Chapter 380: A Major Incident at the Factory

"How are you feeling? Although I'm from the south, every time I come back from the north in the past two years, I feel like I could freeze into a dog," Zhou Ming said with a smile.

"That's unavoidable. Although the temperature in the south seems higher than in the north, the humidity in the south makes it feel much colder. However, if it snows, the moisture in the air decreases, and it will feel much better," replied his companion.

On the platform of the Linyang train station, two young men disembarked from the train. They were Zhou Ming and his new bodyguard. After their conversation in the military prison, the bodyguard had been released and assigned to a special, undisclosed department as Zhou Ming's personal bodyguard.

In fact, Zhou Ming hadn't suggested the bodyguard himself. During their conversation at Zhongnanhai, Zhou Ming was informed that the guards from Zhongnanhai would be reassigned to the central government. Zhou Ming wasn't surprised by this, as the primary duty of Zhongnanhai's guards was to protect national leaders. It was already quite a feat to have them assigned to protect him, given that he was just a businessman and didn't meet that standard.

However, after the threat from the Tan family, Zhou Ming had some concerns. It wasn't that he was afraid for his life; it was more that he had significant plans. If he were to be killed by a thug on the street, it would be a great injustice. So, he asked the two elderly men for their help.

Eventually, Yang Dingguo came up with the idea of using the bodyguard and whether he could take on this task.

Zhou Ming understood Yang Lao's thoughts because, no matter what, the bodyguard was a talent cultivated with great effort by the country. It would be a pity to let the Tan family ruin him. But national laws were national laws, and after thinking it through, the only path available was to redeem himself through service.

The only remaining concern was the bodyguard's personal integrity. Regardless of the incident's origin, the bodyguard had a blemished record. No one could guarantee whether he would cause trouble again after his release.

At this point, Zhou Ming made the final decision on behalf of Yang Lao. He assured Yang Lao of the bodyguard's integrity and took full responsibility if any issues arose. Yang Lao agreed to let the bodyguard redeem himself by becoming Zhou Ming's bodyguard.

This arrangement was the best for Zhou Ming, the central government, and the bodyguard himself. Zhou Ming had witnessed the bodyguard single-handedly confronting hundreds of armed police officers, making him a legendary figure in the Chinese military. Having this legendary figure as his personal bodyguard was a dream come true for Zhou Ming.

As Zhou Ming and his bodyguard walked out of the station, they immediately spotted Su Han and Kong Xiaolin waiting for them. Among the crowd in front of the station, they were the most striking figures.

The bodyguard looked at Zhou Ming with envy. He could tell that both women were in love with Zhou Ming and thought Zhou Ming was quite fortunate. For many women, someone like the bodyguard, who was strong and could provide a sense of security, would be an ideal lover. However, this presupposed that the bodyguard himself had such intentions.

However, the bodyguard was inherently reserved and traditional, always devoted to his wife. Additionally, he spent all his time in the military and had no time to think about such matters. So, the legendary tales of elite soldiers were just myths to him, at least unrelated to his own experience.

When Zhou Ming and the bodyguard saw them, they were noticed immediately. Su Han ran to Zhou Ming and embraced him, while Kong Xiaolin stopped a few steps away, looking at Zhou Ming with a complex expression. Clearly, Kong Xiaolin also wished to run into Zhou Ming's arms to express her longing, but Su Han was his girlfriend, so it was natural for her to do so. Kong Xiaolin wondered about her own position.

Zhou Ming, noticing Kong Xiaolin's thoughts, smiled at her while holding Su Han and said, "Xiaolin, you've worked hard these days."

Kong Xiaolin melted at Zhou Ming's smile, all her grievances dissipating instantly. She shook her head vigorously and said, "It's not hard at all. I don't mind doing anything."

At this moment, Su Han, still in Zhou Ming's embrace, looked up and said, "Zhou Ming, you should go back and check on the situation at the factory. It's not looking good."

Zhou Ming nodded and said, "Don't worry. I'm already aware of the situation. These small-time troublemakers are nothing to worry about."

Normally, such a statement from a young man might seem unconvincing, but coming from Zhou Ming, it gave Su Han and Kong Xiaolin confidence. They believed there was no problem Zhou Ming couldn't solve.

Zhou Ming, the bodyguard, and the two women got into the car and headed back to the 760 factory. When they reached the intersection leading to the factory in Nanhui County, Zhou Ming saw a large banner hanging: "Warm Congratulations to Linchu Machinery Company for Settling in Nanhui."

The bodyguard slowed down the car, and Zhou Ming, looking at the banner, said with a smile, "Linchu Machinery Company really lives up to its reputation as a flagship company in our Jingchu Province. Their vision is impressive."

Su Han, sitting in the backseat, reminded Zhou Ming, "But Zhou Ming, they're not just settling here. They want to take over the entire town industrial park and claim your ideas as their own."

Kong Xiaolin also added, "Yes, Mr. Zhou. They've been trying to buy our projects and land. With support from the province and city, Secretary Gu has already handed over many projects to them. They even took over the Ba Bao Congee factory's building project."

Zhou Ming turned to them with a reassuring smile, "Don't worry. Whatever they are scheming, as long as I'm back, they'll return whatever they've taken from me and give back what's rightfully mine."

The casual words were filled with a sense of confidence and dominance.

When they arrived at the factory gate, they saw a crowd gathered around the factory monument. As soon as the car approached, they surrounded it. Zhou Ming, seeing that the crowd consisted of factory workers, had the bodyguard stop the car and got out.

The crowd erupted into enthusiastic cheers upon seeing Zhou Ming, which surprised the bodyguard. He could tell these people were workers but hadn't expected Zhou Ming to have such high esteem among them. Reflecting on how leaders at his own home factory were often criticized behind their backs, he wondered how Zhou Ming had achieved such a reputation at his young age.

The crowd was led by Wang Chen, the manager of the Ba Bao Congee factory. As Ba Bao Congee's sales had improved, the original workshop had naturally been upgraded to a factory, and Wang Chen, the former workshop director, had naturally been promoted to factory manager.

Wang Chen ran up to Zhou Ming excitedly and said, "Mr. Zhou, it's great that you're back. Those bastards from Linchu Machinery Company have been bullying us. All the workers at Ba Bao Congee factory have been dreaming of your return to seek justice for us!"

Following Wang Chen's lead, other workers chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Zhou, you must stand up for us! We're counting on you now. Those people are simply outrageous…"

Zhou Ming raised his hands to quiet everyone and said, "I know that a lot has happened during this time, and I understand that you've faced many difficulties. But you also know I've been away, and you've probably heard some rumors about me. So, please, let me first understand what exactly has happened."

Wang Chen spoke again, "Mr. Zhou, I know those rumors are baseless lies spread by some malicious people. You are a valuable talent needed by the party and the country. There's no way you could be in trouble. Our Ba Bao Congee factory, the 760 factory, and the entire town industrial park still need your leadership!"

Other workers echoed, "Yes, we need your leadership, Mr. Zhou!"

Seeing the workers' support, Su Han and Kong Xiaolin's eyes filled with tears. They clenched their fists, feeling proud and honored for Zhou Ming.

This was a truly cohesive group. With such a collective spirit, what difficulties couldn't they overcome?

As Su Han and Kong Xiaolin had stayed at the factory, they were most aware of what had been happening.

After Zhou Ming left Linyang, various investigation teams from the city and province came to the factory, conducting an unimaginably detailed investigation of the factory and the entire town industrial park. Regardless of the process, the final result was that every project in the industrial park failed to meet standards and needed to be paused for rectification.

Zhou Ming had repeatedly instructed cooperation with the government's investigation before leaving, so the originally thriving industrial park came to a halt.

But that wasn't the end. After the industrial park was suspended, Linchu Machinery Company suddenly appeared.

Originally, Linchu Machinery Company was one of the first batch of companies to settle in the town industrial park. But now, their involvement wasn't just about settling in; they wanted to acquire the entire industrial park project.

Su Han and Kong Xiaolin were naturally opposed, but somehow, Linchu Machinery Company received support from the province and city. Several reports were approved, and documents were issued to support Linchu Machinery Company's acquisition activities, requiring local cooperation.

Additionally, rumors spread in the factory that Zhou Ming's rise in Nanjing was due to serious criminal activities, that he was now wanted and had fled abroad, and some even claimed he was a foreign spy sent to disrupt the national economy. Otherwise, how could a common person amass so much money and be so familiar with foreign practices?

These rumors were detailed and alarming. During this period, the factory was in a state of panic. Su Han and Kong Xiaolin did a lot of work to counteract the rumors, but with little effect. However, today, as soon as Zhou Ming returned, the mood immediately stabilized. Zhou Ming was a natural leader!

"What are you doing here?" Zhou Ming asked.

Hearing this, Wang Chen suddenly realized and hurriedly said, "Mr. Zhou, it's terrible. Manager Liang from Linchu Machinery Company wants to take away our newly built Ba Bao Congee factory!"