Chapter Twelve: Conversation

Indeed! For Shen Guodong, it made no difference who held the title of factory director. Whoever sat in the official position would not impact him any further. Yet, this was the factory where he had worked for countless years; to see it thrive was naturally something Shen Guodong welcomed. But if the factory were handed over to Wang Chenliang, things would certainly not go so smoothly. That was not what Shen Guodong wished to see.

Whatever else could be said about Wang Chenliang as a person, he was undoubtedly not someone who got things done. He was adept at currying favor and flattery, a master of ingratiation. The higher-ups were always pleased by his clever words, though he had no true talent and was instead given to empty ostentation. If the factory fell into such hands, its decline was all but inevitable. In just a few years, it would surely begin to falter.

Many workers had devoted their entire lives to this factory. Its fortunes affected the livelihoods of their whole families. Should the factory suddenly collapse, most of the employees would find their lives upended. Shen Guodong had no choice but to treat this matter with utmost seriousness.

“Director Wang, I’m sorry. If the credit belongs to me, no one can take it; if it doesn’t, I won’t claim it as mine. I cannot accept your proposal,” Shen Guodong said.

The production line was fine—this was true. But due to translation errors, everything produced had been defective, which was also true. Thus, Shen Guodong would never seize another’s credit nor let anyone take what was rightfully his. This was his principle in dealing with people and affairs.

Upon hearing this, Wang Chenliang’s face darkened. Was this fellow an utter fool? Such a good opportunity falling into his lap was like meat dropping from the heavens, yet he outright refused it. Could you imagine such a scene? The man himself seemed to change, as if something was different about him.

Hu Mingyuan was also stunned. What was with this guy? If it were him, he would have agreed long ago, not waited until now!

“Shen Guodong, is your mind made of porridge? This is a huge accomplishment—you’ve saved the factory losses in the tens of thousands. If you stand on Director Wang’s side and he signs for you, whatever amount you request, the leadership will approve. When Director Wang recommends you for promotion, even if you loaf around every day, your salary will be more than enough. What more do you need to consider?” Hu Mingyuan was even more anxious than Shen Guodong or Wang Chenliang.

Because Shen Guodong’s stance affected whether Wang Chenliang could successfully rise to power, and if Wang Chenliang did, Hu Mingyuan would surely benefit as well. It was the classic case of “the emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is.”

“Shen Guodong, think it over carefully. I’ll do my utmost to lobby for you in the factory. Not only that, I’ll personally give you a bonus,” Wang Chenliang said, pulling out a bundle wrapped in red cloth from his drawer and placing it on the table. Judging by its thickness, it was at least a thousand yuan. Hundred-yuan notes wouldn’t be issued until April 1987, so for now, these were ten-yuan bills. Even so, it was a considerable sum.

Shen Guodong’s monthly salary was just over eighty yuan. In other words, this bundle represented nearly a year’s wages, assuming he neither ate nor drank. Most people, faced with such a fortune, would have agreed to Wang Chenliang’s offer without hesitation. But Shen Guodong was not just anyone—a gentleman does not bow for five bushels of rice. How could he betray his integrity for a mere thousand yuan?

Money lost can be earned again—but once honor is forfeited, it is gone for a lifetime. No matter how you try to make amends, it cannot be restored. Shen Guodong understood this truth with utmost clarity.

“Director Wang, I appreciate your regard for me, but please take the money back. That’s not my style. If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to my post,” said Shen Guodong, rising without a trace of hesitation and turning to leave.

This action left Wang Chenliang and Hu Mingyuan dumbfounded. What was wrong with this fellow? That was a thousand yuan—nearly a year’s wages for Shen Guodong—yet he simply walked away from it. Could you believe it?

As he departed, the office once again fell into silence. Wang Chenliang’s expression was dark and brooding. “What now? That kid really doesn’t know what’s good for him.”

Hu Mingyuan was just as surprised.

The scheme had been his idea, but he hadn’t expected Shen Guodong to be so stubborn. If persuasion wouldn’t work, force would have to be used.

“Director, that kid’s temperament is as stubborn as a mule. No need for further discussion; we’ll have to pressure him into compliance. Otherwise, if Director Xu reports this to the higher-ups, everything will be lost,” Hu Mingyuan said, his face now displaying a fierce and sinister look.

There was little need for further words. Wang Chenliang was ruthless as well—hesitation brings disaster. He made his decision on the spot.

“Hu Mingyuan, now that you’ve been dismissed by Director Xu, go take care of this matter for me. Make sure it’s clean and tidy, no mistakes. The factory will soon hold a commendation ceremony; after it ends, I think that’s the best time to act,” Wang Chenliang said coldly.

Hu Mingyuan nodded slightly. This concerned not only Wang Chenliang, but his own fate as well. He dared not be careless.

He understood the logic well; the two sat in the office, plotting. If they targeted Shen Guodong directly, it would easily arouse suspicion—a risk too great. If they failed, it could bring disaster upon themselves.

But Shen Guodong was not alone; targeting those close to him would be just as effective. Hu Mingyuan saw this clearly.

Returning to his post, Shen Guodong was questioned by Jiang Weiguo, but he brushed it off with vague words. He certainly wouldn’t go around talking about it. The leaders were sensitive—even if he had refused Wang Chenliang’s request, if word reached Director Xu, it would still be unpleasant.

What he feared most were those reckless types who saw this as an opportunity to prove their loyalty, using the incident to curry favor with the leadership. Yet the leaders’ true thoughts were beyond anyone’s guessing. In the end, such people gained nothing and were relegated to obscurity in the leaders’ minds.

Having lived two lifetimes, Shen Guodong could be called a savvy old hand. He would never make such a rookie mistake.