deltrittennovels Chapter 62 Secretary Zhang Comes to Investigate
Chapter 62 Secretary Zhang Comes to Investigate
At 9:00 AM sharp, several black domestically produced sedans smoothly drove into the Xinghuo Electronics factory area and parked on the newly leveled and paved open space. The car doors opened, and surrounded by several entourage members, a middle-aged man in his fifties, wearing a light gray jacket, with meticulously combed hair and a gentle smile, stepped out. He was none other than Secretary Zhang of the district committee.
Ling Yun and Ma Baoguo, along with several key factory cadres, were already waiting in front of the office building to greet them.
"Secretary Zhang, welcome to Xinghuo Electronics for guidance!" Ling Yun stepped forward, extending his hand with enthusiasm yet composure.
"Comrade Lingyun, hello, hello! You're young and promising!" Secretary Zhang shook Lingyun's hand firmly, his sharp gaze sweeping over the newly renovated factory area. "I heard your factory is doing very well lately, even securing a large order from Hong Kong, solving the re-employment problem for many laid-off workers in our district. I came here today specifically to come and learn from your experience!"
His words were warm and infectious, acknowledging the achievements while also bridging the gap, striking the perfect balance.
"Secretary, you flatter us. We're just getting started, and there's still a lot we need to learn and improve. Please come with me, let's go take a look at the workshop first." Ling Yun stepped aside to lead the way.
The group entered the main workshop. In stark contrast to the desolate and deserted state of the workshop a month prior, it was now a scene of bustling activity and orderly progress. Several brand-new production lines had been installed and tested, and were operating at full speed. Workers in uniform blue overalls sat beside the production lines, their fingers flying across the keyboard, skillfully assembling its various components—installing keycaps, soldering circuit boards, securing the casing, powering on for testing… The entire process was like a precise clock, each step intricately linked, emitting a rhythmic hum.
The air was filled with the distinctive smell of new plastic and solder. At the end of the production line, packaged keyboards were neatly stacked into cardboard boxes, awaiting warehousing. It was a scene of vibrant activity and high energy.
Secretary Zhang nodded repeatedly, a genuine smile on his face: "Great! Excellent! This is what a factory should look like! Full of vitality!" He strolled over to a production line and stopped to observe.
A middle-aged female worker who was engrossed in installing keycaps noticed the secretary's arrival and became somewhat nervous, slowing down her movements.
"Don't be nervous, ma'am," Secretary Zhang said gently, his tone as if chatting casually. "What's your surname? Are you getting used to working at the factory?"
"Hello, Secretary... Secretary, my surname is Wang." The female worker put down her work and stood up somewhat awkwardly. "It's a habit, quite a habit!"
"Which unit did you work for before?" Secretary Zhang asked with concern.
"I used to work at the No. 3 State-owned Cotton Mill. The factory wasn't doing well, and I was laid off more than a year ago." Sister Wang's voice gradually calmed down. "Thanks to General Manager Ling taking over the electronics factory, we old workers have jobs again."
"Are you getting paid on time now? How does it compare to when you were working at the cotton mill?" Secretary Zhang asked the most crucial question.
Mentioning wages, Sister Wang's eyes immediately lit up, and she became more talkative: "Yes! Always on time every month! Manager Ling keeps his word! We now have a basic salary plus piecework. If you're quick and willing to work overtime, you can earn over four hundred yuan a month! That's more than a hundred yuan more than when I was in the cotton mill! And," she lowered her voice a little, with a satisfied smile, "Chef Liu in the factory canteen cooks really good food, very oily, and there's often meat slices for lunch, even better than what we eat at home!"
"Oh? The cafeteria food is that good?" Secretary Zhang smiled and looked at Ling Yun.
"Of course, the workers work hard and need to be well-nourished," Ling Yun replied modestly.
Secretary Zhang asked several more workers, and their answers were all similar—satisfied with their jobs, wages, and the canteen. The workers' faces radiated genuine satisfaction and hope. Secretary Zhang saw this and was delighted. Re-employment of laid-off workers is one of the most intractable social problems today, and Xinghuo Electronics' successful revitalization is undoubtedly an excellent example.
After inspecting the workshop, he visited the warehouse and the newly expanded canteen. Looking at the clean environment of the canteen and the menu with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables and low prices posted on the bulletin board, Secretary Zhang nodded in approval once again.
It's approaching noon.
"Secretary Zhang, distinguished leaders," Ling Yun extended an invitation at the opportune moment, "it's lunchtime, why don't you come to our factory canteen, try the master chef's cooking, and have a simple meal?"
This is a standard procedure and a good opportunity to show respect and build rapport.
However, Secretary Zhang smiled and waved his hand, unexpectedly refusing, "There's no need for a meal. I don't want to cause you any trouble. The Discipline Inspection Commission has regulations that prohibit us from dining at the company."
He changed the subject, his gaze landing on Ling Yun with a hint of unspoken meaning: "However, after walking all morning, my mouth is a bit dry. I heard you have some good tea here, Mr. Ling? How about we go to your office and ask for a cup?"
Go to the office for tea?
This suggestion startled Ling Yun slightly, and several thoughts flashed through his mind. After inspecting the workshop, the usual procedure was either to stay for a meal to deepen the relationship or to leave directly. Going to the office alone for tea was clearly outside the norm. This Secretary Zhang was probably not just there for an inspection; he likely had something to discuss privately.
"Of course, no problem! It's our honor to have you here, Secretary!" Ling Yun reacted quickly, a warm smile immediately spreading across his face. "Director Ma, please accompany the other leaders to the lounge for a moment. Secretary Zhang, please come with me."
Ling Yun led Secretary Zhang through the bustling office area to his simply furnished but tidy office. He personally boiled water, took out a jar of high-quality Longjing tea from the cabinet, and skillfully began brewing. The refreshing aroma of tea quickly filled the office.
"Good tea." Secretary Zhang picked up the white porcelain teacup, gently blew on the steam, took a sip, and praised it. He didn't speak immediately, but leisurely sipped his tea, his gaze thoughtfully sweeping over the office furnishings before finally settling on the bustling factory scene outside the window.
Ling Yun didn't rush to speak, but quietly accompanied him while drinking tea, quickly calculating the other party's possible intentions in his mind.
After a moment of silence, Secretary Zhang put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, his smile faded somewhat, and his tone became formal and serious:
"Comrade Lingyun, after visiting your factory today, I am deeply moved and gratified. You not only revitalized a dying state-owned enterprise and solved the employment problem for so many workers, giving them hope for the future, but you have also explored a feasible path for the reform of industrial enterprises in our district and even our city. What you have done is a great thing that benefits the country and the people!"
"Secretary, you flatter me. I only did what I could," Ling Yun said modestly.
"No, this is no small matter." Secretary Zhang waved his hand, his tone firm. "I've seen your ability, your decisiveness, and your dedication to the workers. I've invited you for tea today for two reasons: first, to express our gratitude on behalf of the district committee and government; and second, to hear your thoughts as a young and promising entrepreneur on the district's economic development, especially industrial development. Or, what are your bigger plans for Xinghuo Electronics next? Are there any difficulties that the district needs to help coordinate and resolve?"
Ling Yun understood. He carefully considered his words, avoiding both boasting and excessive modesty:
"Thank you for your trust and encouragement, Secretary. Xinghuo Electronics is just starting out, but thanks to orders from Hong Kong, we have managed to gain a foothold. Next, we plan to increase our R&D investment while maintaining the quality and capacity of our existing products, moving towards more technologically advanced computer peripherals, such as higher-precision mice, and even trying to enter the field of some core components. We are currently collaborating with Shandong University to establish a joint laboratory, which is to lay the foundation for the future."
He paused, observed Secretary Zhang's reaction, and continued, "As for the difficulties, they mainly lie in the accumulation of talent and technology. We hope to attract more high-caliber technical and management personnel to join us. In addition, as the scale expands, the existing factory area may soon be insufficient."
He didn't make a direct request, but instead pointed out potential future needs.
Secretary Zhang listened attentively, his fingers gently stroking the rim of his teacup.
"Talent and technology are key to core competitiveness, and it's good that you're aware of this," he said slowly. "The district can help connect you with the city's talent center and even some research institutes in the province. As for land..." He paused for a moment, "If you develop well and truly become a major taxpayer and star enterprise in our district, the district will naturally give you priority in supporting you. After all, supporting a dynamic and promising company like yours is supporting our district's own development!"
The words weren't fully stated, but the promises and expectations were already contained within them.
"Thank you so much for your support, Secretary!" Ling Yun expressed his gratitude at the opportune moment.
"Keep up the good work!" Secretary Zhang stood up, patted Ling Yun on the shoulder, and said in an expectant tone, "Ling Yun, you are still young and have a long road ahead of you. I hope you can stay humble and work hard to make the company bigger and stronger, and strive to become a flagship enterprise for industrial enterprises in our district and even our city! Secretary Ling has very high expectations for you."
After seeing Secretary Zhang and his entourage off, Ling Yun stood by the office window, watching the convoy drive away. He understood that Secretary Zhang had said a lot today, but only the last sentence was the most important.