At ten in the morning, Zhang Liunian arrived at the factory in Zhangjiacun village. He first briefed them on the urgent work content and then proceeded to the new production line to assign tasks to the new employees.
These newcomers were all eager to prove themselves. Zhang Liunian taught quickly, and they learned just as fast. Before long, they had all mastered their respective processes.
“Comrade Zhang, does it taste like this?” When the final product was ready, the team leader of this production line brought the pickled vegetables to Zhang Liunian for his tasting.
Zhang Liunian took a bite with the chopsticks and nodded with satisfaction. “This is the taste. You’ve done well. Keep up the good work.”
“Alright, we’ll produce according to this flavor.”
“You may go!”
After the person left, Zhang Liunian and Zhang Shan toured the other lines in the factory.
Seeing everyone busy, Zhang Liunian felt content, especially with the five packaging machines. Without this equipment, his pickled vegetables wouldn’t be able to achieve such a high output.
“I’ve entrusted the factory expansion to Uncle Shan, and we must continue to acquire fermented soybean paste,” Zhang Liunian said, giving a few final instructions before leaving.
He didn’t leave the village but instead went to find Zhang Qian, intending to bring him back to work by his side.
“Zhang Qian, I have a new job for you. Do you want to try it?” Sitting on the tractor, Zhang Liunian turned to the sun-baked Zhang Qian and invited him.
Upon hearing that he could have a new job, Zhang Qian’s eyes lit up with excitement. “What job? As long as it means I don’t have to drive a tractor, I’ll do any job.”
“I have a farm in the south city. I plan to raise pigs and cattle, and I want you to be the factory manager. Do you have the guts for it?” The person in charge of the farm had been arrested due to their connection with the Tang family. Therefore, only the lowest-level employees remained, enjoying their holidays.
Zhang Liunian was scheduled to hold a meeting with them that afternoon to decide who to keep and who to let go.
As for the position of factory manager, he definitely needed someone he could trust.
Zhang Qian was astonished to be asked to be the factory manager; he almost couldn’t catch his breath. Fortunately, he quickly regained his composure. “Uh, uh, Brother, isn’t it a bit sudden for me to be the factory manager? I only know how to deliver goods!”
Although he really wanted to leave the village and follow Zhang Liunian to the south city, he felt he couldn’t handle being a factory manager just like that.
“I’m just giving you an opportunity to try. Whether you succeed depends on you. It’s alright if you don’t, you can just drive for me later.
As for driving the tractor and delivering goods, you don’t have to worry. I’ll find two people to take over. I remember there’s an experienced tractor driver in our village; he can help train the new ones.”
Zhang Liunian was looking out for him. Regardless of success or failure, he would have a good job, much better than always driving a tractor.
Zhang Liunian never mistreated his own people, especially those who were loyal to him.
Hearing this, Zhang Qian felt much more at ease. “Then… how about I give it a try?”
“Good. Then I’ll go find someone to drive the tractor, and you’ll come with me to the south city to take over the farm later.”
“Brother, so soon? I’m not ready yet.”
“What do you need to prepare? Do you think this is like getting married?”
“……”
In the afternoon, after arranging the lobster delivery, Zhang Liunian took Zhang Qian to the south city.
Meanwhile, in the farm’s office, six hundred lower-level employees were gathered. Among them were people from various job roles, but they all stood nervously, expressing their anxieties.
“I heard our farm was given to a young man who sells braised meat, someone named Zhang Liunian. Do you think he’ll let us go?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t. It all depends on him.”
“It’s more likely that he won’t keep us, considering we used to work for the Tang family.”
“Bah, we didn’t work for the Tang family. We were just deceived. Who knew they could be so wicked, hiding here and conducting that kind of research.”
“If you ask me, our deputy manager should be blamed. He always prevented us from going near Pig Pen No. 3. He must have been covering for them.”
“Exactly. I think so too. I wonder how long our deputy manager will be locked up.”
“Who cares how long he’s locked up? I just hope the new boss doesn’t fire me. My whole family relies on my salary!”
“My whole family also relies on my skill as a butcher. I really hope I don’t lose my job!”
“……”
When Zhang Liunian arrived at the factory office door, these were the conversations he overheard.
“Clang!”
The office door was pushed open. Zhang Liunian, with Zhang Qian, entered with imposing presence and took the main seat. He then turned and scanned the crowd of people below. “Is everyone here? Where’s Accountant Wu?”
The accountant of this farm also handled human resources, which was why Zhang Liunian asked for him first.
A refined middle-aged man wearing glasses walked out from the crowd. “Boss, I’m the accountant for the pig farm. Everyone is here, not a single person is missing.”
Indeed, everyone was present, except for the deputy manager who had been arrested.
Zhang Liunian observed him sternly for a moment and immediately noticed that his condition was the best among them: a Shanghai brand watch, Shanghai brand glasses, and brand new clothes.
Given his salary and his known family circumstances, he shouldn’t have such good possessions. Therefore, he wasn’t an honest accountant, and he couldn’t be kept.
Having made his judgment, Zhang Liunian shifted his gaze and addressed the crowd. “Since everyone is here, quickly find a seat. The meeting will begin shortly.”
As he said this, Zhang Liunian spoke with a full voice, leaving no room for doubt, clearly indicating he was not someone to be trifled with.
Accountant Wu realized this and began to waver. If working for this new boss meant no opportunities for personal gain, he would truly prefer to find a different place.
Zhang Liunian didn’t pay attention to Accountant Wu’s expression because he was already out of the running.
“Regarding my takeover of the farm, I’ve had announcements posted on the factory walls. I believe everyone has seen them. I assume you all have no objections to me being the owner of this factory!”
Zhang Liunian noted that everyone had sat down obediently, and he kept a watchful eye on the few individuals who seemed restless. He knew he wouldn’t keep such people.
“We know about this, Boss. Please tell us about the future, such as whether we can continue to work here.” Seeing that Zhang Liunian wasn’t getting to the point, Accountant Wu had no choice but to interrupt.
Zhang Liunian glanced at him with displeasure. That single look made Accountant Wu feel a chill run down his spine.
It must be an illusion, it must be an illusion. How could Zhang Liunian, such a young, inexperienced youth, exert such pressure on him? It was impossible.
“Accountant Wu, after so many years as an accountant, don’t you even know not to interrupt a superior when they are speaking?”