Volume 2: The Miracle of Youth Chapter 3: Dusk of the Apocalypse

  At the same time, Shi brought along Old Wang Yi, the deputy factory director, and other relevant personnel. This meant that the decision to cancel the merger was naturally invalidated, and whether Qinghua Factory would go bankrupt or not could be discussed later. Fan Heng'an's transfer agreement had become a worthless piece of paper. Xu Fuyan coldly swept his gaze across the room, looking at these people who had once looked down on him, despised him, ignored him, and even stabbed him in the back, all of whom were now unnaturally lowering their heads. He felt extremely pleased in his heart.

  When the people from the province left, Xu Fuyan emphasized once again the organizational discipline. Yuan Dazhu's case is still under investigation. For the stability of Qingzhou, today's matters are not allowed to be leaked. This statement actually implies that it wants to humiliate Zhou Yuanting a bit. Almost everyone present was from Zhou's faction. Such a big scandal had occurred, even if Xu Fuyan didn't say anything, Zhou Yuanting would have to issue a gag order anyway.

  He must take one to two days to understand the cause and effect of this matter, no matter what. Yuan Dazhu must be rescued. But before that, it's best not to leak the news, otherwise, the workers at Qinghua Factory will make trouble and bring many unnecessary troubles and obstacles.

  In Zhou Yuanting's heart, he still thought that this was the most clumsy counterattack after Xu Fuyan had no other choice. Want to use such means to hinder the bankruptcy of Qinghua Factory, is it not a last resort or what?

  At the provincial level of confrontation, he is not afraid of his opponent.

  But Zhou Yuanting didn't know that this wasn't a counterattack, but a war of life and death that had been planned for a long time. Those who don't plan the whole situation are not enough to plan one region. When Zhou Yuanting's vision was still limited to Qingzhou, he didn't know that two factions with no connection would form an alliance because of a young man, and then launch the largest thunderous attack in Jiangdong Province's history with the posture of an eagle swooping down on a rabbit.

  "Zhou Pingchang, Qinghua Factory is still organizing study sessions over there, what do you think?"

  Secretary Tang Jie walked up to Zhou Yuanting and reminded him that this was not the time to be stunned. Zhou Yuanting came back to his senses, nodded slightly, and said in a low voice, "With thousands of people gathered together, something will go wrong if they stay for too long. Who is presiding over which side now?"

  "It's Xia Zhizhong."

  "Call him right away. Don't mention anything else, first let the workers disperse. Prepare the car and take me to Guanshan."

  Tang Jie knew that Mayor Zhou specifically mentioned the backup car, referring to not using the second car and needing to make other arrangements. He hastily went out to arrange things, and Zhou Yuanting saw that everyone in the hall was silent as a cicada, their faces heavy with worry. With a wave of his hand, he said: "We must believe that our comrades can withstand the test of the Party and the people. Everyone can rest assured, things shouldn't drag on for too long, and the truth will be revealed soon. For now, everyone go back home. Work at ease, the overall stability of Qingzhou won't change!"

  This statement was as firm as a nail, and everyone took a reassuring pill. Yes, they had been operating in Qingzhou for many years, could it be that a newly arrived secretary could overthrow them? Except for a few who were keenly aware of the severity of the situation and were deeply worried, all the other officials left with a relaxed face, but whether they really felt that way, only they knew.

  Liu Sheng watched as the crowd left and said, "What should we do now?"

  "Later you will meet Xia Zhizhong, and hand over some things to him. Handle what needs to be handled, and keep quiet about what should be kept quiet. We need to prepare for the inquiry and inspection from the provincial government. I'll find Secretary Fang immediately, and we'll go to Guanshan to get a sense of the situation. Discuss the city's affairs with Mayor Bai, and keep a close eye on those people's every move. Remember to report back in time!"

  Secretary Fang is the former Secretary and current Director of the People's Congress, Fang Mingtang. Although he has long since stepped down, Zhou Yutian still addresses him as Secretary, to show that he does not forget his roots. Liu Sheng reluctantly nodded, but Zhou Yutian knew exactly what he was thinking and scolded: "Foolish! What time is it now? Can't you put aside your usual petty squabbles? Bai Changqian dares to fight and charge forward, this is the exact moment when we need him to take the lead. Think clearly for yourself!"

  Liu Sheng's face turned red as he hastily agreed. Watching his back, Zhou Yuanting shook his head. This Liu Sheng was loyal, but his capacity was not enough to bear the heavy responsibility. In the end, only Fan Hengan remained sitting there, and a hint of disgust and cold light flashed in Zhou Yuanting's eyes. "Old Fan, I'm afraid we'll have to put the Qinghua Factory matter on hold for now. Permitting Xu Fuyan to suddenly play this trick, I'm worried that there's deceit involved, so let's go to Guanshan to investigate before making a decision. Although he may not have the guts to make a big fuss, his intentions are good, and you should also be careful on your end."

  In any case, he couldn't say too much, Zhou Yuanting tidied up his clothes and walked out, whenever he appeared in public, he was always neat and clean.

  Suddenly, a low and cold voice came from behind: "Xu Fuyan had better not make a big deal out of this." Zhou Yuanting's footsteps paused for a moment before continuing forward.

  Fan Hengan was a madman, and he knew it that night in July. But after many years in Qingzhou, his career had become deeply intertwined with the other party, inseparable. The tumor was terrifying, but once removed, it would put his life at risk.

  He has no choice!

  "Is it rented?"

  When Xia Zhizhong received Tang Jie's phone call, his excited mobile phone almost fell off. In Qingzhou, Tang Jie represented Zhou Yuanting, and the right to have a direct conversation with Mayor Zhou had always been Yuan Dazhu's exclusive privilege. As the deputy factory director, when did he ever receive such treatment? Listening to the voice coming from the phone, his head nodded continuously, and his mouth murmured:

  It took a while to hang up the phone, and in fact, Tang Jie just told him to let the employees disperse. The news of bankruptcy today will not be announced yet, and he wants him to rush to the municipal government immediately. It was hung up in less than a minute. But Xia Zhizhong still held the phone and hummed for a while, as if there was something important being conveyed.

  Small people often laugh at others' misfortunes.

  He Xiao Bo was interrupted and felt even more displeased, with a burning fire that couldn't be vented. Financial Director Yang asked in a humorous tone: "Does the leader have any instructions?"

  Xia Zhizhong smiled and said, "Nothing big, but I have to rush over to meet with Mayor Zhou and Deputy Mayor Liu right away. That's all for today, let everyone disperse."

  He Xiaobo led everyone to learn the trick for the first time, and it was really frustrating to give up halfway. He asked: "Isn't it that we have to wait until the other side is settled, can we organize some people to do some work?" These people refer to some so-called "capable and popular" figures in the factory who have prestige and appeal among workers. As long as they are stabilized, others cannot stir up a big storm.

  Xia Zhizhong looked down on this kind of person who betrayed his friends for personal gain, and sneered: "Unless Director He consults with Secretary Tang over the phone to ask if we should continue working?"

  One sentence made He Xiaobo's face turn bright red. He was just asking a normal question, but Xia Zhizhong didn't give him any face and suddenly burst into anger, almost blowing his top off, but he still managed to hold it in and forced a laugh: "Director Xia is joking, what qualifications do I have?"

  "If you're not qualified, then don't waste words, Old Li, let everyone disperse!"

  Xia Zhizhong kicked away the chair and walked away excitedly. Yang Kechang saw He Xiaobo's awkward appearance and couldn't help but laugh, intentionally saying: "Xiaobo, don't take it to heart. Director Xia is just like this, you're not familiar with him yet, once you get to know him better, you'll understand." This was a sarcastic remark, implying that he had just climbed up the ranks and was still an outsider.

  He Xiaobo's face turned iron-green, ignoring him. He began to collect the files on his own. Director Li in the office saw that the employees below the stage were getting restless, those in the back row tiptoed to look up at the main stage, and their voices grew louder. He hastily stood up and said, "Today's study session will end here, everyone is dismissed!"

  Everyone dispersed in a hurry, and no one understood why they were gathered today. The factory is currently in a state of shutdown, anyway, there's nothing to do, so just come if you want, or leave if you want.

  Fang Yue blended into the crowd, walking slowly towards the outside. The colleague behind him cursed: "Damn it, I really thought it was a salary increase, but it turned out to be just a bunch of nonsense."

  "Exactly, look at He Xiaobo's smugness. He really has no shame!"

  "Don't say anything, haven't you seen what happened to Director Ji? Think about your wife and kids, be honest for once!"

  "What a good factory was ruined by these people, this world is unreasonable, sigh!"

  Fang Yue listened to these words, his fists clenched and his head bowed as he walked out of the auditorium. He took a few steps back. Suddenly, he turned around, the grand auditorium, which was built in the early days of Tian's era, was majestic and magnificent, it had once been the pride and symbol of Qinghua Factory, and also the object of envy for other state-owned enterprises, even the then Secretary of Qingzhou Municipal Committee joked that in the future, the municipal committee would hold an enlarged meeting to borrow a venue from Qinghua Factory.

  The words still linger in my ears, but after more than a decade, the Qinghua Factory will also walk into the twilight of its final days, just like this gradually dusty grand hall.

  He Xiaobo walked out of the Qinghua Factory alone. After relying on Yuan Dazhu, some old friends avoided him, and he hadn't yet integrated into Yuan's circle, looking lonely and isolated. He didn't know why the original plan was cancelled, nor did he have the qualifications to understand what had happened in the city; he had always been a small person who couldn't do anything about it anyway - the bankruptcy of Qinghua Factory was already a foregone conclusion, whether it was earlier or later made no difference.

  He Xiaobo went to a small restaurant, ordered a few dishes, and started drinking wine by himself. The thrill of being on the podium for the first time was still fresh in his mind, and Xia Zhitong's sarcastic remarks and Yang Kechang's gloating smile flashed before his eyes one by one. After finishing half a bottle of wine, the evil fire in his heart not only didn't dissipate but grew stronger instead. The elegant owner brought over a plate of steamed eggs, and her cheap perfume triggered something in him, making him think of Su Miao again. A strong lust suddenly filled his mind, and it felt like there was a small cat jumping around his chest, making him feel unbearably itchy, as if he was about to explode.

  He Xiaobo slammed down his wine cup and shouted: "Landlady, bring the bill!"

  There are always people who think they have talent but are not recognized, and after working hard to get ahead, they still encounter obstacles everywhere. They can't stand seeing others do well, especially their friends around them. As long as someone is better than them in one aspect, they will remember it and grind their teeth every day until their conscience, friendship, and integrity all disappear, and then they will fall irretrievably. If they step on their friends' shoulders to get ahead, when they turn around, lower their heads, and treat their friends, they are even more ruthless than outsiders, or even enemies.