Chapter Six: Laying Traps for Each Other

Factory Director Xu was a man in his early fifties, refined in appearance, quite unlike the stereotypical image of portly, big-eared bureaucrats. Seeing Jiang Weiguo so resolute, Xu dared not be negligent. He had been plagued by worries over this matter recently.

"Old Jiang, are you certain? Everyone knows what kind of man Shen Guodong is. The situation is already bad enough—handing this over to him, do you really think it'll help?" Director Xu voiced his doubts.

Anyone familiar with Shen Guodong's notorious ways would have trouble believing it.

Jiang Weiguo pondered, "Director Xu, things couldn't be worse right now. Let me put it this way: if this production line isn't fixed, you, who advocated for its introduction, will certainly be affected. Resignation is inevitable. Wang Chenliang won't let such an opportunity slip by—that's why Hu Mingyuan is working against us in secret. After all these days, we've found no solution. It's better to trust Shen Guodong once; no matter what happens, it can't possibly be worse than things are now!"

His words were like a bell ringing in the night.

Director Xu looked at Jiang Weiguo. He was right—Xu was under immense pressure, and if he couldn't solve the problem, resignation would be the only way out, handing victory to Wang Chenliang. Far better to make a desperate attempt; even if he failed, at least he wouldn't have any regrets.

Before succumbing to gambling, Shen Guodong had been a passionate, upwardly striving youth, a rare talent. Perhaps he truly had a solution.

Director Xu sought out Shen Guodong, confirmed his pledge, and received his solemn promise. His heart settled somewhat. He spoke earnestly, "Shen Guodong, I'm trusting you this time. This isn't just my redemption—it's yours as well."

Shen Guodong knew this well. From this moment, he had to change the way people at the factory saw him. Without change, he would never succeed.

The 1980s were a tide of transformation. The three northeastern provinces began to decline; the country started industrial restructuring, state-owned enterprises laid off masses of workers, and countless people ventured into business. For example, the future founder of Qianda Real Estate resigned from his enviable government job during this period, entered the real estate market, eventually amassed billions, and famously declared, "Let me set a small goal first—say, earn a hundred million!"

During his tenure at the state-owned enterprise, Shen Guodong had much to accomplish. If memory served, there would soon be an opportunity in the factory; if seized, it would yield Shen Guodong's first pot of gold, enabling his future plans.

Without money, one cannot move forward even an inch! How many dreams begin with, "When I have money..." Yet that phrase becomes an insurmountable barrier for so many, one they never cross in their lifetime.

...

"Director Xu, what brings you here in person?" Hu Mingyuan greeted Jiang Weiguo and Director Xu without much concern. He was a subordinate of Deputy Director Wang Chenliang, a rival to Director Xu, and saw no need to take Xu too seriously—just enough to save face.

Director Xu's expression was icy. "Hu Mingyuan, you have some nerve. You neglect the factory's most important issue. I order you to fully cooperate with Director Jiang and Shen Guodong, and investigate the lathe problem! Any negligence, and you'll answer to me."

Hu Mingyuan was displeased, but Director Xu continued, "Don't think that being Wang Chenliang's man puts you beyond my reach. I can fire an ant like you in an instant. If you doubt me, go ahead and try!"

With these words, Hu Mingyuan dared not slack off and had to comply. Director Xu stayed to supervise personally.

"Guodong, what do you think?" Director Xu asked nervously.

Shen Guodong stepped forward. "Actually, there's nothing seriously wrong with the production line. It's just improper operation and maintenance. If we follow the manual's instructions, adjust accordingly, and lubricate where needed, the lathes will be up to standard!"

"Is it really that simple?" Director Xu was skeptical.

Shen Guodong first adjusted the tightness of the screws, oiled the necessary parts, and carefully followed the manual's guidance. That should eliminate any issues.

"Is that all?" Seeing Shen Guodong finish, Director Xu and the others could hardly believe it.

"That's all. Let's try producing a lathe and see," Shen Guodong declared confidently. The imported production line demanded an especially high degree of precision—just a minor discrepancy in a component could significantly affect the product.

"Director Xu, the defective rate is already high. If you keep producing and the results are still unqualified, who will cover the material losses? The higher-ups have ordered us to stop production and await investigation. In other words, the factory won't cover the cost of lathe materials. If you want to test the equipment, you'll have to shoulder the expense yourself. And if you fail, Shen Guodong will surely be fired. I want to ask: are you two willing to take responsibility?" Hu Mingyuan said with a sly smirk.

The materials for a single lathe nearly equaled Director Xu's annual salary. Hu Mingyuan's intent was clear—he'd laid another trap, waiting for them to fall in. This could well be the last straw to break the camel's back. If they failed and the matter was exposed, Director Xu would never recover, and Wang Chenliang would take the director's position.

Director Xu was caught between a rock and a hard place, hesitating.

"No problem! But if I get the lathe working properly, will you admit your obstruction and resign yourself, so no one can say Director Xu pressured you?" Shen Guodong was not to be trifled with. If you dig a pit for me, I'll dig one for you! He wondered who would still be at the factory in a few hours.

Hu Mingyuan sneered—how could a gambler fix such a sophisticated production line? The translation made by university graduates, and this mere technical school graduate claims it's wrong? Impossible! The production line was obviously flawed.

He agreed, full of confidence.

Shen Guodong gathered several workers and began production. The machines roared to life. Director Xu, Director Jiang, Hu Mingyuan, and the others watched, each with their own expressions. The hours spent producing the lathe were their most agonizing.

After three hours, the lathe was finally completed.

As the saying goes, whether it's a mule or a horse, take it out for a walk...

Now came the moment of truth. Would Shen Guodong's claim hold up—that simply adjusting those things would be enough?