Road to Revival

The 27th was Sunday, and the company had given them a day off. After get off work, Tao Tang didn't go to the cafeteria for dinner. Instead, he went back to Xiao Zhao to change into sportswear, intending to find Meng Fan to play badminton for a while.

He didn't have many hobbies; his first was sports, and his second was reading, both of which were respectable. When Feng Shizhao visited Shengdong, he mentioned that leading cadres should be cautious outside of the eight-hour workday. At a meeting of the Shengdong leadership, he praised him, saying, "You should learn from Comrade Tao Tang's hobbies. Playing ball and reading are such sunny and elegant hobbies. Hobbies reflect one's character. Don't do things that will make the employees gossip behind your back."

Tao Tang's love for sports was cultivated in middle school. Hongxing No. 1 Middle School had a basketball tradition, and many students were admitted to universities based on their special skills. Back then, almost every boy at Hongxing No. 1 Middle School loved playing basketball. Tao Tang's skill level naturally couldn't compare to the top players on the school team, but he was still considered one of the best in his department after entering university. His reading habit was influenced by a roommate in university. This roommate was a voracious reader, almost always with a book in hand, even taking a book with him to the toilet. After discussing the true meaning of reading with him a few times, Tao Tang also tried systematic reading and found it very beneficial. As knowledge progressed from points to lines to surfaces, he experienced a sense of comprehensive understanding and joy. The kind of joy is hard to understand without personal experience. In his senior year, he discussed the recurring rebellions during the reign of Emperor Dezong of Tang, but struggled to grasp their causes. His roommate reminded him that the Shence Army, being a central military force, received different treatment than local armies, making them more prone to mutiny when placed on the same battlefield. The classmate also taught him methods for finding political and military patterns through economic analysis. He suddenly understood that the joy of reading lies in enlightenment, not in utilitarian gains; once cultivated, it becomes an integral part of life. He was somewhat embarrassed by General Feng's praise, saying that his reading and self-cultivation were merely ways to pass the time, nothing so noble. But Feng Shizhao emphasized the importance of hobbies, especially those of leading cadres, stating that they were of great significance and should not be taken lightly. At a meeting of the Shengdong leadership, Feng Shizhao cited Tao Tang as an example: "Reading and playing sports cost very little but offer great benefits, and the key is that your salary can easily cover it. If you enjoy collecting, that's a different story. On one hand, there's the enjoyment, and on the other hand, there's the financial pressure; you might even be tempted to embezzle... I've always believed that when evaluating cadres, we shouldn't just look at what they do during their eight-hour workday, but also what they do outside of it. Think about it: if a leading cadre spends their free time on the badminton court or in their study, what bad things could they possibly do?"

General Feng's words were somewhat biased, but they were not entirely without merit.

Tao Tang's basketball skills have declined; he can't even last half a game anymore. Badminton has become his favorite activity, and he plays one or two games every week...

……

As soon as I stepped out of the revolving door, I saw Han Ruilin. "Old Han, looking for me?"

"I thought you went to the cafeteria... Are you going to train?" Seeing Tao Tang's warm smile, Han Ruilin felt half relieved. He either hadn't heard about it or didn't care; the latter was the best outcome.

"Want to play ball for a bit? Need something?"

"No, I just came to see you..." He had wanted to invite Tao Tang to his home for a meal, but his relationship with Shui Jiao had not yet returned to normal, so it was difficult to arrange.

"Stop using all those formalities. Do you really think I'm acting like a high-ranking official?"

"No, no. That day was really embarrassing..."

"Drinking is inevitable. Why don't you come up and sit down?" Tao Tang seemed genuinely unaware of his scandalous affair at Mu Guihua's house...

"Didn't you want to play ball?"

"It's fine. Since you're here, why don't you just take a walk around?"

"I'd be more honored than to refuse." Han Ruilin was very pleased.

Tao Tang turned left, still heading towards the singles' dormitory. "By the way, Lao Han, aren't you in the legal office? Director Zhao talked to the other party about that guy named Li, Li something, and got a good result. Has he talked to our classmate yet?"

"You mean Li Suyi?"

"Yes. Li Suyi. Director Zhao secured a good compensation for her, you know that, right?"

"I've heard about it."

"Do you know Li Suyi's attitude?"

"I don't know about that. Zhao Zhenghong didn't ask me to do it."

"If it's convenient, go see her. I've asked my secretary to tell Lü Qi that it's always easier to talk to classmates. Tell her to take it easy, that the dead are gone, but the living must go on. Also, please give her my regards."

"I'll go tomorrow, no, tonight."

"It depends on your schedule. There have been a lot of debt collectors lately, so you need to handle it carefully and try not to push them to court. How can you win a case like that?"

"That makes things easier... President Luo always criticizes us for not doing anything. Even if he were the president of the court, he couldn't rule in our favor because we owe money, could he?"

"Old Han, you're the deputy director of the legal office, you should consider things from the company's perspective. General Manager Luo is also anxious. Resolving lawsuits into private settlements and negotiating lump-sum payments into installments are your achievements. The factory is under a lot of financial pressure, you should be more understanding."

"I understand, of course I understand. I will do my best as your boss." Han Ruilin wanted to suggest changing positions, but he didn't say it.

"Want to sit down?" Tao Tang sat down on a chair by the roadside. "Ruilin, I remember this place used to be a community service center, right? Back then, they gave out popsicle coupons in the summer, and I always used a tea mug to get ice cream. I still reminisce about the taste of the ice cream from our factory; I always felt it was the best..."

"Yes, there was plenty of milk, and it was made with high-quality ingredients. Many people felt the same way. Later, Building No. 3 was built, the community service center was restructured into a property management company, the bungalows were demolished, and this area became what it is today."

"What's the reaction below after Quan Jianhe was dismissed?" Tao Tang's thoughts jumped around quickly.

"Everyone praises your wisdom. Quan Jianhe, relying on his connections, has become accustomed to abusing his power; he deserves it."

"How's things at home? Which unit does your wife work at? What about the children? I have a bad memory, sorry." Tao Tang changed the subject again. He really couldn't remember whether he had asked her at the Donghu Club.

"All's fine... My wife's in the factory office..."

"Really? Which department?"

"The confidential office." Han Ruilin couldn't lie; he was especially worried that Shui Jiao would complain to Tao Tang. Shui Jiao had threatened him like that that day.

"Not bad, you seem to have a pretty relaxed lifestyle. Is your child in high school?"

It seemed Shui Jiao hadn't contacted him... Han Ruilin was relieved. "My son is in his third year of junior high."

"Just like my daughter. How's her studying?"

"It's alright, I'd say. By the way, aren't you bringing your family over?"

"Not considering it for now."

"There's a vacant unit in Building 96, East. You should take it; it's a really nice apartment, bright and airy, spacious, and even has an attic. I know someone in the decorating company; it'll be ready quickly, in two and a half months at most. Eating at the cafeteria all the time isn't a good idea, is it?"

"East 96?"

"The employees call it the Corruption Building," Han Ruilin laughed. "It's the largest apartment building our factory has ever built, but because of purchase restrictions, it hasn't been sold all of them."

"Isn't this a waste?"

"Too many people want to buy it, so there's nothing I can do. It's better to leave it empty."

"How many people are in the legal department?" Tao Tang changed the subject again.

"Five. After taking the two of us, there are three soldiers left."

"Have you completed the questionnaire? What were the main issues raised by your unit?"

Han Ruilin answered the questionnaire diligently, hoping Tao Tang would see it. "There are three main issues. First, the wages are too low..." He glanced at Tao Tang's expression. "Second, the company's development direction is unclear, which is a bit worrying. Third, employee housing; we hope the factory will take advantage of the shantytown renovation policy to build more buildings..."

"Did you two raise the issue of unclear development direction, or did the lower-level comrades raise it?"

"It's me..."

"Oh, how do you think the company should develop?" Tao Tang asked, looking at Han Ruilin.

"I really can't say for sure. But without a focus, going about things haphazardly will definitely not work. A few years ago, we were in the construction machinery business, probably thinking it would be profitable, but we put in a lot of effort and still couldn't make it work. How could we compete with Sany and Zoomlion?"

Tao Tang knew about this. It was mentioned in an internal notice from headquarters. The lesson was that he had exceeded his own capabilities. Developing new products was necessary, but it had to be based on reality. This reality was the company's equipment capabilities and technological reserves. There were successful examples of completely abandoning the original market and opening up new battlefields, but they were rare.

"Old Han, have you been working in law since you joined the factory?"

"No, not really. I've been to a few companies. Actually, my major isn't law. That's just how it is in our factory; there aren't many jobs that match one's major, so it's a waste. I... I wonder if I could make a personal request?" Han Ruilin suddenly felt that this topic was too good to pass up, and he would be doing himself a disservice if he didn't seize it.

"Hmm?"

"I'm really not suited for my current position. I've wanted to change jobs for a long time, but it's not because of you. Lü Qi can testify to that."

"Isn't everything fine now? The legal process is very important."

"If we weren't classmates, and we were good friends back then, I wouldn't bring it up. Of course, the decision is yours. It's not that legal matters aren't important, but rather that I'm not suited for them."

"Why is it unsuitable?" Tao Tang smiled.

"I feel like I can't handle the current situation. If I'm too harsh, it'll get the company into a lawsuit. If I'm too lenient, the other party will take advantage of me, and the factory can't handle that. I really want to make a change."

"Old Han, under the current circumstances, I won't agree to your request. Besides, since you said we're old friends, you should share some of the pressure with me. True heroes emerge in turbulent times; if the company is doing smoothly, the legal department won't stand out. Doesn't that make sense?"

"Well, let's talk about it again in a while."

A middle-aged woman in work clothes walked past them, staring at Tao Tang. Their eyes met, and she immediately looked away.

"Deyu, where are you going?" Han Ruilin greeted the woman.

"I, I, I'm visiting a friend..." The woman stopped in her tracks.

"This is our new boss, Ms. Tao... Ms. Tao, her name is Xu Deyu, Xu Deguang's younger sister..."

"Ah, hello..." Tao Tang stood up and extended his hand. "I've heard Sun Dequan mention you before..."

"Hello..." Xu Deyu shook Tao Tang's hand in a flustered manner, then immediately let go.

"General Manager Tao, Deyu is the editor-in-chief of the factory newspaper..."

"Really? That position is quite important." Tao Tang tried desperately to recall the information Sun Dequan had given him, but could only remember that the woman in front of him was single; he couldn't remember anything else.

"I have to go now," Xu Deyu said hurriedly.

Tao Tang stared blankly at Xu Deyu's retreating figure.

"Mr. Tao, why don't you come to my house for dinner?"

"No, I'm going to play some ball. Old Han, you need to exercise more, look at your belly." Tao Tang started walking towards the bachelor apartment building.

"I prefer quiet to physical activity..."

"That's not good. You're getting older, you need to exercise more."

As they arrived at the dormitory building, they found a young couple playing badminton. Tao Tang approached and stood on the sidelines to watch.

"President Tao?" One of them caught the ball that was hit by the other side. "Would you like to play a couple of rounds? I saw you play with Meng Fan the other day, and this is your level!" The young man gave a thumbs up.

"Then I'll make a fool of myself..." Tao Tang smiled as he accepted the badminton racket from the young man and went off the court.

Han Ruilin didn't leave; he stood there watching Tao Tang play. His skills were surprisingly good. Whether his opponent was intentionally letting him win or not, Tao Tang quickly took the initiative, scoring repeatedly with drop shots, smashes, flicks, and touches.

The single spectators quickly surrounded the court, and Tao Tang's every successful shot earned him enthusiastic applause.

"Xia Xiaolong, you're no good, you're such a disgrace..." Chen Yan shouted the loudest. She and You Benling were returning from the cafeteria when Tao Tang unexpectedly appeared in front of the bachelor's dormitory.

"I must say, Mr. Tao's skills are amazing," You Benling said with a smile.

"I competed with your Meng Fan that day... Xia Xiaolong is no match, quickly call Meng Fan over." Chen Yan saw Li Zhibin, "Go, find Meng Fan."

"Okay..." Li Zhibin took out his phone and called Meng Fan.

"I admit defeat." Xia Xiaolong tossed aside his racket, wiped his sweat, and said, "I never expected President Tao to be so good. You almost drove me crazy..."

"Who's going to take this on? Surely you can't even handle an old man like me?" Tao Tang challenged.

"I'll take it." The young man who had just given up his seat took Xia Xiaolong's racket.

"Hua Zi, you're even worse. You can't even beat Xia Xiaolong..." Chen Yan exclaimed with a laugh.

Sure enough, the young man named Hua Zi was completely helpless against Tao Tang's net play.

Meng Fan returned from his run, and Hua Zi quickly made way for him.

"I just ate, so this isn't fair," Meng Fan said to Tao Tang with a smile.

"It's fair considering I'm twenty years older than you."

"Referee, I'll be the referee, find me a whistle!" Chen Yan said excitedly.

"You have a bright voice, so use your golden voice as a whistle," Tao Tang said with a smile.

This match was quite interesting. Meng Fan possessed great power and delivered fierce spikes, while Tao Tang showcased exquisite short-ball skills and brilliant defense. The rallies were exceptionally long, keeping the spectators incredibly excited. After a full half hour, Meng Fan narrowly won the match by two points.

Li Zhibin had already prepared bottled water and towels, and as soon as the match stopped, he rushed forward to serve Tao Tang.

"You didn't even know to give way to President Tao," You Benling whispered to Meng Fan.

"Winning is the only way to show respect to your opponent." Meng Fan looked at Tao Tang with admiration. "If President Tao were a few years younger, I definitely wouldn't be a match for him."

Tao Tang wiped his sweat, came over and shook hands with Meng Fan, "Thank you for letting me lose so decisively."

"Want to play another round?"

"No, that won't do, we'll embarrass ourselves if we do it again." Tao Tang laughed and waved his hands repeatedly. "By the way, have you cleaned up yet? I need to see. Xiao Li, show me around your place."

"We've been working on it intensely for several days," Chen Yan said, leaning closer. "As per your request, we've selected a leadership team, and someone is on duty every day."

"Really? Seeing is believing." Tao Tang walked into the building, and a dozen or so single people followed him through the door.

"Oh, there's been a change. That's commendable." Tao Tang nodded. "However, there's still room for improvement. There are quite a few blind spots. Look at that spider web, isn't it unsightly? By the way, the property management company submitted a report to renovate the shower rooms, and General Manager Luo has already signed it. Has construction started yet?"

"Construction has begun. Each floor will have a shower room and a laundry room." Meng Fan followed behind Tao Tang. "On behalf of all singles, thank you, Mr. Tao."

"Meng Fan is our elected building manager," Chen Yan said with a smile.

"Congratulations. Your position is more prestigious than mine. I was appointed by the organization, while you were elected by the people. Your position is more valuable than mine," Tao Tang said with a smile.

Tao Tang's witty remarks elicited laughter from the singles.

"President Tao, why don't you come and visit our dormitory?" Chen Yan invited.

"Okay." Tao Tang was surrounded by the singles as they went up to the top floor and entered Chen Yan's room. "Two people living here? Not bad, they didn't stop me from coming in."

"Yes, I'm Chen Yan's roommate, You Benling," You Benling introduced herself without missing a beat. "I work in the publicity department."

"Really? What exactly do you do?"

"I am a reporter for the factory newspaper."

"Oh, I criticized your minister the day before yesterday. Did he relay that to you?"

"I've conveyed it," You Benling said. "I was just about to ask you, what do you think is wrong with the factory newspaper?"

"Xiao You, let me ask you first, what do you think is the purpose of the factory bulletin?"

"The factory newspaper is the mouthpiece of the Party Committee and administration, publicizing the major policies and guidelines of the Party, the state, and the company, and keeping employees informed of the company's developments..."

"That's basically wrong. A company is an economic organization. Even if our Red Star is a large factory, it doesn't qualify us to be involved in major policies or guidelines. As for national affairs, with information so readily available these days, we can get it anytime from our phones or WeChat. Who bothers to learn about them from the factory newspaper?" Tao Tang then turned to the singles who had crowded into the room and said, "Tell me honestly, do you read the factory newspaper?"

"Yes, but I only read the factory news," Meng Fan, who was next to Tao Tang, answered first.

What type of news?

"It mainly depends on the news from each institution, especially our research institute."

"Well, what about you guys? Chen Yan, you're the factory office secretary, tell me the truth, are you studying the factory newspaper?"

"President Tao asked me to tell the truth, but no, I basically don't look at it."

Why?

"It's boring."

"Xiao You, I took some time to read the recent issues of the factory newsletter, and I feel the same way as Chen Yan: in three words, it's boring. I agree with what Meng Fan said; I also like to read news from the grassroots level, especially news about frontline employees. I want to see what the employees are thinking, what they desire, and what they dislike from the factory newsletter. But what do I see? Basically, I don't."

Chen Yan glanced at You Benling triumphantly.

"What I'm saying today only represents myself, and it's not a formal occasion, so I absolutely don't mean to criticize you. Xiao You, you need to pay attention to one issue when running the newspaper: who is the reader? If it's for company leaders, the current level is a bit too low; we understand the reasons you're giving. If it's for ordinary employees, the tone is a bit too high, because employees are more concerned about things happening around them. Therefore, I suggest changing the style of the factory newspaper and promoting more frontline employees and their good deeds. It's not that leaders' speeches shouldn't be publicized, but rather that you need to be careful about the degree of publicity. For example, I think Comrade Feng Shizhao's speech at my inauguration meeting was completely perfunctory and not worth discussing in a special column. As for my few words, they are even more worthless. Apart from the statement that you should do what you ask others to do, what else is valuable? Moreover, that statement needs to be tested with actions. If you don't publicize it, but I do it, the employees will recognize it. If you publicize it, but I can't do it, then you're slapping me in the face."

Everyone burst into laughter. You Benling blushed deeply, looking extremely embarrassed.

"This can't be blamed on Comrade Xiao You. The problem lies with your minister, Deputy Secretary Chang, and Secretary Zhao. I hope the factory newspaper will change its approach to publishing, go to the grassroots level, and personally uncover some newsworthy material. Our Red Star has over 20,000 employees. As the saying goes, 'With over 10,000 people, there are hidden talents.' There are bound to be countless good deeds and good stories to tell. Right?"

Meng Fan and Chen Yan clapped at the same time, and the singles all clapped enthusiastically.

"I really enjoy being with young people because it makes me feel younger. Everyone has hope; the future of Red Star rests on your shoulders. I won't take up any more of your free time. Goodbye."

Li Zhibin followed Tao Tang for a long distance, asking, "Mr. Tao, have you not eaten yet?"

"No, don't worry about it, I have somewhere to eat. Could you go down and find out about the back pay for me when you have some free time?"

"Yes."