amaotonovel Chapter 1321 Experience the taste of being replaced.
Chapter 1321 Experience the taste of being replaced.
Chapter 1321 Experience the taste of being replaced.
Three days later, the entrance to Jingzhou Chemical Plant was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers filled the air.
The red carpet stretched from the factory gate all the way to the office building. Factory Director Fei paced back and forth, his brow furrowed: "Add two more flower baskets to the left! Hang those lanterns higher on the right! Banner! Keep the banner level!"
He always felt that the pomp and circumstance were insufficient.
Looking at the chaotic scene, Chief Engineer Liu couldn't help but half-jokingly say, "Old Fei, it's just an inspection team. Are we making such a fuss as if we were receiving a high-ranking leader from the Ministry? Is it really necessary?"
Factory Director Fei immediately pulled him aside to a corner, glanced warily at Secretary Shui who was "stood aside" not far away, and lowered his voice: "Chief Engineer Liu, you don't know this, but the night before last, the leaders of the department called me personally."
"The idea of the ministry leaders is that this time Jingzhou Chemical will spend a lot of foreign exchange on equipment upgrades. If we can get the order from Haoran International and earn back this foreign exchange, it will be a great achievement."
Chief Engineer Liu's heart skipped a beat. Although he was passionate about technology and not good at scheming, he had worked in state-owned enterprises for decades. How could he not understand the weight of this "great achievement"? For cadres of their age, missing such an opportunity could very well mean working at Jingzhou Chemical until retirement, just like Secretary Shui.
As the two were talking in hushed tones, a brand-new minibus slowly drove into the factory gate. Factory Director Fei and Chief Engineer Liu immediately straightened their clothes, put on smiles, and went forward to greet it.
The minibus doors opened, and the first to step off were two young men. Both Factory Director Fei and Chief Engineer Liu were stunned—these two were far too young!
Just as they hesitated, a middle-aged man in a suit stepped forward quickly, smiling and extending his hand:
"Hello, Manager Fei! I am the head of the Southeast Asia Business Department of Haoran International's Shanghai branch. We just spoke on the phone yesterday."
He then stepped aside and respectfully introduced, "This is Lei Hao, the chairman of our Haoran International!"
Factory Director Fei was shocked. He reacted instantly and warmly grasped Qin Hao's hands with both of his: "Oh! President Lei! I've heard so much about you! It's truly better to see you in person than to have heard so much. President Lei is so young and accomplished, I almost didn't recognize you just now! My apologies!"
He had only heard that Mr. Lei of Haoran International was very young, but actually meeting him in person was still more impactful than he had imagined. He glanced at another young man, Song Yunhui, who had a calm demeanor but was somewhat inexperienced, assuming he was just an assistant and not paying much attention to him.
Qin Hao smiled calmly: "Director Fei, you flatter me. I was just lucky and happened to be in the right place at the right time."
After some pleasantries, Director Fei raised his voice and solemnly addressed the inspection team and the group of factory leaders: "A warm welcome to all the leaders of the Haoran International Inspection Team for visiting Jingzhou Chemical and providing guidance! We sincerely request your valuable suggestions!"
As soon as he finished speaking, gongs, drums, and firecrackers sounded again. Surrounded by Factory Director Fei, Chief Engineer Liu, and other factory leaders, Qin Hao and his entourage entered the factory.
As they walked to the office building, Song Yunhui, who had been silently following beside Qin Hao, finally mustered up his courage and whispered to Qin Hao, "Brother-in-law... I'd like to see the workshop and equipment, is that alright?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Hao turned directly to Factory Director Fei: "Factory Director Fei, this is my brother-in-law, Song Yunhui. He's about to graduate from the Chemistry Department of Anyun University and is particularly passionate about chemical engineering. Would it be convenient for him to visit our workshops and equipment sites to learn more? Give him a chance to broaden his horizons."
Factory Director Fei suddenly realized! No wonder this young man was so out of place and so quiet! It turned out he was part of a "family faction"! He had almost been negligent! He immediately put on an even warmer smile and replied repeatedly, "Convenient! So convenient! Welcome, welcome!"
After saying that, he hurriedly waved over a person in charge who was wearing work clothes and a safety helmet: "Director Fan! Quickly, take this Mr. Song to see the various workshops in person! Be careful! As long as it doesn't involve core confidential areas, everything is open for Mr. Song to see!"
Song Yunhui excitedly took the safety helmet, put it on, thanked him, and quickly left with the serious-looking Director Fan of Workshop One, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and longing for the industrial site.
Qin Hao, along with Factory Director Fei and others, entered the office building to officially begin their talks.
Over the next two days, Director Fei went to great lengths. He granted all the delegation's requests the green light, provided all the information without reservation, gave detailed and thorough technical explanations, and treated them to the highest standards of accommodation and meals. Even when a member of the delegation privately praised the local pastries, he immediately had several large boxes purchased and delivered to the hotel. He personally accompanied them to every meal, displaying a humble and enthusiastic attitude.
Finally, the two-day inspection ended, and Qin Hao led the inspection team away. Watching the minibus drive away, Chief Engineer Liu breathed a sigh of relief and said to Factory Director Fei, "It wasn't easy, Lao Fei! Those people from Haoran International are really something else. They asked some very tricky professional questions. Luckily, I was well prepared, and I managed not to make any mistakes at crucial points."
Factory Director Fei remained frowning, and Chief Engineer Liu asked in confusion, "Old Fei, what's wrong? You look so worried."
Factory Director Fei clicked his tongue: "I always feel like something's not quite right about this."
Chief Engineer Liu scratched his head: "What's wrong? Weren't we having a good chat? They didn't find any fault with us, did they?"
Factory Director Fei lowered his eyebrows and asked, "Since the conversation went very well and no problems were found, why did you refuse to discuss the specifics of the foreign trade orders?"
Chief Engineer Liu also sensed something was wrong: "You mean they have no intention of cooperating with us?"
Factory Director Fei shook his head: "If they had no intention of cooperating, they wouldn't have sent an inspection team here, especially since it was led by their General Manager Lei himself. I've heard that he's a elusive figure, rarely seen even by leaders from many departments."
Chief Engineer Liu frowned: "This isn't right, that isn't right, so what do you think they mean?"
Factory Director Fei pondered for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution. Just as he was about to pick up his wine glass and take a sip of tea, a sudden inspiration struck him: "Old Liu, do you think the problem might lie with Boss Lei's brother-in-law?"
Chief Engineer Liu frowned: "You mean, the Haoran International inspection team was just a front, and that young man named Song Yunhui was the one they were really there to investigate?"
Upon hearing this, Director Fei patted Chief Engineer Liu on the shoulder speechlessly and sighed, "Old Liu, you're top-notch when it comes to technology, but you still haven't figured out how to navigate interpersonal relationships!"
After saying that, Director Fei analyzed on his fingers: "Look, this young man named Song Yunhui studied chemical engineering in college and is about to graduate. He happens to be from the Chemistry Department of Anyun University. Think about it again?"
Chief Engineer Liu suddenly realized: "You mean, General Manager Lei wants to get his brother-in-law into our Jingzhou Chemical Company?"
Director Fei tapped the conference table with his finger with a smug look: "I think that's probably the gist of it."
Chief Engineer Liu hesitated for a moment: "But haven't we already decided on Zhuang Yan? If we suddenly replace him with someone else, it won't be easy to explain to An Yun University, will it?"
Factory Director Fei waved his hand: "That's not how it works. An Yun University only has the right to recommend, the decision-making power is still in the hands of Jingzhou Chemical. Besides, don't you think there's something fishy going on here?"
Chief Engineer Liu felt his brain was a bit slow: "Hey Lao Fei, stop keeping me in suspense. You know I can't think straight when it comes to anything other than technology."
Factory Director Fei smiled smugly: "Think about it, is the compensation better at Haoran International or at Jingzhou Chemical?"
Chief Engineer Liu: "Isn't that obvious? Our workers only make a few dozen yuan a month, while they make several hundred. Of course, they have better benefits."
Factory Director Fei: "Isn't that right? He's Boss Lei's brother-in-law. If he wants to get into Haoran International, it's just a matter of a word."
Chief Engineer Liu looked at Factory Director Fei in surprise: "You mean, this Song Yunhui wanted to come to our factory, but he didn't have a quota, so he pulled this stunt?"
Factory Director Fei took a sip of his tea: "That's most likely the case."
Upon hearing this, Chief Engineer Liu frowned: "If that's the case, then Haoran International's order won't fall into our lap?"
Factory Director Fei gently shook his head and said, "Even if this cooperation doesn't work out, as long as Song Yunhui joins Jingzhou Chemical, are we afraid that President Lei won't give us opportunities in the future?"
Chief Engineer Liu thought about it and agreed: "Then I'll have someone go and send a message back to An Yun University?"
Factory Director Fei thought for a moment and added, "Have someone go to Anyun University and find out what kind of person Song Yunhui is."
Chief Engineer Liu paused, then asked, "What do you mean?"
Factory Director Fei said, "If he's really capable, we'll focus on training him. If he's incompetent, we'll give him a sinecure and promote him. After all, we'll have to repay this favor eventually."
Chief Engineer Liu gave Factory Director Fei a thumbs up: "Old Fei, I used to think I was smarter than you, but today I finally understand that you are the smartest person in our factory."
The news quickly reached An Yun University. A fierce argument broke out at Director Zhuang's home in the staff quarters.
Zhuang Yan was so angry that his face turned red, and he jumped up and down in the living room: "Dad! Didn't you say it was a done deal?! Jingzhou Chemical even told me to prepare to report for duty! How come you suddenly changed your mind?"
Director Zhuang's face was ashen as he paced irritably around the room: "What can I do! Who knew this unexpected obstacle would appear out of nowhere! I told you to report for duty earlier, but you wouldn't listen! You insisted on dawdling and playing at home for a few days! And now... sigh!"
He slammed his hand on the table.
Mrs. Zhuang brought over a glass of water, her brows furrowed. "Old Zhuang, has anyone said who took Yan Yan's place? What's their background?"
Director Zhuang took the water glass but didn't drink it, letting out a heavy sigh: "They didn't mention that... However, I heard that Jingzhou Chemical seems to be inquiring about Song Yunhui's situation..."
"Song Yunhui?!" Zhuang Yan screamed, his anger instantly replaced by disbelief: "What? That country bumpkin? Impossible... How could it be him?"
Mrs. Zhuang looked at her husband in surprise: "Song Yunhui? I remember you mentioned this student before. Didn't you say that although he had good grades, he had no background and his parents were just ordinary farmers? How did he suddenly squeeze Yan Yan out?"
Director Zhuang frowned deeply, his face full of confusion: "Yes! I'm also completely baffled! I've seen his file, Jinling County, Shanbei Brigade... I heard it's a poor mountain village. It seems he had to retake the exam for a year because of his family background. If his family really had some connections, how could they not be able to handle such a small matter?"
Seeing that his parents were at a loss, Zhuang Yan resorted to pleading: "Dad, I don't care, I have to go to Jingzhou Chemical Plant. All my friends know that I'm going to Jingzhou Chemical Plant. If I can't go, where will I put my face?"
The series of setbacks and his son's unreasonable behavior had driven Director Zhuang to the brink of irritability. He instinctively tried to break free from his son's grasp and suddenly waved his hand, shouting, "Calm down!"
With a loud "bang!", the cup flew out of Director Zhuang's hand and crashed heavily to the ground, shards and water splashing everywhere.
Zhuang's mother screamed, and seeing that her son seemed to have been hit by the shards, she immediately exploded: "Zhuang Qingfeng! What are you doing?! You can't even handle the quota yourself, why are you taking it out on the child?! If you're so capable, go and argue with Jingzhou Chemical! What kind of skill is it to smash things at home? Waaah... my Yan Yan..."
She rushed forward to protect her son, crying and cursing at her husband.
Zhuang Yan seemed to have found an outlet, and cried out even louder.
The sounds of fierce arguing, crying, and smashing things penetrated the not-so-soundproof walls and windows, clearly reaching the ears of the people in the stairwell and the neighbors on the left and right.
In less than an afternoon, the news that "the department head's son was squeezed out of the quota, and the organizers made a huge fuss" spread like wildfire throughout every corner of the An Yun University campus.
Song Yunhui was organizing the problems he had discovered during his visit to Jingzhou Chemical Plant when his roommate Li Zhiming burst in excitedly.
"Song Yunhui, why are you still studying so hard? I have good news for you. Zhuang Yan's spot at Jingzhou Chemical has also been taken."
A hint of surprise flashed in Song Yunhui's eyes, but it was only for a moment. He knew that Qin Hao's power should be enough to take down Zhuang Yan, but he didn't expect it to happen so quickly.
Seeing Song Yunhui's indifferent attitude, Li Zhiming said, "Song Yunhui, you should at least give some reaction, okay? Anyone who didn't know better would think you already knew about this."
Song Yunhui put down his pen: "Actually, I did know about this in advance."
"Know in advance? How did you know in advance?" Li Zhiming asked his other roommate, Wang Qiang, "Did this kid go out this afternoon?"
Wang Qiang shook his head: "I haven't even gone to the toilet all afternoon."
Just as Li Zhiming was racking his brains trying to figure it out, Professor Lu rushed in excitedly.
"Song Yunhui, get ready and come with me. Jingzhou Chemical wants to know about your personal situation."
Upon hearing this, Song Yunhui put down his pen and left with Professor Lu. Li Zhiming and Wang Qiang looked at each other, and a thought suddenly popped into their minds.
"Wang Qiang, do you think it was Song Yunhui who took Zhuang Yan's place?"
Wang Qiang clicked his tongue: "Probably...maybe...possibly...right?"
Li Zhiming scratched his messy hair: "That shouldn't be the case. If Song Yunhui really had a powerful background to keep Director Zhuang in check, would it have taken so long to use him?"
"That's true, but it can't be that Director Zhuang, out of noble character, gave up his son's spot to Song Yunhui, can it?"
From then on, Song Yunhui's story became an unsolved mystery at Anyun University.