Chapter Forty
Lei Tingjun scratched the back of his head, stopped, and waited for Ji Xingguo to approach before saying, "Director Ji, I've switched shifts with my coworkers to the night shift. I have something to do outside."
"What's the matter that you're going out so early?" In Ji Xingguo's eyes, Lei Tingjun was a troublemaker.
Wherever he appears, there is a possibility of unpleasant incidents such as 'fights', 'riots', and 'strife' occurring.
In the past, no matter what factory director you were, or even if the county magistrate came, with Lei Tingjun's temper, if he was unhappy, he wouldn't give you any face and would turn around and leave.
But things are different now. Ji Xingguo is Ji Wanmei's father, but also her "future father-in-law." Lei Tingjun has to think twice before facing Ji Xingguo again.
Even if he's rough around the edges and uneducated, he understands one principle: "A father-in-law will find fault with his son-in-law no matter what." Besides, he hadn't left a good impression on Ji Xingguo before, and if he were to add another bad impression now, things would get complicated later.
Lei Tingjun's attitude was quite proper. The tall man, who was 1.85 meters tall, stood very straight and nodded politely to Ji Xingguo: "It's just a personal matter. Don't worry, Director Ji, I'm not just bored and have nothing better to do than go home and rest. Why would I go out so early in the morning? It's so hot, don't you think?"
Besides, he went out to help Ji Wanmei find a suitable shop, not to just wander around aimlessly.
However, he cannot let Ji Xingguo know about his ambiguous relationship with Ji Wanmei for the time being.
Ji Xingguo gave Lei Tingjun a scrutinizing look and said in a deep voice, "I'm warning you, you better work properly and behave yourself. Don't go around causing trouble for me with your cronies all day long. Zuo Quangui's matter isn't over yet. Don't think you can get away with it by having Sun Xiaojun write a guarantee."
Lei Tingjun nodded obediently: "Okay, Director Ji, I understand."
He added, "Regarding the matter of Deputy Director Zuo's son, we have to thank you for your understanding of righteousness and for not being blinded by treacherous villains. From now on, I will definitely learn from you."
Lei Tingjun was never good at flattering others, but for Ji Wanmei's sake, he shamelessly said a few nice words to Ji Xingguo.
However, this cannot be considered going against his conscience. As the factory director of Dongfang Factory, Ji Xingguo sets an example and his conduct is impeccable. It's just that he is sometimes too traditional and rigid, and doesn't know how to be flexible.
But this isn't necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, managing such a large factory requires following the rules and regulations; otherwise, it won't be convincing.
If Lei Tingjun puts himself in Ji Xingguo's shoes, he can understand the difficulties Ji Xingguo faces in this position.
It's really strange. Just three days ago, even though Lei Tingjun secretly liked Ji Wanmei, he wouldn't have thought of it this way.
If Lei Tingjun had seen Ji Xingguo three days ago, he would have thought, "You're just a factory manager, what's so great about you?"
I, Lei Tingjun, will definitely do better than you in the future.
Don't underestimate a young man's potential. Even when he met the factory manager, he held his head high, didn't even greet him, and walked away with a cigarette in his mouth and a cold face.
But three days later, because of Ji Wanmei, Lei Tingjun no longer dared to act recklessly in front of Ji Xingguo.
A woman can have a really big influence on a man.
Especially when a man is willing to change for a woman, it only takes three days.
Seeing that Lei Tingjun's attitude was fairly proper, Ji Xingguo couldn't get angry. He originally wanted to scold and warn him, but then he thought that the ones who were really fighting and causing trouble were not Lei Tingjun, but those few thugs who always hung out with him.
Ji Xingguo then said, “Keep an eye on your little brothers. Our Dongfang Factory is a legitimate state-owned factory, not a place for you to hang out in the underworld. If you came here to hang out in the underworld, you should leave as soon as possible. If you want to hang out, go hang out outside. If you want to work hard and earn money to support your family, then work honestly and properly.”
Upon hearing the words "earning money to support the family," Lei Tingjun looked up at Ji Xingguo.
He saw a serious and earnest look in Ji Xingguo's eyes.
Lei Tingjun lowered his head and remained silent for a moment: "I've remembered what Director Ji said."
"Okay, go ahead."
As Lei Tingjun walked out of the factory gate, he suddenly turned around and glanced at Ji Xingguo's back.
Just now, he suddenly realized something.
Even for a mere ordinary employee in a factory, Ji Xingguo had such high expectations and requirements. What kind of expectations and requirements would he have for his precious daughter's future partner, the man who would take care of her for the rest of his life?
Lei Tingjun looked down at himself. He was wearing a faded short-sleeved shirt and jeans, and his Warrior shoes had been worn for more than half a year.
Poverty is his biggest label.
He had nothing of value, no parents, no house, no car, and no family background or relatives to rely on.
All he had was a young, strong body and energy, and a determination to be with Ji Wanmei.
Lei Tingjun took out a cigarette from his pocket, lit it, glanced at Dongfang Factory with a deep look, silently finished the cigarette, and then walked away.
Lei Tingjun has several well-connected friends in the county who do all sorts of jobs.
After he arrived in the county, he found his two friends, explained his purpose, and asked them to keep an eye out for any vacant shops or storefronts for rent near the county center.
Upon hearing this, his friend asked in surprise, "Brother Lei, you're not planning to work in the factory anymore? Are you going to start your own business?"
Lei Tingjun leaned against the side of the store, a cigarette his friend had just handed him, but he didn't light it. Hearing this, he looked up and glanced at the pedestrians passing by on the street.
"No, I'm asking for someone else. Anyway, keep this in mind and let me know as soon as you have any news."
In 1988, cars were a rare sight in Pingquan County. Most people rode old-fashioned bicycles or three-wheeled vehicles used for hauling goods. Occasionally, a Santana from another city would attract envious glances from many people.
Just then, Lei Tingjun was standing in front of his friend's scrap metal shop when he saw a black Santana drive by.
Lei Tingjun's eyes followed the car for a long time.
Actually, Lei Tingjun can drive. He learned from those big business owners in Haicheng a few years ago.
He earned several thousand yuan and originally planned to renovate his grandmother's old house. If he had more money left, he would buy a car.
But later, all that money was used to pay for Grandma's funeral.
Lei Tingjun wondered, if he went out and made a few thousand yuan in a few years, bought a house and a Santana, would Ji Xingguo think more highly of him?
If he were the one driving the Santana in Pingquan County right now, he could openly pursue Ji Wanmei, right?
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