Chapter 103: Igniting the Atmosphere

It is common knowledge that in any enterprise, the finance and procurement departments are the most critical and powerful. Furthermore, they are the areas where the most "grease"—illicit gains—can be found.

Do you have goods to sell? Sorry, there are plenty of other suppliers. If you don't have money to "show your respect," don't even bother showing up. This is the unspoken rule that pervades the industry. Want to get paid? Sorry, there are even more factories waiting for payment. If you don't have a kickback, go back where you came from. For those in charge of the company's purse strings, this is the premier way to get rich.

Yet, what had Wu Ya just said? He asked to consult with Factory Manager Pei regarding the staffing of these two departments. This meant he was handing over the immense power of building these core departments to him.

"Boss Wu, this... I’m afraid this is inappropriate. Such vital departments should be vetted and hand-picked by you personally! I am merely a partner and a subordinate working for you. It is far too improper for me to make this decision!" Factory Manager Pei stepped back, looking at Wu Ya with a grave expression, though his heart was filled with emotion.

Wu Ya’s words demonstrated absolute trust. If he had been suspicious, there would have been no need to mention it at all; he could have simply made the decisions himself and filled the positions.

"Haha, there is nothing inappropriate about it! Factory Manager Pei, you have been a factory head for years; you must have encountered plenty of talent in these fields. Therefore, I leave this heavy responsibility to you. I have only one condition: the people selected must be incorruptible! We are a private enterprise, not a state-owned one. If any violation is discovered, they will be fired immediately without exception," Wu Ya said with a faint smile, standing by his decision.

He knew the importance of these departments, but he trusted Pei for the very reason he stated: he truly lacked talent in these areas. He didn't know anyone. Having been reborn, the people he once knew hadn't even grown up yet, and those who were older were mostly from out of town. In terms of connections in his hometown of Suiyan District, he was starting from scratch.

The procurement department, in particular, was not only a place of great temptation but also required technical skill. A capable person could negotiate prices down to the bone, drastically lowering production costs. An incompetent one would accept high costs, which would directly impact the competitiveness of their clothing in the market, regardless of quality or style. There was no room for error.

As for the finance department, it was even more sensitive and tied to the smooth operation of production. Payment scheduling was delicate work. Knowing when to pay so as not to disrupt the supply chain, and when to hold firm to safeguard production—this required a deep sense of responsibility.

"Fine! Since you trust me so much, it would be ungrateful of me to push back. Rest assured, I will ensure these departments are filled with the best people!"

With Factory Manager Pei’s solemn promise, Chensi Textile Factory began a comprehensive reorganization. Within a day, all the workers for the three-shift rotation were recruited, along with the necessary quality control staff.

Shortly after, Factory Manager Pei held an all-staff meeting.

"Starting today, Chensi is undergoing a brand-new transformation. To keep up with the times and avoid being eliminated by the market, I have called this meeting. I hope you can all see the impact these changes will have."

At the start of the meeting, Pei cast aside his usual reserved demeanor, looking as vibrant as he had in his prime. The focus of the meeting was threefold: to welcome the new hires, to introduce everyone to the true owner, Wu Ya, and to act as a mobilization rally for the upcoming reforms. The planned changes meant that every department in the factory would be dismantled and restructured, and anxiety among the staff was inevitable.

"Factory Manager Pei, we heard you are going to dismantle the original structure and reorganize three departments. Is that true?" As soon as he finished speaking, someone stood up to ask.

News traveled fast. Of course, this was intentional on Pei's part. If they weren't nervous, how could they be galvanized? The original finance and procurement staff were mostly connected individuals, accustomed to the ways of a collective enterprise. Many were rigid in their thinking and prone to idling—traits that would not be tolerated in the new departments.

"That is correct! Reform is an internal and external transformation. Our factory has been leased by Boss Wu, so all organizational reforms must follow his instructions. And they are non-negotiable!" Pei’s expression was stern, his tone resolute.

Those who had held onto a shred of hope, believing their personal connection to Pei would exempt them from the reforms, felt their hearts sink. Even when the factory had stopped production in the past, their wages had never been delayed by a cent. But times had changed; the factory was now under new management, and they had to follow the new owner's orders.

Wu Ya sat to one side, silent. The introductions were over, and he let Pei take the stage.

"Factory Manager, how exactly do you plan to reform our two departments?" someone asked—a crucial question, as it concerned their livelihoods.

"According to Boss Wu’s vision and our factory's reality, I have decided to offer the current staff three paths. First, continue to work diligently by applying your professional strengths. Second, leave the department and join the frontline production line. Third, if you are dissatisfied with these options, you are dismissed!"

Pei’s explanation was concise. He had left a small window for the original staff, after all, personal connections mattered. Within reason, he would try to look after them—office work was better than the factory floor, and these people were familiar with their roles. While collective enterprises had flaws, they had one undeniable advantage: vast networks. In that era, before reform had fully taken hold, procurement and finance staff in such enterprises were highly sought after. Their contacts were invaluable resources. To fire them all would not only mean starting from scratch, but wasting those resources.

"This... since it's decided, I’ll stay in finance. It’s the only thing I know how to do," one person said.
"I’ll choose to stay in procurement. I’ve been walking this path for years," another added.
"I’ll stay, too!"

Almost without hesitation, everyone chose the first path. They were accustomed to the office rhythm; they couldn't imagine a different life, and they certainly didn't want to resign. With so many people across the country facing layoffs and the resulting hardship, no one dared to risk being unemployed.

Seeing the crowd's reaction, Wu Ya frowned slightly before finally speaking. "Everyone, I am glad you have chosen to stay. However, I want to emphasize one thing: from now on, I want everyone to discard the bad habits of the old collective enterprise! Truly stir up your initiative and make a real contribution to the new Chensi."

He paused, letting the words sink in. The room was silent. Seeing their anticipation, he nodded in satisfaction.

"As for those who still cling to old concepts and want to coast through their days—I’m sorry, but I don't welcome you. I don't care where you came from or who you know. If your attitude is poor and you’re not performing your duties, affecting the progress of others, I will fire you immediately."

His tone was sharp and blunt. Disobeying or slacking off meant one thing: leaving.

"That Boss Wu, he may be young, but he doesn't have a soft hand," someone whispered.
"Indeed. A newborn calf, and wealthy and powerful to boot."
"Sigh, times really have changed. It's his pasture and his horses now; he can do as he pleases."

A buzz of whispers rippled through the crowd. They could all feel a new atmosphere taking hold of the factory. If they kept taking money without working, only one path awaited them: dismissal.

As their mindsets shifted, the staff of the two departments suddenly felt a surge of energy.

"Boss Wu, Factory Manager, don't worry! We will do our absolute best to generate profits for this factory!"
"That's right, Boss Wu! Don't look at us as having been sluggish for decades. Our connections are still intact! If you want to know who can get the lowest price in procurement, just watch us!"
"Ha! Then let’s compete. Let’s see who gets the lowest price and brings the most benefit to the factory!"
"You're on!"

With these bold declarations, the atmosphere in the hall was completely ignited.