Chapter 175: Factory Leadership Shake-Up

The grand auditorium buzzed with excitement.

The seedling company’s ‘transition plan’ sparked strong support.

The main reason was that workers hadn’t had jobs for months and were struggling to make ends meet.

Under Old Secretary Ji Yusheng’s leadership, the management team and various department heads voiced their agreement.

But only Acting Plant Manager Jin Guiyuan and Chief Engineer Zhao Jihong stayed silent, clearly opting out.

As key leaders with real power, they weren’t short on money and even drew salaries during months when the factory couldn’t pay others.

They had no desire to hit the fields just to scrape by.

Xu Zhiquan needed this to make them back down and use their submission to solidify his authority in the factory.

……

Seeing no response from them, Xu Zhiquan grabbed the microphone and headed back to his seat on the right side of the stage, sitting next to Secretary Qu.

He waved a hand to quiet everyone and began:

“I know how tough it’s been for all of you—no wages for months, and livelihoods on the line.”

“Here’s what I propose:”

“Those who want to help out at the seedling company can sign up tomorrow. Director Yang will handle the registration.”

“Everyone who signs up will get an advance on their first month’s wage…”

“Cash first, then work!”

His words triggered thunderous applause.

Xu Zhiquan glanced across at Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong, who pretended to sip water, their faces sour.

Xu Zhiquan tapped the microphone and smiled before continuing:

“I’ll join in too! We’ll start with the South City Highway project!”

“The South City Highway is a key part of Tiancheng’s development, and East Morning Star is thrilled to be involved!”

“In leadership, besides Jin and Zhao, everyone else should sign up…”

“Old Secretary Ji said he’d work without pay—thanks for the trust, but that’s not right.”

“Whether you’re a leader or a worker, once you sign up, you’ll get an advance on a month’s wage…”

He mentioned Jin and Zhao on purpose.

Chief Engineer Zhao Jihong looked up at Xu Zhiquan and snorted dismissively.

Jin Guiyuan kept his thick skin, smiling silently.

……

Secretary Qu glanced at Xu Zhiquan, smiled, took the microphone, and said:

“President Xu’s arrangement has been discussed with city officials.”

“The city wants to help everyone through this tough time!”

“On behalf of the city, I thank President Xu again!”

More applause erupted from the audience.

Secretary Qu went on:

“The jobs and incomes of Bright Factory’s five hundred workers are a top priority for city leaders.”

“When we work on the South City Highway seedling project, the city will organize a leadership visit!”

“Not just Vice Mayor Wu Yongming, but other core city committee leaders and provincial development officials will come…”

Xu Zhiquan led the applause:

“Let’s thank the city and province for their care and support!”

The applause rolled on, endless.

……

Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong exchanged looks, their faces darkening.

They hadn’t expected this ‘leadership visit’.

Especially Jin Guiyuan, who now looked panicked.

With city and provincial leaders visiting, management would have to handle receptions and talks.

If Acting Plant Manager Jin Guiyuan stayed out, it would raise eyebrows.

Especially if even the eighty-year-old Ji Yusheng was involved…

A few words from someone with an agenda could slap them with labels like ‘avoiding hard work’ or ‘detached from the front lines’—the fallout would be disastrous.

Jin Guiyuan was placed at Bright Factory but would eventually be transferred.

Where he went next depended on city leaders’ decisions…

Jin Guiyuan frowned and, during a pause, smiled and said:

“If leaders are coming, should we set up a rest area at the site?”

“We could also have City TV Station reporters interview our factory workers!”

Old Secretary Ji Yusheng shot back gruffly:

“If Acting Plant Manager Jin isn’t signing up, no need to worry about it!”

“President Xu will handle everything!”

“……”

Xu Zhiquan and Secretary Qu shared a look and chuckled.

They’d coordinated this leadership visit to target Jin Guiyuan.

Jin Guiyuan kept his composure and smiled:

“Who said I’m not joining?”

“I just didn’t get a chance to speak during President Xu’s talk!”

“As acting plant manager, I’ll lead by example with President Xu’s arrangements!”

“I was quite the farmer back in the day…”

Zhao Jihong beside him said nothing, looking uncomfortable and hesitant.

The workers in the front rows heard Jin Guiyuan’s words clearly.

They might not grasp the subtle rivalry between President Xu and Jin Guiyuan…

But they heard the acting plant manager say he’d follow President Xu’s lead.

That was a clear sign of backing down.

Old Secretary Ji Yusheng smiled and said loudly:

“Now that you’re willing to follow President Xu, he might not even assign you anything!”

Jin Guiyuan gave an awkward smile, his thick skin barely hiding his embarrassment.

……

……

Workers filed out of the grand auditorium, all excited.

After today’s meeting, they felt confident about the factory’s transformation and future.

Plus, starting tomorrow, they’d get paid and have work, filling them with joy and gratitude.

“President Xu is our savior!”

“Absolutely! Signing up tomorrow means getting paid—it’s a real lifeline!”

“President Xu’s vision for electric vehicles is spot on!”

“Ji Yusheng and Jin Guiyuan lack that kind of vision and guts!”

“We laughed at Director Yang for quitting and skipping the factory’s compensation…”

“But he jumped ship to President Xu’s side early—now that’s enviable!”

“Director Yang should’ve left sooner; working under Zhao Jihong was full of grief!”

“Yeah, Zhao Jihong shot down Director Yang’s electric tricycle production line plan so many times…”

“So, what’s next for Jin Guiyuan and Zhao Jihong with President Xu in charge?”

……

……

In the comprehensive building’s main conference room.

Bright Factory’s management closed-door meeting.

Xu Zhiquan sat at the head.

Acting Plant Manager Jin Guiyuan and Secretary Qu sat on either side.

Around the table, a dozen others—department heads and directors from Bright Factory—sat quietly, uneasy under the new boss.

Xu Chen, Fang Jun, and Yang Congxin sat in the back observation seats.

Li Rui and Zhao Feng sat near Xu Zhiquan.

Xu Zhiquan lit a cigarette, dropped his warm smile, and spoke with stern authority:

“As Bright Factory’s management level, let’s skip the empty talk.”

“East Morning Star just took over, and we’ll need your help with the old factory overhaul and new construction.”

“I, Old Xu, thank you all first!”

Sparse applause followed.

Xu Zhiquan waved it off:

“I’m a practical guy, so in my meetings, no need for flattery.”

The room grew awkward.

Xu Zhiquan laughed:

“Not that your applause was bad—I’m talking about from now on!”

Everyone chuckled along.

Xu Zhiquan grew serious again:

“East Morning Star is a private joint-stock company, so management differs from state-owned factories.”

“We’ll make adjustments based on your skills and willingness, following ‘pay for performance, promote the capable’.”

“I’ll observe and get to know you all before deciding—nothing rushed in the next day or two.”

Reactions varied among the group.

Some looked worried, others eager.

Xu Zhiquan paused and continued:

“I’ll announce some temporary personnel changes; they might adjust later, but for now, follow this.”

“First, Security Department Head Ning Changyong is suspended for negligence.”

“Security Captain Chen Xiong is fired immediately for gross misconduct.”

The room turned icy.

Xu Zhiquan started with these punishments to assert authority and pressure.

Management isn’t all smiles—it’s tough decisions…

Ning Changyong in the back row flushed with anger, glancing at Jin Guiyuan but staying silent.

He knew about Chen Xiong’s actions today, though he hadn’t been directly involved.

And that Jin Guiyuan had privately contacted Chen Xiong recently…

Xu Zhiquan took a drag and went on:

“The Security Department and team need overhaul. Zhao Feng will take over as security captain, handling overall site security.”

“Zhao Feng, introduce yourself.”

Zhao Feng stood, giving a formal nod to everyone.

His tall, intimidating build naturally made people wary.

He was still in the factory’s security uniform.

Curiosity spread—when had they hired him?

After Zhao Feng sat, Li Rui whispered with a grin:

“Congrats, Feng bro!”

……

Xu Zhiquan paused and added:

“When I reported to city officials, we discussed this…”

“Though East Morning Star Shares is private, we’ll keep the Party branch.”

“Ji Yusheng will continue as secretary!”

Xu Zhiquan led the applause, with Secretary Qu joining in.

Amid the clapping, Ji Yusheng stood and bowed seriously to everyone.

Xu Zhiquan turned to Jin Guiyuan:

“Original Acting Plant Manager Jin Guiyuan will still handle leadership duties as deputy plant manager.”

“Jin will assist me in the factory’s transition.”

“Please keep supporting his work…”

This arrangement considered city input, but Xu Zhiquan had discussed sidelining Jin Guiyuan with Xu Chen and Fang Jun—it was feasible.

Especially by restricting his access to finance and tech, or giving him meaningless permissions to avoid any real interference.

Eventually, they’d need to move him out, aligning with Vice Mayor Wu Yongming’s subtle hints…

Xu Zhiquan straightened up and said:

“Next, Bright Factory is shifting to electric vehicles and bringing in new production lines.”

“We’ll scrap the outdated tech and lines fast.”

“Temporarily, we’re eliminating the chief engineer position.”

“Yang Congxin will be the technical director.”

“Original Chief Engineer Zhao Jihong will serve as technical director assistant, reporting directly to Yang Congxin!”

The room fell silent.

People exchanged stunned glances.

Zhao Jihong, once the factory’s third-in-command, was suddenly demoted…

Yang Congxin, who used to report to him, was now his boss?!

Zhao Jihong sat there, mouth agape, face twisted in anger.

He looked to Jin Guiyuan, wanting to speak, but Jin signaled him to stay quiet.

Xu Zhiquan had checked Zhao Jihong’s background—he had no real connections, only relying on Jin Guiyuan.

While Jin Guiyuan had backing, Zhao didn’t, so Xu Zhiquan wasted no time removing him.

This move shocked the management present.

That high-ranking chief engineer was now under his former subordinate and couldn’t even protest.

……

Xu Zhiquan had Yang Congxin stand to confirm his new leadership role in tech.

He trusted Yang Congxin fully; the man could handle things alone, especially with electric vehicle production.

“On the finance side, there are still issues…”