Although Xu Damao is the head of the preparatory group for the auto repair shop, he has not yet been relieved of his post as the head of the transportation department. He is now in a position to handle two roles, and he has to deal with both. Fortunately, the transportation department is on track and there is not much for him to worry about, so he can focus his attention on the preparation of the auto repair shop.

According to the plan, the current transportation department's auto repair team will be transferred to the auto repair shop, while other departments will remain unchanged. However, personnel can choose to go to the new unit if they wish and Xu Damao agrees.

Without a doubt, Xu Damao had already decided on the three candidates for the positions of workshop director. Besides Huang Shu, the other two were also key technical personnel in the workshop: Liu Lei and Zhu Dongdong.

Unlike Huang Shu, who was directly appointed as section chief, Xu Damao planned to first appoint the other two as deputy section chiefs, essentially sub-section-level cadres, to preside over the work for a period of time. Firstly, since they currently lacked any administrative rank, this appointment would be easier to get approved by the Political Department. Secondly, Huang Shu had previously been their superior, and promoting them all to the same rank as Huang Shu would be detrimental to Huang Shu's enthusiasm and work performance.

Of the other personnel, Xu Damao is currently most concerned about the selection of the office director. He prefers Sun Lan, the current deputy head of the transportation department. She is capable, hardworking, has good family relationships, and good coordination skills, making her the most urgently needed talent for the newly established auto repair shop.

Sun Lan had just been promoted to deputy section chief, so her transfer to the auto repair shop office was a normal relocation, neither a promotion nor a demotion.

"Section Chief Sun, do you have any ideas about the newly established auto repair shop?" Xu Damao called Sun Lan into his office and got straight to the point.

"Section Chief Xu, I'd like to ask what position I would get if I went there?" Sun Lan asked.

“The deputy factory director position is filled by the factory leadership, but I have the right to make recommendations for the lower-level departments. I would prefer you to work in the office, where you can fully utilize your abilities. Besides, the current departments and staffing of the auto repair shop are not yet fully established, but they will definitely be improved in the future,” Xu Damao said.

The implication was clear: there were no positions available now, but they would be created as the factory developed. Currently, the steel rolling mill had two deputy directors, but at least one more would be added later. Furthermore, once the steel rolling mill was upgraded, most of the lower-level staff would be promoted, which was a benefit, though Xu Damao didn't explicitly state it.

Sun Lan's husband is also a workshop director, and their family must have some knowledge of auto repair shops, so Xu Damao didn't explain it in detail.

Sun Lan was clearly disappointed when she heard Xu Damao say that. Although she knew that being promoted to deputy section chief wouldn't guarantee her a leadership position at the auto repair shop, people always have illusions until the outcome is clear. Sun Lan thought for a while, then answered Xu Damao.

"Section Chief, I'm so sorry. I have too many things to take care of at home right now. I'm worried that if I go to the new factory, I won't be able to take care of my family." Sun Lan refused.

Xu Damao was honestly a little surprised to hear Sun Lan's refusal. He had made a significant contribution to Sun Lan's promotion to deputy section chief, the two had always worked well together, and the new factory offered many opportunities—clearly a better future than staying in the transportation department.

But upon closer examination, it makes sense. In Sun Lan's eyes, her promotion to deputy section chief was perhaps a natural progression, and she didn't owe Xu Damao any favors. Furthermore, she might also be hoping to become section chief in two years by overseeing the transportation section. While the opportunity was small, it wasn't impossible if handled properly.

Xu Damao wasn't the type to force people to do things they didn't want to do. Since the other person was unwilling, there was no point in forcing them.

“Okay, I respect your decision, and I hope you have a good future in the transportation department. Hehe, please take good care of the auto repair shop in the future,” Xu Damao said.

"Look at what you're saying, Section Chief, isn't that what I should do?" Sun Lan hadn't expected Xu Damao to be so agreeable. She had just been thinking about how she should refuse Xu Damao's advice without hurting their relationship.

"Then you should go back first."

Since the other party was unwilling, Xu Damao decided not to waste either party's time.

"Section Chief, if the leadership asks you to recommend someone to head the Transportation Section, could you please put in a good word for me?"

Just before leaving, Sun Lan turned back and whispered.

"Hehe, that's definitely no problem. I've always trusted your work ability," Xu Damao said.

His words were not empty promises. Although others had rejected his offer to work at the auto repair shop, Xu Damao would still recommend Sun Lan if any leader asked who would be better suited to head the transportation department. Sun Lan was capable, and he still had a close relationship with her; things would change.

After Sun Lan left, Xu Damao seriously considered who would be most suitable for the position of office director, but after searching through the people he knew, he couldn't find a suitable candidate. Either their rank didn't match, or their abilities were lacking.

Sun Lan was unwilling to come, but someone else wanted to come, which surprised Xu Damao. This person was Peng Shitou, another deputy section chief of the transportation department.

Since Xu Damao took office in the Transportation Section, Peng Shitou initially plotted to seize power, but after being disciplined, he became much more subdued. Later, he was even exiled to the Dispatch Office for a considerable period. After Sun Lan became the deputy section chief, Peng Shitou became even more low-key.

"Section Chief, I want to go with you to the auto repair shop, even if it's just a menial job," Peng Shitou said to Xu Damao earnestly.

Of course, if Xu Damao wanted to hire someone, he certainly wouldn't just let them do menial tasks; they would at least be a department head.

"Old Peng, let's be frank. I appreciate your support, but the new factory is under construction and things will definitely be tough in all aspects. It's not a place for everyone to relax."

"Besides, the people we're choosing now all have a special skill and can contribute to the new factory." Xu Damao said, implying what contributions and special skills you have.

"I know a suitable factory site, perfect for our unit. We can use it with simple renovations. Besides, I've served my old boss my whole life, so I know a lot about logistics and the canteen, so..."

Peng Shitou's implication was that he had his eye on the position of head of the logistics department.

To outsiders, the head of a logistics department is a lucrative position, much like the head of the logistics department in a steel rolling mill. However, those in the power center know that if it's easy to make money in your area, your promotion will be slower than others, and your political future will be limited.

Xu Damao considered it for a while and felt that this might be the most suitable candidate at the moment. Peng Shitou was like a wild horse, stubborn and unyielding, but once tamed, he was quite loyal to his master. In addition, he had been by the leader's side before, so he had some resources that could be utilized.

Most importantly, Xu Damao had to consider all factors. Sun Lan was unwilling to take the two deputy section chief positions in the transportation department, and if Peng Shitou also refused, word would spread that Xu Damao was unpopular in the transportation department, which would be detrimental to uniting the original transportation department veterans at the new factory.

“Okay, you can tell me which place is so good.” Xu Damao agreed.