The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 198 New Director Takes Over, Following the Old Rules
Glory can bring fighting power to the team.

Especially for someone like Guan Erdou, he was always very proud that his unit could become an advanced unit in the county.

He was most hurt by Qian Jin's departure. He had witnessed the ugly face of leaders like Ma Defu and was very worried that the next leader would be the same.

After hesitating for a moment, he stammered, "Boss, could you talk to the organization and ask them not to transfer you? Our unit needs a leader like you."

Cao Lihua, ever the chatterbox, said, "Second Brother Guan, what you're saying isn't right."

“It’s a good thing that our leader has been promoted. We are all happy and feel honored. Besides, our leader is returning to the city. His family is in the city, and his wife is in the city. It’s not good for him to be separated from his wife all the time.”

"We may love our leader, but we can't hinder his progress, right, Lao Sun?"

Sun Youcai said frankly, "All I know how to do is steam a bun and make a pancake. I don't know anything else. Anyway, whatever Director Qian thinks is good, I'll do it."

After Cao Lihua's words, Guan Erdou realized he had said something foolish and quickly explained that he had no other meaning.

Jin Hai arrived at some point and leaned against the doorframe, saying, "If you ask me, comrades, let's not cause trouble for Director Qian. Can we change the decision of the higher-ups?"

He looked around and said, "How about this, let's find some time to pool our money and go to a state-run restaurant in the county to give Director Qian a farewell dinner!"

Everyone agreed.

Qian Jin laughed loudly: "Forget it, what's so good about state-run restaurants in the city? I don't care. The best things are in the countryside. Our country's coarse grains and light tea are the most nourishing."

"Finally, we'll definitely have a farewell meal together, but we won't go to the county town. We'll cook it ourselves. There's only one chef here, so we need to let him show off his skills."

Sun Youcai chuckled, "I've seen Director Qian cook before, but my skills are nowhere near as good as his."

Qian Jin, what have you seen in the secret passage? All you've seen are pre-cooked dishes, of course they taste good.

He changed the subject and discussed with everyone what dishes would be served at the banquet.

People are often hungry these days, so gatherings and meals always manage to get everyone in the mood.

So everyone started discussing it actively, and the atmosphere in the office became lively again.

Later, more people came looking for him, including Liu Jianguo...

Qian Jin has done a really good job these past few months, and he gets along well with the staff of various units in the commune and the cadres of the production teams.

Now that they know he is going to be transferred back to the city, everyone who knows the news is both shocked and helpless.

Moving from the commune to the city is a good thing for anyone.

So they came over to ask about the specifics and then wanted to arrange to have a meal with him.

Only Guan Erdou wanted him to stay in the commune. Everyone else knew that people strive for better opportunities, and Qian Jin wouldn't let go of the chance to be transferred back to the city.

In fact, if they had the opportunity to be transferred to work in the city, they would definitely leave immediately.

Then the proverb "three men can make a tiger" was proven true once again in the commune.

The news that Qian Jin was to be transferred spread that afternoon, and news that a new leader was to be transferred also came in that afternoon.

The office became lively again. Sun Youcai, Jin Hai, and others, who had returned to their posts less than a week ago, all gathered around. This time, everyone except Zhou Gu, who had returned to the brigade, came...

“I heard that the new director is a relative of Deputy Director Wang of the county supply and marketing cooperative,” Jin Hai said with a solemn expression and a low voice. “I know that man. He’s very tough. He used to be the deputy director of Hongqi Shuangli Commune. The employees in his unit called him ‘King Yama’ behind his back.”

Liu Xiulan panicked: "What? Is this really a leader coming? Is Director Qian for real? What are we going to do? When you were here, you never made things difficult for us..."

Upon hearing this, Qian Jin shook his head: "Where did this news come from? I have no information at all!"

"Director Cai of the commune just returned from the county. He went to the county supply and marketing cooperative on business and happened to hear the news," Cao Lihua said enthusiastically.

Zhao Dazhu frowned and said, "It did come from Director Cai. I know that Wang Yanwang. He's not a corrupt official like Ma Defu, but he's just brutal in his work methods."

"This boss loves to yell at people, and he'll even hit them when he gets angry. Ugh, this is tough!"

With a long sigh, his brows furrowed into a deep frown.

Liu Xiulan still acted like a young girl; upon receiving this bad news, worry was written all over her face.

Jin Hai complained, "The county leaders are really messing things up. Our Zidian Supply and Marketing Cooperative finally went from being one of the worst in the county to an advanced one under Director Qian's leadership. Our employees' benefits improved, and the work atmosphere was better. Now that he's been transferred away, a living devil has been sent in. We're going to suffer from now on!"

Sun Youcai looked at Qian Jin expectantly: "Director Qian, is this a living devil coming to take over your job?"

Qian Jin genuinely didn't know the situation, and all he could do at that moment was to shirk responsibility.

But that's not his style.

He paced around the office with his hands behind his back for a couple of minutes, then made up his mind and said, "Damn it, comrades, I've really been open and honest with you all."

“Now I’ll call Section Chief Cui Hu of the Municipal Supply and Marketing Cooperative. He’ll definitely know about our unit’s personnel arrangements.”

“I’ve never called a leader privately since I joined the supply and marketing system, but I’m making an exception today.”

He definitely didn't call his superiors privately; he always delivered gifts directly in person...

The dispatch of formal employees in the supply and marketing system was decided across levels, meaning that the appointment of cadres at the commune level was submitted by the county level for approval by the city level.

In this way, Cui Hu naturally understood the situation.

He dialed the number and first talked about the cats that Cui Hu kept at home.

This approach is correct.

Cui Hu's tone softened immediately, and he asked, "You're wasting the country's telecommunications fees by making phone calls, I bet it's not just to check up on my bunch of brats, is it? Tell me, what do you want to know?"

"I can tell you that your new job assignment is confidential and I cannot disclose it."

Qian Jin hurriedly said that he didn't make the call because of himself. He gave a factual report on the situation at the commune's supply and marketing cooperative, and then planned to explain the purpose of his call before asking for information.

This time, Cui Hu gave him a very direct answer: "Tell your men to do their jobs properly and stop asking around and thinking nonsense all day."

"Your commune's supply and marketing cooperative is doing very well right now, so how could the organization possibly transfer someone from elsewhere to lead your work?"

"To tell you the truth, after deliberation by the Party Committee of your county supply and marketing cooperative, the appointment is as follows."

"Comrade Zhao Dazhu, formerly the accountant of the Zidian Commune Supply and Marketing Cooperative, is hereby appointed as the director of the cooperative; Comrade Liu Xiulan, formerly the second accountant and sales clerk, is hereby appointed as the first accountant; the county cooperative will transfer a new sales clerk as soon as possible to fill the vacancy..."

Qian Jin was overjoyed and hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

The office was unusually quiet.

Because everyone was holding their breath and listening intently to the voice on the phone.

Now that they had heard the message from their leader, they were at a loss for how to react, and no one spoke up.

Qian Jin thanked Cui Hu and hung up the phone. He looked over.

Zhao Dazhu stood there, his eyes wide behind his glasses, his lips trembling slightly, but he couldn't utter a word.

As he came to terms with it, the expression on his face changed from shock to disbelief, and finally settled on a kind of almost frightening joy.

"Old Zhao?" Jin Hai was the first to speak, and he excitedly patted Zhao Dazhu on the shoulder. "Holy crap! Good heavens, you're a director now?! You're my boss from now on!"

That sound was like opening a floodgate, and the office instantly erupted in excitement.

The group rushed forward and surrounded Zhao Dazhu.

Some patted him on the shoulder, some shook his hand, and a cacophony of congratulations rose and fell:

"Accountant Zhao, no, it's Director Zhao, Director Zhao! Congratulations!"

"Great! Old Zhao will be the director!"

"Now I can rest easy! Old Zhao, you can't become a devil in disguise..."

Zhao Dazhu was surrounded and at a loss for what to do.

Just like Fan Jin passing the imperial examination.

Hey, I won!
He started working at the supply and marketing cooperative in the second year after the founding of the People's Republic of China. He started as a sales clerk, then became the second accountant, and eventually became an accountant on his own.

Now, he has been an employee for more than 27 years and is approaching 50 years old.

He thought he would retire as an accountant for the rest of his life.

The result was unexpected!
I never imagined I would become a director one day.

His eyes reddened slightly, and after pinching his nose, he habitually became polite:
"Hey, don't worry, the higher-ups haven't issued any documents yet. I think things can still change..."

"Old Zhao, what are you afraid of? The leaders of the city's labor and personnel department have spoken, so it's definitely a done deal. We're a supply and marketing cooperative in a commune, and nobody's eyeing the director's position here," Jin Hai said nonchalantly.

Cao Lihua gave an exaggerated smile and said, "Still calling me Old Zhao? You should change it to Director Zhao."

Zhao Dazhu hurriedly said, "Director Qian is still here, let's not rush. Just call me Lao Zhao, just call me Lao Zhao."

Qian Jin said, "Alright, we're all on the same side, Director Zhao, don't be so polite."

"I can tell you with certainty, your position is secure!"

Faced with his confident attitude, Zhao Dazhu opened his mouth, but finally stopped being polite.

In this way, his pent-up emotions slowly released, and when he spoke again, his voice was somewhat choked: "I can't do it, Director Qian, you know my temper and abilities, how can I be a director..."

"Why not?" Qian Jin interrupted him directly. "You've worked at the supply and marketing cooperative for so many years, you're the most familiar with the business, and we have a good working relationship and a good foundation with the masses. The leader's decision is correct." "Besides, don't underestimate yourself. Ma Defu, that scoundrel, has been a director for more than ten years. You are dozens of times more outstanding than him, so why can't you be a director?"

"Also, don't just focus on our Director Zhao, there's also our Accountant Liu."

Everyone suddenly realized what was happening and hurriedly went to find Liu Xiulan.

Liu Xiulan stood on the periphery of the crowd, one hand covering her mouth, her eyes moist.

Zhao Dazhu never expected to become a director, and she never expected to be promoted to accountant.

Sales clerk jobs are good, but accountants are more respected and earn higher salaries.

She has never revealed her family situation before.

In fact, her family was poor.

Now that I've been transferred to an accountant position, my salary is higher, and my family's life will be better.

"Little Liu, as your older sister, I have to congratulate you and learn from you." Cao Lihua went up and hugged her. "Now that you're an accountant, don't forget your old sister."

The others secretly grimaced.

You're someone else's best friend!
Liu Xiulan then came to her senses.

Zhao Dazhu was calm and collected, but she had the heart of a young girl. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears streamed down her chin: "I...I still have so much work to learn, Director Qian. I haven't even done a good job as the second accountant yet, and you want me to be the accountant? I...I'm afraid I'll make mistakes..."

This time, Qian Jin didn't blindly encourage her, but instead said realistically, "Accounting requires a lifetime of work and a lifetime of learning."

"You do have a lot to learn, but you have two huge advantages."

"First, accountants need to be meticulous, and you are very thoughtful. The accounting work in the commune and supply and marketing cooperative is not complicated; it mainly relies on meticulousness, and you happen to have this advantage."

"Secondly, Director Zhao is your mentor. After becoming the director, Director Zhao will also be responsible for some accounting work, and he will help you."

Then Qian Jin looked at Zhao Dazhu: "Director Zhao, Comrade Zhao Dazhu, am I right?"

Zhao Dazhu laughed heartily and said, "Yes, yes, Director Qian is absolutely right."

"Our team is still in the commune. I'll train you in your work first, and you should make the most of your time to learn. Then I'll check your work, and eventually you'll be able to take charge of our unit's accounting work on your own."

The conversation shifted to other people, and he finally recovered from his initial shock and joy.

Sun Youcai reminded him from the side, "Director Zhao, Director Qian must have been pulling strings behind the scenes to get this done..."

“Yes, yes, yes,” Zhao Dazhu nodded quickly.

He then realized that he had forgotten the most important task.

He grabbed Qian Jin's hand and said loudly, "Director Qian, you know what kind of person I am. Right now, I... I really don't know what to say."

"I am grateful for the organization's trust, and even more grateful for your guidance and training over the past few days..."

"Stop! Stop right there!" Qian Jin said helplessly. "I know what kind of person you are, but don't you all know what kind of person I am?"

"What's going on? Is this turning into a bootlicking contest?"

"You, Zhao Dazhu, becoming the new director of the supply and marketing cooperative is, to be honest, a testament to the leadership's foresight, and has little to do with me."

"To be honest, I don't know how the leaders will arrange my work or how they will arrange the positions in our supply and marketing cooperative. I haven't contributed anything to your appointment as director, so don't thank me. If you thank me, I'll think you're being sarcastic!"

Cao Lihua said from the side, "Director Qian, you're just being modest."

"I'm an honest man, and to be fair, first of all, Lao Zhao's ability to become the director is definitely related to his own hard work. We all know that Lao Zhao has been an accountant for many years. He is conscientious and responsible in his work, keeps clear accounts, and has good relationships with the masses. His promotion is well-deserved."

"But you say he got promoted to Director Qian without any effort? We, his subordinates, are the first to disagree!"

"First, it was your work in bringing Ma Defu to justice. If Ma Defu were still the director, would Lao Zhao be the director? Even if Ma Defu were promoted, would he appoint Lao Zhao based solely on merit? He would definitely arrange for his cronies to take over."

"Secondly, Director Qian standardized our work and led us subordinates to win awards and honors. I dare say that Lao Zhao's ability to become a director is definitely inseparable from the awards he received!"

Zhao Dazhu's accounting work was indeed commended by the Municipal Supply and Marketing Cooperative. His new accounts were clear and concise. He then compiled Qian Jin's standardized accounting practices for grassroots supply and marketing cooperatives and submitted them to the county supply and marketing cooperative for promotion.

Qian Jin deserves credit for both of these aspects.

The others nodded in agreement after hearing Cao Lihua's words.

Jin Hai stood to the side, feeling a mix of emotions.

This woman is not only slutty, she's also really good at licking a man's crotch; that should have been her own description.

Zhao Dazhu, as if waking from a dream after receiving the prompting, immediately nodded vigorously: "Yes, yes, Xiao Cao is right."

"Director Qian, if it weren't for your arrival and the reform of the supply and marketing cooperative, the establishment of new systems, and the teaching of so many working methods, I wouldn't be where I am today..."

Then he suddenly straightened his back and raised his voice a few decibels, "I assure you, my work policy from now on will be to follow your established rules and regulations to make the supply and marketing cooperative even better!"

"Yes! We support Director Zhao!" Jin Hai shouted in agreement.

He seized the opportunity and immediately started licking.

Other employees also expressed their support.

Qian Jin no longer remained modest.

Actually, he was very happy.

Although Zhao Dazhu was not someone he trained, he did provide a lot of help to the accounting work of the supply and marketing cooperative.

It's a good thing that Zhao Dazhu can take over and allow the supply and marketing cooperative to continue operating according to his methods.

Jin Hai seized the opportunity to show off, shouting loudly, "Comrades, comrades, Director Qian has been promoted, Director Zhao has taken office, and Xiao Liu has been transferred. With all these good things happening in our unit today, shouldn't we cheer?"

A group of people clapped happily.

Jin Hai continued, "Our unit owes its success to Director Qian, so shouldn't we let Director Qian say a few words?"

"Director Qian, please say a few words!" the group shouted enthusiastically.

Seeing that everyone was happy, Qian Jin didn't want the atmosphere to become awkward, so he said a couple of standard phrases:
"The decision to appoint Comrade Zhao Dazhu as director and Comrade Liu Xiulan as accountant was made by the county cooperative after thorough investigation. We hope that everyone will support their work as they did for me."

The others immediately shouted, "Definitely!"

"Don't worry, Director Qian!"

"We will definitely cooperate with the new leadership!"

The atmosphere in the office was lively; it was more festive than even when we were giving out holiday bonuses.

Qian Jin, not wanting to remain the center of attention, pulled Zhao Dazhu aside: "Now that I, the old director, have finished speaking, let our new director share his thoughts."

Zhao Dazhu stood in the center of the crowd and cleared his throat: "Colleagues, I, Zhao Dazhu, have been an accountant at the supply and marketing cooperative for twenty-five years, and I never thought I could become a director."

"Today, the organization trusts me and everyone supports me, so I will certainly live up to expectations, uphold the fine traditions left by Director Qian to our supply and marketing cooperative, and continue to serve the members well!"

"Bravo!" the crowd cheered in unison, with some even clapping.

Liu Xiulan squeezed to the front, her eyes red, and said, "Director Zhao, I will definitely familiarize myself with the accounting work as soon as possible and manage the accounts well."

Zhao Dazhu waved his hands repeatedly: "Don't call me Director, just call me Teacher Zhao."

He turned to Qian Jin: "Director Qian, what do you think we should do next..."

Qian Jin said, "Next is the handover process."

"I was quite worried about this, but now that you're taking over, it's easy."

“You are more familiar with the situation of the commune’s supply and marketing cooperative than I am. I’ll take you to all the distribution points and other units again so they know you’ve become the director. That’s all, right?”

Zhao Dazhu hurriedly said, "I'll follow your instructions."

Qian Jin waved his hand: "Then everyone else can continue working, and we'll start the handover."

The others quickly left, eager to gossip.

The dark cloud that had hung over the supply and marketing cooperative because of Qian Jin's transfer was swept away by this unexpected good news.

When only two people remained in the office, Zhao Dazhu said, "Director Qian, shall I treat you to a meal? You see, I haven't treated you to a meal since you arrived."

Qian Jin said, "No problem, I'll come to your house for dinner tonight."

"But now, you should sit down and get ready to work."

He pulled out the chair behind the desk and pressed Zhao Dazhu down onto it.

Zhao Dazhu sat in the director's seat, but only dared to sit on half of it.

He unconsciously crossed his hands, looking at the familiar desktop and the unfamiliar viewing angle, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Yourself!

I've finally gotten to sit in this seat!

(End of this chapter)