Chapter 85: Directive

The evening guests are still quite important; the Factory Director and Deputy Factory Director Li personally accompanied them; He Yuzhu arranged eight good dishes here; the dishes were all prepared; He Yuzhu also didn't dare to leave; Deputy Factory Director Li probably was looking for trouble for himself.

"The cooking skills are not bad, this stir-fried meat dish is well done." This guest who came also had eaten and seen, saying, "Your chef's skills are no wonder famous far and wide."

The Factory Director modestly said they were all about the same.

"The dishes, naturally, are delicious here." This guest who had drunk a bit too much said, "However, our place has good benefits; speaking of the New Year this year, our gifts are absolutely one-of-a-kind."

The Factory Director curiously asked what it was that could give him such confidence.

What is currently being distributed are just some water cups, towels and such; what other good things can be obtained, trying to produce other items in large quantities is not easy.

"You would never guess, we managed to get some fruit back; taking it out during the New Year..."

This guest had drunk a bit too much, his speech was incoherent, so we could only arrange for the secretary to send him back.

The fruit that is eaten is indeed a rare delicacy; ordinary workers might not get to eat it several times a year, and the wages paid are mainly for buying grain to fill the stomach.

The Factory Director also knew this thing was not easy to obtain; he only felt a little envy in his heart, but Deputy Factory Director Li didn't think that way; he was thinking of how to get He Yuzhu out of the way, and the opportunity had just arrived.

"Old Ji really has the ability, able to bring over fruit. Our Steel Rolling Mill is so formidable, yet we've been outdone." Deputy Factory Director Li sighed.

"There's nothing we can do, what time is it now, we don't have time."

"If we don't try, how can we lightly give up."

The Factory Director didn't quite understand; obtaining things is the responsibility of the Materials Section, Deputy Factory Director Li isn't just pushing the Materials Section into a ditch, is he? This little alcohol won't get him drunk.

Deputy Factory Director Li frankly said he thought the only person in the Steel Rolling Mill suitable for this was the Cafeteria Management Director, Comrade He Yuzhu.

"How is Zhuzi suitable? He's been a city person since childhood, has no relatives in the countryside, but the Materials Section has connections."

"No, look at how busy the Materials Section's work is now." Deputy Factory Director Li said with a smile, "He is suitable for three reasons."

First, He Yuzhu going won't delay the factory's work, the cafeteria side has Ma Hua covering, and the Supply Group side has Liu Lan. Second, He Yuzhu's Supply Group actually also does this kind of work, he is very familiar with it.

Third, he is not married, has no children, and has no worries about the future.

The Factory Director also wanted to get some fruit to distribute to everyone; after hearing Deputy Factory Director Li's words, he shook his head and said, "At this time of year, going north there's no fruit, going south probably there isn't enough time."

Deputy Factory Director Li quietly said a few words, and in turn made the Factory Director keep nodding.

In the morning sunlight, the howling north wind filled the air; the few elders who liked to come out early to whip, also stayed in bed unwilling to get up. He Yuzhu lowered his head and pedaled hard toward the Steel Rolling Mill.

Just as he arrived at the factory gate, the Factory Director's secretary was already waiting for him, telling him to hurry to the office.

"Hurry up and drink some hot tea, the weather outside is really cold." The Factory Director said with a smile, "This matter isn't easy this time, you also shouldn't feel any pressure."

Upon hearing the task assigned by the Factory Director, he was directly dumbfounded; trying to get fruit at this time is no different from wanting to eat ice cubes in midsummer, if there's no prior preparation.

Then just wait idly.

"At this time, maybe there will be oranges, bananas and such in the south, but I'm not too familiar with that area." He Yuzhu hurriedly declined, "There really is no way."

The Factory Director didn't think that way; everyone else can't get it, but we can on our side— isn't that ability?

"We've already chosen the place; for you it's no problem, here you'll definitely be able to make connections." The Factory Director smiled broadly, "Our northern fruit hometown."

He Yuzhu looked at the place the Factory Director pointed to, his head feeling a bit big; that place is truly in the north, although it produces apples, but at this time they're probably already gone.

Now it's not like later, when they developed things like snow fruit and cream.

When the time comes, just pick them.

"Factory Director, I don't have any friends over in Gangcheng either; besides, look at the time, New Year's Day is just around the corner, where would we get apples? Who came up with this terrible idea."

"We need to figure it out; if anyone could do it, why would I be looking for you?" The Factory Director said in a low voice, "The steel pipe factory already has fruit to eat; our Steel Rolling Mill can't fall behind— we need to work hard and catch up without rest."

He Yuzhu thought to himself, the wine from last night was just ordinary; how come the Factory Director is acting like he took a stimulant— could there be some news I don't know about?

"Zhuzi, I'll tell you in advance: as long as you go, the factory won't treat you badly, but the specifics, I can't say."

Is this a big pie drawn for himself, or is it an unspeakable big pie?

He Yuzhu shook his head, taking this opportunity to inquire a bit.

"You must keep this secret, the factory is going to allocate housing; as long as you go, I guarantee you'll get a share." The Factory Director patted his chest, assuring there was no problem.

As for the housing allocation, He Yuzhu indeed didn't know, but if it really could give him a set of rooms, making this trip once wouldn't be unacceptable.

This isn't taking advantage, is it.

Of course if you go, you must carry out the work well, cannot be lazy. The Factory Director thought for a moment, "Try to get the fruit back." 【unintelligible】

He Yuzhu also knew it was probably unavoidable, so he readily agreed; anyway, if he couldn't get it at the time, the factory probably wouldn't say anything.

Back in the cafeteria, Ma Hua and the others were a bit curious what big matter it was, calling him away so early.

"Nothing major, I estimate I'll go out for a trip in a couple of days; I'll arrange things in the cafeteria, everyone can work peacefully, don't think about useless things."

This is He Yuzhu's base of operations; while he's away this period, the cafeteria work will be handed over to Ma Hua to handle, Master Luo will assist from the side, and everyone else will stay in their positions.

"Ma Hua, if I'm gone and the factory arranges another leader to come and take over jointly, do you know what to do?" He Yuzhu said in a low voice.

"This... how to handle it, just drive them away?" Ma Hua was a bit at a loss, "Or should we find someone?"

He Yuzhu directly instructed him, if such a situation arises, just carry out nonviolent noncooperation; everything can wait until he returns, he won't be gone long, he will definitely be back before New Year's Day.

Another point is to guard the cafeteria well, see if anyone tries to defect to others while he's away; if discovered, no need to hesitate, directly expel them.

"I understand, Master."

He Yuzhu patted Ma Hua on the shoulder, letting him return to the cafeteria to prepare; before leaving, he taught him a dish of stir-fried kidney, which should also be enough to get through these days.