After Qin Huairu was diagnosed with pregnancy, Jia Zhangshi became a workhorse again, burying herself in hard work. This time, however, she did it willingly and did not cause any trouble.
When Jia Dongxu went to work, his back pain and leg soreness disappeared, and he felt exceptionally energetic.
Ever since He Daqing was arrested, the food at the steel mill canteen has been terrible. If it weren't for the fact that the canteen manager was related to Lou Bancheng, he would have been fired long ago.
Just before the Lunar New Year, Lou Bancheng spent a high price to poach a Sichuan cuisine master from Hongbinlou, and only then did the canteen's food improve.
This Sichuan cuisine master is named Liu Dachuan, the head chef of Sichuan cuisine at Hongbinlou Restaurant, a good friend of He Daqing, and the master chef of Shazhu.
Liu Dachuan had no other requests, except that he wanted to take Shazhu with him, because if he left, Shazhu probably wouldn't be able to continue working. Lou Bancheng thought about it and figured it was just a temporary job anyway, so he agreed.
And so, after going around in circles, Sha Zhu miraculously returned to the steel rolling mill.
Upon hearing this news, Sun Zhengguo couldn't help but sigh, "No wonder he's the protagonist! In the end, he still ended up at the steel rolling mill. What a strange fate."
Lou Bancheng has been very troubled lately, extremely troubled. Some time ago, at a gathering of friends, news spread that the government was preparing for a public-private partnership, which had reportedly been approved. Lou Bancheng was very anxious.
Today, Lou Bancheng is preparing to host some leaders at the factory, including a vice minister and two directors from the Ministry of Metallurgy, to find out what the rules are for the joint public-private ownership, otherwise he won't have any confidence!
At noon, several leaders arrived at the steel rolling mill on time. Lou Bancheng held a small welcoming ceremony, then led them to take a quick look around the steel rolling mill workshop before heading straight to the canteen's private room.
After everyone was seated, the dishes were served. One delicious dish after another had already been prepared and was just waiting for the guests to arrive. The secretary next to him saw that the dishes were almost all served and began to pour wine. After Lou Bancheng gave a welcome speech, the luncheon began.
After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Lou Bancheng began today's conversation.
"Minister Liu, Director Qin, Director Qian, I apologize for inviting you here today. I wonder if the dishes suit your tastes. If they don't, I will go and criticize them later."
The two directors smiled without saying a word, and simultaneously looked at Minister Liu.
"Old Lou! We've known each other for many years. This is a trap for you today. Looks like you won't be leaving without showing some real skills, haha..."
The man Lou Bancheng referred to as Minister Liu replied with a smile, speaking in a thick Sichuan accent.
"The leader's words were too harsh, and I had no choice but to find out what happened. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to eat or sleep properly."
"Public-private partnership means gradually transforming capitalist industry and commerce into socialist public ownership. This is an inevitable trend that no one can change. However, the state will not let you suffer losses. Since it is a joint venture, the scale will definitely be expanded. This will benefit both the state and individuals. However, the organization will send people down to participate in management."
Minister Liu stopped there, letting Lou Bancheng process the information.
After listening, Lou Bancheng roughly understood what it meant.
After the joint venture, the gadolinium steel plant will belong to the state, and the state will invest in it to expand its scale. You will only be a shareholder, receiving dividends and not participating in management.
Although I understand it, I can't feel at ease, especially after Minister Liu said that "the trend is inevitable and no one can change it." That statement was very hurtful.
"Of course, you shouldn't feel pressured. This process will be slow and won't be accomplished overnight. Director Qian will be in charge of the specifics at that time. If you have any opinions, both parties can raise them then."
The group talked for a while longer, testing each other's bottom line. Seeing that Lou Bancheng seemed distracted, they ended the conversation hastily and agreed to send a working group down a week later to liquidate the assets.
After seeing off Minister Liu and his entourage, Lou Bancheng stood at the factory gate, staring at the large characters "Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill," unwilling to move for a long time, as if reminiscing about his past glory.
A week later, the working group from the Ministry of Metallurgy arrived. Lou Bancheng did not make things difficult for them and directly assigned his subordinates to cooperate with the work.
Three months later, the steel mill's assets had been liquidated, and the negotiations were now in their final stages. Because Lou Bancheng had given up all his rights, the negotiations were able to proceed so quickly.
The final decision was that the state would invest in increasing the size of the steel rolling mill from 3,000 to 5,000 employees. At that time, the state would hold 39.5% of the shares, while Lou Bancheng would hold 60.5%. The factory would be taken over by state-appointed personnel, with Lou Bancheng serving as the private manager.
Lou Bancheng was quite decisive. He immediately stated that he would donate 11.5% to the country, while he would only take 49%, indicating that he would completely relinquish control.
After learning of the news, the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry reported it to the Central Committee, which decided to establish a model and bestow upon Lou Bancheng the title of "patriotic businessman".
Next, the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry sent people to take over the steel rolling mill, and Lou Bancheng also withdrew all his people to make room for others.
It took about six months for the steel rolling mill to successfully complete its joint venture, marking it as one of the first state-owned enterprises. (Some joint ventures were completed as early as the founding of the People's Republic of China, while others were completed as late as 1956.)
After the public-private partnership was established, Sun Dajiang and his wife became the direct beneficiaries.
First was Lin Wencui. Because of her high level of education and the shortage of manpower in the trade union and women's federation, she was promoted from a level 3 clerk to a level 1 clerk.
Sun Dajiang's former electrician group was changed to an electrician section, with Sun Dajiang serving as the section chief. He was also given an allocation quota for an electrician section.
When Sun Dajiang got home from get off work that evening, he brought up the matter and wanted to discuss with Lin Wencui who should receive the allocation quota.
"Dad, can I have this spot?"
Sun Zhengguo asked anxiously.
"No, this spot is hard to keep, and we have to use it now. You won't be able to continue your studies. Besides, the job you'll be assigned after graduation won't be any better than this."
"No, Dad, you've misunderstood. I don't want it myself; I'm asking for it on behalf of someone else."
"You little rascal, do you not know how precious a spot for a construction worker is, or are you stupid? You're asking for it for someone else."
Sun Dajiang was so angry at Sun Zhengguo that he laughed.
"Believe it or not, if I were to spread the word today that I have job openings, our doorstep would be worn down by tomorrow."
“What are you thinking, Dad? The other person I’m talking about isn’t an outsider. My cousin Lin Jiguo is 17 years old this afternoon. He’s been unemployed since graduating from junior high school, which has been worrying me a lot. This job would be perfect for my cousin.”
Lin Wencui's eyes lit up when she heard her son's words.
"Yes! We all forgot about the eldest brother's child, and among all these relatives, Ji Guo is the most suitable."
After Lin Wencui finished speaking, she looked at Sun Dajiang, since Sun Dajiang was the head of the family and it was up to him to make the decision.
"Why are you all looking at me! If Ji Guo is suitable, then let's give it to him."
Hearing Sun Dajiang's words, Sun Zhengguo breathed a sigh of relief. He always remembered his grandfather's kindness to him.
Lin Wencui was also very happy because they were her family, but her husband still agreed.
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