The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 341 Haibin City Labor Assault Team
Han Zhaoxin's appearance brought the lively scene in front of the Taishan Road Neighborhood Committee to a new level.

Upon learning of his arrival, the crowd's celebration erupted like a spoonful of water being thrown into boiling oil, sizzling and popping.

When the commandos learned that their second-in-command had come to welcome them back, they were incredulous and stunned.

So their lively conversation with relatives and friends was like an ice cube thrown into boiling water, quickly stopping the boiling and bringing silence.

The surrounding gongs and drums stopped, the conversations ceased, and Wang Dong, who had been bragging to his buddies, stared blankly, speechless.

The celebratory scenes outside don't lie.

When Qian Jin returned, Wang Dong and Xu Xiangdong quickly pulled him back: "Is it really President Han?"

Qian Jin pointed into the crowd.

The team members turned around in surprise, their eyes all focusing on the person who exuded a powerful aura—

That's right, it's Han Zhaoxin, the second-in-command of Haibin City and the commander-in-chief of the drought relief command center!
The neighborhood committee leadership was caught off guard and at a loss for what to do, but they managed to react and hurriedly went to greet Han Zhaoxin.

Not to be outdone, Wang Dong also stepped forward and shouted, "President Han! Why did you come in person? Why did you come all this way..."

Han Zhaoxin smiled, said little, and strode steadily through the crowd, calling out, "I've come to see everyone, to see our commando comrades..."

"I'm so excited," Xu Weidong said, clutching his chest. "My heart can't take it."

Qian Jin waved his hand: "Hurry up and get him to the hospital. Don't let him die here; it's bad luck."

"It's okay, it's okay, I can handle it now." Xu Weidong immediately perked up.

As Han Zhaoxin approached, the crowd automatically parted to make way for him.

However, all eyes followed his movements, and the crowd reacted with either disbelief and incredulity, or excitement and jubilation.

Citizens of that era held these high-ranking city officials in high esteem.

Wang Dong finally managed to push his way through the crowd and get inside. He stood at attention and saluted: "Commander-in-Chief Han, the drought relief and agricultural support task force is reporting for duty!"

Han Zhaoxin smiled and extended his hand to Wang Dong: "You're Comrade Wang Dong, the captain of the assault team, right?"

"Where are Deputy Captains Zhou Yaozu, Xu Weidong, and others? Where are you all?"

"Here!" Xu Weidong strode out with his head held high and chest out, while Zhou Yaozu quickly straightened his Liberation Cap and ran out as well.

Han Zhaoxin shook hands firmly with each of them in turn, then turned their palms over to look at the thick calluses on them:

"Comrades, I must say this frankly: you have done a great job in the countryside! Comrade Wang Dong, comrades, you and every member of the assault team have worked hard!"

He was repeatedly singled out by the second-in-command.

Wang Dong was so excited that he trembled all over.

He stretched his neck, trying to let out a shout, but suddenly lost his voice.

too excited!

Xu Weidong was even more aggressive, immediately shouting, "Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief! It's no trouble at all! Serving the peasant comrades!"

Han Zhaoxin patted each of them on the shoulder and walked toward the assault team members who had regrouped.

He shook hands with the team members in front of him and then looked at the palms of the team members behind him.

Looking at the thick calluses on his body, the second-in-command said with emotion, "I have received a call from the leaders of Zidian Commune who sent you to the countryside. The relevant leaders have given high praise to the work of your task force."

"Especially the comrades from the Xiping Production Brigade, they want to present you with a banner of appreciation! Comrades, you did a great job..."

He clapped as he spoke.

Everyone applauded.

Wang Dong and Xu Weidong, those two shameless bastards, even raised their arms above their heads and clapped wildly.

Seeing this, the other team members followed suit and raised their hands above their heads to clap.

too excited.

The team members were flattered and their faces turned red; some even had tears welling up in their eyes.

This is the second-in-command.

In all my life, this is the first time I've ever seen such a high-ranking official, and this time they are the main characters, as this official has come to offer them condolences.

The camera shutters were pressed one after another, and the photographers circled around Han Zhaoxin.

Other residents were equally excited.

The second-in-command personally came to the street to welcome their children, relatives, and neighbors—an honor that ordinary people like them could never even dream of!

The neighborhood committee staff organized the elderly men and women to quickly start banging gongs and drums. The elderly men and women banged the gongs and drums with all their might, almost breaking them.

Qian Jin was frightened by their red-faced and swollen faces.

Does this person have high blood pressure?
Have you taken your blood pressure medication?

Wei Xiangmi went up and handed the microphone to Han Zhaoxin, saying, "Mr. Han, please say a few words."

Han Zhaoxin waved his hand and smiled, "I just came to see you comrades. Today is the day for your neighborhood committee to take center stage. You, as the director of the neighborhood committee, should speak."

How could Wei Xiangmi dare to speak in front of him? She eagerly and enthusiastically handed the microphone to Han Zhaoxin.

Upon seeing this, Han Zhaoxin no longer held back his politeness.

He raised his hand to suppress the applause, then coughed once.

The applause stopped, and there was complete silence.

Han Zhaoxin spoke solemnly, his voice loud and powerful:
"To all members of the Taishan Road Labor Commando Team and the Drought Relief and Agricultural Support Commando Team, on behalf of the Haibin City Drought Relief and Disaster Relief Headquarters, I warmly welcome you back victoriously after completing your mission!"

The applause was warm.

He continued, "In Zidian Commune, on the front lines, in the most difficult places, you undertook the most important and arduous tasks."

“I have received reports about your work. You have been drilling wells, repairing canals, and working day and night to ensure water supply. I have heard that your efforts have not only reached the Xiping Production Brigade, but also the entire Zidian Commune. Wherever there is the most severe water shortage, there you will see the flag of your shock brigade!”

"Comrades, you have put into practice the spirit of the assault team, 'unyielding even under the weight of Mount Tai,' with your sweat and even your own flesh and blood. You and countless other comrades who went from the city to the countryside to fight on the front line of the drought relief are the true heroes."

"It is you, including the neighborhood committee leadership team that supports your work, your families and relatives, all of you, who have made great contributions to the overall victory in the city's fight against drought!"

"The city government, the command center, and all the people of the city thank you!"

His words were very formulaic.

But this is exactly what's needed at this time.

Every word he said struck a chord with the team members.

Because that's exactly what they did: in the countryside, they first built irrigation canals and then dug wells, and they also built simple waterways from the mountains to bring water out to irrigate the farmland.

After finishing his work in Xiping Production Brigade, he went to other brigades to work.

From June to September, almost every one of them bled in the drought relief work. As for sweat, needless to say, during the dry drought, they were covered in sweat every day after work.

So, the hard work has been put in, and now it's time to reap the rewards.

Without a doubt, Han Zhaoxin's personal welcome was the best outcome.

This affirmation from the highest commander made all their hard work the highest reward; it was a great harvest.

The team members stood tall, filled with an unprecedented sense of pride.

The labor shock troops lacked dignity the most!

Han Zhaoxin concluded his speech amidst enthusiastic applause, then shook hands warmly with several selected key members of the assault team, offering a few words of encouragement.

The camera kept taking pictures.

Everyone started looking forward to tomorrow's newspaper.

The public speech was over, and the private, cordial meeting was also over.

Han Zhaoxin gave Wei Xiangmi and Qian Jin a few more words of encouragement before preparing to leave.

Before leaving, he turned to Qian Jin and said in a low voice, "Xiao Qian, come to my car and say a few words."

Qian Jin nodded immediately: "Yes!"

He had dealt with Han Zhaoxin so much in private that he felt no pressure.

So, under the eager and envious gazes of everyone, he followed Han Zhaoxin into the car.

The secretary and driver tactfully stepped back a few paces, subtly blocking any potential onlookers.

Wei Xiangmi quickly stopped the event, pulling the crowd that was craning their necks to look at the Volga car back to their seats.

The scene remained noisy.

But once the car was separated, the atmosphere suddenly became serious.

Han Zhaoxin took out a cigarette, and Qian Jin immediately extended his arm.

Azure flames hissed and rose, while grayish-white smoke curled up between the two.

"I went to a meeting in the provincial capital a couple of days ago and just got back this morning. Um, the provincial leaders gave special praise to our command center, and they specifically mentioned your work. Your performance in this drought relief campaign has been outstanding!"

Han Zhaoxin took a deep drag on his cigarette, scrutinizing Qian Jin through the smoke.

“A provincial leader also said that when he contacted the National Office for Natural Disaster Prevention, they all knew your name and praised you endlessly, saying that you are young but have a good command of the team and dare to fight tough battles.”

Qian Jin was a little embarrassed by the praise and quickly said, "This is due to the wise decision-making of the command headquarters leaders and the good cooperation of the comrades at the grassroots level. I was just an executor."

Han Zhaoxin waved his hand: "The credit is yours, no need to be modest. What's wrong? Are you afraid I'll envy you or be jealous of you?"

"Let me tell you, which of us who has reached our position hasn't received national recognition? As for provincial recognition?"

He smiled and shook his head.

The meaning is very clear.

It's not exactly a small matter, but it's more like a moderate one.

Qian Jin chuckled.

Han Zhaoxin continued, "Your role was crucial in overcoming the final difficulties in Anguo County, and the commando team under your command performed very well. In short, the mission was successfully completed, and I will award you all credit."

He paused, flicked his cigarette ash, and changed the subject:
"Xiao Qian, with the reform and opening up, the country is different from before. The government now attaches great importance to talent."

"I won't go into detail about you; your future is already set. What about your commando team? They performed exceptionally well this time. Do you have any thoughts on that?"

"Is there anything the government can help resolve for any of these individuals, or for your team? Whether it's staffing, benefits, or supplies... just let me know."

The leaders are very considerate.

This reward is real and tangible.

Judging from Han Zhaoxin's words, he could help solve the organizational problem for all members of the entire assault team.

Indeed, for the neighborhood committee and for certain individuals, resolving the issue of creating a few hundred government positions is a pipe dream.

However, for the second-in-command of Haibin City, these few hundred positions are just a drop in the ocean.

There are probably hundreds of state-owned enterprises, factories, and government agencies in the city. Wouldn't it be easy for each one to have several employees?
The surrounding noise seemed to disappear in an instant, and Qian Jin could only hear the thumping of his own heartbeat.

That's such a huge temptation.

If he could resolve the issue of official positions for all his subordinates in one fell swoop, he could probably become emperor on Mount Tai.

but!

He does not need it!
Han Zhaoxin is right. With reform and opening up, the country will be very different.

No one understood the differences better than Qian Jin.

Many state-owned enterprises are struggling to operate. State-owned factories are gradually experiencing declining business and profits, resulting in the loss of bonuses and the inability to pay wages.

Looking at it in the long run.

The commandos need to follow him to have a bright future...

Han Zhaoxin's sharp gaze fell on his face, awaiting his answer. Actually, the reward for the Taishan Road Labor Commando Team wasn't his own idea, but rather the provincial government's.

He really wanted to remind Qian Jin.

The province wants to put him to a test—to see how big his vision is, this young pragmatist.

And then, what a coincidence!

Both sides have the same goal!

Qian Jin pondered how best to refuse.

Han Zhaoxin also began to ponder: the conditions were too favorable; how could such conditions be used to test cadres?

Which young cadre can withstand such a test!

Then today he had his eyes opened.

After careful consideration, Qian Jin slowly said, "President Han, on behalf of our team members, I must thank the organization for its concern."

"Actually, whether it's me or the members of our street task force, whether we go to Anguo County or Zidian Commune, it's all in response to the organization's call and to complete the organization's orders, or rather, it's all to complete the task and let the people have access to water as soon as possible."

"The mission is accomplished, and that's what we should do. The government trusts us and has given us this opportunity to serve the country, which is already the greatest support! Neither I nor the team members have any special requests!"

"Whether it's material rewards or official positions, I can say frankly on behalf of all our team members that we don't want them! But if the organization wants to recognize our honors, that would be our greatest glory!"

Han Zhaoxin said, giving Qian Jin a deep look.

He stubbed out his cigarette, and a smile returned to his serious face. This time, his gaze towards Qian Jin was incredibly gentle.
"Sincerely?"

Qian Jin nodded emphatically and looked at him, saying, "This is my honest opinion."

Han Zhaoxin said with a smile, "This is a position that can properly secure your future. How many people can your subdistrict office secure a position for each month? We can secure positions for all of you right now."

Qian Jin said, "I understand, but this is how I think."

"Now that the country's economic policies have loosened, allowing ordinary people to start their own businesses and earn money to support their families, our small collective enterprises in the commando team will surely thrive even more!"

"Therefore, I believe these positions should be given to comrades who need them more. Our commando team doesn't need them. I am very confident that we can develop very well, at least no worse than any enterprise or factory!"

Seeing the confidence on the young man's face, Han Zhaoxin laughed heartily: "Good lad, you're quite arrogant, so confident?"

Qian Jin laughed too: "Youthful arrogance is just part of life. If we young people weren't a little wild, wouldn't our Chinese nation be too repressed?"

"Besides, when incompetent people talk big, that's called arrogance; when capable people talk about the future, that's called being realistic!"

"Of course, I was just joking with you because I thought you were a very approachable person, Mr. Han."

Han Zhaoxin patted his shoulder, even giving it a firm squeeze, and his words were full of praise: "Good! What a joke! I see you really do have that ability!"

"So you really don't have any requests for our organization?"

Qian Jin repeated firmly, "There are indeed no requirements!"

Han Zhaoxin patted him on the shoulder again: "The people of Anguo County have given you their evaluation, saying that Comrade Qian Jin is no ordinary person. He is selfless and dedicated to public service, and does not seek personal gain. That's very good!"

"Remember, keep it up!"

Qian Jin nodded firmly.

Han Zhaoxin continued, "However, your achievements are obvious to all, and the government cannot fail to reward those who have made contributions."

"Originally, according to Comrade Guodong and me, we knew that many members of your commando team were educated youth who responded to the national call. Therefore, those who performed outstandingly in this drought relief would be given priority in job placement by the government—after all, it is what they deserve."

“Since you believe you can lead them to a better way out and avoid causing trouble and pressure for the organization, I respect your wishes. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you must think it through.”

Qian Jin said, "I have thought it through very clearly. The future of our Taishan Road Labor Commando Team lies in the various small collective enterprises that we have established together."

He considered his words carefully before saying, "Our small collective enterprise is doing quite well in terms of profitability. Now that we have more manpower and more experience, Mr. Han, to be honest, I'd like to expand our business."

Han Zhaoxin nodded with interest, signaling him to continue.

Qian Jin said, "The needs of ordinary people are nothing more than food, clothing, housing, and transportation. I think our small collective enterprises can put some effort into these aspects."

“I’m thinking, could we expand and strengthen our task force? Should we recruit members not only from the educated youth who returned to the city from Taishan Road, but also from other streets who performed well in this drought relief effort?”

This plan is a bit too ambitious, he continued:
"What I mean is that at the beginning of the drought relief efforts, our command center made a promise that educated youth who performed well in the rural support and drought relief work would be given priority in job placement."

"But as far as I know, there are too many outstanding educated youths this time. Can the command headquarters accommodate them all? With so many educated youths returning to the city, can the existing enterprises and factories handle them all?"

"So, can our small group business as a commando unit also help alleviate some of the organization's pressure?"

"I believe we have the capability. Running such a large coastal city and its surrounding urban and rural areas would require a lot of people."

“We have a training school that provides targeted training to help them become skilled workers. This will not only solve the employment problems of some educated youth and urban youth, but also provide real services to the residents of the neighborhood.”

Han Zhaoxin smiled slightly upon hearing this.

He didn't immediately give his opinion, but instead asked thoughtfully:
“I know about your training school. In fact, when I went to the provincial capital this time, the relevant leaders asked about it. They were worried that you would mess things up in terms of ideology.”

“Now that you mention you’re only teaching technical knowledge and survival skills, I feel much more at ease.”

"As for your small collective enterprises, I've heard about them before: the People's Mobile Canteen, the People's Mobile Repair Shop, the Service Station, the Taishan Road Garment Factory, and so on, right?"

"How are the profits now? How many people can it support?"

Qian Jin said, "In terms of profits, our total monthly income has already exceeded 100,000 yuan!"

Han Zhaoxin was taken aback: "Oh? Your small collective enterprise has grown so big?"

Qian Jin explained, "I was referring to revenue, not net profit."

"Because our several small collective enterprises don't generate much profit from any single business, we focus on expanding our operations, selling more at a lower profit margin, serving consumers while also supporting our team members."

"I think this can create a positive feedback loop. The food we cook, the clothes we produce, the repairs and cleaning services we provide to the people, and the low profits we earn from our labor are used to pay the team members as wages. It's a win-win situation where both sides get what they need."

In fact, his stall is now earning around 30 yuan a month.

However, the accounts were not transparent, and he embezzled a lot of money.

After all, he purchased many of the items from the online store.

Buying things in the mall is free?
So he has to take the money!
Upon hearing this, Han Zhaoxin couldn't help but nod: "Hey, you have to admit, Comrade Qian Jin, your thinking is correct! Excellent!"

He tapped his knee with his finger and said, "Now that the directives from above have been clearly issued, the state allows and encourages the development of individual economies among urban and rural workers. We can no longer restrict everything as we did before."

"Especially in places like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, there is a rich diversity of economic development, including state-owned, collective, and private enterprises."

As the saying goes, "A single flower does not make a spring, but a hundred flowers blooming together make a garden full of spring."

Then he gave instructions: "Your commando team's small collective enterprise is not a sole proprietorship business yet, so you can go ahead and do it boldly!"

"Since your task force has chosen the right path for economic development, then keep going! Not just double the scale, but multiply it several times over!"

"I think the Taishan Road Labor Commando Team should be renamed the Haibin City Labor Commando Team!"

"As the team leader, your vision shouldn't be limited to Taishan Road. You can broaden it to all the streets in the city, enabling more unemployed youth, especially those who made contributions to the drought relief efforts, to find employment through your collective platform!"

"This is a good thing, a good thing that I, Han Zhaoxin, am willing to decide to support!"

"Who says small collective enterprises have to be small? I don't think there's such a rule!"

At this point, Qian Jin was taken aback: "Huh? The Haibin City Labor Commando Team?"

Han Zhaoxin nodded emphatically: "That's right, the Haibin City Labor Commando Team."

"I hope you can take on even greater responsibilities and make more contributions to the people and the country."

"The Labor Assault Team is a product of the 1950s. Except for your Taishan Road, it has become a mere shell of its former self in other streets. After talking with you today, I believe that this small group can still be saved."

"Who knows, they might be able to make even greater contributions and achieve even more success in the reform and opening up!"

Han Zhaoxin stared at Qian Jin with the unwavering determination of a hawk.

Qian Jin took a deep breath: "But I'm about to take office..."

"No matter what you do when you take office, government positions and social positions should be separated. For example, I am still the president of the city's literary association and calligraphy association," Han Zhaoxin said with a smile.

"Let me tell you clearly, as long as your labor shock brigades are engaged in legitimate industries, serving the people, solving employment issues, and stabilizing society, and as long as they comply with policies, then you don't need to worry about your position or anything else."

"Just remember, if everything meets the requirements, then the city—especially my place, Han Zhaoxin—will definitely give your team the green light all the way!"

"What procedures are needed? Venue? Policy guidance? As long as it's reasonable, we'll take care of everything! Go ahead and get started!"

This promise was like a thunderbolt, shocking Qian Jin quite badly.

He never expected to have such a haul today.

His original intention was to increase the size of the Taishan Road Labor Commando Team. The available personnel on Taishan Road were already mostly used up.

Recruiting people from other neighborhoods wouldn't be legally justifiable.

result……

He was directly appointed as the chief of the Haibin City Labor Commando Team.

Furthermore, the development of the commando team's small collective enterprises will be given the green light from the start!
For someone with his vision and resources, what does a smooth path mean?
May your success continue!
Qian Jin was genuinely excited.

He suppressed his excitement and enthusiasm, and said happily, "President Han, thank you so much! With your instructions, I feel relieved and more confident in my future work!"

Han Zhaoxin reminded him, "Don't just feel reassured or confident; the more important thing in the future is to do things well."

"I think your idea is on the right track. If you want to run a business, you can't do it on a small scale. You need to achieve economies of scale and build a brand!"

"You should come up with a feasible plan and proposal as soon as possible and submit it to me. I'll review it for you."

"Remember, the two core principles of 'serving the people' and 'solving employment issues for the organization' must not be abandoned!"

"Of course, don't feel pressured. Like I said, as long as everything is legal and compliant, you can do it once you've identified the right direction. Don't hesitate, I'll back you up!"

"Yes!" Qian Jin's heart swelled with pride, and he felt even more confident about the future.

Han Zhaoxin worked his way up from the bottom; he has a keen eye for people and is very capable.

So, if he wasn't mistaken, Qian Jin's work ability was even stronger than his!

At that moment, looking into Qian Jin's eyes, he could see the burning fighting spirit ignited within them.

Qian Jin is responsible for his work and can do practical things for the people in a down-to-earth manner, which has been tested in the drought relief work.

He felt extremely gratified that his subordinates had discovered such a talented person.

He patted Qian Jin on the shoulder one last time: "Keep it up! Go all out! I'm waiting to hear your good news!"

"Also, the ministry asked me to inform you to pack your bags soon and prepare to go to Beijing to attend your unit's founding ceremony..."

After he finished speaking, he looked at his watch.

Qian Jin understood the meaning behind the action and tactfully got off the bus.

Han Zhaoxin rolled down the car window and waved to him.

it is more than words.

The Volga started smoothly and drove away from Taishan Road, which was still immersed in the welcoming atmosphere.

Qian Jin watched the vehicle disappear, then felt a strong jolt behind him.

Wang Dong, Xu Weidong, and several others pushed him, then surrounded him from both sides and lifted him up.

"Well, Chief Qian, you've gotten so close to the higher-ups, huh?"

"This deputy commander position wasn't a waste of time, hehe, Chief Qian, I've got a big shot buddy now..."

Qian Jin laughed and said, "Alright, alright, what are you doing? Are you going to tear me apart?"

"Let me tell you, you don't need any big shots, brothers. You are all big shots in the future!"

He looked at the group of people in front of him.

The small commando team that he had painstakingly built up has finally received the highest official endorsement.

A brand new and infinitely vast world was suddenly opening up before him.

(End of this chapter)