Chapter 25

Back at the dormitory, the night snack was ready. Including the old Shen, the industrial and commercial administration officer, a dozen or so people were gathered around a large dining table made from several desks, waiting for him. It was the first time eating with Yang Xiaomei's partner, Gao Changxing paid for the alcohol and drinks, Old Shen bought a few cold dishes from the night market, Wu Yongliang and Xiao Yan bought several large watermelons.

The table was full, with meat, vegetables, alcohol, drinks, and fruits, like a grand feast, but no one had an appetite.

"Old Qian, Comrade Han can't drink, pour him a drink."

Not knowing how the talk upstairs went, Yang Xiaomei was anxious, moving the electric fan to blow towards him. The table was too crowded, so she picked up her bowl and sat by the bed.

The two temporary workers, who always had meals wherever they worked, were not too worried. Old Shen from the industrial and commercial administration, though not from the silk factory, was directly related to the night market. If the security department was disbanded, the night market would be in trouble, and they would have to return to the office, living the hard life of getting half a year's salary for a year's work.

Wu Yongliang and Xiao Yan were even more depressed, each wanting to speak but holding back.

The most uncomfortable was Qian Peng. As a township cadre, his salary had been delayed for months, and teachers could protest but cadres couldn't. Life was tight. His partner got a good job with a good leader, earning over 500 a month, and he was so happy he couldn't sleep for a week.

But the good times didn't last long. After just two months of high salary, they were facing a job transfer or even layoffs.

Without explaining clearly, no one could eat. Han Bo took a deep breath and briefly introduced the factory's arrangements for the security department staff.

"Government and enterprises must be separated; enterprises can no longer bear such heavy burdens. I don't want to give a high-sounding speech, just a few words from the heart. We've worked together for nearly two months, cooperated well, and got along harmoniously. To disband so quickly, it's really hard to let go. But there's no feast that doesn't end, and this is not something we can control..."

"Comrade Han, I will follow the organization's arrangements, not cause trouble for the unit, and ensure I do my last shift well."

Gao Changxing had heard that the factory didn't promote cadres mainly because of the heavy burden and the strict control by the personnel department, making it difficult to get approval even if the factory reported it.

One should be content and not too greedy.

If he could get a public institution position, he would have a chance for promotion when he returned to the police force. With a special legal affairs position, he could eventually be regularized. Now, it's just a matter of waiting in line, with one position being resolved at a time, at least giving him something to look forward to.

He was originally a police officer, and coming to the factory was just a transition. Xiao Yan, on the other hand, was extremely upset and asked with a choked voice, "Comrade Han, do you think we have a future in the patrol police?"

This was a matter of their lifetime, and Han Bo couldn't speak lightly. He put down his cup and analyzed, "Since the reform and opening up, the social situation has changed dramatically, with over 100 million people on the move. The security situation is severe, and various criminal activities are on the rise, so there will be a 'crackdown' this year.

With the current police force, it's hard to ensure social security. I believe that as the economy continues to develop, the police force will expand. If you go to the patrol police and work hard, there's a chance of being regularized. If you consider economic benefits, I suggest you try something else.

The outside world is full of opportunities. My father is a carpenter, only graduated from primary school, and farming doesn't make money. Working in the household also doesn't earn much. To support my sister and me, the economic pressure was high, so he went to work in Donghai City and is doing well now."

These days, being an individual entrepreneur is more promising than working for a company. Xiao Dan blurted out, "Comrade Han, I plan to set up a stall at the night market to sell clothes."

"Good, but business has its risks, so think carefully."

"Comrade Han, the current issue is the night market. I have little influence, and whether it can become an official market depends on your leadership doing more work." Old Shen was worried, raising his glass to his mouth but putting it down again.

"The night market is also a place for resettlement, involving the future of our security department staff. Comrade Jiang will definitely try to find a solution when he goes to work tomorrow. Sister Yang, I suggest you prepare for both scenarios. If the industrial and commercial department is willing to take over and turn the night market into a self-funded public institution, the market office director is a good position. If they only take over without solving the staffing issue, you should seek help from the civil affairs department."

"That's the only way. Oh, you've only had a good life for a few days, and now you're facing restructuring and layoffs."

Han Bo understood her feelings and gently consoled her, "Compared to other companies, our factory leadership is quite good. Cadres will be reassigned, and although the jobs may not be great, they will be transferred to lower-level towns, at least having a job. The impact on workshop workers is not significant. Many cadres left in recent years and became private business owners. They opened silk factories, textile factories, and clothing factories, and many retired workers went to work for them. Now, the workers being laid off won't have trouble finding jobs.

The political and administrative staff have no special skills, and the factory is trying to find solutions. They plan to prioritize the leasing of service company storefronts. If they can raise the funds, they can even transfer them. Not just the labor service company, but the storefronts at the neighborhood entrance will also be prioritized for factory staff."

This wasn't just speaking well of the factory, but a fair assessment.

Over a dozen factories, including the cast iron factory, agricultural machinery factory, and woodworking machinery factory, have gone bankrupt. Cadres have nowhere to go and are on standby at home. Workers are directly laid off, with no buyout of their seniority, but they still manage to live.

I don't have land now, but my in-laws do. If worst comes to worst, I can go back to the countryside and farm. Yang Xiaomei nodded, saying no more.

"Comrade Han, what about you and Comrade Jiang?" Gao Changxing couldn't help but ask.

Han Bo chuckled, "Comrade Jiang is an old cadre, and the factory will have arrangements. I might... might go to the police force with you, as I requested."

"Transfer to the police force?" Wu Yongliang was skeptical, his face full of surprise.

"Many comrades may go, and as the team leader, I will go. But whether I can go and whether I can continue working with you in the same unit is uncertain."

Gao Changxing was stunned for a moment before saying with a worried face, "Comrade Han, why are you taking it so seriously? You have better options and don't need to go with us."

"I like being a police officer. You are an old police officer and have worked in all levels of the grassroots. If I can really transfer, please take care of me."

"The police force is hard and tiring, with low wages."

"I know. I come from the countryside and did farm work after school since I was eight or nine. During the busy season, I did everything. I may not have as much hardship as Sister Yang, but I won't have less than you."

The power of a role model is infinite.

As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Yongliang slapped the table, "Comrade Han, I'll go with you. If we can be regularized after three or four years, that's best. If not, we'll find another way."

"I'll go too. Whether there's a position or not, at least I can wear a police uniform, have a police rank, and a police badge."