Chapter 382: We Are All Factory Workers

The one who stopped Liang An was naturally the soldier who now served as Zhou Ming's bodyguard. Since his primary duty was to ensure Zhou Ming's safety, he was extremely cautious, even when dealing with someone like Liang Shao.

For this soldier, his unit was a special forces unit with various missions. Special operations were not just about shooting indiscriminately; they involved many political factors. Sometimes, they might even be sent abroad to protect important figures. Thus, while this soldier might not compare to the elite guards of Zhongnanhai, he was certainly more reliable than ordinary bodyguards.

When Liang An was blocked, he instinctively wanted to curse. After all, he was a major player in the province, the head of the Linchu Machinery Company. Although Zhou Ming's mockery was tolerable, he was someone whom the Tan family highly valued. Liang An had even had his own Ba Bao Congee Factory and the township industrial park targeted for seizure. It was only natural for him to be frustrated, but what was this sudden obstacle in his way?

However, Liang An's curse was cut short when he met the soldier's gaze. The soldier was a top-tier fighter from an elite unit, someone who had truly seen combat and exuded a chilling aura.

The soldier's cold, piercing gaze struck at Liang An's very soul, instilling a fear as profound as staring into an abyss. Liang An felt a deep-seated conviction that if he made any sudden moves, this person would definitely have both the will and the ability to kill him.

At that moment, Zhou Ming suddenly reached out and patted the soldier on the shoulder, saying, "Alright, you don't need to worry about this minor character. He's not going to stir up much trouble."

Hearing this from Zhou Ming, the soldier finally relaxed his grip and stepped aside, though not too far. He positioned himself just a step behind Zhou Ming. Liang An, not entirely clueless, saw the soldier's position and realized that he was a professionally trained guard. Even the provincial armed police he had seen before were of this caliber.

The question arose: Why would someone like this be willing to work as Zhou Ming's bodyguard? This seemed like overkill. What exactly was Zhou Ming's background?

These thoughts made Liang An nervous.

Zhou Ming, however, was uninterested in Liang An's concerns. After calling the soldier back, he told Liang An, "Get lost. Don't make me lose my temper."

Zhou Ming's words trampled on Liang An's pride, causing him to screech like a cat with its tail stepped on: "Zhou Ming! What's with your tone? I'll tell you this: You're nothing but a bug to be crushed by the Tan family. You won't last much longer. How dare you act arrogant in front of me? You've already been chased out of Linyang once, and you'll be chased out again. You're forever a stray dog!"

Slap! Slap!

Two slaps landed on Liang An's face, delivered by Su Han and Kong Xiaolin. They glared at Liang An like two enraged tigresses and simultaneously said, "Watch your mouth!"

Liang An was furious beyond measure. He had never been treated this way before. On his turf in Jingchu, he had never been so humiliated. But he dared not retaliate, feeling the soldier's predatory gaze fixed on him.

"Xiao Han, Manager Kong, come back. People like this have tough skin. Be careful not to hurt your hands," Zhou Ming said to Su Han and Kong Xiaolin.

This remark almost drove Liang An to rage, but ultimately his rationality—or perhaps his fear—held back his impulse. Grinding his teeth, he told Zhou Ming, "Fine, just wait. I'll see how long you can be so arrogant!"

Leaving these words behind, Liang An took his people and left the scene. Watching him go, all the factory staff and workers who had come with Zhou Ming erupted in enthusiastic cheers, as if celebrating a revolutionary victory.

Hearing the cheers from the factory staff, Zhou Ming immediately climbed onto the high platform that Liang An's group had set up earlier in front of the Ba Bao Congee Factory. After signaling for silence, he spoke: "Comrades of the Ba Bao Congee Factory, I know that what happened today is something none of us wanted to see. As the boss, I bear a significant responsibility."

Before Zhou Ming could finish, someone in the crowd shouted, "Boss Zhou, this is not your responsibility!"

Others quickly echoed, "Yes, this is not your fault, Boss Zhou. If anyone is to blame, it's us. We didn't take good care of our factory and let you down."

"But I am the boss, and whether it's the Ba Bao Congee Factory or the township industrial park, everything that follows is a result of my actions!"

Zhou Ming raised his voice, ending the previous commotion below. Everyone stopped debating responsibility and simply looked up at Zhou Ming, waiting for his next words.

"I know that there have been many issues with the factory and the industrial park recently. Many projects have been halted due to investigations from the provincial and municipal levels. Some even tried to take advantage of the situation to seize our projects."

Zhou Ming spoke slowly, and the crowd below became increasingly agitated. After all, these people had been at the factory during this time and had a deeper understanding of the situation than Zhou Ming. Especially after witnessing Liang An's removal of the Ba Bao Congee Factory sign, they felt an unprecedented sense of despair and helplessness.

"I also understand that for you, this factory and industrial park are like home, and for me, they are the same."

Zhou Ming continued, "We've all been here at the factory, and you should know that I, Zhou Ming, was born here. From the moment I was born, my soul has been deeply imprinted with this factory, something that can never be severed or separated!"

As Zhou Ming's words fell, Wang Chen, the factory director, immediately spoke up, "Boss Zhou, although I come from the Xiling Canned Food Factory, from the moment you led us out of hardship to here, I've been closely connected with the 760 Factory. I believe all of us from the Xiling Canned Food Factory feel the same way."

Following Wang Chen's statement, others loudly echoed, "Yes, Boss Zhou, we are all factory workers!"

Hearing this passionate shout from below, Zhou Ming felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The term "factory workers" was a special designation. In the past, to build the national industry, workers were often relocated from various places. Even though many came from different hometowns, they were united by a noble ideal, earning the title of "factory workers."

Back then, workers had stable jobs and were proud to be the owners of the factory and the country. They enjoyed higher incomes than others, and being a factory worker was a source of envy and jealousy.

However, with the retirement of the older generation, the rise of economic reform, and changes in the economic system, many state-owned enterprises struggled to adapt. Some factory leaders were solely focused on making money, neglecting the factory's well-being and workers' lives, leading to declining efficiency.

When factory efficiency declined and workers' lives became difficult, the title of factory worker lost its prestige. Especially during the time when Ma Jianjun and Huang Zheng drove the 760 Factory to its lowest point, the factory workers were ashamed to even mention their status.

But now, this title had been revived by Wang Chen and others. How could it not stir up emotions in Zhou Ming, an old factory worker?

Reflecting on the past, when the 760 Factory was contracted to Ma Jianjun and Huang Zheng at a very low price, they had ruined the factory over the years, fattening their own pockets while destroying the factory. Before the nationwide layoff wave hit, the factory workers had vanished.

But that was the past. Now that Zhou Ming had returned, things were different. Not only had he dealt with Ma Jianjun and Huang Zheng, but he had also revitalized the 760 Factory, making its performance soar. The township industrial park was established around the 760 Factory, bringing new life to the old factory. With the addition of the Xiling Canned Food Factory workers, who had experienced such dire times, the title of factory worker was even more meaningful.

Thinking of this, Zhou Ming's voice choked up: "That's right, Director Wang and everyone are right. We are all factory workers!"

Adjusting his mood, Zhou Ming continued, "So, since we are all factory workers, shouldn't we protect our factory, our home, and do what we can?"

Everyone below responded in unison, and Zhou Ming went on, "Now that we have issues with the factory, with people targeting us—whether it's the approval process, the hygiene conditions of the Ba Bao Congee Factory, or other projects—there shouldn't be so many problems."

"So, since people are targeting our factory, we must do what factory workers should do!"

Zhou Ming said, and everyone held their breath, waiting for his instructions: "Since we are acting within the bounds of reason and legality, we must resolve these issues through reasonable and legal means. Our grievances must be reported to higher authorities. So, factory workers, let's join hands and go to the city to petition, and let the city leaders know our grievances and seek justice from them. What do you all think?"

If someone else had said this, Wang Chen and the 760 Factory staff would have scoffed. But since it was Zhou Ming, everyone unequivocally shouted their agreement.

The reason was simple: They trusted Zhou Ming, knowing he was their last hope. Whatever Zhou Ming said or did would surely succeed.