Siheyuan: I can always stay out of it

Another purpose of the director bringing Chen Xu along is to prevent drinking, which is one of the reasons why he likes to bring Chen Xu along.

It’s just like the head of the Propaganda Department likes to bring Xu Damao with him when he drinks.

This pair of brothers in distress are unique. Compared to Xu Damao who enjoys it, Chen Xu is just barely coping. Fortunately, the current year is not good, so eating in the canteen cannot be too high-profile.

Plus, since we usually eat at night, it doesn’t matter.

It is not often that we eat in the canteen at noon like today. After all, if the workers see us drinking in the middle of the day, they will inevitably have opinions.

Li Huaide's people are all gathered today. Except for two people like Chen Xu who brought some atmosphere, the others are Li Huaide's team in the steel rolling mill, but almost all departments except the production department are included in the net.

You have to know that it is still 1961, and Li Huaide has basically already had the final say in the steel rolling mill. Director Yang is indeed far inferior to Li Huaide in winning over people.

Director Yang's biggest problem is that he treats people differently. He only pleases his superiors but ignores those below him.

Chen Xu remembered all kinds of scenes in which Director Yang tried to please the big boss, including asking Sha Zhu to cook for the big boss and asking Xu Damao to show movies. It can be said that he paid attention to every aspect.

But the attitude towards the subordinates is completely different, basically it’s just empty talk.

Just like Sha Zhu, has Director Yang ever paid any actual benefits?

No, at most I just agreed to Shazhu bringing his own lunch.

Moreover, even if this matter were exposed, Director Yang would not admit it.

It was not until Li Huaide got into trouble and Director Yang came to power again and there was no one else to use that he promoted Sha Zhu to be the canteen director. That was a long time ago.

The difference between Director Yang and Li Huaide can be seen from these details.

Chen Xu thought he had nothing to do with this drinking party, but the ending was somewhat unexpected.

Li Huaide specially introduced several of them to Director Ye as drinking companions. Chen Xu was not flattered, but he also admired Li Huaide's tactfulness and his ability to take care of the emotions of everyone at the drinking party, which in itself was a skill.

Compared to Chen Xu's slight nod in response, the other two who were just there to make up the numbers were obviously excited.

Chen Xu was considering whether he should show more enthusiasm, but Director Ye started praising him for his calmness.

You're right, I just don't panic...

Chen Xu said that you have a keen eye.

After the meal, Director Chen took Chen Xu aside and told him to work hard during this period.

Chen Xu was confused and had no idea what the director meant.

The director felt a little disappointed.

"Don't you know that Deputy Director Liu of our procurement department is also about to retire?"

"Um, I really don't know..."

Chen Xu looked innocent. He really hadn't thought about this. After all, he had never thought about developing within the system from the beginning.

"You, young man, it's all right to do practical things, but you also need to be more motivated. There's no point in just working hard."

Director Chen spoke earnestly, but the look he gave Chen Xu was full of appreciation.

"But I haven't been in the factory for long. Isn't it too early to be deputy director?"

"You are thinking..."

Director Chen was almost mad. What are you thinking? Have you ever seen a director who is less than 20 years old?

"What I mean is that when others become deputy directors, your administrative level can also be raised. A level nine clerk is promoted directly to deputy director. How could you come up with such an idea..."

The director felt tired. How could this kid be so naive?

However, looking at the still somewhat immature Chen Xu, he seemed to see himself back then, and he didn't know why.

He felt that he liked Chen Xu very much. If it were someone else, he would not even think of explaining all the twists and turns like this in detail.

After all, leaders always speak ambiguously, how can they make things so clear? This is why he really admires Chen Xu, so he said a few more words.

Chen Xu was not disappointed. He had never thought about getting promoted, but it would be nice to be able to improve his administrative level. Although purchasing agents do not rely on salaries, a few more dollars is always good.

At least you can't give people the impression that you are not ambitious.

He is now a ninth-level clerk, administrative level 27, which is only slightly higher than those trainee clerks. Xu Damao is one level higher than him.

Other college graduates become level five clerks directly after changing jobs. Chen Xu doesn't ask for a high position, but he can't be outdone by newcomers.

Walking out of the canteen with the director, Chen Xu saw Sha Zhu taking a nap in the corner of the canteen.

At this time, all the workers are at work, so it’s no big deal for Shazhu to be lazy. But it’s different now. After all, it’s not good to be lazy and be watched by a group of leaders.

What's more, the canteen is under the management of Li Huaide, and the canteen director was eating at the same table with them just now.

Looking at the idiot lying there, the canteen director's face turned black.

It's fine if you want to be lazy, but can you find a more secluded location?

Sha Zhu, who was scolded by the canteen director and couldn't even raise his head, felt a little aggrieved. His seat was very remote and he usually took a nap here in the afternoon.

I just forgot that there were leaders eating in the canteen at noon today. Usually the canteen is opened in the evening, and I was caught red-handed.

Being lazy wasn't a big deal, so Shazhu was severely criticized and sent back to work.

Chen Xu did hear several leaders talking about He Daqing.

Chen Xu, who was originally planning to leave, slowed down his pace and wanted to listen to how He Daqing had saved Sha Zhu's job. The director next to him noticed his actions.

"Are you familiar with this person?"

"Not really. We live in the same hospital. I'm a little curious about how his father managed to keep his job. After all, he was a labor reformer..."

Chen Xu didn't continue speaking, but the director understood what he meant.

"You mean He Daqing? He Daqing was also a very good man back then, and he had some connections in the factory..."

The director naturally knew about He Daqing. When He Daqing was the canteen director, he was already the deputy director of the purchasing department, and the two of them had some friendship.

Chen Xu learned from the director that He Daqing was indeed a very smooth person, and the fact that he was able to save Sha Zhu's job this time was also due to some of the friendships he had accumulated over the years.

After all, this kind of thing actually depends on the attitude of the leader. Keeping an apprentice's job is not a big deal. Considering his relationship with He Daqing, he gave Sha Zhu this opportunity.

Chen Xu was not surprised. China has always valued personal relationships since ancient times.

He just felt that this guy Shazhu hadn't learned his father's tactfulness at all, as if he had some kind of brain defect.

"Director, I plan to go to the countryside for a while."

"Okay, stay safe."

Director Chen looked teachable. He thought Chen Xu had taken his words to heart and was planning to behave himself during this period. He had no idea that Chen Xu was taking this opportunity to spend more time with his wife.

After all, as a veteran who lived through the 21st century, it was natural for him to take advantage of a topic. He was very familiar with things like giving himself a holiday according to the wishes of his leader.

When it comes to slacking off, Chen Xu is a professional.