The factory manager lowered his raised hand, cleared his throat, and said, "Comrades, good news! Two comrades came to the factory today and said they want to take over our factory buildings, machinery, and workers. The factory can operate normally from now on, and you don't have to worry about not having jobs." Some people asked curiously, "Really? Can we really continue working?" They've been driven crazy lately; several people in their families are waiting to buy rice to cook. If they suddenly lose their jobs, their whole family will starve! Some people asked, "Will the benefits be the same as before? Now that they've bought it, it's a private enterprise. Will the benefits be much lower?" After all, in this day and age, factory benefits are very good. Children have special schools, and you don't have to worry too much. This issue needs to be clarified. What if they're a ruthless exploiter? Others asked, "What if they fire us after they take over?" After all, in state-owned enterprises, as long as you don't make any fundamental mistakes, it's generally a secure job that can be passed down to the next generation. But in a private enterprise, they can fire whoever they want. The factory manager continued, "Comrades, don't worry, Comrade Xia assured me he wouldn't fire you arbitrarily." Xia Liang interrupted him, saying, "Comrades, I am Xia Liang, who plans to purchase the factory. Let me briefly explain. First, I intend to use this factory as a garment factory, so you will continue doing the same work as before. However, as you all know, even state-owned factories can go bankrupt, so there's even less guarantee for our privately owned factory. Regarding dismissals, as long as you work honestly, don't cheat or shirk your duties, and keep your hands clean, why would I fire you, right? As for compensation, it's only been a few years since the private economy was liberalized, and we don't have that much money yet. It's impossible to offer the same level of compensation as when it was a state-owned enterprise. But if one day we are able to make money, the compensation will..." "No problem. That's all I have to say. Those who want to stay, please stand to my left. Those who don't want to stay and want to find another way, please stand to my right. As for those who are dishonest and like to cheat, I ask them to leave now. After all, if I take over this factory, I can't let them off as easily as before. If they get caught, they'll be fired at best, and reported to the police at worst. I hope everyone will think carefully before making a choice." For a moment, most people chose to stay and stood to Xia Liang's left. A very small number of people hesitated and said, "Whether I'm honest or not is up to you. If I work honestly and you still say I'm not honest, where can I go to reason with you? Everyone agrees, right?" For a moment, many people were a little restless. Yes! After all, a private factory is different from before. Where is there any fairness in a private factory? Seeing that he was stirring up trouble, Xia Liang sneered and said, "Since that's what you think, you can choose not to stay. And those who chose to stay before, I'll give you another chance. You can stay or leave, it's up to you." After saying that, Xia Liang shut her mouth, not wanting to speak anymore. The crowd whispered among themselves, and more than 98% of those who had just chosen to stay shouted, "We choose to stay!" Xia Liang nodded, "Then you all move a little further inside. As for the rest who don't want to stay, let them go."
Aside from those who chose to stay, the others stood there bewildered. Several hesitated for a moment before deciding to stay and walk into the crowd. In truth, they weren't unconcerned about future unfair treatment, but the immediate issue concerned the survival of their entire families, leaving them no room for further hesitation. Xia Liang glanced at the remaining troublemakers, knowing they were the type who didn't work hard but were envious of others' success. She smiled contemptuously, "Then the rest of you can leave. I can't afford to hire more than a few." Seeing Xia Liang's direct dismissal, the group instantly became resentful: "Why? Factory manager, do you see? It's not even her factory yet, and she dares to kick us out. If it really becomes her factory later, will we workers still have a place to stand? Everyone agree, am I right?" They then looked at the group standing who had chosen to stay. The factory manager remained silent. The masses always had an influence, and some whispered in agreement with his words. Xia Liang wasn't angry; after all, opportunists were easy to deal with. Once they were scarened and wouldn't waver, it wouldn't be a problem. However, seeing him still trying to incite people at this point, she said impatiently, "Since your factory hasn't decided yet..." "Once you've decided whether to sell the factory or not, I won't bother you any longer. After all, there are a few other factories in the city waiting for me to check out." Saying this, he turned to leave. The factory manager panicked and quickly tried to stop him, saying, "Comrade Xia, wait a moment, we can still discuss it." Xia Liang didn't speak. Those who had chosen to stay, seeing their savior about to leave, didn't dare to be arrogant anymore. One middle-aged woman pointed at the young man who had just stirred things up and said, "Wang Ergou, you're just afraid of being fired by the manager! If you worked honestly, Comrade Xia wouldn't be unreasonable. Why would he fire you? If you continued like before, never showing up for work, doing five out of ten, Comrade Xia probably wouldn't fire you so easily." As soon as she finished speaking, others joined in criticizing the man, praising Xia Liang, afraid that he might get angry and refuse to buy the factory. They figured they could deal with the future later; getting the job was the priority.
Seeing that no one was on his side, the young man could only quietly retreat to the back and remain silent. Xia Liang was only pretending anyway. Such a good place, such good conditions—if she didn't seize it, where else could she find such a place? Ready-made factory buildings, ready-made machines, and workers—saving her the trouble of recruiting and training people herself. Although it was in the suburbs now, it wouldn't be like that in the future! Thinking of this, Xia Liang couldn't help but feel excited, but she still restrained herself and said, "Actually, it's not that there's no other way. I won't follow the previous model anymore. Eating from the same pot is unfair to many hardworking comrades. Why should those who do the most work receive the same pay as those who slack off? From now on, when I take over, it will be all based on work performance—the more you work, the more you earn." Some of them were happy. They were very efficient, but as Xia Liang said, if those who did more work received the same pay as those who did less work, it would become unbalanced over time, and they would start to slack off. If it were based on work performance, they would have to work hard and show their true abilities.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com