In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 157, Section 156: Exceptional Promotion. Administrative Level 24. Rivalry at the Top. Another Step Forward.

The dust has settled.

Kuang Juncai confessed to arson, but Mu Qiuxiang insisted on keeping the truth to herself.

The dark clouds hanging over Zhao Guodong's head finally dissipated.

The invisible pressure was drawn away from the air in the entire security office with Wang Weidong's phone call.

Yang Guangming subconsciously looked up at the old wall clock, its brass hands pointing dull and heavy to 11:05.

At this point in time, Deputy Factory Director Zhao Guodong should still be alone in his office, where his power has been temporarily frozen.

"Wang Ke, I'm going back. Director Zhao is still waiting for news." Yang Guangming waved to Wang Weidong.

Wang Weidong, his eyes bloodshot, looked at Yang Guangming and nodded vigorously. "Go quickly, Director Zhao must be getting impatient."

Without further delay, Yang Guangming turned and strode away from the security office.

Yang Guangming's steps were quick and steady, the soles of his leather shoes striking the rough cement ground with a clear and rapid "click, click, click" echo.

He didn't look to the side, heading straight for the familiar factory office building.

Pushing open the half-closed dark wooden door to the office, a strong, pungent smell of tobacco hit me like a tangible force, almost suffocating me.

The windows were tightly closed, the light was dim, and the room was filled with smoke, with tiny dust particles suspended in the light clearly visible.

Zhao Guodong did not sit in his large rattan chair; he stood with his back to the door, like a silent mountain, by the window.

Hearing the slight creak of the door hinges turning, Zhao Guodong turned around abruptly. On his angular northern face, his brow was furrowed into a deep "川" (river) shape, as if carved by a knife and axe.

The bloodshot veins in his eyes were even denser and heavier than yesterday, weaving together a web of weariness and anxiety.

His lips were pressed tightly together, and two stern lines appeared at the corners of his mouth. The bluish stubble on his chin was quite striking.

When Zhao Guodong saw Yang Guangming enter, and especially when he caught the look on the young man's face that was still somewhat radiant, a mixture of relief and excitement, his tense body relaxed almost imperceptibly for a moment.

His tightly pursed lips parted slightly, as if he were eager to ask the question that had been weighing on his mind, but he held back.

He simply stared intently at Yang Guangming with his bloodshot eyes, silently conveying immense pressure and a silent question—was it successful?

"Factory Manager!" Yang Guangming gently closed the door behind him, shutting out any noise that might drift from the corridor.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear, carrying a sense of declaration as it pierced through the heavy air: "Kuang Juncai confesses! He did the arson! Witnesses, physical evidence, confessions—everything is there!"

Zhao Guodong's body jolted violently, as if he had been shoved hard by the immense force contained in those words.

His straight back seemed to bend slightly, then instantly straightened even more.

He took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently, as if trying to suck away and empty all the pent-up emotions, anxiety, humiliation, and invisible pressure that had accumulated in his chest.

He subconsciously reached out to touch the cigarette pack on his desk, but his outstretched fingertips trembled slightly, betraying the turmoil in his heart.

"it is good!"

A short, hoarse but exceptionally powerful word finally burst forth from the depths of his throat.

The character is like a steel ingot that has been quenched, with a metallic, resounding quality, crashing heavily into the dull, almost frozen air.

His clenched fist, accompanied by a gust of wind, slammed heavily onto the tabletop covered with a thick, dark green velvet cloth.

"Boom!"

A muffled thud made the enamel teacup lid on the table jump, making a crisp clinking sound.

"Okay! Okay!"

He repeated it again, his voice almost bursting with excitement that threatened to break through his usual restraint.

He abruptly walked around the large desk and strode to the bright sunlight in just a few steps.

Those bloodshot eyes shone with an astonishing light, like two leaping flames, churning with a torrent of emotions—the instant relief of having a heavy burden lifted, the exhilarating joy of clearing one's name of injustice, and the immense relief of surviving a calamity.

He stretched out his large, fan-like hand, and with a gust of wind, patted Yang Guangming heavily on the shoulder.

The force was immense, causing Yang Guangming to sway and his shoulder blades to ache slightly. But what he felt from that shoulder was a heavy sense of trust and burning excitement.

"Guangming! Well done! Excellent!"

Zhao Guodong's voice was still hoarse, but it was full of a long-lost sense of power. Every word seemed to burst out from his chest. "Quick, tell me! How exactly did you pry open his iron mouth?" His eyes were burning, eagerly awaiting the answer.

Yang Guangming still felt the weight of Zhao Guodong's hand patting his shoulder. He steadied himself, met Zhao Guodong's urgent and sharp gaze, and began to clearly repeat what he had said.

He described the key turning point in Wang Weidong's interrogation: how to use the crucial information about Zhuang Xiaoyu and that "son" extracted from Liu Asi's confession, like a precise scalpel, to pierce Mu Qiuxiang's deepest fears and most painful scars.

It was this fatal blow that completely shattered her psychological defenses, turning her from a staunch resister into a accuser who turned against her.

Her testimony became the final straw that broke Kuang Juncai's back. Faced with irrefutable evidence, Kuang Juncai's psychological defenses collapsed instantly, and he confessed to the arson.

Yang Guangming's narration was clear and organized, highlighting the key points. He only briefly mentioned the details of how he helped to unravel Mu Qiuxiang's inner conflict, attributing the credit to Wang Weidong's keen insight and ability to grasp crucial clues during the interrogation.

Zhao Guodong listened intently, his tall frame leaning slightly forward, his rough fingers unconsciously tracing lines on the table.

When he heard Mu Qiuxiang's venomous and tearful accusations, a sharp, cold glint flashed in his eyes; when he heard Kuang Juncai completely break down and confess under the irrefutable evidence and Mu Qiuxiang's accusations, his tense jawline finally relaxed completely, and his clenched fist slowly loosened.

"Winning hearts and minds is the best strategy..." Zhao Guodong breathed a long sigh of relief after hearing this.

The aroma carried the pungent smell of cheap cigarettes, as well as a deep sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex feeling of mixed emotions, often including regret or unease) that comes with having endured hardship.

He sat back down in the large wicker chair, and the wicker immediately groaned under the strain.

"A person's abilities, quick thinking, keen insight, and ability to think of the key points at crucial moments are extremely important!"

He looked at Yang Guangming, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and a solemn reassessment, "Guangming, if it weren't for you this time..."

He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, "Wang Weidong is a tough guy, a master interrogator, daring and aggressive. But the fact that this case was closed so quickly and decisively, and the cover was tightly shut, is largely thanks to you!"

Without your suggestion of Mu Qiuxiang as a breakthrough point, the security department would still be stuck there doing nothing! Like headless flies! Dou Honglang is watching closely from the sidelines; every day that drags on, there's more uncertainty!
With a little manipulation from him, or if someone above passes him a note or says a word, the conclusion could be muddied! White could be turned into black!

He leaned back, and the rattan chair creaked and groaned in protest.

The long-lost genuine relaxation on his face made this veteran, who was known for his toughness and seriousness, seem exceptionally real, even revealing a rare hint of fatigue.

“It’s not easy…”

He murmured, his gaze passing over the bright sunlight and landing on the gray sky outside the window, tinged with the grime of chimneys, as if trying to break free from the invisible shackles that weighed him down. "Now, I can finally feel at ease."

Yang Guangming stood quietly without saying a word.

He could clearly sense Zhao Guodong's complex emotions at that moment. After the heavy, almost suffocating pressure was relieved, a subtle, more intimate atmosphere quietly spread between the two of them.

Yesterday afternoon's candid conversation about the complex situation within the factory, coupled with today's perilous storm that they weathered side by side, clearly shows that Zhao Guodong no longer sees him merely as a capable secretary or subordinate, but rather as a trustworthy partner with whom he can entrust his affairs and conspire.

The trust built during a special era, in a place like the Red Star Factory where interpersonal relationships were deeply intertwined, was heavier than gold.

"Director."

Yang Guangming spoke at the right moment, his voice steady, with a tone of seeking instructions, "Although the case has been classified, the follow-up work and reporting to higher authorities will probably take some time. Procedural matters cannot be taken lightly."

"What materials do I need to prepare in advance? Just to be on the safe side."

He needed to pull Zhao Guodong's thoughts back from the lingering effects of his emotions to the specifics of his work.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guodong immediately snapped out of his daze, and the fatigue in his eyes was quickly replaced by a high-spirited fighting spirit ready to engage in a new battle.

"Yes! The materials must be solid! Absolutely waterproof!"

He said with absolute certainty, "Wang Weidong is definitely organizing the case files. Keep a close eye on it and make sure the chain of evidence is solid, with each link connected, and can withstand any scrutiny!"
Especially Mu Qiuxiang's confession and Kuang Juncai's plea record—not a single word can be ambiguous! They must be presented exactly as they are, and all signatures and fingerprints must be complete! As for the report…”

He hesitated for a moment, then tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table covered with a thick velvet cloth, making a dull "tap-tap" sound.

"Wait for instructions from Secretary Tian."

This case has blown up the world and involves a wide range of people. Secretary Tian knows how to report it to higher authorities, to whom, and at which level. He has considered things more thoroughly than we have.

Let's first solidify our foundation, do our homework thoroughly, and ensure that what we submit is flawless!

Yang Guangming immediately nodded in agreement: "Understood. I'll go and coordinate with Wang Ke right away to go through the details of the materials again." He knew that this was the most urgent task at present.

"Alright." Zhao Guodong waved his hand, his tone much gentler, with a rare elder's concern. "You've been busy all morning, your nerves are on edge. Take a break, have some water, and wait for further instructions. There are still tough battles to fight."

He was referring to the potential repercussions of reporting this to higher authorities.

……

In the afternoon, the atmosphere in the office building of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill was noticeably different.

An invisible silence, tinged with tension and a sense of being watched, enveloped the entire building.

The Party Committee meeting and the subsequent Factory Committee meeting were held one after another in the largest conference room on the second floor, presided over by Secretary Tian.

The heavy wooden door to the conference room was tightly closed, isolating the inside from the outside.

Heated arguments could be heard from inside, sometimes loud, sometimes soft, intermittent, like muffled thunder rolling by.

Occasionally, you can hear someone raising their voice, but you can't make out what they're saying clearly.

The corridor was much quieter than usual, and people passing by unconsciously slowed their pace, their eyes always involuntarily glancing at the tightly closed door, filled with undisguised curiosity and deep speculation.

Yang Guangming sat at his desk by the window.

He had a standard report on the workshop's production progress for the third quarter spread out in his hand, pen in hand with the nib hovering over the paper, but his mind was like a taut bowstring, unable to relax for a moment.

He forced himself not to guess what kind of heated debate was taking place in the conference room, not to think about how Dou Honglang would defend himself, or how Zhao Guodong would respond.

He focused solely on the numbers on the report in front of him, trying to use these dry statistics to dispel the distractions in his mind.

However, every time he heard footsteps approaching or receding in the corridor, his heart would instinctively skip a beat, and his fingers gripping the pen would tighten slightly.

Time seemed to drag on endlessly while we waited.

The hands of the wall clock moved slowly and steadily. The sky outside the window gradually changed from grayish-white to a deeper leaden gray. In the late autumn afternoon, it gets dark early.

Finally, as it approached five o'clock in the afternoon and the sky had clearly darkened, a slightly noisy sound of footsteps came from the corridor, no longer the cautious quiet of before.

Then came the heavy, clear creak of the tightly closed conference room door being pulled open. Footsteps began to disperse, and people spoke in hushed tones, their voices tinged with weariness or relief, as they departed in different directions.

Yang Guangming immediately put down his pen, listened intently, and tried to catch any sounds outside the door. His heart pounded steadily and powerfully in his chest as he waited for those familiar footsteps to appear.

A short while later, the wooden door to the office was pushed open, and Zhao Guodong's tall figure appeared in the doorway.

His face showed obvious fatigue, the weariness after intense tension and fierce confrontation, but beneath the fatigue was a calm that had settled down.

He gently closed the door behind him and walked steadily to the brightly lit table.

"Guangming." Zhao Guodong's voice was not loud, even lower than usual, but it carried a sense of composure after a heavy burden had been lifted and a hint of barely perceptible excitement. "The meeting is over."

This sentence is like a key that unlocked the box of silence.

Yang Guangming immediately stood up: "Factory Director." His gaze fell on Zhao Guodong's face, trying to glean more information.

Zhao Guodong waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down, and then pulled over the hardwood chair next to him and sat down himself.

He didn't speak immediately, his gaze lingering for a moment on Yang Guangming's young yet composed face, as if he were carefully considering his words and organizing his thoughts.

The office fell silent instantly, the air seemed to freeze for a few seconds, with only the faint roar of machinery coming from afar outside the window.

“First thing,” Zhao Guodong finally spoke, his voice clear and strong, breaking the silence, “my 'work pause' is over. From now on, everything will return to normal.”

He spoke in a calm tone, as if he were stating a routine work arrangement, like announcing a meeting time for tomorrow.

But Yang Guangming could clearly feel the immense weight contained beneath that calm tone—it was a resurgence after being misunderstood, questioned, and suppressed by invisible forces, a return to dignity and power.

The huge weight that had been hanging over Yang Guangming's heart for two days finally fell to the ground, stirring up a warm current.

He responded sincerely, "That's great, Factory Director!" His voice was filled with undisguised joy and relief.

Zhao Guodong nodded slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appearing on his face, like a crack in the surface of a frozen river.

Then, he said seriously, "The second thing is about you." He paused deliberately, letting the weight of his words settle.

Yang Guangming's heart involuntarily quickened, and a subtle premonition welled up in his heart. He sat up straight, placed his hands naturally on his knees, and assumed a posture of attentive listening.

"Your contributions will not be forgotten by the organization, nor can they be forgotten."

Zhao Guodong looked directly into Yang Guangming's eyes, his gaze carrying an undeniable solemnity, as if announcing an important decision, "I mentioned it at the meeting this afternoon regarding your rewards. There are two!"

He extended two thick fingers, his tone resolute and leaving no room for negotiation.

"First, the issue of joining the Party." Zhao Guodong's voice was steady and powerful. "Your performance during your probationary period as a Party member is evident to the organization. You have always been proactive, have a high level of ideological awareness, and are hardworking and conscientious."

You deserve the most credit for solving this major theft and arson case!

At this critical moment, you demonstrated the awareness and responsibility of a Party member! After discussion, the organization unanimously agreed to make an exception and promote you to full membership ahead of schedule!

He enunciated each word clearly: "The process will begin in the next couple of days, and soon you will be a proud, full member of the Communist Party!"

Despite having been prepared, Yang Guangming still couldn't hide his excitement upon hearing the news.

A full member of the Communist Party!

In this special era, this is not just a simple identity marker, but a passport to the core circle and participation in important affairs. It is a symbol that one's political life has truly taken root and has gained high recognition from the organization!

This signifies trust, responsibility, and a brighter future.

He nodded vigorously, his voice exceptionally clear and firm: "Thank you for the organization's trust! Thank you, factory director!"

This gratitude comes from the bottom of my heart.

Zhao Guodong's eyes also held deep satisfaction, a satisfaction that the young man he valued had received the recognition he deserved.

His tone was more composed, but what he said next was even more impactful: "Second, administrative rank!"

He paused again, a smile in his eyes, "Your current rank is Administrative Level 27, Level 9 Clerk, right?"

He asked the question knowingly in order to emphasize the following comparison: "If you just follow the steps and work your way up, you can get promoted one or two levels a year. If you want to be promoted to deputy section chief, you still have a long way to go!"

This time, I argued strongly with the organization and demanded an exception for you! A promotion of three levels at once!

He emphasized the last three words.

Yang Guangming held his breath instantly.

A one-time promotion of three ranks without prior approval?

Jumping directly from level 27 to level 24, from a level 9 clerk to a level 6 clerk?

This is simply... The phrase "promotion three ranks in a row" flashed through his mind instantly, and even he himself felt it was too exaggerated!
This far exceeded his expectations!

What does this mean? It means that he saved others the experience and time that would take two or three years, or even longer, to accumulate!

This means that his starting point will be suddenly elevated to a completely new platform!

Within the system, rank is the most powerful stepping stone, an invisible yardstick for dividing circles, determining the right to speak, and influencing future development.

Level 24, although still some distance from a true "official" position, has greatly shortened that distance, placing one on a higher level.

Zhao Guodong clearly caught the shock that flashed in Yang Guangming's eyes, and he fully understood the impact of this surprise.

He emphasized, "That's right, level three! Up from level twenty-seven to level twenty-four! As for the salary..."

His tone softened slightly, "It's gone from thirty to forty-three yuan. The money is a small matter; the key is the time saved!"

Guangming, you are still young, just turned eighteen. In the system, time is more precious than anything else!

The sooner you get up there, the higher the steps you'll climb, the different things you'll be exposed to, and the more opportunities you'll have!
This great achievement will be the best stepping stone for you!

He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and carried a hint of the sharpness that came with intense struggle, "Of course, the process wasn't so smooth."

When probationary party members were granted full membership ahead of schedule, no one objected; everyone felt it was only right and proper.

But this is an exceptional promotion of three ranks?

A cold, hard smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "There are plenty of obstacles in the way! Some people think it's too fast, against the rules, and they're afraid that if this precedent is set, things will be difficult later. Humph!"

Zhao Guodong let out a short, powerful snort, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes. "I just suffered such a great injustice, was suspended from my post for investigation, and was under pressure. I'll take advantage of this momentum to argue my case!"

On Dou Honglang's side, his brother-in-law, Kuang Juncai, was the main arsonist, and the evidence against him was irrefutable. He was preoccupied with his own problems and in the wrong, looking utterly humiliated at the meeting. How could he possibly have the nerve to fight me to the bitter end on this matter? Finally…”

Zhao Guodong leaned back in his chair, his tone regaining its composure, "Secretary Tian made the final decision, it's settled!"

He looked intently at Yang Guangming: "The document will be officially issued in the next few days. When you get paid next month, your salary will be forty-three yuan."

His tone became serious, with a hint of caution, "This matter has a huge impact, involving Dou Honglang's brother-in-law, and there may be others behind it."

The final decision on this case has not yet been made by the authorities, and there are still some lingering repercussions.

These rewards are just small things, appetizers. The deeper game is far from over.

We need to keep a low profile for now, understand?

He gave Yang Guangming a meaningful look.

Yang Guangming immediately understood.

Joy, like a surging tide, was firmly suppressed deep within his heart by his powerful willpower, leaving his surface calm and undisturbed.

He nodded solemnly, his voice steady: "Don't worry, factory director, I understand. I will not make a fuss about it."

"Good that you understand." Zhao Guodong stood up and once again patted Yang Guangming's shoulder heavily.

This time, the force was still great, but what it conveyed was a heavy expectation and trust.

"Keep up the good work! Your journey has only just begun! We've completely overcome the current hurdle."

He walked to the window, gazing at the factory area where dusk was deepening and the outlines of chimneys were becoming blurred. His voice carried a sense of anticipation and a touch of high spirits, "Behind us, the sky is high and the sea is wide!"

His tone was firm and confident, echoing in the quiet office.

……

In the days that followed, Yang Guangming kept Zhao Guodong's instructions in mind and buried the joy of his exceptional promotion and the huge expectations that followed deep in his heart.

At the factory, he meticulously handled all the affairs after Zhao Guodong resumed work, including receiving and sending documents, organizing materials, and coordinating meetings.

His expression remained calm and composed, as always, even carrying a hint of the focus typical of young people.

It was as if the harrowing warehouse fire, the political storm that swept through the security department and the factory leadership, and the dramatic turn of events after the successful resolution of the case were all like a page turned on a calendar, completely over.

All of this left no trace on him that others could possibly discover.

However, beneath the calm surface of the water in the factory area, undercurrents never cease to surge.

Regarding the final decision on the arson case's main perpetrator, Kuang Juncai; the responsibility that factory director Dou Honglang should bear in this case; and the changes in Zhao Guodong's position before and after this incident...

Various unseen games are being played out fiercely at higher levels and through more secretive channels.

Yang Guangming could keenly sense the change in Zhao Guodong's aura recently: the gloom he felt when he was suspended from his post had vanished, replaced by an increasingly calm and reserved demeanor, like the deep sea, calm on the surface but containing power within.

Only occasionally, when he is lost in thought or answering a phone call, a fleeting look of seriousness will cross his brow, so quick that it is almost impossible to catch.

A few days later, one afternoon, the late autumn sun, carrying a faint warmth, shone through the dusty glass windows of the office, forming a slanted beam of light.

Sunlight was shining brightly on the old desk as he compiled a report on the workshop's production tasks for the fourth quarter.

An unusual, hurried sound came from the corridor.

Xiao Li from the Party Committee Office, a young man wearing black-rimmed glasses and speaking softly, strode in carrying a document that still smelled of fresh ink.

A hint of seriousness was etched on his face.

"Secretary Yang." Xiao Li gently placed the document on the corner of the sunlit table, his voice much clearer and more formal than usual. "This is a newly printed document from the factory's Party Committee. Secretary Tian instructed that it be distributed to all departments."

He put down the documents, and instead of exchanging pleasantries about the weather or the cafeteria food as usual, he simply nodded slightly and quickly turned and left the office, his steps still hurried.

Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat, and a premonition surged through him like an electric current.

He put down his pen and his gaze fell on the document on the corner of the table.

This is a standard official document with an official red header. The paper is slightly rough white paper, and the heading is printed with bright red Song-style characters: "Party Committee of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill".

The next line of bold, eye-catching headlines drew his attention like a magnet: "Notification Regarding the Appointment of Comrade Zhao Guodong".

The document is concise and powerful, with precise wording:

After deliberation and approval by the Party Committee of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill, it was decided to appoint Comrade Zhao Guodong as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill…

Yang Guangming's gaze lingered on the words "Deputy Secretary" for a few seconds.

My fingertips unconsciously traced the cool paper surface, feeling the texture of the paper and the slightly raised ink.

He understood the weight of those three words!

Within the vast system of the Red Star State-Owned Cotton Mill, the core circles of power were clearly defined.

Factory committee members, as members of the factory committee, are in charge of specific affairs such as production or logistics in the factory, and are important decision-makers and implementers of specific affairs in the factory.

Zhao Guodong had just been transferred to Hongxing Factory as deputy factory director. Although he was a factory leader, his highest rank was only as a member of the factory committee.

Some time ago, Yang Guangming published an article in the Workers' Daily, highlighting the achievements of equipment and technology transformation led by Zhao Guodong and praising Zhao Guodong.

Zhao Guodong also benefited from this, being promoted from a member of the factory committee to a member of the factory party committee, and from then on, he was qualified to participate in the factory party committee meetings.

Being a member of the factory's Party Committee means entering the factory's Party Committee, a higher-level decision-making body, and being able to participate in discussions and votes on major personnel appointments and removals and directional decisions.

And the deputy secretary... this is far more than a simple promotion within the Party.

This signifies that Zhao Guodong has truly entered the factory's most core power circle—the Party Secretary's meeting!

That was the highest-level meeting that only factory party officials and deputy secretaries were qualified to attend, determining the true direction of the Red Star Factory and handling its most core affairs and personnel appointments and removals!
Its importance takes precedence over the factory's Party Committee and Factory Committee; it is the true core of decision-making.

This step, which may seem like just adding a title, is actually of great significance and represents a qualitative leap.

When Zhao Guodong was first transferred to Hongxing Factory, he could only participate in the factory committee, and his influence was limited to specific management affairs within the factory.

Later, he became a member of the factory's Party Committee and entered the Party Committee, gaining a higher level of voice.

Now, this appointment notice as "Deputy Secretary" is his last and most crucial ticket to the innermost circle of power in the Red Star Factory.

This is not only a significant leap in his personal political status, but also means that he truly has the qualifications and ability to speak out, negotiate, and make moves at the top level of the Red Star Factory.

He is no longer a peripheral participant, but one of the core decision-makers.

As Yang Guangming put down the documents, the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up slightly, forming a sincere yet restrained smile.

He was genuinely happy for Zhao Guodong!

This thin, official document is the compensation and high recognition that the organization gave Zhao Guodong after he upheld his principles, withstood enormous pressure, and ultimately turned the tide during the storm.

This was a crucial step he took in the complex power structure of the Red Star Factory, leveraging his own abilities and the opportunity presented by this turmoil, a step that would shape his future.

This step was difficult, but it was taken firmly.

He picked up the document, still warm from the ink, stood up, and walked steadily out of his small office.

In the inner office, the door was ajar. He raised his hand and tapped it twice lightly with his knuckles.

"Tuk, duh."

The sound was very clear in the silence.

"Come in." Zhao Guodong's voice came from inside the door, calm and steady as ever, revealing no particular emotion.

Sunshine Ming pushed open the door and went in.

The office still had a faint smell of tobacco.

Zhao Guodong was sitting in his large rattan chair, quickly reviewing a document.

His expression was calm, without any smugness or smugness, only a composure and restraint that came after weathering many storms and settling down.

Seeing Yang Guangming enter, he put down the documents, greeted him with a calm gaze, and asked a question.

Yang Guangming walked to the large desk and gently placed the documents in his hand on the smooth surface in front of Zhao Guodong.

A genuine smile appeared on his face, and his voice was clear and steady, conveying heartfelt congratulations:
"Factory manager, congratulations!"

Zhao Guodong's gaze swept over the documents on the table, the bright red headings standing out prominently.

He raised his head, looked at Yang Guangming, a faint smile on his face, and didn't say anything more.

it is more than words.

(End of this chapter)