Chapter 328 Intelligence Work - Professional Thinking (like a badger)
"Factory manager! Our factory has received a lot more orders!"
With the conclusion of the seminar and the appearance of Factory Director Qin, Feiyan Textile Factory and Factory Director Qin were brought into the public eye. Major shopping malls in Shanghai set up "Feiyan Fenghua" counters to sell textile fabrics and garments from Feiyan Textile Factory, as well as "Baoxi Yan" dolls.
Some women even specifically asked to buy: "The lipstick that Factory Director Qin uses!"
...
The "Flying Swallow Oriental Charm" cosmetics not only sold out in Shenzhen, the special economic zone, but also completely sold out in Shanghai. Furthermore, the "Flying Swallow" brand image, thanks to the popularity of the TV series, has become a cultural symbol that is "story-driven, tasteful, and represents the spirit of women in the new era".
"Factory manager, shouldn't we also open a new daily chemical production line in Shanghai? The production capacity in the special economic zone alone may not be enough!"
At that time, there were many textile factories in China. Shanghai alone had textile factories of all sizes, plus small workshops, probably numbering in the dozens. However, there were very few domestic brands selling lipsticks and other daily cosmetics and skincare products, while demand was growing rapidly.
It is feared that the production capacity of the special economic zone's production lines will not be able to meet the needs of the whole country and the world.
"This is really troublesome..." Factory Director Qin's breath hitched, and he suddenly felt a splitting headache. If he were to add a cosmetics production line in Shanghai, in the old Shangpu Textile Factory? This... this is just too difficult.
The most practical solution is to expand the production lines of the special economic zone branch. They have readily available machinery and experience. However, Wang Youyou is also right; it is very necessary for them to add daily chemical production lines in Shanghai.
However, it would be difficult to expand the Shangpu Textile Factory further. If a new factory were to be built, it would be an enormous undertaking.
That damned Li Jianzhi said their Shanghai Shangpu branch factory site might be demolished in the future? Is there really such a chance?
"Adding production lines in Shanghai will be discussed separately. The most practical solution at present is to open a new production line in the special economic zone factory and expand the factory area..."
...
Secretary Li reported another matter to Qin Xiangxiang: "Factory Director Qin, now that we are implementing a dual-track pricing system, we must take more consideration when purchasing materials for factory construction."
The dual-track pricing system means that for the same product, there are two prices: one for planned goods, which is the planned price; and the other for goods produced outside the plan, which is priced according to the "market price" and can fluctuate with the market.
Including grain, at this time a type of "negotiated grain" emerged that did not require grain coupons.
The same applies to other supplies.
The implementation of the dual-track pricing system also created space for various "scalpers" to make a living. For example, planned goods were cheaper, but purchasing them required various cumbersome application procedures.
Unplanned goods sold at negotiated prices are expensive.
In addition, the country is so vast that the shortage and abundance of supplies vary from place to place. For example, a factory here may have a large stockpile of supplies that it cannot sell even at the lowest possible price; while on the other hand, some small businesses in towns and villages are not eligible to purchase planned supplies and can only buy and sell at high prices.
"How about we set up an intelligence network too?" Qin Xiang thought, swallowing another sentence that was on his lips—find me a "melon king" (a term for someone who is good at making gossips).
If you want to procure materials at low prices, it's best to establish a nationwide material intelligence network to know where there are surplus materials and where the raw materials are of good quality and cheap, so you won't be taken advantage of.
Based on Qin Xiangxiang's past experience, "intelligence (gossip) work" is actually the most important thing in carrying out the work.
From the very beginning, when she went to the island with the army, she experienced the benefits of contacting the "head of the intelligence department of the family compound". Later, when she managed the textile factory, she also started with intelligence work.
Having an intelligence network is better than being blind and clueless.
"Build an intelligence network?"
Qin Xiangxiang said righteously, "Yes, our Feiyan Textile Factory should establish a special material intelligence network to frequently inquire about information from major material bureaus and building material companies, and ideally, to regularly find out more information about low-priced materials for our textile factory..."
If we can get even more gossip from this, that would be great.
Previously, intelligence agents only conducted small-scale operations, such as working in family compounds or inside factories. Now, the intelligence agents assigned to them are to gather information from the outside world—to spy on external threats.
You might even hear some juicy gossip.
Qin Xiangxiang took the initiative to contact Wei Shanhe and asked him to inquire: "Are there any veterans who are good at communications, reconnaissance, eavesdropping, and information analysis who can come to our factory as material investigation and intelligence officers?"
Wei Shanhe: "A materials investigation intelligence officer?"
Wei Shanhe was originally a reconnaissance soldier, and he had his own unique skills in reconnaissance. However, while he was good at observation, data analysis and such... there were indeed other experts there.
Qin Xiangxiang said, "Yes, now that we have a dual-track pricing system, our joint factory consumes a lot of materials every month. It would be best to organize a suitable intelligence network to collect information on various low-priced materials..."
Wei Shanhe: "Factory Director, I know a retired brother, Xu Xiaoman. He used to be a communications soldier in the army. Before he retired, he was responsible for listening and signal analysis. He has exceptionally sharp ears, you could say he has 'all ears'."
Qin Xiangxiang's eyes lit up: "Then let's call him over and have him help organize a material intelligence network to guide the factory's procurement work."
As expected, there are many talented people in the military. Qin Xiang thought about how the intelligence chiefs she had previously recruited were either "Sister XX" or "Aunt XX," but now she finally found a professional. This guy can even do eavesdropping!
"good!"
It took Wei Shanhe some effort to reconnect with his old friend Xu Xiaoman, who was doing an ordinary, honest job in his hometown after retiring from the military.
Sometimes, it feels like my time in the military was a dream.
"Brother Shanhe, why did you suddenly contact me?"
Wei Shanhe: "I need to talk to you about something. You know, I'm in the Special Economic Zone right now..."
"I'm so envious of you. All the skills I learned in the army are useless after I left." Xu Xiaoman sighed regretfully. Just like those tank soldiers, a communications soldier like him had no use for his skills after leaving the army. It's not as good as someone like Wei Shanhe, who is good at martial arts and can be a security captain.
Alternatively, one could learn to cook, serve as a head cook for a few years, and then open a restaurant after leaving the army. The best option, however, was to learn driving skills in the army and become a driver after leaving the army, as that would be highly sought after.
Wei Shanhe: "Our factory needs someone like you right now. I've recommended you to the factory manager. Would you like to come and work here?"
Xu Xiao was extremely surprised: "Me? What can I do?"
Wei Shanhe: "Our factory director wants to establish a 'materials intelligence network' in the factory. Our Feiyan United Factory has three subsidiary factories. The special zone factory is still under construction and is preparing for expansion. We need to consume a lot of raw materials every month. Now the country has implemented a dual-track pricing system, which has brought tremendous pressure to the procurement staff."
"Our factory manager wants to establish a material intelligence network to find cheaper, compliant, and high-quality raw materials for Feiyan United Factory."
"I was thinking, isn't gathering and analyzing intelligence exactly what you, Xu Xiaoman, are best at!"
Xu Xiaoman was stunned: "...Inquiring about supplies?"
His heart stopped for a moment. Xu Xiaoman, a retired communications soldier, never imagined that his skills would be so useful after his discharge from the army.
Looking for information on raw material prices?
What kind of material reserves are needed to ensure factory production? How can raw materials be purchased at low prices?
Xu Xiaoman: "Is this Factory Director Qin a genius? He's too smart!"
Xu Xiaoman became excited; he felt he could do this! And it was a good thing!
Back in the military, we simulated reconnaissance and eavesdropped on enemy intelligence. After retiring, what about the Blue Team? But society is also a big melting pot, a big stage.
He can help the state-owned textile factory find out and record information about low-priced material purchases.
"Thank you for the recommendation, Brother Shanhe. So... when can I report for duty? What should I bring? Materials?"
Xu Xiaoman was also fed up with this ordinary life after leaving the army and wanted to find a more challenging job. He was very interested in the "material intelligence network" proposed by Wei Shanhe.
He has a naturally good hearing and is good at finding out information.
Wei Shanhe: "Then just buy your train ticket and come straight over. Bring your ID, it's okay if you forget it, we're all here. Remember, it's the Pengcheng Feiyan Branch Factory in the Special Economic Zone, also known as Shekou Industrial Zone. Just buy your train ticket, and I'll have my brother pick you up at the train station. Let's agree on a time in advance. Don't wander around when you come to the Special Economic Zone, and keep in touch with me. You need to get a border pass here, which involves a lot of procedures. We'll take you through the process."
"Okay, thank you, brother."
After learning about Xu Xiaoman, a professional intelligence officer, from Wei Shanhe, Qin Xiangxiang was still not satisfied. Perhaps it was because people's appetites had increased year by year, or perhaps it was because she had gone to university, but she felt that her "gossip-eating career" required more advanced professionals.
It doesn't just stop at the older sister and aunt.
Establish a more professional intelligence network for gossiping.
Xu Xiaoman, an experienced veteran of communications... He's very professional and capable. What kind of partner should we find for him, or what else do we need?
We also need a suitable, highly educated person who is good at analysis.
"You like math, physics, and chemistry so much... can you recommend a major that would suit me?"
Qin Xiangxiang, wearing pajamas and with moisturizer on her face, spoke to the man lying on his side on the bed, watching her movements.
She winked playfully: "Ideally, someone who's a professional gossipmonger."
You know what I mean.
Li Jianzhi: "..."
His wife thought about it and realized that he was indeed keeping up with the times and becoming increasingly ambitious.
—Think about the professional hedgehog.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com