After confirming his own wages, Niu Hongzhang did not make a scene on the spot.
He was, after all, one of the unit's top two bigwigs. How could he lose his temper over ten or eight yuan of filthy lucre?
There was no need to think about it. This must have been done under Ma Zhaoxian's instructions. Making a scene on the spot would only lower his standing, wouldn't it?
After returning to his office, Niu Hongzhang gave it some thought and summoned Lai Jiayi.
"Go ask Old Wan, Old Yang, and the others what everyone thinks about the workers' wage increase this time. See if there's any dissatisfaction. Don't tell them I sent you."
"Dissatisfaction?"
Lai Jiayi found it strange. What was there to be dissatisfied about when wages had gone up? Did they think the increase was too small?
Still, Lai Jiayi went to seek out those allies. Women liked digging into things anyway; since Niu Hongzhang had asked her to inquire, then she would inquire!
Lai Jiayi first went to find Old Wan. He was in the Finance Department, and workers collected their pay through him, so he was certain to have firsthand information.
Then she learned that Old Wan was planning to leave.
She said in surprise, "Old Wan, it couldn't have been easy for you to make it this far at Light Vehicle Company. At your age, transferring to another unit where you don't know the people or the place..."
Section Chief Wan gave a self-mocking laugh. "Don't know the people or the place? Look at me now. At Light Vehicle Company, do I know the people? Or do I know the place?"
Lai Jiayi pursed her lips, sensing Section Chief Wan's bleak sorrow.
The finance chief of a unit was absolutely part of its