Chapter 327: The Struggle for the Workshop Director

The calm after the Steel Rolling Mill resumed operations was like a thin sheet of ice on a lake, and it was completely shattered by a sudden personnel appointment proposal. The veteran director of a key Workshop reached retirement age, leaving a vacancy that instantly became the new focus of a power struggle between Factory Director Yang Weiguo and Deputy Factory Director Li Huaide.

It is not merely a Workshop Director position; it is also a crucial step for both sides to infiltrate the production front line and expand their base. Whoever controls this post will have an extra decisive vote in future factory affairs meetings.

At the factory Party Committee meeting, the smell of gunpowder was so strong it could almost ignite.

Yang Weiguo favored an experienced deputy director in the Workshop who was diligent, capable, and technically solid, giving a full justification: "In a production Workshop, the primary requirement is solid technology and steady management, to ensure the production tasks are completed smoothly!"

Li Huaide, on the other hand, pushed for a younger frontline Squad Leader who had a reputation among the workers for "thinking boldly and acting boldly." He waved his arms and spoke forcefully: "We cannot always rank by seniority! We must boldly employ young comrades; they have drive, ideas, and can break the shackles of production, bringing a fresh atmosphere!"

Both sides stuck to their arguments, gave no ground, and supporters voiced their positions; the meeting broke up without a resolution. Yet the struggle had moved from behind the table to the open, and the entire factory sensed this unusual gunpowder smell.

The wind naturally reached the Security Department as well. In the director's office, Li Ping'an watched the workers moving around the plant outside the window, his brows slightly furrowed. Chen Jianghe and Wang Dahu stood before him, their expressions also somewhat solemn.

"Director, this time… what is the Security Department's stance?" Wang Dahu asked bluntly, unable to hold back. He had been promoted by Factory Director Yang Changzhang, so his heart naturally leaned toward Yang.

Chen Jianghe said nothing, but his gaze was also inquisitive. He knew his brother‑in‑law (Li Ping'an) usually stayed out of such matters, yet this turmoil was so large that staying completely uninvolved would be difficult.

Li Ping'an turned, his gaze sweeping over the two capable subordinates, his voice steady yet unmistakably authoritative: "The Security Section's stance has always been one: resolutely implement the final decision of the factory Party Committee, maintain plant stability, and ensure production safety. Until then, no speculation, no discussion, no taking sides."

He paused, looking at Wang Dahu: "Dahu, especially you, keep your subordinates in line; no one is allowed to discuss leadership matters in the Section. Devote all your energy to security work!"

"Yes, Director!" Wang Dahu flinched, immediately straightening his chest in response.

"Jianghe, personnel turnover and morale in the plant may fluctuate soon; strengthen information gathering and report any anomalies promptly."

"Understood."

After sending the two away, Li Ping'an sat alone in his office, his fingers unconsciously drumming on the desk. Support Li Huaide? That thought lingered in his mind.

In terms of personal feelings and work style, he preferred Yang Weiguo's pragmatism and steadiness. Yet he possessed a vision beyond his era and knew how fierce the upcoming "great wind" would be.

On the existing trajectory, technical cadres like Yang Weiguo who focus on production and sometimes appear "conservative" are often the first to bear the impact. In contrast, Li Huaide, who excels at maneuvering, sensing the "wind direction," and has roots in the upper echelons, more easily survives turmoil and can even seize the opportunity to rise.

Li Ping'an could keep himself clean, but he could not guarantee his family's safety nor that the entire Security Section would remain untouched.

To preserve himself and everything he wishes to protect amid future storms, sometimes one must make choices that betray one's heart but align with practical interests. This is not surrender, but a strategic detour.

He must support Li Huaide, at least outwardly make him feel he has the Security Department's backing. Yet that support must have limits and a bottom line; the Security Section must not be completely shackled to Li Huaide's war machine, and its independence must be preserved.

Walking well on this tightrope requires extremely high skill.

The opportunity arrived quickly. That afternoon, Li Huaide, under the pretext of inspecting logistical support work, "on the way" came to the Security Department office.

"Comrade Ping'an, busy?" Li Huaide beamed, pulling a chair for himself and sitting down in a friendly manner.

"Li." Li Ping'an rose, politely poured him a glass of water, "Not busy; it's just routine work."

After a few pleasantries, Li Huaide shifted tone and sighed: "Ah, you've seen the current state of the plant. Some people's thinking just can't turn a corner; they always believe the old is best. For a plant as large as ours to develop, we must inject fresh blood. It's the same with your Security Department; doesn't it also need young comrades like Jianghe to take on the main beams?"

He began to lay the groundwork, trying to steer the conversation toward the Workshop Director selection, and hinted that if Li Ping'an supported him, he would also offer "support" in future personnel arrangements within the Security Department.

Li Ping'an let a cold smile flicker in his mind, yet his face remained impassive; he lifted his tea cup, blew the froth, and in a calm tone added a touch of precisely measured agreement:

"Factory Director Li's concern for the plant's development is commendable. Indeed, sometimes courage to break conventions is needed. Though the Security Department does not directly partake in production, we understand that stability is the prerequisite for development. Whoever assumes the Workshop Director role, as long as it benefits the plant's unity, stability, and production safety, our Security Department will resolutely support it and fully carry out its safeguarding duties."

His words were airtight. He first affirmed Li Huaide's "starting point" (concern for development), expressed understanding of his "breaking conventions" idea (even if only limitedly), and finally anchored the Security Department's stance firmly on "supporting decisions that favor stability and development," emphasizing its "safeguarding" duty. He gave Li Huaide face, as if granting some support, yet did not explicitly back any particular individual, further preserving the Security Department's identity as a protector rather than a participant.

How shrewd Li Huaide was, he could not fail to detect the nuance. He wanted Li Ping'an to take a clearer side, even to provide the Security Department's "aid" at a critical moment. Yet Li Ping'an's slippery response left him unable to react; at least Li Ping'an did not side with Yang Weiguo and acknowledged his "reform" ideas.

His smile unchanged, he patted Li Ping'an's shoulder: "Good! Comrade Ping'an's insight is high! With your Security Department ensuring stability, I'm relieved. Then let's… see the final decision of the factory Party Committee?"

"We will resolutely implement the Party Committee's decision." Li Ping'an reiterated, his tone firm.

Li Huaide knew today had to end here, made a few more idle remarks, then rose and left.

After seeing Li Huaide off, Li Ping'an stood by the window, his gaze deep. He knew this was only the beginning. Soon, someone from Yang Weiguo's side might also test him. He must respond likewise, impartial and unbiased, at least as it appears to outsiders.

Supporting Li Huaide is to harness his momentum and evade his thrust in the coming storm. Maintaining independence is to avoid total assimilation, preserving room to maneuver and his own dignity. The balance of these requires his precise handling.

The high‑volume speakers in the plant blared the end‑of‑shift signal, and workers surged out like a tide. Li Ping'an cleared his desk, locked the door. No matter how fierce the external struggle, he still needed to return to the Siheyuan that could bring his mind peace.

He knew that the cause he sowed today would bear unknown fruits in the future. Yet he had no choice but to steer his helm cautiously amid the era's torrent and the plant's undercurrents, both harnessing the wind to move forward and avoiding capsizing. This tightrope he must keep walking.