Chapter 817: What are your thoughts?

"Because of this, 516 has a feeling of being 'wealthy and overbearing'."

Although Factory Director Hao felt that Lu Qiao was a bit of a slippery character for not expressing an opinion directly, he liked hearing Lu Qiao evaluate Secretary Ye so fairly, rather than complaining or criticizing.

Factory Director Shao stood up: "Xiao Lu, it really isn't easy for you to make a trip back. You must have other things to do, so we won't delay you. Let's go, let's go, I'll take you to see Secretary Ye."

Secretary Ye's office was on the third floor, spacious and bright, with a huge map of the country and a portrait of the Great Man hanging on the wall.

Secretary Ye was a thin, elderly man in his fifties, his waist and back held straight, currently using a red pencil to mark up documents.

Seeing that it was Lu Qiao and Factory Director Hao who had entered, he was surprised for a moment. Afterward, Secretary Ye put down his pen; his attitude appeared amiable, but those sharp eyes seemed capable of seeing through a person's heart.

Factory Director Hao introduced the two of them, and Lu Qiao greeted them politely: "Secretary Ye, hello!"

Secretary Ye also smiled and beckoned: "So Comrade Xiao Lu has come, sit, sit..."

Lu Qiao sat down gracefully, and Factory Director Hao said: "Xiao Lu said she wanted to report on her studies and some basic work situations at the General Administration of Foreign Trade."

Lu Qiao was still the nominal factory director of the Xiang Yang Food Factory, and everyone had always considered her the director; it had never been changed.

Although she was actually working at the General Administration of Foreign Trade now, this attitude of Lu Qiao's, taking the initiative to report on her work, was very comforting.

But when Lu Qiao spoke of reporting, the two leaders actually knew this was just a polite formality.

It was Lu Qiao showing them respect.

Factory Director Hao hadn't said anything just now, waiting for Secretary Ye to speak.

So Secretary Ye also smiled and said: "Comrade Xiao Lu. Regardless of anything else, you have now been officially transferred to the General Administration of Foreign Trade. Old Hao and I both believe in your learning ability, and of course, we believe in your work ability as well.

Regarding you... even I, who have never had contact with you and only looked at your previous work situation here, feel that you will certainly be competent. Really, Old Hao and I are not worried at all about your work and study situation in Beidu. Of course, if there is any place where you need us two old fellows, we certainly won't stand idly by."

Lu Qiao immediately said: "Oh my, then I am truly very grateful to the two leaders."

Secretary Ye picked up his teacup but did not drink; instead, he looked at Lu Qiao, suddenly changing the subject, and asked straightforwardly: "Comrade Xiao Lu, regarding my cutting the workers' benefits in half, what are your thoughts?"

This question was asked directly, carrying the scrutiny of a superior.

The air froze for an instant.

If it were anyone else, they would probably be weighing their words at this moment, or expressing dissatisfaction in a roundabout way.

But Lu Qiao only paused slightly, then frankly met Secretary Ye's gaze, her expression solemn and respectful.

"Secretary Ye," she began, her voice not loud, but every word clear, "Before answering this question, I would like to first speak about my opinion of you."

Secretary Ye was stunned for a moment, his eyebrows raised slightly.

Lu Qiao leaned forward slightly, her tone sincere: "In my eyes, you and Factory Director Hao, as well as the older generation of comrades in our factory, are all heroes of the country. Your generation came from the flames of war and shouldered heavy burdens in the construction of the New Long Kingdom.

You endured hardship first and enjoyed comfort later, dedicating your entire lives to the country. This spirit of integrity and selfless devotion to the public is something I, Lu Qiao, admire from the bottom of my heart.

That I can have today is inseparable from the cultivation of the organization, and even more inseparable from the steering and protection of senior predecessors like you."

These words came from the bottom of her heart.

Secretary Ye listened, and even if he felt that this smooth-talking Lu Qiao was saying pretty words, the lines on his originally serious face softened unconsciously.

He hadn't expected that this young girl would evaluate his work with such high standards.

A warm current surged into his heart, making him feel a bit more closeness toward this "young cadre who walked out of 516."

"Thank you." Secretary Ye's voice also softened significantly. "I am very gratified that you can think this way."

Lu Qiao said earnestly: "These are my true words, not official jargon, and certainly not just for show. I truly respect you and Factory Director Hao.

In my eyes, you are all very precious people!

Not only do I want to learn from the spirit of the two leaders, but I also want to protect this spirit of yours and continue to carry it forward."

Speaking to the end, Lu Qiao's words were resonant and forceful.

Factory Director Hao and Secretary Ye exchanged a glance.

At their age and in their positions, they actually rarely felt moved, but now, they both felt touched in their hearts.

At this moment, they could clearly perceive that Lu Qiao's admiration for them was genuine.

It was not grandstanding for the sake of currying favor.

Especially the word "protect"!

Factory Director Hao laughed heartily there: "Xiao Lu, oh Xiao Lu, you little girl, your tone is quite bold, isn't it? Very well, I won't doubt you, and I believe Old Ye won't doubt you either. We look forward to your performance."

Lu Qiao immediately responded loudly: "I guarantee to the leaders that I will not let the two leaders down."

At this time, Secretary Ye's tone was not just gentle, but intimate.

He asked with concern what Lu Qiao had been doing these days and how the situation was when she returned to school.

It was just that he didn't ask about the General Administration of Foreign Trade.

Lu Qiao answered patiently one by one, speaking of the tense learning atmosphere at school now, and also mentioning that she had sent a group of university students with poor family conditions who wanted to work-study to the Beidu Instant Noodle Factory.

She also specifically told the two of them: "... Among them, there is a student named Zhang Aiguo who performed particularly well and is now working as an assistant by Factory Director Min's side. There is a student named Luo Xinghua whose situation is a bit special; actually, she started by helping in the school cafeteria, and then the head chef discovered that her taste buds were very sensitive."

Factory Director Hao asked curiously: "Do you mean this student can taste delicious delicacies?"

Lu Qiao said with a smile: "That's about what it means. With such an ability, she can easily distinguish the freshness of ingredients, the amount of condiments, and even the truth, falsehood, quality, and badness; she can distinguish all of this clearly.

Then she came to me and said she wanted to go to the Beidu Instant Noodle Factory to see if she could use this ability of hers to do something, and then she went to the factory's R&D room.

I won't hide it from the two leaders, the progress there is also very fast. How should I put it... proportioning is a technical job; just a slight adjustment, and the taste will be even more delicious.

This time when I go back, I still have to discuss with Factory Director Min how to give her a bonus..."

Secretary Ye looked at Lu Qiao meaningfully.

This girl, telling them fresh things was never for nothing.

Isn't this it—she was waiting for him right here!

If it were according to his, Old Ye's, way of thinking, wasn't this all something that should be done? If there is a salary to be had, that is already quite enough; why give a bonus?

Factory Director Hao didn't interrupt at this time, just watching Secretary Ye with a smile. ===== CHAPTER 818 =====