zhong Yuan's face darkened. He glared at the man who spat. "There are standards for accident compensation. Xin Xin has already said that in addition to the nationally stipulated compensation standards, there will be additional compensation based on seniority. Don't you even have time to listen to the lawyer explain the rules? Do you not want compensation, or is someone deliberately causing trouble? If it's trouble, we don't mind calling the police!"

The crowd fell silent. Cui Long, who was leading the group, stood up and said, "Everyone and the lawyers are afraid of dealing with lawyers. We just said the wrong thing in a moment of panic. We absolutely did not mean to cause trouble! Lawyer Wang, please begin."

Attorney Wang nodded. "I understand everyone's feelings. I'll try to explain it simply so everyone can understand. Let me first explain that the compensation standard for the deceased consists of three parts: death compensation, funeral expenses, and living expenses for dependents."

The death compensation is 20 times the per capita disposable income of urban residents in Shanghai in the previous year. In 1996, the per capita disposable income of urban residents in Shanghai was 8,159 yuan, so 20 times is yuan.

The funeral expenses are calculated based on the average monthly wage of employees in Shanghai in the previous year, totaling six months' worth. In 1996, the average monthly wage of employees in Shanghai was 889 yuan, and the total for six months was 5,334 yuan.

Regarding the living expenses for dependents, if the dependent is a minor, the support payment is calculated in a lump sum until the dependent reaches eighteen years of age. If the dependent is an adult who has lost their ability to work or has no other source of income, the support payment is for 20 years. This part varies from household to household, and I will explain it in detail to each household later.

Secondly, and finally, Ms. Hu promised an additional compensation of 20,000 yuan per person, plus an additional 1,000 yuan for each year of service.

This long explanation completely stunned everyone present.

Cui Long was the first to speak, "Attorney Wang, according to what you just said, each of us can get at least tens of thousands?"

“Yes,” Attorney Wang said. “If the deceased did not have a qualified caregiver before death, the family can receive a death compensation of RMB 5,334, funeral expenses of RMB 5,334, and an additional compensation of at least RMB 20,000, totaling RMB 5,334.”

Most of the people present breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the figure. They had been so anxious to demand compensation because they were afraid of being renege on their promises. Now, hearing the factory's compensation plan, the vast majority of them were relieved.

But a few people still broke down in tears, saying, "I don't want money... I just want my child's father to come back to life..."

"Waaaaah..."

One person started crying, and soon the conference room was filled with sobs.

Zhong Yuan stepped forward and clapped his hands to attract everyone's attention. "Everyone, you may not know me yet, so let me introduce myself first. I am Xin Xin's boyfriend, and my name is Zhong Yuan. I would like to say a few words to you."

Upon learning of the factory accident yesterday, Xin Xin immediately flew back to Shanghai from Kyoto. However, she was met with the news of her father's death and the devastating fire at her family's factory, which resulted in heavy casualties. Despite her grief, she immediately stepped forward to take responsibility and organized a meeting today to discuss the specifics of compensation.

We understand everyone's grief. We don't want such a tragedy to happen. Please, for the sake of "Xingyun Daily Chemicals" being a good company, give the factory and Xin Xin a chance to make amends.

Attorney Wang has already explained the compensation standards for the deceased employee. Now, let's have Attorney Wang discuss the compensation standards for the injured employee. Then, everyone can discuss the details privately based on each family's specific circumstances, okay?

After exchanging glances for a while, everyone quieted down and listened carefully to what Attorney Wang had to say.

Half an hour later, most of the people in the meeting room registered for their negotiation time and left the factory.

The small group of people who remained mostly surrounded Attorney Wang, asking about child support.

Hu Jingxin only breathed a sigh of relief after the last person was escorted out of the meeting room.

Jiang Xiaoli smiled and said, "Let's take it one step at a time. Look, isn't it mostly done?"

"Mmm!" Hu Jingxin had just nodded when the conference room door was pushed open.

A crowd surged forward, and an old woman slapped Hu Jingxin's hand. "Why are you in such a hurry to talk to them about compensation? It's almost 200,000 yuan per person, and there are 29 of them! Are you going to waste your father's money like this?!"

Hu Jingxin was completely stunned. "Grandma? What are you saying? The police's fire investigation clearly states that our factory was responsible. What's wrong with compensating the victims?"

A man with slicked-back hair next to her said, "Xin Xin, you're too young. Why are you in such a hurry? The longer we delay, the better our bargaining power will be!"

"Second Uncle!" Hu Jingxin's face flushed red. "Where were you yesterday when the factory had the accident? My dad emphasizes fire safety every day, so why was the fire emergency exit blocked in the workshop you were in charge of managing?"

The second son of the Hu family looked aggrieved. "Xin Xin, I called the fire department as soon as the accident happened, and I also advised your dad to leave quickly and wait until the fire was smaller before talking about anything else. Your safety comes first, right? But he just wouldn't listen to me, what could I do?"

"What? You were with my dad when the fire broke out?" Hu Jingxin's eyes blazed with anger. "You just watched my dad go to put out the fire and then left?"

"Xin Xin!" Grandpa Hu called her name. "How dare you speak to your second uncle like that? You've become even more ill-mannered after studying in Kyoto for a few years!"

At this moment, Zhong Yuan said with red eyes, "Talk about upbringing? You should first teach your good son, who watched his own brother die and left his niece with a mess!"

After saying that, he put his arm around Hu Jingxin, pushed aside the middle-aged man next to him, and walked towards the door.

The Hu family members were stunned for two seconds upon seeing this scene. The middle-aged man, who had been pushed aside by Zhong Yuan, rubbed his shoulder and said, "Is this the boyfriend that the third brother mentioned, the one Xin Xin is talking about? No way! He's so rude, we can't let Xin Xin be with him!"

His words were unanimously agreed upon by the Hu family. Grandma Hu said, "Eldest son, now that the third son is gone, you and the second son must keep an eye on the factory and not let outsiders take advantage of it!"