Chapter 116: Hearing Thunder in the Silent Place

Just as Li Xian put down his bowl and chopsticks, about to leave the cafeteria, Yuan Daqing pulled over a stool, stood on it, and shouted loudly amidst the noisy cafeteria, "Everyone, stop eating for a moment. I have something to discuss with you all!"

Although Yuan Daqing wasn't very well-regarded among the factory staff, his strong voice successfully drew everyone's attention.

Seeing that everyone was now looking at him with their chopsticks paused, Yuan Daqing cleared his throat and gestured to Manager Zhou beside him. "This is Manager Zhou Xiaobo from Daqing Huiguang Paper Factory. As you all know, our factory's property rights are currently being transferred. I understand that everyone is concerned about the relocation issues after the transfer, which is why we've been going to the district office to discuss it. Manager Zhou wants to talk to everyone about this, so come on, let's hear what he has to say!"

Although Yuan Daqing wasn't popular, Daqing Huiguang Paper Factory had a strong reputation in Beilin, so when the leaders came to speak, especially on matters concerning relocation, many workers put down their chopsticks and clapped.

Manager Zhou Xiaobo, who had been pressing his hands down to calm the crowd, stood on the stool amidst the curious gazes of the workers. He waved his right hand and spoke with great enthusiasm, "Comrades, I started as a workshop worker myself. I understand that everyone is worried about your jobs and your future security! So, when we were considering acquiring Beilin Paper Factory, my first thought was the issue of your relocation!"

As soon as he said this, a worker raised a question, "You've been here for several days. If you were thinking about us, why didn't you tell us earlier?"

"This comrade's point is a bit harsh. At that time, everyone's emotions were too high to settle things properly. But it's not too late now. Our Huiguang Paper Factory has submitted a purchase plan to the district, and I'll briefly explain the part about worker relocation…"

Zhou Xiaobo then detailed the plan regarding adjustments to employment contracts, severance packages, and unemployment benefits.

However, as he spoke, the workers gradually lost interest. 

What kind of plan was this?

Without something like… profit sharing, how could this be long-term?

One was about keeping the factory for everyone, while the other involved changing contracts and laying off workers. Though the latter had some immediate cash, workers weren't foolish—they knew which was better.

Noticing the disinterest and growing unrest among the workers, Zhou Xiaobo felt the atmosphere becoming awkward. Just as he was about to add some last-minute details to the relocation plan, a group of people entered the cafeteria.

Among them was Wu Zhengsi, who had been avoiding direct contact with the workers, now walking briskly to the front.

Upon seeing him, the workers immediately gathered around him. Zhou Xiaobo quickly jumped off the stool and joined Yuan Daqing to welcome Wu Zhengsi.

"Secretary Wu!"

Zhou Xiaobo extended his hand from a distance.

However, Wu Zhengsi merely shook his hand casually and then directly asked the workers where Li Xian was.

Hearing his name, Li Xian, who had been observing from a corner of the cafeteria, walked out.

"Secretary Wu, are you looking for me?" Li Xian had already guessed the purpose of Wu Zhengsi's visit.

Wu Zhengsi nodded slightly and, with Li Xian's assistance, climbed onto a stool in front of the workers.

"Don't talk, don't talk, Secretary Wu wants to speak!"

With the shout of a few key workers, the cafeteria fell silent.

"Comrades, yesterday, Li Xian found me. He mentioned everyone's difficulties and proposed a new plan for the transfer of Beilin Paper Factory's property rights."

Seeing a stool in front of him, Wu Zhengsi climbed onto it with Li Xian's help and detailed Li Xian's proposal, which involved using the paper factory's assets as collective shares, employee shares through fundraising, and Li Xian's personal investment to form a new company.

Wu Zhengsi's ability to summarize and communicate effectively, honed from his grassroots experience, was evident. His explanation gave the workers a clearer understanding of the new plan.

As the workers whispered and discussed among themselves, Wu Zhengsi held his hands up to calm them. "Comrades, the transfer of property rights is a major issue. I'm sorry I didn't dare to face you all before. It wasn't because I was afraid of what you'd do, but because I was afraid you'd be disappointed. Now, with this plan, I believe it provides you with some security and benefits Beilin Paper Factory's future. So I came here to seek your opinions."

The workers looked at Wu Zhengsi, then at Li Xian beside him, and then at Zhou Xiaobo and Yuan Daqing. They hesitated for a moment but eventually began to raise their hands one by one.

Soon, the cafeteria was filled with waving arms!

Seeing this, Wu Zhengsi nodded in satisfaction, stepped down from the stool, and patted Li Xian on the shoulder. "Li, you can announce it now."

"Okay!"

Li Xian, now extremely excited, jumped onto the stool, looked at the workers raising their arms and smiling at him, and shouted with enthusiasm, "I now declare that the property reform of Beilin Paper Factory is officially… starting!"

"Great!"

Thunderous applause erupted in the cafeteria.

As the workers clapped and cheered loudly, Wu Zhengsi was surrounded by several key figures from the factory, relieved and shaking hands with the workers.

Seeing this, Zhou Xiaobo's face turned dark, and Yuan Daqing, standing beside him, was utterly bewildered.

"What should I do now, Secretary Wu? What about the reform?" Yuan Daqing squeezed through the crowd and asked Wu Zhengsi.

Wu Zhengsi ignored him, informed Li Xian about the meeting at the district office in the afternoon, and then, with the applause of the workers, left in a hurry.

Seeing the acquisition of Huiguang fail and the leaders completely ignoring him, Yuan Daqing forgot about his benefactor. He pushed aside the dazed Zhou Xiaobo, marched through the crowd, and approached Li Xian.

"Factory Director Li, what about the personnel arrangements after the company is established? What should I do?"

Surrounded by the crowd, Li Xian looked at him with a faint smile and said, "What should you do? Find somewhere cool to stay!"

With that, he turned to leave.

But as he walked a few steps, he suddenly recalled Yuan Daqing's impressive running performance in the snow, leading the pack with no one able to match him.

He stopped, called out, "Factory Director Yuan."

Yuan Daqing quickly approached, joyfully asking, "Factory Director Li?"

"Factory Director Yuan, I suggest you go to the provincial sports team and see if they need long-distance runners. With your physical condition, winning a few gold medals should be… no problem!"

Hearing Li Xian's unrestrained sarcasm, the surrounding workers burst into laughter.

"You… you wait for me!"

Yuan Daqing, infuriated, stomped his feet and, amidst the laughter and jeering of "Rabbit Factory Director," left with his head hanging low.