Chapter 343 Pretending to be a Returning Businessman in a Historical Novel (16)
Zhou Jue is asleep.
Throughout the entire Red Star Commune, everyone was enveloped in a restless atmosphere, and no one could sleep the night before the recruitment exam.
For the first time ever, the kerosene lamps in every household stayed lit all night.
Those textbooks that were unearthed, with their edges worn and creased, became more precious than food coupons.
The hoarse sounds of reciting lessons drifted from the windows, merging into a buzzing cacophony.
"Thirty yuan a month!"
"It's thirty yuan! They'll even give you grain coupons and cloth coupons!"
"Honey, if our kid gets into college, we'll finally be set for life!"
"If you don't pass the exam, you'll end up like me, toiling in this field for the rest of your life!"
Similar conversations unfolded in every room with its lights on.
The desire for the future overwhelmed the exhaustion, overwhelmed everything else.
This is no longer an ordinary exam; it is the only ticket to another world.
On the day of the exam, before dawn, the entrance to the new factory area was already packed with people.
A sea of black heads, stretching as far as the eye could see.
The young people who came to take the exam all had dark circles under their eyes, bloodshot eyes, and were clutching a small booklet tightly in their hands.
The family members of the candidates who came along were even more nervous than the candidates themselves, standing in the outer circle, tiptoeing to peek inside.
"Do your best on the exam! You absolutely must do well on the exam!"
"Don't be nervous, just treat it like you're doing a regular practice problem!"
"This is a secure job! A lifelong commitment!"
"Mom, I know. I'll take another look at the book and memorize a few more sentences, just in case I happen to get them on the test."
"Okay, okay, look, look."
"Dad, stop talking! Your son is so smart, how could I possibly fail the exam!"
"Xiaoman, let's have a competition and see who does better on the test!"
"Okay, if I lose, you have to buy me face cream!"
......
Director Li and Section Chief Zhang, along with their men, shouted themselves hoarse while maintaining order in the crowd.
The invigilators sent by the city, dressed in neat cadre uniforms, stood at the door with serious expressions, holding name lists and seals, like two door gods.
Some commune members who had been hoping to get away with it by asking someone to pass on a message saw this scene and their hopes immediately vanished.
This discipline is stricter than that of any previous recruitment drive in a large state-owned factory.
It seems that what Ms. Zhou said wasn't just empty talk; she meant it.
Three days later, the results were announced.
After a few days of silence, the commune's loudspeaker started crackling with static again.
The entire commune fell silent instantly.
In the fields and in the yards, everyone stopped what they were doing, held their breath, and listened intently.
"...The first batch of recruits for the silk products factory is now announced..."
The announcer cleared his throat and began reading the names in an unprecedentedly solemn tone.
"First place, Zhou Xiaoman."
In the Zhou family courtyard, Liu Guifen, who was chopping firewood, dropped her axe on the ground with a "clatter".
She froze for a few seconds, then burst into a huge cry of joy.
"Second place, Li Jianguo."
"Third place, Wang Xiuying."
...
Each time a name was called, a family erupted in deafening cheers and cries.
Families whose names weren't called waited anxiously while secretly praying.
Those who usually rely on their connections to get ahead by being relatives of officials didn't hear their own names once, no matter how long they listened.
Their faces gradually fell, eventually turning ashen. Although disappointed, most of them were convinced.
Ms. Zhou used an exam to show everyone what fairness is.
Educated youth settlement.
Lin Wanwan sat on the edge of the bed, her hands tightly clasped together, her palms sweaty.
When the name "Lin Wanwan" was clearly heard from the loudspeaker, she jumped up as if she had been electrocuted.
"I...I passed the exam?"
She murmured to herself, somewhat incredulous.
The educated youth next to her immediately gave her a push, their eyes full of envy.
"Wanwan! It's you! You passed the exam!"
"Oh my god! You really passed the exam!"
Lin Wanwan's mind went blank for a moment, and an overwhelming joy washed over her like a tidal wave.
She passed the exam!
She really passed the exam!
She no longer needs to work in the fields to earn work points! She no longer needs to face the mud and farm work!
She can finally live a decent life like a city dweller!
"Very good!"
She jumped up, spun around in joy, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
This is pure joy, unadulterated by any impurities.
It is the sense of accomplishment and excitement that comes from working hard to achieve a bright future.
......
In the factory manager's office.
Zhou Jue handed a document to Deputy Factory Director Wang.
"Director Wang, from now on, you will be in charge of all the daily production and management of the factory."
Deputy Factory Director Wang took the document and paused for a moment.
He thought Zhou Jue would personally oversee things for at least a few months, but he didn't expect him to delegate authority so quickly. And the project hasn't even started yet!
This young factory manager had more courage and determination than he had imagined.
He nodded immediately, his expression solemn: "Director Zhou, please rest assured!"
"Mission accomplished!"
Zhou Jue looked at him with a slight smile on his face.
"When it comes to managing people and affairs, I trust your experience."
"In a few days, I need to go out and contact overseas sales channels."
A hint of shock flashed in Deputy Factory Director Wang's eyes, followed by even deeper admiration. The factory hadn't even officially started production yet, and she was already laying the groundwork for overseas markets!
"Alright! Director Zhou, you can go with peace of mind!" He nodded emphatically: "Overseas channels are the key to our factory's long-term development! Don't worry about things at home!"
Zhou Jue smiled and nodded, watching Deputy Factory Director Wang leave.
She closed the office door, stretched, and leaned back in her soft chair.
Everything is finally arranged.
It's time to give yourself a break.
......
A week later, nearly two hundred new workers, carrying their ID cards, stepped into the brand-new factory area for the first time.
They changed into the uniform blue work clothes that were distributed to them, their faces showing restraint, curiosity, and barely concealed excitement.
Looking at the spacious and bright factory, the spotless floor, and the machines that had never been seen before, gleaming with a metallic sheen, everyone felt like they were dreaming.
Everything here is completely different from what they imagined a factory to be.
It's so new, so clean, so grand.
The deputy factory director, a retired cadre from a textile factory in the city who was rehired, surnamed Wang, was standing on the stage announcing the treatment and regulations for the new workers.
His voice was loud and clear, carrying the meticulousness of the older generation of workers.
"...Our factory doesn't employ idlers or lazy people! Anyone who wants to come in and coast along can get out of here now!"
"But! Anyone who works diligently, has skills and abilities, will never be treated unfairly by the factory! Bonuses, promotions, everything!"
The young people in the audience listened with great enthusiasm, their chests ramrod straight.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com