Chapter 79

Why is it that the only way for the instrument factory to be restructured is through a simple overall transfer? Can't we think of a different approach to achieve a win-win situation for all parties involved?

Thinking about this, Chu Tianshu said, "Senior Sister, I have an immature idea. I wonder if I should share it or not?"

Wu Mengdie replied straightforwardly, "As long as it doesn't involve me helping others for the sake of kindness, feel free to share."

"Hehe, my idea does involve you helping others for the sake of kindness. However, it's not about helping one person but helping the majority, and even helping yourself."

Wu Mengdie, after hearing Chu Tianshu's explanation, was somewhat surprised. She said with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, "Wow, that sounds quite mysterious. Go on, tell me more. If it makes sense, I'll give Zheng Xiaomin a job. If it's just nonsense, don't blame me for not giving you face."

Chu Tianshu then presented his idea. He suggested that Lingyun Group transform the simple land purchase of the instrument factory into a land swap and the construction of a new factory elsewhere. The funds intended for the resettlement of laid-off workers could be used to build the new factory, allowing them to be re-employed there.

Chu Tianshu had previously conducted a field investigation of the instrument factory with Jian Ruoming. He asserted that with the factory's equipment and technology, it could be revitalized with good management and suitable products.

This way, the purchasing company could benefit from the development of the instrument factory's existing land and also from the future operations of the new factory. The laid-off workers would have no worries, and Qingyuan City's economic development would gain a core industry, creating a win-win situation for all.

Wu Mengdie, after hearing Chu Tianshu's brief explanation, showed great interest. She said, "Tianshu, your idea is very creative and provides a new perspective for Lingyun Group's sustainable development. It's worth studying and discussing. You've made me consider whether to offer you an attractive condition to join Lingyun Group."

Chu Tianshu humbly replied, "Senior Sister, you flatter me. It's just an immature suggestion, and whether it can be implemented is still uncertain."

Wu Mengdie said, "Indeed, the difficulties involved will exceed our imagination. It's hard to explain over the phone. How about this: when you have time, bring Zheng Xiaomin to meet me. We can both think about your suggestion and discuss it in person, okay?"

"Sure!" Chu Tianshu, hearing Wu Mengdie's response, was relieved that she was willing to arrange something for Zheng Xiaomin. He quickly said, "Thank you, Senior Sister."

Wu Mengdie didn't continue to be polite but said seriously, "One last thing, don't reveal this idea to anyone, especially the members of the leadership group."

After hanging up, Chu Tianshu was still excited about his sudden inspiration. He took out paper and pen and carefully outlined his thoughts, gradually forming a clear and bright idea for a new state-owned enterprise (SOE) restructuring.

The question now was whether this idea could gain the support and approval of the leadership group and ultimately become a reality.

While Chu Tianshu was still analyzing and pondering, the office phone rang. Jian Ruoming notified him to go to Guan Haoyu's office immediately.

At the door, he met Jian Ruoming. They exchanged a glance and walked into Guan Haoyu's office together.

Guan Haoyu sat behind his desk with his eyes lowered, a sign of his displeasure.

Jian Ruoming sat in the chair in front of the desk. Chu Tianshu refilled Guan Haoyu's cup with water and poured a cup of tea for Jian Ruoming before sitting in another chair, opening his notebook, and preparing to listen attentively.

Guan Haoyu asked in a low voice, "Xiao Jian, the leadership group meeting has been going on for a few days. How is the plan for the instrument factory's restructuring progressing?"

Chu Tianshu took out a printed schedule and placed it gently in front of Guan Haoyu, explaining softly, "Director, according to Deputy Mayor Tang's instructions, I have created a reverse schedule to complete the restructuring by the end of the year. Please review it."

Guan Haoyu glanced at it and said, "The end of the year is the latest deadline set by the city leadership. As the main responsible department, the SASAC cannot use this as our goal. This leaves us no room for maneuver and makes us appear inefficient."

Jian Ruoming said, "Director Guan, the current bottleneck is the land assessment by the Land and Resources Bureau. Without their data, we can't proceed with inviting experts for evaluation, publishing the auction announcement, registering and reviewing the qualifications of bidders, and other steps. Some of these steps are legally mandated and cannot be skipped, which is why the schedule extends to the end of the year."

"No, this schedule will definitely be criticized if submitted." Guan Haoyu picked up the schedule and shook it, dissatisfied. "Xiao Jian, you mentioned a lot of work to be done. According to this schedule, if any step goes wrong, we might not complete the task by the end of the year. If we don't take it seriously, no one else will."

Chu Tianshu was taking notes. Guan Haoyu tapped the table and said, "Xiao Chu, you need to focus on assisting Director Jian in the restructuring of the instrument factory. Delegate specific office tasks to Qi Dagang and others. Trivial matters like attendance don't need to distract you."

It was clear that Ouyang Meimei had already told Guan Haoyu about Chu Tianshu's support for Zheng Xiaomin.

Jian Ruoming smiled and nodded, and Chu Tianshu also nodded in agreement.

Guan Haoyu suddenly raised his voice, "I will contact Director Shen at the Land and Resources Bureau to urge them. You need to reschedule the plan with a two-month advance goal... Don't emphasize objective difficulties. Think ahead. For example, you can draft a list of experts to invite without waiting for the assessment results."

"Is... that appropriate?" Jian Ruoming cautiously explained. "Determining the list of experts too early might not comply with confidentiality principles."

"Nonsense." Guan Haoyu threw the pen on the table, his face red with anger. "What confidentiality? Confidential to whom? Do you think the members of the leadership group will leak information? Besides, there are only a few well-known experts in the province and city. Even if we don't finalize the list now, everyone already knows who they are."

Guan Haoyu's outburst left Jian Ruoming and Chu Tianshu unable to explain further. They could only agree and leave the office.

Chu Tianshu followed Jian Ruoming to her office.

Jian Ruoming said directly, "Guan Haoyu, who usually goes with the flow, is now in a hurry. This shows he is under significant pressure. Xiao Chu, you need to reschedule the plan with a two-month advance goal, compressing non-mandatory procedures and passing the difficult tasks to the Land and Resources Bureau."

After several discussions with Jian Ruoming, Chu Tianshu found that she never beat around the bush or used a consultative tone. She omitted what could be omitted and what couldn't.

Chu Tianshu agreed and said, "Director Jian, given Director Guan's seniority, only the city leadership can pressure him."

Jian Ruoming nodded, though she didn't say it explicitly, she knew that the real urgency came from Deputy Mayor Tang Yifu.

She said, "During a break in a meeting yesterday, Deputy Mayor Yi specifically called me to the rest room and said that SOE reform is inevitable but should not be rushed. The pilot restructuring of the instrument factory must focus on the big picture, prevent the loss of state assets, protect workers' rights, and maintain social stability. This is a common requirement from city and provincial leaders."

Jian Ruoming didn't say it outright, but Chu Tianshu understood the implications.

The restructuring of the instrument factory had become the main battlefield for the political struggle between Yi Haitao and Tang Yifu.

Tang Yifu, at a disadvantage, was eager to transfer the instrument factory as a whole, hoping to gain high-level support through Wang Zhiyuan of Kunpeng Industry to compete for the position of mayor.

Yi Haitao, as the vice mayor, had worked with Tang Yifu for many years and could not fail to see his political ambitions. Therefore, Yi Haitao's strategy was a smooth transition, waiting for the mayor's term to end, and then taking over as mayor. By then, the situation would be settled, and he could make major changes to the instrument factory.

Within the SASAC, Guan Haoyu, who sought no merit but no fault, secretly supported Huang Ruyi's promotion, pushing Jian Ruoming into the political whirlpool of the instrument factory's restructuring to prepare for finding a scapegoat later.

Chu Tianshu hesitated for a moment but still told Jian Ruoming about his conversation with Wu Mengdie.

Jian Ruoming immediately affirmed Chu Tianshu's sudden inspiration.

It was a good idea that could benefit all parties.

However, she believed that building a new factory elsewhere was more complex than a simple overall transfer, involving new land and industrial positioning, which would extend the profit cycle and require more substantial resources from the purchasing company. It might not pass the leadership group meeting.

Chu Tianshu said, "Director Jian, if the purchasing company proposes this idea at the auction site and the expert review panel provides an opinion before submitting it to the leadership group, it would not affect the restructuring timeline and could bypass unnecessary decision-making procedures."

Jian Ruoming pondered for a moment and said, "Xiao Chu, this approach is quite risky. First, it requires the active cooperation of the purchasing company. Second, regardless of the outcome, it will offend many people, potentially ruining political prospects."

Chu Tianshu was speechless.

For a newly promoted deputy section-level official like him, this was a period of accumulating resources, and taking such a risk was worth it. However, for Jian Ruoming, who had a good chance of becoming a full section-level official, it would be a losing political gamble.

Finally, Jian Ruoming made up her mind and said firmly, "Xiao Chu, go to Linjiang under the pretext of inviting experts and meet Wu Mengdie in person. If Lingyun Group is indeed interested, they can announce the plan for building a new factory elsewhere at the auction site. I believe that something beneficial to society, the company, and individuals will gain support."

Chu Tianshu looked at Jian Ruoming with admiration.

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