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

Chapter 7.7. Work! Cadre Staffing!
These words were like a wake-up call, instantly opening a new and safe door for Yang Guangming!

He had only thought about the secrecy of the ghost market and completely overlooked the fact that there were legitimate channels to deal with precious Chinese medicinal herbs!
The unopened gift package of expensive tonics in the refrigerator was a gift from the boss's wealthy friend, and it definitely contains ginseng, deer antler, and the like!
With that wealthy man's expertise, the quality must be top-notch!
He suppressed his elation and excitement, memorizing this crucial information as if it were a brand.

A clear and secure plan instantly took shape:

We must find a completely safe and secluded place as soon as possible to carefully inventory and organize everything in the refrigerator, especially that big gift bag!
Be fully aware of the situation!

If the Chinese medicinal herbs inside are precious enough, it's absolutely worth the trip to a reputable, long-established Chinese medicine pharmacy.

This is much safer and more secure than going to the treacherous ghost market!

Although his refrigerator space is magical, it cannot hide people. If there is a surprise inspection in the ghost market, even if nothing is found, being caught and questioned would be a big problem. It would be too much of a loss to leave a stain on his file!
This legitimate channel is a godsend!

The meal was a great success, with both hosts and guests enjoying themselves in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Yang Guangming's performance, especially his quick wit, drinking capacity, knowledge, and sense of propriety, won the unanimous approval and sincere favor of the three experienced elders.

After the meal, Yang Guangming drove Zhao Guodong and the other two back to the military region's guesthouse.

The jeep came to a smooth stop at the entrance.

Just before getting off the bus, Zhao Guodong called out to Yang Guangming, who was about to leave.

He patted Yang Guangming's shoulder forcefully, his eyes serious, carrying both the expectations of an elder and the satisfaction of finding a capable assistant.

"Xiao Yang, thank you so much for today. You were so thoughtful in every way."

He's good at everything: fixing cars, driving, finding places to eat, and having meals and chats with us old folks.

Especially when he called me "Uncle Zhao," it made me feel so good!

He laughed heartily, then said seriously, "You're a good young man, capable and discerning, a promising talent!" His tone was full of affirmation.

He paused, looked at Yang Guangming's young yet composed face, and continued:
"I've just been transferred to the Hongxing State-Owned Cotton Mill, and I'm completely unfamiliar with the place and the people..."

You've just graduated, are you still worried about finding a job?

Yang Guangming's heart leaped into his throat, knowing that the most crucial moment had arrived!

He calmed his racing heart, nodded, and his face revealed a timely and perfectly timed hint of anxiety and helplessness typical of young people his age:
"Yes, Uncle Zhao, we're asking around for information... and things are urgent at home too."

This anxiety feels all the more real.

"Stop asking!"

Zhao Guodong waved his hand, his tone carrying the decisiveness and unquestionable force characteristic of a soldier:
"Alright, you can come to the Red Star Factory to report for duty next Monday!"
The factory administration office's secretariat is short of a clerk. I think you're quite capable, so you can start working there!

This position is a formal staff position, administrative level 30, level 12 clerk, with a monthly salary of 23.

He clearly stated his position and salary, which was the standard starting point for newly hired clerks at that time.

"Follow me and learn well, work hard, I think you have the makings of someone who can succeed!"

He remembered it was Friday and added confidently:

"Tomorrow is Saturday, so I'll take this opportunity to say hello to the personnel department and the factory office."

On Monday, go directly to the factory office and report to Director Han! Just tell him I sent you!

Cadre position! Level 12 clerk!

A monthly salary of twenty-three yuan!

Yang Guangming felt an immense, indescribable ecstasy surge through his body like an electric current!
A sudden turn of events! A glimmer of hope!
He was racking his brains about how to get the huge sum of money to change jobs, and was even prepared to risk using gold leaf or exploring the ghost market.

I never expected that a decent, promising job with a starting point of level twelve clerk would be delivered to my door like this!
It was Zhao Guodong, the powerful deputy factory director, who personally made the arrangements.

This treatment was more than ten times better than what he had expected for an "apprentice" position!
The overwhelming sense of happiness made him almost dizzy. He tried to control his expression, but the heartfelt excitement, disbelief, and immense gratitude still clearly welled up on his face.

He suddenly stood up straight, his eyes even slightly hot with excitement.

He took a deep breath, and out of excitement, he switched back to the most authentic Shanghai dialect, his voice carrying the clear tone unique to young people and a slight, almost imperceptible sob, his emotions utterly sincere:
"Uncle Zhao! Really...really?"

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for thinking highly of us! Thank you for giving us a chance!
I...I will definitely do my best and will never let you down!
"I'll be there on Monday, right on time!"

He bowed repeatedly, his pure elation and deep gratitude at the age of seventeen overflowing, seemingly genuine.

Zhao Guodong smiled with satisfaction as he watched Yang Guangming become so excited that he was incoherent and his eyes were slightly red.

He likes young people who are grateful, energetic, and sincere.

"Alright, alright, stop bowing. A real man should just do his job well, that's the best way to thank me!"

Go home quickly, share the good news with your family, and get ready!

He patted Yang Guangming's shoulder forcefully and encouragingly before turning around and walking into the guesthouse through its slightly worn-out gate with Lao Li and Lao Zhang.

Yang Guangming stood there, watching them disappear into the light and shadow of the foyer.

The warm afternoon sun of early summer shone on him, as if dispelling all the gloom and anxiety that had enveloped his heart.

He slowly raised his head, looking at the slightly gray yet golden sky of Shanghai. He couldn't help but smile, and the smile eventually turned into a radiant one, full of relief, ambition, and boundless hope for the future.

Stay in Shanghai! (Cadre position available!)
This hand, the opening... was absolutely perfect!
Inside the guesthouse, Li Zhenguo looked at Zhao Guodong, chuckled, and slapped him hard on the back, his voice booming:
"Old Zhao, you're really good! You have an excellent eye for talent! This young man is really something!"

His mind is as quick as if it were loaded with bearings, his hands and feet are nimble, he speaks and acts flawlessly, and his alcohol tolerance is unfathomable!

The key was the way he called out "Uncle Zhao," so naturally and affectionately that it warmed my heart.

You've struck gold! This young man is definitely worth nurturing.

Zhang Yuanchao nodded, a rare, genuine smile of approval on his face:

"Old Li is right. Such a capable, sensible, and discreet young man is a waste of talent if he stays at home waiting to go to the countryside or just sits at home eating for free!"
Let him work as a clerk in the factory office secretariat. It's a good starting point. He can learn something and make use of his strengths.

Give him some good training and practice, I think...

His gaze was deep and unfathomable. "It won't be long before this kid becomes your right-hand man, helping you with many troublesome matters!"

As Zhao Guodong listened to the heartfelt praise from his two old comrades-in-arms and thought about Yang Guangming's outstanding performance today, his smile deepened.

The comforting "Uncle Zhao" and the heartfelt gratitude at the end smoothed out the wrinkles on his forehead. He was satisfied with his decision and also looked forward to the future.

This Xiao Yang might actually bring him some unexpected surprises and help in this unfamiliar and complex factory in Shanghai.

(End of this chapter)