Movie: Get Alpha Dog at the start

Chapter 1330: Mine Clearance

As the sun set, the glass windows of the Jingzhou Chemical Plant canteen were bathed in an orange-red hue. Just as Qin Hao and his three companions put down their chopsticks, the canteen door was pushed open, and Secretary Shui and Director Cheng burst in, panting, fine beads of sweat still clinging to their foreheads.

"Oh my, when did Mr. Lei arrive?" Secretary Shui asked with a beaming smile, looking genuinely surprised. "Why didn't you give us any advance notice? We weren't prepared at all!"

The previously noisy canteen fell silent instantly. The workers who were clearing away their trays all turned around in unison, staring in astonishment at how polite the two factory leaders were to this young man—no, it couldn't even be called politeness; it was downright obsequious.

Qin Hao calmly stood up and took Secretary Shui's hand, saying, "Secretary Shui, you're too kind. Xiao Hui asked me to bring him some overseas materials again, and since my wife is on summer vacation, I came to visit him."

Song Yunping shook hands with the two men with a graceful and generous demeanor. Secretary Shui looked at Song Yunhui with kind eyes: "Young Song is a good comrade. Not only is he conscientious and responsible in his work, but he is also quick-witted and eager to learn. He is a role model for all employees and cadres of Jingzhou Chemical."

Hearing her younger brother being praised, Song Yunping's smile deepened. Song Yunhui, on the other hand, awkwardly adjusted his glasses, his ears turning slightly red.

“It’s rare for President Lei to come all this way, why don’t you come to my office for a while?” Secretary Shui warmly invited, his gaze lingering on Song Yunping for a moment before considerately adding, “If Teacher Song doesn’t like this kind of setting, Xiao Song and Da Xun can accompany her for a walk around the factory area.”

Qin Hao understood and turned to his wife softly, saying, "You and Xiao Hui go back first. I'll talk to Secretary Shui and then be back."

Song Yunping nodded, took her brother's arm, and left. Xun Jianxiang winked at Secretary Shui and quickly followed.

Secretary Shui's office was spacious and bright, with various professional books neatly arranged on the bookshelves. Qin Hao casually picked up a copy of "Principles of Chemical Engineering" and noticed obvious signs of being flipped through and covered with dense notes.

"Secretary Shui is so busy, yet he still finds time to study. That's impressive," Qin Hao said with a smile.

Secretary Shui shook his head with a wry smile: "We have no choice but to learn. We used to think that as long as we were willing to put in the effort, there was no tough problem we couldn't overcome. But after opening our doors to the world, we realized that our technology, equipment, and management models were all lagging behind."

Factory Director Cheng, observing Qin Hao's expression, quickly added, "Fortunately, the plan to introduce the new equipment has been approved. As long as we can master this brand-new equipment, the products manufactured by Jingzhou Chemical should still be competitive in the international market."

Qin Hao glanced at him: "As far as I know, it takes at least two years from the import of such large-scale chemical equipment to its installation, commissioning, training, and production. Who can say for sure what new technologies will emerge in the international chemical industry after two years?"

Factory Director Cheng's expression stiffened, and Secretary Shui said solemnly, "Therefore, time is precious. We will do everything in our power to shorten this cycle and strive to complete mass production within two years."

Seeing Qin Hao's noncommittal attitude, Secretary Shui changed the subject: "Xiao Song is the person in our factory who knows this equipment best. The construction of Branch Factory still needs his help. Old Cheng, what do you think about transferring him from the technical department to Branch Factory as the deputy director in charge of technology?"

Factory Director Cheng immediately agreed: "That's a great idea! Xiao Song's technical skills are renowned throughout the factory. If he can get involved, it will definitely significantly shorten the time it takes to put the new equipment into production."

Qin Hao looked meaningfully at Factory Director Cheng, a faint smile playing on his lips: "As an outsider, I won't get involved in the personnel scheduling at Jingzhou Chemical. However, since Haoran International has already signed an agreement with Jingzhou Chemical for equipment in exchange for products, at least the foreign trade orders worth over twenty million US dollars will remain unchanged."

Secretary Shui and Factory Director Cheng both breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. While Jingzhou Chemical's proposal had won praise from the ministry, it had also brought immense pressure; if the project ran into problems, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Since General Manager Lei is here, why not stay in Jingzhou for a few more days?" Before Secretary Shui could finish speaking, Factory Director Cheng quickly added, "Yes, General Manager Lei, I'll have the General Affairs Department arrange your food and lodging."

A playful glint flashed in Qin Hao's eyes: "Then I'll gladly accept." Seeing the two's delighted expressions, he added, "However, my wife doesn't particularly enjoy formal occasions. I've heard that Director Cheng's wife is an excellent cook; I wonder if that would be convenient?"

Factory Director Cheng was taken aback at first, then beamed with delight: "Convenient, of course convenient! To be honest, Mr. Lei, my husband may not have many other talents, but he's an excellent cook—Secretary Shui can attest to that."

“That’s true,” Secretary Shui immediately understood. “Your sister-in-law’s cooking is far superior to our cafeteria’s chef. Oh, speaking of which, it’s been a long time since I’ve had your cooking. I happen to have two bottles of good wine; how about we have a drink together tonight?”

The three exchanged a smile, each with their own thoughts.

Factory Director Cheng practically flew home, and as soon as he entered, he shouted to his mother, who was picking vegetables, "Sufang! Quick! Get ready! This is fantastic news!"

His wife, Yang Sufang, was startled by his frantic behavior: "What good news has made you so crazy? Did you find a gold ingot?"

"More precious than gold ingots!" Director Cheng lowered his voice, unable to hide his excitement: "General Manager Lei from Haoran International and his wife, Teacher Song, are coming to our house for dinner tonight! And Secretary Shui too! They're all coming!"

"What? Haoran International... President Lei?" It took Yang Sufang a while to react: "You...you mean the big boss of that company listed in Hong Kong, who I heard can get orders worth over a billion US dollars a year? The guest of honor of leaders from various ministries...that President Lei?"

Factory Director Cheng paced excitedly, "Who else could it be but him? Oh right, his brother-in-law, Song Yunhui, is coming too! He's the little Song from the technical department that Kaiyan kept mentioning! Quick! Get some more hearty dishes! Show off your skills! Big crabs, river shrimp, pork hock, spare ribs... pick the best and most expensive ones! Money's no object! Make sure this is a grand affair! You absolutely can't let me down!"

Yang Sufang nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry! I know what's important! I'll go to the farmers' market right away..."

Just then, Cheng Kaiyan opened the door and came in, humming a little tune. Cheng's mother immediately rushed forward and grabbed her like she was being conscripted: "Kaiyan! Quick! Don't change your clothes, come with me to buy groceries!"

Cheng Kaiyan was completely confused: "Mom, why did you buy so many groceries? Are we having guests? Who is it?"

While changing her shoes, Cheng's mother urged, "Anyway, they are honored guests. We can talk on the way."

Farmers' market.

"President Lei? Song Yunhui's brother-in-law? Will Song Yunhui come too?" Cheng Kaiyan's face flushed red, her heart pounded, and her voice carried a hint of disbelief and surprise.

Looking at her daughter's face, which flushed instantly and her eyes sparkling, Cheng's mother chuckled to herself: "Look at you, so pathetic! Go home and change into that red dress! If you and Xiao Song could get to know each other better and develop some feelings for each other, it would be a huge benefit for your father and our family!"

"Mom! What are you saying!" Cheng Kaiyan's face turned even redder, and she stamped her foot shyly. "He and I are just ordinary colleagues. We've barely even exchanged a few words..."

Knowing her daughter was shy, Cheng's mother smiled and didn't continue the topic. The mother and daughter were practically fighting a battle at the farmers' market, carefully selecting the best seafood, river fish, and seasonal vegetables that they wouldn't normally buy.

The couple returned home carrying bags of groceries. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they heard their son, Cheng Qianli's, boisterous voice and their daughter-in-law, Wang Xiuying's, giggles coming from inside the house. A moment later, Cheng Qianli and Wang Xiuying, drawn by the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen, came over.

"Wow! Mom and Dad, you bought so much good food? Are we having guests?" Cheng Qianli leaned against the kitchen doorway, his eyes shining as he looked at the chicken, duck, fish, meat, and seafood piled up on the counter.

In a good mood, Cheng's mother didn't think much of it and casually recounted the dinner she had hosted for Qin Hao and his wife, as well as Secretary Shui, that evening.

"What?!" Cheng Qianli's eyes widened instantly, and even Wang Xiuying beside him gasped. "President Lei of Haoran International?! Song Yunhui's brother-in-law?! Coming to our house for dinner tonight?!"

The couple exchanged a glance, both seeing the gleam in each other's eyes! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to climb the social ladder!

As the sun set, the aroma of food wafted from the Cheng family's courtyard. Cheng's mother, wearing an apron, bustled about in the kitchen, the clanging of spatulas against woks filling the air. Cheng Kaiyan, dressed in a newly ironed red dress, paced back and forth in the living room, occasionally peeking out towards the gate.

"Kaiyan, stop shaking, come help me set the table." Mother Cheng wiped her sweat. "Your dad said he'd be there at 6:30, and it's already 6:20."

Just as Cheng Kaiyan picked up her chopsticks, the courtyard gate was pushed open. Factory Director Cheng led in Secretary Shui and Mr. and Mrs. Qin Hao, followed by Song Yunhui carrying a gift box. Cheng Kaiyan's chopsticks fell to the table with a "clatter," and two red clouds instantly rose to her cheeks.

"Oh my, Mr. Lei, it's an honor to have you here!" Mrs. Cheng quickly went to greet him, her gaze lingering on Song Yunhui for a couple of seconds. "This must be young Song, right? I've often heard Old Cheng mention you; you are indeed a handsome young man."

Song Yunhui nodded awkwardly in greeting, and Qin Hao promptly interjected, "I apologize for bothering you, but this is just a small token of my appreciation."

Just as Cheng's mother was about to decline, two figures suddenly darted into the living room. Cheng Qianli rushed to Qin Hao, rubbing his hands on his trouser seams before extending them: "President Lei! I've heard so much about you! I'm Kaiyan's older brother, Cheng Qianli, and I work in the factory's transportation department!"

Wang Xiuying pushed past her husband and stepped forward: "Hello, General Manager Lei! I'm Qianli's wife, and I work as a clerk in the factory office. Kaiyan in my family often talks about Section Chief Song, saying he's the most promising young man in the factory!"

Secretary Shui frowned almost imperceptibly. Factory Director Cheng's face turned pale, and he glared fiercely at his son. Qin Hao, however, acted as if he hadn't witnessed the farce, calmly shaking hands: "Hello, Section Chief Cheng, hello, Comrade Wang."

Song Yunping took the initiative to walk over and take Cheng Kaiyan's hand: "You must be Kaiyan? I've often heard Xiaohui mention you; you really are a graceful young woman."

Cheng Kaiyan's eyes widened in surprise: "Section Chief Song... mentioned me?"

Song Yunhui's face flushed red instantly. Qin Hao coughed twice, and Song Yunping finally let go of Cheng Kaiyan's hand, but they continued whispering to each other.

"Don't stand there, come and sit down!" Cheng's mother quickly smoothed things over, secretly pinching her son's lower back.

At the dinner table, Cheng Qianli attentively poured wine for Qin Hao: "President Lei, I heard your listed company in Hong Kong is worth several billion? Doesn't that mean you could squander it all?"

"Qianli!" Director Cheng suddenly put down his chopsticks, and the porcelain bowl made a "clink" sound.

Secretary Shui coughed twice: "Xiao Cheng, money is just an external thing. President Lei's real contribution was bringing a large number of foreign exchange orders to our companies when we needed foreign exchange the most, and also helping us broaden our horizons."

Qin Hao placed a piece of braised pork into Song Yunping's bowl and said casually, "It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Wang Xiuying suddenly interjected, "Mr. Lei, I heard you have a branch office in Shanghai? I wonder if you need any staff? My younger brother only graduated from vocational school."

"Xiuying!" Factory Director Cheng's forehead veins bulged: "Just eat, why are you saying all this!"

Cheng Kaiyan was on pins and needles, almost breaking the chopsticks in her hand. Qin Hao suddenly chuckled, "Director Cheng's family is very strict, isn't it?"

The dinner table fell silent instantly. Mr. and Mrs. Cheng lowered their heads sheepishly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on Director Cheng's forehead.

Secretary Shui raised his glass at the opportune moment: "Come on, this is a private gathering today, so let's not talk about work. Anyone who does will have to drink a penalty shot."

“Yes, let’s not talk about work.” Factory Director Cheng glared at his son and daughter-in-law.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Secretary Shui glanced meaningfully at Cheng Kaiyan, whose face was flushed, then looked at Song Yunhui, who was engrossed in his meal, and suddenly said to Factory Director Cheng, "Old Cheng, I think young Song and Kaiyan are about the same age and are both key personnel in the factory. They should interact more."

Factory Director Cheng immediately understood: "Secretary Shui is right! Kaiyan, don't just focus on eating, serve some food to Section Chief Song!"

Cheng Kaiyan's hand trembled, and half a piece of braised pork fell onto Song Yunhui's white shirt. Song Yunhui jumped up, the broth dripping down his shirt.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!" Cheng Kaiyan frantically grabbed tissues to wipe it, but the more she wiped, the dirtier it got. Song Yunhui's ears turned red with embarrassment, and he repeatedly backed away, saying, "It's okay, it's okay, I can do it myself."

Song Yunping, however, laughed rather unkindly from the side.

After dinner, they sat and chatted for a while longer. Qin Hao glanced at his watch and said, "It's getting late, so we won't bother you any longer."

Factory Director Cheng hurriedly stood up: "President Lei... I'm so sorry for not being able to greet you properly..."

"Director Cheng, what are you saying? We are the ones who have bothered you." Qin Hao looked at Cheng Qianli and his wife with a half-smile.

The latter two thought Qin Hao had a good impression of them, and they couldn't stop smiling.

After watching Qin Hao and his party walk away, Secretary Shui couldn't help but sigh, "Old Cheng, they say that one should cultivate oneself, regulate one's family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world. You'd better clean up your own house properly."

Factory Director Cheng's old face turned bright red with shame: "Secretary Shui, I will definitely teach this good-for-nothing a lesson when I get back."

"Oh, why are you the only one back? Where's Secretary Shui?" Mrs. Cheng asked curiously.

Factory Director Cheng said with a dark face, "You left? Why would you come back if you weren't leaving?"

"Who are you taking all this anger out on?" Madam Cheng asked, bewildered.

Factory Director Cheng pointed at Cheng Qianli and his wife: "Who else can we blame but your precious son? He's ruined the whole atmosphere!"

Still not satisfied, she rushed up to her son, pointed at his nose, and scolded, "Why are you so short-tempered? Didn't you realize why Mr. Lei came to our house for dinner out of the blue?"

"Yeah, why eat at home instead of going to a restaurant?" Cheng Qianli asked, looking bewildered.

Factory Director Cheng almost vomited blood: "How could I have given birth to such an idiot like you with all my good reputation? They came to meet Kaiyan. Originally, Xiao Song's sister had a good impression of Kaiyan, but as soon as your wife mentioned that she wanted to send her brother to Haoran International, their face immediately changed. Can't you see that?"

"You two have ruined such a good marriage. How could you be so short-sighted? Couldn't you have waited until Kaiyan and Song Yunhui's relationship was stable before making your demands?"

Cheng Kaiyan's face was deathly pale, and her eyes were red-rimmed.

Cheng Qianli, however, was unconvinced: "Dad, are you sure you didn't see wrong? That President Lei even smiled at us before he left, so he shouldn't have taken it to heart, right?"

"Fool! That's a smile of relief, thanking you for clearing such a huge landmine for him, preventing it from affecting our family. And you're still gloating here..." Factory Director Cheng clutched his chest, almost fainting! (End of Chapter)