Chapter 240: A Visit to the New Factory

That noon, Guo Liang drove an Audi A4 to the Chenfeng Technology Park.

He parked his car in the ground lot outside the main gate and walked to the entrance, glancing at the signs hanging there.

“East Morning Star Co.” and “Chenfeng Technology”—he had seen these company names before during his visit to the office in Jinfeng Business Tower.

What surprised him was that this place was once the site of the state-run Bright Machinery Factory.

A few years ago, when Guo Liang first came to Tiancheng for channel expansion, he had visited the Bright Factory and set up a stall at the gate to sell medicines and health products…

He still felt a bit astonished in his heart, never imagining that the Bright Factory’s grounds had been taken over by Xu Chen’s family.

When he considered another possibility, Guo Liang felt even more shocked.

Could it be that the entire Bright Factory had been acquired by Xu Zhiquan’s East Morning Star Co.?!

He shook his head slightly, realizing he had underestimated the strength of ‘Little Xu Teacher’s’ family…

Initially, he met Xu Chen through the Huishuang Shenbao ad. Then, through Xu Chen’s classmates, he learned that Xu Chen’s family ran a factory, so Guo Liang assumed it was just a township enterprise.

Later, when he visited Jinfeng Business Tower, he discovered they were also involved in seedling projects and even technology company operations.

Guo Liang had traveled widely and seen a lot, knowing that handling seedling projects meant President Xu must be no simple man—at least he had solid connections and relationships locally.

It was only today, coming here, that he realized he had still underestimated this father-son duo from the Xu family.

To swallow up a state-run mechanical factory like this wasn’t something a typical township entrepreneur or someone with just local connections could do.

In a place like Tiancheng, Xu Zhiquan was already a major figure…

After getting to know Xu Chen, Guo Liang had started treating him as a valuable contact to maintain.

Though Xu Chen was young, Guo Liang’s years in society had shown him that Xu Chen had unlimited potential.

So he deliberately nurtured the relationship, viewing ‘Little Xu Teacher’ as a future investment—including recommending other ad projects to him later.

But in the end, he had still underestimated them.

Today, he was here at Xu Chen’s invitation, just to have a meal and keep the connection strong.

The Fuyan Jie ad project was one Guo Liang had introduced to Xu Chen.

Back then, in the pharmaceutical circles, he had gathered a few bidding ad projects, never expecting Xu Chen to pick the Fuyan Jie one for the pitch.

Even more surprisingly, this eighteen-year-old high school student actually won the project.

That was a feminine wash product—truly unbelievable.

This proved that ‘Little Xu Teacher’s’ business skills were solid; his success with the Shenbao ad wasn’t just luck or coincidence.

…

Guo Liang stood at the gate for a moment and sent a message to Xu Chen.

[Little Xu Teacher, I’m at the entrance of your park!]

[General Manager Guo, just a moment, I’m coming out right away.]

After waiting a bit, he saw Xu Chen walk out from inside.

“General Manager Guo, it’s been a while!”

Xu Chen greeted him politely, and they shook hands.

Guo Liang smiled and said:

“I only realized when I got here that this is the old Bright Machinery Factory site.”

Xu Chen replied casually, “The Bright Factory was acquired by my dad’s Chenfeng Technology, and we’ve just finished renovating part of the grounds.”

Guo Liang’s guess was confirmed, and he couldn’t help but feel surprised:

“I had no idea ‘Little Xu Teacher’s’ family business was on such a large scale!”

Xu Chen: “Let me show you around, General Manager Guo. Then we can eat at our cafeteria.”

Guo Liang: “Sounds great, I’ll learn a thing or two along the way!”

…

As soon as they entered the factory grounds, they saw a bulletin board on one side of the main road with local newspapers posted on it.

They were recent news reports about Chenfeng Technology, including many photos of Xu Zhiquan with city leaders.

This bulletin board was an original setup from the Bright Factory, carrying a bit of that late-20th-century state-run factory vibe.

The latest newspapers and photos had been arranged by the administrative department’s Wu Yue.

Such internal promotions could boost the workers’ confidence and sense of pride, so Xu Zhiquan had quietly approved it.

Guo Liang stared at it for a few moments and remarked with admiration:

“I’ve been out of the loop on local news; otherwise, I would’ve sent a flower basket for your factory’s opening.”

…

In the north area, two large workshops had been remodeled into one big space.

The production line imported from Jiangsu Province was being rushed in, installed, and debugged.

Since it involved large equipment and electrical systems, safety concerns had led to fencing it off, but you could still see workers moving in and out from a distance.

And outside the workshops, big red banners hung:

[Warmly congratulate the new production line entering Chenfeng Technology!]

[Chenfeng Technology on the rise, building Tiancheng’s economic landmark!]

[Bidding farewell to past glory, welcoming a new chapter ahead!]

…

Xu Chen had invited Guo Liang over mainly to bring him into his father’s team.

Currently, Chenfeng Technology’s core team lacked a leader for market sales and channel distribution.

The original Bright Factory team was complete, but their sales group consisted of a few underperforming old employees who only handled local township relations and knew nothing about market marketing or channel distribution.

With the first electric vehicle model about to go into production, they urgently needed to build a sales and distribution team.

Overall, Guo Liang was an ideal candidate.

In a county town like Tiancheng, finding highly capable talent wasn’t easy.

After all, top talent usually headed to bigger cities.

East Morning Star Co.’s acquisition of the state-run Bright Factory had brought in some of Tiancheng’s best, like Yang Congxin and Fang Jun.

Guo Liang had worked in big cities before, handling pharmaceutical sales and channel distribution in places like Shanghai, Yangcheng, and Pengcheng.

A few years ago, due to family reasons, he returned to Tiancheng to manage the regional market.

In a way, Guo Liang was underutilized in a small place like Tiancheng, as there weren’t other mid-sized companies suitable for him.

So, in Xu Chen’s view, inviting Guo Liang to join Chenfeng Technology was a good fit for both sides.

Plus, from Gu Xinxi, he learned that Guo Liang was facing work troubles at his current pharmaceutical company due to leadership changes.

Everything seemed to align perfectly.

The only hitch might be Guo Liang’s salary.

As the regional distribution head for a pharmaceutical group, his pay was high in Tiancheng, and Chenfeng Technology’s current salary structure couldn’t match it.

The original Bright Factory workers’ pay followed state-run standards, which weren’t very high.

And Xu Zhiquan couldn’t raise salaries just for Guo Liang; that would be unfair to other managers.

Raises would come in the future, but for now, they needed to fit the company’s overall situation.

So, to attract Guo Liang, they’d have to paint a big picture and lure him with visions of the next few years.

Xu Zhiquan wasn’t a stingy boss, but promotions and raises depended on actual output and contributions.

Besides, Chenfeng Technology was still in its startup phase with heavy investments, so they couldn’t boost wages right away—at least not until products launched and revenue stabilized…

Xu Chen showed Guo Liang around the park, mainly to highlight Chenfeng Technology’s strength and future prospects.

Guo Liang was full of curiosity and asked a few questions.

Xu Chen didn’t hold back, giving him a rough overview of the company’s current state and future industry plans.

After hearing about Chenfeng Technology’s layout, Guo Liang couldn’t hide his admiration:

“It’s amazing that a county town in a prefecture-level city like Tiancheng has such forward-thinking companies and bosses.”

Xu Chen smiled and said:

“The city government is very supportive, giving us plenty of policy and even financial backing.”

Guo Liang nodded:

“Securing a state-run factory like this shows the city’s support clear as day.”

Xu Chen also shared some related details with Guo Liang.

Guo Liang was full of surprise and said seriously:

“This has really opened my eyes—President Xu has a real shot at becoming Tiancheng’s richest man!”

…

At noon, Xu Chen led Guo Liang to the park’s cafeteria.

The original Bright Factory had a ‘big cafeteria’ and a ‘small cafeteria’.

The ‘big cafeteria’ was for the workers, while the factory’s managers and leaders used the ‘small one’.

After taking over, Xu Zhiquan thought the ‘small cafeteria’ setup wasn’t good for unity, so he scrapped it.

Now, all managers and leaders ate in the ‘big cafeteria’.

Accordingly, the cafeteria’s food quality improved, which won over the workers and boosted morale.

The ‘small cafeteria’ still existed but was only used occasionally for leaders or outside guests…

It was lunchtime, and the cafeteria was full of workers lining up for meals in an orderly fashion.

The Bright Factory, being a state-run operation, had a semi-military management style, so the workers’ discipline was strong.

Xu Chen and Guo Liang also lined up for their meals.

“Since the new production line isn’t in place yet, only about half the workers are here.

The others, my dad has temporarily assigned to help with the seedling projects…”

Xu Chen also briefly explained the considerations for the workers’ income.

Guo Liang nodded:

“That arrangement is spot-on—it solves the workers’ livelihood issues and fixes your seedling project labor shortages.

No wonder you got support from the city…”

He glanced around at the workers eating and continued:

“Settling hundreds of workers like this shows President Xu is truly capable.

There have been so many news stories about state-run factory reforms leading to layoffs and conflicts.”

…

Some workers recognized Xu Chen as ‘the boss’s son’ and greeted him politely.

Not sure what to call him, they followed Wu Yue’s lead and called him ‘Little President Xu’.

The two found a spot by the window for some air and sat down.

After eating a bit, Xu Chen got straight to the point.

“General Manager Guo, you probably have a good idea of our situation now.

In one or two months, our first electric vehicle product will enter production.

My dad needs a manager to oversee market sales and channel distribution…”

Guo Liang paused, a bit taken aback.

He frowned in thought and then suddenly understood.

Guo Liang was momentarily at a loss for words.

Coming from sales and having traveled extensively, he had seen all kinds of situations.

But since this involved him personally, he didn’t know how to respond right away.

Xu Chen smiled but didn’t say more, waiting for Guo Liang’s feedback.

After a moment, Guo Liang straightened up:

“‘Little Xu Teacher’ thinking so highly of me has me feeling honored…”

Xu Chen said with a smile:

“Take your time to think about it, General Manager Guo. From what I’ve seen in our time together, you’re perfect for this role.

If you’re interested, I’ll introduce you to my dad.”

I’ve outlined the company’s situation and future; you can do your own research too. No rush on this.”

Guo Liang nodded and replied:

“Your company’s future looks promising to me.

After hearing your analysis on the electric vehicle trends, I completely agree.

With President Xu securing the Bright Factory and all that city support, it’s got a solid foundation—not starting from scratch.

Plus, I really admire ‘Little Xu Teacher’s’ skills and insight…”

He paused:

“It’s just that I’ve been in the pharmaceutical industry for over a decade or two, so switching careers gives me some hesitation.

I do need to think it over…”

Xu Chen: “No problem, General Manager Guo, take your time.

But try to give me an answer soon…

My dad’s already scouting for sales and channel managers in the provincial capital, and I don’t want the position to fill up.”

By saying this, Xu Chen hinted that Chenfeng Technology had other candidates, adding a bit of pressure.

It wasn’t about begging him to join but presenting it as a mutual choice.

People make decisions faster under pressure.

Of course, Xu Chen wasn’t manipulating him—it was genuinely a great opportunity.

Guo Liang knew that deep down.

But it was sudden, and giving up his built-up network in pharmaceuticals would take some weighing.

…

After leaving the cafeteria, Xu Chen took Guo Liang for more walks around the park.

Now that Guo Liang knew about the job offer, his mindset had clearly shifted as they strolled.

They reached the area near the comprehensive building.

Nearby stood a two-story building that used to be the Bright Factory’s small exhibition hall, showcasing its ‘glorious history’.

Now, the first floor was cleared out, with workers busy renovating it.

Xu Chen explained:

“Do you remember Fang Jun? You met her last time at Jinfeng Business Tower.”

Guo Liang thought for a moment: “Oh, the young woman President Xu interviewed?”

Xu Chen: “Fang Jun is now our company’s financial manager.

She’s taken a liking to drinking lately…

We’re turning this first floor into a small bar, and she’ll manage it—sort of her personal hobby.”

Guo Liang chuckled: “I see.”

In his mind, he thought, they could do that here…

With a big factory, they could afford such whims.

…

Xu Chen led Guo Liang into the comprehensive building.

They ran into Yang Congxin leading a tech team meeting, so they stopped to say hello.

Fang Jun was at Jinfeng Business Tower today, and the finance team greeted Xu Chen politely.

Xu Chen took Guo Liang to the reception room, where they brewed some Pu’er tea and chatted leisurely.

“Do you smoke, General Manager Guo? My dad keeps some good cigarettes here.”

Guo Liang said with a smile:

“I’ve quit.”

After sipping some tea and pausing, he spoke up:

“Little President Xu, I’ve made up my mind—I’m very interested in the position at your company.”

…

Xu Chen laughed and poured him half a cup of hot tea:

“In that case, stick around a bit longer today, General Manager Guo. My dad’s out at the work site but will be back soon.

I’ll introduce you directly to him.”

…

…

In the evening, Xu Chen stepped out of the comprehensive building alone.

Xu Zhiquan had returned to the factory, and Xu Chen had already reintroduced Guo Liang to him; they were deep in discussion now.

It was best to let ‘President Xu’ handle the job details.

As a boss, Xu Zhiquan had a certain charisma, so Xu Chen wasn’t worried about him winning Guo Liang over.

Besides, Guo Liang was facing issues at his current job, and since he’d expressed clear interest, the deal was almost sealed.

His joining would be crucial for Chenfeng Technology.

Future product sales and channel distribution needed a strong manager in charge—that area was still lacking.

Theoretically, Xu Chen could handle it himself.

But as ‘Little President Xu,’ he had to go to Shanghai for school, and besides, he just wanted to be a laid-back rich kid—he didn’t want to work that hard.

Staying behind the scenes and directing from afar was tiring enough…

As he wandered down from the comprehensive building, his phone suddenly rang.

Answering it, he saw it was from administrative manager Wu Yue.

“Little President Xu, you haven’t left yet?”

Xu Chen: “Not yet, Yue Jie, what’s up?”

Wu Yue: “There’s an idle Nissan Teana in the factory; President Xu said you can take it for now.”

Xu Chen laughed: “Great, thanks, Yue Jie!”

In no time, Wu Yue came out of the comprehensive building and handed him the keys:

“It’s in the parking area by the gate, the black Nissan Teana.”

Xu Chen: “How’d we end up with an extra car?”

Wu Yue explained:

“It was the former deputy director Jin Guiyuan’s company car. It’s fairly new, so we didn’t sell it.

We originally assigned it to Director Yang.

But he lives in the workers’ apartments next door and walks to work every day.

Plus, he hasn’t driven in years and isn’t comfortable with it, so he returned it.

President Xu said since you’re starting school in September, you can use this car this month…”

Xu Chen: “Got it, thanks again, Yue Jie!”

Wu Yue smiled: “No need to be so formal, Little President Xu!”

…

Xu Chen took the keys and headed to the parking area.

He felt pretty happy—this was a perk of being ‘Little President Xu,’ right?

Just as he reached the parking area, a white Audi A3 pulled in and parked.

The door opened, and out stepped Fang Jun.

With a straight face, Fang Jun said:

“You’re here—quick, help me unload the wine!”

Xu Chen: “…”