Chapter 367 What’s Your Relationship with This Zhou Weining?

Chapter 367: What is the relationship between this Zhou Weining and you?

Old Gao is truly a hardworking role model, arriving at the construction site earliest every day and leaving last. The first day back at work was no exception—he arrived early at the new factory to distribute auspicious start-of-work red packets and assign the day’s tasks.

He even took people to handle sanitation while they were at it.

The first phase of the project had already been handed over for use, and technically, the factory’s cleaners were supposed to take care of the cleaning.

But since it was everyone's first day and everyone was still getting their bearings, Old Gao simply led the team to do the cleaning as they went.

People arrived one after another to report in, and Zhang Jingan, along with the attendance officer, had the workers sign in one by one.

Observant workers noticed Old Gao and his team working hard, and after signing in, they went over to help.

Old Gao welcomed them all warmly without refusal.

"Good, very good! Everyone has pride in their work—this factory is our home, and keeping it clean is everyone’s job. If we work together and contribute more, the factory will only grow bigger in the future!"

When Su Taotao arrived, this was the scene she encountered: a group of people working up a storm, Old Gao fired up—so much so that one might mistake him for the factory director.

A person like him would go far in any time.

His character alone was already a win.

Once reform and opening-up began, not working with someone like him would be a disservice to this fateful meeting across time.

Su Taotao called out cheerfully, "Happy New Year, Old Gao!"

Old Gao turned around, beaming brighter than a sunflower. "Happy New Year, Director Su! You're here early!"

Everyone followed Old Gao's gaze and, as one, greeted, "Happy New Year, Director Su!"

Su Taotao smiled and nodded. "Happy New Year, everyone! Excellent—truly a fresh start for the new year. Helping with the cleaning, are we? Have the sanitation workers arrived yet?"

An elderly man with a slight stoop stepped forward. "I'm one of the sanitation workers."

A woman holding a straw broom also stepped out. "Me too."

Su Taotao nodded. "Good. There should be one more who hasn’t arrived yet. From now on, the factory’s upkeep and image are in your hands. You must uphold hygiene standards—it reflects our factory’s reputation. I don’t expect immaculately clean perfection, but you must do your best to keep it as clean as possible!"

The elderly man replied, "You can count on us, Director Su. We’ll do our best."

Su Taotao turned to Auntie Zhong. "The cleaning team leader hasn’t been decided yet, right?"

Auntie Zhong shook her head. "Not yet. We plan to observe everyone’s performance before making the appointment."

Su Taotao nodded. "Did you all hear that? Work hard, and you’ll earn a promotion to team leader. The same goes for other positions—roles are open to fair competition. Merit determines promotion. Everyone has a chance, so work hard!"

After hearing this, everyone got energized with renewed motivation. The phrase "Positions go to the most capable" was highly appealing—no one wanted to be led by an incompetent boss. If they had a fair shot at competing, that would naturally be the best outcome.

Seeing that her goal had been achieved, Su Taotao had Auntie Zhong distribute the auspicious start-of-work red packets.

She personally handed one to Old Gao. "You’ve worked hard, Old Gao. Keep up the good work!"

Old Gao accepted it warmly. "Thank you, Director Su! No trouble at all—just doing my part."

Zhang Jingan approached with his assistant. "Happy New Year, Director Su."

Su Taotao nodded. "Happy New Year, Party Secretary Zhang. Thank you for your efforts."

"Just part of my job."

Employees trickled in one by one. Su Taotao personally called roll to get to know everyone and handed out New Year's red packets.

By 8:15, all staff members were present without a single absence.

On the first day back after the New Year, every employee received New Year's greetings and red packets from the factory director.

Everyone was all smiles.

Next, they gathered in the large conference room for a meeting. Various leaders gave brief speeches, followed by orientation to familiarize everyone with work procedures.

Auntie Zhong and Xiao Lu could handle things.

The workers' union, including Zhou Weining and Zhang Jing'an, had only five members. More staff would be recruited as needed once operations fully expanded.

Every position counts—the factory wouldn't carry dead weight. Every penny had to count, with the current focus remaining on the production department and developing new assembly lines.

"This is for you." Zhou Weining handed a package to Su Taotao.

Su Taotao raised an eyebrow. "What's this?"

Zhou Weining pushed it forward. "Your photos. My brother got called away on sudden business, so he asked me to bring them back for you."

Understood. "Thank you."

Zhou Weining watched eagerly as Su Taotao took the photos, then said slowly, "If you really want to thank me... could you give me a photo of Chenchen? He’s just so adorable."

"Sorry, but I don’t give away photos of my son unless he personally agrees."

Zhou Weining, noticing Su Taotao's expression, quickly waved her hands. "Oh no, I’d never take anything without asking!"

Su Taotao chuckled. "I know, that’s not what I meant. I’ll ask Chenchen when I get home if he’d be willing to give you a signed photo."

Su Taotao found Zhou Weining’s behavior similar to that of a fan girl—she genuinely adored Chenchen.

Her eyes went round, looking suspiciously at Su Taotao. "Chenchen can already write at his age?"

"..." Way to miss the point.

"He can write his own name, though he's still learning to hold the pencil."

"No problem at all! As long as it’s written by Chenchen, it’s perfect! Please please try to get me one—I'll cherish it forever!"

"..." (On second thought, maybe not.)

...

Su Taotao returned to her office with the photos and dove back into work.

Zhang Jing'an knocked on the door. "Got a minute?"

Su Taotao looked up and gestured for him to sit. "What is it? Shoot."

"What’s your relationship with Zhou Weining?"

Su Taotao leaned back. "Why do you ask?"

"She isn't cut out for the workers' union. I want to transfer her to another department."