Rebirth in a Courtyard: I Am a Little Hunter

Immediately afterward, a call came from the district, the tone more subtle but carrying greater weight: "The steel rolling mill has achieved great success in this procurement of materials, solving a major problem. The higher-ups are paying close attention… We need to consider the overall picture, ensuring the basic welfare of our own employees while also taking the bigger picture into account and supporting other units and individuals facing greater difficulties…"

Even several higher-ranking departments, with whom they didn't usually have much contact, made roundabout calls. In an instant, the waters of the steel rolling mill became scalding hot and murky because of these 20,000 jin of wild game.

Factory Director Yang put down the old-fashioned black telephone receiver. The receiver struck the base with a soft sound, which was unusually clear in the quiet office.

He let out a long sigh, as if the conversation had just taken a toll on his energy. His fingers unconsciously traced the warm rim of the enamel mug, his brow furrowed in a frown.

Outside the window was the gray, hazy winter sky over the steel mill. A few sparrows hopped and chirped on the bare branches, making the air inside feel even heavier.

"Another one," his voice was a little dry, with helplessness and a hint of fatigue, "Deputy Director Zhao of the Light Industry Bureau, who just asked for 'support' of 800 to 1,000 jin."

Sitting on the opposite sofa, Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide listened quietly to Factory Director Yang's responses to various phone calls. He wore a slightly faded but neatly ironed dark blue Zhongshan suit, a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers, the rising smoke slightly blurring his face, but his eyes remained sharp and piercing. Hearing Factory Director Yang's words, he lightly flicked off the ash, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

"As expected." Li Huaide's voice was calm, revealing little emotion. "This meat is like a bucket of cool well water pulled out on a sweltering summer day. Who wouldn't want to come over and take a sip? Especially since it's over 20,000 jin. It's not just the Light Industry Bureau, but the street office, the district, and even higher up... I reckon the phone lines are practically on fire right now."

At this time, both Director Yang and Deputy Director Li Huaide had not been in their positions for long, and there were no major conflicts of interest between them. Although there were some disagreements, they cooperated more often, as both needed to achieve results. Without affecting their own interests or disrupting their core positions, the two had cooperated several times with good results.

Both of them knew how attractive the meat was and how many people were eyeing it, so they decided to cooperate to maximize their own profits. This required cooperation!

Factory Director Yang picked up his enamel mug and took a large gulp of strong tea. The bitter taste spread on his tongue, but it couldn't dispel the vexation in his heart. He looked at Li Huaide with a wry smile: "Huaide, your analogy of 'pulling cold water from a well' is quite apt. The problem now is that too many people are eyeing this bucket of water, and it's not easy for us to handle this ladle. Who should we give it to? Who shouldn't we give it to? How much should we give? These are all difficult questions. If we don't distribute it well, we'll become the target of everyone's criticism. If we're not careful, our merits will turn into sins, and we'll be disliked by everyone."

Li Huaide stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray, sat up straight, and looked at Factory Director Yang, his tone becoming serious: "Director, instead of passively responding, we should take the initiative. We can't just think about drinking this bucket of water ourselves, nor can we be afraid of others drinking it. The key is how we drink it, who we let drink it, and what we can gain from it."

Factory Director Yang's eyes flickered slightly, and he leaned forward: "Oh? Tell me more."

Li Huaide remained calm and composed, clearly having already planned ahead: "My idea is that we need to transform this batch of meat from 'meat from the steel mill' into 'the results achieved by the steel mill in overcoming difficulties under the care and guidance of higher authorities.' Once the nature of the meat changes, many things will be easier to handle."

He picked up his cup, took a sip of water, and continued, "First of all, we can't wait for them to ask, and we certainly can't hide it. The factory office should take the lead as soon as possible in writing a detailed report, formally reporting the difficulty and importance of this procurement task, as well as the final results, to the higher-level authorities, mainly the Light Industry Bureau. The report should highlight our contributions to ensuring production and stabilizing the workforce, thanks to the care of the higher-level leaders and the efforts of all the factory employees."

Factory Director Yang nodded thoughtfully: "Take the initiative to report, show your attitude, present your achievements... Hmm, that's the first step. And then?"

"Then, it's about distribution." Li Huaide lowered his voice, with a calculating calmness. "In the report, or later with a suggestion, clearly state that, given the current difficulties in supplying year-end materials to various units, our factory, in the spirit of 'one country, one system' and 'mutual assistance and friendship,' is willing to hand over a portion of the wild game harvested this time—for example, 40% to 50%—for unified allocation by higher authorities to support brother units facing greater difficulties, as well as local elderly people living alone and those in need."

"Hand over 40% to 50%?" Factory Director Yang raised an eyebrow; that was no small percentage. Handing over half of the 20,000-plus jin of meat—it would be a lie to say he wasn't heartbroken.

"Factory Director, you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub," Li Huaide said sternly. "The difference between us handing it over voluntarily and being forced to do so is completely different. Handing it over voluntarily shows high moral character and consideration for the bigger picture. Moreover, we have the right to advise on how much to hand over, how to hand it over, and to whom. The Light Industry Bureau, the district, and the street office—which one wouldn't be grateful to us? Next spring, production quotas, raw material allocations, even welfare housing and recruitment quotas…aren't these tangible things more real than a few thousand kilograms of frozen meat?"

Factory Director Yang tapped his fingers lightly on the table, clearly weighing the pros and cons quickly. Li Huaide's words hit the nail on the head. Meat was in short supply, but it was also a disposable commodity. If this batch of meat could be used to secure longer-term, more stable policy support and resource allocation, then this deal would be extremely worthwhile.

"And what about the rest?" Factory Manager Yang asked. "What does the factory do with the leftover meat?"

"The rest is our steel rolling mill's magic weapon for stabilizing morale and boosting spirits." Li Huaide smiled. "My suggestion is that the factory set up a special New Year's goods distribution team to formulate an open, fair and reasonable distribution plan."

The meat should be distributed based on a comprehensive consideration of factors such as employee rank, length of service, and degree of family hardship. Every employee, even apprentices, should have a bowl of meat during the Lunar New Year! Let them know that working for the factory offers a future, and that the factory will not forget their contributions! This is more effective than holding a hundred mobilization meetings!

He paused, then added, "Furthermore, the distribution plan must be open and transparent, and publicly announced. It should be clear who received how much and why. This will shut up anyone who wants to take advantage of the situation or gossip."

Factory Director Yang's brows gradually relaxed, and a smile appeared on his face: "Huai De, you've thought of everything! You've considered the overall situation, protected our factory's own interests, and plugged the loopholes. This 'using flesh to exchange for strategy' tactic is brilliant!"

Li Huaide waved his hand modestly: "Factory Director, you flatter me. This is all for the development of the factory. In addition, there is another crucial issue," he changed the subject, "Wei Chen. He deserves the most credit this time. How to reward him, and to what extent, must be carefully considered, and quickly."

Mentioning Wei Chen, Factory Director Yang's expression turned serious: "Yes, this is of paramount importance. The rewards should not only reflect the factory's clear system of rewards and punishments, but also serve to set an example and motivate the entire factory. What are your thoughts?"

"My opinion is, a hefty reward!" Li Huaide declared firmly. "In terms of honors, he'll undoubtedly be named a factory-level 'Advanced Worker' and 'Production Model Worker.' As for benefits, he should be promoted one level—he was a level four clerk before, right? He should be promoted directly to level three! Furthermore, immediately compile materials detailing his exemplary deeds and, in the name of the factory's Party Committee, apply to the city for 'City Advanced Worker' or 'Youth Shock Brigade Member'! We must establish this role model!"

Factory Director Yang nodded: "These are all fine, that's to be expected. Anything else?"

Li Huaide hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice: "Factory Director, I have another suggestion. Doesn't our factory still have a few flexible work slots this year? Let's allocate one to Wei Chen as a permanent employee. He can then give that slot to a eligible relative. This is more practical than giving him money or vouchers, and it better reflects the organization's care for him personally, keeping him firmly tied to our factory."

"A permanent employee position?" Factory Director Yang's fingers tapped the table again, as was his habit. It was indeed a significant reward, but also a sensitive one. A permanent employee position was the envy of many.

"Factory Director," Li Huaide noticed Factory Director Yang's hesitation and emphasized, "More than 20,000 jin of wild game, and it's an unplanned and scarce resource! This achievement deserves a spot!"

More importantly, the abilities Wei Chen displayed were definitely not just luck. The fact that he was able to bring back so much meat from the icy wilderness of Inner Mongolia shows that he has connections, courage, and methods.

We must retain such talent! I'm sure there are more than just one or two factories eyeing him now. Some people envy the eggs, while others are eyeing the hen!

Giving his family a secure job is the biggest reassurance for him. Only then will he be likely to continue working for the factory if there are any difficult procurement tasks or other matters requiring "special abilities."

These words acknowledged the achievements but also represented an investment in the future. After listening, Director Yang slowly nodded: "You're right. Merit must be rewarded, and the reward must be something that truly convinces people and retains their loyalty. A permanent position… although it's tight, we can make an exception and approve it! This is something you and I both know about; I'll bring it up at the leadership meeting, but you'll be in charge of the specifics."

"Don't worry, factory manager." Li Huaide understood perfectly.

The two then discussed some details in hushed tones, including how to reach a consensus at the factory committee meeting in the afternoon, how to deal with possible differing opinions, and how to cleverly combine the two things of "voluntary submission" and "substantial internal reward" to both silence certain people and achieve the best results.