Chapter 22: Someone to Get Things Done

The machinery plant was a good establishment, and since the fourth child was an introverted kid, it was the perfect place for a stable, lifelong job.

Li Xiangqin parked her bicycle in the shed and led her daughter into the factory office building.

Just as they turned the corner toward the stairs, they heard a burst of hurried footsteps. Li Xiangqin pulled her daughter to the side, waiting for the people to pass before heading up to the Personnel Department on the second floor.

A group of five or six people came down the stairs. The leader wore a white shirt and gray trousers with his sleeves rolled high; a gray Zhongshan suit jacket was draped over his arm. He had thinning, graying hair slicked back, but his eyes were sharp and he possessed a commanding presence.

Li Xiangqin recognized him—it was Director Liang of the machinery plant.

Walking beside him was a young man in his twenties, wearing a white shirt and black trousers. He held a folder and followed closely at the Director's side, reporting something in a low voice as they walked.

"Immediately convene the production backbone for a meeting to..."

Halfway through his sentence, Director Liang took two steps back. Looking at Li Xiangqin and her daughter, he spoke in surprise, "Sister-in-law Li, what brings you to the factory? Is there still unfinished business regarding Brother Zhang?"

"No, no, no. Thank you for your concern, Director. My husband's affairs have been handled very smoothly. The factory even provided a successor position, so I've brought my daughter here to register."

Li Xiangqin waved her hands hurriedly. A factory director had a thousand matters to attend to; she didn't want to cause him any trouble.

Director Liang nodded and glanced at the young girl, who looked somewhat nervous. "Why not take a few more days to adjust? There's no rush."

"The factory arranged Old Zhang's funeral very appropriately, and as his family, I am deeply moved. Since things have come to this, it's better to get back on track early for the sake of the children. So, I brought her over; we were just about to head to the Personnel Department to register."

Li Xiangqin spoke with heartfelt gratitude, her eyes shimmering as she led her daughter in a bow toward Director Liang.

Director Liang waved his hand, pondered for a moment, and then turned to instruct, "Xiao Wang, take Sister-in-law Li and her daughter to the Personnel Department. Once they are settled, head to the meeting room. Sister-in-law Li, I have an urgent meeting, so I won't linger."

"Thank you for your kindness, Director. We are already very grateful. Please, go ahead." As expected of a director, his words were incredibly comforting.

Watching the group hurry away, the left-behind Xiao Wang walked up to the two women with a gentle manner and greeted them politely, "Ma'am, please follow me."

"Oh, thank you, Officer Wang. To be working by the Director's side at such a young age, your future is limitless." Li Xiangqin offered a polite compliment as she led her daughter up the stairs behind him.

Xiao Wang gave a gentle smile. "I just graduated and was recently assigned to the machinery plant. I'm learning by following the Director."

"A university student! Those are the nation's talents. Truly impressive."

As they spoke, Xiao Wang led them directly to the Personnel Department on the second floor. The department head was originally semi-reclined behind his desk, holding a cigarette and exhaling clouds of smoke.

Glancing at the newcomers, he immediately sat upright, quickly pressed the half-burnt cigarette into the ashtray, and stepped around the desk.

"Oh, Officer Wang! My apologies for not greeting your arrival sooner. Does the Director have instructions?"

"Section Chief Zhao, this is Mother Li..." Facing Zhao's flattery, Xiao Wang remained composed and directly conveyed the Director's intent.

Upon hearing this, Section Chief Zhao turned to Li Xiangqin and her daughter with a bright smile. "Sister-in-law Li, I know about your family's situation. Please accept my condolences. Rest assured, our factory has always provided preferential treatment to the children of our employees."

"Then I must thank you, Section Chief Zhao. We are just a widow and an orphan; if it weren't for the leadership's guidance, I wouldn't know what to do."

Li Xiangqin expressed her thanks, her eyes reddening slightly.

After a few polite exchanges, Section Chief Zhao returned to his desk, pulled out a folder, and began flipping through it. After a moment, he looked up at Li Xiangqin.

"Sister Li, to be honest with you, our factory positions are strictly one-to-one. It's lucky you came at the right time; there are two positions currently recruiting apprentices. One is a machinist, and the other is a lab technician. Which one would you prefer?"

He didn't dare neglect a matter personally assigned by the Director.

After her initial surprise, Li Xiangqin thanked him repeatedly. "May I ask, Section Chief Zhao, I know a machinist operates machine tools, but what does a lab technician do?"

"A lab technician is responsible for product testing and data recording. This job doesn't require much physical strength, but it requires sufficient patience and a sense of responsibility."

Xiao Wang nodded beside them. "Ma'am, a lab technician position is a bit easier for a girl."

"Officer Wang is right. Machine tools might be a bit difficult for a young lady. The masters in these two positions will retire in two years, so the factory needs to prepare in advance. The news is still confidential for now."

Nowadays, any position was a coveted prize; if word got out, the office would be swamped with applicants.

Li Xiangqin blinked. "We'll take the lab technician position. Although my Jianhong is a bit introverted, she is hardworking and patient. This suits her."

"Haha... Sister-in-law Li is right. The most suitable one is the best."

Section Chief Zhao briskly pulled a personnel form from his drawer and thoughtfully handed her a fountain pen.

"Fill out this form and attach a one-inch photo. I'll stamp it for you immediately, and she can officially start work tomorrow morning."

While the two were filling out the form, Section Chief Zhao pulled Xiao Wang aside to whisper...

Once she finished, Section Chief Zhao took a look, picked up a large red seal, breathed on it to warm it, and with a sharp *click*, pressed the red stamp down.

He then took out a work booklet, filled in her name and trade, and handed her a slip of paper.

"Alright, from today onward, Comrade Zhang Jianhong is an official employee of the machinery plant. Tomorrow morning, take this slip to Master Lu to report for duty. The apprenticeship period is two years. In the first year, the monthly salary is twenty-one yuan; in the second year, she will be directly designated as a Level 1 worker with a salary of thirty-four yuan. You could say this comrade is very blessed—the apprentices who joined last quarter only just reached eighteen yuan. You've caught a good wave."

Looking at the red seal, Li Xiangqin felt completely at ease. "Thanks to Section Chief Zhao, my Jianhong finally has a footing in life."

"Don't mention it. Our machinery plant is the solid backbone for the families of our employees." Section Chief Zhao smiled brightly. "If there's anything you don't understand in the future, just come and ask me. I guarantee I will tell you everything I know."

"Oh, thank you so much, Section Chief Zhao. The leadership of our machinery plant is truly approachable."

She was just being polite, but she didn't want to make it awkward.

Li Xiangqin led her daughter away, thanking him repeatedly. This was what it meant to have "connections" to get things done.

"Then we won't take up any more of your time. You must be busy. I'll take my daughter to find her way to the Testing Department."

"Of course. Go ahead."

After seeing them to the door, Section Chief Zhao chatted with Officer Wang, suggesting they sit down for a talk when they had time.

The three of them walked down to the first floor together. Xiao Wang pointed down the corridor.

"Ma'am, Comrade Jianhong, the testing lab is at the end of this path. Turn left and you'll be there. I won't walk you all the way there."