Chapter 103: Military Representative

Mentioning the Military Representative, the three old men present looked at each other in dismay.

Although Liu Dong was proactive, he had not been there long, and truth be told, he really hadn't had much contact with the Military Representative.

It was Xia Dongqiang, the oldest of them, who thought for a moment and spoke first: "Leader, if you want to ask about the Military Representative, they are actually in a different system from us. Although they are in the Fourth Workshop, we really don't have much contact with them on a daily basis."

Ning Weidong waved his hand and said: "It doesn't matter, just tell me as much as you know."

Ning Weidong did not expect to get much useful information from them; what he wanted now was to cut the Gordian knot.

This was also the reason why he had just adopted near-extreme measures to deal with Liu Wenbao.

Since he had been thrown here, Wang Guoqiang would not give him too much time on his end.

Ning Weidong had to stabilize the situation before the other side took action; he had no time to drag things out with Liu Wenbao and had to solve the problem in a short time.

Xia Dongqiang said: "Leader, then I will speak. Actually, the original establishment for Military Representatives in the Fourth Workshop was five people. Two were cut the year before last, and there are three left now." Having said this, he glanced at Ning Weidong, licked his lips, and continued: "But one of them is never here all year round..."

Ning Weidong raised an eyebrow and understood what was going on; it must be someone who collects a salary but is never seen.

Although this situation was not yet very common, it had begun to appear in some units.

Nodding calmly, Ning Weidong signaled for him to continue.

Xia Dongqiang continued: "The other two are named Tian Zhengfu and Wan Jiaming. Tian Zhengfu is the primary, and Wan Jiaming is the deputy..."

Ning Weidong frowned as he listened to Xia Dongqiang introduce the situation regarding the Military Representatives.

The reality of the situation seemed even more severe than he had anticipated.

Originally, Ning Weidong thought that by controlling the Security Group of the Fourth Workshop, plus the assistance from the Military Representatives, he would have some certainty.

But according to Xia Dongqiang, the situation with the Military Representatives was even worse than that of the Security Division; counting everyone, there were only two people.

Moreover, as the primary representative, Tian Zhengfu was content to just muddle along and rarely managed anything.

This was the most troublesome part.

No matter what you are doing, you aren't afraid of people who make exorbitant demands; you are afraid of people who have no desires or needs.

Making exorbitant demands means there is room for negotiation, but having no desires or needs is like a dog biting a hedgehog—there is no place to sink your teeth in.

Ning Weidong could not help but fall into deep thought.

After finishing, Xia Dongqiang fell silent.

Ning Weidong looked at the other two with composure: "Old Wang, Xiao Liu, do you have anything to add?"

Wang Weiran shook his head and looked at Liu Dong.

Liu Dong was unwilling to have his thunder stolen by Xia Dongqiang; while Xia Dongqiang was speaking just now, he had been pursing his lips in thought.

Now, hearing Ning Weidong's question, he immediately replied: "Reporting to the leader, I know one thing. Last year, I was on the night shift once and saw Tian Zhengfu go out to drink, and he came back in a car at night."

Ning Weidong raised an eyebrow; this actually counted as a piece of information.

Tian Zhengfu going out to drink was nothing more than meeting his comrades-in-arms or other friends.

Not many people could use a car in this day and age, and whoever could bring one out to send a friend home must not be an ordinary person.

Of course, there was another possibility: that Tian Zhengfu's friend happened to be a certain leader's driver and could secretly take the leader's car out.

But in any case, it could generally corroborate that Tian Zhengfu should have some connections.

Ning Weidong nodded and said: "Not bad, this information you provided is very important."

Upon hearing this, a smile immediately appeared on Liu Dong's face.

After finishing this matter, Ning Weidong checked his watch and continued to say to Liu Dong: "Xiao Liu, how do you usually work? Explain the process to Xiao Wei; we will follow the original process for now."

Liu Dong hurriedly agreed.

Ning Weidong added: "I'll say the ugly things first. I don't care how you fooled around in the past, but from today on, you must follow the security regulations for me. Whoever causes a slip-up, I will hold them accountable!"

The few of them hurriedly stood up, wanting to speak in unison, but it wasn't very orderly as they said "Yes."

Ning Weidong looked at the time again.

From coming over with Li Peihang in the morning until now, more than half the day had passed, and it was nearing eleven o'clock.

Ning Weidong thought for a moment, stood up, came out of the duty room, and followed the outer wall of the workshop around to the back.

Behind the workshop, about twenty meters away, was the Manager's dedicated railway line.

Between the workshop and the railway line, there was a two-story building.

This building was divided into left and right sides; the left side faced the railway and was the Railway Maintenance Squad responsible for the maintenance of the railway line.

The right side faced the Fourth Workshop and was the station for the Military Representatives.

Although there were currently only two Military Representatives and they didn't need half a building at all, if they received important tasks, additional security personnel would be sent to increase the security level, and they would all live here.

Ning Weidong walked over.

The front door of the building was covered with galvanized sheet metal, and inside was a blue cotton door curtain, with a spring attached to the door.

Ning Weidong opened the door and went in; when he let go, the door sprang back with a "bang."

"Who is it?" Following this sound, someone inside asked.

Ning Weidong followed the voice; inside the door, there was a corridor after a turn, and as soon as Ning Weidong passed, he saw someone poking half their body out of the door of the second room.

The man was wearing a green military uniform, no hat, his hair was neat, he looked about thirty-one or thirty-two years old, and was slightly plump; he didn't look like a soldier.

Of course, although the Military Representative had the word "military" in it, they were actually civil servants.

"Comrade, who are you looking for?" The man looked Ning Weidong up and down, and seeing a strange face, he couldn't help but ask.

Ning Weidong walked over with a smile and introduced himself: "Hello, Comrade. My name is Ning Weidong, and I am the new Security Officer transferred from the Manager."

The man suddenly realized, immediately smiled, stepped forward two paces, and shook hands with Ning Weidong: "You must be Comrade Ning Weidong! Please, come in."

He ushered Ning Weidong into the Office.

While busy pouring water, the man introduced himself: "I am Tian Zhengfu. In the future, if there is anything, we will need to coordinate more."

Ning Weidong suddenly realized that this person was Tian Zhengfu; he did seem like an easy person to talk to.

Taking the teacup handed over by Tian Zhengfu, Ning Weidong said with a smile: "Representative Tian, I am new here; I hope you will give me more guidance in the future."

Tian Zhengfu said politely, "I wouldn't dare, let's learn from each other, let's learn from each other." He then asked, "By the way, how is Officer Wang's injury? I heard he had an accident, and I haven't been able to find the time to go see him. Officer Wang is a good man~"

Ning Weidong smiled; he had no idea how the aforementioned Officer Wang was injured and could only offer a few perfunctory words.

However, looking at Tian Zhengfu's demeanor, it wasn't a close relationship; it was just a casual question.

Otherwise, Officer Wang had been in an accident for two days already; would he really not have gone to see him?

Ning Weidong asked again, "By the way, Representative Tian, I heard there is also a Comrade Wan Jiaming..."

Tian Zhengfu said, "Just call me Old Tian. Old Wan had something to do today; he asked for leave early this morning and went out. He should be back by the afternoon."

Ning Weidong nodded without digging deeper, raised his hand to check his watch, and suggested, "Old Tian, it's almost noon. Shall we have lunch together today?"

Tian Zhengfu laughed, "Sure! I was just about to suggest it myself~ Little Ning, I'm a few years older than you, so I'll treat you today. Don't fight me on it."

While speaking, Tian Zhengfu tidied up the things on his desk, came out with Ning Weidong, and locked the Office door from the outside, but did not lock the door to the Office Building.

The two chatted while heading straight for the Second Canteen. There are four large canteens in the Red Star Factory. Usually, Ning Weidong goes to the First Canteen because it is close to the Factory Office Building, and the leaders usually go there; its conditions are the best of the four canteens.

The Second Canteen is near the Fourth Workshop and is also considered to have relatively good conditions.

Tian Zhengfu said, "Little Ning, you were originally in the Office Building, so you probably haven't been to the Second Canteen, right?"

Ning Weidong nodded and followed up by asking, "Is there anything special about it?"

Tian Zhengfu said, "Don't look at the First Canteen for having the best conditions; when it comes to the quality of the private kitchen, the Second Canteen is not a bit inferior."

Ning Weidong smiled and said, "Then I must have a good taste of it today."

As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the Second Canteen. Because they arrived a few minutes early, the serving windows had not yet opened.

But that didn't affect the private kitchen; the two entered the canteen and turned directly into the small private room next to it.

The small private room here is not large; a round table is placed in the room, which can seat at most six or seven people. If there were more, they would have to change to a larger room in the First Canteen.

Ning Weidong followed Tian Zhengfu and ordered dishes with practiced ease.

Because it was noon and the two weren't very familiar with each other, they didn't drink alcohol and each ordered a bottle of soda.

Before the dishes were served, they continued to chat, though various probes were hidden within the small talk.

Until the stir-fried dishes were served—two dishes and one soup, with three bowls of rice for each person.

Truth be told, Tian Zhengfu wasn't bragging; the stir-fry from the Second Canteen's private kitchen really tasted good.

After the two started eating, their conversation noticeably dwindled.

Tian Zhengfu still retained the habit of eating quickly from his time in the military; once the food was served, he began to sweep through it like a whirlwind.

Ning Weidong's speed was not slow either.

Only when they had eaten enough did Ning Weidong put down his chopsticks, preparing to talk about business: "Old Tian, you've been the Military Representative in our Fourth Workshop for quite a few years, right?"

Tian Zhengfu raised an eyebrow and let out an "Hmm" while chewing his food.

In fact, he had long seen that Ning Weidong seeking him out on the first day and suggesting they eat together was definitely not just to get familiar.

Swallowing what was in his mouth, Tian Zhengfu also put down his chopsticks and picked up his soda bottle to take a sip: "In the blink of an eye, it's been six years~"

Ning Weidong saw the complex emotions that flashed through his eyes.

For some people, being assigned to a factory as a Military Representative is definitely a lucrative post.

But some people would rather stay in the regular military.

Ning Weidong didn't know which category Tian Zhengfu fell into, nor did he care about his story, so he continued, "Six years, that's not a short time. You must be very familiar with the situation in our factory."

Tian Zhengfu frowned: "What do you mean?"

Ning Weidong said bluntly: "For example, the relationship between the Factory Director and the Vice Factory Director."

Tian Zhengfu pursed his lips, having a bad premonition.

Ning Weidong continued: "Old Tian, why do you think I was transferred here?"

Tian Zhengfu rubbed his head and said in a deep voice: "I am a Military Representative; I don't want to get involved in your factory's affairs."

Ning Weidong curled his lips into a smile: "Old Tian, it's not about whether you want to get involved now, but that someone is determined to drag you into the water."

Tian Zhengfu felt a chill in his heart: "What do you mean?"

Ning Weidong simply explained the cause and effect of his arrival.

He concluded: "They are clearly setting a trap in the Fourth Workshop, wanting to bury me. But Old Tian, think carefully: once something happens in the Fourth Workshop, I certainly won't be able to escape the blame, but as the Military Representative, can you stay out of it?"

By the time he said this, Tian Zhengfu could no longer hide his ugly expression.

If it was really as Ning Weidong said, the Vice Factory Director's side wasn't just trying to bury Ning Weidong here, but also wanted him to be buried along with him.

Simply outrageous! Tian Zhengfu cursed inwardly, but he quickly calmed down, his brain thinking at high speed.

He couldn't just listen to Ning Weidong's one-sided story; he had to verify this matter personally.

Ning Weidong's purpose in coming to him was also very obvious: he wanted to find an ally.

Tian Zhengfu, however, was somewhat hesitant; whether or not to get involved in the internal struggles of the Red Star Factory was a question.

After lunch, Ning Weidong and Tian Zhengfu went their separate ways.

Ning Weidong failed to obtain any commitment from Tian Zhengfu; Tian Zhengfu only said he needed to consider it.

Ning Weidong knew clearly that he wanted to verify his credibility.

This was within his expectations.

No normal person would listen to a stranger they met for the first time, say a few words, and then immediately pledge allegiance and obey every command.

But Ning Weidong believed that as long as Tian Zhengfu verified it slightly, he would definitely cooperate with him.

This time, the Vice Factory Director's side was under external pressure and was almost acting recklessly.

The compromise and deal made with Li Weibing previously to get Ning Weidong into the Fourth Workshop was proof of that.

It is conceivable that since even the Deputy Factory Director had conceded, how could they care about the concerns of a Military Representative! Even if Tian Zhengfu knew, he had no way to break it, unless his background was more powerful and he could mobilize greater external forces.

If that were the case, how could he have been a Military Representative for six years at a young age without moving?

Another method is for Tian Zhengfu to simply quit and find a way to transfer out.

By the same logic, if he could have left, he would have left long ago and not stayed until today.

Returning to the Fourth Workshop and watching Tian Zhengfu go back into the small building, Ning Weidong did not rush back to the duty room, but instead slowly circled the Fourth Workshop several times.

The Fourth Workshop covers a significant area; besides the main workshop building, there are several auxiliary structures.

These include the Security Division duty room, the Workshop Director Office, the fire equipment room, the material warehouse, and the finished goods warehouse.

Among these places, the material warehouse and the finished goods warehouse are the most critical.

They went to great lengths to get Ning Weidong into the Fourth Workshop, but that does not mean Ning Weidong, as a Security Officer, is responsible for every situation that occurs in the Fourth Workshop.

Only accidents related to security can implicate Ning Weidong.

For example, robbery, theft, or serious loopholes in security work that result in severe, irreparable losses.

Only this kind of situation can cause the maximum damage.

In particular, it must result in severe, negatively impactful, and irreparable consequences.

Mere security loopholes or work errors are just like cutting flesh with a dull knife.

There is no such thing as perfection in work; mistakes are allowed, provided they are corrected.

Ning Weidong pondered this problem while observing the terrain and building structure around the Fourth Workshop.

He anticipated that the other party would not make a direct move in the next step, but would instead offer him a price.

As expected, before getting off work in the afternoon, the follow-up indeed arrived! — Three updates today, twelve thousand words, seeking monthly tickets! Seeking subscriptions!

(End of this chapter)