Rebirth in 1960, My Industrial Age

Chapter 399 Using a borrowed knife to suppress
"Comrade Yu Hai, what's the matter? I'll tell you what I know."

Zhou Fengnian replied formally, but his expression was relaxed; he was just afraid the call wouldn't come, but if it did, then everything was fine.

On the other end of the phone, Yu Hai asked, "Director Ding from our International Economic and Technological Exchange Center came to complain, saying that their achievements this year have encountered some problems."

So I was wondering if there's something Director Ding doesn't understand, since he doesn't have a technical background."

"Pretty much. We need to strictly review any imported technology recently. We need to think more carefully about technologies that are optional to import."

While processing the documents, Zhou Fengnian said, "I'm sorry, Comrade Yu Hai, this is my duty. I can't have problems so soon after taking office. If people point fingers and gossip about it in the newspapers, then I've failed in my duty."

"Did they neglect their duties?"

Yu Hai immediately understood the implication in Zhou Fengnian's words. They were all old foxes; there was no need to spell it out so clearly.

He called and then said this, so he must have all his grievances against him; however, like Director Ding, he had never dealt with Zhou Fengnian before.
It's possible that Director Ding offended Zhou Fengnian, but he had been working in a local government position for over a decade and hadn't seen Zhou Fengnian. Why would he take his anger out on him?
"Haha, Vice President Zhou, you're too kind. If you're derelict in your duties, then there are no qualified cadres. Perhaps Director Ding didn't explain something clearly. I'll go ask him again."

Yu Hai then exchanged a few more polite words with Zhou Fengnian before hanging up the phone.

As soon as the call ended, Yu Hai immediately called Director Ding in and asked, "Does Vice President Zhou have any issues with our Foreign Trade Department?"

The tone on the phone just now was off. Even if Yu Hai is promoted to ZY, he doesn't want to easily make enemies with a cadre of the same rank as him.

Besides, Zhou Fengnian held many more positions than him, such as Director of the National Defense Commission and member of the Party Committee. Even if the departments were not closely related, he did not want to make enemies casually.

"what?"

Director Ding was taken aback upon hearing this, then shook his head and said, "Impossible. I remember when Vice President Zhou was the Party Secretary of Shenzhou Computer Factory, he often interacted with us. At that time, he was also a member of the Academic Committee."

It was my old boss, Bai Yongkang. He was also the maternal grandfather of Vice President Zhou's daughter-in-law; they were very close. Why would he have any objections?

At the time, Bai Yongkang publicly admitted in an internal meeting that his granddaughter had married Zhou Fengnian's son. All the cadres who attended the meeting knew about it; it was no secret.

However, before he could finish speaking, Director Ding suddenly remembered something and immediately said to Yu Hai, "Sir, I heard something before, but I don't know if it's true."
Previously, when Vice President Zhou was still at the Fourth Ministry of Machinery Industry, he had a heated argument with Vice Leader You over a certain matter, which ultimately led to a conflict between Vice Leader You and Senior Leader Bai.

That happened several years ago. Back then, Director Ding wasn't in his current position, and You Lijun never mentioned being scolded afterward, so he was just guessing.

Upon hearing this, Yu Hai pondered and said, "In other words, Vice Dean Zhou and Comrade Li Jun don't have a good relationship. Alright, let's leave it at that for now, I'll think about it some more."

"I see.."

Director Ding turned around and walked halfway, then couldn't help but turn back and ask, "Sir, what about my year-end report?"

"Let's talk about it in a few days."

"Okay, okay, I understand, boss."

After Director Ding left, Yu Hai called Bai Kang and asked him to come to his office.

After Bai Kang came over, Yu Hai first inquired about work before getting to the point and asking, "Director Bai, are you and Comrade Zhou Fengnian related?"

"Well, you could say that, boss. Feng Nian and I have been partners for a long time. More than 20 years ago, when we were still at the Second Machinery Factory, he was my teammate. Now my niece is married to his son."

Bai Kang said with a smile, "Looking back now, Zhou Fengnian really played a big role in my promotion to such a high position."

Without the merits he had accumulated over the years, his uncle would not have been able to promote him so smoothly.

Upon hearing this, Yu Hai nodded, and then asked, "So, Director Bai, are you aware of the matter between Comrade Feng Nian and Comrade Li Jun?"

"What happened between them?"

Bai Kang was taken aback, then shook his head and said, "That was several years ago. Deputy Leader You wanted to exchange semiconductor industry technology for several foreign technology supply chains, but he had a dispute with Feng Nian. Apart from that, it seems there was nothing else."

Yu Hai nodded and said, "Oh, I see. It seems that Comrade Feng Nian and Comrade Li Jun have some different opinions on development."

"Yes, they haven't had much contact since then, and Fengnian has been having a headache lately because of his son."

Bai Kang shook his head and said, "You probably know, leader, that although everything complies with the contracting policy, Feng Nian's son is earning too much, so there are quite a few people who are envious."

Many people are now saying he should donate his family fortune, or that Feng Nian's discipline was lax, and the father and son even had a big argument about it.

Whether they argued or not is just something he said casually. Since Bai Kang said so, then the father and son must have argued.

Bai Kang spoke vaguely, but at least Yu Hai understood; Zhou Fengnian was in a bad mood recently. His son had been framed, and he had a past conflict with You Lijun. Now Zhou Fengnian was also obstructing their foreign trade department's affairs.

The case is solved. The trouble caused by You Lijun has landed on the head of the International Economic and Technological Exchange Center, and incidentally, it has also affected him.

Yu Hai inwardly grumbled about his bad luck, then said, "There's nothing illegal or against regulations. I've read those newspapers too, but I'm a bit confused."

"Who says otherwise? Feng Nian even asked me to speak with Deputy Leader Li from the propaganda department. He had no idea there were so many people reporting on the same thing at the same time, and that the news even originated from our side."

"Is there still this?"

"Yes, otherwise how would those newspapers know the specific details? We finished compiling the statistics and published the article right away."

Bai Kang shook his head and said, "And it was very detailed, almost to the point of pulling down Feng Nian's son's underwear, which is why the father and son were arguing so fiercely."

I know I've tried to persuade them, but to no avail. Both father and son are stubborn, and it seems like we haven't seen each other for days now.

"So that's it."

Yu Hai appeared calm on the surface, but inwardly he was cursing. Wasn't this just making enemies for him? No wonder they were blocking their project.

If this matter isn't resolved, Zhou Fengnian might target their Ministry of Foreign Trade in the future.

Although there aren't many overlapping tasks, the department always encounters external technology imports a few times, and it would be very frustrating to get stuck on one of them.

Now, all the work of their department over the past year has been wasted.

Moreover, Zhou Fengnian frequently participates in major national events and is involved in many important development projects. If possible, Yu Hai would not want the Ministry of Foreign Trade to be targeted by Zhou Fengnian.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Yu Hai told Bai Kang to go back.

After Bai Kang left, Yu Hai pondered for a while in his office, and then asked You Lijun if he was free.

After much deliberation, Yu Hai chose Zhou Fengnian over You Lijun.

In terms of potential, influence, and other factors, You Lijun seems to be no match for Zhou Fengnian, and there is also Bai Kang from the Foreign Trade Department.

—————— When the day came that China joined the GATT, even if it wasn't a day of national celebration, it was a day of cheers for almost all state-owned and private enterprises.

Zhou Xianyang is one of them. After joining the GATT, a series of laws and regulations changed, but for people like them who frequently engage in exports, it was a good thing.

In international trade, China has only a few products that deserve the attention of other countries: computers, mobile phones, automobiles, machine tools, and music players, among others.

Zhou Xianyang was also very good at sales. He took a portion of the factory's fixed development budget and used it to advertise his MP3 music player overseas.

This small and convenient device became an instant hit, attracting countless fans even though it was a bit more expensive than a Walkman.

Previously, due to restrictions imposed by the Canton Fair, companies from some countries, even if they wanted to buy, did not have the necessary access.

But now that China has joined the GATT, things are much easier for them.

In less than half a month, Feiyang Electric Factory received fourteen orders, totaling 270,000 MP3 music players to be exported.

Earning thirty dollars per MP3 player, these new orders can increase Feiyang Electric's annual revenue by nearly ten million dollars.

This is just the beginning. Exports will increase every year, and Zhou Xianyang is already considering expanding production at his branch factory, but he wants to expand his own Yangfei Electric Factory.

One should always be wary of others; the performance of the Sijiu City Industrial Bureau alone made Zhou Xianyang very vigilant.

On the surface, the profits are still combined, but in the end, the benefits will gradually fall into the hands of Yangfei Electric Factory.

Zhou Xianyang estimates that next year's trade volume could reach 90 million US dollars, or even over 100 million; this would allow him to earn several hundred million RMB.

However, Zhou Xianyang did not reduce the benefits he promised to the workers. The lowest-paid cleaners in the factory received 89 yuan per month, and they were also included in the salary adjustment.

The highest-paid worker could earn 205 yuan a month, which was only 80 yuan less than the factory manager, Hong Sanqiang. Now, Hong Sanqiang's salary has also increased, from over 100 yuan to 280 yuan.

These past two years have been comfortable for Hong Sanqiang. After arriving in Beijing, he was provided with food and lodging to study, and he also received a monthly allowance.

His uncle was saving his share of the fertilizer factory's dividends. Last year, he also married a woman from the city. Once he had saved enough money, Hong Sanqiang planned to start his own small business. In a few years, he wouldn't have to be the factory manager anymore.

It can be said that in the entire city of Beijing and throughout China, apart from Shenzhou Computer Factory, Zhou Xianyang's Feiyang Electric Factory treats its workers the best.

Zhou Xianyang was confident that within twelve years, more than 80% of the factory's workers would be living in dormitory-style apartment buildings.

However, he was very successful at Feiyang Electronics Factory, where MP3 music players and portable karaoke devices sold like hotcakes, but he encountered setbacks at the wireless communications factory.

Zhou Xianyang wanted to poach some people and buy some production lines, but was initially met with firm rejection. Later, the new factory manager recognized Zhou Xianyang's identity and relented, saying that he could poach a few people, but not a single piece of the production line could be sold.

He can't control if the technicians resign, but if the production lines decrease, he, as the factory manager, will be dismissed.

They all felt it wasn't enough, and worked overtime all year to catch up. Even after the factory was expanded once, it still couldn't keep up with the demand from overseas orders, so it was impossible to sell to Zhou Xianyang.

Even as the factory director, he had no power unless he submitted a report to Director Pan.

After being rejected, Zhou Xianyang initially wanted to ask Pan Heng for help, but then he thought that if he asked Pan Heng, he would have to use his father's name, and that would definitely be a difficult thing for Pan Heng, so he gave up the idea.

However, he was reluctant to give up, so Zhou Xianyang planned to go abroad to see what foreign telecommunications equipment manufacturers were like.

After returning home that evening, Zhou Xianyang originally planned to take Bai Qing'an out for a meal, but upon hearing that Bai Kang's uncle had gone to his father's place, Zhou Xianyang and his wife came over to say hello and also to freeload a meal.

Upon arriving at the three-courtyard siheyuan at No. 95, Zhou Xianyang unlocked the door with his key and went inside.

As soon as he entered the front yard, he smelled that familiar aroma. Instead of rushing to the backyard, Zhou Xianyang went to the kitchen first to greet Chef Yang: "Chef Yang, please add a few more dishes tonight. My wife and I have come over too."

Master Yang said with a smile, "Don't worry, the boss knew you were coming and already included you in the count."

As Zhou Xianyang came out of the kitchen and into the courtyard, he saw Bai Yuhao and greeted him, "Brother Yuhao, you're here today too."

Bai Yuhao smiled and said, "Yes, my aunt just asked me to get something. Dad and Uncle Zhou are in the study in the back. Do you want to see them?"

"Yes, I just happened to have something to discuss, let's go together."

Zhou Xianyang said with a smile, and then walked with Bai Yuhao to the study in the backyard.

After knocking on the door and entering, I saw my father and Uncle Bai Kang chatting, so I greeted them, "Dad, Uncle Bai Kang."

"We're talking about you right now, why don't you sit down and listen?"

Zhou Fengnian pointed to the chair and continued, "Yuhao is getting promoted, did you know that?"

"Promoted? Where to?"

Zhou Xianyang turned to Bai Yuhao and said, "Congratulations, Brother Yuhao, you're almost catching up with Uncle Bai Kang!"

He remembered that Bai Yuhao was a section chief, the same rank as his mother. Now that he's been promoted, he's really close to catching up with Uncle Bai Kang.

Zhou Fengnian immediately glanced at him and scolded, "You really don't know how to speak."

"Haha, it's alright, it's normal anyway, it's only right for Zichao's father."

Bai Kang said with a smile that this was his son, and he certainly wouldn't be in a hurry.

Zhou Fengnian continued, "He's going to be the vice mayor of a city in Dongshan, probably in charge of attracting investment. Your electronics factory is planning to expand its workforce, right? Go and support them."

Don't worry about your mother; she's done enough.

Zhou Yan could have been promoted long ago. Among the several sub-district offices in Dongcheng District, Nanluoguxiang was ranked first every year. However, she wanted to stay in Dongcheng District, which is why she was not promoted.

"Okay then, I'm planning to expand. Dongshan Province isn't too far from Beijing, and besides, Brother Yuhao is there."

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Xianyang said, "Our factory is very optimistic about the future of consumer electronics. We plan to invest 20 million to build a factory. Is that alright, Brother Yuhao?"

"That's definitely enough. They only attracted seven million in investment that year, and it won't exceed fifteen million next year."

Bai Yuhao smiled and said to Zhou Xianyang, "Thank you, Xianyang."

Zhou Xianyang's investment is comparable to that of Hong Kong businessmen, directly helping him complete an entire year's target; moreover, with the large electronics factory invested in by Zhou Xianyang next year, it can serve as a brand name, making his work even smoother.
Bai Kang said, "Xianyang, you don't need to worry about You Lijun causing you trouble anymore. At least for the next few years, he won't dare to make a move."

Bai Kang then turned to Zhou Fengnian and said, "You Lijun's old subordinate, Wang Hai, was supposed to be promoted this year, but Yu Hai suppressed it. He'll probably call you tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)