Chapter 146: Reform

Furthermore, the corn harvested from Zhang Ping'an's courtyard in September was all hauled home by Zhang Laohan to be used as seeds for the coming year.

At the end of the year, the Rolling Mill's logistics department underwent reforms, especially regarding the Procurement Section; Li Huaide even came personally to oversee the work.

"Procurement Section 1 will henceforth be independent as Procurement Section Two, specifically responsible for off-plan material procurement. At the same time, Section Two is permitted to expand its scale, and the original ten members of Group 1 will each have one entry-level quota for the Procurement Section."

"Former Deputy Section Chief of the Procurement Section Wu Qiang is appointed as Section Chief of Section Two, former Group 1 leader Zhang Ping'an is appointed as Deputy Section Chief, and Jia Dongxu is appointed as group leader."

Once this news was announced, everyone in the current Procurement Section 1, except for Section Chief Zhu Weiguo and Zhu Jianshe who were gloating, looked on with envy; after all, they could get a quota for free, and the schedule was much freer than theirs.

Zhang Ping'an also became an object of envy for everyone; at only twenty-one years old, he was already a Cadre, and a Deputy Section Chief was a solid, real Cadre.

Wu Qiang was not happy; on the contrary, he was a bit worried. His rank had risen, but the tasks had also become more difficult. He knew that only the uncle-nephew pair of Zhang Ping'an had the ability to complete the tasks, and the others were likely in a bit of danger.

"Your Section Two's tasks will be appropriately reduced in the early stages due to insufficient manpower. Once all personnel are fully staffed, new hires will have a three-month probationary period; those who cannot complete their tasks will be dismissed."

Now the people in Procurement Section 1 were no longer envious. Compared to Procurement Section Two, they just needed to complete their assigned procurement tasks step-by-step, while Section Two had to bitterly search for food ingredients themselves.

"Alright, the two rooms next door will be the office space for Procurement Section Two from now on. Logistics will clear them out as soon as possible. Section Chief Wu, Section Chief Zhang, Procurement Section Two is now in your hands."

"Understood, Director, we guarantee we will complete the mission."

"Mm~" Patting both of them on the shoulders and offering some encouragement to the other members of Group 1, Li Huaide then departed.

By the afternoon, the office space for Procurement Section Two had been cleared out. One room was a large conference room, and the other was the office for Wu Qiang and Zhang Ping'an, which would be partitioned into two rooms after the weather warmed up.

"Ahem, let's hold a brief meeting. We are all old acquaintances, so I won't say those formal, distant things. I hope everyone can cherish the quota in their hands."

"Don't just give it to any relative or sell it off. You still need to select people who can handle the job of procurement. Otherwise, if you're fired after three months, it's not just a waste of a quota, but you'll also lose face."

"Also, I know you all have your own procurement ranges. In the future, try not to step into villages managed by others, and warn the new recruits about this as well."

"As for me, everyone knows I don't really like to manage things, but since I'm sitting in this position, I have to manage."

"I have only one requirement: as long as you can complete the procurement tasks, I will approve leave for you no matter how many days you are out, and I will back you up. For those who exceed their targets, I will definitely strive for the rewards you deserve."

"Clap, clap, clap, clap."

"I've said enough. Ping'an, you say a few words too."

"Ahem, I don't have much to say either. Everything Section Chief Wu just said makes sense. Everyone just needs to go all out on the tasks; we can't let the people in Section 1 look down on us."

"Good."

"Clap, clap, clap."

With his uncle speaking, Jia Dongxu, as the nephew, naturally had to show support; the atmosphere-building team had to be arranged properly.

"Alright, everyone come over to collect your entry forms, and then arrange for people to join as soon as possible."

After the nine entry forms were distributed, Wu Qiang still had four in his hand; he and Zhang Ping'an were both leaders, so they each had two.

"Ping'an, my eldest son already has a job, and my youngest son is messing around all day. I'll give him one, and there's one more for you. I want you to bring him along and guide him more."

"Done."

Zhang Ping'an had also been to Wu Qiang's house. His youngest son, Wu Guohua, was seventeen years old now. After graduating from junior high, he had been messing around on the streets, but he wasn't the type of aimless drifter; he was a bit like the street urchins of later generations.

Zhang Ping'an felt that such a person was actually suitable for procurement. He had a glib tongue and high emotional intelligence; he would definitely be an expert at procuring in the countryside, and with a little guidance, he could master the trade.

Moreover, this kid admired Zhang Ping'an, especially since his father often compared his eldest brother to Zhang Ping'an at home, and Zhang Ping'an would always bring him something delicious whenever he visited.

Back home, Zhang Ping'an had already decided to give these three spots to his younger brothers, Zhang Tiezhu and the others. Their ages were just on the edge; if it didn't work, he would just change them in the village. Anyway, their appearance and age would be enough.

"Uncle, do you want this entry form of mine?"

"I don't need it. I have three, which is enough. You arrange it yourself. If it doesn't work, ask San Jie Fu."

"Oh, okay."

Since his father died, San Jie Fu Lao Jia rarely returned to Jia Village. Only his cousin Jia Youzhong's family kept in relatively close contact. He figured there were no better arrangements.

Evening, Middle Courtyard, Jia Family.

"You said your uncle became a Section Chief?"

"Mm, deputy."

"A deputy is still a Section Chief. This is the first Cadre in our courtyard. I said long ago that Ping'an could be a Cadre; he is worthy of being a member of our Zhang family," Zhang Xiaohua said, not without pride.

"Yes, yes, yes."

The three of them were used to Zhang Xiaohua's showing off; after all, she often had "my Ping'an" and "my Dongxu" on her lips.

"Then who should this quota go to? If time wasn't so tight, it would be quite suitable for Weiguo, but it's a pity he's too young."

"Mm~ On the Jia Village side, Youzhong isn't suitable either. As for others, sigh, there's no one left."

Zhang Xiaohua also roughly guessed that Lao Jia was thinking of his lost brother Jia Youwei, and she patted his hand comfortingly.

"I'm fine," Lao Jia smiled bitterly.

"Huairu, how about giving it to your Third Uncle? Third Uncle is a good hunter; he will definitely complete the tasks easily."

"This... I have no opinion. You all decide." Of course, she also hoped to help her maiden family more, but it was hard for her to bring it up.

"Alright then, tomorrow is a day off, let's go back to Qin Family Village together to take a look and ask for Third Uncle's opinion by the way."

"Good."

The next morning, Zhang Ping'an also returned to his old home. Zhang Laohan and Zhang Ping'an separately handed the three entry forms to the parents of the three Zhang Tiezhu brothers.

"Uncle, Auntie, Zhuzi and the others' ages are just on the edge. I suggest changing them to be two years older; it will be easier to get hired."

They were currently fifteen and sixteen; the minimum requirement was sixteen, so changing them to be older would be convenient.

Furthermore, Zhang Ping'an had already arranged a place for them to stay, which was the former fabric store, five Daozuofang rooms, enough for the three of them to live in. It also happened to help Zhang Ping'an watch the house; of course, it wasn't impossible to give it to them in the future.

"Done, I'll go to the village chief's house tomorrow to change it. Ping'an, thank you for still thinking of them. But this job can't be taken for free; let them give you their first year's salary."

"Uncle, Auntie, saying that makes us strangers. In the end, we are one family."

"That won't do. You even arranged a place to live. Although we are one family, even brothers should settle accounts clearly. Big Brother, don't you think so?"

"Hehe, alright, then half a year's salary."

Zhang Laohan didn't care about money now, but he didn't want to raise ingrates. Although it was impossible for one family, a compromise would take care of their face and leave no room for criticism.

Now, new hires were all counted as Apprentice Workers, with a monthly salary of eighteen yuan. Half a year would be about a hundred yuan, which was neither too much nor too little.

"Alright, then we'll listen to Big Brother."

"Uncle Na and Auntie, the sooner you make arrangements, the sooner you can start the job."

"Good."