Hu Pan looked at Du Feiyang carefully. Du Feiyang immediately sat up straight, showed eight teeth, and smiled sincerely and brilliantly, like a peacock displaying its feathers.
“If it were before, I wouldn't agree to him. But now, I see he’s changed a lot. If he can be half as good as Brother Xie, he’s already a rare good man. Anyway, I have to find someone to marry, so why not find someone who likes me and is rich? It’s better than…”
Thinking of Xie Chen in the past, she liked his scholarly demeanor, self-reliance, diligence, and hard work, but what was the use? He didn’t like her. Of course, perhaps he did, but it couldn’t compare to his traditional patriarchal thoughts, filial piety to the extreme, and treating his wife like a slave. Thinking about such a life sent chills down her spine. Fortunately, she met Brother Xie and Sister Wanwan. They showed her what a happy marriage was.
Xie Sui also became serious and said, “Pan’er, don’t be impulsive. The internal struggles within the Du family are very serious. If you marry him, you’ll have to fight with those sisters-in-law, elder sisters-in-law, younger sisters-in-law, and concubines. You might get hurt in a conspiracy without even realizing it. Don’t think that getting married is a simple matter.”
Du Feiyang became anxious, “Brother Xie, I will protect Pan’er well. Don’t drag your feet. Are we even brothers?”
“We’re really not. We don’t even have the same parents. You’d better not harm this girl. It’s better to marry a female celebrity who has come out of the great dyeing vat of the entertainment industry. At least she can handle your group of women.”
Du Feiyang drooped his head. This was indeed a problem.
Hu Pan’er, however, smiled and said, “Can they be as formidable as our seven aunts and eight aunties? I have five aunts, two maternal uncles, three paternal aunts, two paternal uncles, and an elder uncle, not to mention cousins. Every year during the New Year, I feel like I’m being sent to an execution ground, asked by countless mouths, and then there’s the comparison of their own children. Those who haven’t experienced it can’t understand my feelings.”
Xie Sui shivered. It was indeed terrifying.
“Feiyang, if you marry Pan, you’ll have to deal with so many relatives. You two will be a fighting duo, either fighting with your family or with relatives. This life, just thinking about it, is so exciting.”
After Hu Pan said that, Xie Sui felt that ordinary people really couldn’t be his son-in-law. Wouldn’t they be torn apart by the seven aunts and eight aunties!
Du Feiyang said, “It’s okay. I don’t have many other skills, but I’m thick-skinned and good at coaxing people. Miss Hu, let’s try first. I don’t want to ruin your lifelong happiness. Your family troubles are minor matters to me.”
Young Master Du was very confident. They were just relatives. Spend some money to coax them. If they can’t be coaxed, throw them into the sea to feed the fish. Young Master Du had patience, but not much.
The two reached an agreement like this. The marriage felt like a child’s play.
Lin Wanwan was worried. Hu Pan was like her own sister, and she truly didn’t want her to be unhappy.
Xie Sui, on the other hand, was more optimistic. Since Hu Pan could manage so many factories, she was no longer the naive and innocent girl fresh out of school. She knew what she wanted. People always grow. Du Feiyang was growing, and so was Hu Pan.
The factory had started operations, and orders were flying in like snowflakes. The New Year was the peak gifting season, and the egg yolk pie gift box launched by Xie Sui was very popular. This single product alone had increased the factory’s profitability by several times. They were working overtime from the start to complete orders as quickly as possible and earn more during the New Year. Spring and summer were the off-seasons, so they could relax for a while. However, spring and summer were the peak seasons for ice cream, so these two products ensured the factory had no off-season.
Xie Sui planned to separate the two products in the next step, as ice cream and cake products were not suitable for joint production. He entrusted Smith to find new production lines and replace the old ones to modernize. The current production lines were unbearable for Xie Sui, too old and always breaking down. The new production lines were ten times more efficient, and if they were even more modern, they could be twenty times as efficient. A daily output of thousands of pieces would qualify them as fast-moving consumer goods and make them competitive.
When they arrived at the factory, the employees noticed that Director Xie had become more imposing. He was always accompanied by two bodyguards wearing sunglasses, with stern faces that were quite intimidating. They greeted him cautiously.
Accountant Xu teased, “Are you scared by that Zhao family girl? You even have bodyguards. You’ve brought back bad external influences. Leaders should be approachable now.”
Xie Sui said, “I’d like to be approachable. Am I not friendly enough? Unfortunately, some people take advantage of my kindness. It’s just a precaution. Alright, let’s not talk about this. I’ve called everyone here to hold a meeting and make a plan for this year’s development.”
“Okay, the profits are quite good now. What other plans do we need?”
“We need to be prepared for danger in times of peace. Don’t slack off. I plan to establish a research and development department. Product diversification is key to competitiveness. Don’t be afraid of spending money; spending money is for making more money.” In his previous life, Xie Sui’s factory invested one-fifth of its annual profits into R&D, which allowed it to stay far ahead of the market.
In the conference room, everyone was relaxed, chatting and greeting each other, still immersed in the festive atmosphere of the New Year. When Xie Sui entered, everyone stood up. “Hello, Director Xie.”
“Yes, everyone sit down. Let’s start the meeting. After the Lantern Festival, I’ll be busy with real estate matters. You here need to make good plans for the new year and not slack off.”
“Okay, we understand.”
Xie Sui became serious, and they dared not joke around anymore. This meeting lasted for the entire morning. Everyone felt as if they had fought a battle. Xie Sui’s questions during this meeting were sharp, and many were left speechless and sweating profusely. The factory director had been away for more than half a year, yet he knew more about the factory’s affairs than they did.
“These issues raised today must be resolved within three days. We will have another meeting after three days. Anyone who doesn’t perform well should think about their future path and perhaps retire early.” Xie Sui looked at some of the older middle management, making them shiver. Was Director Xie going to lay off staff? Of course, they wouldn’t lay off employees during the New Year, but he wanted to make them feel the pressure. The lax habits from before had not been corrected by some people. With the factory expanding, this attitude wouldn’t work.
“That’s all for today. Meeting adjourned.” Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Even Gu Lei wiped his forehead. He seemed to not understand many things and needed to hurry and ask about them. They stopped chatting and went back to their work. The most relaxed was Xu Siman, the accountant. Xie Sui had found several college students to mentor under him. He just gave instructions every day, and they did the work. Now, he was like Xie Sui’s think tank.
In the afternoon, he ate at the factory canteen and discovered many problems. Although a lot of ingredients were purchased each month, the food was mediocre. Not to mention the taste. Xie Sui didn’t expect large-pot dishes to be delicious, but they shouldn’t be boiled in water, right? The person in charge of the canteen, a stout man, didn’t expect the factory director to personally eat in the canteen. He came forward obsequiously to greet him, “Director Xie, please sit. I’ll personally stir-fry a few good dishes for you.”
Xie Sui said, “No need. I’ll eat the same as everyone else. I also came from a village, so there’s nothing I can’t eat.”
“This, then please sit. I’ll serve you rice.”
“No need. You’re busy. My bodyguards will do it.” Ah Hua nodded. Without preparing lunchboxes in advance, the chef found two and served food just like the employees. He placed the rice and dishes in front of Xie Sui. Having grown accustomed to delicacies and fresh seafood, suddenly eating plain white cabbage and brown rice, Xie Sui hesitated to pick up his chopsticks. He regretted it; he shouldn’t have come, but he forced himself to eat it and almost threw up. The cabbage was so unpalatable. He swallowed it forcibly and finished eating in silence. The hopeful eyes of the employees dimmed again. They had originally thought Director Xie could improve the canteen’s food. The factory’s meals were very cheap, only one jiao for all you could eat. Many people didn’t go home and ate in the canteen, not delaying their afternoon work, but it was too awful. People, after achieving satiety, pursue taste.
The person in charge’s eyes flickered, unable to figure out Xie Sui’s intentions. After Xie Sui finished eating, he asked, “According to the factory’s financial statements, the daily catering expenses are 800 yuan, averaging more than one yuan per person. The current meat price is only 1.8 yuan per jin, and cabbage is only a few fen. Of course, there’s also labor, seasonings, and consumables like honeycomb briquettes. Do you think these dishes are worth one yuan?”
The person in charge chuckled dryly, “It’s because we didn’t have stock during the New Year. We will definitely improve. We will make sure everyone eats well and is full.”
“Then I’ll ask the employees if it’s always like this. I don’t like liars, and you shouldn’t try to fool me.”
The employees chimed in, “It’s usually like this. Sometimes it’s even rotten vegetables, stuff fed to pigs. If I hadn’t come from hard times, I wouldn’t be able to eat it.”
“Exactly. There’s hardly any oil. If it weren’t too far from home, who would want to eat in the canteen?” The person in charge wanted to cover their mouths. How delicious could such cheap food be?
Xie Sui said, “Get Accountant Xu and the director of logistics here to check the canteen’s accounts. If the circumstances are serious, we’ll report it to the police.”
The person in charge panicked, “No, Director Xie, why call the police? I’ll change it, isn’t that enough? Don’t push me to the limit. I have a family to support.”
Xie Sui said calmly, “Haven’t I paid you a salary? Have I wronged you in any way? Why are you harming my employees?” The employees were touched. Director Xie is truly a good director!
The person in charge added, “I’m Gu Lei’s uncle, Director Xie. Please give me another chance, okay?”
“Gu Lei? You want to drag Director Gu down with you? Director Gu is such a kind and enthusiastic person. Having a relative like you truly discredits Director Gu. For Director Gu’s sake, I can’t tolerate you anymore. Go back and await the investigation results. The canteen will be temporarily closed. We will re-recruit chefs and managers. Let everyone eat and drink well so they can work better. Sudanshu.com. I spent money, and you’re deceiving me while I’m away.” Xie Sui suddenly got angry. The fat person in charge didn’t dare to argue. His job was completely over.
Gu Lei rushed over, his face grim. Xie Sui glanced at him and asked, “Gu Lei, have you eaten in the canteen?”
“Director Xie, I’m sorry, it’s my oversight.”
“Don’t evade the question. Have you eaten?”
“No, no.” Xie Sui was somewhat disappointed. He had given Gu Lei too many chances. He walked away without a word. Gu Lei’s face turned pale. It would have been better if Xie Sui had scolded him.