Road to Revival

For dinner, we chose a newly opened Sichuan restaurant in a ground-floor shop outside the Golden Olive residential complex. The ambiance was decent, but the food was just average. Wu Shi'an simply said it was a pity, meaning the chef's skill level was too mediocre and didn't do justice to the restaurant's facilities.

Fang Ke doesn't eat spicy food, and she usually only eats fruit at night. Asking Tao Tang for a late-night snack that night was just asking for trouble, so she barely touched the dishes on the table today. Tao Meiling noticed this and, after asking her in detail, learned that Fang Ke doesn't eat spicy food. She then scolded Wu Shi'an for being ignorant and not asking before ordering.

Fang Ke apologized to Wu Shi'an, explaining that she usually didn't eat dinner. She noticed Tao Tang's absent-mindedness; he seemed preoccupied. While Tao Youdao and Wu Shi'an were arguing about paying the bill, Fang Ke whispered to Tao Tang, "Something on your mind? Still angry about what happened at noon?"

"Huh? Why am I angry?" Tao Tang looked at Fang Ke in confusion.

This scene was quite similar to Fang Lan's. Back then, Fang Lan would always ask him, "What's wrong? Tell me about it?"

"I thought you were still upset about what happened at noon. Don't take it to heart. There are all sorts of people in a big forest."

"What nonsense are you talking about? Do you think I'm that petty?" Tao Tang was just thinking about the news that Wu Shi'an had told him.

"You're so petty," Fang Ke said, rolling her eyes at Tao Tang.

"When are you and Xiaohe leaving? I'll arrange to buy you tickets. By the way, if you have time, could you take Xiaohe back to Binjiang? I'm worried about her traveling alone."

"Isn't it too late to ask now? I've already booked the tickets on my phone. I'm taking Xiaohe back to Binjiang; the train leaves at 8:30 tomorrow morning. I'm not too busy lately, so I'll stay in Binjiang with her until the middle school entrance exam is over."

"Oh, is Xiaohe going to miss class?"

"We've already entered the final review stage, so it's okay."

"Look at me," Tao Tang said with some self-reproach, "I didn't even ask her about her placement test scores. I hope I don't make a fool of myself."

"You're only thinking of asking now?" Fang Ke glared at Tao Tang. "You're such an irresponsible father. Let me tell you, based on your first placement test results, you don't need to worry about vocational high school. Getting into a regular high school is no problem, but getting into a top-tier high school is a bit of a stretch."

"Whether it's important or not isn't a big deal... the key is interest and method, thank you."

Bai Shuxian and Tao Meiling witnessed the two talking in hushed tones.

They took two taxis back to the factory. Tao Tang and two others went back to Xiao Zhao, while the rest went home. Tao Jin and his wife invited Xiao He to stay at their home, but Tao Xiao He declined.

Tao Tang originally intended to chat with Xiao He about her studies, but Zhao Qingmin unexpectedly pulled a trick.

After exchanging pleasantries with Zhao Qingmin, Fang Ke took Xiao He to the room across the street.

"I heard you're back... I hope I didn't bother you?" When Song Yue was around, Zhao Qingmin had visited this suite more than once, but now things have changed.

"It's all because of this brat that I couldn't even go back to Binjiang." Tao Tang got up to make tea for the secretary and briefly explained the situation.

"That's normal. Kids these days are different from us when we were young; we can't look at new problems with old eyes. The kid is good; he looks like a clever little devil."

"The high school entrance exam is just around the corner, and you still have this kind of free time... Is there something you need?"

"Two things. First is the housing issue. It's been dragging on for twenty days and we still haven't had time to finalize it. We can't delay any longer. I've made the decision for you. I've chosen a fourth-floor apartment, the best of the remaining three. Song Yue's case isn't settled yet, who knows when we'll get a result... Listen to me, I've already asked the construction company to arrange the renovation. I don't think you're a trendsetter; practicality and style are the standards. You can review the design drawings once they're ready. The total price is a little over 45 yuan. After you go back to work, I'll have the factory office handle the paperwork for you."

"I told you I didn't want it," Tao Tang shook his head.

"Absolutely! This isn't up to you. It's about the stability of the workforce. If you don't buy a house, everyone will think you're just making a fuss over nothing. Director Chang Shanqiang from headquarters even called me on May Day to ask about your living arrangements. This is also Director Chang's idea. If you're short on cash, we can talk about it after you receive your performance bonus this year."

"Secretary, I've already bought a house in Golden Olive. I was even going to look at some with my family this afternoon. Aren't you putting me in a difficult position?"

"Why would I buy a house in Golden Olive? I'm canceling it. It's expensive, and the layout is definitely not as good as ours."

"It's not that easy. The contract is signed, and the payment has been made. Old Zhao, you're messing around."

"Let's stop arguing. Listen to me, just buy it. You probably won't lose out, and you can definitely afford it. Aren't you planning to bring your parents back? It'll be good to have another house. These days, real estate is the only thing that can hold its value. My wife's stock market investments a few years ago almost drove me crazy... It's settled then, I've made the decision for you!"

“Buying it at the original price isn’t a big deal. However, the employees have complaints about Building 96,” Tao Tang pondered. “I’ve only been here a few days and I’ve already received several letters about Building 96, which I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet. Also, since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the efforts to combat corruption have been unprecedented, and I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

"Sigh, it's a long story. When this building was being constructed, the team wasn't entirely united. The top leader made the decision, and I couldn't very well go against it. The few empty apartments are a problem to deal with; it's not easy to say whoever buys them. Anyway, I'll take responsibility."

"Secretary Zhao, now that we've come this far, let me say a few more words. Yang Wenhua and Song Yue have wronged Hongxing Factory; they've harmed themselves and others. You must have sensed it—the workers don't really trust our leadership team. This morning, I had some free time to visit two workshops, and some workers reported problems to me, including those related to Building 96. What's past is past. What we need to do now, especially the two of us, is not to rub salt into the wound. If morale collapses, nothing can be accomplished. Secretary, I appreciate your kindness, but I absolutely don't want the house. I live alone; what would I need such a big house for? To invite criticism? Since it's empty, let's not waste it. My suggestion is to auction it off! The highest bidder wins. Once that's done, we'll have some peace and quiet."

"Isn't this inappropriate?"

"What's inappropriate about it? Old rules for the old, new rules for the new – isn't that how many things are done? Consider my suggestion, discuss it with Chairman Guo after you start work. If there's nothing too wrong, let's just do it this way. Look how convenient it is for me to stay here! It's quiet, I'm staying in a five-star hotel for free, and the staff don't say anything – it's too much of a bargain. But there's something else, what is it?"

Zhao Qingmin pondered for a long time, seemingly still thinking about the housing issue, before finally saying, "Oh, is that so? Shouldn't we consider strengthening the finance department's team?"

"Oh... Li Jianguo mentioned to me that he was a bit overwhelmed, but I didn't agree. I did the math, and the company has over 280 leaders at the department level and above, plus section chiefs, making nearly 700. Don't you think our team is a bit bloated? When I was in Shengdong, I met a high-ranking officer in the local garrison. He was very worried about the current officer-to-soldier ratio in the army, thinking it was practically incapable of fighting. Although we're a company, not the military, the principle is probably similar. When I was in Shengdong, I recommended a management book to the cadres called 'Learning from the People's Liberation Army,' and it had some effect. I believe that struggling companies, especially large state-owned enterprises like ours, really need to learn from the military's management methods, strict discipline, high morale, and dedication. Of course, there's also the reasonable officer-to-soldier ratio. I do feel that Hongxing's cadre team is too large and bloated..."

"The finance department has a special situation, I still suggest strengthening it..." Zhao Qingmin had no intention of listening to Tao Tang's somewhat unrealistic ideas. Streamlining cadres is easier said than done. How many years has the slogan of "promotion and demotion based on merit" been around? Unless someone makes a mistake, unless they seriously offend the main leaders, who can you get rid of? Cutting off someone's future is tantamount to murder for money... To solve Ming Xiaoyue's problem, bypassing Tao Tang is not an option, and handing over power to Han Zhiyong would be even worse.

Zhao Qingmin felt frustrated, realizing that even promoting a deputy division-level official was so difficult for a Party Secretary. "General Manager Tao, there are some signs of instability in the Finance Department after Quan Jianhe's dismissal. It would be better to resolve this sooner rather than later. The Finance, Planning, Production, and Human Resources departments are your main advisory and executive departments; they can only be strengthened, not weakened."

"Do you have a suitable candidate?" Tao Tang squinted at Zhao Qingmin.

"There is one. I think Comrade Ming Xiaoyue is more suitable."

"Oh, the female head of the pricing department... she did a good job with the Donghu product pricing analysis she gave me."

"I know her quite well. She has strong professional skills and a good overall perspective. Her only shortcoming is that she's a bit too strong-willed and has offended some people at work... That's just how our system is; those who get things done are always criticized."

Time will tell.

"That's exactly what I meant. If you agree, shouldn't we discuss it at the meeting after the holiday?"

"I'm afraid there are still procedures to go through, and we need to inform President Han as well, right?"

"President Tao, there's something I shouldn't say in my capacity, but I still want to say it today. I don't know if you've sensed it. Our team, how should I put it, has problems, mainly a lack of unity. As for Yang Wenhuan and Song Yue, that's a different issue altogether."

Tao Tang held a bottle of mineral water in his hand and listened quietly.

"The disunity mainly stems from Li Luo and Han Zhiyong, with Ma Guangming also being a factor. As for the other comrades, I don't think it's a big deal. It's hard to say that disagreements at work equate to disunity, but the conflict between Han Zhiyong and Li Luo has gone beyond the scope of work and has affected the unity of the team and the progress of their work. In fact, the price issue at Donghu Market is a case in point. You may have sensed it, or you may have thought it was normal. Director Tao, I guarantee that if the Organization Department goes through the proper procedures, Comrade Ming Xiaoyue will definitely not be able to attend the meeting! Because Peng Jie will be acting on the orders of certain leaders. This is truly a great tragedy."

Sadness is certain. But it applies only to you, and may not extend to me.

"Secretary Zhao, since you've spoken so frankly, let me share my thoughts as well. A company's greatest resource isn't assets or technology, but its people. Similarly, the greatest corruption in a company isn't in economics, but in personnel matters. I've noticed the phenomena you mentioned, but I don't think it's a big deal. In terms of organizational rigor and science, our existing system, while perhaps not the best, is certainly better than most, at least superior to private enterprises! Some say that the structure of private enterprises is more in line with a market economy, but that's not true. When private enterprises develop to a certain scale, they inevitably acquire some characteristics of state-owned enterprises. We cannot attribute the problems in the management of state-owned enterprises to their organizational structure."

"What are our problems? I believe they are management failures and misalignments. What should be managed isn't being managed, and what shouldn't be managed is being mismanaged. The root of this phenomenon lies at the top, not at the bottom. In our company, the problem lies with you, me, and Chairman Guo—the three of us. In other words, if the three of us manage properly, the problems within the Hongxing Company leadership can be solved; I firmly believe this. How to manage? I think it's about each person doing their own thing. A few years ago, during the company system reform, we established a board of directors and a board of supervisors, emphasizing working at different levels. Theoretically, this was fine, but in reality, it wasn't like that at all. For example, the chairman and general manager—due to the special nature of state-owned enterprises, I believe there's no need for separate positions. The higher-ups clearly realized this, which is why it's common for the chairman to concurrently serve as general manager." In truth, I think it's more reasonable for the Party Secretary and Chairman to hold the same position. But I digress. What I mean is, as long as the three of us work together and each do our job well, things at Red Star will be much easier! Factionalism at the bottom always comes back to the top. Conversely, if the top acts uprightly, disunity at the bottom will decrease or even disappear. The three of us must follow procedures and principles in personnel matters, and we must be honest and fair… otherwise, the bottom won't be convinced. It doesn't matter if the Organization Department goes astray; democratic centralism is a fundamental organizational principle, and ultimately, we have the final say. Secretary Zhao, we should take your concerns seriously, but not take them too seriously. If someone is really engaging in unauthorized activities, we can replace anyone, not just an Organization Department head, but even a company-level leader.”

Tao Tang's words were a universally applicable platitude. But Zhao Qingmin gleaned Tao Tang's true meaning from them: he wanted him and Guo Tao to follow his lead. Tao Tang could grant his request to promote Ming Xiaoyue, and he didn't care about the Organization Department's assessment results, on the condition that he and Guo Tao supported him.

"I agree with what you said. Don't worry, I will definitely support your work," Zhao Qingmin immediately stated.

Weighing the pros and cons, allying with Tao Tang is advantageous to me. I can't replace Tao Tang; since headquarters selected Tao Tang to succeed Hongxing, that's an unchangeable fact. Even if no one had any leverage over Tao Tang, headquarters wouldn't allow the use of non-organizational means to sideline or eliminate him.

"Let's leave the house issue as it is; I don't want it anymore. You can bring it up at the next meeting and suggest selling the vacant houses. Personally, I'm deeply grateful for your concern, but from a work perspective, it's more advantageous if we don't take it. Also, I've recently reviewed several documents; the central government's efforts to improve cadre conduct are unprecedented, and we must keep up. For example, the mass line, the Eight-Point Regulation, etc. We need to review existing systems; those that don't conform to the spirit of higher authorities should be resolutely abolished. For those that are unclear, we should make regulations in the spirit of strict requirements. I've found that there are indeed many phenomena in the leadership at both levels that don't conform to the overall spirit, such as excessive eating and drinking. I don't know what specific regulations exist in this regard, but I saw some unpleasant phenomena during the holidays. The masses won't be satisfied, and it's even less in line with the central government's new requirements for Party conduct. I suggest that the Party committee and the discipline inspection commission study these issues. This is your job, so you should handle it; I'm just making a suggestion."

"That's a good suggestion," Zhao Qingmin sighed. "To be honest, after the Yang and Song problems were exposed, the excessive eating and drinking has somewhat subsided; it was even worse before. I completely agree with your opinion. For places like Hongxing, we should go to extremes to correct this. I'll consider it. After we start work, the central group will hold a meeting to circulate and study some documents, and we also need to discuss issues related to work style."

"That's good."

"President Tao, you haven't been here long, but you've brought a breath of fresh air. I've been looking forward to this for a long time, really. I believe that as the team leader, you can lead everyone out of this predicament."

"I can't do without your support, brother."

"I won't bother you any longer. It's rare for me to see my daughter, I'm really sorry."