Chapter 120: The Factory Director Has Come to Demand an Explanation

"Although I cannot watch over you at the factory as closely as before, Factory No. 1 is still the place we both shared, and we must ensure it flourishes."

Hearing Xu Haishan's words, Shen Guodong felt a jolt in his heart. He had not expected that Factory No. 1 would still hold such significance for a high-ranking official like Xu.

Shen nodded and replied, "Rest assured, Director. Factory No. 1 is the place that raised me; I will naturally treat it well."

"Having secured the tender for the Shencheng Steel Mill project, we have the perfect opportunity for our factory. With the upcoming funding, we can accelerate our expansion. It should be no problem at all to turn us into the premier lathe factory in Fengcheng."

At this, Xu Haishan’s face lit up with excitement. "Are you serious?"

"Of course. Do you trust me, Director Xu? Just as you trusted me to translate those technical manuals back then?"

Xu Haishan burst into laughter at this. "I don't mind admitting it to you now—I was backed into a corner back then, and the old factory director was breathing down my neck. I had no choice but to sign that military-style pledge. I never imagined it would actually pay off."

Hearing Xu speak so candidly about his past predicament, Shen Guodong smiled calmly. "That is all in the past. Things are getting better now, aren't they? Our Lathe Factory No. 1 has truly taken root in Fengcheng."

"Indeed. A while back, there were rumors about merging the lathe factories in Fengcheng, and I was worried that our lack of efficiency would lead to us being absorbed. I never expected the news to break that you had secured the Shencheng tender. A huge weight was lifted off my chest."

"Don't worry, Director. As long as I, Shen Guodong, am here, no one will be able to touch our factory."

Xu Haishan looked at him with approval. In all his years, Shen was one of the few young men he had met with such a sense of responsibility.

"Very well. With a pillar like you leading the way, I am at ease. It’s just that this old director has little use now; my voice carries little weight here at the Construction Bureau."

Shen Guodong knew that in this era, the importance of the Construction Bureau and land planning was often underestimated, making it seem like a thankless, idle post. However, in three to five years, that would change entirely. Naturally, he kept this to himself.

He stepped forward and said, "It’s alright, Director Xu. I still have matters that will require your help."

Xu Haishan laughed. "Well, I suppose I can still manage to help you with these small favors. Since Shencheng has already approved the funding, your expansion is essentially a done deal. You should start looking for a quality construction team and get the machinery on the schedule."

They spent the rest of the afternoon in discussion, mostly reminiscing. When Xu learned that the current director, Wang Chengliang, had become a mere figurehead who deferred to Shen Guodong in everything, he laughed heartily.

"That old man fought with me his whole life. I never expected that, in the end, he would be listening to you. Since you were once my subordinate, that means I still beat him, even if they sent me to this Construction Bureau."

Seeing Xu acting like a competitive child, Shen Guodong shook his head with a smile. By four o'clock, he suggested, "Why don't you come over to my place for dinner tonight?"

Xu frowned. "Are you starting to take care of your family life now?"

Shen felt a bit embarrassed. "Well, I wasn't very mature when I was younger. Now that I’ve come to my senses, I realize I need to look after them."

Xu Haishan patted Shen on the shoulder comfortingly. "Fine. I’ll give your wife some face and join you for dinner."

Zhou Meiniang, who was present, showed no sign of discomfort. She had heard plenty of rumors about Shen’s wilder days at the factory, but she understood that things were different now.

After leaving the Construction Bureau, Zhou bid them farewell. Shen and Xu arrived at his home just as Liu Yueru was getting back from work. After the intimacy they had shared the previous night, their relationship had grown significantly closer. Hearing Shen’s voice, she walked out, only to freeze when she saw Xu Haishan behind him.

"Oh! Director Xu, why are you here?" she asked, clearly nervous.

As a veteran of the machine tool plant, Xu was a prominent figure in the eyes of the people of Fengcheng. Liu was worried that Shen had gotten into trouble at the factory again.

Seeing her alarm, Xu laughed. "Don't be so nervous. I didn't come here to hold anyone accountable. I’m just here for a free meal."

The atmosphere eased slightly. Shen shook his head and said, "See, my dear? Your husband isn't getting into trouble every single day."

Liu blushed deeply, realizing her overreaction. "Oh, stop talking nonsense!"

Seeing her flustered state, Xu chuckled, "You two make a lovely couple."

Flushed, Liu hurriedly said, "Director, please, have a seat. Let me pour you some tea. I just got home and haven't started dinner yet, so it’s a bit of a rush."