Chapter 188
Every December, the Personnel Department of the Provincial Department of Industry selects a group of cadres to report on their work.
When Ye Manzhi received the call from the Personnel Department, she thought she had been chosen. All the way from the food factory to the Industrial Department, she had been cramming in her head, planning her speech for her performance report.
However, less than half an hour after entering the Personnel Department, she walked out with an incredible look on her face.
Let her go to Binjiang Shuguang Machinery Factory to be the first deputy director?
Where is the Shuguang factory?
She really has no impression of this factory at all!
The sudden transfer made her feel confused. She had already made preparations to take root in the food factory and make it bigger and stronger.
The appointment completely disrupted her plans.
After walking out of the office building of the Industrial Department, Ye Manzhi first sat down by the flower bed in front of the building.
She needs to sort out her thoughts.
She had never heard of or been to the Shuguang Machinery Factory, but according to Director Sun's introduction, the current situation of the Shuguang Factory was not ideal.
After the entire 833 Factory moved out, there seemed to be nothing left in the factory area. When the production was transferred to Shuguang Factory, the leadership team would be under great pressure.
The working environment is definitely not as comfortable as that of a food factory that has already been put on track.
However, when Shuguang Factory was in trouble, the leader thought of her, which shows that the leader recognized her work ability.
This is better than anything else!
Moreover, the administrative classification of Shuguang Factory is exactly the same as that of the Food Factory.
She was ranked last in the leadership team of the food factory. After going to Shuguang Factory, although she was still a section-level cadre, her ranking in the team could be counted from the beginning to the end!
A small improvement is always better than standing still.
After Ye Manzhi sorted out his thoughts, he gradually accepted the transfer in his heart.
She had to go to Director Xia's office. Director Xia must have recommended her for this adjustment. Otherwise, with so many options in the Personnel Department, why did they choose her?
…
In the deputy director's office, Xia Zhujun did not take any credit for herself.
She honestly told him, "The situation at Shuguang Factory isn't very good. I didn't recommend you to the Organization Department. It was the Personnel Department that put you on the candidate list."
Transferring Ye Manzhi to Shuguang Factory was a horizontal transfer. Although the team ranked higher, Ye Manzhi was still young. If he could work in the food factory for a few years, he would sooner or later be able to become the first deputy factory director.
She really didn't consider Ye Manzhi at first.
However, the organization department took the initiative to mention Ye Manzhi's name, and Shuguang Factory really needed a doer, so she gave it a push.
"You've done a good job over the past two years, and the organization department has seen your achievements," Xia Zhujun encouraged. "Go to Shuguang Factory and work hard. Let's strive to successfully convert Shuguang Factory's production as soon as possible."
When Ye Manzhi heard that it was the Personnel Department that took the initiative to investigate him, he was overwhelmed with emotion.
She nodded repeatedly and said, "Director, don't worry. I will actively cooperate with Director Lei to get the factory back on track as soon as possible."
Xia Zhujun reminded him, "I haven't had much contact with Lei Wanyuan, but I heard he's a demobilized soldier. He's stubborn and speaks bluntly, unlike the other officials in the department. Working with a comrade like him requires some wisdom."
"Also, your primary mission during your visit to Shuguang Factory is to communicate with their military representatives and secure as much equipment and funding as possible for the factory. This will be a test of your abilities. Don't be afraid of breaking up with others; keep as much as you can. Otherwise, even the best cook cannot cook without rice, and your subsequent production transition will be extremely difficult."
Factory 833 produces guns, artillery and ammunition. The local government took over Shuguang Factory, which was equivalent to taking on a hot potato.
There are thousands of mouths waiting to be fed in the factory, and it will take a while to find the product positioning of Shuguang Factory.
If no money is invested in the factory, Shuguang Factory will not last for more than a few months.
*
After listening to a lot of instructions, Ye Manzhi quickly returned to the food factory.
She understood what Director Xia meant. The province did not want to make additional investments in the Shuguang Factory.
It would be best for them to be self-reliant and find a way out.
Without financial support from the province, the most effective way is to get more products from Factory 833.
Therefore, she had to take up her position at Shuguang Factory before the other party emptied out their family assets.
Zhou Ruyi never expected that his factory director just went to the provincial department and became the factory director of someone else's factory when he came back.
"Director, are you really leaving? Why so soon?"
We were clearly discussing the issue of purchasing live pigs together this morning.
"Really? The situation at the new unit is quite complicated. I need to start working there as soon as possible." Ye Manzhi asked, "Ruyi, what are your plans for the future? Do you want to continue staying at the factory or move to the workshop?"
Zhou Ruyi was her first secretary, and she had to make arrangements for Zhou Ruyi before she left.
"I, I haven't thought about it yet. This news is too sudden!" Zhou Ruyi was completely confused. "Director, can I go to the new company with you?"
"Haha, the Shuguang Factory is in Anyang County, quite far from the city. Don't rush into making a decision. Think about it and go home to discuss it with your parents." Ye Manzhi gave her two options. "There's a vacancy for a deputy director in the newly established banquet workshop. If you still want to go back to the workshop, consider that. Also, the chief engineer's office seems to be short of a deputy director. I'll talk to General Manager Yu about it later. It wouldn't be bad for you to work under her."
Of course she wanted to bring an acquaintance to the new unit to start work.
But Zhou Ruyi's parents and family all work in a food factory, and her advantages in the factory are obvious.
Ye Manzhi was afraid that she said she wanted to go with him only for the sake of face, so she gave Ruyi two choices first. Being the deputy director of both offices had good development prospects.
If Zhou Ruyi still wants to go with her after having these two options, then she will consider the issue of transferring people.
…
The official appointment had not yet been made, so Ye Manzhi did not mention this matter to anyone else.
I went straight home after get off work.
When Wu Zhengrong walked in, he saw Director Xiao Ye lying on the Binjiang map.
"What are you looking for?"
"Find the location of Factory 833."
"Secret units are not marked on the map."
"I know. I heard that Factory 833 is in Anyang County. I want to see its approximate location."
Wu Zhengrong took off his military coat and pointed at a spot west of Anyang County. "It's probably here, around the same location as Factory 656. Factory 656 is in the southern suburbs of the city, and Factory 833 is in the western suburbs. Why are you asking this?"
In front of the father and daughter, Ye Manzhi officially announced that she was going to work at the state-owned Binjiang Shuguang Machinery Factory!
Wu Yuzhuo didn't know what was so special about this factory, but she was very supportive of her mother and exclaimed, "Wow, that's amazing!"
"Haha, what do you know? It's so amazing!" Ye Manzhi was very pleased to be praised by her daughter.
Wu Zhengrong congratulated Director Xiaoye on his progress.
However, he also expressed practical concerns: "Factory 833 is a good unit, with a large number of military supply orders each year. The factory leaders and employees have good benefits. Apart from production, there is nothing else to worry about. But the Shuguang Factory, which was spun off from Factory 833, will face considerable challenges in its development."
"It's not my turn if it's not difficult."
The branches full of leaves are self-aware.
She was not yet thirty years old, and if the situation at Shuguang Factory had not been special, the leaders would not have transferred her there.
"Captain Wu, if Shuguang Factory wants to change its production, what products are suitable for it?" Ye Manzhi asked the professional.
"They produce guns and radars. If conditions permit, it would be best if they could switch to a radio factory and produce civilian radios. With their technical level, bicycles and sewing machines should also be feasible."
Ye Manzhi nodded. "Sure, sure. The profit margins are high. If we can really make a bicycle or something, the factory won't have to worry about money. If we can't get the equipment, I'll try to talk to their military representative and have them leave some money for the factory."
Wu Zhengrong suggested, "You should try your best to secure equipment, not funds. The military factory's funding comes entirely from military appropriations, and its products are sold exclusively by the military. Therefore, the prices are very low, with only a 5% profit added on top of the cost. The factory doesn't have much capital left. Factory 833 also needs to go to the Third Front for construction, so it's impossible for them to leave any funds for you."
Ye Manzhi: “…”
Although she was the child of a military factory worker, she came from an ordinary working-class family and had no way of knowing such news.
Even Zhou Mu's father would not tell his child these things.
I didn't expect the factory's profit to be so low.
It is not certain that Factory 833 will be able to retain any funds.
Wu Zhengrong went to the study and made a few calls. After hanging up the receiver, he said to her, "The chief military representative of Factory 833 is Bai Rongwu, 40 years old. He was transferred here from Beijing two years ago. I heard he's a rough but thoughtful person, and quite a forthright person."
"It's strange to hear the word 'generous' come from the mouths of you soldiers," Ye Manzhi speculated. "Comrade Bai Rongwu, is he quite a drinker?"
Wu Zhengrong smiled: "It seems so."
“…”
"Director Xiao Ye, do you want me to say hello for you?"
"Look who throws out the jokers first when playing cards? Wu Suo, you hold your hands for now. I'll throw out a three to challenge him."
As the deputy factory director and a military dependent, Ye Manzhi was in a good position to bargain with the other party. However, she asked Wu Zhengrong to help her make introductions, which made the negotiation more difficult by involving personal relationships.
*
After quickly handing over her work at the food factory and attending the farewell party held for her by Director Yu, Ye Manzhi officially went to Shuguang Factory to take up her post accompanied by Director Sun of the Personnel Department.
Shuguang Factory is on the outskirts of the city. It takes seven bus stops to get there from the Military Academy towards the west of the city.
The name of the platform we arrived at was not "Shuguang Factory" but "Shuguang Park".
As the largest factory in Anyang County, Factory 833's factory area, family quarters, employee hospital, and affiliated factories occupy half of the county.
Because it is located in the suburbs, it is not convenient for employees to go to the city for leisure and entertainment. Therefore, Factory 833 invested in building a park near the staff quarters and named it "Shuguang Park".
This is also the only park in Binjiang City built outside the urban area.
Director Sun had been to Anyang County several times before, and upon seeing Shuguang Park again, he was still impressed: "The employee benefits at Factory 833 are truly amazing."
Ye Manzhi smiled and agreed.
Even Factory 656 didn’t even mention building a park for its employees!
The two arrived at ten o'clock in the morning.
Factory director Lei Wanyuan was waiting at the gate of Shuguang Factory with three deputy directors.
Seeing Director Sun, Lei Wanyuan stuffed his gloves into his military coat, took a few quick steps, and greeted them in a loud voice: "Director Sun, Director Ye, welcome!"
Director Sun shook hands with him and said politely, "Didn't we inform you long ago? The weather is too cold. Please don't let the comrades greet you at the factory gate."
Lei Wanyuan spoke bluntly, saying, "The security department of Factory 833 hasn't left yet. If I don't come to the door to greet you, the guards will have to make you register, which is very troublesome!"
Ye Manzhi and Director Sun: "::::::"
Director Lei speaks straightforwardly, no wonder he was retained by Factory 833.
Ye Manzhi shook hands with Lei Wanyuan and joked, "Director, I didn't bring my work ID with me today. Luckily you led the way. Otherwise, it would have been a bit troublesome for the guard to ask me to register."
"Haha, from today on, we're one of us," Lei Wanyuan said, shaking his big hand vigorously. "I'll ask the factory office to get Director Ye a new work permit later!"
After shaking hands, several people went to the small conference room for a meeting.
Director Sun read out Ye Manzhi's appointment in front of the factory leadership team.
Lei Wanyuan applauded and welcomed them, saying, "Director Ye, the factory is a bit chaotic right now. Most of the workers who went to build the small third line have left, and a small number remain. Furthermore, the military representative office is currently inventorying equipment and belongings in preparation for shipping them to the small third line. Right now isn't a good time to hold a factory-wide workers' meeting. We can hold this meeting later, when the relocation is complete and only our own workers remain."
Ye Manzhi had no objection. "Okay, I'll listen to the factory director."
Director Sun was also troubled by the mess in Shuguang Factory. After encouraging the leadership team for a few words, he left in a hurry without even having lunch in the factory.
Ye Manzhi and Director Lei were seeing off the guests. When they were alone, she took the initiative to ask, "Director, how is the factory going lately? Are the employees still working on production?"
Lei Wanyuan nodded. "Once the equipment is counted, we should stop production. Come on, Director Ye, I'll show you around the factory."
When Factory 833 was built, it was designed according to the scale of a large factory, so the factory area is very large, and the factory buildings and office buildings are arranged neatly, which is very characteristic of a military factory.
The food factory's buildings are scattered here and there, and a new workshop is built in the factory for each new business. Visually, it is not as comfortable as Factory 833.
"Director, after Factory 833 completely moves out, what products will our Shuguang Factory produce? Does the factory have a plan?"
Lei Wanyuan said, his hands behind his back, "The best solution is to produce radios."
Same as Dr. Wu's suggestion.
For a military factory like theirs, radios are the easiest product to switch to and have a certain level of technical content.
Ye Manzhi was about to nod in agreement when he heard him say, "However, most of the equipment for producing radars has been shipped to the Third Front by the Military Representative Office. The remaining equipment cannot be put into production."
“…”
Lei Wanyuan spoke very matter-of-factly: "Director Ye, let me tell you this: the workers at the military factory are the best skilled in the country. They can sew civilian radios, bicycles, sewing machines, and even auto parts—as long as we have the blueprints and the equipment, our workers can tinker with them bit by bit. Our biggest problem is a lack of funds."
"Lack of funds isn't just a problem for our Shuguang Factory. Factory 833, which is located in the small third-tier cities, faces the same problem. But the difference between the two is that they can wait for military funding from above, while we can't."
For some reason, Ye Manzhi heard some loneliness and sadness in his words.
Maybe Lei Wanyuan doesn't want to be kept in Factory 833?
She tried to liven up the atmosphere and said, "So, our most critical task now is to make money!"
"Yes, to make money."
"If we get the money, can we really produce radios and bicycles?"
Lei Wanyuan boasted, "As long as we have money and equipment, we can even produce motorcycles."
Ye Manzhi: “…”
I always feel that Director Lei is bragging.
*
There was no staff meeting that day, but there was still a welcome banquet for the new factory director.
Director Shi from the factory office prepared a feast in the cafeteria.
In addition to the five directors and deputy directors of Shuguang Factory, military representative Bai Rongwu and Deputy Director Sun, who was left behind from Factory 833, were also invited.
Lei Wanyuan raised his glass to welcome Director Ye and said to the others, "Director Ye may look young and a woman, but don't underestimate her. The current state of Shuguang Factory is definitely giving the provincial government a headache. Since Director Ye was sent to our factory by the provincial government, she must be quite capable."
"I've asked someone I know about Director Ye. He's a college graduate, very good at economics, and was very successful at the food factory. Our factory is in need of someone who can make money!"
“…”
She didn't feel it when she was outside just now, but now Lei Wanyuan's voice was like a loud bell. Ye Manzhi, who was sitting next to him, felt her ears buzzing.
Lei Wanyuan continued, "We used to be a military factory, with military funds covering everything, so we didn't have to worry about operating the business. But from now on, that's no longer the case. Everyone in our factory, from employees to factory managers, must change their identities and mindsets, and transform their working methods and styles to adapt to the new situation."
Ye Manzhi raised his glass, clinked glasses with several comrades, and downed half a glass of baijiu before saying, "Director Lei's words make sense, but I don't agree!"
Others: “…”
You're already going against Lao Lei as soon as you get here?
Just now I thought she drank quite happily.
Ye Manzhi ignored other people's reactions, glanced at Lei Wanyuan, and smiled politely at Bai Rongwu.
"It's right to change your identity and mindset as quickly as possible to adapt to the new situation, but I don't agree with Shuguang Factory changing its working methods and style."
"Shuguang Factory was born out of Factory 833. As a military factory, we possess many qualities not found in other factories. Director Lei just told me that the technical level of our workers at this military factory is the highest in the country, and I completely agree. In addition to their strong technical skills, our workers also possess the highest levels of organization, discipline, and ideological awareness."
"The military factory has a military-style approach, where orders are strictly followed and organizational discipline and labor regulations are observed. This is crucial to the development of the enterprise. We have high technical standards, strong organizational discipline, and a strong sense of unity and cohesion. As long as we can maintain this advantage, we will definitely achieve economic benefits."
Ye Manyi stood up and took the initiative to fill the wine glasses of several factory directors and military representatives.
As if she was drunk, she stood there, her body swaying a little.
Lei Wanyuan took care of the new and only female comrade, "Director Ye, just have a few sips as a token of your appreciation."
He didn't expect that Director Ye was so good at drinking. He drank two taels of white wine in a short time.
Ye Manzhi waved her hand and said, "It's okay. This is my first time meeting you all today. From now on, we'll be fighting together in the same trench! I'm so happy to be able to work at Factory 833!"
She swayed her upper body again, raised her wine glass and said, "Like everyone else, I also came from a military factory. I've been there even longer than you have. Do you believe it?"
Deputy Factory Director Kang Jian jokingly said, "Is Director Ye drunk and starting to brag?"
"I'm not exaggerating. My father worked at Factory 656, and I could hear the factory bugle call every day from the age of fifteen. When I moved into the family compound at seventeen, I heard it from morning till night. You could say that, except for the years I was in college, and oh, except when I was on business trips, I heard the bugle call almost every day, for a full twelve years! Many soldiers in the army haven't heard it as long as I have! Now, if I don't hear it one day, I actually feel quite uncomfortable!"
Lei Wanyuan agreed: "I'm the same way. I'm used to hearing it. If I don't hear it one day, I always feel like something is missing!"
Ye Manzhi raised her glass towards Bai Rongwu and said with a smile, "Captain Bai, my wife is also a soldier. I've been a military dependent for eight years. The military and the people are one family. Seriously speaking, you are my in-laws. Am I right?"
Bai Rongwu: "..."
The military and civilians have been made one family, how can he say it is wrong?
"No problem, I'll be your in-laws!"
He has always been generous when drinking. When a female comrade handed the glass to him, could he be timid?
No way!
So he also stood up and wanted to clink glasses with Ye Manzhi.
Ye Manzhi pulled back the wine glass and said with a thick tongue, "I won't clink glasses with you yet. I have an unwelcome request. If you agree, we can clink glasses. If not, I'll drink a glass myself to spare you the embarrassment! How do you think?"
Bai Rongwu: "Tell me what it is first."
He actually had a rough idea in his mind that Director Ye was sent by the provincial department to take over Shuguang Factory.
The biggest challenge facing Shuguang Factory is the lack of money and equipment.
Ye Manzhi smiled and said, "Actually, before my boss asked me to come to Shuguang Factory, he repeatedly urged me to get more equipment for Shuguang Factory, and even if there was no equipment, to get some funds to facilitate Shuguang Factory's future production transformation. I signed a military order with my boss at the time to ensure that I would complete the task."
Bai Rongwu: "..."
Let him just say it.
"But after arriving at our factory, especially after hearing the lunch break bugle call, I changed my mind. For Shuguang Factory, the most valuable thing isn't the equipment, but the people! It's the spirit and confidence of our military factory!"
"I feel miserable if I don't hear the bugle call for a day. Imagine the thousands of workers left behind by Factory 833. If one day they suddenly find the familiar bugle call has become the factory bell for dismissal, how miserable would they be?"
Ye Manzhi raised his glass and said, "Captain Bai, I'm new here and don't know much about the equipment, money, and other things, so I won't mention them for now. I only want to ask you for one thing. Before Factory 833 leaves completely, can you please leave the military bugle with us? Although the military representative office has evacuated, the Shuguang Factory still has a militia battalion. Can you give the military bugle to our militia battalion?"
Bai Rongwu only thought she would ask for equipment, but he didn't expect that what she wanted was a military bugle! He glanced at the others at the table; everyone seemed to be waiting for his answer.
He felt a bit uncomfortable, rubbed his face, picked up his wine glass, and clinked it against the glass opposite him. He said decisively, "Director Ye, I agree. This is settled. Leave the bugle behind before you leave!"
Ye Manzhi's wine glass was full, but when the other party hit it hard, half of it spilled out unexpectedly.
However, she is a real person at the dinner table and never does anything deceitful.
She picked up the bottle and refilled her glass, then said sincerely, "Captain Bai, I'm new here, so I can't represent all the employees at Shuguang Factory. Today, I'd like to thank you, Captain Bai, on my own behalf!"
The two men clinked their glasses again, tilted their heads back and drank the wine in their glasses.
Seeing this, Bai Rongwu praised: "Director Ye is a good drinker, you are a good person!"
Ye Manzhi wiped the tears from her eyes and praised drunkenly, "Captain Bai is quite straightforward! I'm willing to drink with straightforward people like you. It's still some time before Factory 833 is completely moved out, so let's find a chance to drink a few more times!"
If she asked for things as soon as she arrived, she would definitely not be able to do so. She could tell from Captain Bai's initial wary expression.
Both parties need to communicate with each other several times to gain some face before she can ask for things from others.
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