Chapter 112: Gravel in the Depths of Memory

Li Xian was visibly angry after witnessing Chen Shulin's recent ordeal. However, he knew that, with over 800 workers involved, reasoning was futile. He needed to approach those in charge.

Fortunately, during the toughest times at Beilin Paper Mill, Li Xian had managed to secure subcontracting work that helped feed the workers, earning him their goodwill. Additionally, seeing the booming business of Xinlang Paper Company, which had previously been struggling compared to Beilin, added to his reputation.

No matter the era, people always respect capable individuals.

Parting the crowd, Li Xian strode into the factory office with a few people behind him. Inside, he first inquired about the current status of Beilin Paper Mill's property transfer from Zhao Dongliang and the others. Upon learning that the district had already started negotiations with a paper mill in Daqing, his brow furrowed. Time was tight.

He knew that, despite Longjiang Province's industrial focus on heavy industry, there were still many enterprises like paper mills that catered to daily consumer goods. Beilin Paper Mill was not the largest, but it was clear that someone had already taken interest and started acting on it.

Realizing this, Li Xian decided not to waste more time arguing with the workers. Instead, he addressed Zhao Dongliang and the others directly: "The subcontracting fees from the last batch, they must be nearly exhausted, right?"

Zhao Dongliang and the others blushed with embarrassment. The factory had run out of money from the first batch of subcontracting fees a long time ago. They were now using the second batch's funds, which were running low. With the factory's food supply reduced and the remaining money stretched to cover expenses, they had decided to go on a prolonged strike.

Seeing their discomfort, Li Xian made his position clear: "I don't mind you going to seek a resolution, but the fact that you've stopped work has caused significant losses to Xinlang Paper Company. This is unacceptable. I demand that you resume production immediately, or I will file a lawsuit against you for breach of contract and demand the return of the subcontracting fees we paid."

Hearing that Li Xian was prepared to sue and demand the return of the factory's funds, the union leaders panicked.

Just as they were about to speak, Li Xian added, "Your unwarranted work stoppage has significantly affected our factory's reputation and interests. Start work today and ensure stable paper supply going forward. If not, as the current heads of Beilin Paper Mill, you four will be held responsible. I will definitely hold you accountable."

His words struck fear into the four leaders. Although lawsuits were not uncommon, for those who had never been to court, the threat was significant.

After saying this, Li Xian didn't push further. He leaned against the desk, watching as the four leaders began to argue and murmur among themselves.

It didn't take long for Zhao Dongliang, who had a history with Li Xian, to make a decision. "Director Li, we'll organize immediately and ensure production starts today. Will that work?"

Li Xian pointed out, "Not just starting production, but also making up for the delayed orders!"

Zhao Dongliang and the others looked troubled. "But Director Li, if we do that, our manpower will be tied up here. What about the petitioning issue?"

Li Xian smiled slightly. "That's manageable."

"I'll check on it for you!"

Recalling that Wu Sitian, who had previously been supportive of the paper mill, was now avoiding contact, and that Li Xian had a good relationship with the district secretary when solving the factory's food issue, Zhao Dongliang and the others were hopeful.

"Alright! Then we'll count on Director Li to relay the message for us!"

"Yeah, tell them that if the factory doesn't resolve the workers' placement issue, they shouldn't expect us to hand over the factory!"

...

Inside the factory, after some persuasion and explanation, especially with Li Xian's promise to address the workers' concerns with the district, Zhao Dongliang and the others successfully convinced the workers to return to the workshop.

An hour later, the production line that had been shut down for a week roared back to life.

With the factory's turmoil momentarily settled, Li Xian instructed Chen Shulin to call and reassure the clients in Tuo Long. Then, he went alone to the district government office.

At the district office, Li Xian claimed to have seen a notice in the newspaper about Beilin Paper Mill's property transfer. After consuming a pack of Marlboro cigarettes, which Xu Maohuo had crammed into his bag before his departure, he easily found out Wu Zhengsi's location.

Wu Zhengsi was in a guest room at the district hotel. When Li Xian arrived, he happened to see Yuan Daqing leaving with someone. Noticing that they hadn't seen him, Li Xian quickly hid by the water cooler in the lobby, turning his back to them.

"Manager Zhou, I think you could make some concessions regarding the workers... otherwise, the district won't be able to manage..." 

"Isn't this a matter of some negotiation?"

"It's not just about negotiation. Didn't Secretary Wu say clearly that this is a trial..."

Li Xian overheard these fragmented snippets as the two passed by. 

Seeing them quickly leave the hotel, Li Xian felt reassured. It seemed the negotiations hadn't been finalized yet.

Wu Zhengsi was surprised by Li Xian's visit. He had been dealing with the turmoil caused by the paper mill's property transfer. The first time he personally met with the workers, they nearly made him feel like a subordinate.

Not having consulted the workers before issuing the property transfer notice had drastically lowered his standing with them. However, it was unavoidable; the city required a prompt resolution of the property transfer.

Feeling helpless, Wu Zhengsi had moved to a different location to avoid the mess.

Once Li Xian was seated, Wu Zhengsi poured a cup of hot water and inquired about his purpose. Li Xian didn't mention that he already knew about the situation at Beilin Paper Mill but said he had returned urgently after learning about the strike to seek Wu Zhengsi's help.

The conversation then focused on Beilin Paper Mill's restructuring.

Wu Zhengsi unloaded his frustrations to Li Xian, revealing that some interested parties had contacted the district but were either dissatisfied with the district's valuation of 5 million yuan or had significant disagreements over the workers' placement.

The district's stance was to retain the 800-plus workers if possible, but most interested parties were unwilling due to the complex employee structure and "iron rice bowl" contracts of state-owned enterprises. 

Wu Zhengsi stressed how difficult it was to manage such a large and intertwined workforce.

Li Xian took note of Wu Zhengsi's distress and helplessness. He left without saying much more.

Outside the district government, at a phone booth in a nearby alley, Li Xian rarely smoked but now took out a pack of cigarettes and started puffing away.

The 5 million yuan valuation for Beilin Paper Mill was clearly inflated. While the price was reasonable given the equipment and premises, Li Xian wasn't interested in buying Beilin Paper Mill.

It wasn't cost-effective.

However, a stable and sufficient production capacity was crucial for Xinlang Paper's development.

Lost in thought, the burning Marlboro cigarette made Li Xian's fingertips a bit sore. He tossed the cigarette butt onto the ground and stamped it out.

The phone booth was the card type, rarely used, and the thick snow around it was undisturbed.

As Li Xian stepped, a newspaper appeared under his shoe. In the afternoon sun, the faintly printed headlines on the newspaper were clear: "Shaoxing Textiles... Record Profits..."

These few words triggered a name in Li Xian's mind: "Zhejiang Shaoxing Yong'an Textile Factory!"

This factory wasn't well-known or remarkable. It was significant to Li Xian because it was run by his university roommate's family in Zhejiang.

The roommate had bragged about his family's rise and mentioned his uncle's operations in the 1990s. Though Li Xian hadn't paid much attention, now, as he was in the same era as that uncle, the information vividly resurfaced in his mind.

The gravel from his memories now sparkled like diamonds!