Chapter 9: Who Dares to Disagree?

Moments later, the two jeeps arrived at the small square in front of the Red Star Machinery Factory's office building.

As Wang Ye got off the vehicle, he scanned the surroundings. Although he couldn't gauge the exact size of the Red Star Machinery Factory's premises, one thing was certain: the three-story dilapidated office building behind him was the tallest structure in the entire factory area.

Most of the other buildings consisted of various production workshops and simple northern-style houses, camouflaging the entire factory within this mountainous area.

"Why did both directors come together?" While Wang Ye surveyed, the individuals who had just called out at the gate hurriedly caught up. Alongside them, more idle factory workers and their families gathered from all directions.

"Wang Ye, let me introduce you. This is Comrade Zhao Shuanzhu, the current director of our Red Star Machinery Factory," said Liang Jinsong.

"He's a genuine old revolutionary. When he joined the army in '34, he was only fourteen or fifteen years old, not even tall enough to carry a rifle. He followed the troops, climbed snowy mountains, crossed grasslands, and survived on grass roots and leather belts, enduring until they reached the base area."

"He attended literacy classes in the base area, reclaimed land, and even sewed clothes in the clothing factory."

"Later, he fought alongside Hua Ye all the way to Yanjing. In '52, he went to the Korean Peninsula with the main force to support, but lost an arm in the bombing. After the war, he was resettled in a military factory until the Red Star Machinery Factory started production in '54."

"He came to work here, starting from the production section chief to become the factory director, serving for nearly thirty years!"

With Liang Jinsong's narration, Wang Ye's gaze locked onto the nearby old man with a knotted left sleeve. He chuckled with a mix of embarrassment and pride.

"Hello, Senior Zhao! I'm Wang Ye. Thank you for your contributions, which have led to our peace and prosperity today."

At that moment, Wang Ye felt a chilling sensation down his spine as he looked at the old man's smile and listened to Liang Jinsong's introduction. It was an indescribable sense of vicissitude. He solemnly adjusted his collar and sleeves before respectfully saluting the old man.

Upon hearing Wang Ye's words, the old man's weathered cheeks reddened slightly, and he quickly waved his hand, saying, "Haha, what are you saying? No need to thank me! It's all for the country! It's all expected! You're too polite!"

"Senior, I mean no offense."

"Really, don't misunderstand..."

At that moment, amidst the commotion of onlookers, a gruff voice rang out: "Director Liang! What does this mean? Why did the country send us such a young factory director? Does it mean the country doesn't want us anymore? Are they letting us fend for ourselves?"

With that rough, angry, and aggrieved voice, the crowd erupted in uproar!

"Yeah! Director Liang, what does this mean? How can such a young factory director lead us in the military-civilian transition? Does it mean the country doesn't want us anymore? Are they letting us fend for ourselves?"

"We have medals! You can't treat us like this! I refuse!"

"I also refuse! Our Red Star Machinery Factory is also a meritorious unit, we've shed blood and sweat for the country!"

In the midst of the clamor, Zhao Shuanzhu slowly released Wang Ye's hands. Wang Ye remained expressionless, but Liang Jinsong's face revealed a hint of annoyance. Then, he shouted, "Silence!"

Instantly, the scene fell silent. After everyone quieted down, Liang Jinsong surveyed the surroundings before speaking in a low voice.

"What is Senior Zhao's background? What about mine?"

In response to Liang Jinsong's question, murmurs erupted among the crowd, with many wearing expressions of confusion, unsure why Liang Jinsong was asking. However, someone gathered the courage to speak up.

"Senior Director comes from a revolutionary background! You, Director Liang, also come from a military background. You've fought on real battlefields with real guns, so we respect you!"

Upon hearing this, Liang Jinsong couldn't help but sneer before shouting, "Yes, you respect me, and you respect Senior Zhao."

"But what's the use? Look at the current state of the Red Star Machinery Factory! Do you think I don't want to assign production tasks to you? Do you think I don't want to pay you full wages? Do you think I want to see your children still in diapers at the age of five or six? Do you think I want to see you turn flour bags into clothes?"

"Do I want that? Do I want that? Do I want that?"

Amidst Liang Jinsong's roar, the scene fell silent, and many even had tears in their eyes. Then, under everyone's gaze, Liang Jinsong placed his hand on Wang Ye's shoulder and pushed him forward.

"This is Comrade Wang Ye, a graduate of the prestigious Huaqing Machinery University!"

"According to the usual rules, after graduation, he should go directly to a ministry. At that time, even I may not have the chance to meet such an important figure in my lifetime!"

"But now, he has volunteered to come to our Red Star Machinery Factory. Why? Can anyone tell me why?"

"He's here to lead our Red Star Machinery Factory in its military-civilian transition! He's here to lead our Red Star Machinery Factory out of poverty and into prosperity! Understand?"

"We're all rough people here, but he's a top talent. We only know how to shout, but he truly understands technology. Do you understand? Do you understand? Science is the primary productive force!"

"Now, does anyone still have a problem? Does anyone still refuse? If you agree, go back and wait for further instructions! If you refuse, come forward!"

Finally, Liang Jinsong's thunderous voice ceased, and the scene remained silent. Gradually, amidst the sound of footsteps, the onlookers dispersed.