Volume 2: The Path to Prominence Chapter 54: Corporate Restructuring (Part 6)

I was just about to report to Factory Director Shi regarding our preparations for the upcoming employee representatives' assembly to announce the restructuring plan and pass the employee resettlement scheme, when unexpectedly, Director Shi took the initiative to call me.

Upon entering Director Shi's office, he asked me, "Is the restructuring plan pretty much finalized?"

"Yes, sir. Under your leadership, the plan is entirely complete."

"Are there any remaining issues?"

"There shouldn't be any. The plan strictly implements your instructions and specific requirements. We secured everything from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission just as you instructed, and many crucial issues were personally resolved through your direct coordination."

"Well, you've worked hard. You've made a major contribution this time."

"Thank you for the encouragement and recognition, Director. All the credit belongs to your brilliant leadership. I merely executed your instructions and ran the errands." I thought to myself: taking credit away from the leader is practically digging one's own grave.

Director Shi smiled and let the topic drop. Suddenly, he asked, "What are your thoughts on the setup of the corporate governance structure?"

Taken completely by surprise, I didn't react immediately. Fortunately, I collected myself in time and replied decisively, "I don't have any particular thoughts. That falls outside my purview, and I haven't considered the matter."

"Regarding the management tier, where we are only setting up a single executive vice president instead of retaining the current production vice director and the procurement and sales vice director—have you really not considered this issue?"

"I certainly noticed it, of course. But I assumed it was a decision for you to make, Director Shi. Whenever you make a decision, my role has always been simply to figure out how to carry it out. The 'why' behind it is not something I should concern myself with. My duty is to execute your decisions with all my might, so I didn't dwell on it deeply."

To claim I hadn't noticed would be an obvious lie; yet to express strong opinions would signal personal ambition and ulterior motives. Although Director Shi trusted me deeply and was always cordial and approachable, I remained constantly cautious and respectful in his presence, never daring to be presumptuous. A leader is a leader. He might act casual with you, but no matter how much trust he places in you or how informal he appears, you must always treat him as your superior rather than treating him like a family member or a casual friend. If you ever forget your place and treat a leader too casually, the leader will simply give you the freedom to excuse yourself.

Director Shi smiled again, paused briefly, and with a slightly more serious expression on his face, he said to me:

"As for the position of general manager, I was originally inclined toward you. You have a broad range of experience across various roles, have achieved commendable results wherever you've served, hold the highest academic degree in the factory, and possess the advantage of youth."

I said nothing, merely feigning astonishment as I looked at Director Shi, who continued:

"Unfortunately, your years in service are not quite enough. You've only been in a deputy role for a little over a year; another two years would have made all the difference. I actually brought this matter up with Director Zheng, asking whether an exception could be made to promote you. Director Zheng highly recognizes your ability and performance, but he noted that regulations on exceptional promotions have become increasingly strict. Unless there are exceptionally compelling reasons, exceptions are generally not granted. He also remarked that giving you another two more years to temper yourself might not be a bad thing. Ah, it's a pity."

I still remained silent, listening quietly as Director Shi went on:

"After turning it over in my mind and reviewing the situation of the other members of the leadership team, comparing their age, experience, and working capabilities, only Ruan Changqing seems suitable for the general manager position. Ruan Changqing used to be your supervisor, and he has always been very supportive of your work."

Hearing this, my heart sank, but my expression remained as calm as still water as I listened on.

"However, when I talked to Ruan Changqing about this matter, unexpectedly, he flatly refused. Instead, he resolutely recommended you, insisting that you are fully qualified in both ability and performance. Upon learning that an exceptional promotion was not feasible, he argued that the factory should leverage our unique team succession circumstances to press the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission even more strongly on your behalf."

At this, Director Shi looked straight at me and asked, "Dongshan, what are your thoughts on this? Don't worry, speak your mind boldly. In this room, anything you say stays here."

I knew that at this juncture, remaining noncommittal was no longer an option. Fortunately, my astute father-in-law had already analyzed this exact scenario for me. Gathering my composure, I spoke to Director Shi in a soft, earnest tone:

"I am deeply grateful for your candor, Director. To me, you are not merely a superior; you are an elder and a mentor who has cared for and guided my growth every step of the way. Back then, truly, I thought I would spend my entire life stuck in the workshop with no prospect of advancement. It was you, Director Shi, who rescued me." As I spoke, I found myself drawn into the emotion, feeling genuinely moved.

"As a child raised in the countryside, attaining such a high position today is something I never dared to imagine. I am both grateful and content. Now, as you consider elevating me further, my heart overflows with gratitude. Yet I must be entirely honest with you: both my experience and seniority fall short of what is required for such an important post. Even my capabilities have shortcomings that demand further guidance from you, Director. If I were to step into that role prematurely—even though I would still be working under your leadership and acting as an executor, and with you at the helm, major disasters would be avoided—I fear that my lack of experience, competence, seniority, and prestige would make it difficult to command respect and carry out work effectively. It would put me in an awkward position. Personal difficulties aside, I dread the prospect of hindering the factory's development and辜负 [failing to live up to] your care and trust. Therefore, under no circumstances can I accept your kind offer. I hope you can understand."

As my voice trailed off, a wave of relief washed over me. Director Shi also seemed to visibly relax. He appeared to have fully grasped my meaning and understood my stance, seemingly even touched by my words.

Yet Director Shi was, after all, a seasoned veteran of officialdom. Recovering his composure after a brief pause, he pressed on:

"I understand your meaning, and I appreciate your concerns. Then, who should take up the mantle of general manager? What is your view? Wouldn't it still be better for Ruan Changqing to take the role?"

"Thank you for your trust, Director. Strictly speaking, I am not qualified to offer opinions on this matter. But since you trust me and ask for my view, personally speaking..."

I paused, catching Director Shi's expectant gaze. This further confirmed my father-in-law's analysis: when faced with supreme power, everyone harbors ambitions. Who can truly maintain a placid, detached mind? Everyone desires greater power, and once attained, who would willingly share it? Even in my case, my deferral was not born of mere modesty or politeness; rather, my father-in-law had helped me realize that this was not a genuine opportunity. My seniority was insufficient, and Director Shi had no genuine intention of promoting me. He likely found it inappropriate to propose himself directly for the concurrent post and was simply testing the waters through me.

Having sorted this out clearly, I continued with a steady voice:

"As for Factory Director Ruan, he lacks neither experience nor capability, and I deeply respect his character. However, since he has firmly expressed his unwillingness, forcing him against his will might not be ideal.

"More importantly, for many years our factory has operated under a single principal leader—you, Director. We have all grown accustomed to executing your decisions and directives. The factory's development requires unified leadership to maintain higher efficiency. Therefore, my personal view remains that it would be best for you, Director, to concurrently hold the position of general manager. This would ensure maximum efficiency and best serve the factory's development," I concluded with a firm tone.

Director Shi smiled once more. I am certain he saw right through my internal calculations. The political arena is a stage where everyone wears masks and plays their assigned roles. Anyone who climbs high enough in officialdom understands this rule completely. Yet the unwritten law is never to expose the act; what truly matters is not whether you are acting, but whether the leader needs you to play that specific part.

Director Shi then said:

"I understand your perspective, but didn't Ruan Changqing recommend you?"

At that moment, his true intent became entirely clear. Naturally, his inclination was to concurrently hold the general manager's seat himself, but he could not voice this directly to Ruan Changqing—he needed me to handle that conversation. Accordingly, I responded:

"Director Ruan's side is easy to manage. I will go and communicate with him. We are all cadres nurtured and raised under your care, Director; there shouldn't be any problem."

"I haven't discussed this issue with the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission yet."

I instantly realized that since it involved his personal appointment, it was inconvenient for him to lobby them directly—unless, of course, someone else spoke on his behalf. A leader always needs a perceptive subordinate by his side. Thus, I chimed in:

"In that case, I will formally present this appeal to the State-owned Assets Supervision-Administration Commission on behalf of the factory." Then, catching myself, I added, "And as for the employees—since I head the trade union, I can represent their collective appeal as well."

"Let's leave the employees out of it," Director Shi replied.

With that, I understood completely: he wanted me to approach the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission on behalf of the deputy leadership team, officially requesting that he concurrently serve as general manager. Naturally, I readily agreed.

Thus, a tacit understanding and consensus were reached between us. We achieved this consensus not because of any profound personal affection, but because our interests were perfectly aligned—and shared interests are the eternal foundation of all tacit alliances. I knew this well, and I was certain Director Shi understood it even better.