Volume One: Emerging from Seclusion Chapter 5: Work Assignments

Since moving into the communal dormitory, my work and life gained a steady rhythm. During the day, I mainly studied materials and served tea and water. After work and on weekends, I often returned to my alma mater to keep Xiang Xiulan company. Diao Youhua was frequently absent from the dormitory; no one knew where he went. He didn’t have a girlfriend either. In his words, he was waiting for the right offer. Marriage was just an opportunity to consolidate resources; in this society, only success was the truth, and sometimes paying a price was necessary and worthwhile.

The department remained as usual. They made calls, received faxes, and read newspapers. I focused intently on my study materials. Zhou Dezhi was taciturn, Zhang Chi spoke little, while Lin Xiaolong and Hu Yue often joked around. Hu Yue was the kindest to me, like an older sister who frequently showed concern. She was also well-informed—small and big happenings around the factory seemed to be known to her. Through her, I learned that Zhou Dezhi had long aspired to be section chief but failed, which explained his lack of enthusiasm and his indifferent attitude toward Director Zheng.

Director Zheng, however, was no ordinary man. He specifically recruited Zhang Chi, who had a family background, ostensibly to assist Zhou Dezhi’s work, but in reality, all client relations were managed by Zhang Chi. Director Zheng controlled this market segment through him. As for Lin Xiaolong, though younger and less experienced than Zhou Dezhi, he was astute and closely aligned with Director Zheng. I could see this clearly.

The other three in the department were somewhat guarded around me, likely because I was a graduate from a prestigious, formal university. Hu Yue was an exception. Later, I found out that her husband was Director Deng from the personnel office, which explained her access to information and her elevated status in the department. She even sat behind Lin Xiaolong, and Director Zheng treated her with great courtesy. Later on, I realized that relationships such as couples and siblings were quite common in the factory. Sometimes, one had to be careful in conversation, for the person mentioned might be a relative of the listener.

Three months passed in this manner. I had studied the materials thoroughly and could recite them by heart, yet Director Zheng did not assign me any other tasks. Staying in the office felt rather dull. Privately, I asked Hu Yue if I could request work from Director Zheng. She advised me not to put it that way. Instead, she said I could report my progress on learning about the products to him, saying I was almost done, and she would speak up for me in private.

One day, while I was on the stairs heading to the finance office on the third floor to collect some documents, I unexpectedly bumped into Factory Director Gao coming down, followed by Director Deng and Office Director Ruan Changqing. I quickly stepped aside, assuming Director Gao might not know me and that they were on official business, so I didn’t greet them.

To my surprise, Director Gao stopped, turned to me, and said, “You’re Xiao Wang, right?” Although it sounded a bit like a curse in my ears, I felt no offense—only excitement that he actually knew me.

I quickly replied, “Yes, Director Gao, I’m Xiao Wang.”

“Xiao Wang is very capable. Pei Dong told me several times that you’re excellent. You must work hard!” Director Gao’s words deepened my gratitude toward “Hero Guo.” He truly spared no effort on my behalf.

The very next day, when I was about to follow Hu Yue’s advice and report my product knowledge progress to Director Zheng, he took the initiative to seek me out instead.

At his desk, he warmly invited me to sit opposite him, smiling broadly. “Xiao Wang, how’s your product study going? Should be almost done by now, right? I’ve been busy lately and haven’t paid enough attention to you. You could have come to me proactively.”

“Thank you, Director Zheng, for your concern. I’m quite familiar with the materials now. Seeing how busy you are, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“I knew someone as outstanding as you wouldn’t have any problems. From now on, come see me more often. No matter how busy I am, I’ll make time for you. Besides, nurturing young talent is an important part of my job. In time, you’ll see I enjoy interacting with young people. Don’t let my usual sternness fool you—I appreciate energetic youth. I hope you bring more vitality to our department. Work hard, and you’ll surely succeed.”

I was somewhat flattered. After over three months in the department, this was the most he had spoken to me. Usually, he barely acknowledged me. Though puzzled by his sudden change in attitude, I immediately replied, “I will work hard and live up to your expectations, Director Zheng.”

“We’re preparing to give you some responsibilities,” he paused. I inwardly rejoiced—finally, I was to be assigned work. Yet I also felt some anxiety, uncertain what tasks awaited me and whether I could handle them. Of course, I was confident that I could overcome any difficulties.

“Here’s the plan. After careful consideration, you’ll work with Lin Xiaolong in charge of the out-of-district market. The provincial market looks stable but stagnant—no room for growth. The out-of-district market has greater potential and is suited for young people eager to strive and fight. What do you think? Any objections?”

Still caught up in the excitement of finally starting proper work, I nodded firmly. “No objections. I will follow any arrangement. Thank you, Director Zheng.”

“Good. You’ll work with Lin Xiaolong. He’s very experienced and, most importantly, sharp-minded. You can learn a lot from him.” Director Zheng paused, then added, “Of course, you’re a key young talent the factory is nurturing. I hope you quickly get familiar with the work, train hard, and improve yourself to become capable of taking full charge one day.”

Then Director Zheng called Lin Xiaolong over, formally entrusting me to his guidance. Lin Xiaolong smiled broadly at Director Zheng and said, “The leadership is considerate, knowing working alone is tough, so they arranged for someone as capable as Xiao Wang to assist me.”

“Cut it out. Xiao Wang is a key talent the factory is cultivating. You must mentor him well, and don’t go corrupting him with your crooked tricks.”

“What crooked tricks? Leader, I’m more wronged than Dou E. Under your sharp eyes, there’s no way I’d have any crooked tricks.”

It was clear Lin Xiaolong was more casual with Director Zheng.

“Xiao Wang, you see, your mentor Lin here—his mouth is his blessing and his curse,” Director Zheng turned to me and said.

I smiled too. Director Zheng had just clarified the nature of my relationship with Lin Xiaolong. Lin held no official title; I only called him “Teacher Lin,” as I had these past months. But now this mentor-apprentice relationship was formally established.

As I left Director Zheng’s office, I couldn’t read Lin Xiaolong’s expression. His earlier playful grin seemed to vanish instantly. I couldn’t tell if he was truly pleased or displeased. Later, I realized it was probably both. He was glad to finally have a subordinate to command officially, which also asserted his status over me. Yet he was concerned that I might take away his client resources or even pose a future threat. After all, I had a higher education, and on the surface, I seemed to be a key talent the factory was fostering.