Chapter 29 Spending Begins

Upon hearing the old factory director's suggestion, Wang Ye's eyes lit up. Wang Ye had heard of Guomao Mountain before. Over forty years later, the place had evolved from an air force station to a division-level air force unit, serving as a key outpost for countering maritime threats in eastern China, equipped with the J-20 Eight-Winged Angel!

"Guomao Mountain? Air force station?" Wang Ye repeated these words subconsciously, while the old factory director explained, "Yes, it's the air force radar station at Guomao Mountain. If we follow this valley and continue for about twenty kilometers, we'll reach there. It's not too far away, actually. It's one of our province's combat-ready airfields, primarily equipped with a large anti-aircraft radar, two runways for fighter jets, and fuel and ammunition depots. Because their supplies used to pass through our area, they got familiar with the route. However, in recent years, they've built a road from the other side, and our factory hasn't been doing well, so we gradually lost touch. This time, since we have some money on hand, and they're facing tough conditions up there, with heavy training schedules and seemingly testing new aircraft frequently, I thought we could pay them a visit."

In the present era, military-civilian relations were still quite close, emphasizing unity between the military and civilians. During festivals, local governments and state-owned enterprises would bring supplies like rice, flour, oil, and pork to nearby stationed troops for morale-boosting visits. However, in a few years, due to unforeseen circumstances, such visits would be prohibited. By then, if people wanted to visit soldiers, they could only do so during military exercises, training, or disaster relief operations.

"All right! Of course, that's a great idea. Your consideration is always thoughtful. Since we've made a small fortune, how could we forget our old comrades-in-arms?" Wang Ye replied, ensuring that the old factory director didn't think he was being stingy. He was also excited about the prospect of visiting the Guomao Mountain Air Force Base, as he had visited the same base over forty years later. What would the current Guomao Mountain Air Force Base be like? It was an intriguing thought, akin to revisiting the past.

"Good, that's settled then. We'll go tomorrow!" the old factory director said, showing his eagerness. "Director Li said we might receive news as soon as the day after tomorrow. If we go the day after tomorrow, won't that be too late? I suggest we go tomorrow. I'll gather a few young lads to go to the county town tomorrow afternoon to purchase supplies. We'll set off early the day after tomorrow. What do you think?"

Wang Ye couldn't help but smile. It was evident that the old factory director was more eager than him, even more so than someone waiting to inherit a collective farm!

"Sure, that works!" Wang Ye nodded in agreement.

A moment later, they returned to the meeting room on the second floor. The old factory director instructed the girl who was serving tea and water a few things, and she hurriedly left to convey the orders and find young men to purchase supplies.

Then, everyone sat down. After the smoke had filled the room, Wang Ye, sitting at the head of the table, began to speak, puffing out clouds of smoke.

"This time, we've earned 5.2 million RMB. The costs are negligible, as we used materials already planned for in the factory. Moreover, we're expecting an additional 500 tons of planned steel to arrive soon, so our expenses are covered."

"Of this 5.2 million, 3.9 million is tentatively earmarked for foreign exchange, possibly for purchasing production lines. We have the freedom to use the remaining 1.3 million."

Pausing to tap his cigarette ash, Wang Ye continued, "Regarding this money, here's my plan. First, we'll pay off the back wages owed for the past two years to everyone. Sun, can you calculate how much this will amount to? As for the older outstanding wages, we'll have to wait until the next time we have income to discuss them."

"Secondly, since I've promised to lead our Red Star Machinery Factory out of poverty and into prosperity, this successful foreign exchange generation should allow everyone to experience that firsthand. So, I've decided that every member of the factory will receive a nutritional subsidy of 20 yuan!"

"Thirdly, for those who have been working overtime during the recent gas cylinder production, they will be paid overtime according to the duration of their extra hours."

"As for the specifics of the calculation, it will be based on an eight-hour workday, and the hourly wage will be twice the monthly salary. For example, if my monthly salary is 64 yuan, calculated based on a 26-day work month and an eight-hour workday, the hourly wage is 3.7 fen. So, if I work an extra hour in the evening, it would be 6.14 fen. At the end of the month, the total overtime pay will be calculated and distributed."

"Fourth, the year-end bonuses..."

As Wang Ye spoke, the expressions of the six leaders of the machinery factory became increasingly surprised. Finally, the old factory director couldn't hold back and interrupted Wang Ye, knocking on the table to draw everyone's attention.

"Wang Ye! Although we've made some money, isn't this spending a bit too extravagant? Those unpaid wages from the past weren't your fault. Besides, that's all in the past. As long as we can pay everyone's salaries in full next month and in the future, everyone will be satisfied! And what's this about the nutritional subsidy? Giving everyone 20 yuan? That adds up to tens of thousands! Who gives out money like this? As for overtime, let's not even mention it. Resting is just resting. What's the big deal about working overtime? Besides, it's only because of the limited delivery time. Why should we pay overtime? I've never heard of such a thing, let alone double time? In the past, even if we wanted to work overtime, we couldn't! No, this won't do! We can't be so wasteful!"

The old factory director earnestly expressed his concerns, and the other five leaders of the machinery factory nodded in agreement, looking at Wang Ye with expressions of concern, as if they were witnessing a prodigal son's reckless spending. It even made Wang Ye wonder if he had made a mistake.

Finally, the old factory director tapped the ashtray on the table and persuaded, "Wang Ye! Although this 1.3 million is designated as discretionary, shouldn't we set aside some funds for future production? Moreover, there's our engine production line. $300,000 isn't enough for that. In my opinion, this money should be left alone. We should persevere a little longer. Once we secure the production line, won't we be able to live the high life in the future?"

As soon as the old factory director finished speaking, the other five leaders of the machinery factory nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Wang Ye couldn't help but sigh.