That year the flowers bloomed 1981

Chapter 1312 The Rich Help the Poor

On December 25th, Xinxing Machinery Company was successfully inaugurated, and the once stagnant Eighth Machinery Factory was transformed, welcoming leaders and guests from all walks of life.

Li Ye, as the "key leader of the parent company" of this new unit, also greeted the guests on site along with Lu Zhizhang.

Despite the biting north wind of winter, one must still wear a warm and friendly smile to make guests feel deeply appreciated and respected. This is a skill that requires years of dedicated practice to master.

Li Ye has been practicing for five years since graduation. While he may not have reached a state of perfection, he has naturally developed a flawless technique.

But when Li Ye saw Han Jinqu also come to congratulate him, he couldn't manage a smile no matter what.

Ever since that day when Li Ye rebuked Han Jinqu for being "incompetent" in front of the department leaders, the two had completely fallen out. Although the higher-ups repeatedly tried to mediate and urge the First Branch Factory to "prioritize the overall situation" and help Hongxing Manufacturing Plant overcome its difficulties, Li Ye simply went on a "business trip."

Lu Zhizhang, who stayed at home, was a master of deception, constantly complaining about his poverty and saying that "his family has no surplus grain." In the end, Ma Zhaoxian went directly to the authorities to protest, arguing that the good sons of the family shouldn't have to shoulder all the messes.

Good kids aren't stupid; if this continues, they'll start learning bad habits from the bad kids.

Ma Zhaoxian was just using an analogy, but somehow the rumor that Han Jinqu was labeled a "bad kid" spread rapidly and was accepted by everyone.

Do you think Han Jinqu wouldn't be angry?
So we didn't invite anyone from the Red Star Factory to this ribbon-cutting ceremony, just to avoid any unnecessary trouble. Who would have thought that this guy would show up uninvited?

From a great distance, Li Ye saw Han Jinqu with a long face, as if someone owed him eight million, and he immediately felt disgusted.

Is this a visit to offer congratulations or to mourn someone?

"Old Lu, please take care of me. I'm going to the restroom."

Li Ye informed Lu Zhizhang briefly, then prepared to slip away to the side. With so many guests today, wouldn't it be embarrassing if a fight broke out? It was better to avoid seeing them altogether.

Unexpectedly, Lu Zhizhang turned to Director Kong next to him and said, "Old Kong, please take care of me. I also need to go to the restroom."

"."

Were you best buddies in high school? Did you even go to the bathroom together?

Li Ye looked at his old partner with surprise, smiled knowingly, and then they walked away together.

People whom Li Ye dislikes, Lu Zhizhang also dislikes. With superiors present, they can at least try to appease him, but now they have no right to show him any respect.

Han Jinqu, who was almost upon them, saw the two turn and leave, and suddenly quickened his pace, intending to catch up.

But Director Kong stopped him, saying with a half-smile, "Hey Lao Han, I'm a grown man standing here, and you don't even glance at me? What have I done to offend you?"

And why are you so serious? Today is supposed to be a joyous occasion, the opening of our new factory, but you're making such a long face. It's like you're here to collect a debt!

Factory Director Han glanced at Factory Director Kong, who was blocking his way, and said in a deep voice, "I'm not here to collect a debt; I just want justice."
Today is your glorious day, Kong Jueming, and I shouldn't spoil the occasion, but when I think of the more than three thousand workers at our Hongxing Factory who are still waiting for rice to cook..."

"Go seek justice elsewhere; you won't find justice here."

Factory Director Kong's face instantly turned cold, and he said in a deep voice, "Han Jinqu, I know you're not satisfied, not satisfied that Branch Factory One chose our Eighth Machinery Factory."

But since they didn't choose you, you should first look for the reasons within yourself, and stop spouting nonsense about fairness and injustice, and definitely stop bringing up the issue of the three thousand-plus workers.

Factory Director Kong said sarcastically, "Have you ever cared about the lives of the workers all these years? You only care about whether you can be rated as an advanced worker, and whether you have a future. Now that the workers are making trouble and affecting the chair you're sitting on, you finally think about the workers?"

"."

Han Jinqu was speechless after hearing what Director Kong said.

They knew each other well, so Han Jinqu knew that Kong Jueming's Eighth Machinery Factory was a huge financial hole, and Kong Jueming also knew that Han Jinqu was a "hypocrite." In fact, the situation they had encountered in recent years was the same as that of many other small state-owned enterprises: declining profits, heavy debts, and redundant staff.
However, when faced with various difficulties, the two adopted two completely opposite coping strategies.

Kong Jueming kept complaining to his superiors, insisting that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease," demanding all kinds of funding, subsidies, and loans. He said, "Don't worry about how big a hole I, Kong Jueming, am in; I'll make sure the basic living needs of the unit's employees are met first."

Han Jinqu, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. When asked about his unit's situation, he always replied, "There are no difficulties, I can persevere, let those who need it more go first, and don't cause trouble for the country."

Han Jinqu earned countless verbal praises from his superiors for being "sensible and responsible" by always being one step behind others.

But he didn't consider the employees' situation at all. Paying them only once every three months, he wondered if it was enough to buy rice for their families.

When he hadn't been able to pay a month's wages for three months and the workers were starving, he finally panicked and started demanding justice.

Who will give you justice?
"Factory manager, the convoy led by the factory manager is almost here."

Just then, the employee on guard at the gate ran over and signaled that the motorcade of the higher-ups was approaching.

"Xiao Chen, go over to the restrooms and inform Factory Manager Li and Factory Manager Lu."

Kong Jueming hurriedly sent someone to call Li Ye and Lu Zhizhang, then looked at Han Jinqu and said, "Old Han, let's go greet the leader together! If you really have any troubles, just tell the leader."

Han Jinqu's lips moved slightly, and then he said, "Don't worry, I know what's important."

Kong Jueming smiled.

[How stupid and cowardly! One incompetent general brings ruin to the entire army.]

. . . . . . . . . . .

The listing ceremony of Xinxing Machinery Company went very smoothly. The leaders highly praised the "reorganization and merger" and placed high hopes on the future of the new unit.

After all the procedures were completed, everyone started having dinner together.

At this point, an unusual phenomenon occurred.

Li Ye and Lu Zhizhang were "fortunate" enough to sit at the same table with the ministry leaders, becoming the focus of the entire event.

Logically speaking, although Li Ye was one of the main people in charge of this unit merger and was seated at the same table with the leaders, he was still too young in this environment with strict seating arrangements.

So while Li Ye was flattered, he also became secretly wary.

Sure enough, after the banquet began, the leader raised his glass and said, "For years we've been chanting the slogan 'Let some people get rich first,' and this spirit applies to businesses as well."

Young people like Factory Director Lu and Factory Director Li have courage and ability. At this crucial moment, they should shoulder greater responsibilities. The wealthy should help the less fortunate, giving them a hand first, and then letting them help even more people.

"."

After the leader finished speaking, the people around him cheered, saying that the leader was indeed capable and insightful.

The idea that those who get rich first should help those who get rich later is perfectly reasonable!

Li Ye glanced at Han Jinqu's table and their eyes met.

Looking at the smile that Han Jinqu had managed to force on his face, Li Ye's lips curled into a playful smile.

I must applaud the spirit of those who get rich first helping those who get rich later!

(End of this chapter)