Siheyuan: Starting from the driver

Chapter 722 Appointed as Deputy Section Chief in a Time of Crisis

A massive crackdown lasted for six days before finally coming to a close amidst devastation.

More than ten once-powerful leading cadres have been either imprisoned and had their futures ruined, or dismissed and investigated.

In short, none of them could be resolved peacefully.

The workers were delighted by the crackdown, finding excitement to watch every day and witnessing the steel mill's atmosphere improve.

However, with fewer people, the steel rolling mill encountered many problems in its operation: orders could not be issued, raw material supplies were not timely, and finished product warehousing was chaotic.
Several leaders held a small meeting.

Secretary Wang spoke first: "In several core workshops, either the workshop director or the deputy director has a problem, and many workshops were almost unable to operate."

"There is a serious shortage of middle-level managers in departments such as the technical department, supply department, and logistics department. Old Yang is about done for. The factory still needs to be transferred."

Li Huaide nodded heavily: "There's a lot of anxiety about ideological work right now. Everyone's afraid to do anything, for fear of making a mistake."

Director Yang nodded. In this purge, no one is a winner.

People were arrested in both the production workshop and the logistics management.

Secretary Wang chimed in, "Old Yang, this is about the end of the matter. The factory still has a bunch of orders to fulfill."

Secretary Wang's words still carry some weight.

Factory Director Yang nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you. Let's stop here."

Director Yang felt he had done enough, having removed many corrupt officials. The remaining cases were not so serious, and he had already held talks and issued warnings as needed.

"Shouldn't we take down those complaint boxes too? It'll save us from creating more panic," Li Huaide suggested.

Factory Director Yang glanced at Li Huaide. This purge had resulted in a slightly larger number of people being arrested, which was a significant blow to him.

But simply demolishing them wouldn't do; this cleanup effort yielded significant results for Director Yang.

“We can’t demolish them all. We have to leave a few places for the workers to report. So, we’ll leave three or five places and demolish the rest.”

“I think it’s a good idea,” Secretary Wang replied.

Even Secretary Wang had made up his mind, so Li Huaide couldn't say anything more. They couldn't demolish everything, so the effect wasn't great, but at least there was something.

Director Yang added, "The complaint box has been removed, but this is not the end of the matter. We must improve the thinking of our leading cadres and prevent this unhealthy trend from resurfacing."

“That’s right, but the most urgent thing is to find people to fill the vacant positions and get the factory up and running again,” Secretary Wang said, looking at Li Huaide.

"Logistics should be easy to handle, right?"

Li Huaide nodded: "It's alright. There are some people in each department who can temporarily fill in for a while. I plan to see if they can handle it. If they can, they can take over."

"If someone can't do it, we'll find a way to replace them."

Secretary Wang nodded: "It would be best if they could take over. Deputy Factory Director Li, please keep an eye on them during this period. Although these people were appointed in a time of crisis, their salaries and ranks will definitely not be changed for the time being."

"However, the positions are still there. After this difficult period, there will be rewards based on merit. Those who are close to the source will be the first to be considered."

Secretary Wang's words were both reassurance and encouragement, and also served as a heads-up for Li Kailang.

Don't assume that all the vacant positions are "pre-selected." The people currently temporarily in charge have priority.

Don't try to betray us after we've served our purpose.

Li Huaide's mind raced, and he understood Secretary Wang's unspoken message.

Among the key figures in his logistics department who were "purged" this time, many were his trusted lieutenants.

Secretary Wang's words, to some extent, were a way of limiting his ability to "arrange" for his own people, but they also presented an opportunity to cultivate good relations with them.

"Secretary Wang is right. The difficulties are temporary. Those comrades who can persevere have proven their abilities, and the factory will naturally give them important positions in the future. I will keep an eye on logistics to ensure there are no major problems."

"What about production?" Secretary Wang finally shifted his gaze from Li Huaide back to Factory Director Yang, for this was the most important thing at the moment.

Factory Director Yang's face darkened. "There's a bit of trouble here, but it's not too serious. Let the senior workers in the workshop take over temporarily. They have solid skills and their authority can keep the people below in check."

"Let them take the lead and stabilize production. They are familiar with the production line and know the people well. They can solve most of the technical problems."

"For routine management and scheduling, let them handle it for now. Although the management may be a bit rough, as long as production is guaranteed and the processes are running smoothly, there shouldn't be any major safety incidents."

Secretary Wang nodded. "It's good that you have an idea. Let the Organization Department issue a formal 'temporary person in charge' announcement later. Post it in black and white on paper so it's more legitimate."

At this point, Secretary Wang looked at Director Yang, Li Huaide, and other factory leaders, and said seriously:
"This is ultimately a stopgap measure. It can't last too long. These experienced workers have limited energy, and management isn't their forte. If it goes on too long, chaos will ensue. You need to find capable core personnel who can handle the job long-term as soon as possible."

Several people nodded.

Factory Director Yang had an idea: "I do have an idea, but I don't know if it's feasible. I plan to temporarily transfer Li Kailang from the transportation team to the materials department to serve concurrently."

"Li Kailang? That college student from our factory who attended night school?" Secretary Wang thought for a moment.

Factory Director Yang nodded: "That's right, it's him. This time, the Materials Department has such a big problem. The former deputy director was also found to have problems, and the director is now overwhelmed with work."

“He has to manage the procurement and supply of raw materials, coordinate with the workshop, and deal with inspections from above. He simply can’t handle it all. I plan to put him in charge of coordinating with the workshop.”

“Although Li Kailang has not yet graduated, he has excellent academic performance and his technical skills are even better. He can make level 8 workpieces and can detect material problems. I believe he is fully capable of taking on this responsibility.”

"This Li Kailang is that capable?" Secretary Wang exclaimed in shock. He hadn't been paying attention for a long time. "Wait, you're saying he can make level eight workpieces? You're not kidding, are you?"

Factory Director Yang nodded emphatically: "I'm not kidding!"

After saying that, he took out an eighth-grade workpiece from a large cabinet next to him: "Look, this was made by someone else and has been kept here with me."

"Good lad! He's so amazing? How old is he to be able to make a level eight workpiece?" Secretary Wang exclaimed in amazement.

Li Huaide frowned as he looked at the level 8 workpiece. He hadn't expected Li Kailang to be so capable.
After observing for a while, Secretary Wang said, "This is a real talent. It's a waste to leave him in the materials department. Wouldn't it be better to put him in the workshop? That would make the most of his abilities."

Factory Director Yang quickly stopped him: "No, he's been preparing for his graduation exams for the past two months. Sending him to the workshop would only distract him and affect his graduation."

"Sending him to the materials department is enough; he can be specifically responsible for keeping a close eye on the raw material supply!"

"Section Chief Qian is responsible for purchasing raw materials and dealing with those relationships with higher-ups. He is in charge of the tiring work of coordinating and expediting deliveries, verifying warehousing, and communicating with the workshops. He is also responsible for checking whether the raw materials are up to standard."

"Give him some responsibilities to see if he can handle it; it's also a way of testing him in advance."

Secretary Wang thought for a moment and nodded: "Okay, so what position do you plan to give him?"

"Temporarily acting as deputy section chief."

“Deputy section chief? Director Yang, it’s not in accordance with the rules to send a driver to temporarily serve as deputy section chief, is it?” Li Huaide said.

This promotion is incredibly fast, even though it's just an acting position.

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures," Factory Director Yang said in a deep voice. "Now is not the time for seniority! The supply of materials is our lifeline; we cannot afford to waste a single second!"

"This Li Kailang used to be a driver, and he's also a college graduate. He's quick-witted, hardworking, bold, and meticulous."

"Most importantly, after he graduates, I plan to recruit him into the technical department and train him to become an engineer. Right now, it's just a process of getting acquainted and understanding him in advance."

"Old Yang, I didn't expect you to think so highly of him?" Secretary Wang said.

Director Yang nodded emphatically: "Secretary Wang, you know Li Kailang's achievements. He made an invention before he even became a college student, and now he can make level eight workpieces." "Besides, the ministry has been slow to send college students down, so we have to train our own people. Now is the time to test our results."

"Okay, we'll do it your way."

Secretary Wang agreed, and Li Huaide said nothing, but simply kept Li Kailang's name in mind.

An insignificant person who had previously gone unnoticed has now made the list.

But that's all. He has a ton of other things to deal with right now and doesn't have time to pay attention to this.

Besides, Li Kailang alone is unlikely to pose a threat to him.

"Alright, that's enough for now. You can decide the specific arrangements yourselves. I only have one request: make sure the steel rolling mill continues to operate smoothly."

"Yes, Secretary."

"Attention all workers, we have an urgent announcement to make."

The broadcast announced the selection of a senior worker to temporarily take charge of the workshop.

Most workers had no objection to the senior technician being appointed as the temporary director.

While broadcasting, Director Yang also called Li Kailang and Section Chief Qian in for a talk.

First, talk to Section Chief Qian, then talk to Li Kailang.

"Xiao Li, I'm thinking of having you temporarily take over as deputy head of the Materials Department. Head Qian is too busy dealing with problems from all sides."

"I hereby appoint you as acting deputy section chief to assist Section Chief Qian and be specifically responsible for ensuring the supply of raw materials! Liaise with the workshop and check whether the raw materials are up to standard."

"So? Are you confident?"

The sudden news caught Li Kailang completely off guard, leaving him no time to react.

Connecting with the workshop, coordinating and communicating, managing and scheduling—these are all areas Li Kailang has never been involved in before, so how could he have confidence?

Li Kailang almost instinctively refused, but just as he was about to say it, he immediately realized the problem.

Since Director Yang came to us, he must have considered the problem.

"Director Yang, don't worry, I will do my best!"

"Good! Very good!" Factory Director Yang smiled with satisfaction: "I thought you would refuse, but I didn't expect you to agree. It's really unexpected."

Section Chief Qian, who was standing to the side, was equally surprised; he had also thought that Li Kailang would refuse.

Getting back to the main point, Director Yang continued, "Li Kailang, as you've seen these past few days, our factory has been really serious and has dealt with quite a few people. Now is a time when everything needs to be rebuilt."

"The factory has high hopes for you. You have skills and knowledge, and you are a pillar that our steel rolling mill will cultivate for the future. This is a test, but also a rare opportunity."

"During your temporary tenure as deputy director, you will be mainly responsible for liaising with the workshop. Other matters will be handled by Section Chief Qian. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Section Chief Qian."

"Of course, the most important thing is not to let this affect your studies. Your most important thing is to graduate. As long as there are no problems with the materials science department, everything will be fine."

Having said all that, what else could Li Kailang not understand? Even if he made a mistake, Director Yang would cover for him.

Section Chief Qian, watching from the side, couldn't help but feel envious.

"I understand, Director Yang. I guarantee I will complete the task! I will do my best to familiarize myself with the work as soon as possible and work with Section Chief Qian to streamline the material supply."

Li Kailang's voice was not loud, but it was exceptionally clear.

Factory Director Yang finally showed a hint of satisfaction on his stern face: "Good! That's the spirit I'm looking for! Section Chief Qian, you and Xiao Li will take over the specific tasks from now on."

"You personally show him around the work in the Materials Department, especially the warehouse! Starting tomorrow, Li Kailang's desk will be set up in the Materials Department!"

"You don't need to go to the transport team for now. I'll have you go to the transport team and tell your master later."

"Yes." Li Kailang nodded.

Section Chief Qian nodded repeatedly.

Immediately, Section Chief Qian took Li Kailang to the Materials Department.

Stepping through the door, a complex smell, a mixture of paper, ink, rust, and even a faint trace of coal ash, hits you.

The office has more than a dozen desks, most of which are empty.

The remaining staff members all wore complicated expressions when they saw Li Kailang enter.

There was curiosity, scrutiny, and skepticism.
Section Chief Qian clapped his hands to attract attention: "Let me introduce you all! This is Comrade Li Kailang, personally appointed by Factory Director Yang to temporarily act as the Deputy Section Chief of our Materials Section!"

"Deputy Section Chief Li is mainly responsible for coordinating the workshop's material needs and ensuring the technical qualification of raw materials upon entry into the warehouse! Everyone welcomes him!"

clap clap-

Sparse and uneven applause broke out.

The group looked at the unfamiliar Li Kailang and whispered among themselves, seemingly asking who this person was. Could he be a relative of Factory Director Yang? Or was he transferred from some workshop?
Everyone's mouth speaks louder than gold.

Section Chief Qian, too lazy to explain further, looked at Li Kailang and said, "Deputy Section Chief Li, shall we go take a look at the warehouse?"

"Thank you for your help, Section Chief Qian." Li Kailang nodded.

Then he took him to see the warehouse.

Inside the enormous warehouse, there were all sorts of raw materials: black coal piled up like small mountains, steel plates gleaming with a cold metallic sheen, and various scraps whose names I couldn't recall.
The air was filled with a strange smell of rust, grease, dust, and dampness.

Section Chief Qian mainly took Li Kailang to see the raw materials in the docking workshop.

After inspecting all the raw materials, Section Chief Qian said, "Deputy Section Chief Li, these raw materials are the core assets of our Materials Department in conjunction with the workshop."

"Your responsibilities are heavy. From now on, you'll be in charge of coordinating frontline needs in the workshop, expediting material collection, verifying and controlling incoming materials, and especially the technical qualification checks before warehousing. You'll be leading this effort!"

"Section Chief Qian, you flatter me. I will do my best," Li Kailang replied in a deep voice.

"Good, it's good that you have this spirit." Section Chief Qian seemed relieved.
"Let's go back to the office. The bills should be ready for you. Let's start by looking at the bills and familiarize ourselves with the process."

"I'll do whatever you say."

Section Chief Qian led Li Kailang back to his office. Several employees were still whispering among themselves, but as soon as they saw the two return, they immediately shut up.

"What are you all standing there for? Get back to work! You there, go and get the ledgers from the docking workshop for Deputy Section Chief Li to see."

"Yes!" a young man immediately replied, turning around to get the bill.

As for the others, they all left the office.

"You flatter me, Deputy Section Chief Li," Section Chief Qian said with a forced smile.

Li Kailang remained expressionless. As soon as he received the bill, he immediately began working. It was still early, so it was good to familiarize himself with the work as soon as possible.

(End of this chapter)