In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 116 Assembling the Team
Lu Zhao said, "Come to my office right away, something terrible has happened."

Zhang Like shook off his sleepiness and said, "I'll be there right away."

The phone hangs up.

About ten minutes later, hurried footsteps came from outside the door.

Zhang Like walked in without knocking, his clothes rather sloppy, as if he had rushed over without washing up.

He still has a sense of crisis.

If something can't even be said over the phone, the situation must be very serious.

Zhang Like asked, "What happened? Did your temporary position get removed?"

This was the most serious thing he could think of.

Lu Zhao shook his head and handed over the notification sent by his superior.

After a moment, Zhang Like fell silent, his eyes wide open, and his breathing became much heavier.

He took a deep breath, looked at Lu Zhao, and asked, "Did you sell your ass to the Lin Group?"

Otherwise, how could such a good thing happen?

A border post in a remote mountain village was transformed into a military corps with vast tracts of farmland. Even though it was still a company under the jurisdiction of the public security department, the farmland was real.

Especially for military units, the nature of their operations changes once they acquire farmland.

Lu Zhao's face darkened, and he said, "The decision to form the border garrison was made by the Martial Virtue Hall two years ago."

"The Federal Chief has existed for two hundred years, why haven't I seen you sitting there?"

Zhang Like's eyes were filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred as he said, "Brother, I want to see you doing better, but how come you're living such a good life!"

Lin Zhiyan is fair-skinned, beautiful, and speaks elegantly; she also has powerful connections.

They were the kind of people you couldn't even dream of meeting, at least that's what Zhang Like and most of the single guys at the border post thought.

He was so envious!
Lu Zhao felt helpless and, after thinking for a moment, didn't offer any further explanation.

Objectively speaking, high-quality members of the opposite sex are always eye-catching, regardless of gender.

During the years he was suppressed at the border post, he inevitably received advances from women.

"We will definitely respond positively to this, but I would like to ask for your opinion on the specific work process."

Zhang Like looked at the document again and said, "There are too many interests involved here. Just the grain collection step alone is difficult. If we can take over the existing grain depots, it will be fine. But if the city makes things difficult and transfers all the people away, we will have to recruit new people."

"Moreover, we must appoint people we trust to important positions; otherwise, if the grain depot acts recklessly, it will be a major incident if farmers protest."

Lu Zhao nodded in agreement: "Benefits and risks go hand in hand; we can't just focus on the benefits."

Zhang Like asked, "Should I arrange the personnel?"

Lu Zhao said, "I entrust everything to you, but I hope you can be trusted and that you will have clean hands."

How clean do you want it to be?

"Ten out, eight back."

"no problem."

Zhang Like breathed a sigh of relief; he was really afraid that Lu Zhao wouldn't give anyone a single cent.

Reasonable losses should be tolerated, but there are monetary standards for embezzlement and bribery.

While accepting bribes and kickbacks should not be encouraged, it is also very difficult to effectively control. For example, in food processing plants, it's almost unavoidable that employees will steal food.

Lu Zhao said, "Old Zhang, I hope you can make it ten times out and ten times back."

The sudden request left Zhang Like somewhat bewildered, and he asked, "Why?"

A few days ago, Lu Zhao gave him some of Lü Jinshan's things, so he shouldn't be so stingy as to not even give his brother a sip of soup.

Lu Zhao replied, "I'm going to Cangwu next year, and I hope you'll take this position."

It is necessary to cultivate one's own power base. Just as Lu Zhao of the border station needs to place his people in various positions now, this team will have to be brought along in the future.

It took the people of just one county to establish the Han Dynasty, just as it did in Fangshi.

Often, heroes are made by the times; most people just need an opportunity.

At present, the only person Lu Zhao can trust and who has a certain ability is Zhang Like.

But before that, a guiding principle must be established; it cannot be determined solely by personal relationships.

If he doesn't make things clear, then he's not looking for allies, but rather bringing along a burden.

"hiss!"

Zhang Like's legs went weak and he almost knelt down before Lu Zhao.

"Brother Lu, you're like my own brother, no, you're practically my godfather!"

This is no longer about drinking soup and eating meat; it's about serving bowls of food on the table.

"Let me finish speaking first." Lu Zhao raised his hand to interrupt, "I want you to sit in this position, but I don't necessarily want you to sit there or be able to hold onto it."

Zhang Like immediately and eagerly declared, "I will definitely listen to Chief Lu. You know my ability to get things done."

“No, you didn’t understand what I said.” Lu Zhao shook his head and explained clearly, “If you just want to make money, I will let you make money when you have the chance. If you want to climb up, then you have to be able to make sure you come back every time you go out.”

“Taking grain from farmers is a matter of principle, while accepting bribes is a matter of conduct. A matter of principle can kill you, while a matter of conduct is a slow poison.”

“Old Lu, not everyone is like you. Only third-tier superhumans can hold all positions, and I only have 28 points of life force right now.”

Zhang Like remained as nonchalant as ever, his tone flippant yet tinged with dejection:
"If you say that being the head of a border post is a very high position, then I choose to make money and enjoy life more."

Lu Zhao shook his head and said, "Zhao De, at your age, is just a teacher. The third stage of life development is not an insurmountable threshold. As long as you climb up, you will naturally have a wealth of resources to help you."

Tier 3 is out of reach for many people because they lack sufficient resources.

The Federation also has various precious medicines that can accelerate cultivation, solidify one's foundation, and even transform one's entire being.

If rice is the tonic for life, then meat is the precious medicine.

Very few people can develop a muscular physique simply by eating.

200 vitality points is Tier 3, and 599 vitality points is also Tier 3. It's difficult for Zhang Like to reach Zhao De's level, but 200 vitality points is still possible. Zhang Like remained silent for a long time.

People strive for higher positions, just as water flows downhill; no one truly desires to achieve nothing.

He asked, "What can I take?"

"right."

Lu Zhao emphasized the word, as if he wanted him to understand that it was "rights" rather than "power."

"You can obtain the rights given to you by the people, and the people will give us everything."

Zhang Like was stunned; he had already vaguely discerned the implication in Lu Zhao's words.

If you don't want money or profit, then your goal is self-evident.

He blurted out, "Are you out of your mind?"

It's rather ridiculous for a peasant's son with no connections, a junior officer who has long been ostracized, to say such things.

Lu Zhao did not answer, but calmly looked at him.

As with countless days and nights before, Zhang Like had asked him "why" countless times, but he had never answered.

Because what Zhang Like needed was never an answer, but simply the gesture of making Lu Zhao kneel down like him.

"That's too noble of you, I definitely couldn't do that."

Zhang Like shook his head and chuckled, then gradually composed himself, stood at attention, and saluted: "But I'm willing to believe you, Comrade Lu Zhao."
-
Half an hour later, an emergency meeting was held. Since it was morning and no one had gone out on their missions yet, everyone quickly arrived.

After Liang Fei and Mo Kun were kicked out, the entire company and department heads were basically all from Lu Zhang's faction.

Lu Zhao relayed the organization's order, and everyone's eyes widened. They confirmed with Lu Zhao three times in a row, unable to believe that the border station could receive such good treatment.

Border defense stations and border garrison corps have the same organizational size, but their treatment is vastly different.

The grain output replaced the original funding, and after conversion, the amount was roughly the same as the original funding.

However, public funds often lose value by the time they reach the grassroots level, with a reduction of up to a third being quite normal. Furthermore, they are not always received on time, and are frequently withheld by the city government for several months.

In severe cases, this year's salary is the same as last year's.

Now that there's less procedural exploitation, what truly ends up in your pocket is real money.

On a grander scale, the border station became a "local warlord," no longer subject to the constraints of the city.

It's practically a win-win situation.

But why did it fall on their heads?

All eyes were fixed on Lu Zhao at the head of the table, their gazes no longer filled with fear, but with a growing sense of belonging.

The world is full of goodwill, and the world is all good.

Loyalty is as cheap as paper as long as there are enough benefits.

Once everyone had quieted down, Lu Zhao spoke up: "In accordance with the federal order, we will take over the collection of grain from all farmland within the Ant Ridge jurisdiction, replacing the original federal funding. From now on, the border station will be responsible for its own profits and losses."

"This is a good thing, but there are also risks. If we fail to manage these farmlands well, it will be a major mistake."

Therefore, everyone's positions will remain unchanged.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions darkened slightly, and they all looked at Zhang Like.

Currently, the border station has no deputy station chief. Mo Kun, the officer in charge, has been arrested by the supervisor. Only Zhang Like is able to stand up to Lu Zhao.

Zhang Like remained silent.

Captain Zhang, say something!

If we don't distribute the money now, are we just going to let Station Chief Lu pocket it all?
This Lu Bapi is even more ruthless than Lü Jinshan!

As everyone roared in anger, Lu Zhao saw the fluctuations in their emotions through visualization.

In fact, subtle facial expressions can reveal differences, and very few people can completely control their facial expressions.

Even though the restructuring order had just been issued and there were still countless hurdles to overcome before the money was distributed, they were already in a hurry to distribute the money.

Even a penny less or a delay in receiving a share is like cutting off their flesh.

If I hadn't contacted Lao Zhang beforehand, would he have jumped in?

Lu Zhao didn't want to try; human nature can't withstand scrutiny.

After everyone calmed down, Lu Zhao said, "But over the years, everyone has braved wind and rain to guard the border for the Federation, doing the hardest and most tiring work. They deserve some preferential treatment."

"I propose that the proceeds from the annual grain sales be used for the performance-based annual salaries of all cadres, with reference to the federal state-owned enterprise salary management regulations."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed from gloomy to cheerful.

Chief Lu was still selfless and devoted all his money to border defense affairs.

Someone quickly jumped out and praised, "Station Chief Lu is brilliant!"

Lu Zhao glanced at him.

Was I not wise before?

I noted down his name and appearance; he was the border station's finance officer. I'll fire him later.

Economic matters are the easiest place to make mistakes, so you need to let trustworthy people in there.

At the same time, I also noted down the obvious and subtle reactions. Expressing one's emotions openly is a matter of ability, but also a matter of conduct.

You immediately react defensively the moment your personal interests are even slightly affected, even though legally the money isn't even yours yet. That's how anxious you are.

This kind of person should not be given important responsibilities.

Lu Zhao then announced a series of job changes following the restructuring of the border stations, adding production cadres such as farmland management specialists, grain quality inspection specialists, warehouse management specialists, and agricultural machinery repair personnel to the existing staff.

He didn't add any people or appoint anyone else; instead, he planned to adopt the existing grain depot system.

These are all clearly required by the "Guidelines for the Construction of Border Garrison Corps".

Lu Zhao couldn't possibly let an outsider instruct an expert, which would cause problems with the early rice harvest and expose his weaknesses.

(End of this chapter)