Chapter 116

Seeing Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou approaching, Zuo Peiming, as the Fenguan leader, introduced them to Cheng Zhanjun: “Secretary, these are Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou.”

Then he turned to Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou: “This is Secretary Cheng, newly transferred to our city.”

The two hurried to shake hands with Cheng Zhanjun and greet him, then glanced at the several leaders behind, their hearts rising to their throats. What was going on? So many big shots had shown up—even Jiangzhou’s newly appointed boss had come in person.

Gu Bing and Qian Zhen also came forward, and Zuo Peiming introduced them as well.

“Gu Bing is my junior—no need to introduce him,” Cheng Zhanjun said with a smile, then shook hands with Qian Zhen.

Zuo Peiming and the other leaders were merely surprised, but Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou panicked—their unease had become reality, confirming their worst fears. Gu Bing would now serve as plant manager; Zhang Deyou’s dream of becoming manager had turned into a castle in the air.

Tong Huaiyu had been about to leave, but things took an unexpected turn. Though his mood was foul, he stayed to see how this drama would end.

The leaders stepped onto the stage and saw Zhou Andong standing there, carrying a red cloth bundle, looking utterly bewildered.

Cheng Zhanjun smiled: “What are you up to, kid?”

Zhou Andong plopped down on the floor, slapping the stage with both hands while singing and shouting: “Oh my merciful judge! I’m being wronged to death—please, you must uphold justice for me…”

Zhou Andong’s performance left over a thousand people stunned, staring at him. Cheng Zhanjun and the others gaped, mouths and eyes wide open. Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou’s already dark faces turned livid purple.

Gu Bing pinched his own thigh hard to stifle a laugh; Qian Zhen clenched his teeth, holding back a chuckle. Jian Qiu covered her face, cursing inwardly: This bastard is so embarrassing.

Zuo Peiming’s lip twitched: “What’s going on? Explain. If you’re in the right, we’ll definitely stand by you.”

Zhou Andong shot to his feet, pointing around: “They’re all bullying me!”

Jian Qiu feared Zhou Andong would say too much and offend too many people: “Let me explain.”

Zhou Andong opened his mouth, then nodded: “Fine, you explain.”

Jian Qiu organized her words and summarized the key points.

Cheng Zhanjun and Zuo Peiming’s expressions darkened. The workers lived at the bottom of the ladder; it was understandable they had their own calculations. Short-sightedness, ingratitude—it didn’t matter. They couldn’t speak up, wouldn’t speak up.

But Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou’s actions enraged them. As plant leaders, they didn’t plan for the brewery’s future or nurture talent—they went to extreme lengths, using every trick imaginable, to drive talent out. What exactly were they trying to do?

Looking at Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou, Zuo Peiming snorted: “Secretary, since they’re holding a full-plant meeting, let’s announce it now.”

At that moment, chairs were brought up; the leaders sat down. Zuo Peiming looked at Cheng Zhanjun.

“Secretary, you speak.”

Cheng Zhanjun took the microphone, tested the sound: “We have two announcements today. First, we’re reorganizing the brewery’s leadership.”

Gao Qingkui showed no expression, but Zhang Deyou tensed up. Though he’d guessed the outcome, he still clung to a sliver of hope until the moment arrived.

“Second, we’re reforming the brewery into a joint-stock company. We’ll offer a portion of shares to all employees, making everyone shareholders. As the brewery grows and profits, everyone will receive dividends and truly enter a moderately prosperous life.”

A roar erupted below—some couldn’t believe it, some were skeptical, some scorned it, but most were excited.

The leaders smiled. The effect was good—at least most workers supported it.

Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou’s faces turned ashen. Brewery reform? A joint-stock company? All their years of planning—would it all vanish overnight?

Why sell shares to those poor workers? Pay them wages, let them eat—that’s enough. Why make them shareholders? They were furious, indignant, powerless.

“Second, leadership reshuffle: Comrade Zhou Andong is appointed Deputy Party Secretary and Plant Manager.”

Cheng Zhanjun’s words dropped like a bomb, leaving everyone dazed and reeling.

Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou’s minds went blank, as if their souls had fled; their eyes lost focus. If Gu Bing had become manager—even if the brewery became a joint-stock company—they still believed they could turn it into their own private domain.

But Zhou Andong as manager? They already had shadows over their hearts for that little fox—they had no confidence they could outmaneuver him.

Zhou Andong stared at Cheng Zhanjun in disbelief. Me? Plant manager? Are you really going to give me shares?

Then Cheng Zhanjun spoke: “After deliberation by the city committee, Comrade Zhou Andong is granted twelve percent management shares. But these shares aren’t free. Comrade Zhou Andong must achieve a sales target of two hundred million yuan within three years and lead the brewery to become the largest liquor enterprise in the country.”

Zhou Andong was utterly stunned. What the hell, boss? I was just blowing smoke that day—how could you take it seriously?

The ones least able to accept reality were Gao Qingkui and Zhang Deyou. They had dreamed of nothing but the brewery—but never imagined Zhou Andong would gain twelve percent of shares without lifting a finger.

Gu Bing smiled. Qian Zhen smiled. Jian Qiu was the happiest of all—if Zhou Andong took this step, their own obstacles would shrink.

A chaotic drama, twisting and turning, ended in a conclusion no one expected—some rejoiced, some grieved, some panicked—especially those who had shouted loudest against Zhou Andong. Now that he was plant manager, how could they not fear? The thought of being bullied by the manager filled them with despair.

After the announcement, Cheng Zhanjun said to Zhou Andong: “I’ve agreed to your conditions. But you must fulfill your promise. Don’t let me down. Don’t let the leaders who trust you down. Don’t let every worker here down.”

Zhou Andong wanted to refuse—but this was the city committee’s decision. So many leaders had shown up and announced it before over a thousand people. To refuse now would be to show ingratitude.

He sighed inwardly—it was self-inflicted. But he’d never imagined Cheng Zhanjun would actually agree to such a demand—and so quickly.