Courtyard House: Inheriting the Restaurant, the Jia Family Wants to Get It for Free

"Purchasing and production must be completely separated. The person in charge of purchasing must never manage production, and the person in charge of production must never interfere with purchasing. The two teams should supervise and check each other."

"All exported products, in addition to the factory's own inspection, must undergo random inspection by an independent 'Quality Supervision Center' before leaving the factory. The sampling rate must not be less than 10%. If any problems are found, the entire batch of products will be rejected."

"All telegrams and meeting minutes exchanged with the Soviet Union must be recorded in the presence of at least two Chinese personnel, and signed by multiple people to confirm their authenticity. Any private communication or promises are strictly prohibited."

The investigation team was stunned when the plan was released.

They originally came to investigate Cheng Shuhai for "cultivating a private force." But in the end, Cheng Shuhai himself eliminated all the fertile ground that could have nurtured his "private force."

How are they supposed to investigate now?

The proposal was approved without any surprise.

But behind the scenes, new rumors began to circulate.

"See that? This guy surnamed Cheng is ruthless! He's trying to turn all the factories into his own 'private kingdom'! Nobody can interfere!"

"Yes, these rules are even stricter than those in our state-owned factory. From now on, anyone working under him will have to live in fear."

Cheng Shuhai ignored these discussions.

He knew that only by establishing an absolute and unchallengeable system could he truly control the overall situation.

Just then, the first large-scale export shipment—a full thousand cans of food and five hundred bolts of silk—had been produced, inspected, and loaded onto a special train bound for the port.

All eyes were on this delivery.

As long as this shipment arrives in the Soviet Union smoothly and is successfully handed over, then Cheng Shuhai's position and all the rules he has established will be unshakeable.

The special train, carrying the hopes and hard work of countless people in Beijing, headed north towards a distant port.

Everyone in the factory breathed a sigh of relief for the time being.

Cheng Shuhai also took a rare break, preparing to go home early and spend time with his wife and children.

However, just as he got into the Jeep and drove out of the factory gate...

The young secretary next to Old Zhao, driving like a madman, chased after him and slammed on the brakes, blocking his car.

"Consultant Cheng! Something terrible has happened!"

The secretary jumped out of the car, her face ashen, clutching a newly translated urgent telegram in her hand.

Cheng Shuhai's heart sank suddenly.

He took the telegram; the Russian text on it felt like red-hot steel needles piercing his eyes.

The telegram was sent by the Soviet Far East port inspection and quarantine department.

The content is simple yet deadly.

"During our random inspection of the first shipment you sent, we found that three cans of food in container number XXXX were severely spoiled and swollen. Furthermore, the production batch numbers of five other cans did not match the customs declaration documents you submitted."

"Even more seriously, we found a note printed in Russian in a hidden compartment in the outer packaging of one of the problematic cans."

The telegram ended with the contents of that note.

"Dear Soviet comrades, we are honest workers from a Chinese factory. With heavy hearts, we are here to reveal a fact to you: this batch of goods contains products with serious quality problems. Our supervisor, in order to meet the deadline and complete the order, knowingly concealed the defects and forced the shipment. We do not wish to see flawed products damage the friendship between our two peoples. We urge you to investigate this thoroughly!"

"boom!"

Something seemed to explode in Cheng Shuhai's mind.

Switch!

frame!

This method is a hundred times more ruthless than any before!

The other party not only wanted to destroy the goods, but also his reputation and the very foundation of Sino-Soviet cooperation!

The news was relayed back to Beijing at top speed.

The entire project leadership team immediately convened an emergency meeting.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was so oppressive it felt like you could wring water out of it.

"I told you! I told you! Letting a businessman lead such an important national project was bound to cause problems sooner or later!" Director Wang from the Light Industry Bureau was the first to jump out, with an expression that said, "I knew it." "What does he know about political responsibility? All he knows is how to complete the orders and how to make money! Now look what's happened, the scandal has even reached overseas! He has completely disgraced our country!"

"I suggest that Cheng Shuhai be immediately suspended from all his duties! Our Light Industry Bureau should take full control of the cannery's production and restructuring!"

"I agree!" Officer Liu from the Industry and Commerce Bureau immediately chimed in. "This matter is extremely serious! It must be dealt with severely! We cannot let his personal actions jeopardize the overall transformation of industry and commerce!"

Immediately, public sentiment was agitated.

Those who had long harbored resentment towards Cheng Shuhai, or who coveted the project resources in his hands, all jumped out at this moment, like a group of sharks that had smelled blood, ready to tear him to pieces.

Old Zhao sat in the main seat, his face ashen, and remained silent.

He was under immense pressure from all sides.

All eyes were on him, waiting for him to make the final decision.

After a long while, Old Zhao slowly raised his head. His gaze did not fall on the clamoring cadres, but instead passed over the crowd and landed on Cheng Shuhai, who had remained silent throughout.

"Shuhai," his voice was hoarse and weary, "what do you plan to do?"

All eyes immediately turned to Cheng Shu-Hai.

Cheng Shuhai stood up.

His face showed no anger, no panic, only a chilling calm.

"I request that a telegram be immediately sent to the Soviet side, demanding that they suspend all cargo loading operations."

His first words surprised everyone.

Requesting a timeout? Isn't that just admitting guilt?

"At the same time," he continued, "I request that all relevant personnel in the factory be immediately recalled, including workshop foremen, quality inspectors, and warehouse keepers. All goods that have been sealed and are ready to be shipped to the next batch must be opened and thoroughly re-inspected under our own supervision!"

"If it is ultimately determined that the problem did indeed originate in our production process, I, Cheng Shuhai, am willing to take full responsibility, resign from all positions, and accept all disciplinary action from the organization."

His words carried weight and authority.

No excuses, no shirking responsibility.

He expressed his attitude in the most direct and decisive way.

Old Zhao looked at him, a complex light flashing in his cloudy eyes. He knew that Cheng Shuhai was gambling his political life on a high-stakes gamble.

"Okay." Old Zhao nodded. "We'll do it your way."