Chapter 79: The Past and Present

Zhou Ming's words had almost prophetically predicted the events of the following days. Since the factory news broadcasted on the first day, several senior workers' representatives came to the workers' activity center to apologize to Zhou Ming and his parents. These representatives behaved like they were seeking blessings, bringing local specialties and small gifts daily to Zhou Ming's home.

Most of these senior workers' representatives were junior staff in the factory. Though their rank was not high, they were experienced in handling such situations. They didn't stay long if Zhou Ming or his parents showed signs of impatience. They would leave immediately to avoid causing any trouble or upsetting Zhou Ming. If they arrived right after another group had left and it wasn't an appropriate time, they would politely leave the gifts at the door without entering.

In just three days, Zhou Ming's home was filled with many items, ranging from local specialties to exquisite gifts, daily necessities, and clothing. Zhou Ming couldn't help but feel that these people had gone to great lengths for him.

After sending off another group of visitors in the morning, Zhou Ming looked at a beautiful calendar in the corner and joked with his mother, "Mom, doesn't it feel like New Year's with so many relatives coming to visit?"

With a sigh, Wang Fengqin said, "With your father and me, even if relatives came to visit for the New Year, they wouldn't bring so many things."

Wang Fengqin sighed while picking up the calendar and replacing the old one in the living room with the new one, moving the old calendar to the bedroom.

Zhou Ming understood his mother's sentiment. When the family was poor, had to support his education, and the factory's performance was poor due to people like Huang Zheng and Ma Jianjun, his parents often had to borrow money from relatives. Relatives would try to avoid them, and only a few close family friends would visit during the New Year.

"Zhou Ming, I just saw Team Leader Li. Did they just visit your home?" A loud voice came from outside the door. Zhou Ming knew it was Zhang Lei without even looking. Zhou Ming turned to see Zhang Lei walking in.

"Come on, Dazhuang, can you keep your voice down? It's like hearing the person before seeing them. It's a pity you're not in the Dream of the Red Chamber playing Wang Xifeng!" Zhou Ming said.

Zhang Lei scratched his head, feeling embarrassed. Zhou Ming, of course, didn't really mind. He asked, "So, what brings you here today? Did you write another groundbreaking news report?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lei slapped his forehead, realizing, "Actually, I came here for a news report."

Zhang Lei handed Zhou Ming a document and explained, "This is a county-level document transferred from the factory's publicity department this morning. It requires the publicity department to do a good job in promoting the factory's restructuring and prepare for marketization. I figured the restructuring of our factory would be under you, Zhou Ming, so I came to ask about the situation."

Zhou Ming nodded, "That's right. The factory is going to be transferred to me. The official signing should happen in a few days."

"Wow!" Zhang Lei exclaimed, "Zhou Ming, you're so inconsiderate! You didn't tell me about such a big event. I had to find out from the factory's publicity department's document. How could you be so unfaithful!"

Zhou Ming patted his ears, which were hurt from Zhang Lei's excitement, and spread his hands with a helpless expression, "You can't blame me! I only talked to Mayor Chen this morning. I didn't want to disturb you while you were working. Who knew the county committee would work so efficiently and send out the document so quickly?"

"Really? That's great! Should we call you Director Zhou in the future?" Zhang Lei laughed.

"Forget it. I won't be the director. My father will take that role, my mother will be the deputy director, and Xiaohan will be the general manager," Zhou Ming said.

"That's true. Uncle was a model worker in the factory and treated it like family. I believe everyone in the factory will have no objections to him being the director. As for Xiaohan, she's quite business-savvy, as seen from her running her small restaurant…"

Zhang Lei suddenly stopped, noticing Su Han was also present. He was surprised, "Xiaohan? Why are you still living at Zhou Ming's house? Does it mean…"

Su Han, being sharp-witted, knew exactly what Zhang Lei was implying. Her face turned red as she glared at Zhang Lei, "Dazhuang, stop making nonsense. I'm just staying at Zhou Ming's because my house was made uninhabitable by Huang Zheng. I'll move back once my house is ready."

Although Su Han was glaring at Zhang Lei, Zhou Ming could sense she lacked confidence.

Seeing Su Han, who seemed a bit like a furious tigress, Zhang Lei felt awkward and scratched his head, "Hehe! Xiaohan, why not just stay at Zhou Ming's house forever? You both seem well-matched."

"Dazhuang, keep talking nonsense, and you'll never find a partner!" Su Han retorted.

After Zhang Lei left, the factory responded to the county committee's call. From the factory party committee to the publicity department, everyone was mobilized to do ideological work with the factory workers to ensure the smooth progress of the restructuring.

Although Zhou Ming was about to take over the factory, he knew it was merely a formality. The factory restructuring was a political bonus. As long as the restructuring went smoothly and there were no worker protests, the leaders above would consider their tasks accomplished.

So, Zhou Ming was happy to be a passive observer, waiting for the signing day, ready to hand over the money and take over the factory.

During this period, Zhou Ming maintained contact with the port city and Nanjing. There were no surprises in the port city. Lin Muqing's leadership was strong, with Wang Yunlong and other capable personnel. Zhou Ming had left behind the concept of a preservation fund, which Lin Muqing effectively used to enhance the Gold Name Fund's reputation in the port city. Sometimes, reputation equaled asset expansion. Compared to when Zhou Ming left the port city, the Gold Name Fund had increased its funds by three million.

In Nanjing, the Nanjing City Government had finalized the date for the land auction. The first government-led land auction was about to begin.

Zhou Ming instructed Du Peng to actively bid for any land that appeared in the auction and to secure it at the lowest possible price. If there were any other unexpected developments, he should be informed immediately.

As for the senior workers' representatives, they continued to make efforts to get close to Zhou Ming, but without the old-fashioned approach.

Time passed quickly. As the preparations for Factory 760 were completed, the city finally set the date for the signing.

October 23rd was the day Factory 760 was officially sold to Zhou Ming. The signing ceremony was held in the factory auditorium.

This day seemed like a repeat of the events from a month ago. Zhou Ming, his parents, and Su Han got up early, had breakfast, and left for the factory auditorium at 9 AM.

The attendees of the signing ceremony were the same senior workers' representatives as before, but this time their attitude was entirely different. Last time, they had greeted Zhou Ming and his family with boos. This time, when Zhou Ming, his parents, and Su Han entered the auditorium, the representatives stood up spontaneously, applauding and cheering for Zhou Ming.

"Boss Zhou, you're amazing! Our Factory 760 was in poor condition in the past, but today we finally have a boss from the port city. We'll definitely work hard under your leadership and believe you will lead us out of the difficulties and create a brighter future for Factory 760!"

Some also praised Zhou Ming's parents: "Old Zhou is truly a model worker of our factory. Even during the most challenging times, he never gave up on contributing to the factory and raised a son like Boss Zhou. Old Zhou, you're our spiritual leader and a pride and role model for all the workers and their families!"

Hearing these words, although Zhou Ming knew they might not be completely sincere, his parents, especially Wang Fengqin, were very emotional and even shed tears of joy.

Zhou Ming understood his parents' feelings. During the two months he was away, the factory, under Huang Zheng and Ma Jianjun's manipulation, first criticized his father for violating factory rules when he went to the city center hospital and suspended his position, then falsely accused him of work issues and deceit. They also slandered his mother for stealing factory items.

At that time, they had absolute control over the narrative, and his parents could do nothing but endure the factory's humiliation and public scorn. But now, the suffering was finally over.

Su Han was also emotional. She had suffered greatly when Huang Zheng bullied her, only to have him use his family connections to falsely accuse her of seducing him, insult her, and even have his wife create a scene and post derogatory slogans at her small restaurant. She had faced public scorn as well.

Now, however, she walked confidently on the factory auditorium carpet, facing dozens of old worker representatives who no longer spoke ill of her.

Thinking about it, Su Han looked at Zhou Ming walking ahead, her eyes misty. She knew it was this man who had helped her achieve these changes and seek justice, just as he had promised the mayor and these old workers.