Chapter 85 No Need for Special Treatment

Because Zhao Guoyang wanted a large quantity, Boss Wang quickly reached an agreement with him, offering direct delivery. One ton of S50C spring steel, at a price ten percent lower than the market rate. In truth, Zhao Guoyang knew that even at this price, Boss Wang would still make a profit. But in business, you can’t expect people not to earn anything.

Moreover, Boss Wang agreed to deliver to the door, which greatly saved Zhao Guoyang’s time. Once a fixed routine was established, at least the issue of material transportation would no longer be a worry for the future.

After settling things with Boss Wang, Zhao Guoyang pondered for a moment. Since the business hadn’t officially started yet, it was better to inform Director Mu. If Director Mu found out on his own later, the situation would be entirely different and he might develop some opinions about Zhao Guoyang.

Arriving at the director’s office, Zhao Guoyang knocked and entered. Upon seeing him, Mu Aijun smiled, “Guoyang, you’ve come at just the right time. I was about to send someone to look for you.”

“Ah? Director, what do you need me for?” Zhao Guoyang asked, a bit confused.

Seeing his genuine expression, Mu Aijun paused. He picked up a box of hard-brand Zhonghua cigarettes from the desk, pulled one out, and tossed it to Zhao Guoyang. “My issue isn’t urgent. You go ahead and tell me about yours first.”

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Zhao Guoyang briefly mentioned his collaboration with a friend to start a small workshop. Before he had finished, Mu Aijun waved it off dismissively.

“Hey, Guoyang, you don’t need to report such trivial matters. It’s just a small workshop with no competitive relationship to our factory—why would I stop you?”

“To be honest, I already know your capabilities. It’s unfair for you to be limited to the factory’s fixed salary. Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t stand in your way.” Mu Aijun stated directly.

Hearing Mu Aijun’s words, Zhao Guoyang was quietly moved. Director Mu was a person of genuine character, always thinking of others.

Zhao Guoyang then explained that the workshop might be registered under his name, sharing his difficulties as well.

“I understand. The Industry and Commerce Bureau and the Tax Bureau offer preferential policies for college graduates starting businesses. Anyway, your workshop isn’t registered in Ninghai City, so it won’t have any impact,” Mu Aijun mused.

Zhao Guoyang hadn’t expected Director Mu to be so accommodating. With just a few words, the problem was neatly resolved.

But that wasn’t all. Hearing that Zhao Guoyang’s workshop was still being planned and hadn’t been registered with the relevant bureaus, Mu Aijun added, “Guoyang, this is a good thing. I’ll make a call in a moment to pave the way for you. The director of Jianghai County’s Industry and Commerce Bureau is an old comrade of mine—it’s just a matter of a word…”

Mu Aijun’s enthusiasm left Zhao Guoyang momentarily speechless.

Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s gratitude written all over his face, Mu Aijun chuckled, “Guoyang, let me be frank with you. Old Ma has already told me in detail about your performance at Siyang Group.”

“A talent like you—we’re determined to keep you, and we’ll train you as the factory’s future successor. As long as you don’t do anything that goes against principle or is too outrageous, the three of us old fellows will have your back!”

With Director Mu speaking so candidly, Zhao Guoyang immediately assured him, “Director Mu, please be assured. As long as the factory doesn’t dismiss me, I’ll always be dedicated to shining for the factory. You, Director Ma, and Director Wang have all looked after me so well—I am truly grateful.”

Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s sincere emotion, Mu Aijun nodded quietly, then changed the subject, “Alright, let’s not get sentimental here. You’ve finished your business, so let’s talk about mine.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Guoyang straightened up, sitting upright and attentive.

Mu Aijun waved his hand, “Don’t be nervous, it’s nothing bad. It’s about the housing allocation.”

Seeing Zhao Guoyang relax, Mu Aijun knew he must have heard about it.

Yet Mu Aijun was curious, “Guoyang, since you know about it, why haven’t you come to discuss it with me? Just this morning, my office has received no fewer than twenty people over this matter…”

Zhao Guoyang replied honestly, “Director Mu, to be honest, I’ve never put much weight on the housing issue. After all, I haven’t been in the factory long. Being able to get a sixty-square-meter unit is already a pleasant surprise. There’s really no need to compete further…”

After Zhao Guoyang finished, Mu Aijun was taken aback.

As a leader, his sense of duty was high, but not to the extent of disregarding his own benefits. For Zhao Guoyang, so young, to possess such magnanimity and composure was truly admirable.

Thinking of this, Mu Aijun decided not to beat around the bush.

He leaned back in his chair with a cheerful smile. “Well, I’ve discussed it with Old Ma and Old Wang. This time, the factory will build six units of 120 square meters each.”

“Besides the three of us, Party Secretary Zhang gets one, and Union Chairman Lian Hongjun gets one… The last one, we plan to give to you.”

Zhao Guoyang was completely caught off guard by this news and was stunned after hearing it.

After a moment, he scratched his head bashfully. “Director Mu, I really don’t need any special treatment.”

“In fact, my family lives in the suburbs of Jianghai County, and the house is quite spacious. I plan to expand it later, maybe add a second floor. As long as I have a place in Ninghai City, there’s no need for such a large unit…”

The honest young man before him made Mu Aijun like him even more.

He waved his hand, “Hey, this decision has already been made by us factory leaders. Zhang and Lian Hongjun both strongly supported my proposal. Especially Zhang—I didn’t expect him to know your situation so well and speak so highly of you.”

The Zhang Mu Aijun referred to was, of course, Zhang Zhizhong, the Party Secretary of Hongda Machinery Factory. Secretary Zhang had recently been attending training in Jinling, so he hadn’t had many opportunities to meet Zhao Guoyang.

Zhao Guoyang was puzzled as to why Secretary Zhang would speak up for him. He didn’t think his character was so outstanding as to win support from someone he barely knew.

“Alright, now that you’ve been told, just let go of your worries and devote yourself fully to your work. Right now, you’re carrying the technical department.”

“The appointment letter for your position as head of the technical department has already been drafted by the factory—it will be announced after the New Year,” Mu Aijun indicated to the pile of documents beside him.

Zhao Guoyang was more than willing to accept the appointment as head of the technical department.

He nodded, promising to quickly move on to the next phase of work and deliver the fifty C100 frames for Siyang Group.

Seeing Zhao Guoyang’s confidence, the smile on Mu Aijun’s face grew even brighter.