Chapter 156: Don’t Let Qiao Ge Go Astray
The weaving of sunflower seed baskets at the Food Factory was bustling with activity. Not only did Director Hu come to help, but Huang Juan and Sister Qiao also came to assist with processing materials whenever they had time.
Lu Qiaoge got in touch with Brigade Leader Lin from Guzi Village, asking the members to gather one of the raw materials for weaving sunflower seed baskets—jinjin grass, a type of wild grass—during their free time.
Lu Qiaoge told Old Lin the processing method and set the price for exchanging it for supplies.
These jinjin grasses that no one wanted before could now be exchanged for daily necessities, and the members were absolutely delighted.
They promised to complete it strictly according to standard, guaranteeing not a single weed.
Life in Guzi Village now was more than five times better than last year.
The vegetables in the vegetable gardens could all be exchanged for money, priced by vegetable type, so every household’s vegetable garden was no longer just a simple vegetable garden, but a golden goose that laid eggs.
Previously, no household had any money, but now every household could have dozens of yuan in hand, something they wouldn’t have dared to dream of before.
The tasks assigned by Lu Qiaoge were guaranteed to be completed with absolute quality and quantity.
So there was no need to worry about raw materials here; they would be sent over continuously.
The Factory Department also learned about this. Regarding Lu Qiaoge independently completing the signing, some praised it, and naturally others opposed it.
The opponents mainly said that Lu Qiaoge signed the agreement without reporting to the higher leaders for approval.
This matter was brought up at a meeting in the Factory Department.
They even called in the directors from both neighborhood committees.
The other neighborhood committee was Qianjin Neighborhood Committee, and its director was surnamed Han. Although he had a bit of a spectator mindset, he was genuinely envious.
Having such a capable subordinate under him, it was hard not to achieve results.
Director Hu, this old-timer, might even get promoted a level.
Director Hu said righteously: “Lu Qiaoge reported it to me in advance; I just didn’t expect it to go so smoothly. This is the neighborhood committee’s small workshop, directly under neighborhood committee management. Even if there are instructions, they have to go through me first. Since when does a neighborhood small workshop have to report everything to the factory director?”
Someone said: “But this is signing with a Hong Kong businessman—is that a small matter? Shouldn’t you have called the factory director in advance to report it?”
Director Hu: “Yes, it’s a Hong Kong businessman, but they came with the inspection team. They are special guests approved from above for friendly exchanges with local enterprises. Of course, I was negligent; after Lu Qiaoge reported to me, I should have immediately gone to find Director Hao.
Hmm, actually no, the Comprehensive Office manages me, so I should first report to the Comprehensive Office, then the director of the Comprehensive Office asks the leaders for instructions—that’s the procedure, right? But we have a saying: speed is of the essence. Zhen Xi is leaving tomorrow; after our layers of approval, can we still catch him?”
The other side glared at Director Hu: “What kind of talk is that?”
It was simply unreasonable.
The other side continued: “If it’s such a situation, the leaders’ approval would be quick and definitely wouldn’t delay it.”
Besides, isn’t it good to ask the leaders? If there’s a problem, the leaders handle it. If something really goes wrong, you don’t have to bear the responsibility. Truly not knowing good from bad— no wonder you’re stuck at the neighborhood committee and can’t get ahead.
Director Hao said: “Your ideas are all correct. Old Hu, you should humbly accept the criticism; it’s also good for Comrade Lu’s growth.”
Director Hu immediately said: “Okay, I understand. In the future, for similar matters, I will definitely ask the leaders first.”
Seeing that Director Hu sincerely accepted the criticism, Director Hao then praised Xiangyang Neighborhood Committee, especially praising Comrade Lu Qiaoge for solving the employment problem for unemployed youth and striving to earn foreign exchange for the country.
Director Hao felt delighted inside. This morning, Director Zhou from the Foreign Trade Section called him wanting to second Qiao Ge to the Foreign Trade Section, but he refused. This is a cadre from our military factory; he’s already overwhelmed with his own responsibilities—how could he have time to help you?
Besides, he really wanted to see if Lu Qiaoge could turn a small workshop into a real Food Factory.
You know, with a scale like 516, it could completely be self-sufficient.
But that difficulty wasn’t ordinary.
After the meeting ended, he kept Director Hu behind alone and asked about Lu Qiaoge’s situation.
This girl was very methodical in her work. When going to sign the contract, she brought all the necessary people, except she didn’t ask the Factory Department, but that’s not Qiao Ge’s fault—it’s Director Hu who likes to act first and report later.
He understood his little intentions: wasn’t he just worried that after reporting up, the factory would send specialized personnel to take over from Lu Qiaoge?
He wasn’t that muddled. Besides, don’t look down on Lu Qiaoge because of her young age—try and see if anyone dares to pick the peaches.
The young woman dating Qin Hengzhi—how could she be an ordinary person!
This time, Director Hao seriously told Director Hu: “We have plans to focus on cultivating Lu Qiaoge. As her direct leader, you must control it well, so first start with yourself. Don’t let Qiao Ge go astray, or if you ruin a good seedling, I won’t forgive you!”
Director Hu stared: “How could she possibly go astray?”
Director Hao thought for a moment: “Haven’t you noticed how extremely smart she is? Generally speaking, smart people like to take shortcuts, borrow strength to fight, play along with plans, and even prefer mantis stalking the cicada unaware of the oriole behind…”
Director Hu rolled his eyes: “You’re making it too serious, like telling a story. She’s just a young person who just started working—it’s not as complicated as you say. Do you think it’s war, with mantis stalking the cicada and oriole behind?”
But though he said that, Director Hu really took it to heart.
Upon returning from the Factory Department, he went straight to the Food Factory.
Lu Qiaoge didn’t know that Director Hu had been called by the factory director. Seeing Director Hu arrive on his bicycle, she took him to see the Handicraft Group and Food Group. Everyone was busy, and Director Hu even saw his son settling accounts—the abacus beads were clacking away after just a few days.
Director Hu’s face was expressionless, but he felt very gratified inside.
No matter what, learning to use an abacus was an impressive skill.
Lu Qiaoge took out a notebook—it was actually a suggestion collection book.
It had customer messages, all written in pencil, but each suggestion was very pertinent.
There were the most praises, though.
Basically all saying the taste was excellent and hoping for more production.
“Director Hu, the first batch of raw materials is almost gone. Do you have any method to apply for another batch? This time we have money and grain ration tickets—no need for credit; we can buy directly.”
Director Hu waved his hand: “Keep the money and grain ration tickets for now. The authorities didn’t give a single cent for building the factory, so you need some reserve. Besides, the Grain Bureau settles once a quarter.”
After thinking, Director Hu added: “I’ll go to the Grain Bureau now to apply for the next batch. But grain and oil are very tense right now—you need to prepare mentally for a production stop.”
Lu Qiaoge nodded: “I know. Difficulties are everywhere from top to bottom; I have this psychological preparation.”
Indeed, that was the situation at the time. It wasn’t that the Grain Bureau was holding back grain and oil for profit—many places hadn’t even solved the problem of food and clothing.
