Chapter 125: How About You Act as the Intermediary?

"Just got paid a couple of days ago," Wang Chengliang said with excitement. "Come on, let's go out and have a proper meal at a restaurant."

Hearing this, Shen Guodong was taken aback. "A restaurant?"

"That’s right. There’s a place that’s supposed to have excellent braised intestines. It’s really good. Come on, Director Shen, let’s go try it out together today."

Given the invitation, Shen Guodong couldn't refuse. "Alright then, let's go give it a try."

The two men walked with their arms around each other's shoulders, heading straight to the newly opened restaurant.

"Stewed chicken with mushrooms."
"Stir-fried fatty intestines."
"Dry-fried soybeans."
...

Wang Chengliang reeled off a list of signature Northeastern dishes.

Shen Guodong grabbed his arm, saying, "Forget it, forget it. There’s no need. It’s just the two of us, no one else; ordering this much isn't appropriate. Besides, you just got your paycheck and surely have household expenses to cover. Let’s save a bit."

Wang Chengliang shook his head. "Oh, how could we save on this? Sure, we can cut back elsewhere, but treating you to a meal, Director Shen, that’s non-negotiable."

Without further ado, Wang Chengliang insisted on ordering two bottles of Nü'erhong liquor.

Seeing Wang so animated, Shen Guodong asked curiously, "Come on, old Wang, just tell me—do you need something from me? Otherwise, you wouldn't be ordering such a spread."

Wang Chengliang chuckled dismissively. "What could I possibly need from you? Can't we just have a meal since it’s been so long? When you become even more successful in the future, just don’t forget that we were colleagues."

Shen Guodong shook his head with a smile. "Rest assured, how could I ever forget you? We are all brothers and sisters from the First Factory, right? We’re in the same boat, and the future of the factory will still rely on you leaders to be accommodating."

After some pleasantries, Wang Chengliang chattered on. He talked about how the factory had been struggling for years but suddenly came back to life after securing the bidding project. He mentioned that the government funding had arrived and that the factory was on the verge of reform.

Shen Guodong nodded. "Exactly. So, keep working hard, stay steady, and we’ll have a boundless future at the First Factory."

Wang Chengliang nodded as well. "Don't worry, I’m an honest man. I’m a person of the First Factory, and I’ll be a ghost of the First Factory."

Soon, the authentic Northeastern dishes arrived. After half a glass of liquor, both men felt a bit tipsy.

Wang Chengliang spoke intermittently. "Director Shen, you know, I did a lot of things back then that upset you. I hope you don't mind; let’s just call it the recklessness of youth."

Shen Guodong patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, I understand. I did plenty of stupid things in my youth too, and it was thanks to your tolerance and support, Director Wang, that I am where I am today."

The atmosphere at the table was just right. After a while, Shen Guodong probed, "Old Wang, tell me, you didn't just invite me out for a simple meal, did you?"

Wang Chengliang sighed. "It’s nothing major, but I am a bit conflicted and wanted to discuss it with you. You’ve always had a sharp eye."

"Oh? What’s the matter?"

"Well, I have a cousin who wants to go to the South to seek his fortune. But you know us rough Northern men—we’re used to life here. I definitely didn't want to go. Back when there were rumors about the factory being merged, I thought if things went south, I’d go join him. But now that the factory is thriving, I'm torn."

Shen Guodong’s sobriety returned. "And what does your cousin do in the South?"

"Oh, just some small business."

"What kind of business, specifically?"

Shen Guodong’s mind raced. In this day and age, anyone doing business in the South was either incredibly visionary and clever, or truly out of their mind. At this time, the economy was still anchored in Northern heavy industry; the Southern fishing villages had little development to speak of. Of course, in the coming decades, the South would leverage its advantages and international cooperation to see its economy take flight.

Shen Guodong tested him. Wang Chengliang, emboldened by the alcohol, blurted out, "He went to Huadu in the South."

Shen Guodong was stunned. "You mean Huadu in Guangdong Province?"

"That's it. He’s doing the clothing business there. I don’t know how it’s going, but they say it’s very profitable. Still, in this day and age, while business might make a little money, it’s not as stable as working in a factory."

Shen Guodong nodded. "That’s true. For now, the First Factory is where it’s at. With your position, you have stability—a monthly salary and a secure future. I think you’d be a great fit for chief of the Supply and Marketing Department."

Wang Chengliang grew excited. "Director Shen, don't talk to me about that! I just want to keep my current position. I’m not thinking about promotions. Besides, since we won the bid, the next ten years are going to be prosperous, so I was planning to turn down my cousin’s offer."

"Is the clothing business in Huadu really that profitable?"

"It seems so. Everyone there is doing business, doing wholesale and the like. But there’s always risk. Here, we don’t make as much, but it’s steady."

Shen Guodong sat up straight. "I have an idea. You stay here and keep your position as a section chief. I have some capital; I could invest in having your cousin send me a large batch of clothes from Huadu—the stylish kind. You get in touch with him and see if it's feasible. I’ll handle the wholesale and see if we can sell them here."