Zhang Wenfeng was now Xie Sui's full-time driver. He had learned to operate a tractor and helped Xie Sui deliver goods to the town's supply and marketing cooperative. When building a new house, he also hauled bricks, cement, and sand, keeping him very busy day in and day out.
However, he was also earning a good amount of money. His monthly salary of sixty yuan was comparable to that of a minor leader in a state-owned factory. A few months prior, he wouldn't have dared to imagine earning so much.
Yet, life was changing day by day. His spendthrift wife was constantly demanding this and that, and on top of that, she had to support her own family, draining him of all his value.
A pair of pedal pushers cost eight yuan. Zhang Wenfeng wondered where he could possibly find eight yuan.
"Wenfeng, bring some meat and vegetables home today, along with ten bags of cement, some rebar, and stone slabs. I've written down the list. Go buy them and take them back. My father is waiting," Xie Sui instructed him. Seeing Zhang Wenfeng's dazed look, he smiled and asked, "What's wrong? You seem absent-minded these past couple of days. Is something going on at home?"
"No, I'll go now."
Zhang Wenfeng started the tractor. Xie Sui watched his retreating figure for a while before finally saying nothing.
He took out a jar of pickled spicy beans and some egg yolk pastries made at his own factory. These didn't have any leavening agents yet, so they could only be wrapped in oil paper into small pieces. The cream in the middle was added, distinguishing them from other cakes. He packed twenty of them to give Secretary Liu a taste.
It wasn't that he didn't want to give more, but the problem remained: short shelf life. He was afraid they would spoil and upset the Secretary's stomach, thus losing this valuable connection.
As usual, he first went to find Secretary Tang. Through repeated interactions, the two had become familiar.
That's how relationships work; through coming and going, people become friends. If they don't interact for a long time, even close father and son can grow distant.
"Oh, more pickled vegetables?"
"This time it's pickled spicy beans, to change things up. But eating pickled vegetables all the time isn't nutritious. See when our Secretary has some free time? I'll prepare a nutritious meal for him. Health is the foundation of revolution, after all. These cakes were also made by myself. They can be eaten as an afternoon tea during long working hours."
Secretary Tang smiled. He was a university graduate and was familiar with afternoon tea. He was surprised that Xie Sui, a man from the countryside, understood such things.
"Secretary Tang, please try one first. If it tastes good, then give it to our Secretary."
Secretary Tang didn't stand on ceremony. A few pastries were not something that would get him into trouble.
"It's too rich for me; I'm not used to such sweetness. However, sugar can replenish energy better. I'll let the Secretary try it. You're not just here to deliver pickled vegetables this time, are you?"
Xie Sui chuckled, "Caring for the Secretary is the most important thing. My other matters are trivial. Secretary Tang, can you help me get a few refrigerators? You know, I'm making ice cream now, and this is what I lack the most."
Secretary Tang thought for a moment, "New ones are difficult to obtain; they require industrial coupons and special approval from the leadership. However, we can try to find some old ones. I wonder if the county's cold drink factory has any discarded ones. I'll ask around for you."
Xie Sui tightly grasped his hand, his eyes shining with excitement, "You're like family, my dear brother! Secretary Tang, you've helped me immensely. I must treat you to a meal another day."
Secretary Tang chuckled, "It's not that big of a deal, just a small favor. A meal is a must, though. We'll go to the state-owned restaurant. I'll set a time and inform you."
"Alright, I'm at your service. I'll be waiting for your good news."
Secretary Tang didn't rush him away. He inquired about the operating conditions of Xie Sui's factory. Xie Sui didn't complain about hardship but spoke in grand terms, "More than twenty workers are busy all day. If I had refrigerators, I'd have them working in two shifts. Equipment limitations are hindering my development."
"In the next step, I will create employee files for my workers and formalize everything. Benefits and pensions will also be arranged. I will need Secretary Tang's guidance on this matter."
Secretary Tang listened with satisfaction, "It's good that you have this awareness."
"Of course. To grow big and strong, talent is indispensable. My factory workers will certainly not receive less treatment than those in state-owned factories, and perhaps even better, with superior benefits."
Secretary Tang laughed heartily, "I look forward to seeing your performance."
"I guarantee you'll be satisfied. I won't delay your work. I'm leaving now."
Secretary Tang saw him out the door and then went to Secretary Liu's office, presenting the small cakes. "Secretary, have some to tide you over. Xie Sui sent these, and there are pickled spicy beans too."
Secretary Liu was also tired. As he got older, he fatigued easily. Sometimes when he was hungry at work, he felt awkward asking the kitchen for extra meals, as he couldn't be special. He could only endure it. This small cake, golden and bright, smelled fragrant and sweet. He picked one up and took a bite.
The sweet cream melted on his tongue. He took a sip of tea, and his stomach instantly felt comfortable, his mind clearing up a bit. He nodded, "This tastes very good. Is it a new product from his place?"
"No, he's currently working on ice cream and doesn't have the time for this. He just made it for you to try. He was asking me for a batch of refrigerators. He came to me for help."
Secretary Liu said, "During a previous meeting, I heard the county's cold drink factory complaining that he was stealing their business in the town. Their sales are now less than half of previous years. They're quite unhappy with him."
Secretary Tang adjusted his glasses and said, "It's a market economy now, not the old days. People buy from whoever has better products. The higher-ups have always been advocating for innovation and reform. These old factories are still clinging to their old ways; they'll be eliminated sooner or later."
Secretary Liu chuckled, "Do you think highly of that young man?"
"It's not that I think highly of him, but I value his spirit of innovation. Look at the products he makes; they are things that don't exist now. He has a point when he says that equipment is limiting his production. If he had the foundation of a state-owned factory, he would earn several times more than he does now."
Secretary Liu was surprised, "He's that capable? Then give him the freezers. The cold drink factory is also asking me for new equipment and subsidies. Give him their discarded equipment, but charge him for it so the state doesn't incur losses."
"That's for certain. Xie Sui wants to treat you to a meal. He's worried about your health. When do you think you'll be free?"
"With pickled vegetables to eat, I'm not craving his cooking. I'll go when I have some free time."
He hadn't been in office for long, and the county magistrate and other old guard officials were outwardly in agreement but inwardly opposed. Even dragon meat wouldn't taste good under such circumstances.
Xie Sui returned home with immense joy. It was like a pillow arriving just as he felt sleepy.
As he entered the door, he saw Zhang Wenfeng tinkering with something in the toolbox on the front of the tractor. He leaned in and saw that Zhang Wenfeng was hiding a pair of black pants. He chuckled, "Buying them for your wife?"
Startled, Zhang Wenfeng trembled, breaking out in a cold sweat. "Brother Xie, why do you walk so quietly?"
"I was pushing my bicycle; there was enough noise. It's not wrong to buy things for your wife. Let me see what you bought. I haven't had time to go shopping recently; I should get some new clothes for my Wanwan too." Sudian Novel Network
Zhang Wenfeng handed them to him. Xie Sui unfolded them and laughed, "Pedal pushers? What did I think? These clothes are flattering to the figure and need to be styled well. It's best to pair them with a long t-shirt, one that reaches the knees. That's how they look good."