1957, spring.
The Red Star Steel Rolling Factory resumed operations.
Workers streamed into the factory, chatting among themselves, exchanging greetings and blessings.
They said Old Man Yi Zhonghai was going to take the Eighth Grade Fitter assessment next month!
But it had little to do with Chi Yu. No matter what grade fitter anyone became, his goal was only to become Director of the Red Star Steel Rolling Factory.
"Old Yi, Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year!"
"How is your preparation for next month's assessment?"
As soon as Yi Zhonghai arrived at his workstation, the section chief exchanged a few pleasantries with him.
"Don't worry, I've got it under control."
"Then let me congratulate you in advance on becoming an Eighth Grade Fitter."
"Ha ha ha..."
Every department operated in an orderly manner.
At the same time, a transfer order was delivered to Director Yang's office.
Lou Half-City had some connections, after all. Coupled with Wang Zheng's arrangements, the position of factory director was quickly vacated.
"Hey, have you heard? Our factory director is being transferred."
"No way!"
"It's true. I just came out of the director's office, and he's handing over his work!"
"Handing over his work? Why so suddenly?"
"No idea. Maybe it's an urgent transfer order!"
"Then the new factory director..."
"Forget it. Isn't the deputy director still here?"
Not far away, Liu Haizhong heard everything clearly. As an officialdom enthusiast, his eyes shifted, and an idea immediately came to him.
"With my, Liu Haizhong's, abilities, if not department head, then at least I should become a section chief!"
At noon, he left the Steel Rolling Factory with confident strides and went to purchase quite a few gifts.
Without even eating lunch, he carried the presents to the deputy director's office.
After laying on a round of