Movie: Get Alpha Dog at the start

Chapter 1336 Secretary Shui's Struggle Experience

Half an hour later, Min Zhongsheng stepped into the Cheng family study, his face full of doubt. Factory Director Cheng waved for his wife to leave and then personally closed the door.

"Master, what's the matter that's so urgent?" Min Zhongsheng's heart skipped a beat when he saw Factory Director Cheng's ashen face.

Factory Director Cheng lit a cigarette, and through the swirling smoke, his voice was somewhat hoarse: "Little Min, Lao Shui is going to make a move against me!"

Min Zhongsheng was shocked: "This... Secretary Shui will retire in a year, and you too..."

"You think he'll retire so easily?" Factory Director Cheng interrupted with a sneer, cigarette ash falling softly. "Don't forget what happened to Fei Changgen and Engineer Liu! I've completely broken ties with him now! It's either him or me who retires!"

Min Zhongsheng secretly regretted that if he had known that the other party had called him here for this purpose, he should have found an excuse to decline. He was about to take over the position, and now being caught up in this struggle would do him no good at all.

“It’s no big deal if I collapse, I’m almost at retirement age anyway.” Director Cheng patted Min Zhongsheng on the shoulder and said earnestly, “But you’re different. You’re only in your forties, you can work for at least another twenty years, you have a bright future.”

"You're my apprentice. Do you think Lao Shui will let you take over his job after he gets rid of me?"

hum!

These words struck Min Zhongsheng like a hammer blow! This was exactly what he feared most! The ministry's approval was one thing, but without Secretary Shui's personal recommendation, the procedures would be extremely difficult to follow! Moreover, Secretary Shui's influence within the ministry far surpassed that of Min Zhongsheng. If Secretary Shui were to stab him in the back… not only would his chances of succession be gone, but even his current position as the director of the branch factory would be in jeopardy!

Fear gripped Min Zhongsheng's heart instantly. His face turned deathly pale, and his fingers twisted together involuntarily.

His future, power, the status he had worked so hard to achieve for decades... all of this could vanish in an instant! Fine beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead, and his eyes gradually turned fierce as he struggled.

"Master... what do you suggest we do?" Min Zhongsheng's voice was dry and hoarse.

A smug glint flashed in Director Cheng's eyes: "Strike first, strike hard!"

"You know Chief Engineer Liu's son-in-law, right?"

Min Zhongsheng's pupils contracted: "You mean... Yu Shanqing?"

Factory Director Cheng took a deep drag on his cigarette: "Yu Shanqing was promoted by Lao Shui. Two years ago, he became the head of the domestic sales department. In the past two years, 60% of Jingzhou Chemical's products have been sold through the domestic sales department."

"There have been rumors in the factory that Yu Shanqing's house is fully equipped with a color TV, refrigerator, and washing machine—all top-of-the-line imported products! His wife, Liu Qiming, is also a big spender. With his meager salary, what can he possibly do? Are the accounts clean for his expenses? If we can get hold of him, I don't believe we can't uncover the dirty laundry on Lao Shui! This sales rebate decision—without Lao Shui's approval, would Yu Shanqing dare to make the decision on his own? In the end, where did the 'kickbacks' end up? Can Lao Shui escape responsibility?!"

Min Zhongsheng gasped. This was indeed the fastest and most ruthless way to bring Secretary Shui down! Sacrificing Yu Shanqing to bring down Secretary Shui would completely resolve his succession crisis…

"Okay! Master, I'll listen to you!"

The next morning, before Jingzhou Chemical had fully recovered from the hustle and bustle of starting operations, Yu Shanqing, the head of the domestic sales department, had just stepped out of his house when he was stopped by several members of the factory's discipline inspection team. Leading them was Ma Xingguo, the deputy factory director in charge of logistics and safety and a close confidant of Director Cheng.

"Section Chief Yu, there's a problem that needs your assistance in the factory's Discipline Inspection Commission office to investigate." Ma Xingguo said expressionlessly.

Yu Shanqing forced a calm smile: "Director Ma? What's the matter that's so urgent? I was just about to go to work..."

"You'll see when we get there. Let's go." Ma Xingguo made a gesture that left no room for doubt, and the group quickly led the still somewhat bewildered Yu Shanqing away from the family area, soon disappearing into the morning mist.

The news exploded instantly, like cold water poured into boiling oil!

"Yu Shanqing has been taken away!"

The news spread faster than any good news about production. In the dormitory, Xun Jianxiang talked non-stop. He had always looked down on Yu Shanqing, and now he was sure to see some drama.

Song Yunhui frowned and pushed up his glasses. After all, they were alumni, and he usually paid attention to news about this senior. Moreover, the factory taking away a cadre without warning was unusual.

Before he could think any further, the dormitory door was suddenly pushed open. The person who entered was none other than Chief Engineer Liu, who had been marginalized for a long time!

Chief Engineer Liu looked pale and haggard, his eyes filled with anxiety: "Xiao Song! You must help him, considering you and Xiao Yu are alumni..."

Song Yunhui frowned: "Chief Engineer Liu? As for Yu Shanqing's matter... I believe the organization will investigate it thoroughly, and the innocent will prove their innocence, while the guilty will prove their innocence. If he really has a problem..."

"Factory rules and national laws are there! If I plead for him, what's the point of having factory rules and regulations? I can't handle this matter!"

Chief Engineer Liu said bitterly, "Xiao Song! Do you really think this is aimed at Yu Shanqing? There's more to it than meets the eye! Someone wants to bring down Secretary Shui!"

Song Yunhui stared at Chief Engineer Liu in shock: "Who wants to get back at Secretary Shui? How did Secretary Shui get involved again?"

Qin Hao vaguely guessed the key point: "Chief Engineer Liu, you should go back first. I will talk to Secretary Shui about this matter."

Looking into Qin Hao's unfathomable eyes, Chief Engineer Liu knew that further pleading was useless, and could only hunch his back and leave dejectedly.

Qin Hao walked to Song Yunhui's side and pressed his hand firmly on his shoulder.

"Let's go find Secretary Shui first," Qin Hao said calmly.

Song Yunhui suddenly stood up: "Okay! Brother-in-law, I'll go with you! I want to ask him myself!"

In Secretary Shui's office.

“Secretary Shui…” Song Yunhui’s voice trembled uncontrollably, “Chief Engineer Liu… he said that Director Cheng’s attack on Yu Shanqing was to bring you down. What exactly is going on? What is your relationship with Yu Shanqing…”

Secretary Shui did not answer directly. He took off his glasses and rubbed his aching nose with his rough fingers.

After a long while, he finally looked up at Qin Hao, his eyes filled with exhaustion.

“Jingzhou Chemical’s products do not have a decisive advantage in technology over domestic counterparts. It is difficult to open up sales channels by simply competing on technology and quality. Therefore, we can only rely on some unconventional means, such as high rebates, to open up sales channels. Yu Shanqing reported this to me, and I tacitly approved it. This is the main reason why I am so eager to introduce new equipment.”

“Xiao Song… I know you can’t accept this. I’m not some moral exemplar, I… I just want to protect Jingzhou Chemical and keep it alive, that’s all…”

Pfft!

Song Yunhui felt the last thread of his belief snap completely! He slumped onto the sofa, all his strength drained away, leaving him feeling cold.

Secretary Shui confessed! He not only knew about it, he tacitly approved of it, he even...participated! Those gray-area operations, those bribery and corruption practices that Song Yunhui scorned, actually gained the approval of Secretary Shui, whom he respected most?!

The vast chasm between ideals and reality was laid bare before him for the first time in such a gruesome manner. His previously clear-cut, black-and-white worldview was instantly shattered!

Qin Hao looked at his brother-in-law's distraught state with a complex expression. He didn't immediately comfort Song Yunhui; this shock needed to be processed by himself. He was more concerned about the imminent crisis at hand. He turned his gaze back to Secretary Shui, his voice steady:

"Secretary Shui, the other side has already drawn their swords, and every strike is aimed at your vitals. Yu Shanqing has been arrested, and their knife is already at your throat. How do you plan to deal with this?"

Secretary Shui seemed to age several years in an instant, and sighed, "Old Cheng is easy to deal with, but the key is Min Zhongsheng... He is Old Cheng's apprentice and a successor highly regarded by several leaders in the ministry. I'm afraid... if I make a move against Min Zhongsheng, the ministry leaders will think that I am unwilling to retire, that I am eliminating dissidents, and that I am greedy for power!"

Qin Hao's tone was icy: "My wife only has this one younger brother. He's far more important to me than your factory. If anyone makes things difficult for him, even if it's the Emperor himself, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Secretary Shui's heart tightened. He knew all too well the power of this "General Manager Lei" before him! Haoran International controlled the lifeline of Jingzhou Chemical's survival—its export channels! This year's crucial $50 million foreign exchange earnings target was something he had guaranteed to the ministry leaders! If Haoran International were to halt its purchases because Song Yunhui had been wronged… forget $50 million, given the sluggish domestic market, achieving even $10 million would be a miracle! Without Haoran International's orders as backing, Jingzhou Chemical's so-called technological advantages had no foundation abroad, and it would inevitably be eliminated by the market in a few years, ultimately facing bankruptcy and liquidation.

Secretary Shui's expression shifted rapidly, and the veins on his forehead bulged. "General Manager Lei's" attitude was clear: protecting Song Yunhui was the top priority, and he didn't care what means were used to protect him. The life and death of Jingzhou Chemical... didn't seem to be his primary concern either.

This ruthlessness based on business logic and absolute dominance based on family ties left him with no other choice!

Finally, the last trace of hesitation on Secretary Shui's face disappeared, replaced by a desperate, all-or-nothing resolve.

"Then we have no choice but to... take them both down! Uproot them completely!"

"But what about the department leaders..."

"I can explain this to you," Qin Hao said calmly. "I will tell Lu Xiaodi that Lao Cheng and Min Zhongsheng were acting out of self-interest and engaging in internal strife, which almost ruined this year's $50 million foreign exchange earnings target. As for you, it was only to protect production, exports, and the future of Jingzhou Chemical that we had no choice but to replace you at the last minute and eliminate the corrupt elements. I believe the leaders in the ministry understand what is important and what is urgent."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Shui wearily closed his eyes, pressed his fingers hard against his temples, and spoke with a sense of helplessness that came after the dust had settled.

"Okay, Mr. Lei, I know what to do!"

It must be admitted that Secretary Shui's experience in political struggles was indeed shrewd. That afternoon, Director Cheng's son, Cheng Qianli, was cornered in the purchasing department's office by the security personnel. Cheng Qianli immediately turned pale, and the teacup in his hand crashed to the ground.

"Why are you arresting me?!" Cheng Qianli struggled and shouted, but was grabbed by the arms of two security officers on either side.

The corridor was already crowded with employees watching the spectacle, and some were whispering among themselves.

"I heard he took a 50,000 yuan kickback from the equipment supplier..."

"The imported appliances his wife's family owns were bought with embezzled funds!"

When the news reached Factory Director Cheng, he was reviewing production reports in the conference room. His secretary rushed in, but before she could finish speaking, Director Cheng abruptly stood up, slamming his chair to the ground. He ran frantically to the factory gate, just in time to see Cheng Qianli being forced into a jeep.

"Dad! Help me!" Cheng Qianli screamed as he clung to the car window. Director Cheng's vision went black, and he staggered forward, only to be stopped by the head of the security department: "Director Cheng, this is a direct order from Secretary Shui. Don't make things difficult for us."

Before he could finish speaking, the jeep had already sped away, kicking up dust. Factory Director Cheng trembled all over, then suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed to the ground.

In the hospital ward, the beeping of the electrocardiogram monitor was particularly jarring. Just as Director Cheng regained consciousness, he saw Secretary Shui sitting on a chair beside the bed, slowly and methodically peeling an apple.

"Old Shui, how cruel you are!" Director Cheng squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, the IV tube swaying with his violently heaving chest.

Secretary Shui cut the apple into small pieces and placed them on a plate, his tone as calm as if discussing the weather: "You were the one who attacked me first. Wasn't getting Min Zhongsheng to investigate Yu Shanqing just to find something to use against me?"

Factory Director Cheng took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down: "Qianli is just greedy for small gains at most, it's not a big problem. Yu Shanqing is different, last year alone he gave more than 200,000 yuan in kickbacks to that shell company in Fujian!"

"Really?" Secretary Shui suddenly laughed, pulled a stack of documents from his briefcase and threw them on the bedside table: "It seems your son didn't tell you that the catalysts he handled in the purchasing department last year were priced 30% higher than the market price. And your daughter-in-law Wang Xiuying—the invoice for this refrigerator is for 'office supplies'."

Director Cheng's breathing suddenly quickened, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged. He knew all too well the weight of these materials—if Secretary Shui sent them to the ministry, Cheng Qianli would be sentenced to at least ten years.

"Old Shui, you... if you have the guts, come at me! What kind of hero touches my son!" Director Cheng ripped the needle off the back of his hand, and blood splattered onto the snow-white sheets.

Secretary Shui sighed, but his gaze turned cold: "Old Cheng, we've worked together for twenty-three years, and it shouldn't have come to this. Back when Old Zhou from the Equipment Department was arrested for embezzlement, you personally said, 'If the parasites aren't removed, the factory will collapse.' How come the rules change when it comes to your own son?"

"Stop pretending to be a saint!" Factory Director Cheng slammed his fist on the bed. "I just don't understand why you insist on siding with Song Yunhui!"

"Why don't you understand?" Secretary Shui suddenly raised his voice: "I've never been on Xiao Song's side. My stance has never changed since the first day I joined the factory—whoever can help Jingzhou Chemical go further, I'll stand by their side!"

The ward door was suddenly pushed open. Director Cheng's wife, her hair disheveled, rushed in and knelt before Secretary Shui with a thud: "Secretary Shui, I beg you! If Qianli goes to jail, his life will be ruined..."

She clung tightly to Secretary Shui's trouser leg, crying so hard she almost passed out.

"Get up! Don't beg him!" Factory Director Cheng roared, trying to get out of bed. His wife turned around and hugged his legs, pleading, "Old Cheng, I'm begging you! Please give in... He's our only son!"

Factory Director Cheng slumped down and loosened his clenched fist. He stared at the ceiling in silence for a long time before finally managing to squeeze out, "Old Shui... you won."

Three days later, Yu Shanqing walked out of the security office looking disheveled. Although he escaped criminal charges, the red stamp on his resignation notice for "serious violation of financial discipline" completely ruined his future in the chemical industry. Cheng Qianli, on the other hand, received a factory-wide reprimand, was demoted to a regular employee, and transferred to the boiler room to supervise the removal of coal slag.

The most shocking moment came at Monday morning's meeting. When Secretary Shui announced that Factory Director Cheng had applied for early retirement due to health reasons, and that Min Zhongsheng, who was originally the obvious successor, was being transferred to the Qinghai branch factory for "construction support," the meeting room was so quiet you could hear a pen rolling down its page. (End of Chapter)