What could Du Feiyang do? He could only cooperate, to set Secretary Tang’s mind at ease.
Secretary Tang didn't linger. She had many things to do. Once she got her assurance, she left in a hurry.
Xie Sui had to go to the factory today. This big boss couldn't stay away indefinitely.
Lin Wanwan accompanied him. They treated it as a stroll. Du Feiyang was not in the mood. He had lost money in the stock market, lost his fortune, and felt like dying.
Would his many girlfriends still be willing to be with him?
Lin Wanwan was also worried. On the way, she asked him, "Did you really lose it all?"
She knew Xie Sui. If he had truly lost everything, he wouldn't be acting like this now. He would have collapsed and cried to her. Although his face showed distress, there was no sadness in his eyes.
Xie Sui said, "My wife understands me best. The end hasn't come yet; it's just the beginning. It's true the stock market is down, but I'm shorting it. The more it falls, the more I earn. However, the market hasn't closed yet, so I don't know the final outcome."
Lin Wanwan replied, "That's good. But don't trade stocks anymore. It sounds unreliable. If making money is this easy, who would still go to work!"
Xie Sui said, "There are many ways to make money. Working is just the most basic one. True capital is in the stock market, investments, futures, funds – it relies on foresight and wisdom.
However, if you're worried, I'll stop after this one. We'll focus on making money by running the factory steadily.
I also plan to build housing. The employees of state-owned factories have it, and our factory workers will too. Who says private enterprises can't compare to state-owned ones."
Lin Wanwan was genuinely happy. "That's good. Do something substantial. If everyone can live a good life following you, that's what truly matters."
When they arrived at the factory, the workers looked at him strangely. "Director Xie, are you leaving again after this return?"
Xie Sui said, "Depends on the situation. What's wrong?"
"Nothing. We'll be getting paid soon. Did you... did you gamble away all the wages?"
Xie Sui frowned. "What do you mean? What do you mean by gamble away? I'm not gambling! What did I lose? Who said that?"
"This..."
Uncle Xu, the accountant, came over and shooed them away. "Don't listen to rumors. Don't you have work to do? Anyone who makes a mistake in their post will have their pay docked. Just do your jobs. This is such a large factory; can it really owe you that little bit of salary?"
Xie Sui found it amusing. "Are they afraid I'll go bankrupt and run away?"
Uncle Xu said, "I don't know who's spreading rumors. The factory's operations are very sound and have been profitable. You haven't withdrawn any factory funds. Even if you lose money, it has nothing to do with the factory; you'll bear it yourself."
Xie Sui was speechless.
Uncle Xu's concern was there, but not overwhelming.
Lin Wanwan also smiled. "Uncle Xu is right."
"Let's talk inside. Don't let Wanwan get tired. Old lady, pour some tea!"
"Coming, Xiao Sui is back. Your parents have been missing you. Go back and see them soon."
The speaker was Aunt Zhao, Uncle Xu's wife. Uncle Xu had her working in the factory canteen. Their children were studying in the county town. The family was reunited, saving her from hearing the gossip of those sharp-tongued old women in the village, who always worried about her husband finding someone younger.
Xie Sui said, "I'll go back tomorrow. I've already called. Aunt Zhao, come to my house tomorrow. I've brought gifts for the children."
"That's great. I won't be polite."
After the tea was ready, Aunt Zhao went to prepare food for them, leaving the men to talk.
Xie Sui looked at the financial reports. Everything was quite good. The net profit each month ranged from thirty to fifty thousand yuan, making three to five hundred thousand yuan a year, which was already very good.
The workers' wages were paid on time on the fifteenth of every month, with no arrears.
"You came at the right time today. Say a few words to everyone and reassure them. The factory's morale is a bit restless, and these rumors are always bad for you."
Uncle Xu was worried about him. Was money earned outside so easy to come by?
"It's unnecessary. Is anyone in management dragging their feet?"
"No, they understand the factory's operational situation and have no doubts."
Xie Sui asked, "Doubting me about what? I'm upright and proper. What's there to doubt?"
"If anyone is worried that I'll go bankrupt and wants to cause trouble, they can get their wages and leave. They can't even handle these rumors. If I truly go bankrupt, wouldn't they be the first to kick me while I'm down!"
Xie Sui didn't expect these workers to support him in any significant way, but they couldn't back down at the slightest sign of trouble or fail to work diligently. Xie Sui didn't need such people.
Previously, state-owned factories had delayed wages for over half a year, and they hadn't been able to do anything. Now, with him, they wanted to strike?
In the workshop, the efficiency of work slowed down. They were whispering amongst themselves about Xie Sui's bankruptcy, worrying if their wages would be paid.
Someone said, "I heard he lost everything he had gambling stocks in Hong Kong. He's back this time to sell the factory to repay his debts."
"Is that true? Then our wages must be paid. I saw him arrive. After work, we'll go ask him."
"Yes, if not, then pay us in advance. Such a young factory director, having some money makes him reckless. He'll eventually squander his family fortune!"
Many people nodded in agreement; they thought the same.
Some people felt it was unnecessary. "The factory hasn't been late with wages. Trucks are lined up every day to pick up goods. It won't collapse."
"Exactly. Even if the factory is sold, we'll still get our wages. How much is that? Director Xie isn't that kind of person. The benefits the factory gives during holidays are no worse than state-owned factories. It's best not to go."
The workers were divided into two factions and started arguing, disturbing their work.
The workshop supervisor came over, furious. "What are you all doing? Who allowed you to argue during work hours?
You, where's your mask? Give her a demerit, a fine of one yuan. Have you forgotten production hygiene?"
The female employee panicked. "I just forgot for a moment. Don't fine me. It was just for a moment that I didn't wear it, what difference does it make!"
The workshop supervisor was one of the earliest to follow Xie Sui. He was rigid and stubborn. With a dark face, he said, "No, rules are rules. If you forget this time, you'll forget again next time. You must be fined."
In the past, these employees endured it, as the fines were not much, and there were bonuses at the end of the month if the performance was good. They couldn't afford to lose the bigger picture for the small.
This time, swayed by the rumors, they exploded. "You're too unreasonable! The factory might not even be able to continue operating, and you're still acting like you hold immense power!
If you fine me, I won't work anymore!"
The workshop supervisor sneered, "You're not working anymore? Think carefully. It's easy to leave now, but impossible to come back later.
I've also heard the rumors outside. Anyone who distrusts Director Xie can leave now. I won't stop them!"
Xie Sui stood at the factory entrance, watching this scene with a knowing smile in his eyes.