Chapter 135

He felt greatly surprised and uncomfortable in his heart.

He cursed Cao Cao Weiguo for "sucking up," "putting on an act of being a good person," and "offering favors without reason—if not for treachery, then for theft."

Steel Rolling Mill

Cao Cao Weiguo managed the cafeteria's work in an orderly fashion.

As for the infighting within the factory, he neither listened nor asked.

But as Factory Director Yang returned from his "studies," the strife in the factory intensified.

Liu Lan: "Director Cao, I heard the deputy director of the Procurement Section is being transferred."

Li Dong: "Cao Weiguo, it's rumored that Factory Director Yang wants to renovate the workshop, and..."

Deputy Factory Director Li and Factory Director Yang were fighting fiercely, and everyone from top to bottom was affected.

After lunch, Yu Yu Haitang rushed into the office in a flurry.

"Director Cao, a notice just came down from above."

"They want to organize a technical exchange meeting for brother units, and the event will last for a week."

"With dozens of extra mouths to feed out of thin air, you, the deputy director of the cafeteria, are going to be busy."

Cao Cao Weiguo closed his notebook, looked up at Yu Yu Haitang, and his eyes brightened instantly.

Yu Yu Haitang was wearing black trousers, a blue and white plaid lady's shirt, and black, shiny leather shoes.

Seeing Cao Cao Weiguo looking at her attire, Yu Yu Haitang turned around and laughed crisply:

"How is it? Is this outfit okay?"

"Mm, not bad, capable and refreshing."

Cao Cao Weiguo nodded in appreciation, then immediately asked: "Do you know which brother units will be coming?"

Seeing that Cao Cao Weiguo did not continue discussing her outfit, Yu Yu Haitang felt a bit disappointed.

She then sat on a chair with familiar ease, straightened her back, and said crisply:

"I heard there are the Parts Factory, the Machine Repair Factory, the Power Distribution Factory, the Steel Factory... over a dozen units, big and small."

Just as they were chatting about the exchange meeting, the cafeteria director came looking for them.

Then the two of them went to the conference room together.

Factory Director Yang and Deputy Factory Director Li held a special meeting to arrange the work for the exchange meeting.

This exchange meeting was a major event, spearheaded by the leaders above.

Each unit selected key personnel to participate; these individuals were the elites of their respective units.

Each department received its work assignments.

Cao Cao Weiguo's task was to be responsible for the working meals during the exchange meeting.

After the meeting ended, Deputy Factory Director Li called the cafeteria director, the procurement director, and Cao Cao Weiguo to his office.

"This exchange meeting is very important; there are nearly a hundred participants!"

"As the saying goes, 'troops and horses move, but provisions come first.'"

"You must make reception preparations in advance."

"Yes!"

"Understood!"

After letting the procurement director and the cafeteria director leave, Deputy Factory Director Li handed a piece of paper to Cao Cao Weiguo:

"Cao Weiguo, these are the preferences and dietary restrictions of several key leaders at the exchange meeting. Take it and familiarize yourself with it."

Cao Cao Weiguo respectfully took the paper from Deputy Factory Director Li's hand.

Deputy Factory Director Li nodded inwardly as he watched the respectful Cao Cao Weiguo.

Every time he entertained leaders and brother units, the dishes Cao Cao Weiguo prepared were always met with endless praise.

As for Cao Cao Weiguo not being proactive in "other" work, Deputy Factory Director Li did not mind.

Cao Cao Weiguo did not jump around participating in "other" work, but instead focused wholeheartedly on his own duties.

This attitude made him very pleased.

He liked subordinates who were obedient and honest.

They could carry out work according to his arrangements without threatening his status or interests.

Deputy Factory Director Li took out a cigarette and handed one to Cao Cao Weiguo: "Cao Weiguo, you'll have to work hard during the exchange meeting."

Cao Cao Weiguo hurriedly took out a lighter to light the cigarette for Deputy Factory Director Li, but he did not light one himself, instead assuming a posture of listening with hands clasped.

A leader offering a cigarette is a sign of closeness, but one must know when to advance or retreat.

If he were to light up and puff smoke in front of the leader, that would be lacking in judgment.

Seeing Cao Cao Weiguo's actions, Deputy Factory Director Li was very satisfied.

Deputy Factory Director Li said meaningfully: "Cao Weiguo, the organization affirms your work ability and achievements."

"In the next step, you must take advantage of this exchange meeting to make your work even more outstanding."

Cao Cao Weiguo said with an excited expression: "Don't worry, Factory Director. With your affirmation and support, I will definitely go all out in my work and not let the organization or your expectations down."

Steel Rolling Mill

Just as Cao Cao Weiguo returned to the office, Cafeteria Director Zhao came over to inquire.

Cao Cao Weiguo did not hide anything and gave a rough summary of the conversation.

"That's a good thing."

Cafeteria Director: "It seems Factory Director Li intends to promote you."

Cao Cao Weiguo said nonchalantly: "The current situation is quite good; the work is relaxed and comfortable."

"You can't be so greedy for comfort."

"You are in your prime; you should still seek progress, unlike us who are already old."

The cafeteria director said earnestly: "Brother Cao Weiguo, you have a good background and ability; you should be actively seeking progress."

Cao Cao Weiguo laughed: "I don't have much of a mind for being an official; living a peaceful and safe life is good enough."

Cao Cao Weiguo was already very satisfied with his current comfortable and easy life.

As for whether to move up or not, Cao Cao Weiguo did not care.

When the country opens up, wouldn't it be more "profitable" to go to Xiangjiang or Europe and America to make money?

Just as they were talking about the exchange meeting, Director Hu from the Personnel Section walked in.

"A rare guest. Director Hu, please sit."

Director Hu laughed: "No need to sit. I came to pass on some news to you."

Director Zhao asked: "What news?"

Director Hu said: "Factory Director Yang is going to let Seeing Shazhu return to work at the factory."

Director Zhao's face turned unpleasant: "Hmph, this Factory Director Yang really favors Seeing Shazhu."

Relying on his good culinary skills, Seeing Shazhu was arrogant and domineering in the kitchen.

He had never put him, the cafeteria director, in his eyes.

Before Cao Cao Weiguo became a regular, he had suffered quite a bit from Seeing Shazhu.

Only because he couldn't catch Seeing Shazhu's handle, plus Factory Director Yang's protection,

he could only swallow his anger.

Now hearing that Factory Director Yang was backing Seeing Shazhu, he was naturally unhappy.

Cao Cao Weiguo said: "Seeing Shazhu has helped Factory Director Yang a lot; it's no surprise that Factory Director Yang is helping him."

Director Hu whispered: "If Seeing Shazhu is reinstated, then Chu Jinshui's position will be difficult to handle."

Cao Cao Weiguo frowned slightly: "That is a problem."

Chu Jinshui was filling Seeing Shazhu's position.

Cao Cao Weiguo asked: "Director Hu, is there any way to let Chu Jinshui become a regular as soon as possible?"

Director Hu shook his head: "It's difficult. Chu Jinshui's time at the job is too short, and his background is not good; he needs time for assessment."

Director Zhao snorted coldly: "Seeing Shazhu can return to the factory, but it won't be that easy to return to the kitchen."

Director Hu said a few more words and left the office.

He came to leak the news, also wanting to do a favor for Cao Cao Weiguo.

He didn't know the grudge between Cao Cao Weiguo and Seeing Shazhu, but Chu Jinshui was Cao Cao Weiguo's senior apprentice brother.

If Seeing Shazhu returned early, the one most affected would be Chu Jinshui.