Chapter 208: Before Leaving

Having confirmed his departure, Ning Weidong said goodbye to Li Peihang, then went around the Manager to visit those he was more familiar with.

Recently, Li Weibing had been in a semi-retired state and did not usually come to the Manager much.

As for why he still hadn't vacated his position, it was not hard to understand; there was only one radish for every hole, and as long as Li Weibing remained, he could occupy the hole of factory director.

Perhaps because some conditions had not yet been settled, Li Weibing had to stay here for the time being.

But in reality, the vast majority of the specific affairs of the factory had already been handed over to Wang Guoqiang and Chu Chengfu.

Ning Weidong made a round of the various departments and returned to his Office, preparing to continue reading.

His transfer procedures were still being processed, and there was still some handover work, so he had to stay for another two days.

Yet at this moment, the telephone on the desk suddenly rang.

Ning Weidong opened his book while picking up the receiver.

Hearing the voice on the other end of the line made him pause for a moment.

After hanging up the phone, Ning Weidong felt a bit intrigued.

The person who had just called was actually Wang Guoqiang, and he had made an unprecedented request for him to come to the Office for a sit-down.

Ning Weidong closed his book, stood up, and walked out.

Regardless of what Wang Guoqiang's purpose was, since the call had been made, he certainly had to go and see.

If this were in the past, Ning Weidong might have told Li Peihang first, but now that he was leaving immediately, it didn't really matter.

He followed the stairs up to the fifth floor.

Ning Weidong arrived outside Wang Guoqiang's Office, raised his hand, and knocked three times: "Dong, dong, dong."

A voice came from inside: "Come in."

Ning Weidong turned the handle, pushed the door open with a "click," looked at Wang Guoqiang sitting under the window, and called out, "Director Wang."

Director Wang pushed up his glasses, stood up with a smile, and said, "Little Ning, sit down."

Ning Weidong did not stand on ceremony and went to sit on the sofa nearby.

Wang Guoqiang sat in the single seat next to him, a flash of complex emotion in his eyes as he sized up Ning Weidong, clicked his tongue, and said, "What a pity."

Ning Weidong did not take the bait and just smiled.

Wang Guoqiang added, "I just heard you are transferring away."

Ning Weidong nodded and said, "It is all the organization's arrangement."

Wang Guoqiang shook his head and said, "It's a pity that a young talent like you cannot stay in the factory."

Ning Weidong said, "Wherever I go, I serve the people."

Wang Guoqiang said, "Having such awareness is very good. But no matter where you go, Red Star Factory is your home base; if you encounter any difficulties or have any needs, don't be a stranger in the future."

Wang Guoqiang spoke politely with a smile on his face; one could not see any bad blood between him and Ning Weidong at all, nor could one see the resentment from when Ning Weidong toppled Wang Kaifeng and ruined his plans.

Of course, Ning Weidong would not think Wang Guoqiang was a good-natured person just because of these few words or his current attitude; that simply did not exist.

The most critical point was actually the underlying significance of Ning Weidong's transfer this time.

Wang Guoqiang had already anticipated that Ning Weidong might soar to great heights in the future.

Although it was only a possibility, he did not want to leave any hidden dangers for his own future.

Since it was a grudge formed in the factory, it should be settled in the factory and not involve the outside.

Wang Guoqiang had expressed this attitude, and he believed Ning Weidong would understand and make the right choice.

Ning Weidong naturally heard the meaning behind the other's words and said with a smile, "Director Wang, with those words from you, I certainly won't stand on ceremony if I have any difficulties in the future."

There are no eternal enemies in this world, nor are there eternal friends.

Since Director Wang had taken the initiative to extend an olive branch, Ning Weidong naturally had to accept it; at the very least, appearances had to be maintained.

More importantly, Ning Weidong's current strength and status were not enough to qualify him to refuse.

If he refused, and word of this got out, those who knew and those who didn't would say Ning Weidong was arrogant and ignorant of the ways of the world.

As for how much of what Wang Guoqiang said was true and how much was false, Ning Weidong did not care; in any case, he would not believe it.

Meeting with a smile to dissolve grievances is something that only happens in novels.

If it could be easily let go, then it wouldn't be a grievance.

It was merely an expedient measure because neither side could do anything to the other for the time being.

Coming out of Director Wang's Office, Ning Weidong curled the corners of his mouth and smiled to himself.

From beginning to end, he had concluded that this Director Wang was no ordinary person.

He had superb skills, knew how to bend and stretch, and had a background.

If nothing unexpected happened, such a person was destined to rise in the future; as for how high he could rise, that was not something human effort could determine—it would also depend on his luck.

Regarding such a person, while Ning Weidong remained on guard, he certainly could not tear off the mask; at the very least, he had to maintain a superficial relationship.

Since the other party took the initiative, he naturally had to accept.

Coming down from the floor, Ning Weidong turned a corner and saw someone standing at the door of his Office; it was Lu Zhou.

"Old Lu," Ning Weidong called out with a smile, "Why are you standing outside? Come inside and sit."

Ning Weidong's Office door was not closed.

Lu Zhou's face twitched slightly, and he followed Ning Weidong into the room, hesitant and unable to speak his mind.

Ning Weidong guessed his intention: "Heard that I'm leaving?"

Lu Zhou nodded hurriedly: "Leader, this... what is going on? Why are you leaving all of a sudden?"

Lu Zhou had finally managed to latch onto Ning Weidong's big, sturdy leg, and with a deputy section-level position in sight for next year, if Ning Weidong left, it might not be certain anymore.

Ning Weidong said helplessly, "Old Lu, this matter isn't up to me, but rest assured, I've already spoken to Division Chief Li, and your deputy section-level position will definitely be resolved next year."

Lu Zhou was stunned; he hadn't expected Ning Weidong to have already made arrangements, and he felt a bit embarrassed: "Leader, I... I didn't mean that. It's just that it was too sudden..."

Ning Weidong said, "No need to explain, I know your character. To tell you the truth, I actually thought about taking you with me."

This wasn't just empty talk; Ning Weidong had indeed thought about taking Lu Zhou with him.

Over this period of time, there was no need to mention Lu Zhou's work capability, and his character and integrity were also passable.

Dongyi Company was just a makeshift operation over there; if he could bring Lu Zhou along, it could solve quite a few problems.

It was just that this kind of thing couldn't be forced; Lu Zhou was currently a Cadre with a proper establishment, and at a State-owned large factory at that.

Dongyi Company, however, was a Big Collective.

As the saying goes, people climb to higher places, and water flows to lower ones.

If Ning Weidong brought it up, it would be hard for Lu Zhou to refuse, and there was no guarantee he wouldn't harbor resentment inside.

Ning Weidong continued, "However, the unit I'm going to is a collective unit, which can't compare to our factory. There are only a few people in total, and the future is hard to say, so after thinking it over, I didn't tell you."

Once Lu Zhou heard this, he also realized what was happening, and nearly blurted out that he wanted to go with Ning Weidong.

But the words reached his lips, and he rationally held them back.

He was no longer a hot-headed youth in his early twenties, relying on a burst of blood-fueled courage and a hot head to dare anything.

He was already over thirty, pushing forty, with a family to support, so he had to be more cautious.

Ning Weidong had no intention of forcing him either.

Outsiders didn't know, but Ning Weidong himself was clear that Dongyi Company would definitely have a bright future. Although it was a time when he needed people, there was no need to force anyone. He patted Lu Zhou on the shoulder and said, "Old Lu, this is no small matter. Go home and consider it carefully; give me an answer before the day after tomorrow."

Lu Zhou pursed his lips, nodded, and said, "Leader, I'll head back first."

Just as Lu Zhou left, another person came.

"Dong dong dong~" Liu Dong knocked on the door and stood at the entrance.

"Xiao Liu~" Ning Weidong was slightly surprised to see it was him.

Previously, he had let Liu Dong follow Ning Wei, and later, after Ning Wei left, he had him follow Lu Zhou.

"Leader~" Liu Dong bowed and walked in from outside the door.

"No need for formalities, come over and sit." Ning Weidong smiled happily, appearing quite approachable.

Liu Dong sat on the sofa somewhat reservedly, his hands placed on his tightly pressed-together knees, and asked, "Leader, that... I heard you are going to be transferred..."

Ning Weidong nodded, "I am leaving, but rest assured, I have already spoken to Division Chief Li; he will look after you all over there in the future."

Liu Dong licked his lips; he didn't doubt that Ning Weidong had truly spoken to him, but this kind of favor through an intermediary was ultimately unreliable.

Even if Li Peihang was hindered by Ning Weidong's face, how long could he remember it? As time passed, it would just fade away.

Liu Dong said, "Leader, I... I want to go with you."

Ning Weidong was slightly surprised; he hadn't expected Liu Dong to make this request, and asked in surprise, "Go with me? The unit I'm going to this time is a Big Collective."

Liu Dong hurriedly said, "I know, I went to Brother Wei's house last night..."

Ning Weidong suddenly understood. When Ning Wei was at the factory, his relationship with Liu Dong was quite good; although he had been transferred, it seemed their relationship hadn't been severed.

Moreover, this Liu Dong had quite a strong sense of his own mind; when Ning Weidong first went to the Fourth Workshop, he was the first to make up his mind to stand out.

Ning Weidong said, "Have you thought it through? Have you discussed it with your family?"

Mentioning this, Liu Dong pursed his lips.

Ning Weidong could see that he probably hadn't received support from his family.

This was normal; it was hard enough to get into a State-owned large factory, and to voluntarily leave for a collective unit—no parents would likely agree to that.

Liu Dong gritted his teeth and said, "Leader, I can make my own decisions. I have set my heart on you as a person; as long as I follow you, I dare to charge through even a hail of bullets."

By the end, Liu Dong stood up abruptly, his two fists tightly clenched, showing great determination.

Ning Weidong actually appreciated Liu Dong a bit; for someone so young to be able to make a choice at a critical moment, stand out, and summon the courage—this kind of determination was not something an ordinary person could have.

Of course, Ning Weidong also knew that Liu Dong was ambitious.

But having ambition wasn't a bad thing, especially for a young person; if they didn't have ambition, what kind of future could they have?

Ning Weidong said, "Since you've thought it through, then come along~"

Hearing this, Liu Dong couldn't help but be overjoyed, and hurriedly thanked Ning Weidong profusely.

He had a premonition that following Ning Weidong this time would be the most important decision he would make in his life.

The following days were routine, and after finally completing the procedures, Ning Weidong left the Red Star Factory.

Before this, Zhao Ruyi had reluctantly gone to work at the bank.

She had only been Manager Zhao for a few days before she had to step down, which made her somewhat depressed.

Ning Weidong served her well that night before she calmed down.

This morning, Ning Weidong got up and specifically found a deep blue Zhongshan Suit that looked steady.

By September, after the Beginning of Autumn, the weather had morning and evening chills; most people had to wear long sleeves in the morning, and by the afternoon, when it got hot, they would take off the outer jacket.

Today, Ning Weidong was going to the Ministry.

He had been transferred out of the Red Star Factory to be a manager at Dongyi Company, but his personnel file was not at the company. Originally, Zhao Ruyi's personnel file was hung at the Mechanical Bureau, but now it had been confirmed that the company would be elevated to be directly managed by the Ministry, so Ning Weidong's personnel file naturally had to be placed at the Ministry.

Going over today was to meet with the leaders and report on some situations.

After putting on his clothes, he put on his leather shoes.

Last night, Bai Fengyu had specifically polished his leather shoes for him.

Ever since Bai Fengqin left for school, Ning Weidong and Bai Fengyu were indeed liberated, the only drawback being that they couldn't sleep until dawn.

Whether Bai Fengyu came over or Ning Weidong went to her place, they had to separate once they were finished.

Even so, Bai Fengyu was very satisfied, and she cherished this period of time.

She knew that the current situation wouldn't last long; once Ning Weidong officially married Zhao Ruyi, he would definitely move out of the Dazayuan.

By then, it wouldn't be so convenient for her to see Ning Weidong again.

Ning Weidong came out of the room, pushed his bicycle, and headed out.

Zhao Ruyi was still driving that original jeep, and Ning Weidong had no intention of taking it back.

For one, he was not used to driving this old-fashioned 212, and for another, it was inconvenient to live in the Dazayuan; if he really brought a car back and parked it in the alley, people would surely treat it like a spectacle every single day.

At this moment, Bai Fengyu leaned against the doorframe and came out, casting a fierce glare at Ning Weidong when she saw him.

Last night, Ning Weidong had snuck over in the middle of the night and really put her through the wringer.

Usually, Bai Fengyu would have been unable to go on, but yesterday she had stubbornly persisted, which made Ning Weidong feel a bit strange.

"Sister Bai, up so early?" Ning Weidong asked, meaning for Bai Fengyu to lie down for a while longer.

Bai Fengyu gave a soft snort through her nose, thinking to herself that he hadn't shown any tenderness last night, and now he was just being hypocritical.

In truth, she didn't want to get up either; it still hurt when she walked.

Bai Fengyu said, "When you get to work, help me call my unit and ask for leave."

Ning Weidong understood perfectly and couldn't help but chuckle.

Bai Fengyu couldn't be bothered to look at him and turned back into the room.

Returning to the inner room and sitting down, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh and reached out to pick up the small mirror nearby.

Although being nourished had given her a good complexion, she had suffered from insomnia last night; she was exhausted and tired, but just couldn't fall asleep, only managing to drift off around four or five in the morning.

Previously, Bai Fengqin was still around, and the two of them made the room lively, but once Bai Fengqin left, it suddenly became desolate.

Even with Ning Weidong, he only came over occasionally.

When the night was deep and quiet, Bai Fengyu couldn't help but let her thoughts wander.

One moment she thought of the past, the next she thought of the future.

She was only twenty-five years old now; if this were before Ning Weidong had transmigrated, she would have just graduated from university two or three years ago and likely wouldn't be married yet.

Yet Bai Fengyu had to consider her future.

Bai Fengqin had started university and would surely have a bright future.

Bai Fengyu, however, did not know what her own future would be like.

Ning Weidong had previously revealed to her that he wanted her to first take a Correspondence Secondary Specialized School exam, and then he would help her get a permanent position and transfer her to the Street Office.

Bai Fengyu believed that Ning Weidong was not deceiving her, but what would happen even if she transferred to the Street Office? When she grew old, wouldn't she still be all alone? She believed Ning Weidong liked her, but what would happen ten or twenty years from now when she was old and faded, and Ning Weidong had grown tired of her? Ever since Ma Liang had secretly run away and left her with a mess to clean up, she had never dared to be naive again.

(End of this chapter)