Secretary Yang’s face was etched with indecision. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, downing the tea in his cup in a few gulps.
After all, the quotas were allocated by the provincial government. As a county secretary, he had no power to interfere. Although the industrial expo wasn’t as lucrative as other positions, meddling with it would surely come at a high price!
The other participating companies were all pillars of their respective regions, each backed by powerful forces.
“I implore you, Secretary, to help me secure a spot at the expo. I will present outstanding products and make a name for myself, bringing honor to our county!”
Wang Yu said to Yang Xiaoqing, his words only deepening the latter’s hesitant and conflicted expression.
He knew that if Wang Yu truly managed to make an impression at the Dongzhou Industrial Expo, it would bring nothing but benefits to their Jiangyang County.
For starters, there would be foreign exchange earnings, and perhaps it could even stimulate local economic growth!
However, all of this depended on Wang Yu’s ability to shine. If his performance was mediocre, not only would there be no benefits, but it might also bring trouble.
“Secretary Yang, please believe in the capabilities of myself and my factory. In the coming month, I will develop a batch of excellent products and bring glory to our county at the expo! If you don’t believe me, we can sign a military order right now!” Wang Yu declared.
“Uh, this… Little Wang, it’s not that I don’t believe you. A military order is unnecessary, it’s just that…”
Yang Xiaoqing was still hesitant.
“Secretary, I will donate 500 units of micro hydropower generators and 500 units of wind power generators to support poverty alleviation efforts in our province’s impoverished villages.”
“Then, I will donate 200 fuel-assisted scooters and 1,000 electric kettles to improve the basic conditions for members of our province’s public security bureau.”
“In addition, I personally pledge to provide no less than 20,000 formal employment opportunities within the next three years.”
Wang Yu laid out a series of conditions.
If the preceding offers had merely surprised Secretary Yang with their magnanimity, his final statement utterly stunned him.
The previous offers were merely about spending money, but the latter, 20,000 employment opportunities? Was this kid insane?
Even the most boastful person wouldn’t dare utter such a statement, right?
What did 20,000 people mean? The entire Jiangyang County, with all its factories combined, didn’t even have that many jobs!
The largest enterprise, the Metallurgical General Factory, a key support unit for the province, only employed a little over a thousand people!
Many smaller factories, from the factory director down to the doorman, might only have a few dozen employees.
Even decades later, the officially employed staff of Nanshan Bisheng E, a dominant force in the market, wouldn’t exceed 100,000. Of course, they also had a peculiar term for outsourced temporary workers… cough cough!
In short, the moment Wang Yu uttered the offer of 20,000 jobs, Secretary Yang’s gaze towards him completely changed.
Previously, he had thought the young man was humble and polite, not arrogant. Now, he saw him as a madman!
How could he say such ignorant words?
“Little Wang, it’s good for young people to have pride, but excessive arrogance is not!” After a moment’s thought, Secretary Yang decided to caution Wang Yu.
“Our entire county doesn’t even have 20,000 jobs. Are you planning to absorb the whole county?”
At this point, even Yang Xiaoqing couldn’t help but chuckle. This boast was completely uncalculated!
“Secretary, are you only looking at a small county?”
However, Wang Yu showed no sign of arrogance or pride. He calmly looked at Secretary Yang.
“My humble automobile factory aims to grow and become strong. Why can’t our small county rise and develop into an independent prefecture-level city?”
“You…” Yang Xiaoqing instinctively wanted to refute Wang Yu’s outlandish idea, but the words died on his lips.
That’s right, why couldn’t they?
Looking at Wang Yu’s confident expression, Yang Xiaoqing suddenly had an inexplicable feeling that what this young man said might actually come true!
Could this fantastical tale truly be realized?
But what if it did?
Yang Xiaoqing felt a faint spark ignite within him.
Moreover, the items Wang Yu had offered to donate were also of considerable value. Just for that, it was worth his effort!
Especially the micro generators. He had heard about the poverty alleviation efforts in Jiangping City, where many impoverished villages gained access to electricity. This was not only a political achievement but also a genuine measure to benefit the people!
“Alright, I’ll believe you and take a gamble with you!”
Gritting his teeth, he slammed his palm onto the table.
Yang Xiaoqing decided to trust Wang Yu. He would use his connections and all his channels, and no matter what, he would secure a spot at the Industrial Expo!
…
Secretary Yang and Wang Yu talked for a full two hours before the former left the automobile factory, satisfied. He even declined Wang Yu’s invitation to stay for dinner.
By then, it was already dark, and the workday had ended.
Wang Yu surveyed the factory. All production lines were running at full capacity, and in the brightly lit workshops, workers were toiling away with enthusiasm.
“I never expected the Secretary’s sudden visit to help me solve several problems. It’s truly a turning point!”
Wang Yu muttered to himself, touching his slightly empty stomach. He decided to go home first to prepare dinner and celebrate with Wu Lingling and his sister Wang Ling.
Then, he would return to his office in the evening to thoroughly research solutions for the magnetic head issue.
With this in mind, Wang Yu rode his fuel-assisted scooter home.
His stylish scooter habitually attracted envious glances from passersby along the way. Some acquaintances greeted him, and he responded cordially, without any pretense.
Passing by the market, he bought a large green fish from a regular vendor, perfect for stewing that evening. Wang Ling was about to have her mid-term exams, so she needed brain food.
Thinking about this, Wang Yu returned home.
However, as soon as he reached his doorstep, he heard sounds coming from inside the house.
“You bad woman, we don’t welcome you here. Hurry up and leave!”
The voice was tinged with grievance and a hint of crying. It was Wang Ling’s voice.
Hmm, what’s going on?
What happened to Ling’er? Why was she crying?
Wang Yu looked confused. Just as he was about to take out his key to open the door, the main door opened first.
A graceful figure emerged, exhaling a smoke ring towards Wang Yu, who was standing directly opposite.
“Oh? Is this the man you found?”