Chapter 242

As early as when he was in Beijing, Ye Manzhi wanted to discuss cooperation matters with Director Zhang.

But she had several mothers-in-law above her, and she couldn't handle such an important matter on her own, so she had to suppress her thoughts and invite the guests to Binjiang first.

"Compared to the other two provinces and cities, our advantages aren't particularly significant. If we don't take this opportunity to discuss cooperation, we might not even be eligible for the technical renovation funds," Ye Manzhi whispered. "I heard that one of the companies even had the deputy director of the Municipal Revolutionary Committee personally go to Beijing to submit their application."

This shows how much importance people attach to it.

Peng Jingyun was thinking about the 3.8 million yuan of technical transformation funds and felt a little hesitant.

She certainly knew the benefits of cooperating with the Food Bureau of the Ministry of Light Industry.

Just as the First and Fourth Ministries of Machine Building invested in many machinery and radio factories locally, the Ministry of Light Industry would also invest in some key light industry projects.

Cooperating with the Ministry of Light Industry to build a factory can save a lot of trouble and will bring more benefits than disadvantages to Binjiang.

However, the amount of this technical transformation fund is only 3.8 million...

When she agreed to let the Light Industry Bureau go to the ministries and commissions to raise funds, she actually wanted the Ministry of Light Industry to pay the largest share, preferably five or six million.

Binjiang just needs to come up with another two or three million and it will be enough.

If it's only 3.8 million, Binjiang will have to pay at least four or five million.

Peng Jingyun pondered for a moment and asked, "Can the Ministry of Light Industry increase the technical transformation funding?"

“…”

Ye Manzhi was confused by her question.

This, this, this...

The budget for next year has already been prepared, why is she asking people to invest more?

Seeing she couldn't say anything, Peng Jingyun said nonchalantly, "I understand the situation. Let me discuss it with Director Li."

Ye Manzhi couldn't help but wonder, what a great thing this is!

Let the Ministry of Light Industry invest 3.8 million yuan, and Binjiang will contribute another 4 million yuan.

If we miss this opportunity, Binjiang will have to pay the full amount if we want to build a dairy factory again!

She didn't understand what her boss was thinking. When she walked out of the office, she nodded to the secretary at the door and prepared to leave.

However, when she was about to walk out the door, she pulled her legs back in time, took out two candies from her pocket, and gave one to the secretary.

"Director Liu," Ye Manzhi asked quietly, "Has the leader encountered any trouble recently?"

The full-time secretaries of several city leaders all hold the position of deputy director in the Revolutionary Committee Office. Regardless of the job, it sounds respectable.

Liu Xu peeled off the candy wrapper, put the candy in his mouth, and said with a smile: "Nothing. What's wrong?"

"Well, the dairy factory project only requires about 4 million yuan from the city, which isn't a big expense, but Director Peng seems a bit troubled." Ye Manzhi spoke very eloquently. "If the leaders are having trouble, I'll think of other ways."

In addition to handling daily documents, receiving visitors, and writing manuscripts, secretaries also play a role in communicating information.

This communication does not mean just conveying the leader's instructions. Sometimes, even if the leader has not given any instructions, the secretary still needs to understand the intention and convey to others what the leader is not convenient to say.

After hearing Ye Manzhi's question, Liu Xu understood what was going on.

She whispered, "Director Ye, the leader has been worried for a while now. Are you aware of the municipal thermal power plant project?"

"..." Ye Manzhi recalled carefully and shook his head, "Which project?"

"They're working on the third phase of the 100,000-kilowatt unit expansion project. The city wants to present it as a National Day gift next year."

This is the largest power construction project in Binjiang since liberation.

After completion, the city's power generation capacity will increase by 72%, and the problem of frequent power outages in major factories will be quickly solved.

So, it's not that Director Peng is short-sighted and unwilling to invest in the milk powder project. In the face of such a large project, many smaller projects have to give way.

Baby formula is no exception.

Oh, the leaves on the branches showed a look of realization.

No wonder, the power plant project is simply a bottomless pit, sucking in money at a rapid speed.

Once work starts, it cannot be stopped.

If the city is really rushing to build the power plant, it may not be able to take care of other investments.

Ye Manzhi thanked Liu Xu and gave her a piece of chocolate.

Liu Xu asked with a smile: "Director Ye, why do you carry so much candy with you?"

"Haha, I'm always running around, so I can always have a meal when I'm hungry." Ye Manzhi returned the favor and said with a smile, "I used to be a secretary for a boss. I had to go wherever the boss went, so missing meals was common. I prepared some for myself and also prepared some for the boss."

Liu Xu nodded quickly and took note of her reminder in his mind.

Director Peng’s former secretary was transferred to the county. She had just worked as the leader’s secretary for three months.

A lot of work is still in the exploratory stage, and the advice from seniors can save her a lot of time.

Ye Manzhi chatted with the other party in a low voice for a while, and when other people came in, she waved her hand and walked out of the office.

She acted calm and composed outside, but after returning home she couldn't help but complain to Wu Zhengrong.

"Compared with heavy industry, our light industry is like an adopted child!"

They now have a lot in common.

After Wu Zhengrong became the vice president, his first job was to ask for funding from higher authorities.

Military academies need to develop electronic technology, and computer majors are a top priority.

To develop technology and support teaching, we need funds!

So, he is now asking people for education funding everywhere.

There is nothing confidential about Vice President Wu’s work now, and the couple can finally exchange experiences with each other.

After Ye Manzhi finished speaking, she waited for him to share the same hatred with her and pour out his grievances.

However, today, Vice President Wu's brows were relaxed and his mood was relaxed.

It seems that she and I are no longer a couple in the same trench.

Ye Manzhi asked jealously, "Did the higher-ups approve the funding for you?"

"Well, I gave you some. I'll use it for now." Wu Zhengrong slept in the same bed with her all day, and he had learned a bit about finances from her. He murmured, "Always asking for money from the higher-ups isn't a long-term solution. I have to find a way to increase my income myself."

Ye Manzhi asked: "What do you have in mind?"

"If military factories can produce civilian products, then the military academy can also sell some civilian projects that have exceeded the confidentiality period."

The projects at the military academy are relatively advanced, and the profits are not small. Selling any one of them can bring in tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Therefore, Wu Zhengrong was preparing to discuss with the dean to clean up the warehouse and clear out the inventory.

Ye Manzhi asked sullenly, "Can President Su support you?"

Peng Jingyun did not support her.

"I think so," Wu Zhengrong said easily, "His goal is to make the computer science major the best in the entire army."

Binjiang Military Academy was the first to establish a computer major, and at that time there were Soviet experts providing guidance. Wu Zhengrong was one of the first students to study under Soviet experts.

With this foundation, it’s not difficult to get first place.

Ye Manzhi kicked his leg jealously, turned her back and didn't want to talk anymore.

Originally, one of them was ranked last and the other second to last. Now Wu Zhengrong has suddenly caught up and obtained a large amount of funds, so that they have nothing in common to talk about!

Wu Zhengrong pulled her out of bed and asked, "How can you sleep so early?"

"What can I do if I can't sleep?"

"It's snowing outside. Let's go out and sweep the snow in the yard."

Ye Manzhi: “…”

There is something wrong.

Although she was reluctant, she still put on her clothes and went out together.

In addition, they shouted something, and the three of them cleaned the yard together and built a big snowman at the door.

Ye Manzhi and Youyan were both exhausted. After returning to the house, the mother and daughter fell asleep immediately.

*

Her hunch was correct. The city was indeed going to use the funds mainly for the power plant project, and could only invest a maximum of 2 million yuan in the dairy plant.

After receiving the notice, Ye Manzhi accepted it calmly.

What can we do? The dairy factory project is a temporary project and is not included in the city’s financial budget. It is better to take out 2 million than not spend a penny.

She walked back and forth in the office several times, trying to use the technical transformation funds from the Light Industry Bureau to fill the remaining hole.

After she became the director, she always set an example by trying her best to find solutions when encountering difficulties and rarely used the bureau's technical transformation funds.

Influenced by her, the four deputy directors were embarrassed to spend money to solve the problem, so everyone saved money based on the principle of using the best steel on the blade.

The only thing currently used is the unfinished project of the camera.

Ye Manzhi thought that there was really no other way, and the Light Industry Bureau would have to fill in another 2 million yuan.

As soon as she had the idea, Qian Qingsong came running to the Light Industry Bureau.

The main purpose was to discuss with her the reception of the Beijing delegation.

The visit of leaders from ministries and commissions to Tonglan County is a big deal for them.

Ye Manyi glanced at the anxious Qian Qingsong, and her heart moved slightly, and suddenly she had an idea.

She picked up the teacup and took a sip of water, then said worriedly, "Director Qian, entertaining the leaders from Beijing is important, but we must not forget the purpose of entertaining them!"

"Yes, yes, I know! We need funding for technical renovations and to build a factory together!"

"Hmm." Ye Manzhi looked at him and said, "This opportunity is very rare. If it weren't for the 3.8 million yuan from the Ministry of Light Industry, this dairy factory probably wouldn't be built."

Qian Qingsong was suspicious and did not respond, just waiting for the other party to continue.

"So, we must seize this opportunity and negotiate the cooperation. However," Ye Manzhi sighed, "the city needs to focus on the construction progress of the tribute project of the power plant, so investment in other areas will have to be tightened."

Qian Qingsong stood up from his chair and said in disbelief, "Could it be that the city doesn't want to pay?"

This is nonsense!

Even if we get the project funds from the Food Bureau, 3.8 million is still not enough!

Ye Manzhi spread his hands and said, "Director Qian, let's not waste any time on formalities. I'm just going to ask you something practical. Do you really want to secure this project for the food industrial park?"

Qian Qingsong had already understood what she meant. After a long pause, he gritted his teeth and said, "Of course I want it!"

Infant formula is a short-term product and the market is in short supply. As long as the dairy factory goes into production, they will have a hen that lays eggs.

"Can Tonglan County invest money in this project?" Ye Manzhi asked.

She doesn't care whether the dairy factory is a municipal enterprise or a county-run factory, it is considered Binjiang City's achievement anyway.

Qian Qingsong asked with a dark face: "How much money do you want to invest?"

"About four million."

"That won't work. We're just a small county, how can we come up with that much money?"

"Then how much can you give?"

"About one million."

Ye Manzhi thought to himself, this is indeed a big agricultural county, they can take out one million just by saying so.

He quoted one million, but Tonglan County could at least come up with two million.

Ye Manzhi didn't answer in a hurry. She had to play the whole act. She frowned and paced back and forth in the office in front of Qian Qingsong.

When Qian Qingsong was almost dizzy from her, she stopped and asked, "Director Qian, can Tonglan County add another 1 million?"

Qian Qingsong: “…”

One million is like a hundred yuan to Director Ye!

Ye Manzhi ignored his sullen look and lowered her voice, saying, "If Tonglan County can come up with two million, then applying for another two million from the city would be enough. However, I'm thinking that for a small dairy factory with both investment from the Food Bureau and from both the county and city governments, it's really unnecessary. Director Qian, do you have a say with the city leaders?"

Qian Qingsong stared at her, not understanding what she was up to.

Even if he can have a say with the city leaders, what can he do?

Can the city leaders lend him money?

Thinking of this, Qian Qingsong suddenly stopped and looked up at Ye Manzhi again.

Could it be that Director Ye wanted him to ask the city for money?

If he could borrow 2 million from the city, Qian Qingsong would have to raise the 4 million investment even if he had to go hungry.

With the county's investment, the dairy factory's profits can be passed through Tonglan County!

The more he thought about it, the more heated he became. He was just reminding himself not to be impulsive, as he feared he would not be able to eat hot tofu in a hurry, when he heard Ye Manzhi say, "You know, the central government transfers several enterprises to local governments every year. If the Food Bureau ever decentralizes management and revenue, Tonglan County will ultimately benefit."

She had said something similar to Peng Jingyun, but it was obviously more effective on Qian Qingsong, who was in a state of intense passion.

Qian Qingsong patiently exchanged a few words with her, then stood up and said, "Director Ye, I'll go back and discuss this with the other comrades. I'll come back when I have a result."

"Alright, go back and talk to your comrades about the interests involved. This is a rare opportunity."

Ye Manzhi saw him out, thinking that she would have to wait for several days before hearing any news.

As a result, Xi Yingchun informed her the news the next afternoon.

"Director, I heard that Director Qian from Tonglan County went to the city to ask for funds and went to see Deputy Director Peng."

Ye Manzhi nodded.

Tonglan County has good achievements in agriculture, and Peng Jingyun has been in charge of agriculture, so the relationship between the two sides should be good.

But Peng Jingyun might not agree to borrow 2 million yuan from the city without any reason.

Just as she was thinking this, she heard Xi Yingchun say, "Director Qian went there once by himself, and then he went there again with Director Yu."

"Which Director Yu?"

"He's Director Yu, the servant of the Lihua factory."

"Why is she getting involved?"

Yu Gongpu is a city-level official. Even if he sets up a factory in Tonglan County, there is no need for him to interfere in other investments in the county.

Xi Yingchun reminded her, "Lihua wants to produce malted milk, and the main ingredient of malted milk is milk powder. It would be so convenient if we could have a dairy factory right next to our home!"

The dairy factory produces infant milk powder, which is also called special grade milk powder.

However, milk powder also has a defective rate. If the quality does not meet the standards of special-grade milk powder, it will become first-grade or second-grade milk powder.

Isn’t this the ready-made raw material for malted milk?

Ye Manzhi muttered, "Director Qian is quite good at ordering people around."

Most people cannot stand the nagging of Yu Gongpu.

But when it comes to the ownership of 2 million yuan in funds, the city leaders can’t just give in easily, right?

Ye Manzhi hopes that Qian Qingsong will succeed and get the dairy factory project, but she is not optimistic about them.

She had been dealing with Peng Jingyun for a year, and that leader was not an easy person to talk to.

However, no one knows what tricks Tonglan County used, but just two days before New Year's Day, the city actually agreed to lend Tonglan County 2 million yuan!

Please note that this is not an investment from the city, it is really loaned to Tonglan County!

2 million!

Ye Manzhi was shocked.

Although it was her idea, given the stinginess of the city leaders, she really didn't expect Tonglan County to be able to successfully borrow the money!

What kind of magic potion did Qian Qingsong feed to the city leaders?

However, this is not the end. Not only did they successfully borrow money, they also invited Director Li from the Municipal Revolutionary Committee.

After the inspection team from the Food Bureau of the Ministry of Light Industry arrived in Binjiang, the Light Industry Bureau and Tonglan County were responsible for the reception throughout the trip.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony and inspection, when discussing matters concerning the dairy factory, Tonglan County invited Director Li and Deputy Director Peng out together.

Two city leaders came in person to discuss cooperation.

Ye Manzhi also participated in the negotiations. The only feeling in her heart was that there are always people better than you!

Although she and Peng Jingyun were not so incompatible, it was always difficult for her to ask her for support.

How did Tonglan County do it?

Not only did they borrow money from the city’s finances, but they also got the city leaders to personally participate in the negotiations!

She needs to learn from others and study hard!

After sending the Food Bureau leader to the guesthouse, Ye Manzhi caught up with Qian Qingsong and said, "Director Qian, you're truly amazing! You even managed to invite Director Li!"

The city does not hold a stake in this cooperation, so it would be great if the city leaders could ask about it.

Qian Qingsong chuckled and said modestly, "It's mainly because the leaders care about the grassroots work."

"..." Ye Manzhi asked bluntly, "Director Qian, how did you talk to the leader? Let me learn from you."

"Haha, it's nothing. It just means that after the dairy factory goes into production, Tonglan County will invest in moving a food factory to the food industrial park."

When Ye Manzhi took office and conducted research, he identified five food factories with prominent conflicts within their factory clusters.

However, due to funding reasons, only three are currently planned.

The relocation of the other two companies has been put on hold indefinitely.

Tonglan County has promised to fund the relocation work, which will save the city a lot of money.

At least 700,000 or 800,000, right?

Borrowing two million and paying back seventy or eighty thousand in interest, my God, Ye Manzhi complained secretly, even loan sharking can’t be this high!

This is worse than taking out a loan from a bank!

Qian Qingsong sang in a high-sounding tone: "The city leaders sympathize with us, and we must also share the city's worries. It's mutual, hahahaha!"

He also considered the possibility of taking out a loan from a bank.

However, on the one hand, the bank's control is very strict and it may not be able to lend out two million yuan. On the other hand, for the city leaders, lending money to Tonglan County would be like throwing meat into the pot.

If Tonglan County fails to pay the money when it is due, the city leaders cannot do anything to it.

Furthermore, the dairy factory project will take at least one year from project approval to production.

When Tonglan County gets its share of the dairy factory's profits, he may not still stay in Tonglan County, and the city leaders may not still stay in Binjiang.

It will probably be another confusing account by then.

He was anxious to get the dairy factory project, so he didn't care about anything else.

Ye Manzhi didn't get any useful information from him. She went home and pondered over it for half the night before she figured out the twists and turns.

Then, late at night, she lamented to Wu Zhengrong, "I'm too rigid in my work. Look how flexible others are!"

Wu Zhengrong dazedly pulled the person into his arms and patted him, "If you had this kind of research spirit when you were in school, you would be able to study atomic bombs by now."

Ye Manzhi hummed, "If I work hard, you won't have any chance of survival."

*

Binjiang was very sincere and not only covered the travel expenses of the inspection team, but also asked the city's top leader to come out in person to make contact.

The key is that the technical transformation funds are converted into equity. After the cooperation between the two parties, a portion of the dairy factory's profits must be submitted to the Ministry of Light Industry, which makes it impossible for the Food Bureau to find a reason to refuse cooperation.

The deputy director of the Food Bureau did not make a decision on the spot, but showed great interest.

One week after returning to Beijing, the destination of the technical transformation funds was officially determined.

Leave it to Binjiang!

Tonglan County is responsible for the construction of the dairy factory.

After receiving the notice, Ye Manzhi secretly drank a bottle of soda in the office to celebrate, and then called Mulan and Qian Qingsong to congratulate them.

She doesn't need to worry about what happens next.

In January, before the commendation meeting, the economic data for 1975 were finally officially released.

The total industrial output value of Binjiang's light industry system was 3.75 billion, a month-on-month increase of 7.3%.

The Dehua Special Zone, which has attracted much attention from all parties, has a total output value of 3.3 billion, a month-on-month increase of 9.6%.

Binjiang is still a bit behind.

When the Municipal Light Industry Bureau was first established, Peng Jingyun set a target of 4 billion for them.

But everyone knows that this task cannot be completed in just seven or eight months.

Ye Manzhi was mentally prepared for unsatisfactory results, but seeing others rushing forward, she still felt a bit unhappy.

After the data came out, the bureau was very quiet.

The cadres of each department walked very lightly, as if they were afraid of offending their leader.

Ye Manzhi ignored everything else and held a meeting with the four deputy directors first.

It was her first time as a director, and she was still learning and exploring. After the results came out, she reflected for a few days.

In addition to new projects, existing assets also need attention.

After hearing her words, Song Hongjun nodded and said, "I've noticed this problem a long time ago. Factories are overstaffed, with two or three people doing the work of one person, and many factories have a culture of slacking off."

Lan Hai was in charge of this part of the work. He touched his nose and said, "Last year, the bureau organized two labor competitions, and the results were quite ideal."

Others: “…”

This is just lying with open eyes.

Ye Manzhi had read a report on the labor competition, which was filled with all kinds of data, such as how many technological innovations had been made, how much cost had been saved, and how much efficiency had been improved.

If you only look at the reports, all the factories are doing well.

But when you look at the data at the end of the year, everything goes back to square one.

When Ye Manzhi was working in the street office, all units were very enthusiastic about labor competitions and the workers were very enthusiastic.

However, twenty years later, the effect of using this old method is not as obvious.

In recent years, companies have rarely given material rewards to workers. Even model workers and advanced individuals can only get certificates, enamel pots, or towels and toothbrushes.

In the 1950s, it was a rare treasure to get a teacup, and in the 1970s, not many people were interested in getting one.

Without wage increases and the stimulation of material rewards, it is difficult for workers to boost their work enthusiasm.

However, Ye Manzhi was also worried that people would accuse her of capitalist practices, so she did not dare to rashly propose increasing material rewards.

She paused for a moment and said, "This year's citywide commendation conference is about to begin. The employees have worked hard all year and deserve due rewards and honors. I suggest that you all be given an additional award this year."

The capable Zhang Baineng asked, "Does our bureau issue it?"

The second person who can do this said: "This is not a small amount."

Just giving out enamel pots would cost tens of thousands of yuan.

"It won't cost too much," Ye Manzhi said with a smile. "The Grain Bureau can print its own diesel tickets to reward production teams, so can our Light Industry Bureau print some tickets? We won't print too many, just 10,000 TV ticket tickets."

Others: “…”

Printing TV tickets does not cost much and is popular with everyone.

But, is ten thousand too many?

The province is only allocated a quota of 100,000 television sets per year, and only more than 40,000 are left for Binjiang.

Only one quarter of the awards will be distributed this time?

Ye Manzhi righteously said, "Is giving the working class 10,000 television tickets a lot? If we don't allow model workers and advanced individuals to watch TV, then who will watch the tens of thousands of TV sets every year?"