Road to Revival

Bai Shuxian wasn't the only one who went to see Tao Tang that evening. Tao Jin, afraid his wife wouldn't know how to speak properly, went along too.

This is Bai Shuxian's second time entering Xiaozhao. Before Tao Tang returned, Bai Shuxian had never thought about, nor had she ever had the opportunity to, enter Xiaozhao.

Perhaps it was because of the overcast weather, or perhaps because the wall lamps weren't on, but Bai Shuxian felt that the beautifully decorated little house had a heavy gloomy atmosphere. This feeling was especially strong when she went up to the third floor, where the thick, soft, dark red carpet was under her feet.

The tall girl who had caught Bai Shuxian's attention last time appeared like a ghost. Bai Shuxian felt that she hadn't made a sound, and wondered how the girl in the pink work uniform had heard the noise.

"Ah, it's you... Are you here to see General Manager Tao? He just got back not long ago..."

This time, Bai Shuxian stared intently at the girl. She was very beautiful, especially her large, expressive eyes. Her skin wasn't very fair, but it wasn't dark either. She had an excellent figure, at least half a head taller than Wang Xiaojuan, almost as tall as Youdao… Look at those breasts and hips, she's definitely a woman who can bear children easily…

"Is my brother's room empty?" Tao Jin asked.

"Director Li from the Finance Department is here; he just went in. But you can go ahead, it's alright."

Director Li of the Finance Department? Tao Jin couldn't help but think of Shi Cheng, who was Shi Cheng's direct superior...

Bai Shuxian, however, asked the waitress, "You're really pretty, young lady, what's your name?"

"Auntie, my name is Ye Mei. I've already told you."

"I'll remember this time... Why don't you go and take a look, is that convenient?" Bai Shuxian said with a smile.

Tao Jin coughed. It seemed he would have to handle things himself; his wife was all bark and no bite, but deep down she was still afraid of her second son.

"You're related to General Manager Tao, there's no need to inform him. Go ahead," Ye Mei said with a smile.

Upon seeing Tao Jin and his wife arrive, Li Jianguo took his leave.

"Take care, I won't see you off... Brother, sister-in-law, please have a seat."

"Second brother, how can you eat instant noodles?" Bai Shuxian said, pointing to the instant noodles on the desk.

"I'm used to it, it's just for convenience. Youdao isn't here?" Tao Tang took out a pack of cigarettes from the drawer, tore it open, and handed it to his brother. "Wait a moment, I'll make you some tea."

"No need..." Tao Jin sniffed the cigarette.

"Brother, I was planning to go home after get off work, but then several groups of people showed up... Don't take today's events to heart. Tong Zhengjie did the right thing, you have to understand."

"What happened today?" Bao Shuxian asked her husband suspiciously.

Tao Tang chimed in, "It's nothing, just a small matter at the workshop. Sister-in-law, brother, there's something I need to tell you. I bought a house in Golden Olive, you both probably know that place, it's not far from the factory, about a 20-minute bike ride. Our parents have been insisting on coming back; they're getting old, and their living conditions should be relatively better. I did it without discussing it with you. We already have the keys, and now we need to renovate it, all for the convenience of the two elders. I've contacted a renovation company, but we haven't officially signed the contract yet... However, I don't have time, so I'd like you and Meiling and her husband to help keep an eye on things. Make sure to choose environmentally friendly materials; we don't care about looks, we just want something affordable. The sooner it's finished, the sooner we can bring them back, and our whole family can be reunited."

"No problem, there's plenty of time and resources," Bai Shuxian said quickly.

"Try not to hire Youdao. He's young, and he should use his free time to study. His diploma isn't good enough, so he can learn one on his own later..."

"Youdao will listen to you. Our words have no effect," Bai Shuxian said happily. "I'll leave Youdao to you, Second Brother. You only have this one nephew, and he's the only heir in our Tao family. You should discipline him like your own son, the stricter the better."

"Sister-in-law, you're joking. Kids these days are all shrewd. Even Xiaohe often talks back to me; I can't win an argument with her... The other night I went for a walk and saw Youdao walking with a girl. Are they officially together? Do they have any concrete plans?"

"I was just about to discuss this with you, Second Brother. I don't think Youdao's girlfriend is quite suitable..." Bai Shuxian seized the opportunity.

"Sister-in-law, I think you shouldn't interfere too much. Leave this to Youdao to decide. As elders, we can only act as vetting officials, but even that's nonsense. How can we vet them? The one who knows them best is Youdao himself."

"I don't think she's good enough for Youdao..." Bai Shuxian, who used to fawn over the Wang family, has now turned against them. Wang Xiaojuan has an uncle who is a middle-level cadre, but Youdao's uncle is the top leader of Hongxing.

"Brothers, what's up?" Tao Tang changed the subject.

"Well, it's a small matter, not related to Youdao..." Tao Jin stammered.

"Speak."

"You must know about our factory's situation... Some old friends, unable to refuse your request, are asking for your help..."

"I understand what you mean," Tao Tang waved his hand. "Don't go into specifics. Didn't I tell you guys at home the other day? Don't get involved in other people's business. If they have any difficulties or requests, they should go to the relevant departments. But don't use my name. I'm really not being pretentious. Think about it, I'm new here, completely clueless. If I talk to the labor department about this today and the supply department about that tomorrow, what will the lower-level managers think of me? If there's really any obstruction or malpractice, I'll intervene. In the first two days after I arrived, I received two workers from the power company who were complaining about their children getting jobs at the factory. I intervened, but it wasn't in accordance with regulations. If it's a similar issue, you can tell your friend to contact the relevant departments. If they don't take action, then you can sue me..." …Brother, our parents are honest, hardworking workers. The highest position Dad ever held was foreman. We're true workers' children. I remember Dad asking for help because of your job, and he came back furious, yelling at you. I'll never forget that scene. Now that I'm the head of Hongxing, I can't let the workers talk behind my back, and then they'll drag you down with them, even our parents, saying that the second son of the Tao family is a bastard, a bad seed. Dad isn't very capable, but he's a man of honor. When he comes back, he'll definitely come to the factory to make his way in. Whether I'm doing a good job or not, whether I'm fair or not, do you think no one will tell him? Those currently employed might not dare to say anything, but will the retired ones give me face? Probably not. I don't want to upset Dad; that would be truly unfilial.”

These words were reasonable and left Tao Jin and his wife speechless. After a long silence, Tao Jin finally spoke, "Second son, I know it's difficult for you too, with so many people watching you. But some things really aren't a big deal for you. As long as you nod, it'll be done. Look, I've already promised them, so you have to give me some face, right? Otherwise, your brother's reputation will really be ruined."

Tao Tang was somewhat displeased. "I already said it, how can you still not understand? If there's a problem, just contact the relevant department. I won't handle it personally unless someone below me acts recklessly. Hongxing has lost two general managers in a row, and I think Song Yue will probably be sentenced. How did they get in? Wasn't it because they weren't careful? Let me tell you, I'm a very selfish person, I would never risk being investigated by abusing my power. I still have many things to do, Xiao He is only in her third year of junior high, my parents need to be supported, and my mother-in-law only has me as her family. How can I afford to take such a risk? I advise you not to accept gifts from others, that's not taking advantage, that's losing out. Let me make it clear to you two, if Daocheng's family has difficulties, just tell them, and I, as his uncle, will try my best to help him. My salary isn't low, helping Youdao should be within my means... If you accept gifts, return them, and relay my words to them. It's not that I won't help, but I won't handle it personally. Me, the chairman and general manager, running errands for them for some petty gains? That's underestimating me, isn't it?"

These words were quite harsh, and Tao Jin and Bai Shuxian were momentarily at a loss for how to continue their conversation.

When Tao Jin and his wife went to Xiao Zhao to meet Tao Tang, Ming Xiaoyue, the head of the cost department of the finance department, was discussing the same matter at Zhao Qingmin's house. Shi Cheng had his eye on Quan Jianhe's position, and so did Ming Xiaoyue.

Zhao Qingmin was surprised by Ming Xiaoyue's arrival.

"Why are you here?" He really didn't expect Ming Xiaoyue to come to his door.

Ming Xiaoyue stared at Zhao Qingmin resentfully, "I know your tigress went on vacation to Yunnan. Unless there are special circumstances, I wouldn't have bothered you during your peaceful retreat."

"I know about the special circumstances you mentioned. I will speak when it's time to speak," Zhao Qingmin said, not very enthusiastically.

"Shi Cheng and Rong Shangming are making moves. Li Jianguo definitely favors Rong. Everyone in the department knows that Shi Cheng is Han's man, and it's rumored that he got in through Tao's connections. I'm getting old, this is probably my last chance. I've followed you for so many years, when have I ever made things difficult for you?"

"Look at what you're saying... You're only forty-one, how come you don't have a chance?"

"I'm just too honest. If it were back then... how could it have been Quan Jianhe's turn? Four years have passed, and three or four hundred thousand in legal income is gone... This time I don't care anymore, I'm counting on you. Give me an answer." Ming Xiaoyue raised her voice by at least ten decibels.

"Xiaoyue, please don't make things too difficult for me..."

"You're so selfish! Fine, I'm leaving." Ming Xiaoyue stood up angrily.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute. Xiaoyue, you know, things are different now than when Song Yue was in power. President Tao just arrived and is deeply trusted by the higher-ups. The key is that we don't have any dirt on him. What am I supposed to say? You saw what happened to Quan Jianhe? Han Zhiyong didn't even dare to fart. Didn't he obediently go to them to make a self-criticism?"

"When was the principle of the Party managing cadres abolished? If you stand up for yourself at the joint Party-government meeting, I don't believe Tao Tang will slap you in the face. Look, Shi Cheng is Han Zhiyong's confidant, and he's contacted General Manager Tao. I can't just sit here and wait to be killed, can I? If you say I'm incompetent, I'll admit it. I've worked in finance for twenty years. So what if my degree is a little lower? I can handle the business of several departments."

"Right, let's get serious." In an instant, Zhao Qingmin had an idea.

"Is there anything more serious than this?"

"Listen to me! A few days ago, last Tuesday, Tao Tang led a team to East Lake, you know?"

"I've heard about it. Does it have anything to do with me?"

"The connections are huge. Tang Yikun from Donghu is Tao Tang's classmate. President Tao has a lot of influence, and he managed to secure a nearly 400 million yuan order that Li Luo had been unable to get..."

"What does this have to do with me?" Ming Xiaoyue said impatiently.

"You always have such a short temper. The contract hadn't been signed yet because Li Luo kept insisting that the finance department's price was unacceptable, do you understand?"

"What do you mean?" Ming Xiaoyue seemed to understand.

"I'm asking you, Mr. Han, or has Li Jianguo arranged for a re-evaluation of the price?"

"It's arranged..."

"How's it going?"

"At the beginning..."

"Are you confused? This is something that General Manager Tao personally oversaw upon taking office. Why are you dragging your feet? Do you really not understand the importance of this?"

"you mean?"

"It needs to be fast, and the price needs to be reasonable."

"I understand." Ming Xiaoyue wasn't stupid.

"I'll find an opportunity, next week, no, it has to be before the holiday, for you to personally report to General Manager Tao."

"no problem."

"Let's work overtime and make it look nice."

"Don't worry. I'm your woman, how could I embarrass you? Okay, I'm leaving." Ming Xiaoyue cheered up.

"I won't see you off."

"If you don't mind, I'd like you to walk me downstairs." Ming Xiaoyue smiled sweetly.