Chapter 10: The Reserve Cadre

“According to Director Ma Jian’s original plan, you were to be credited as the chief contributor in this batch of frame reworks. You’re also very familiar with the technical aspects, making communication with the Four Rams Group’s technical team much more efficient. The idea was to wait for you to return to work before setting out.”

Mu Aijun turned to look at Wang Youchang and said, “Director Wang’s view is that there’s no need to trouble you with delivery matters. After all, you’re a technician; your efforts are better spent serving technical and production needs.”

As Mu Aijun finished, Wang Youchang added, “That’s right, Guoyang, you’ve come at just the right time. The three of us were just discussing how best to reward you.”

“According to Director Mu, you were to be promoted directly to Deputy Section Chief of the Technical Department. But since you haven’t been here long, and your promotion would be based solely on a few suggestions, it might seem a bit rushed. We must also consider how our senior colleagues might feel.”

“You’re such a capable young man that you’ll surely shoulder great responsibilities in the factory one day. Don’t be concerned about immediate gains or losses—steadiness and diligence will let you soar higher. Who knows, in a few years you might surpass us old-timers…”

Zhao Guoyang quietly noted that as Wang Youchang spoke, there was only encouragement in his gaze, no trace of envy. This earned Zhao’s respect for this somewhat old-fashioned, upright cadre.

He couldn’t help but reflect: in this era, there are so many cadres like Wang Youchang. It is their silent dedication and selfless contribution that have laid the foundation for this country’s rise.

“Guoyang, although after our discussion we can’t give you the deputy section chief title for now and can only announce you as a reserve cadre, we’ll definitely raise your position salary by one grade. You can rest assured of that,” Mu Aijun said apologetically.

“Director, you’re too kind. I understand completely. In fact, I’m already very content with things as they are,” Zhao Guoyang replied calmly, unfazed by praise or blame.

These words came from his heart. A salary increase wasn’t just an extra twenty yuan—bonuses and benefits would rise as well, which was what really mattered.

Of course, while Zhao was pleased, he wasn’t exactly overjoyed. Twenty yuan might seem a lot to ordinary workers or minor cadres, but his ambitions lay elsewhere.

If he were to settle for just a bit more salary, his rebirth would have been for nothing.

Seeing his composed and collected reaction, the three leaders nodded discreetly, convinced they had chosen the right man.

“Oh, there’s one more thing!” Mu Aijun suddenly remembered, hurriedly pulling a kraft envelope from the drawer and handing it to Zhao Guoyang.

“Guoyang, in recognition of your outstanding contribution to the Four Rams Group frame project, Director Ma, Director Wang, and I have unanimously decided to award you a material bonus,” Mu Aijun said with a smile.

“This five hundred yuan may not be a fortune, but it represents the factory’s recognition and encouragement. Please accept it.”

Indeed, effort is always rewarded. The director was clearly a straightforward man. Zhao first thanked the three directors before accepting the envelope.

Watching his unruffled demeanor, Ma Jian grew increasingly fond of him. “Very good, Guoyang. In just a few months you’ve already found your stride—you’re nothing like a recent graduate.”

“By the way, you’re here to report back early from leave, aren’t you? Perfect. Get ready this afternoon, and tonight you’ll join me on the train to Yangcheng for a business trip.”

“You must come along for this delivery. Otherwise, if I go alone and they ask technical questions, I won’t be able to answer.”

“Director Ma, I don’t mind the business trip, but if we're taking the train, what about the frames?” Zhao Guoyang asked, puzzled.

“Don’t worry about the frames. I’ve arranged for a large truck to transport the goods. If they drive through the night, they’ll probably get there even before we do!” Ma Jian replied nonchalantly.

Seeing Mu Aijun nod in agreement, Zhao turned to Wang Youchang and said, “Director Wang, I’ll accompany Director Ma on this trip. Is that all right with you?”

Zhao asked out of respect for his direct supervisor.

Sure enough, after his question, Wang Youchang’s expression softened considerably.

“Yes, Director Ma already discussed it with me. Go ahead, and be careful on the road,” Wang Youchang said kindly.

“I’ll check the workshop for anything that needs attention, then wait for your instructions, Director Ma!” Zhao bid farewell to the three leaders.

“Old Wang, the more I see of your protégé, the more I like him. Tell me, how about you let me have him?” Ma Jian sighed after Zhao left.

“What do you mean, ‘protégé’? Director Mu just said that Guoyang is now a reserve cadre for our factory, on the verge of a formal appointment. You can’t just transfer him at will, can you, Director?” Wang Youchang seized the chance to rib Ma Jian.

Mu Aijun only smiled without speaking.

Ma Jian was briefly stunned before chuckling wryly. “So you were waiting for me all along, old Wang!”

Wang Youchang shot Ma Jian a glare, though in his heart he was already pondering ways to dissuade him from poaching his staff.

Back in the workshop, Zhao Guoyang felt as if he’d stirred up a hornet’s nest. The workers all greeted him warmly, congratulating him on becoming a reserve cadre and his wage increase.

Workshop workers were the most straightforward; they always spoke their minds and never hid anything. Though Zhao hadn’t been at Hongda Machinery Factory long, he often discussed production issues with these masters and learned from them with humility, which made them fond of him as well.

To these honest craftsmen, Zhao could only nod in response, without any hint of pride.

Seeing Zhao made red-faced by everyone’s teasing, Liu Linzhi, head of the welding team, came over with a laugh to rescue him.

“Hey, do you all still want a celebratory cigarette from Xiao Zhao for his promotion? If so, settle down and let the man get on with his work!”

“Well, you said it, Team Leader Liu. If Xiao Zhao doesn’t give us at least two packs, we’ll come to you for them!” the workers joked.

Liu Linzhi laughed and handed out cigarettes to everyone, finally giving Zhao a break.

“Master Liu, I’ll buy two packs of Hongta Mountain for you next time so you can share with the others,” Zhao said, patting his empty pocket—he’d come in such a rush he hadn’t brought any cigarettes.

“That’s all right, Guoyang, don’t stand on ceremony. These guys are just joking around. You’re a fresh graduate; you should be saving up for a wife. Every bit helps,” Liu replied.

“Come, I’ll take you to the Technical Department. There’s something I need to consult you about!” Liu clapped Zhao on the shoulder.

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