Chapter 2100: Probe

"What should we do?" Hu Daming asked anxiously: "We can't just sit and wait for death, can we? We must find a way to fight back; we absolutely cannot let Zhou Andong enter the textile mill."

Shiguoqiang fell silent for a moment, then said heavily: "For now, we can only observe the situation and look for a breakthrough. At the same time, we must strengthen internal communication to ensure smooth information flow and cohesion.

Additionally, we need to prepare in advance for Zhou Andong's entry into the wool spinning mill, take preventive measures early, and deal with any potential risks as soon as possible."

Hu Daming was unwilling: "Really, there's no other way?"

Seeing Hu Daming's expression, Shiguoqiang knew what he was thinking and warned him.

"Don't think about organizing workers to oppose the higher-ups; the consequences would be very serious. Moreover, Zhou Andong is too famous—those workers might not necessarily listen to you."

Hu Daming was unconvinced: In the wool spinning mill, his word is law—who dares not to listen to him?

But he dare not say this thought in front of Shiguoqiang; he could only nod.

"Okay, okay, then we'll do it your way."

…………………………

Municipal Government!

Executive Vice Mayor Li Ming was reporting work to Zhou Yunhai, and after the report, Li Ming lit a cigarette.

"Mayor, the higher-ups have arranged for Zhou Andong to enter the wool spinning mill—what do you think?"

"What else could I think? Of course it's a good thing." Zhou Yunhai said with a smile: "Originally, Zhou Andong was one of our own within the system; now he's on leave-with-pay status, and having him serve as director of the wool spinning mill couldn't be more appropriate.

Moreover, we've had considerable cooperation—such as the urban complex, Yangyang's high-end residential project, and the headquarters construction of Qiudongfang China, etc.

Once he becomes director of the wool spinning mill, we'll be on the same side—whether it's Yugong Group or Qiudongfang, any future investment projects won't be able to escape us."

"I'm not talking about that." Li Ming took a puff of his cigarette, gathered his thoughts: "The higher-ups released this news in advance—they're definitely testing some people's reactions. If the resistance is too strong, what will they do?"

Zhou Yunhai countered: "What do you think?"

Li Ming pondered: "This morning I met Deputy Secretary Liu, who also brought up this matter. He said this is the higher-ups testing the waters; if resistance is strong, they will definitely abandon the reform of the wool spinning mill.

But I believe the reform of the wool spinning mill should be our city's affair. Now the higher-ups have directly intervened—no matter how strong the resistance, the reform will proceed to the end, without hesitation.

So I think the higher-ups releasing this news early is indeed a test—intended to kill the chicken to scare the monkey, to give Zhou Andong a platform. As for who is that 'scared monkey' chicken, it depends on who flies out first and crows before dawn."

"Your analysis is correct." Zhou Yunhai nodded in agreement: "Your analysis is very accurate—the higher-ups indeed want to kill the chicken to scare the monkey."

Li Ming looked puzzled at Zhou Yunhai: "Does Deputy Secretary Liu not see the problem here?"

"Of course he sees it clearly." Zhou Yunhai said with a faint smile: "You forgot—Deputy Secretary Liu came from the wool spinning mill."

Li Ming froze for a moment, then realized: "How could I forget this? Now it all makes sense."

Zhou Yunhai let out a cold laugh: "He's speaking so lightly, just trying to muddy the waters, to get some people to come forward and become that 'scared monkey' chicken—but in this world, he's not the only smart one."

Smoke curled slowly from Li Ming's mouth: "There are many smart people in this world, but also plenty of fools. Now we just wait to see how determined the higher-ups really are."

"No need to wait." Zhou Yunhai said firmly: "This reform is inevitable; Zhou Andong entering the wool spinning mill is already a done deal. As for whether the mill will be reborn like a phoenix or rot away like spoiled meat, that depends on Zhou Andong's ability."

"I believe in Zhou Andong." Li Ming pressed his cigarette butt into the ashtray, stood up, and said: "If he can't transform the wool spinning mill from cocoon to butterfly, domestically there's no one stronger than him to find."

Zhou Yunhai was surprised: "You have that much confidence in him?"

"Not before!" Li Ming laughed and shook his head: "When he bought Sony shares and became its fourth-largest shareholder, my confidence in him was through the roof."

Zhou Yunhai laughed loudly: "I was the same back then—full of anticipation for his entry into the wool spinning mill."

"I believe he won't let us down." Li Ming turned and walked out of the office: "It's said he went to Japan—I don't know if he'll bring us another surprise."

Watching Li Ming leave the office, Zhou Yunhai came to his senses, then let out a long sigh.

He also hopes that Zhou Andong in Japan will once again bring joy to the people.

…………………………

Wool Spinning Mill!

"Ding ling..."

The afternoon shift bell rang at noon. As usual, workers would hurry to the cafeteria or ride bicycles home for lunch.

But today was strange—many people gathered in small groups, walking and chatting, as if not in a rush to eat.

"Old Liu, have you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Zhou Andong is going to be our mill director?"

"Huh? Really or fake?"

"Exactly—don't spread nonsense, don't fool us."

"If I lied to you, I wouldn't gain a single pound of meat, and you wouldn't give me half your wages."

"Who did you hear it from? We don't know anything about it."

"This morning, I happened to overhear Deputy Logistics Director Yao saying it."

"It's true." Another guy joined the chat: "My maternal uncle works in the Personnel Bureau—I went to his house last night, and he told me."

"Damn, if Zhou Andong really becomes our mill director, our spring has come."

"Never mind spring or not—our wages will definitely go up."

「……」

Such discussions were everywhere. By evening, every wool spinning mill worker knew the news—everyone was beaming with joy, eagerly awaiting Zhou Andong's arrival.

Although the textile mill is still producing, aside from state-assigned tasks, market sales have severely declined, inventory is piling up, and it has lost money for three consecutive years.

Workers' wages haven't dropped, but they haven't risen either—still at the level from five years ago, with average monthly pay just over 400 yuan. Although not the lowest in state-owned enterprises, it's not high either.

But now prices keep rising year after year. If it's a dual-income household, it's manageable—but for a single worker supporting a family of four or five, this money isn't nearly enough.

Moreover, the entire mill feels lifeless, lacking the passion of the past, because everyone sees clearly: if things continue this way, layoffs are not far off.

At this moment, hearing that Zhou Andong will come to the wool spinning mill as director has given everyone real hope. Mainly because his fame is enormous—especially after buying Sony shares and becoming its fourth-largest shareholder, many truly regard him as a business god.

Having such an incredibly impressive person as mill director—how could the wool spinning mill workers not be excited? How could they not look forward to it? After all, he's a business god—he will surely lead the mill back to the peak of its former glory.