Chapter 34: Cleaners' Mass Strike

Knock knock knock!

Someone was knocking on the door.

Ye Huaizhang glanced at the time; it should be Dong Jian coming to see him.

They had arranged to talk business, but unfortunately, the power outage added an extra perk and interrupted them.

After fastening my bathrobe and opening the door, I was sure to see Dong Jian standing outside.

Dong Jian said, "Young Master, Xiao Dahai is here. He's waiting downstairs."

Ye Huaizhang said softly, "Go to the study and wait for me."

"Okay. I'll go and call him up."

Ye Huaizhang turned around, walked to the bathroom door, opened it, and said to Ye Baoling, who was taking a shower inside, "I have work to do in the study. You go to sleep first."

"Oh," she said languidly.

Ye Baoling had already showered and was all red, like a blooming peony. It took a lot of willpower to suppress the urge to go up and kiss her.

But his eyes and expression were extremely restrained, as if he hadn't seen anything, he glanced at it smoothly, and then turned and left.

He was changing into his pajamas in the dressing room, looking down at the teeth marks on his chest. He felt utterly helpless about her preferences.

They could only "accept their fate".

After changing into my pajamas, I went to the study, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

Xiao Dahai is around fifty years old. He is a powerful figure who has worked for the third branch of the family since his grandfather's time and is well-connected in both the legitimate and underworld circles.

He placed a stack of documents on the desk. "Young Master Ye, take a look at these first."

At the top is a photo of a Black man lying on the floor with his hands tied behind his back.

The man's left eye was swollen from being punched.

This is one of the accomplices who kidnapped Ye Huaizhang in South Africa.

He will never forget it until his death.

Xiao Dahai said, "He was in contact with a Chinese man nicknamed Zhong Kui. We traced the clues and found that this Zhong Kui was a classmate of Lai Zhenglan's son."

Therefore, it can be basically confirmed that Lai Cheng-lan and his son ordered his kidnapping in South Africa in order to obtain the South African diamond mine.

“These are all evidence. Lai Zhenglan wanted to use kidnapping as a cover to achieve his murder goal. Without Ye Shao’s competition, Lai Zhenglan could acquire the South African diamond mine at a low price.”

Ye Huaizhang flipped through the documents and asked, "Any news about that Annamese man called 'Water Dog'?"

Xiao Dahai shook his head: "Not for now."

Ye Huaizhang rubbed his brows but didn't say anything.

Dong Jian suggested, "Why don't we spend some money and offer a reward for finding the water dog?"

Xiao Dahai disagreed: "The name 'Water Dog' might just be a temporary code name. I'm afraid some people will submit all sorts of useless information for the reward, which will only waste our time. It would be best if we could find 'Water Dog,' but it's okay if we can't. Based on what Zheng Lan and his son did to Young Master Ye in South Africa, they deserve to die."

Ye Huaizhang looked up at Xiao Dahai, waiting for him to continue.

Xiao Dahai: "First of all, calling the police won't be very effective. Transnational cases are difficult to handle, and the court may not fully accept witness testimony and physical evidence. Calling the police and bringing things into the open will only make things harder to deal with. If something happens to the Lai family, we will likely be the first suspects."

Ye Huaizhang neither confirmed nor denied it.

Xiao Dahai continued, "Why not have the gang issue a kill order with a huge reward, demanding the lives of Lai Zhenglan and his son? Young Master Ye wouldn't need to show up at all."

This idea is feasible.

Ye Huaizhang didn't want to directly engage in illegal activities. He glanced at Dong Jian, who immediately understood his meaning.

"Brother Hai, let's discuss the specifics in detail privately."

Xiao Dahai understood, "Then let's discuss this in more detail."

How much should the reward be?

He didn't ask, but they both understood.

"Ten million." After saying that, Ye Huaizhang got up and walked out.

He wanted those who wanted him dead to pay the same price.

A ten million yuan bounty on the martial arts world is unprecedented.

This will cause many hyenas in society to chase after and kill Lai Zhenglan and his son because of the strong smell of blood.

*

Ye Baoling organized the materials and prepared for the meeting.

Before the meeting, she made herself a strong coffee, and Wang Simin asked her, "Do you want me to back you up?"

"I'll call you when I need help."

"good."

After downing half a cup of coffee to clear her head, Ye Baoling took the documents and walked into the cleaning department's break room.

Ye Baoling glanced at the sea of ​​heads in the room and asked, "Is everyone here?"

“Brother Hui hasn’t come yet,” came Xia’s reply.

Xia is slightly overweight and under 40 years old, making her the youngest among the cleaners.

Where are the others?

No one answered.

After a while, Sister Tong said, "He's most likely in the toilet."

Ye Baoling pulled out a chair and sat down: "Time waits for no one, let's have a meeting first."

Liao Zhihui's henchmen probably didn't expect that this Miss Gu would start a meeting without waiting for the team leader. Someone raised their hand: "Miss Gu, should I go to the restroom and urge Brother Hui?"

Ye Baoling: "Is he still a child? You have to urge him to go to the toilet."

That person became difficult to talk to.

Ye Baoling opened her notebook. "I mainly want to talk about two things. First, regarding the issue of the men's restrooms on the 7th and 9th floors not being cleaned properly a couple of days ago, and the cigarette butts behind the fire door on the 15th floor not being cleaned up in time. I specifically went to check those three floors today and found the hygiene to be so-so. According to the instructions of our supervisor, Manager Zhang Laichi, the principle is that if the corrections are done well, the deduction will be less; if the corrections are not done well or not timely enough, the deduction will be more. The person in charge of these three floors needs to have a certain amount of their salary deducted, and the team leader will also be held jointly responsible and will also have a deduction. That is to say, Liao Zhihui will have two pay cuts, and Qi Xiaofeng will have one pay cut..."

The men's restrooms on the 7th and 9th floors were both managed by the troublesome Uncle Cai. He immediately stood up and said, "Why? Why are you deducting my salary? You surnamed Gu, I talked back to you in the last meeting. Are you trying to get revenge on me?"

Ye Baoling raised her head slightly: "When did you talk back?"

"..."

Uncle Cai was speechless. "Don't play dumb."

"Please calm down and sit down."

"I can't calm down."

"We're currently in a meeting discussing whether or not to deduct money, but it hasn't been decided yet. It depends on what the leadership decides."

Someone advised him, "Ah Cai, sit down first and listen to what she has to say."

At this moment, Liao Zhihui came in, and someone immediately said to him, "Brother Hui, you have to deduct two salaries."

Ah Cai complained loudly, "Some people are taking advantage of our power, Brother Hui, we can't continue doing this job."

Liao Zhihui had been secretly listening to the sounds coming from inside through the window, so he knew what was going on.

He stretched out his hands and pressed them down to quiet everyone. "We're not in a hurry, let her finish."

Ye Baoling: "The cleaning department has never had a standardized reward and punishment system. This needs time to be improved, but it does not affect the fact that wages need to be deducted in this complaint. Supervisor Zhang Laichi said that if you understand it, you will be deducted less; if you don't understand it, you will be deducted more."

Everyone was furious. "How could they do this?!"

Ye Baoling ignored her and continued, "The second thing is the feedback from everyone about not getting a raise for two years. Two years ago, the administrative and logistics department leaders helped you apply for paper money to offset part of your salary and benefits. Yesterday we did the math, and the paper money that everyone has received in the last six months is not much, but it's not little either, basically enough to cover the salary increase. Of course, the further we go, if the paper money doesn't increase, then next year and the year after, it definitely won't be able to fully cover the salary increase."

“I communicated with the HR department and there are two options: one is to continue to use the money for cardboard to offset the salary increase; the other is to increase the overall salary by 4%, and adjust the salary every year according to the company’s system, but the company and Warehouse No. 2 will no longer sell cardboard to you.”

Everyone immediately lowered their heads and whispered among themselves.

Some people even used their hands to grab the tea and started doing math on the table.

The salary increased by 4%, which, based on their current average salary of 2,600, is approximately an increase of 104 yuan.

Some people immediately became eager to act, while others remained completely unmoved.

Liao Zhihui and Qi Xiaofeng whispered to each other, their conversation seemingly unrelated.

Xia raised her hand and asked, "Miss Gu, when does this calculation begin?"

Ye Baoling: "It will start from the second month after you make the decision. Of course, this is a collective decision. Some people cannot use paper money to offset their wages while others demand a separate raise. Everyone needs to be in agreement. If there is disagreement, then the minority shall obey the majority."

Sister Liu, who had the loudest voice, said, "Of course they wouldn't agree. Every time, Group A gets more money than us for the cardboard."

Aunt Jiang chimed in, "Yes, we always take the least."

Someone in Group A retorted: "The more you work, the more you earn. We were collecting and moving cardboard, which was labor, and we didn't get much more than you."

Sister Tong retorted, "We also want the opportunity to work harder and earn more, but unfortunately we don't have that chance."

This is one of the core issues.

The room was quiet for a moment.

Taking advantage of the quiet, Ye Baoling said, "Let me do a quick survey first. Those who agree to deduct wages with paper money, please raise your hands."

Uncle Cai was the first to raise his hand.

After that, all but one or two of Liao Zhihui's group members raised their hands.

In Group B, Qi Xiaofeng, along with three or four of her trusted confidants, also raised their hands.

Ye Baoling counted, and there were a total of 12 people.

"Raise your hand if you agree to a 4% pay raise."

There are 7 people.

There are 22 people in total, including the group leader, and the ratio is currently 12:7.

Three other people, including Liao Zhihui, did not raise their hands.

Ye Baoling looked at Liao Zhihui: "Brother Hui, why didn't you raise your hand for either of the proposals?"

Liao Zhihui laughed and said, "Miss Gu, if you can give all of us a 4% raise, and then keep the paper money as a reward, then I, Liao Zhihui, will be completely convinced and will let you command me."

Upon hearing this, everyone wondered, "You can have both?"

Uncle Cai was the first to applaud: "Brother Hui is the best!!"

Faced with Liao Zhihui's desire for both, Ye Baoling laughed and said, "I think it's a good idea too. Why don't you, Brother Hui, lead everyone in writing a joint application and submit it to the HR department? Reduce your working hours to two hours a day, and have the boss give each of you an apartment, two cars, and three or four Filipino maids..."

"..."

Ye Baoling: "Anyone can be a sensationalist. The problem is, even if the boss is your father or grandfather, they might not always grant your every wish, okay?"

No one spoke.

Ye Baoling glanced at the people who had just voted for a direct pay raise. Besides Aunt Jiang, Sister Liu, and A-Xia, there were also Sister Tong, Brother Tao, and others.

These seven people should be people who have no background, are not the team leader's confidants, and do not want to continue to be subservient.

Ye Baoling continued to the next item on the agenda: "Next, regardless of which salary method we choose, we will also try a new system."

"What system?"

Ye Baoling: "Team leader rotation system. The team leader will be changed every two months. It is open to volunteers. The team leader is responsible for improving the reward and punishment system. If cardboard is used to offset wages, then the new team leader will also be responsible for the buying and selling of cardboard and the distribution of bonuses."

Being a team leader is a lucrative position, and those with ambition can't help but be tempted.

Liao Zhihui questioned, "Do the higher-ups know about this system you're talking about? Would they agree to it? This is simply reckless."

Ye Baoling calmly said, "As long as Supervisor Zhang agrees, that's fine. The higher-ups don't care about these things. Does Brother Hui have any different suggestions?"

Liao Zhihui sneered and explained, "It's not that I'm reluctant to give up this team leader position. This kind of hard and thankless job, let whoever wants it do it."

Qi Xiaofeng chimed in, "Yes, it's a thankless task."

Ye Baoling: That's perfect. You've worked so hard for so long, it's time to let the others have a turn.

"..."

"Those who want to be team leaders, come to my office today to sign up. I will discuss it with Supervisor Zhang and arrange a rotating team leader position as appropriate. As for the salary increase, I'll give everyone a week to consider it. After a week, we'll hold a formal vote." Ye Baoling stood up. "Meeting adjourned."

Back in her office, Ye Baoling drank the rest of her coffee.

Wang Simin asked her in a low voice, "What if no one signs up to be the group leader?"

impossible.

Being a team leader responsible for selling cardboard is very profitable.

Ye Baoling didn't want to say much to Wang Simin, so she said, "No, I believe at least four or five people will sign up, or even more."

Wang Simin was unaware of the shady dealings behind the cardboard. She shook her head slightly: "Just for an extra 50 yuan a month for the team leader's salary, I think it's risky."

To everyone's surprise, before long, about ten people signed up to be the group leader!

After excluding those who are uneducated or cannot write, eleven people met the requirements.

When Ye Baoling returned from lunch, she noticed Ah Cai lurking suspiciously outside the office door and asked, "Uncle Cai, what are you doing? Who are you looking for?"

Ah Cai put down the wet towel in his hand, glanced back cautiously, and then smiled and said, "Miss Gu, I'm here to register."

Oh? So he also wants to be the team leader.

Ye Baoling feigned ignorance: "Register for what?

"Sign up to be the group leader!"

Ye Baoling chuckled and joked, "Isn't that a waste of your talent?"

"Miss Gu, please give me a chance. I promise I'll remember your kindness. After selling the cardboard, um... I won't forget you." He stammered, not wanting to be too explicit.

I never thought even a troublemaker could back down.

This truly proves the saying, "Money makes the world go round."

Back at her desk, Ye Baoling pulled out an application form: "Fill out this form."

"Do I have to fill out a form? I don't know how to fill it out. I only studied for two years and don't know many words."

"How can you be a team leader if you can't even write?"

"Isn't it enough to just know how to calculate money?"

Ye Baoling withdrew the application form and refused decisively, "No."

Why not?

"The team leader is also responsible for assisting in drafting the reward and punishment system. You can't even write, how are you going to draft or write it?"

Uncle Cai was so angry that he turned around and left.

He muttered curses under his breath as he walked, afraid to say it aloud for fear that others would hear him registering.

*

Qi Yuxiu has been quite busy these past few days, and only stayed in the office for less than half an hour before planning to leave.

Zhang Laichi knocked on the door and came in: "Manager Qi, you wanted to see me?"

Qi Yuxiu had just learned that Gu Baolin had gone to the product department on the 6th floor to ask for the output data of warehouse No. 2. She guessed that the other party might be calculating the quantity of cardboard.

Furthermore, she learned from others that someone had told Gu Baolin that the leader of Group B was her relative.

This is a bomb that could explode at any moment.

"Gu Baolin's probation period is about to expire. Should we keep her?"

Zhang Laichi understood Qi Yuxiu's meaning: "She's not very capable in any area, likes to shirk responsibility, and now she doesn't get along well with the cleaners. Everyone has a lot of complaints about her."

"Okay, let's keep it simple. Write a clear evaluation report for your promotion, but make sure it's well-reasoned and supported by evidence. Also, try to be as gentle as possible in your tone."

"Should I be more gentle in my attitude?"

"Yes. Be gentle. If the application for permanent employment is rejected, just leave it to the HR department. There's no need for us to offend her."

"I see."

"I have something to take care of, so I'll be leaving now. I'll take the day off tomorrow, so I'll leave this to you." With that, Qi Yuxiu picked up her handbag and left the office with Zhang Laichi.

*

In the afternoon, Ye Baoling went to the supervisor's office to report to Zhang Laichi as soon as she arrived at work.

Zhang Laichi said, "I think the hygiene feedback is so-so. Shouldn't the cleaners on those three floors have their pay docked?"

Ye Baoling: "Manager Zhang, how much do you think is appropriate to deduct?"

"You're asking me?"

"yes."

"So what do you do for a living?"

"People can't accept deducting too much, and I'm afraid if I say it, you'll scold me."

Zhang Laichi patiently asked, "Tell me, how much do you suggest deducting?"

“I did the math. If the average salary is 2,600 yuan, and we work 25 days a month with 8 hours a day, that’s 13 yuan per hour. Cleaning two bathrooms takes more than half an hour. We should double the penalty and deduct 13 yuan from the hourly wage. That should be more appropriate.” She tried to downplay the situation.

"Deduct 13 yuan?" Sure enough, Zhang Laichi complained that it wasn't enough. "There's so much chicken scraps, this is too little! No way!"

Ye Baoling: "That's not enough. If we deduct too much, they'll rebel."

Zhang Laichi: "You set a number."

"Then deduct...2 hours' wages?"

Someone came to urge Zhang to go upstairs for a meeting, and he said irritably, "You should at least have one day's wages deducted! The one who picked up the cigarette butts should have half a day's wages deducted."

Having successfully persuaded Zhang Laichi to set the fine amount himself, Ye Baoling smiled and nodded: "That works too. In addition, to improve everyone's sense of responsibility, I'd like to implement a rotating team leader system. As the team leaders rotate, we can gradually refine the reward and punishment system."

Ye Baoling didn't give Zhang Laichi time to think about rejecting the team leader rotation system. She handed him the list directly, saying, "This is the team leader application list. Manager Zhang, please take a look and see who is suitable. We need to select two."

Replace the two team leaders?

This suited Zhang Laichi's desire to escalate the conflict perfectly. He was new and didn't know if the two team leaders had powerful backers. If they did, that would be best, as he could use them to get rid of Ye Baoling.

There's no need to be as cautious as Qi Yuxiu suggested.

Moreover, the concept of job rotation is good. He can take the opportunity to improve the various systems of the cleaning department, which can also be considered as his achievement as a supervisor.

Zhang Laichi didn't recognize any of the people on the list, so he couldn't help but ask her, "Who should we replace?"

"Either is fine. It's all about job rotation, so you'll get your turn eventually. You can also rotate through the positions one by one according to the order you signed up."

"Then you decide."

Ye Baoling nodded: "Okay."

Finally, it was decided that Xia would be the leader of Group A, and Sister Tong would be the leader of Group B.

Ye Baoling observed carefully and found that Xia was popular and kind-hearted; Tong was more educated and had a strong temper, so she should be able to withstand artillery fire. These two were capable.

*

Back at her desk, Ye Baoling called Xia and Sister Tong into the conference room alone to discuss the appointment of the team leader in detail.

Xia and Sister Tong had never been leaders before, and they were both very happy.

Xia smiled and said, "Thank you, Miss Gu, for giving me this opportunity. I will definitely do my best."

Sister Tong then asked, "When does it start?"

"The day after tomorrow. Starting the day after tomorrow, only the two of you will be qualified to handle the cardboard in warehouse number 2. I have already filled out the application, and the notification will be sent to the warehouse tomorrow."

They hadn't expected Ye Baoling to be so efficient.

"We're not ready yet."

Ye Baoling: "So I've given you a day to prepare. Don't tell anyone yet."

"Okay, okay. We dare not tell anyone."

Ye Baoling then asked, "Do you know any other friends who can work as cleaners?"

Sister Tong shook her head slightly: "I don't know many."

Xia: "I know a lot of people. Our area used to be a shantytown, and most of the residents were cleaners. Miss Gu, do we need to hire cleaners?"

"It's hard to say right now, Sister Xia. Could you help me find some people to keep in mind, preferably those who can do part-time work?"

"Doing it part-time?"

Ye Baoling stated her requirements, and A-Xia noted them down.

Before leaving get off work the next day, Ye Baoling went to the cleaning department to post a notice announcing two things.

The first thing was the penalty for failing to meet hygiene standards; the second thing was the appointment of Xia and Sister Tong as new group leaders.

As expected, the storm arrived on Thursday.

The cleaning staff went on strike!

Liao Zhihui and Qi Xiaofeng didn't show up; they just sat in the break room and didn't come out. The others sat on the floor at the entrance of the logistics department, neither leaving nor doing any work.

Their demands were: withdraw yesterday's two announcements and dismiss Gu Baolin.

When Sister Mei first encountered a strike, she loudly advised, "You can raise your different opinions, but you can't strike. Do you know how important your work is..."

"That Gu Baolin is arrogant, rude, irresponsible, and acts recklessly, trampling on our dignity!"

"Gu Baolin, get out of Ye Qingtang!"

As Zhang Laichi emerged from his office, Uncle Cai and the others rushed forward excitedly, pleading, "Manager Zhang, please do us a favor!"

The other people in the office stopped them, saying, "Don't get agitated! Everyone, step back!"

Zhang Laichi feigned reassurance, saying, "I am Zhang Laichi, the head of the logistics department. I am aware of your demands. Please trust me, this matter will definitely be resolved satisfactorily."

Just then, the phone rang.

Wang Simin quickly picked up the phone, "Hello, Logistics Department... Which floor? Okay, we'll send someone over right away!"

Just as I hung up, the phone rang again. "Logistics department... is your toilet clogged too? Which floor? Got it! Got it!"

Wang Simin hung up the phone and said, "Manager Zhang, the toilets on the 27th and 28th floors are blocked."

Sister Mei became anxious: "Why did they have to block the 28th floor of all places at this time! Aren't they blocking the Heavenly Palace?"

Zhang Laichi looked around and asked loudly, "Where is Gu Baolin?"

"I don't know," Uncle Yuan said innocently, trying to find an excuse for Ye Baoling. "She must have been busy early this morning. She's been very busy lately."

Zhang Laichi sneered, "To be nowhere to be found at a time like this is incredibly irresponsible!"

Wang Simin secretly ran out to find Ye Baoling to see if there was anything she could do to help.

Mei picked up the phone to call the toilet auger, but Zhang Laichi stopped her, asking, "What are you doing?"

Sister Mei: "I'll call someone to unclog the toilet."

Zhang Laichi insisted, "Call Gu Baolin! This is her job!!"

"..."

Sister Mei and the others in the office looked at each other, not daring to say anything.

The phone rang again, and Sister Mei answered, "What? Yesterday's garbage hasn't been taken care of? Which floor? Several floors haven't had it taken care of? Oh, I'll be right there."

Uncle Cai and the person next to him exchanged glances, their lips curling into exaggerated smiles. "Now you know how important we cleaners are, right?"

Mei Jie held her anger and didn't retort. She wanted to go upstairs to see what was going on, but Zhang Laichi stopped her again.

The striking cleaners shouted, "Please, Manager Qi, give us justice!"

Uncle Yuan asked in a low voice, "Did Manager Qi come today?"

Someone replied to him: "He's here, having a meeting on the 26th floor, I think."

*

At this moment, in the large conference room on the 26th floor, Cai Yongming, the vice president in charge of the administration and human resources department, was listening to work reports from various departments such as human resources, administration, and logistics.

Zhang Laichi came in, stood behind Qi Yuxiu, and whispered a few words to her.

Qi Yuxiu was somewhat surprised. She wanted Ye Baoling to leave, but now that the cleaners were on strike, it wouldn't do her any good either.

It will only make the leaders think that she is a poor manager.

She glared at Zhang Laichi, then quickly whispered the situation to the administrative director next to her.

Cai Yongming noticed them talking in hushed tones and asked, "What is it?"

Knowing he couldn't hide it any longer, the administrative director, Mr. Wang, quickly said, "The company's cleaning staff are on strike. The toilets on the 27th and 28th floors are clogged, and the garbage still hasn't been collected..."

"How could there be a strike? How is the management doing?"

Director Wang looked at Qi Yuxiu.

Qi Yuxiu smiled awkwardly: "A new female employee didn't handle interpersonal relationships well and angered everyone."

Human Resources Manager Li immediately realized, "It's that girl surnamed Gu, isn't it?"

Qi Yuxiu nodded: "It's her. Our logistics department is short-staffed, and Zhang Laichi originally wanted Gu Baolin to get some experience, but she didn't expect it to cause such a big problem."

Manager Li: "I hired her because I found that she was very good at typing and translation. If she is not suitable, we can terminate her employment in advance."

Cai Yongming questioned, "If she's so good at translation, why did you send her to the logistics department?"

Manager Li smiled awkwardly and explained, "She was originally going to work in the secretariat, but there were no openings, so we had to let her try out for the logistics department first. She agreed to it herself."

Cai Yongming said with a hint of impatience, "The chairman might bring guests to the company today, so you all need to hurry up and get things sorted out. Don't make any mistakes."

Zhang Laichi bowed and said, "I also bear some responsibility for this. Gu Baolin's original intention was good. Someone complained about the hygiene issues, and she handled it too aggressively. The cleaners now insist that Gu Baolin get out of the company before they will resume work."

Manager Li volunteered: "Should our HR department talk to Gu Baolin about her termination? She hasn't been officially hired yet, we can handle it in 10 minutes."

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Author's Note: Ye Baoling: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a contribution [Let me see].