Chapter 82: Master Zhou

On December 10, 2014, Zhou Ming and Su Han hurriedly followed Wang Fengqin to the factory director's office, where they found Zhou Guoping standing inside. Surprised, Zhou Ming asked, "Dad, why are you standing there? Why don't you sit down?"

Wang Fengqin answered, "Your father is so used to standing all day at the lathe in the workshop that he can't sit still."

Zhou Guoping then said, "Zhou Ming, you should just send me back to the workshop. I'm not comfortable staying in this office. I feel more at ease working at my lathe."

"Dad, this office is so comfortable. You can spend the day with a cup of tea and a newspaper, and there's air conditioning," Zhou Ming replied.

Wang Fengqin added, "Your father can't sit idle. Sure, it's comfortable here with air conditioning, but he'd feel uneasy doing nothing."

Zhou Ming laughed, "My dad is the epitome of 'hard work leads to prosperity.' If there were another 'Model Worker' award this year, it would definitely go to him."

In his previous life, Zhou Ming lost his father early, so his memories of him had faded. Now, with his mother's reminders, Zhou Ming recalled his father's hardworking nature.

Since his father didn't want to stay in the office, Zhou Ming decided to assign him back to his old workshop with his original lathe.

Zhou Ming and Su Han accompanied Zhou Guoping to the workshop, leaving Wang Fengqin in the director's office with instructions to page Zhou Ming if needed.

As they walked, Zhou Ming said to his father, "Dad, the entire factory belongs to us now, and I also have businesses in Nanjing and Hong Kong. Our family doesn't lack money anymore, and we have so many people working for us. You've had surgery, so if you're not feeling well, please rest and don't push yourself too hard."

Zhou Guoping nodded, "Okay, I'll just work casually. I can't sit still in the office anyway."

Zhou Ming smiled and understood that while being a factory director might seem leisurely, spending the whole day in the office with just a newspaper and tea wasn't something everyone could handle.

As they neared the workshop, they saw Director Wang leading a group to greet them. Zhou Ming guessed that Cai Zhongxian must have informed them.

"Hello, Mr. Zhou! Welcome to the workshop!" Director Wang said enthusiastically.

Zhou Ming waved his hand, "I'm not here for an inspection. I'm just bringing my dad to work."

Director Wang, impressed, said, "I didn't expect that even after becoming the factory director, you would still come to experience the life of an ordinary worker. Your dedication to the factory is something everyone should learn from!"

Zhou Ming, not wanting to waste time on small talk, asked directly, "Is my dad's lathe still here?"

Director Wang quickly nodded, "Of course, Mr. Zhou. Your father has always been one of our workshop's top workers. Despite the unjust accusations against him, we always believed he would return. His lathe has been kept in perfect condition for him."

Zhou Ming nodded, not saying much, as he walked with his father into the workshop. Zhou Guoping's lathe was in the middle of the workshop, and as they walked, workers greeted Zhou Guoping with smiles, "Master Zhou, you're finally back! You're the best craftsman in this workshop. We didn't know who to turn to when we had problems while you were gone."

Director Wang, seeing this, scolded, "What are you all shouting about? Master Zhou is now the factory director!"

But Zhou Guoping smiled and said, "Director Wang, there's no need to be so strict. Honestly, I prefer being called Master Zhou rather than Director Zhou. It feels more familiar."

Hearing this, the workers cheered up, "I knew Master Zhou was a good man, someone who speaks up for us workers. Now that you're the director, we finally have someone who will truly look out for us!"

Su Han whispered to Zhou Ming, "Uncle has a great reputation in the factory. Everyone speaks highly of him."

Zhou Ming nodded. In his few memories of his father, he recalled that his father was indeed a meticulous and helpful person. He never hesitated to assist others, regardless of their requests. Moreover, Zhou Guoping had no temper; he had worked in the factory for half his life without ever quarreling with anyone. Now that he was the factory director, the workers naturally supported him wholeheartedly.

At his father's lathe, Zhou Guoping patted the machine and said, "Old buddy, it's been two months. I wonder if you've rusted."

Director Wang quickly reassured him, "Director Zhou, your lathe has been regularly maintained. I even tested it myself earlier. It's working perfectly."

Zhou Guoping thanked Director Wang and began to test the lathe. Once he confirmed everything was functioning, he had a crane move a mold onto the machine. After checking the blueprints and adjusting the cutting tool, he started the lathe.

As the machine hummed to life, Zhou Guoping finally found his rhythm.

Seeing his father happy, Zhou Ming approached and said, "Dad, you can work here if you like. If anything comes up, just ask Director Wang. You can work as much or as little as you want, and it's okay if you make a mistake."

Zhou Guoping nodded and told Zhou Ming to go back, "It's too noisy here. You should leave."

Zhou Ming agreed and pulled Director Wang aside, "Director Wang, my dad will be working here. As the workshop director, I'm entrusting his safety and well-being to you."

Director Wang nodded, "Don't worry, Mr. Zhou. You've seen how the workers respect your father. He's been our most esteemed worker since this workshop was built and the first to be honored as a model worker. Now that he's the director and still works in the workshop, I'll make sure to take good care of him."

Zhou Ming patted Director Wang on the shoulder, "Thank you, Director Wang."

After a moment of thought, Zhou Ming added, "I know your family has been going through some difficulties recently. When I return, I'll arrange for a personal stipend for you—an additional 200 yuan per month."

Director Wang's eyes lit up with excitement. "An extra 200 yuan a month? Are you serious, Mr. Zhou? That's like a three-level promotion in pay! Won't this cause any problems?"

"You already call me Mr. Zhou. How could there be any problems?" Zhou Ming replied, "And this stipend isn't part of your salary. It's a personal bonus from me for taking care of my father, so it doesn't violate any regulations."

Director Wang was momentarily stunned, realizing that Zhou Ming was now the factory's owner. Unlike previous directors, Zhou Ming wasn't subject to county control. As such, he could do as he pleased, including raising someone's salary with just a word. But Zhou Ming still followed the rules, offering a personal bonus rather than an official raise, to avoid any backlash. This careful consideration made Director Wang admire him even more.

With newfound respect, Director Wang solemnly promised, "Rest assured, Mr. Zhou. I will take good care of Director Zhou!"

Zhou Ming acknowledged the promise. Though Director Wang's words sounded similar to before, Zhou Ming could tell that this time, they came from the heart.

After all, in those days, a factory worker's monthly salary was just over 100 yuan, and even as a workshop director, Director Wang earned less than 300 yuan a month. The promise of an additional 200 yuan, especially when his family needed money, was a huge relief for him.

But to Zhou Ming, 200 yuan was insignificant. Even if it were 200,000 yuan a month, he wouldn't hesitate if it ensured his father's safety and happiness.

"Director Wang, as long as you work hard and, like my father, do your job diligently, I won't let you down."

After giving this final instruction, Zhou Ming was about to leave when he heard a commotion at the workshop entrance. Curious, he asked Director Wang, "What's going on over there?"

"Probably just some workers arguing. It happens in the workshop all the time. I'll go check," Director Wang said.

Despite his words, Zhou Ming noticed that Director Wang's expression was slightly off. He suspected the situation might be more than just a simple dispute.

Zhou Ming decided, "Let's go check it out together."

Director Wang hesitated and tried to dissuade him, "Mr. Zhou, there's no need for you to go. The workers are dirty and can be unruly. If anything happens to you, I'll be held responsible!"

Zhou Ming insisted, "What's wrong with being a worker? My dad is a factory worker, and if I hadn't gone to school, I'd be one too. Since I'm the factory's owner, I have the right to know what's happening. Let's go."

Director Wang reluctantly agreed, "Alright, let's go together."