Chapter 2764: Angry Gu Bing

Zhou Andong picked up the phone and called Han Meiqin, conveying a few sentences, mainly that the undiluted twenty percent share must be clearly stated in the contract.

He had just put down the phone when Tang Wenjuan knocked and entered: "Factory director, I just received a report from the board office that Governor Guodong Zhou of Qiong Province wants to see you, arriving in about an hour."

Zhou Andong said thoughtfully: "Have the factory office notify the other factory leaders, and in half an hour come with me to the factory gate to receive him."

Originally, Guodong Zhou had arranged to meet him the previous night, but due to urgent matters on Guodong Zhou's side, the meeting was cancelled. Today, however, the provincial governor himself came to the woolen mill to see him, and the intent to make amends was obvious.

Still, although they meant to make amends, Zhou Andong could not simply sit in his office waiting casually; proper etiquette and respect were required.

Tang Wenjuan asked: "Should we notify the secretary?"

Upon mentioning Gu Bing, Zhou Andong's expression changed; he seemed to have forgotten something: "Did the secretary come to the factory today?"

Tang Wenjuan shook her head: "I didn't see him."

Zhou Andong took a deep breath, still not exhaled, when the office door was shoved open with a bang, and Gu Bing strode in, furious.

"Zhou Andong, you actually dare to play me?"

Seeing this, Tang Wenjuan silently retreated, then gently closed the door. She patted her chest, terrified—this was the first time she had seen the secretary lose his temper, and she had no idea what outrageous act the factory director had committed.

Zhou Andong laughed: "Fifth Brother, calm down!"

Seeing Zhou Andong's smile, Gu Bing's anger flared: "You still have the nerve to laugh?"

"Secretary Gu, can't you use your brain?" Zhou Andong said, frustrated: "If I also meddle in your affair with Huilin, what would Grandfather and Uncle Aunt think?"

As he spoke, Zhou Andong sighed: "They would think you'll never grow up, good for nothing. Everything you now have comes from me—do you really accept being looked down on by them?"

Gu Bing opened his mouth, but Zhou Andong patted his shoulder, cutting him off: "Last night I truly intended to go, but turned back halfway. I didn't want to give the family the impression that you're incapable, needing me to handle even your marriage."

Gu Bing said doubtfully: "Really... truly?"

"Of course it's true." Zhou Andong put his arm around Gu Bing's shoulder: "When have I ever lied to you?"

"When have you and I ever spoken truthfully?" Gu Bing shoved away Zhou Andong's hand, but his anger had already faded.

"I didn't expect your misunderstanding of me to run so deep." Zhou Andong said sadly: "Our brotherly bond is so fragile—or perhaps you never regarded me as a brother at all."

"Sigh!"

Zhou Andong sighed, weakly waving his hand: "Fifth Brother, my heart is completely chilled; from now on we only have work, no personal feelings. You may leave—I still need to go to the gate to receive the leader."

"Look at you." Gu Bing grabbed Zhou Andong's neck: "I was just joking, why did you take it to heart? Like this—I'll treat you tonight, you pick the place."

"Don't give me that." Zhou Andong's anger flared: "Am I Zhou Andong unable to afford a meal or a drink, needing you to treat?"

Gu Bing tightened his arm around Zhou Andong's neck: "Cut the nonsense—I said I'll treat, and I will. Besides, Huilin returns tomorrow; she and Qiuqiu haven't seen each other in ages—perfect time to get together."

"Sigh!" Zhou Andong sighed again: "Fine, for Qiuqiu's sake, I agree."

"That's more like it." Gu Bing laughed: "You just said you're receiving a leader—who is it?"

"Guodong Zhou of Qiong Province." Zhou Andong checked the time: "Almost time—I'll go down shortly."

"Since it's Guodong Zhou, I'll go receive him too." Gu Bing said, then added: "What is he coming to the woolen mill for?"

"To find me." Zhou Andong shook his head: "He had arranged to meet me the previous night, but cancelled due to urgent matters; today he specially came to the woolen mill to see me—aside from making amends, he likely has something important to ask of me."

"Important matter?" Gu Bing said strangely: "The smuggling vehicle contract is already signed, and you agreed to let him inspect investment in Qiong Province—what else could he possibly ask of you?"

Zhou Andong pondered: "I suspect he wants to sell me other smuggled goods. After all, only I can obtain foreign exchange."

"That actually makes sense." Gu Bing nodded: "In recent years, smuggling in Qiong Province has been rampant—besides automobiles, it's home appliances."

"We'll know what it is when we meet Guodong Zhou." Zhou Andong lit a cigarette, then checked the time: "Almost time—let's go down."

At that moment, Deputy Factory Director Jiaoliwei stood by the window watching the gate, naturally having received the notice. As for why Guodong Zhou came to the woolen mill, he had no interest.

What he was thinking was how to negotiate with Zhou Andong to sit at the table, rather than become a vassal, summoned and dismissed by Zhou Andong. Especially since the woolen mill reform was already in its final countdown, with the city holding meetings to study reform plans, likely to conclude in a few days.

Once the result was truly out, if he then tried to negotiate with Zhou Andong, his leverage would be much weaker—even if his father-in-law could successfully attain the position of full-time deputy secretary, it would be useless.

At that moment, Jiaoliwei saw Zhou Andong and Gu Bing walking toward the factory gate, glanced at his watch, then turned and quickly left the office.

In the Factory Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office, during this period Tong Yuanxi's days have been far from pleasant. To put it this way, the entire Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office has been hollowed out by the Supervision and Inspection Office.

He had not lacked thoughts of resistance, but once he made any move, it was immediately halted by Daimin, the leader in charge. This left him feeling stifled, yet powerless.

Thinking back to the era of Shi Guoqiang and Hu Daming, when he served as director of the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office and was a member of the factory party committee, how glorious it was. Now, however, he has become a tiger in a cage, and worse—a tiger with its teeth knocked out, claws clipped, and fur plucked, unable to do anything and utterly embarrassed.

He simply wanted to be transferred, but before the cases of Shi Guoqiang and Hu Daming are concluded, he cannot move. For he is not that clean either; as long as he remains in this position, Zhou Andong will not easily act against him.

Because if action were to be taken, it would have been taken long ago—he would not have been left until now. But if he were transferred, then it would truly be uncertain. After all, Zhou Andong and the Tong family are not exactly on friendly terms.