In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 139, Section 138: Room Allocation Consultation: Single Rooms and Suites (Sizes and Sizes)
The midday sun, bright and dazzling, shone directly on the brightly lit desk.

The factory meeting minutes were open, and the neat blue-black penmanship looked like oil floating on the surface of water, unable to fully sink into Yang Ming's eyes.

His fingertips unconsciously rubbed the cold metal cap of the pen again and again.

That slight coolness was the only anchor he could grasp at the moment, trying to calm the barely perceptible yet persistent anxiety deep in his heart.

The words spoken by Factory Director Zhao Guodong in his office, each one like a hammer blow, still resonate in my ears: "Larger housing area!"

This promise was like a shot in the arm, instantly piercing through the long-standing gloom of the cramped, dimly lit cubicle.

However, his cautious nature over the years, coupled with the instincts honed during that special era, prevented Yang Guangming from easily entrusting all his hopes to a single promise.

Wei Hongyu, head of the Housing Management Section. This name weighed heavily on Yang Guangming's mind.

Zhao Guodong's promise is the strong wind that propels the giant ship, but the final berth, the orientation of the room, the floor level, and even whether the walls are flat and the floor is free of potholes—these are the fundamental factors that affect the quality of the living experience day and night. Wei Hongyu's location has considerable room for "fine-tuning".

Should we go directly to the housing management office? Yang Guangming immediately rejected this idea.

The reward policy had just been posted for public comment. As the most prominent beneficiary and Zhao Guodong's personal secretary, his visit at this moment would be too conspicuous and eye-catching.

Countless eyes are fixed on him, the lucky recipient of this "exceptional" housing allocation. Any slight movement could be magnified into unnecessary gossip, or even cause trouble. And trouble often means greater uncertainty.

The decision was made. After a simple, bland lunch at the factory canteen, Yang Guangming returned to his office.

He picked up the heavy black rotary dial telephone, his fingers steadily and slowly turning the dial, and dialed the internal line for the housing management department.

"Hello, Housing Management Department." Wei Hongyu's voice came through the receiver, with the rounded ending tone characteristic of Shanghai, his tone steady, like a still pool of water.

"Section Chief Wei, hello, this is Yang Guangming from the factory office." Yang Guangming's voice maintained the clarity and composure characteristic of someone in a working state, like a piece of warm, smooth jade.

"Oh, Comrade Guangming, hello, hello!" Wei Hongyu's voice immediately spread like ripples on water after a pebble was thrown in, revealing a familiar smile. "Any instructions?"

"You're making fun of me, aren't you? I wouldn't dare accept any instructions."

Yang Guangming smiled and relaxed his tone, "Section Chief Wei, it's like this, I was thinking that it's been a while since we last met."

It just so happens that Uncle Tang is Tang Jianhong, the section chief of Dongfang Factory. He mentioned last time that he wanted to get together.

"I wonder if Section Chief Wei is free after get off work today? I'd like to host a small gathering. Let's find a quiet place, catch up, and have a chat, okay?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone for two seconds.

Yang Guangming could almost picture Wei Hongyu squinting behind his desk, weighing the pros and cons.

Intelligent people don't need to spell things out.

Yang Guangming had just made a great contribution that shocked the entire factory, and his eligibility for housing was a sure thing. The reason for his private meeting at this moment was self-evident.

"Comrade Guangming, you're too kind! You're treating, how could I refuse?" Wei Hongyu responded quickly, his enthusiasm clearly rising. "I'll call Jianhong and invite him over! He's been raving about you. As for the place... how about the usual spot? 'Gongnong' next to 'Xinfeng', the food is great and it's quiet."

“Okay, we’ll follow Section Chief Wei’s arrangements. Gongnong Restaurant, 6:30 PM?” Yang Guangming confirmed.

“No problem! We’ll meet at the Gongnong Restaurant at 6:30!” Wei Hongyu agreed readily.

"Thank you for contacting Uncle Tang, Section Chief Wei. See you tonight."

Yang Guangming gently hung up the phone and slowly exhaled from his chest.

The first step was successful.

It seemed more natural for Wei Hongyu to take the initiative to contact Tang Jianhong. With Tang Jianhong as the middleman, their communication would definitely be more natural. And if there were anything he himself couldn't say, Tang Jianhong could subtly offer suggestions.

……

The shrill, ear-piercing end-of-get off work bell rang like a sharp blade cutting through the air.

In an instant, the factory area was filled with the crowds and noise of workers leaving work. Footsteps, bicycle bells, and loud greetings among coworkers blended together.

Yang Guangming deliberately lingered in the office for another ten minutes or so. He was organizing the endless files on his desk, but his gaze kept drifting out the window.

Watching the torrent of people in dark blue overalls and gray casual clothes dwindle from a raging to a trickle, and then to a few scattered spots, until the factory area was empty again, he finally locked his drawer and slowly walked out of the office building.

He didn't head towards the cadres' family quarters, nor did he deliberately search for Wei Hongyu in the crowd. He mingled with the last batch of ordinary workers leaving get off work, took a longer route, and walked in the exact opposite direction from the family quarters.

This is a caution ingrained in one's very bones.

In this era where "public supervision" is emphasized everywhere, the fact that a factory office secretary who is about to be allocated housing and a section chief who holds the real power to allocate housing walk home together after get off work, even if it is just a coincidence, is enough to become a topic of conversation in the workshop and canteen the next day.

He must avoid this possibility.

The red signboard with yellow lettering of "Gongnong Restaurant" looked somewhat old and dim in the fading afterglow of the evening. The neighboring "Xinfeng" Restaurant was slightly more grand, while this place had a more down-to-earth, everyday feel.

It was lunchtime, and the lobby was bustling with noise.

The air was thick with the stench of cooking oil, the spiciness of cheap liquor, and the coarse aroma of tea leaves from large bowls.

Waiters, carrying greasy trays, nimbly weaved between the crowded tables and chairs, their shouts rising and falling.

Sunlight streamed through the bustling area with practiced ease, heading straight for the private room where the three of them had last met. The same faded blue cloth curtain, stained with oil, still hung by the door.

As I lifted the curtain, a familiar aroma, a blend of smoke and tea, wafted out.

Wei Hongyu and Tang Jianhong have arrived.

The two men were chatting idly over tea leaves floating in their rough porcelain teacups. A dish of salted peanuts and a dish of cold seaweed salad were already laid out on the table.

"The light has come!"

Tang Jianhong, with his sharp eyes, immediately greeted them loudly, his voice clear and friendly.

He was still wearing that meticulously ironed gray polyester short-sleeved shirt, and his hair was combed back neatly with hair wax.

"Comrade Guangming, please have a seat." Wei Hongyu put on a warm but worldly smile.

Today he changed into a dark blue short-sleeved Zhongshan suit, with the collar buttoned up tightly, making him look exceptionally formal, like a cadre ready to hold a meeting at any time.

"Uncle Tang, Section Chief Wei, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Yang Guangming put on a perfectly timed apologetic smile and sat down in the seat reserved for him.

"Don't mention it, we just arrived too." Wei Hongyu waved his hand, picked up the pack of "Da Qianmen" cigarettes on the table, skillfully flicked one out and offered it to someone, "Want one?"

"Thank you, Section Chief Wei, but I only smoke a small amount." Yang Guangming politely declined, then picked up the white porcelain teapot on the table and refilled the three cups with lukewarm tea.

"Brightness means stability; it's good to stay away from these things."

Tang Jianhong nodded approvingly, then changed the subject, his tone filled with genuine amazement and admiration:

"Guangming Daily, that's truly remarkable! Old Wei told me about it, four articles in a row in the Workers' Daily!"

My goodness! That skill is truly remarkable! It's caused a sensation! The whole factory is buzzing! Even our Dongfang factory is buzzing with the news, saying that Hongxing Factory has produced a top scholar! Amazing! Amazing!

As he spoke, he gave a thumbs-up, his admiration genuine and sincere, a perfect way to start a conversation and create rapport.

Wei Hongyu smiled and chimed in, his eyes shrewd:
"Yes, Guangming, this time you really made our Red Star Factory and Director Zhao look good! Four articles! In a national-level newspaper!"
This is quite an achievement, wow, I'm speechless! The factory committee's award is truly well-deserved!

He specifically emphasized "the factory committee's reward," his gaze carrying a profound meaning as he looked at Yang Guangming.

"Uncle Tang, Section Chief Wei, you flatter me." Yang Guangming waved his hand modestly, his smile still gentle. "It's all the touching stories of the factory workers that I'm just recording. It's also thanks to Director Zhao's trust and support, and the platform provided by the factory."

"Modest! Too modest!" Tang Jianhong shook his head with a smile, then turned to Wei Hongyu, "Old Wei, don't you think so? Young man, you're capable, yet not arrogant or impatient, that's rare!"

"That's truly rare."

Wei Hongyu nodded in agreement, then, as if suddenly remembering something, turned to Yang Guangming, his smile widening, carrying an obvious, almost overflowing, congratulation:

"By the way, Guangming, I haven't officially congratulated you yet! It's a huge joy! Your eligibility for housing has been confirmed, and we're just waiting for the factory committee's official resolution."

This solves a huge problem! Now I finally have a place to truly settle down in Shanghai! Congratulations!

He deliberately used the word "nest" which has a down-to-earth feel to make it sound more approachable.

"Yes, yes, yes! Congratulations, Guangming!" Tang Jianhong immediately reacted, picking up his teacup. "Come, come, let's have tea instead of wine. Congratulations! This is a major life event!"

"Thank you, Uncle Tang, thank you, Section Chief Wei!" Yang Guangming also picked up his teacup and gently clinked it with the two of them. The rim of the cup made a crisp sound, and his face was filled with genuine joy. "It really solved a big problem, and I feel much more at ease now."

After exchanging pleasantries, the waiter began serving the dishes.

Yang Guangming didn't skimp on the menu, ordering only substantial dishes that would fill the table:

The braised fish tail is glistening and tempting with its rich sauce; the stir-fried pork liver is deep-fried in a thick, dark sauce; the fried pork chops are golden brown, crispy, thick, and fragrant; and there is a large bowl of pickled bamboo shoots and stewed pork belly, with bright green scallions and tempting oil floating on top, the soup is milky white, and the aroma of salted pork and fresh bamboo shoots is irresistible.

The liquor was still the local specialty "Qibao Daqu," and its spicy and mellow aroma quickly filled the small private room, mingling with the fragrance of the food.

After a few glasses of warm wine, the atmosphere became even more lively.

The conversation started with the factory's production, then moved on to social news, and then circled back to the people and events in the factory.

Yang Guangming seized the opportunity, taking advantage of Wei Hongyu and Tang Jianhong congratulating him again and bringing up the topic of housing allocation, and naturally steered the conversation to the core issue.

"Uncle Tang, Section Chief Wei, to be honest, we were able to get housing this time entirely thanks to the factory's good policies and the support of the leaders."

Yang Guangming put down his wine glass, his tone sincere with a perfectly measured hint of seeking advice, adopting a very humble posture:
"However, I'm still a little unsure about the specifics of how these houses will be allocated and what types of houses they will be allocated. Policies are rigid, but people are flexible. Section Chief Wei, you're an expert in this area and you're in charge of the specifics, so I'd like to ask you for advice today."

He paused for a moment, then decided to reveal some information in exchange for more honest feedback, while also saving face for the other party:
"To be honest, Director Zhao cares about me a lot."

He mentioned to me privately that I had exceeded the target this time, writing one more article than the factory required, which was a significant achievement.

He will do his best to help me at the factory committee meeting, to see if, within the scope of policy, we can secure a slightly larger apartment to improve my living conditions.

These words not only highlight that Zhao Guodong's support is "striving for" and "improving conditions," but also seem reasonable, given that "the task was exceeded" and "within the scope of policy."

These are all undeniable facts, and at the same time, they put themselves in a position where they need to "seek advice," giving Wei Hongyu ample space to demonstrate his authority.

Wei Hongyu and Tang Jianhong quickly exchanged a knowing glance.

"Director Zhao is right!"

Tang Jianhong was the first to express his opinion, his tone resolute, as if he were supporting Yang Guangming:

"Guangming, your contribution is obvious. It's one more than three articles, which is a greater contribution! It's only right and proper for the leaders to fight for better treatment for you! This is the leaders taking responsibility!"

He specifically emphasized "responsibility," elevating Zhao Guodong's behavior to the level of leadership principles.

Wei Hongyu nodded, took a sip of his drink, put down his glass, and his expression became serious. His fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on the table, and he entered the role of an "expert."
"Comrade Guangming, I understand what Director Zhao means. This shows the leadership's concern for you and affirms your work. Since you asked me about this, I'll tell you what I know and analyze it for you."

He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice a little, and sounded very sincere:

"According to the reward policy terms previously announced by the factory committee, you have definitely met the requirement of 'obtaining housing allocation eligibility'."

But the specific type of housing you'll be allocated... there are indeed some nuances involved, and it ultimately depends on the factory committee's decision.

He used his words carefully, leaving room for interpretation.

He picked up a chopstick, dipped it in the wine in his glass, and made a simple gesture on the greasy table:
"Generally speaking, for someone like you who has just joined the factory and is eligible for housing allocation, based on the factory's past practices and the housing shortage, the most likely type of housing you would be allocated is a single room in the staff quarters of the family quarters."

These single rooms generally come in two sizes.

He paused, then used his chopsticks to mark two spots on the damp tabletop:
"One type is smaller, about... fourteen square meters."

He used his chopsticks to draw a small square, "A bed, a cabinet, a table, and a few basic pieces of furniture, and it's basically full. It's not even convenient to turn around."

There's another type, a bit larger, about seventeen square meters.

He drew a slightly larger square with chopsticks, "so that the space can be a little more spacious, but it is still essentially a room."

He emphasized "one room," his tone carrying a hint of wistful reflection from someone who had been through it all.

Yang Guangming listened attentively and nodded slightly.

The two measurements, 14 and 17 square meters, are basically consistent with what he had learned and observed in private.

Compared to the cramped cubicle where he now lives, where it's difficult to even turn around, seventeen square meters sounds like paradise.

"This is the most likely outcome without any additional 'effort'."

Wei Hongyu abruptly changed the subject, tapping his chopsticks forcefully on the area representing seventeen square meters. "But! Comrade Guangming, your situation is special!"

He held up two fingers. "First, you deserve the most credit—four articles! They're all in black and white, a done deal!"

Secondly, you have Director Zhao's full support!
We all know Director Zhao's temperament and style; once he's made up his mind about something, the force he uses to argue his case can sometimes be quite frightening!

A shrewd, calculating glint flashed in his eyes, as if he were assessing Yang Guangming's chances.

"So, I think that even with the most conservative estimate, you can still get that 17-square-meter single room. That's much better than 14 square meters."

He made his first judgment with certainty.

Tang Jianhong immediately chimed in, as if reinforcing the conclusion: "That's right! Old Wei's analysis is accurate! With Factory Director Zhao around, Seventeen Square Meters definitely won't escape!"

Wei Hongyu waved his hand, signaling Tang Jianhong to calm down. He lowered his voice even further, his tone carrying a hint of caution in sharing a secret and a subtle encouragement:

"However, Comrade Guangming, I think that what Director Zhao said about 'a larger area'... is not entirely hopeless!"

He used his chopsticks to draw a larger, irregular frame on the table.

“In the tenement buildings, there is another type of apartment, which is a small suite with two rooms, an inner and an outer one.”

Although it is a public water room and toilet, at least there is an inside and outside separation, which makes it much more private.

These small suites also vary in size.

He paused, then pointed to the distance with his chopsticks, "The big kind, thirty-seven or thirty-eight square meters, these are reserved for long-serving veterans with many family members, we shouldn't even think about them."

However, there is another type of small suite, with an area of ​​approximately... 26 square meters.

Typically, there is a slightly larger outer room, about 17 or 18 square meters, plus a very small inner room, about 8 or 9 square meters.

Though small, the sparrow could still be barely separated from the outside.

He used chopsticks to simulate two connected small squares on the table.

Wei Hongyu looked at Yang Guangming with an assessing gaze, more like he was observing Yang Guangming's reaction:
"These small suites of 26 square meters are very rare and highly sought after."

Logically speaking, with your current qualifications, it would be extremely difficult to get assigned such a position. But!

He suddenly raised his voice and lightly poked the table with the tip of his chopsticks.

"Your contribution this time is truly outstanding! The factory leaders have all seen the impact of the four national-level reports."

Furthermore, if Director Zhao could really seize upon the point of 'exceeding the target' at the factory committee meeting, and argue his case forcefully, even banging on the table and glaring at you, to help you secure that victory…

He mimicked Zhao Guodong's possible demeanor and tone, then leaned back slightly, revealing a somewhat mysterious smile.

"So, let's take a gamble on this small 26-square-meter apartment. I think... there's a 30-40% chance!"

He held up three fingers, then added another, appearing both optimistic and leaving ample room for maneuver.

"Three or four out of ten chances?" Tang Jianhong's eyes lit up, as if he had seen a glimmer of hope. "That's not low! There's hope! There's definitely hope!"

Yang Guangming's heart raced slightly, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around the wine glass.

Twenty-six square meters, two rooms inside and out! This is a qualitative leap compared to a seventeen-square-meter single room! This is almost the prototype of the "home" he had envisioned countless times in his mind.

But his face remained calm, though his eyes revealed eager anticipation and a perfectly balanced uncertainty.
"Section Chief Wei, is this... really possible? Won't it put Factory Director Zhao in a difficult position? After all, I have seniority..."

He showed understanding of the leader's situation at the right time.

"Seniority is a hard requirement, but merit is also a hard truth!"

Wei Hongyu said firmly, as if encouraging Yang Guangming, "Special contributions deserve special treatment! There's a clause in the policy about 'considering on a case-by-case basis'! The key is how Director Zhao fights for you at the factory committee meeting, and how the other leaders express their opinions."

"Director Zhao has a very strong military style, you know him better than I do. Once he's made up his mind, he won't hesitate to take decisive action for the benefit of his subordinates! I have faith in him!"

His tone was certain, as if he had full confidence in Zhao Guodong's "fighting ability".

Then, he changed the subject, adding a dose of reality, making himself appear more objective and candid:

"Of course, Guangming, I also have to be upfront about the unpleasant aspects. In the end, I, the head of the housing management section, am just a small leader in an executive department."

The factory committee decides which type of house you will be allocated—whether it's a large apartment, a small apartment, or a studio, and whether it's 17 square meters or 14 square meters. This is not something I can comment on.

I can only follow orders and act according to the rules.

He shrugged, his face showing a helpless yet honest expression.

Yang Guangming nodded immediately, his expression understanding and solemn: "Section Chief Wei, I completely understand. I'm very grateful that you've analyzed it so thoroughly for me!"

He raised his glass to Wei Hongyu again.

Wei Hongyu smiled again, a hint of smugness and control in his expression at being able to help: "However..."

He then changed the subject, leaning forward again and lowering his voice, implying a desire to share real power.

"Once the factory committee finally decides which type of apartment you will be allocated, for example, if it is decided that it will be a small suite of 26 square meters or a single room of 17 square meters."

So, among similar types of houses, the room for 'fine-tuning' in choosing which one to pick is up to me.

He tapped the table in front of him lightly with his chopsticks.

Wei Hongyu counted on his fingers, as if reciting a familiar story, his face displaying the certainty of an expert:

"For example, floors. The first floor is damp, the top floor is too hot, and climbing stairs is exhausting, so the second and third floors are the best."

Facing south is definitely better than facing north, as it's warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

The interior of the houses varies. Some previous residents took good care of the houses, leaving the walls and floors clean; others were so badly damaged that the paint had peeled off, and the residents had to pay for the repairs themselves.

And then there are the neighbors. If you get a good one, it's worry-free; but if you end up with someone who likes to argue and is unhygienic, then it's going to be tough.

(End of this chapter)