Gu Lei occupied the general manager's position, neither excelling nor failing, as the factory's good performance masked his abilities and flaws.
However, his competence was indeed lacking, and he was prone to seeking glory. Easily swayed by flattery, he had long forgotten the lesson Yan Xiaoliang taught him during Xie Sui's absence.
The cafeteria incident was a result of him accepting bribes, which he rationalized as customary exchanges between relatives. Yet, no relative would ever send gifts worth over a thousand yuan.
Gu Lei deceived himself, enjoying the benefits of power without considering his responsibilities.
Xie Sui did not punish him nor report him to Director Gu. If Gu Lei had any sense, he would have voluntarily resigned and settled for a deputy general manager position, living a life of quiet stability.
However, Gu Lei lacked this self-awareness. Instead, he led others to Xie Sui's home, bearing expensive gifts.
Lin Wanwan, unaware of what had transpired, was at home and courteously offered them tea, inviting them to sit and wait.
Xie Sui had gone to the real estate development in the afternoon. Du Feiyang was already discussing the commencement of work with the subcontractors. A construction company from the south had been hired, possessing excellent reputation and qualifications, and had undertaken many projects in the county.
However, outsiders often struggled to manage local power brokers. Li Jiaqing, a petty troublemaker, had forced them to halt construction. Du Feiyang had returned to Port City for assistance, though his primary concern was not just Li Family Village; he didn't want his elder brother to benefit unfairly.
Xie Sui proposed his strategy: fighting fire with fire.
"Firstly, we will build a school near Li Family Village, encompassing both primary and middle school levels. It will be the best school in the county. The county will contribute a portion, and we will cover the rest. It will only cost a few million yuan.
Then, we will inform the people of Li Family Village that their villagers can attend school for free."
Du Feiyang questioned, "And then? They'll block our entrances and disrupt our work, yet we let their children attend school for free?"
Xie Sui explained, "Those who attend school for free will certainly not cause us trouble. Anyone who follows Li Jiaqing to block our entrances and cause disturbances will have their eligibility revoked. I doubt anyone has the audacity to enjoy our benefits while simultaneously sabotaging our business.
Furthermore, we will spread the word among the factory employees that due to the obstruction from Li Family Village, the project has been indefinitely postponed. It's not that I don't want to build houses for them, but someone is causing trouble. I am a law-abiding businessman; I can't fight them, can I?"
Du Feiyang slapped his thigh, "We'll make the people of Li Family Village revolt against Li Jiaqing themselves. Then, the employees who are entitled to housing will defend our construction site. Brother Xie, your plan is brilliant. We don't have to expend anything."
"The school will be named Feiyang School. Your contributions to the county deserve recognition. Consider it a gift from your brother."
Du Feiyang's face flushed with excitement, "Brother Xie, this is… too embarrassing."
"Because I'm thin-skinned, I'm letting you do it."
Du Feiyang: "..."
Was his skin not thick enough?
Well, it was indeed thick. He also enjoyed being praised and standing out in a crowd, a feeling that brought him joy.
With this matter settled and details discussed, they needed to visit Secretary Chen to secure county support. They spent the entire afternoon on errands and returned home in the evening, famished.
"Wanwan, is there any food? I'm starving."
Upon entering, he saw Gu Lei and the plump chef, both wearing ingratiating smiles. "Factory Director Xie must be exhausted. You haven't eaten so late.
How about I treat you to dinner? We can go to the Da Fu Hao Hotel; their food is quite good."
Xie Sui did not show displeasure and smiled, "No need. I'm tired after a long day. We'll have a simple meal at home. Haven't you two eaten yet? Why don't you join us?"
"No, no, how could we impose on you? We're here to apologize today. Factory Director Xie, I will definitely improve. Please give me another chance, judge me by my performance?"
The plump chef was on the verge of tears. Xie Sui's factory paid promptly and never withheld wages. The staff was small enough for them to manage. However, blinded by greed, he had embezzled ingredients, enticed by immediate profit.
Xie Sui said, "You don't need to beg me. Some actions have consequences. The cafeteria contract cannot be yours anymore. The factory employees are unhappy to see you; you've ruined your reputation.
However, since you're here today, I'll show you a way. My construction site is about to begin. Rent a place there and sell boxed meals. If the volume is large and the price is reasonable, business will surely be good. You'll earn more than you did from the cafeteria."
The plump chef was grateful, "Thank you, Factory Director Xie, you're a great person."
"Don't. Good people are always taken advantage of. I don't want to be a good person. Take care of yourself."
Gu Lei said shamefully, "Brother Xie, I am truly sorry. You trusted me, and I failed to carry out your instructions."
"It's alright. No major disaster occurred. However, Gu Lei, you need to seriously consider your future path. The factory will have more and more matters to deal with. If your ability is insufficient and you cannot command respect, I won't be able to protect you."
Gu Lei's face turned grim. He didn't know how he left, his palms sweating.
The plump chef, on the other hand, was pleased. The money he had earned was enough to open a small restaurant. Selling boxed meals could support his family.
Seeing Gu Lei's dejected expression, he said, "What's wrong? Factory Director Xie didn't say anything harsh. He's so amiable and magnanimous. No wonder he makes money."
"Didn't you hear him? I don't know how long I can remain general manager. He's still displeased."
The plump chef said, "Then do your job well. What are you worried about? He's not firing you immediately. I think Factory Director Xie is not someone who leaves no room for others; he's quite sentimental."
"A little bit of benefit has swayed you. You haven't even earned the money yet, don't be happy too soon."
The plump chef pouted. He had heard about the construction site matters. As long as one could get involved, there would be a share of the profits. Besides selling boxed meals, one could open a small shop selling snacks and daily necessities, which would also be a source of income.
Most importantly, it was an opportunity to connect with influential people. Money could only be earned with such connections.
After seeing the two off, Lin Wanwan had prepared the meal. She and Du Feiyang ate heartily. Young people have large appetites, and the table full of dishes was cleaned out.
"How long have you been hungry? Didn't you eat lunch?"
"I went to the cafeteria for inspection at noon, but all I had was boiled cabbage. I forced myself to eat it, and now I can't even look at cabbage. It's so damn awful, even pigs wouldn't eat it."
Du Feiyang chuckled, "Didn't you eat?"
Xie Sui interjected, "Don't get sidetracked. Gu Lei can no longer be general manager. We need to find someone new. It's best to find a university graduate with management studies. Young people have drive. If management is lax, employees will become lazy."
Lin Wanwan worried, "It won't be easy to talk to Director Gu."
Xie Sui sighed, "I cannot jeopardize my factory because of personal relationships. This is my first factory, my pride and joy. I will be mindful of my approach and try to be as gentle as possible."
Du Feiyang remarked, "Your inland areas are so complicated with human relationships. If it were my Du family, anyone who doesn't perform would be kicked out immediately. Those who embezzle my money would have to return it with interest."
"Yes, your Du family is formidable, Young Master Du is mighty. Go wash up and sleep."