Chapter 78 Change

Chapter 78: A Shift in Fortunes

How did Jiang Luo manage it?

It wasn't difficult.

He established a "career progression path" for the oil factory workers. He informed them that by joining Shengfei, they would receive full pay during their training period, provided they applied themselves diligently.

Upon successfully completing the training and passing the examination, they would be awarded an additional bonus, with higher scores yielding larger rewards.

Once training concluded and they commenced full-time employment, they would earn the standard wages of a permanent employee.

Permanent employees were categorized into nine levels, from Level 1 to Level 9. The higher the level, the greater the base salary and the more comprehensive the benefits.

Furthermore, compensation was based on a piece-rate system, meaning increased output directly translated to higher earnings. Once an employee reached a sufficient level, they could even be promoted to management or leadership roles.

After careful calculation, everyone realized that upon completing their training and officially starting work, they would earn significantly more than they had at the oil factory. The path for advancement was clear, greater effort meant greater reward, and there was even the prospect of entering management.

Wasn't this far more practical than merely sending representatives to negotiate "workers' rights" with the clothing factory?

No one was foolish. They weren't genuinely interested in causing trouble; with stable employment and a steady income, who would bother stirring up unrest?

Naturally, they went to the factory, engaged in necessary negotiations, happily signed their employment contracts, reported for duty on time, and participated in the factory's training programs.

Consequently, Zhang Ningfu spent the past few days in his office, tirelessly arranging meetings to discuss terms and sign contracts with these former oil factory workers, losing count of the cups of tea he'd brewed.

The factory gate buzzed with activity, a constant stream of people coming and going even outside of regular work hours, creating a lively atmosphere.

Upon entering, their expressions were unremarkable, but upon exiting, not only did smiles adorn every face, but each person also carried a paper-wrapped package of tea leaves and clutched a red envelope containing fifty yuan.

As they emerged together, one person remarked, "This clothing factory is truly generous, far better than our old oil factory. It's the first time I've ever received a red envelope just for signing a contract."

Another chimed in, "Exactly."

"I was initially concerned since we used to refine oil and knew nothing about clothing factories, but it turns out they provide all the training here. Once we start working, we can earn more by doing more, and even get promoted to leadership. It's really excellent."

The workers beamed, filled with a renewed sense of purpose.

In the office, Wang Chuang slapped his thigh in astonishment, having never anticipated such a brilliant strategy.

He asked Jiang Luo, "How did you come up with this?"

Jiang Luo, engrossed in reading the English manual for the new equipment, replied, "I used my brain."

"As long as you treat workers as human beings, you'll never be at a loss for solutions."

In his previous life, when Jiang Luo first became a boss, he initially implemented practices in his factory such as fining for errors, deducting wages, strict oversight, and aggressively cutting costs. As the owner, he naturally sought to reduce expenses, enhance efficiency, and maximize profits.

Later, when his factory was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt, many veteran workers returned to his employ. It was then that he realized: the most honest people in society are its laborers. Workers toil diligently, not for grand ambitions, but simply to earn a living. They wouldn't look down upon a boss burdened by debt and struggling; instead, they would empathize, recognizing his difficulties and showing understanding.

Thus, now, when Jiang Luo hires, the terms he offers his workers are exceptionally clear.

With the expansion of the new factory, he also designed a transparent promotion and compensation structure. Those who perform well will earn more—more work, more reward, with meritocracy as the guiding principle.

He understood and firmly believed that a good factory is built upon the foundation of skilled workers and robust management.

"Where did you learn this?"

Huo Zongzhuo was taken aback by Jiang Luo's innovative promotion system for the factory.

Such practices were uncommon in domestic factories and companies at the time, appearing more akin to foreign models.

Jiang Luo responded, "Some factories in China have been using it for a while."

"That textile factory in Guangzhou that supplies our fabric operates exactly this way."

"Beyond that, they also implement systems of positional accountability and managerial responsibility."

"Furthermore, their fabric prices are remarkably open and transparent."

"Aside from variations in shipping costs, the price remains essentially the same, regardless of where in the country they sell."

Jiang Luo mused, "No wonder their factory is so vast and the owner so wealthy."

"They deserve every penny they earn."

Huo Zongzhuo chuckled, "You'll earn that much someday too. You're already a big boss."

Jiang Luo nodded, without false modesty, "Indeed."

As for Xu Hu, Jiang Luo neither held him in high regard nor forgot the various troubles he had caused.

Underhandedly, Jiang Luo spent some money to hire a few local toughs in Juxiang Town to give Xu Hu a thorough beating on several occasions.

Xu Hu, in a desperate attempt, also tried to join Shengfei, shamelessly hoping to secure a factory job. However, the security guards at the gate not only denied him entry but also set dogs on him.

But what no one knew was that on this particular day, amidst agonizing screams, Xu Hu had two of his fingers severed.

Xu Hu didn't recognize the man who mutilated his hand. He only knew that four men arrived in a black sedan with obscured license plates.

The sedan soon departed on a rural road leading out of Juxiang Town. Inside, two men occupied the front seats, and two the back. The man in the passenger seat idly twirled a freshly wiped fruit knife.

In the back, one man held a mobile phone, gazing out the window as he spoke into it: "Boss, it's done."

"Good work," came Huo Zongzhuo's calm and steady voice from the other end of the line.

The call ended. The driver glanced in the rearview mirror and suddenly asked, "Brother Qing, is the boss really sending you to work with that Boss Jiang?"

Overcome with curiosity, he added, "Are Boss Jiang and our boss very close?"

"If we hadn't gone to the countryside in northern Jiangsu last time, I wouldn't have even known the boss had someone like that around."

The man in the back who had just made the call retorted, "Don't ask questions you shouldn't. Trying to show off your cleverness?"

The driver chuckled, scratching his head, "Just curious."

Throughout February, Jiang Luo was swamped, either constantly on the move for business or holed up in his factory office.

Imperceptibly, the factory grounds underwent renovation, new workshops were under construction, and the factory complex gradually transformed from its former state.

Not only that, but the area surrounding the factory also experienced significant changes:

Perhaps due to the factory's presence, the roads in its vicinity began to be repaired. The streets, once shrouded in darkness at night, now boasted a row of streetlights.

Food stalls started appearing at the factory gate, growing from one or two to a whole row, offering a variety of items—wontons, steamed buns, youtiao (fried dough sticks), and tea eggs.

In the mornings, evenings, or during mealtimes, workers from the clothing factory or construction crews would emerge to purchase food.

Not far from the factory, small convenience stores, restaurants, and budget hotels also opened their doors.

Some out-of-town applicants who couldn't depart on the same day would spend the night at these small hotels.

Even more pedicabs and "mian de" (minivans) began to appear, waiting at the factory gate to transport passengers to nearby bus stations...

As Jiang Luo drove to the factory, the road he traversed—once a barren dirt track devoid of lights—had now become a bustling asphalt thoroughfare.

His Mercedes-Benz W140, bearing license plate 26988, passed by. Everyone nearby knew it was the clothing factory owner's car. "Oh, the boss is here; oh, the boss is leaving."

Despite his demanding schedule, Jiang Luo did not reside in Juxiang Town but continued to stay at the Hilton in Jing'an.

This was not because he had pre-booked the room or paid the full fee in advance—it was because of Huo Zongzhuo.

Huo Zongzhuo also stayed at the Hilton in Haicheng, in the room opposite his. Jiang Luo hoped to see his "Papa Huo" every day.

However, both had been exceptionally busy lately. Huo Zongzhuo was also occupied and frequently traveled out of town, reducing their opportunities to meet.

When Jiang Luo returned to the Hilton and entered his room, he noticed that Huo Zongzhuo's door, which usually remained open, awaiting his return, was now often closed—either because it was too late and he was already asleep, or because he hadn't yet returned.

Ah, well, so be it.

Jiang Luo could only use his key card to enter his room, freshen up, and go to sleep.

One particular night, Jiang Luo returned quite late. He assumed Huo Zongzhuo was already asleep, but as he approached, he noticed the door was unexpectedly open.

Hmm?

Jiang Luo walked to the doorway and knocked. "Daddy? Boss Huo?"

Huo Zongzhuo had just finished washing his hands and emerged from the bathroom. "You're back?"

Jiang Luo glanced at his watch. "It's 11:30. Not asleep yet? Just got back?"

"Yeah."

Huo Zongzhuo inquired, "Why are you so late again today?"

Jiang Luo replied, "Wang Chuang's parents moved into their new place. I went to their housewarming party, stayed to chat for a bit, and it got late."

Huo Zongzhuo was aware of Wang Chuang's parents moving; Jiang Luo had mentioned it during a casual meal, saying they had purchased a retired cadre's home in Jing'an, viewed it before the New Year, and finalized the purchase after the New Year.

Huo Zongzhuo picked up a glass to pour water and casually asked, "How's the house?"

"Not bad. The living room is spacious, the house is in good shape, and all the furniture and appliances were left behind."

Jiang Luo didn't step inside, merely leaning against the doorframe, chatting casually.

Huo Zongzhuo turned back, handed him the water, but then remarked, "Wang Chuang's family bought a new place. Why haven't you bought one?"

Jiang Luo took a sip, looked up at Huo Zongzhuo, and said, "Buy in Jing'an? Or in Juxiang Town?"

"There aren't any good properties in town, and Jing'an is too far from the factory. Never mind, I'll just keep staying at the hotel for now."

Speaking of housing, Jiang Luo added, "I did like the Gubei area—thought about buying there earlier. But right now, all my focus is on the factory, and I haven't had time to check it out. Ah, well, I'll deal with it later."

"Gubei is indeed very nice."

Huo Zongzhuo reached out, took the half-drunk glass of water from Jiang Luo, turned around, and said, "Don't head back to your room yet. Come with me—I'll take you somewhere."

What?

Jiang Luo checked his watch. "Now? It's really late."

Huo Zongzhuo picked up his car keys from the table. "It'll be quick. It's not far—won't interfere with your sleep."

They went to get the car—Huo Zongzhuo's BMW.

It was very late, and the roads were almost empty, desolate and quiet, with only streetlights and garbage cans standing solitarily along the roadside.

Jiang Luo yawned in the passenger seat, looked out, and said, "We're going to Xuhui?"

"Yeah."

Huo Zongzhuo offered no further explanation.

When they reached Xuhui, Jiang Luo saw they were driving onto Wukang Road and was even more bewildered about Huo Zongzhuo's intentions.

Soon, Huo Zongzhuo turned the steering wheel and stopped in front of a large black iron gate along the street, honking the horn.

Jiang Luo followed the light from the headlights and watched as the black iron gate slowly opened. Huo Zongzhuo drove further inside.

Huh?

Inside was a lawned area. Driving further in, they arrived in front of a multi-story building. The car finally stopped in front of it.

Getting out and holding onto the car door, Jiang Luo looked up at the completely dark building in front of him.

?

What was this all about?