Chapter 23: A Wager

As soon as these words were spoken, many people turned their heads in unison. Yuan Junfeng was quick to seize the moment, and others followed his lead, jeering along. Deep down, they still believed that Shen Guodong was nothing more than a loafer. He hadn’t done anything particularly impressive on the production line; he merely made a few minor changes to some screws and other parts. Anyone could have done that, they thought.

So, fundamentally, they didn’t truly respect Shen Guodong—especially considering he used to be bullied by some of them. Now, he was being promoted above them, and they would have to address him as "Director Shen" in the future. The thought left them deeply uncomfortable, unable to accept such a turn of events.

Everyone stared expectantly, hoping the leaders would provide an explanation. This was exactly what Wang Chenliang had hoped for. He wore a mysterious smile; Shen Guodong thought that refusing him would guarantee peace, but Wang Chenliang felt the young man was naïve. He was not someone to be trifled with. Shen Guodong had made an enemy of him and had, in effect, kicked an iron plate.

This was human nature: when someone took the lead, others would always follow, making trouble without real reason.

“Yes, Director,” someone called out, “though Shen Guodong has contributed to the factory, you can’t show such favoritism by placing him directly in such an important position. One incompetent soldier leads to a nest of incompetence. If Shen Guodong isn’t qualified, it will affect the factory’s overall development strategy. How can that be allowed?”

“Exactly! Director, this decision must not be made hastily. It concerns all our futures!”

“Director, please reconsider before making the appointment. There’s no room for any carelessness in such matters.”

Many voices echoed these sentiments, reminding the directors that popular opinion mattered. The factory leaders were forced to consider the situation carefully; they hadn’t expected such a strong reaction from the staff. The outcome was certainly beyond their expectations.

Though Shen Guodong wasn’t particularly concerned about the position of director, hearing so many people question his qualifications left him deeply dissatisfied. They called him incompetent? What a joke! He could confidently claim to be the second most suitable for the role, and no one would dare claim to be first.

Smiling, Shen Guodong looked at the noisy crowd, “You say I’m not suitable? Then tell me, who is more qualified for this position?”

His question stumped them. The previous person in charge of the project, Hu Mingyuan, had been dismissed for dereliction of duty. Under his management, the factory suffered huge losses—could anyone seriously argue he was more qualified? In fact, Shen Guodong had perfectly remedied Hu Mingyuan’s mistakes. Who else could claim to be more suitable?

“Shen Guodong, you may have discovered the production line’s major flaw and fixed it, but I think you just got lucky. You say you’re fit for the position? Don’t you find that laughable?” Yuan Junfeng sneered, looking at Shen Guodong with disdain.

Yuan Junfeng considered himself superior to Shen Guodong, but no matter the field—work or otherwise—Shen Guodong had surpassed him. Naturally, this bred resentment. Now that an opportunity had finally presented itself, Yuan Junfeng wouldn’t let it slip by. He was the type to seize any chance to stomp others down.

“I believe I’m suitable. Whether you think so or not is your concern. The factory leadership has already issued its appointment. Do you think you can influence their decision? Who’s really in charge here? Or have you long harbored ambitions to usurp authority?” Shen Guodong retorted coldly, refusing to back down.

He knew words alone wouldn’t earn people’s respect. To convince others, one needed action, not just talk.

“If you don’t believe me, why don’t we make a bet?” Shen Guodong said, smiling.

“What do you want to bet? How?” Yuan Junfeng asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Shen Guodong smiled, “Let’s bet on whether I’m fit for the position. I guarantee that within three months, I’ll double the factory’s profits. If I fail, I’ll resign voluntarily, and you’ll receive a reward of one thousand yuan. If I prove myself, your family’s plot of wasteland will be sold to me below market price—about one thousand yuan.”

Shen Guodong wasn’t just talking; he was confident. As for why he wanted Yuan Junfeng’s family’s land, it was because the authorities would soon announce a change in development strategy, causing all local plots to soar in value. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the real estate market was booming, and Shen Guodong wanted to accumulate land—whether for sudden wealth from demolition or for personal use.

He cared deeply about this aspect. Real estate had grown wildly for decades, like unchecked weeds, until around 2015, when the rapid growth slowed and prices stabilized in some cities. If memory served, Yuan Junfeng’s family became rich overnight thanks to that land, prompting him to resign from the factory.

Shen Guodong had envied him, but now that Yuan Junfeng was offering an opportunity, he was determined to seize it. He believed Yuan Junfeng’s personality would ensure he accepted the bet.

Looking at the land’s current value, it was far from being worth much; the market price was about two thousand yuan, and buying it for one thousand yuan seemed reasonable. Since it was a bet, Yuan Junfeng would surely agree.

“You want to bet with me?” Yuan Junfeng laughed, scoffing at Shen Guodong’s words.

Three months to double the factory’s profits? He had no idea how difficult it was to improve a factory’s performance so quickly. What abilities did Shen Guodong possess to accomplish such a feat? It was laughable.

With utter disdain, Yuan Junfeng nonetheless readily accepted the challenge.