Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

The next morning, all the workers in the workshop of Jingcheng Mold Factory were summoned.

Lin Dong stood on a small, makeshift platform in the center of the workshop, his gaze sweeping over dozens of faces below, some curious, some indifferent, and some scrutinizing.

These are all veteran workers who have been dealing with machines for over a decade or even several decades. They are the most honest and value ability the most.

My name is Lin Dong.

He spoke, his voice not loud, but clear enough to reach everyone's ears, "Starting yesterday, I am the new boss of this factory."

Simple and straightforward.

The workshop fell silent, and everyone looked at him.

"I know what everyone's thinking—the new boss is coming, will there be layoffs? Will salaries be cut? Will there be a bunch of new rules to make things difficult for us?"

Lin Dong paused for a moment, then said, "Let me make this clear today: First, there will be no layoffs. As long as you're willing to work hard, there's a place for you here. Second, salaries will only increase, never decrease. Third, there will be rules, but they're all to ensure everyone understands their job better and earns more."

These simple words eased the tension in the shoulders of many workers.

"But there's a prerequisite,"

Lin Dong changed the subject, "What we're going to do from now on is different from before."

He picked up the two parts that were on the workbench next to him—the one Zhao Dezhu made and the one Li Guohui made during yesterday's competition.

"Both of these were made by machines in our factory."

Lin Dong held up the two parts so everyone could see them clearly. "The one on the left was made by Factory Director Zhao. According to the old standards, it would be considered a 'top-grade' product. The one on the right was made by Engineer Li Guohui. The yield rate is 97%."

He handed two parts to the workers in the front row: "Pass them around and take a look."

The parts were passed around among the crowd. The veteran workers squinted as they examined them closely, while the younger workers let out quiet gasps of amazement.

"In the past, our factory took orders for counterfeit mobile phones. The customers had low requirements, and our standards were also low."

Lin Dong's voice echoed in the workshop, "But from today onwards, this road has come to an end."

He put down the parts and glanced at everyone.

"What we want to make are precision structural components that even engineers from Nokia and Motorola can't find fault with. What we want to make are the metal frames, precision brackets, and high-gloss bezels that can be installed in truly high-end mobile phones in the future."

"What does this mean?"

Lin Dong's voice suddenly rose.

"This means that the standards for everyone's work need to be raised three levels! It means we can no longer have the 'good enough' mentality! It means that from today onwards, every part that leaves our factory must withstand scrutiny under a magnifying glass!"

The workshop was silent. Some were excited, some were worried, and many more were confused—could we meet such high standards?

"I know some people will be afraid, afraid that they can't do it."

Lin Dong saw through everyone's thoughts, "That's why I invited Engineer Li Guohui."

He stepped aside, gesturing for Li Guohui to come forward.

Li Guohui walked somewhat awkwardly to the edge of the platform and gave the workers a simple, honest smile.

"Li Gonghui and his technical team taught everyone the new process standards and operating methods step by step."

Lin Dong said, "If you don't know how, you can learn. If you learn slowly, you can practice more. But there's one thing—you must learn seriously and you must follow the instructions."

He paused, then looked at several veteran workers in the crowd who were clearly Zhao Dezhu's former subordinates: "Change what needs to be changed, and discard what needs to be discarded. We're not trying to make things difficult for anyone; we're trying to lead everyone to greater heights."

"Higher places mean better income."

Lin Dong finally made the most practical promise.

"The new salary scheme will be announced this afternoon—the more you do, the better you do it, the more you'll earn. There will be bonuses for exceeding the yield rate standard. There will be bonuses for mentoring new apprentices. There will be bonuses for proposing process improvement suggestions that are adopted."

A commotion arose in the crowd.

Money is always the most tangible thing.

"at last,"

Lin Dong looked at Wang Mei standing to the side and said, "Let me introduce you. Wang Mei is our factory's new acting factory manager. From now on, all matters in the factory—attendance, scheduling, purchasing, and payroll—will be handled by her."

Wang Mei stepped forward and nodded slightly to the workers.

She didn't say much, but she stood there with her back straight and her eyes clear.

That's all I have to say.

Lin Dong concluded his speech, "From today onwards, this place will no longer be called Jingcheng Mold Factory. It will be called Dongfang Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd., the first manufacturing base under 'Dongfang Technology'."

"Our goal is simple: to produce the best and most precise mobile phone structural components in the Shenzhen and Dongguan area. So that in the future, when all mobile phone manufacturers mention precision machining, the first thing they will think of is 'Dongfang Precision'."

"Do you have confidence?"

After a brief silence, several young workers shouted first, "Yes!"

Gradually, the shouts grew louder and louder, eventually merging into a single sound.

Lin Dong nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave the stage.

He called Li Guohui and Wang Mei to the workshop office.

"Engineer Li, Factory Manager Wang,"

Lin Dong looked at the couple and said, "I'm leaving this place to you. Engineer Li will be in charge of technology and production, establishing process standards and building up the team. Factory Director Wang will be in charge of management and operations, setting rules and regulations and uniting the team."

He paused, then said solemnly, "If you encounter anything you can't handle, call me anytime. But make your own daily decisions. I trust you."

Li Guohui nodded vigorously, his eyes, slightly cloudy from years of focused work, now gleaming with a light of trust and entrustment: "Don't worry, President Lin, I will definitely ensure the technical aspects are handled properly."

Finally... finally I can make things properly again.

A long-lost warmth welled up in Li Guohui's heart.

No more haggling with the boss about costs, no more compromising on process standards, just focus on how to make the best product.

He had waited too long for this kind of purity.

Wang Mei, on the other hand, was much calmer. She took a deep breath and looked at Lin Dong: "President Lin, we will sort out the situation at the factory as soon as possible and give you a detailed report. Also..."

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Regarding the salary reform plan, I'll first have a private discussion with a few experienced workers this afternoon to hear their thoughts before officially announcing it. Is that alright with you?"

A hint of approval flashed in Lin Dong's eyes: "Very good, we'll do it your way. You decide the specific details, I just need the results. The team needs to be stable, efficient, and of high quality."

This is an opportunity, a tremendous opportunity. Wang Mei quickly calculated in her mind.

Her husband chose the right person, and she now has a stage to showcase her talents.

Only if they can straighten things out and achieve results here will their future be secure.

After giving his instructions, Lin Dong didn't linger and got into the car with Zheng Hao.

As the car drove away from the factory area, he saw in the rearview mirror that Li Guohui had led several experienced workers to a machine and was gesturing and explaining something.

Wang Mei, carrying her notebook, walked briskly towards the workshop office.

This husband-and-wife team, one a tech enthusiast and the other a pragmatist, one pure and the other meticulous, are simply a perfect complement to each other.

With them around, Jingcheng Factory... no, Oriental Precision Manufacturing, this cornerstone of manufacturing, is truly stable.

Afternoon, Shenzhen, Dongfang Technology's temporary office.

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy...