Road to Revival

On Wednesday morning at nine o'clock, Tao Tang convened a joint meeting of the Party and government.

This is the highest-level meeting at Hongxing Company, generally signifying personnel adjustments. Attendees included all members of the company's Party and administrative leadership, directors, supervisors, and Party committee members, as well as Sheng Guangyun, the board secretary and director of the policy research office, who was also present as an observer. According to regulations, the board secretary is also considered a senior executive and is qualified to attend joint Party and administrative meetings.

Hongxing currently operates under four management teams. First is the board of directors, consisting of seven members: Tao Tang, the employee director Zhang Hongli, and five others—Zhao Qingmin, Li Luo, Jiang Shangyun, Luo Chong, and Han Zhiyong. This adjustment did not significantly change the composition of the board; Tao Tang simply replaced Song Yue. Second is the administrative system, headed by the general manager and comprising eight vice presidents (including the chief accountant). Third is the Party committee system, headed by the secretary and consisting of 15 members. In addition to company leaders, the head of the organization department, the head of the publicity department, and the director of the policy research office are all Party committee members. Finally, there is the supervisory board system, headed by Guo Tao, with four supervisors, all senior executives, but full-time; supervisory board members do not hold administrative positions.

Apart from Han Zhiyong, who is still in Yanjing, everyone else who was supposed to attend the meeting was present.

The legal convener of the joint meeting of the Party and the government is not the general manager, but the Party secretary. Zhao Qingmin gave the opening remarks and then handed over the chairing of the meeting to Tao Tang.

Tao Tang first reported on his visit to Donghu Industry the previous day, spending half an hour discussing the necessity of deepening cooperation with Donghu, especially with Donghu Machinery. He mentioned that while expanding into Donghu Machinery's market, a batch of products would be transferred to Donghu Machinery. Li Luo objected to the latter, arguing that Hongxing's current situation was one of insufficient market demand, and how could they simply hand over their products to others?

Tao Tang noticed that the others had not expressed their opinions.

"The higher-ups have been constantly restructuring. How are they adjusting? My understanding is that there's both advancement and retreat. I don't know the specifics yet, but there are definitely a number of loss-making products lacking prospects. We might be operating at a loss, but others might not, because their cost structures are different. Of course, this requires detailed research and analysis; we can't just throw away profitable products."

"I agree with this principle. The business approach of knowing when to advance and when to retreat, and knowing what to do and what not to do, is correct." Zhao Qingmin expressed his support for Tao Tang. "It's better to cooperate by sharing resources. President Tao has resolved the outstanding contracts worth hundreds of millions, relieving everyone's worries."

Li Luo snorted, making no attempt to hide his contempt for Zhao Qingmin.

"The Donghu market accounts for less than one-tenth of the total market. While strengthening the operation of the Donghu market, we cannot neglect the operation of other markets. The market is the starting point and end point of all business operations," Tao Tang said, his sharp gaze fixed on Li Luo. "Regarding the quality and after-sales service issues raised by Donghu, we must adopt an attitude of correcting mistakes if they exist and striving for improvement if they don't, and drawing inferences from one instance to others, and earnestly rectify them. This matter will be handled by Vice President Li. A marketing conference will be held soon. Vice President Li, please consider how to hold it and what to talk about. This conference should address the ideological issues within the marketing department. I, along with Secretary Zhao and Chairman Guo, will all attend and offer our requirements for marketing work from different perspectives. The conference should be held no later than mid-May."

"Okay..." Li Luo replied.

"Now I have something to report, which is the topic of today's meeting. Yesterday afternoon, several debt collectors broke into the office building, seriously disrupting the work order. I have already ordered the replacement of the security guards on duty because they failed to perform their duties and were neglecting their responsibilities. They are not suitable to be security guards in the office building, and I don't think they are suitable to work in the security department either. How is this matter being handled?" Tao Tang looked at Liu Xiuyun, who was attending the meeting.

"Processing..."

"We need to act quickly. Issue the transfer order today, along with a notice severely criticizing the security department." Tao Tang's tone turned stern. "I'm not talking about the two security guards, but about what happened afterward. Last night, the creditors came to Xiao Zhao, crying and insisting on seeing me. I met with them and learned what was going on. Someone seriously violated discipline by leaking the company's financial secrets to others. The creditors are staying at the guesthouse, which can testify to this. How did they know the company had just received a large sum of money? Because someone informed them of the situation. President Han is still in Yanjing, the money hasn't even officially entered the account yet, and the intelligence has already been leaked..."

"Is that so?" Guo Tao asked.

"It's Quan Jianhe, the deputy director of the finance department. I don't know him, right? There's such a person in the finance department, isn't there?"

"Really?" Zhao Qingmin asked, frowning.

"I told you the person is still staying at the guesthouse, they haven't left yet." Tao Tang didn't mention the bribery the other party had offered him. "It's a very serious matter and must be dealt with. That's the topic of today's meeting. Let's talk about it."

Li Luo was somewhat pleased. Quan Jianhe was Han Zhiyong's confidant and the top-ranking deputy director in the finance department. Due to work-related issues, he had frequently clashed with the marketing department. He was pleased that Tao Tang had caught him red-handed and, without waiting for the leaders ranked below him to comment, said, "If the situation is true, it must be dealt with."

Other leaders couldn't object, and there were many ways to handle the situation, so they all expressed their approval of Tao Tang's proposal.

"Don't just say you agree to handle it," Tao Tang said, toying with a pencil. "Tell me how you're going to handle it."

"First, we still need to verify the situation. It's not that I don't believe what General Manager Tao said," Guo Tao said, "but this is procedure. If it's true, he should at least be transferred from his current position; this kind of person is not suitable to work in the finance department."

"I agree to verify this. Chairman Guo will be in charge, and you'll also be the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission. But it's not a transfer, it's a dismissal! The company owes people money, and it should repay it. Paying back debts is a matter of course. But what is the nature of Quan Jianhe's actions? What side is he on? Whose cadre is he? What right does he have to leak the company's financial secrets? What is his relationship with those people? He didn't take any benefits from them, so why would he betray the company for others? Do you believe someone like that would do a good job if transferred to another position? How can an insider be dedicated to the company's development? Chairman Guo, your attitude as Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission is wrong. If the company doesn't severely punish him, who will be responsible for the company? Just the few of us? Are you kidding me?" Tao Tang didn't wait for the other leaders to express their opinions and made his stance clear. "Anyone who objects to my opinion can raise it."

Guo Tao felt a little awkward and wanted to say something, but he didn't speak.

In theory, everyone attending a joint party and government meeting has the right to speak. However, when it comes to personnel adjustments, especially motions made by the top leader, very few people voice their opposition unless it involves their personal interests. In this room, if we were to say whose interests were affected by Quan Jianhe's dismissal, the first would be Han Zhiyong, but he was away on a business trip. The second would be Ma Guangming. Therefore, when Tao Tang asked who opposed his motion, Ma Guangming spoke up, "President Tao, I have an opinion. I hope you can consider it."

Tao Tang nodded.

"Assuming the matter is true—I'm not saying Mr. Tao is wrong, but the investigation, according to procedure, confirms that Quan Jian leaked company financial secrets—is it possible that he did it unintentionally, with good intentions but bad results? This comrade is capable; I know him quite well. It's not easy for the organization to cultivate a mid-level manager. Shouldn't Secretary Zhao inquire with him personally? What if he's friends with that individual business owner?"

Ma Guangming ranked fifth among the deputy general managers, after Li Luo, Jiang Shangyun, Luo Chong, and Han Zhiyong. He had to step in because Han Zhiyong was not present, otherwise he would be "dereliction of duty."

"I don't think it's necessary," Li Luo retorted. "If Secretary Zhao asks him, he'll say, 'I did it on purpose?' No way! I think President Tao is right; we just need to verify that coal mine owner."

"Yes. I only care about the results, not the motives," Tao Tang said coldly. "As the head of the finance department, when facing creditors, he certainly understands what the information he revealed means. If we were an army in war, such behavior would be treason. Alright, Vice President Ma, one vote against, the rest of you?"

The others remained silent, which meant they agreed with the moderator's opinion; this was the rule.

This was the first personnel issue Tao Tang had to deal with since taking office. Everyone present had risen through the ranks within the system and understood that the core power of the top leader lay in personnel matters. Without sufficient certainty, it was best not to argue with the top leader over personnel matters. Moreover, Tao Tang had taken a moral high ground...

"I agree with President Tao's suggestion. Let's do it this way. Chairman Guo, please verify this as soon as possible. I think we don't need to hold another meeting. If the other party admits that the Finance Department leaked the information, the Organization Department can draft the document." Zhao Qingmin once again supported Tao Tang.

Because Tao Tang had informed him after starting work, and since Tao Tang wanted to kill someone to establish his authority, Zhao Qingmin had no choice but to support Tao Tang. Moreover, Tao Tang had given him face, at least by making a gesture of seeking his opinion.

He knew about yesterday's farce at Building 3, but was too lazy to show his face. He hadn't expected Tao Tang to quickly find fault with the finance department and expose Quan Jianhe. This kind of thing could be a big deal or a small one; digging deeper might uncover a major corruption case. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened, and Zhao Qingmin knew the pros and cons well. He felt sorry for Quan Jianhe; in his memory, Quan Jianhe was quite capable and a trusted subordinate of Han Zhiyong. He suggested that Tao Tang inform Han Zhiyong, who hadn't yet returned to the factory, but Tao Tang thought it unnecessary. If it wasn't necessary, so be it. If Tao Tang was hesitant to punish even a few deputy-level officials, he wouldn't be able to manage Hongxing well. But Zhao Qingmin worried that Tao Tang would pursue the matter relentlessly and tactfully suggested that they only focus on Quan Jianhe's disciplinary violation of tipping off others, and not let a small matter affect the overall production and operation. Tao Tang said, "That depends on his attitude." Zhao Qingmin felt that Tao Tang was a sensible person and was relieved.

The meeting lasted only an hour. After it adjourned, Guo Tao personally took Guo Deli, the deputy secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, to Da Zhao. They returned quickly. The coal mine owner, of course, wouldn't recant her testimony; as long as the factory paid her, she wouldn't protect Quan Jianhe, who had taken the bribe. However, the coal mine owner proactively mentioned Tao Tang's refusal of the bribe, which greatly shocked the two Guos. 50 yuan—a huge sum—and Tao Tang refused it without batting an eye. How many similar cases had occurred before? It couldn't be that only Tao Tang had encountered such a situation, could it?

"We really have a good boss," Guo Deli couldn't help but sigh.

"Mr. Tao is a smart man," Guo Tao replied.

Guo Deli had worked in the Discipline Inspection Commission for a long time and had been Guo Tao's deputy for several years. He understood what Guo Tao meant: first, that Tao Tang was new and naturally wouldn't make that kind of mistake; second, that Tao Tang understood the situation clearly—things were different now than a few years ago, and Hongxing was in the midst of an anti-corruption campaign. That coal boss, who could "betray" Quan Jianhe, who had tipped him off, for money, could easily implicate Tao Tang.

After Guo Tao reported to Zhao Qingmin, Quan Jianhe's fate was sealed. That afternoon, a dismissal notice bearing the bright red seal of Hongxing Company was issued to the entire company. Of course, a conversation with the person involved was necessary, and this task was assigned to Guo Tao. With Han Zhiyong absent, it was more appropriate for Guo Tao to handle it.

Prior to this, Zhao Qingmin suggested that Tao Tang call Han Zhiyong, but Tao Tang thought it unnecessary. Instead, he wanted Zhao Qingmin to talk to Han Zhiyong, saying, "I definitely need to talk to him. As the Party Secretary, you should speak with General Manager Han. We not only need to revitalize Red Star, but also build a highly capable team. This incident reflects shortcomings in Old Han's work."

Zhao Qingmin agreed. He wanted to remind Tao Tang that since they were going to reorganize the marketing department, they shouldn't fight on multiple fronts. Han Zhiyong was a formidable opponent, capable of going toe-to-toe with Li Luo. Offending two powerful vice presidents at the same time would be extremely unwise. But he only thought about it and didn't say anything.

Guo Tao's conversation with Quan Jianhe went awry and broke down. Quan Jianhe stormed into Tao Tang's office. It was 4:30 p.m. Tao Tang was talking to Liu Xiuyun when Quan Jianhe barged in, followed by an enraged Guo Tao and Guo Deli.

Quan Jianhe never expected to lose his job over such a small matter. He denied informing the coal mine owner, claiming it was a setup and demanding an explanation from Tao Tang.

"You're not satisfied, are you? You think that based solely on the other party's side of the story, without any audio or video recording, there's no solid evidence, is that right?" Tao Tang said coldly. "You can have an explanation. I'll give you one. I ask you, does the finance department have a responsibility to proactively make payments? No. Then is it true that you contacted the other party three times on Tuesday? Did you go to the guesthouse? Did they come to your office? The finance department isn't a vacuum; someone will testify to this. There are security cameras in the guesthouse corridors; they'll record your image. Also, I'm certain you had communication with the other party; the company can apply to the relevant department to retrieve your communication records. If these three points are not true, I will withdraw my dismissal order and apologize to you at the middle management meeting. If they are true, you will explain to all the middle managers why you had such close contact with the other party."

Quan Jianhe didn't dare to confront Tao Tang directly. "President Tao, I did visit Da Zhao, but we're friends and have known each other for a long time. If he comes to the factory, can't I go see him, and can't he come see me?"

"Headquarters issued several regulations to strengthen cadre management two months ago. I bet you didn't study them carefully. I'm too lazy to give you a crash course. Dismissal is the least of your worries. Do you want me to take steps to find evidence of your bribery? Why would you do that if the other party didn't give you any benefits? What I hate most is betrayal. What's with this deputy director of the finance department being so arrogant? Do you think that Red Star has many more serious problems than yours that haven't been dealt with, and you're being dealt with just because of this one incident? Fine, bring it up then, and let's see if I can handle it."

Quan Jianhe dared not continue. He had taken a bribe of 10,000 yuan from the other party, and the money was still in his desk drawer, untouched. He believed that the damned coal boss must have told Tao Tang about it, and Tao Tang's silence was a gesture of respect... As for the many more serious problems, how could he dare to mention them? Hongxing was only so big; if he was finished, he would have offended someone to death.

"If you're not satisfied, you can appeal. Any channel, any time." Tao Tang waved his hand, shooing away Quan Jianhe, the first person to run into his line of fire, and then turned to Liu Xiuyun, saying, "Go tell Pan Chenggui that if he can't even handle such a small matter, let him resign. President Liu, you saw me just now, I said that there's a serious problem of evil prevailing over good at Hongxing, you won't deny that, will you? Also, your explanation regarding the employment of those two employees' children isn't valid. It seems the company's regulations aren't very reasonable. I think you should personally investigate those two kids, and if they're suitable, hire them. But you need to start revising the relevant regulations, discuss them at the meeting, and then strictly enforce them. Today is Wednesday, and I promised to give them an answer on Friday; I can't break my promise."

"Okay, I will definitely do as you instruct."

Liu Xiuyun just came to report on the replacement of two security guards. Those two guards refused to go to the positions assigned to them by the Human Resources Department and caused trouble at Building No. 2. Tao Tang is very angry. Furthermore, the explanation the Human Resources Department gave regarding the regulations for university graduates entering the factory, based on his instructions, was very weak and seemed to make things worse.

Tao Tang watched Liu Xiuyun's retreating figure, feeling extremely disappointed in his female assistant.