Chapter 174: Promises of Renewal

Grand Auditorium.

Amid waves of applause, Xu Zhiquan smiled and stepped up to the podium.

As he picked up the microphone, the polite applause across the room quickly faded.

Hundreds of workers from the mechanical factory sat below, eager for this future leader to speak and share his thoughts.

Naturally, the content of Xu Zhiquan’s speech today had been carefully reviewed with Xu Chen several times over.

This first communication with all factory employees demanded utmost attention…

“First, let me introduce the leader sitting next to me—he’s from the city center…”

Xu Zhiquan didn’t rush into the main topic; instead, he deliberately introduced Vice Mayor Wu’s secretary, Qu Fei.

He made sure to clearly state the other man’s position.

“I’m incredibly grateful for Vice Mayor Wu Yongming and Secretary Qu Fei’s ongoing support of East Morning Star Co.!

The fact that I can stand here today is thanks to the city and Vice Mayor Wu’s tremendous care and assistance!”

The purpose was crystal clear: East Morning Star Co. and President Xu had the city’s backing!

And with Qu Fei sitting right beside Xu Zhiquan, it subtly reinforced this support.

With the city and leaders endorsing them, the workers below naturally trusted Xu and East Morning Star’s strength even more.

“Let me give a simple introduction about myself.

I’m a native farmer from Tiancheng. In the 1980s, I headed east to work in a state-run factory in the northeast as a workshop director…

Later, I returned to Tiancheng and started a foundry parts factory. For a few years, I even supplied parts to Bright Factory…”

This introduction was meant to bridge the gap with the hundreds of workers below.

The implication was clear: though now a big boss, he had been a worker just like them and even had ties to Bright Factory itself.

Xu Zhiquan spoke steadily and continued:

“East Morning Star Co. currently focuses on seedling projects.

Over the past year or two, we’ve noticed the decline in foundry parts, partly due to the overall downturn in the agricultural tricycle industry.

So, this year, I decisively shut down the foundry parts factory and even withdrew from a parts bid for Bright Factory at the time.

Right after that, East Morning Star Co. spotted the major opportunities in highway construction and seedling projects, so we set up a seedling company…

Now, we’re handling the seedling and greening work for several highway sections under construction in Tiancheng…”

This part of the introduction was crucial, and it was Xu Chen who specifically suggested adding it.

The bankruptcy of Bright Factory wasn’t really the workers’ fault.

The blame lay more with the leadership.

They failed to spot industry trends, had incomplete development plans, and even made serious mistakes…

By mentioning how he had foreseen the tricycle industry’s decline and successfully shifted to seedling projects, Xu Zhiquan showcased vision, courage, and capability.

This naturally contrasted sharply with Bright Factory’s incompetent leaders, widening the gap.

In fact, the hundreds of workers below harbored plenty of grievances against Bright Factory’s leadership.

In their eyes, the factory’s bankruptcy and the workers facing layoffs were mostly the leaders’ responsibility…

And this ‘President Xu’ clearly outshone the Bright Factory leaders on stage in terms of ability and resolve…

As Xu Zhiquan spoke, subtle changes flickered in the workers’ eyes below.

Xu Zhiquan paused briefly before diving into the core of today’s discussion.

“I’m from a farming background and have been a worker myself, so I deeply understand the struggles of the working people.

With Bright Factory facing bankruptcy and its workers on the brink of forced layoffs, I feel that pressure as if it were my own…”

“Several companies bid to acquire Bright Factory.

Thanks to the trust from the city and the leaders, it was ultimately handed to East Morning Star and to me…”

“Vice Mayor Wu Yongming told me directly that our plan was chosen largely because we’re committed to taking on all the old Bright Factory workers without forcing any layoffs!”

His words landed with impact.

Xu Zhiquan paused deliberately.

Behind him, Old Secretary Ji Yusheng, seated on the left of the podium, started clapping first.

In an instant, the hundreds of workers below looked on with keen interest, their applause thundering.

Their biggest worry had finally received a direct, official assurance from President Xu.

As the applause died down, Xu Zhiquan continued:

“When I was a workshop director in the northeast, I faced a situation where the entire workshop’s workers were laid off.

I know all too well that for laid-off workers, it’s not just about compensation—they crave long-term stable jobs and income more!

Stable work, a decent life, ongoing income…

That’s the core!”

As soon as he finished, someone from the audience shouted:

“President Xu, you’re spot on!”

Then came another round of relentless applause.

On stage, Jin Guiyuan lifted his white porcelain teacup for a sip, his face turning sour.

…

Xu Zhiquan waved a hand, signaling for quiet.

“Talk is cheap when it comes to building a business.

To provide stable jobs and income for everyone here, the factory needs solid business and revenue.

You’re probably wondering: with Bright Factory’s tricycles not selling anymore, what will we do once I take over?”

“East Morning Star Co. was selected by the city based on our plans to transform Bright Factory…

Director Yang Congxin from the technical department—I’m sure you all know him!”

Yang Congxin stood up and bowed to the audience.

Xu Zhiquan went on:

“Last month, Director Yang and I visited several factories in the south. He has plenty of insights to share with you all!

Please, Director Yang!”

Old Secretary Ji Yusheng led the applause once more!

Yang Congxin adjusted his black-framed glasses and hurried up to the podium.

He pulled out his prepared speech, which Xu Zhiquan and Xu Chen had reviewed in advance.

To get the factory workers on board with the electric vehicle factory plans, having a former technical supervisor like him lead the way was perfect.

Yang Congxin discussed the southern inspection trip and the trends in electric vehicles.

He couldn’t hide his excitement and passion at key points.

As a longtime Bright Factory worker who once oversaw two production lines, his words carried real weight and persuasion.

When he described the advanced electric vehicle lines in the southern factories, the technical workers below showed looks of longing and joy.

…

Near the end, Yang Congxin cleared his throat.

He set down his speech, composed himself, and said:

“Fellow old comrades of Bright Factory!

For over twenty years, Bright Factory’s closure has left me holding back a lot of frustration!

We’re not quitters—Bright Factory’s workers are tougher than tough!

We’ve worked hard, day in and day out… how did we end up shutting it down?!

Before, we were just wasting energy on pointless infighting and empty theoretical stuff pushed by leaders!

Now, bankruptcy might be a good thing!

You can’t rebuild without breaking first!

If Bright Factory hadn’t gone under, we wouldn’t have this chance to regroup and work with President Xu on electric vehicles!

President Xu and East Morning Star’s approach to electric vehicles isn’t some hasty decision or a scheme for promotions—it’s real planning!

We’ve spent fifteen to twenty years at Bright Factory putting up with superficial reforms just to impress leaders…

I’ve been with President Xu for a while now.

I, Yang Congxin, stake my reputation on it—he’s a man of action!

His capability, courage, and character have won me over completely!

Stick with President Xu, and you won’t regret it!

Turning Bright Factory into an electric vehicle plant is a forward-thinking move based on industry demands…

It could not only save Bright Factory but also grow it into a national powerhouse!

Old comrades!

We can finally roll up our sleeves and get to work for real!

Our good times are on the way!”

…

Yang Congxin’s words weren’t in the script—they came straight from the heart.

The room fell silent for a few seconds after he finished.

Then, thunderous applause erupted…

On the podium.

Old Secretary Ji Yusheng looked ashamed but quickly stood and clapped hard.

Jin Guiyuan and Chief Engineer Zhao Jihong glanced at each other, their faces dark.

Yang Congxin’s speech had slapped more than a few people.

The hardest hit were likely Ji Yusheng, Jin Guiyuan, and Zhao Jihong on stage.

While Ji Yusheng felt ashamed and remorseful, Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong couldn’t hide their anger.

…

Qu Fei clapped while turning to glance at Xu Zhiquan.

Xu Zhiquan smiled and whispered:

“Secretary Qu, that wasn’t scripted for him.”

Qu Fei chuckled softly and replied:

“Director Yang said it perfectly! Whether it was planned or not doesn’t matter!

It’s exactly what the city and leaders want to hear!”

Xu Zhiquan stood and walked back to the podium.

The applause from below grew even warmer.

Xu Zhiquan looked moved as he shook hands with Yang Congxin.

He picked up the microphone, cleared his throat, and the thunderous applause slowly faded.

The hundreds of workers below now gazed with even more eagerness.

Clearly, Yang Congxin’s words had ignited their suppressed emotions…

At the edge of the first row below.

Fang Jun frowned and turned to Xu Chen, whispering:

“Was that last part from Director Yang something you wrote for him?”

Xu Chen laughed but didn’t answer directly.

…

Xu Zhiquan held the microphone and said:

“Thank you for Director Yang’s trust!

Since he calls me a man of action, I’ll skip the empty talk!

I know you’ve all been without work for months and haven’t received wages.

Life’s tough enough without having to support your families…

But building this electric vehicle factory won’t happen overnight.

At least for the next month or two, we need to sort out your immediate needs…”

His words touched the workers below, their expressions shifting.

Clearly, the issues Xu Zhiquan raised were their most pressing concerns.

“I’ve discussed a plan with the city, but I want to run it by you all.

As I mentioned earlier, East Morning Star Co. is handling seedling projects for highways in Tiancheng and surrounding areas.

If you’re willing, you could start working on those projects—I’ll ensure you get regular wages.

Once we get Bright Factory’s old site renovated and new production lines in place, you can come back!

I’m from a farming background and have been a worker, so I get it.

Field work is tough, so this is all voluntary.

If you want to try the seedling work to earn some money for home, the company will arrange training and jobs.

If you’d rather wait, that’s fine—just return when the electric vehicle factory is up and running…”

Xu Zhiquan’s words sparked a murmur of discussion below.

But soon, someone called out:

“President Xu, we’re in!”

“We’ll follow your lead!”

“Don’t worry, President Xu—we can handle hard work. It’s no tougher than the factory floor!”

…

Listening to the responses, Xu Zhiquan showed a look of genuine emotion.

Behind him, Old Secretary Ji Yusheng suddenly stood and said:

“President Xu! I’ll join in the field work and won’t take a cent of pay!

Hard work and perseverance have always been Bright Factory’s core spirit!

All the leadership and supervisors—let this old man set an example. What’s your stance?”

As he spoke, he glanced at Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong beside him.

Below, a few supervisors stood up and said:

“Secretary Ji! We’re ready to work too!”

“Exactly! We’ve been idle for months and are itching to get started!”

Yang Congxin stepped forward and shouted without the microphone:

“Don’t worry, everyone!

I’ve been at President Xu’s seedling company for about a month—it’s straightforward and not too demanding!”

His words drew waves of agreement from below.

Xu Zhiquan on stage exchanged a knowing look with Xu Chen.

Father and son knew that today’s talk with the five hundred factory workers had gone off without a hitch—it was a success.

In reality, Chenxin Nurseries was critically short-staffed with several projects running simultaneously, and Fourth Uncle Xu Zhilin had been worried sick.

Using the factory workers as a temporary solution was a win-win.

Xu Zhiquan smiled and glanced back at the podium, as if waiting for something…

Old Secretary Ji Yusheng suddenly spoke:

“Factory Director Jin, Chief Engineer Zhao, don’t you two have something to say?”

Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong exchanged looks and just smiled without speaking.

Xu Zhiquan noticed but kept his composure.

He didn’t need Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong to work in the fields, but their stance was crucial.

Offering to work like Ji Yusheng was a sign of submission and acceptance…

As a newcomer, whether Xu Zhiquan could make Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong yield was something many were watching.”